Easter came and went

 Our Easter weekend celebration started on Friday night with a neighborhood Easter egg hunt.  All of the local Mom's pitched in and filled a mess of eggs then Sara and I got to hiding them while enjoying a nice glass of wine in some semi quiet;)

  It was such a blast for the kids. We had a pizza party afterwards then all the families joined us inside to hang out for several hours.  It was so nice to be able to be a part of this.  The kids got to run wild and the adults got to relax and enjoy some adult conversation. We are truly blessed at every turn. We know the most wonderful people.

Saturday was a blur of 'stuff' to do, baby showers to attend and 'Easter' stuff to get done.  Before we knew it....it was Sunday morning.  Weekends do that around here.  They simply slip away.

The Easter Bunny had arrived.  He left a clever trail of goody filled eggs all the way from the top of the stairs by the bedrooms, to the baskets hiding in the dining room.  He must have done this post eating the carrots we left for him and making a mess out of it ;) Silly Rabbit.

Addy and I jumped out of bed, saw the eggs outside our door and decided to gently wake up the boys.  This was her posing.  All pictures require posing these days with her.  Not sure what she is going for with it, but a kids got to do weird things...that's just how they roll.

The boys were already awake to our surprise and were cheery balls of joy. 

I'd like to say the smiles were just out of excitement for the day but they were not.Both of them refuse to cooperate when I try to get them out of their cribs. This happens after every nap.  I reach in to pick them up, because of course they are standing, holding on to the railing with their arms in wait......so I lean in and , yup, they dive .  They move as far away from my grip as they can and laugh their little naughty bums off. This is terribly frustrating with a baby already in one arm, BUT it gets me giggling every time. 

 

 

 

 

 

Baskets were attacked and it was so much fun having three active and excited little people for the holiday.  The baskets were filled with incredibly fun things. Coloring books, bubbles, books, walkie talkies, clothes, sunglasses, make up.....it was endless.  The baskets were low on sugary treats which was well planned because the rest of the days activities contained heaping amount of cavity causing goodness.

Drew with his new cool Thomas glasses.  He had no real intention of wearing these...he was just in on the photo op. What a little ham he is already.

These huge balls are going to be a ton of the fun in the backyard once the weather gets nicer and more consistent. George loves anything to do with sports.  We are pretty brave with all these toys that have the potential to destroy the inside of our home. 

Shortly after the house was littered with Easter basket grass and breakfast remnants, we got all dolled up to worship our Jesus.  The boys were sporting button downs, chinos and big boy ties.  Thank goodness we were able to squeeze the boys in some much needed haircuts. Pretty cute if I say so myself

Chowing down on some goodies while waiting to get loaded in the van and on our way. He is such a handsome little fella.

Addy was in a carefully chosen plaid gown.  She even washed her own hair and prepped all by herself. Here my little beauty is showing off some cool new light up toys they all received. All the cool gadgets of the morning kept this one very busy and quiet for most of the day.  We had such a busy weekend already so the kids were pretty exhausted from the fun. It was nice to see her relaxed.

 

 

Like most days around here, the business of it all made it fly by all too fast.  The service was joyous and beautiful.  We travelled to Massachusetts after to enjoy dinner with my fathers side of the family.  The kids had a blast but before we knew it, we were back home and in pjs ( must say VERY ready for bed myself).

Thank you Jesus for giving me what feels like all the world.  I have Your love, Your forgiveness, Your word and this family.  You have shown me such favor.  What on earth could I have done to be worthy of it all?  

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39 

 

His sacrifice

His sacrifice made all of this possible. 

We have three healthy and wonderful children here with us on the earth.  It brings immense joy every day, how could those faces not? Our life is so blessed and we have done nothing to deserve it.  His sacrifice was out of pure love for us.

 When I think of Christ in Heaven , I think of Him holding the hands of the two children that we deeply love but sadly lost. I see Him holding my babies tightly like we do to these beautiful miracles here.  He holds them close. He watches over them.  He promises there will be a reunion and it will be like nothing we could ever imagine.  When I think of my Jesus I am filled with joy.

