Fun activity that worked!

While I didn't get much help to make the Rice Krispies eggs last week, Caleb was "all hands on deck" to dye Easter eggs!  I got him started, and then just stood back to see what would happen.  He made a mess, of course, but also created some beautiful Easter eggs!  I put him to work washing dishes afterwards, so that all the dye would wash off his hands!

Next year, maybe I'll remember to put down the newspaper under the dye cups... :)

A full weekend of celebrations...

A birthday party on Saturday.

A risen Lord to celebrate on Sunday.

Family.

Food.

Fun.

Cake.

Pictures to come...

To Know Your Name...

Good Friday.  This day holds conflicting emotions in my mind when I think of it's significance - this is the day that my saviour died.  Died.  The day He withstood so much horrendous torture and pain...all that we would know His name, and His love.

I am so glad I know the story doesn't end with this day!

We've been singing this song in church for a while now, and I woke up singing it this morning.  It seems so very appropriate for this day!  Click on the link below the video feed to see the lyrics.

May this truly be a Good Friday to all who know His name!

Hillsong songs | To Know Your Name lyrics

The fun activity that flopped...

It's been fun this week explaining to Caleb what Easter is, and why we celebrate that day. We're trying to help him know that it's so much more than bunnies, eggs, and chickens - similar to the way that Christmas is so much more than Santa, trees, and presents. We have incorporated some of the 'fun' stuff surrounding Easter, and today I thought it would be fun to make Rice Krispies treats in the shape of eggs and decorate them.

Since the Rice Krispies are a tad too hot for little hands to handle when they're made, I went ahead and formed all of the eggs. After they had set up, I got the chocolate ready for dipping and the various sprinkles (that Caleb approved of) all lined up and ready to go. The only thing I was missing was my handy helpers...

Both boys were curious to start and Caleb began to help me, but just as he was helping me dip the first egg in chocolate he decided that he was done. That's it, no more. Off he goes, bounding out to the living room with his train engine, not to be convinced to help me any more.

Of course, little brother Logan has to do everything big brother does these days (or at least, to the best of his ability) so off he goes as well. Hence the reason I have NO pictures of the boys helping me!

Even though this 'fun' planned activity didn't quite pan out the way I had hoped, at least we still have some yummy treats to enjoy!

A boy and dirt...

He just couldn't stop laughing after throwing some dirt and mulch!

Scenes from the birthday...

The last week of my 20's...

I happened to write the title of this post as my 'status' message earlier this week on Facebook, and I found it interesting the response it generated.  Several friends had comments that reflected a sense of dread over entering a new decade, and others reflected a sense of hope over what lay ahead.  I find myself with the second group, however I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nostalgic over leaving the 20's behind.  It's been a great ten years.  It's been so full of ups and downs, and jam-packed of all sorts of 'firsts'. 

Here's a brief run-down on the past decade, and maybe a glimpse as to why I've been waxing nostalgic this week:

• In my 20's, I've formed the greatest friendships I've ever had.  Friendships that will most definitely last for the rest of my life, no matter the distance between us.  Friendships based on hope and Truth, not just a common interest or situation.
• I can honestly say that I fell in love with Jesus in my 20's.  My faith in Christ has become my faith alone - not simply a byproduct of how I was raised.  I am forever grateful to have grown up in a Christian home, but it was in my 20's that I truly and forever committed my heart to God.
• I suffered a deep heartache in my early 20's, and also learned how to be myself as I was created to be as a result.
• Had knee surgery.
• I fell in love and married my best friend.  A relationship that really started out-of-the-blue, and I'm so glad it did.  It's only gotten better since that time!
• I began - and ended - my first career in my 20's.
• Firsts: got married and lived with a boy for the first time, bought our first car, bought our first dog, bought our first house and all the firsts that go along with being homeowners, lost my first childhood dog, lost my first grandparent and still feeling the burn behind my eyes every time I think of her or see Dove chocolate, sold that first car and bought a mini-van (wow, really?)...
• Traveled to many, many places in the US but not out of the country. (Maybe this next decade will change that statement??)
• Ran a half-marathon.
• Decided to begin the adventure of becoming parents.
• Struggled with infertility and various treatments.
• Became a mom - twice.

So, even with the very high high's and the very low low's, the 20's were good to me.  God was and is good to me.  I don't know exactly how 'old' I feel, but 30 seems to be an odd number at the moment.  I'm excited about the possibilities in this next decade and I'm already interested about the various moments I'll have to look back at and reminisce over in ten years.

But for now, at this time, let the birthday celebrations begin (on Saturday).  Time, you crazy thing, bring it on.  Let's see what adventures you've got in store!