Sunday, April 18, 2010

Easter

We had a nice little Easter Sunday. The kids woke up and got their Easter buckets...
filled with chocolate bunnies and then they each got a little ball, which they were very excited about. I got them each little baby birdies that Asher is obsessed with, but gave them to them the evening before. Don't worry that we have already left the soccer ball at a park, who knows which one. :( I hate that. Then we had a little egg hunt in the house which was pretty fun. Since we didn't have church, we just hung out and watched conference for a bit. I also did a little Easter lesson for the boys, which was very interesting. It's always challenging to teach about what we are celebrating at Easter without things getting to graphic. But I definitely think Asher took away some new knowledge, and that is all that matters.
Boys in their new Easter outfits. Thanks Grandma Lisa!

Then around noon, Sayer was in serious need of a nap, so down he went, while Asher and I headed over to my neighbor's church, which is just down the street. They were having a little egg hunt for the kids and she invited us. Asher was SOOO excited, but was also very good at waiting patiently for his turn to look for eggs.
Asher and Addi waiting patiently

He had so much fun looking for eggs, and just ran as fast as he could around the courtyard, picking up eggs. My favorite thing was how he passed tons of eggs to get to eggs that he saw further away. Silly kid.

Asher and Addi exploring their loot

Such a handsome little man!

Later in the evening, we got together with our neighbors (same ones from the egg hunt) and had a little potluck in the courtyard next door. We brought pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade rolls (dinner and cinnamon!) and asparagus. They brought a beef roast, yummy salad and something else I can't remember. It was all delicious, and so fun to be with friends on such a special day.

2 comments:

Lively's said...

My friend sent me this email and I thought it was a great way to tell/show kids about the true meaning of Easter.

Easter Story Cookies

You need:
1 c. whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
Pinch salt
1 c. sugar
Zipper baggie
Wooden spoon
Tape
Bible

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Place the pecans in a zipper baggie and let the children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add the egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears that were shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add the 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in deep despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matthew 28: 1-9. HE HAS RISEN!

whitney said...

i hate it when we lose toys at the park or when we're out and about!

the boys look cute in their easter outfits! i wish we could take a picture of them all together. :(