 Life is so precious.  Not a day goes by that I dont' thank Jesus for everything He has done for us.

 His sacrifice made this possible and His promise gives me hope.

He is Risen....he is risen indeed. 

 Let us rejoice.

The LORD your God is with you,     
he is mighty to save.     
He will take great delight in you,     
he will quiet you with his love,     
he will rejoice over you with singing.

 Zephaniah 3:17

Easter happenings

Last Saturday the next town over, where the new elementary school is, a Easter fun day was hosted.  Daddy was on an excursion to Boston with his Brother Mark and his Dad to a 'geek convention'(use your imagination) , and so I was left to make it alone. 

The thought of taking them to this single handed almost stopped me in my tracks, but in the end I refused to let this opportunity get away.  I had to eventually learn to do events like this on my own.  All I would need to aid this venture were the 'squeeker shoes'.  This would ensure them attempting a break away would be heard.  If they did not have these on I probably would have had a nervous breakdown.

Packed the kids up and put the stroller in the van.  The school is minutes away so at least we had that on our side.  We could be home in moments if the need arrived or when the fun was no longer fun.

What a great day!  When we arrived at the school there was quite a turn out for a beautiful Saturday afternoon.  There were games set up, music, cupcake decorating, balloons...the whole nine yards.  After about 15 minutes they directed us on where to do our 'hunt' according to age.  The boys did well in their carriage for the majority of the wait , but I was excited to get them free. 

 The hunt outdoors was massive! Hundreds, maybe thousands of eggs littered the whole back grounds of the school.  Addy was like lightening and grabbed a ton.  I found her afterwards placing eggs on the ground around little kids who didn't get many.  She did this with half her collection.  Proud of her heart.

Inside I took a deep breath and let the boys free.  Lol...you would have laughed at the site had you seen it yourself.  The joy was in the grin and the super fast charging they did away from me.  All you could hear was 'squeek squeek squeek'.  It gave many a good chuckle and really did make the experience easier.  The minute one was not in site, I stood up scanning the crowd, focused on the squeek direction and ran.  I did a lot of hustling around but they had fun and that's all that mattered. We had to hold tight for the Easter Bunny who seems to be a little behind schedule.  I refused to leave without the kids seeing him and getting a photo after all the effort that was put into this to make it happen.  We did see him eventually and got to sit on his lap.  George refused to stay on his lap so I had to get in the picture in order to get them all in it.  The boys thought he was a hysterical yet creepy 'thing'...they kept walking around him and pointing.  Not really in excitement but in awe. I almost couldn't get them away so others could get their pictures done.

 About two hours later we were on our way home.  I made it through and no one was harmed.  My white shirt did not fare well though...it looked like someone had painted it with chocolate kisses.  Good thing I had something to cover myself up on the way out.

Number one....Easter is nothing to do with eggs and candy.  

Its all about Jesus. 

 We could get caught up in boycotting it for how commercialized its become but it really boils down to how you share the gospel with your children.  

Do your kids understand what Jesus did for us?

  Do they know the meaning?  

I firmly believe that its okay to participate in the festivities as long as your family takes serious the sacrifice that was made so we could live, enjoy each other and in turn celebrate Him. My children can love Jesus everyday and having candy in their baskets doesn't make the love any less.  Ask my five year old the story of Christ and she will tell you better than most adults can.

Ask her about the story and she will tell you how if she were there on the day He was crucified, how she would get Him down from that cross and protect Him.  Brings tears just going to that place for me.  

Ask my five year old who she loves more than anyone in the world?  Not her Mama, although she'll be sure to remind me that I am a close second, but she will exclaim God.

Celebrate how you see fit, but remember to share the gospel with your children and family.  Its the greatest gift you can give.  Who else has ever offered you eternal life? Its truth.  Its a gift. Its easy to share.

 God created us to experience joy.  I don't know about you, but eating chocolate and watching my kids collect eggs in the backyard brings me joy.  May this week remind  you of how much God loves you.  

