Easter Weekend(s)

We started celebrating Easter last weekend with an egg "hunt" and egg dying party! A church across the street from us was having an egg hunt and so mom, dad, Matt & all his girls, JC &a Emma all came to our house. We walked over to the church and since it was so cold that morning they moved it inside. The kids scrambled to fill their baskets with eggs (well Parker almost got trampled) , then we walked home to color eggs. 

    

 

   

Aunt Rachel had a very fun way of dying the eggs, with shaving cream! I wouldn't let Parker near it but the girls had a great time doing it:) 

Ainsley had an egg hunt at school too. She was in a mood to be attached to my hand and Parker unfortunately was in the mood to not be- so I had two very unhappy children at the hunt but luckily it didn't last long and Ainsley ended up having a good morning at school with her friends. 

 

 

On Easter Day we met Aunt Ellen at church (thankfully she was early and saved seats in the packed house!). Then we headed to mom and dads for an egg hunt in the basement (it was raining) and for a delicious lunch. My kids would not stand still and smile for a picture. And a family picture was out of the question apparently. 

 

  

The kids had a blast and we loved watching them. 

and getting our bellies full:) 

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! 

"It Is Finished"

This year we are studying the book of John. and this week we are studying the crucifixion of Jesus. and while I know this story, I grew up hearing it, this year it has taken on a whole new meaning. I am studying it, and it isn't just a "story". I am reading about how someone I love and care about, was brutally tortured. He was flogged and barely kept alive, but alive enough that He could then not only walk Himself but carry his own cross, to be crucified. The words sting me. They make me nauseas. They hurt me. Because I read about how Pilate sentenced Him to be crucified, because he was so concerned with the world and the people of this world. I have always thought Pilate was some horrible man. But now I see myself in him. And I read about the people in the crowd mocking Jesus, and I see my face in that crowd. Mocking him with my daily sinful thoughts and actions.  Jesus' crucifixion started around 9am. From 12pm-3pm He fulfilled 20 prophecies. TWENTY in 3 hours. He fulfilled 48 in His entire life. The probability of this is so supernaturally small. 

Hanging on the cross, in pain we could never imagine, knowing soon he would die, he still cared enough about his purpose- to fulfill that last prophecy. I am blown away by how meticulous He is. How in the details he is. Because after that last prophecy was fulfilled, he took his last breath, stated "It is Finished" and gave up his spirit. He gave up his spirit. He didn't just die. He wasn't murdered. He willingly laid it down. For me, and for you. He was in control, every second. As He is today.   At the temple, there was a veil (60 feet long, 20 feet high, as thick as the palm of a man's hand). The only person allowed to enter behind this veil was the high priest. And even then, only once a year, to present the blood to atone for sins. When Jesus was dying, with earthquakes all around, with darkness even though it was the middle of the day, becoming unclean so that we could become clean. When Jesus physically died, this veil was torn, from top to bottom- this could only be the work of God himself. I mean can you imagine being there when this happened? and not believe in God? Yet people seemed to do just that.  The veil was torn. Just as Christ's body was torn. The curtain was needed as a barrier between man and God's presence. But through Christ's death we don't need a barrier anymore. We can freely enter into God's presence. Hallelujah that You tore the veil and made a way.  I am so humbled and in awe of Jesus. Of His obedience to His Father. Of his unwavering focus on what God wanted from him. Of how meticulous of a God he is.  Because today, it's Friday. But Sunday's coming. 

Spring Break '17

Spring Break doesn't mean beach vacations for us (yet) but it does mean lots of family time! Ainsley is out of preschool, BSF is out, and our days are wide open to play. The beginning of the week was super nice and sunny, and luckily we soaked up all the sunshine we could. We played outside , went for walks and enjoyed the Vitamin D. 

  

 

Tuesday we really had no plans during the day and when we woke up we decided to take a hike at the Gorge. The kids had never been and we thought it would be fun. We hiked up to Natural Bridge, took the sky lift down and back up, then hiked (carried them) back down. It was for sure a work out for Philip and I, and Ainsley said her legs were "exhausted".

 

  

 

    

 

A hike at the Gorge isn't complete without a stop at Miguel's Pizza. Both kids loved the pizza- or maybe they were just that hungry. Maybe that's why the pizza tastes so amazing? 

 

That night we went to the Stearley's for a cook out. The kids were all running wild and having a great time, as Ainsley serenaded us with a guitar and Parker stuffed his apple into the baseball pitcher.

 

 Wednesday morning I met some girls from BSF and their kids at Jacobson Park. It was crowded and I may or may not have lost my kids a few times. Each. It happens. They played, fed the ducks, got some scrapes and left happy. 

 

 

 Wednesday night crazy storms rolled in and brought cold with it. Philip made it home from work in time to watch the radar while I worked on getting the kids down. 

Thursday we went to the Y, the library, chik fil a and sat by the fire at home. 

  

Friday we spent the whole day in pjs playing princesses, cars, crafts and games. 

 

 

Also this is what Parker does when he's ready to go to bed and you're downstairs getting him some milk. Runs and gets his blanky and waits for you. 

 

 

I know one day our spring breaks will look a lot different, but for now I really am loving spending this time with my kids. Well, most the time. Last night I told Philip I had to get out of the house and be by myself for an hour or so and he happily said go:) so I grocery shopped at meijer lol 

Life Lately

Well the biggest most exciting thing that has happened is my niece is here! 

Meet Amelia Rae, arriving at 1:31pm, 7lbs 10oz. She is perfect with the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen. 

 

  

Anna Beth is smitten (counting her toes and kissing on her). We can't wait for her to be to be running around at Nanny Pops in a princess dress soon:) 

 

 Parker cut 3 teeth at one time and they finally came through. He was not a happy boy for a few weeks but thankfully he's back to his happy self. 

 

We celebrated St Patrick's Day by having Ainsley's friend Liam over for a play date. The playroom looked like a tornado, an earthquake and then another tornado ripped through it:) but Ainsley and Liam cleaned the whole room up by themselves! My OCD self had to let them put toys wherever they wanted instead of where they "belong".  

Our sweet little Jack Man had his 3rd birthday party and it was Super Hero themed. All the kids ran around in capes and masks at The Little Gym and had a great time. I think Parker had the best time.  

 

 

 

The weather has been crazy bouncing back and forth between snow flurries and sunshine, but we have enjoyed being outside when we can and curling up by the fire when we can't! 

 

   March madness is in full effect- our household is cheering Go Cats Go!!