Easter Wishes

Our Easter weekend began with Good Friday services at our church. My choir sang two pieces during the service, one of them being "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" which is a Good Friday tradition at our church and a favorite song of mine to sing with the choir. The lyrics are so powerful.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
 on which the Prince of Glory died;
 my richest gain I count but loss,
 and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
 save in the death of Christ, my God;
 all the vain things that charm me most,
 I sacrifice them to his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
 sorrow and love flow mingled down.
 Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
 or thorns compose so rich a crown.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
 that were an offering far too small;
 love so amazing, so divine,
 demands my soul, my life, my all.

Claranna had a difficult time reflecting in silence during the service. Quiet isn't one of her strengths at the moment. Mark kept the girls with him during the service and James sat quietly with me and the choir.

Today we had a busy day of Easter Egg hunting, bunny visiting, a little shopping and some family egg coloring time. Our church hosts a wonderful egg hunt every year that focuses on the "empty tomb" and shares the Easter story with the kids as they look for eggs that are empty like the tomb. It's the empty eggs that can be redeemed for special prizes. There were over 3,000 eggs at the egg hunt, so all the kids had a great time gathering their share. All three kids were able to spend a little time with friends during the egg hunt, so it was a fun time for all of us!

Following the egg hunt, we stopped by to visit the Easter Bunny at the mall. We've never done this before, but Claranna has been thrilled to hug any character lately, so we thought we'd give it a try. Claranna gave the Easter Bunny hugs, blew kisses and gave more hugs. She and Ella had their picture taken. James wasn't too interested in visiting the bunny, so he's not in the picture.

Now treats for tomorrow have been made, including a "from scratch" chocolate layer cake with homemade chocolate butter cream icing. It's a new recipe and I can't wait to try it!!! Our eggs (and Claranna) have been decorated with bright colors. Claranna is singing herself to sleep and the big kids are watching The Ten Commandments with Mommy and Daddy. We are all excited for tomorrow morning. The kids are hopeful that by morning the Easter Bunny will have made a stop at our house. Tomorrow the trumpets will play at church, the kids will sing in their choir, I'll sing with my choir at three services and then we'll head to the farm for an Easter celebration. A celebration which is sure to include another egg hunt with the little cousins! We all have anticipation for the joy of Easter Morning. May your Easter be joyful too!