Easter Sunday

I have always loved Easter Sunday, my emotions always seem to run close to the surface as I contemplate all that we celebrate. This year was no exception.

Of course it started out with a few little surprises from the Easter Bunny (along with a little help from grandmas and aunties). Leah was lucky enough to score a few new little toys and books and lots of fun new feeding supplies!

Then it was time for dress-up! I figure most of the time we lounge in either pjs and leisure suits or our most comfy jeans around here, so if ever there was a time to get a little fancy... Easter Sunday was it.

After I got her dressed, Chris took one look at her and said

"WOW Ellejay... you're pretty fluffy today"

"Fluffy" wasn't necessarily what I was going for, but she was in fact fluffy. However, most of all she was beautiful and sweet and oh so very charming.

She was obsessed with the simple sequins on her dress and spent so much time studying them and touching them. Sometimes as I watch her doing sweet things like this, I just wish I could hit pause and stay that way for a bit longer. She's so sweet and curious and she's already growing up too fast. This little princess makes my heart feel like it might explode sometimes.

Church was beautiful and uplifting and edifying as always, but maybe even a little more so this particular Sunday as everyone's hearts and minds seemed tuned more intently to remembering our Savior and His miraculous resurrection. I sat there, with Leah snuggled up and fast asleep on my shoulder and tears rolling down my cheeks, as I listened to the most beautiful rendition of "I heard Him come" that I have ever heard. Ever. It was such a beautiful worship service. I left feeling so humbled and thankful.

For various reasons, it didn't work out to go be with either of our extended families this year, so we celebrated here at home with our own sweet, little immediate family. We feasted on this and of course this and enjoyed this yummy fresh side dish, all of which were unbelievably delicious. We capped it off with the best cupcake I've ever had, courtesy of the best neighbor I've ever had. YUM!



We finished the day watching this, which neither of us had ever seen. It was the hardest thing I have ever watched and am not certain that I would recommend it. I cried almost start to finish and covered my eyes through so much of it. What an incredible sacrifice, what immense suffering and what a beautiful gift it is in my life.

He conquered death and He lives today.

Of that, I know with a surety.




I hope your Easter Sunday was equally beautiful and meaningful.



XOX

(ps... any ideas or great recipes to use a ham bone? It's not something that I cook very often)