○Easter Sunday○

So I will admit--I kind of blew off the Easter fun this year. We didn't attend any fun egg hunts or even really do anything that exciting. It turned out wonderful anyway. We did little buckets of treats for the kids (from the Easter Bunny). We did get the boys a Season Pass to Toads Fun Zone. They had a deal that if we got bought 3 we could get 1 for free. Clint and I got one, too. I am kind of looking forward to the boys being able to go over and play. They love mini golf, baseball, and laser Tag. Plus, it will hopefully give us a free date night from time to time. The girls just got a couple small treats and a movie. We got all dressed up and even managed to be to church early. Clint ended up being called into work--so it was a bummer that he couldn't spend the day with us. After church, we had a wonderful dinner with my Mom. I am still full!! I ate way too much!!! Three of Clint's sisters came up to visit with us--which was nice. We don't get to see his family that often. Now we are relaxing and enjoying the day.

I have been so overwhelmed with the spirit today. I even had to fight back the tears while I was teaching Primary. I can only imagine what those little 5/6 year olds were thinking. Then I came home and was reading some things about Easter on http://www.lds.org/ (love that site!). I came across this Easter Declaration. It sums up my thoughts and feelings of this blessed day.

Easter Eggs

Decorating Easter Eggs with the family=Lot's of Messy fun!!

Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful Easter Weekend. It was Preston's school spring break so we decided to go down, and visit family for the weekend. We packed up the car, and left early Friday morning. Friday was nice. Clint and I left the kids with my SIL Amber, and went to a movie. Then we visited with her for a while after so the kids could play. It was so nice. (Thanks again Amber...we really enjoyed talking with you, and your help with the kids!) Then Friday evening we left the kids with Clint's mom, and went to dinner. (We haven't had a lot of time with each other the past couple weeks) We did some light shopping, and got to eat at P.F. Chang's. I love that place. We waited so long that we got a free appetizer, and desert. Thanks Susan for watching our kids. On Saturday we spent time with my Dad, and brother in the morning. Then we headed over to Grandma Ferguson's for the annual Easter egg hunt. Here are all the kids with their cousins. Then it was on....

They made out with tons of candy, games, and prizes!! Thanks Grandma!! Dinner was wonderful. Then the Dads went to conference, while all the Moms talked, and the kids played! We spent the night at Grandpa Dennison's house, and the Easter Bunny left some treats. Grandpa also left treats.

I always try to get the kids a new church outfit for Easter if we can afford it. Then I usually end up coordinating all of them. I know it's that OCD I have. ;) I never got to get a family picture, but we all coordinated. (Maybe next Sunday) So here are some of the kids....

We had a beautiful Easter Sunday visiting with family, listening to conference, and eating a huge Turkey lunch. Thanks Dad for letting us crash your house this weekend.

Again, I would like to be mindful of the true meaning of Easter. For the Savior's precious sacrifice, for the atonement, and all it blesses me with. It gives me peace to know that when my time has past on this earth, I can have comfort in knowing the eternal plan the Lord has given us. That,we too can be resurrected, and live with our families, and our Father in heaven again. I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that enriches my life. I am so blessed to have guidance in my life, and understanding of who I am, and where I am going. I wish you all a very Happy Easter, and that the true meaning of this holiday enriches your lives as well.

"egg-cellent" decorators!!

Our 2010 Easter Eggs & my "egg-cellent" decorators!

If you want to change the color of the eggs try this:

3 tablespoons of water + one PAAS dye tablet= Pastels

3 tablespoons of lemon juice + one PAAS dye tablet= Traditional Colors

3 tablespoons of vinegar + one PAAS dye tablet= Vibrant Colors

We also used the PAAS color cups, that way the kids knew what color they were sticking the egg in, instead of having to look into the cup. Saved us A LOT of messes!! :) Check out the PAAS website for fun ideas.

Easter Weekend

WOW!! What a fun, and busy Easter Weekend we had! We spent Saturday at Grandma Ferguson's house. All of the cousins and Aunts and Uncles were there. Grandma did her traditional Easter BBQ...and we all froze to death outside ☺ !! Then, after our BBQ, she did her big Easter Egg hunt for the kids. They got lots of great prizes, candy, and Easter Eggs. It's like a mini Christmas! We love her though and are so grateful for all she does! After, we all decided to go see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D! It was a cute show, and the kids had fun watching it with their cousins!! Addy was rotten during the movie--so I did a lot of up and down! Thank goodness it's a kid movie, so I think most people were understanding.

On Sunday morning the kids woke up to find that the Easter Bunny had visited. He left a trail of Eggs for them to follow, and at the end were their baskets!! Our Easter Bunny brings pretty practical prizes--so they each got some new things to wear to church, a chocolate bunny, a new shirt, and sunglasses. After they found their baskets, Grandma Dennison had more Easter prizes for them. SO MUCH CANDY!!!

We also had my Aunts and Uncles over for Easter dinner. It was very entertaining and a fun day! I am very grateful for Clint who gave us a beautiful Family Home Evening lesson on Easter and the Resurrection. This is a wonderful season, and I was thankful to remind our children of what this holiday truly means. I am grateful for our Savior, and all that he has done for us. I feel very blessed that we have the atonement. That we can spend each day trying to be the best we can be, and that if along the way we falter, that we can still be forgiven. Often times in life I am reminded of our Savior's selfless sacrifice, and think of all he has gone through for us. It makes life easier to know that he is there supporting us, and helping us along the way. This past year has been a test of my faith, and it is so nice to know he is there. I have grown closer to my Savior and my Father in Heaven. Aren't we blessed to have the opportunity to try to be like him everyday?! It reminds me of the quote..."I never said it would be easy-I only said it would be worth it." I hope you all had a wonderful Easter holiday. We love you all!! ♥

Easter Eggs

We colored 5 dozen Easter Eggs today. We decided it would be best to do it outside. It's very challenging getting 5 children to cooperate when there are eggs, dye, and coloring crayons involved. We came out alright. We only lost 7 eggs total!! ☺ I did have to call in back up and extra hands. Thanks for your help Nila! The kids can't wait for all the Easter Egg hunts this weekend.