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 

 1 John 5:13

January with Jacquelynz Photography

Beautiful winters day

A week or so ago we were having another gorgeous weather kind of winters day and headed out for a bit to enjoy it.  This was the first time we have hit the playground all together and all of us were able to move freely and enjoy it.  The kids are getting so big so fast and in turn getting easier to take out ( into open spaces that is).

This is a playground at the new elementary school Addison goes to.  Everything about the school and the grounds is awesome.  Our community is so lucky to have our kids to go to such a gorgeous and innovative place. 

Drew looks a bit weary....or he was thinking about what he could do next to make my blood pressure rise. I don't miss the anxiety involved with quick crazy movements and mini accidents.  Addy was like this too...full steam ahead all the time.

Loved the slide.  All 3 of them do. Drew is a daredevil, George is a tad bit harder to warm to things. He is cautious with most new experiences and often clings to Mama.  Addy loved slides as a little girl but at some point years ago she had a fall on a slide at church and decided to avoid them with a passion for about 6 months.  Thankfully she has recovered from this and is back to her beautiful fearless self.

Checking out how this all works.  So many different textures and levels.  Such a good sport at this .

 I wonder if they get those flutterings in their belly when something is scary or they become anxious with fear or excitement like adults do. Lord knows I do,and occasionally get them for others in those experiences even when I have no part in it.

Daddy is in on the fun too. He is massive but fits in the silliest of places when his kids want him to.  I manned this slide too but was a static mess and zapping everyone I touched for the next 20 minutes.
It has been such a phenominal experience raising kids with a man who is open to stuff.  It has made this spectacular time so free and full of joy.

All bundled up and very adorable.  Like little hunters.  Thank you Mimi for our adorably warm hats. There really isn't a cuter stage for kids.  If only all people were this adorable.

Not sure what he is to do here.  Not looking forward to braving the playground structures alone with the kids in the near future.  Lord knows they are out to get me with naughtiness....lol.

Walking in circles and thinking this is another planet for sure. My little lumberjack. 

George is happy just to be watching everyone enjoying themselves where ever we go.  He is a people watcher like his Mama.  I could be totally content on a park bench, diet coke in hand, watching people.

Yes.  I'm cute.  Mom tells me ALL the time.

 Just had to get a closer look at that little squished nose and chubby cheeks.

Another view.  

Can you believe that Drew will someday be a grown man??  Look how tiny he is.  Man, it happens to fast.  I hope they still want to spend time with us like this the older they become.

The static inducing slide. Drew was all smiles here. Drew, I love your little peanut head and those massive paws of yours!

Showing her brothers the ropes.  Addy, you are so beautiful!
 I think this is the only picture I managed to get of her the entire afternoon.  Like my Dad says, she has a motor in her butt! 

 Talk about fun people watching, this girl is the ultimate one to watch.  She can step in and out of a dream world in a snap.  So creative, inquisitive and adorable

Wood tastes nice.  Who would have thought?!
I have to pick my battles with him because he puts everything in his mouth.  He has to check everything out in every way possible. PLUS...this kids is known for temper tantrums.  AND the worlds worst cry.....we step lightly sometimes. 

Exploring. Look at that! The worlds tiniest little walker.

The afternoon was a great time out.  You know its going by too fast when all 3 of them are going in different directions. ....and fast.  I get such a kick out of watching them on foot and exploring.  They really have such a hard time navigating all the different landscapes they run into . Getting better everyday. ....Too cute to watch.  We just recently got them their first real pair of sneakers.  Talk about cute. 

This winter has been so tame.  Its been kind of a blessing not feeling so trapped like the usual winters hunkering down inside.  Still not enough though for me, very much looking forward to a real spring and being outdoors the majority of the day.  Life will be easier for sure and spirits will be pumped back up full time.  Who doesn't find themselves feeling more alive when sitting in the beautiful outdoors God created?  Fresh air, sounds of laughter, hearts pumping faster, colds ending.....spring come quick.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Addys number five birthday shirt.  Wearing it proudly!  Made it the same way I did with the boys and she thought she was a rock star in it.  Five is a pretty big deal around here!

"I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me, and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing" (John 15:5).