A Grateful Easter 2014

Our Family - Easter 2014

bunny ears...

 



"Honey, thank you.  That truly was the best Easter I have ever had....It really was...."

Lance Wade



I woke up at 5:15 a.m on Easter morning.  The sun had not yet come out.  I strangely felt such a burst of endless energy, and I began my very productive day. I was truly on fire.   The kids were with their dad, and Lance was in San Diego on the boat so I began the laborious preparations for our family Easter.  I wanted to show my family how much I loved them and how they are quite simply, my life.

I thoroughly cleaned the house, and I mean four loads of laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, changing linens, dishes, and cleaning the kitchen/patio.  I assembled four Easter baskets, I made little potted lollipop plants.  I walked the dogs. I did some cooking, but nothing major. For the first time ever, I ordered a family feast from Honeybaked Ham, and boy, it was scrumptious.  It was also easy.  Why have I never done this before?  We agreed for Christmas that Honeybaked Ham will be our holiday dinner.  It was too easy and it really was absolutely delicious.

Easter Menu

• Honeybaked Ham
• Honeybaked Turkey (oooooh, this was the best turkey ever!)
• cheesy scalloped potatoes
• stuffing
• creamed corn
• potato casserole (courtesy of me)
• zucchini and yellow squash casserole (courtesy of me)
• pistachio fruit salad (courtesy of me)
• dinner rolls
• cheesecake
• apple pie with vanilla ice cream
• carrot cake
• frosted sugar cookies

Desserts (minus the cheesecake) and the vanilla ice cream to go with that apple pie

There was so much food.  It fed all nine of us, and there is plenty for dinner tomorrow night.  I invited my sister and her family to join us for this delectable dinner. I really enjoyed spending the holiday with her.

What is an Easter without an egg hunt?  I waited excitedly for all the kids and Lance to return home, and we immediately went on an egg hunt.  Lance didn't even have time for a shower and shave. What makes my egg hunts unique is that each person has to find their special egg in addition to all the candied-filled eggs.  It is this special egg that provides a clue to where their basket is....It makes Easter fun as everyone tries so hard to find that special egg.  I hide that egg in the hardest possible place.  Lance and Dylan needed hints to find their egg...basically me telling them, "you are getting too cold...you are getting warmer..you are hot! Hot! Hot!"

the hints...

Once everyone received their hint, it was rather easy to locate the baskets.  I had so much fun filling everyone's Easter basket.  I love to see their smiles and excitement.  Lance said, "Wow! This is just like Christmas!"

Dylan is a typical teenager so he wanted money, and his basket was filled with money and facial cleanser.  He grabbed the bag of cotton balls from his basket and asked me with a puzzled expression, "Mommy, are these used? The bag is open and it has hair in it." Ok, so that is weird, but I was prepared to buy him his own brand new bag of cotton balls, but I saw that I had two pretty full bags in my bathroom so I threw one in his basket. Picky, picky, picky.  Brandon got Nike Elite basketball socks, books, Xbox gift card, and Skylander figurines.  Mia got some new clothes, hair accessories, books, and shoes.  Lance found a small Coleman carry-on cooler and a thermos in his basket.  I thought this would be perfect for day rides on the dinghy. He got new shirts, deodorizer for his car, and these awesome work gloves.  He also got some aromatic massage oil.  Yes, I'm going to give him a swedish massage.  I love spoiling my family.

 

However, Easter isn't about eggs, candy, or baskets.  There is so much more to it, but I think the true meaning often gets lost in the traditional marketing celebrations.  While eating, Lance asked the kids, "what is the meaning of Easter?"  They should know.

No, we did not go to church. We are not members of any church, but I personally don't need to belong to a church to feel close to God.  I thought of him throughout the day, but I realized I needed to do more to worship him today, and the best  way I knew how to do that was to go for a run so I ran 6.2 miles.  Running does many things for me.  It brings me closer to God.  With each step and breath, I pray as my feet touch the pavement.  I am in total reflection of what my life means, all the important people in my life, and how God has always been by my side.  I listened to Hayley Westenra's "Amazing Grace" during my run.  It was my service.  I felt peaceful.

my path during my Easter 6.2 mile run

I hope everyone's Easter was filled with blessings.  Sometimes it seems unfair.....why am I receiving so much blessings? I am beyond fortunate, but more than anything, I am grateful, and I will never stop being grateful.

Thank you, God.  Thank you for all that you do for me.  I have had pain in my life, but even during those difficult times, I could feel your presence embrace me.