Easter Weekend

 

 On Friday, I spent the evening with these 2 cute girls decorating Easter Sugar Cookies.

On Saturday, the kids enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt in my parents backyard. It was Brooklyn's first egg hunt. We had practiced several times at home the last couple weeks so she was kind of familiar with what to do. Kayla sweetly helped her sister while Austin took off to find eggs. But there was still enough eggs for Kayla to find and in the end we dumped it all into one bag anyways.

On Sunday afternoon we had a big Easter Dinner and then the kids headed out for the egg hunt. Some went out the front door.

And others out the back door.

 Brooklyn and Bristol got their own little patch of yard just for them so they could move at their own pace. At first Brooklyn went and touched the eggs but didn't pick them up. Then she picked one up and forgot to put it in her basket.

 But it didn't take her long before she got the hang of it and gathered quite the loot of eggs.

 And without a doubt, Mikayla and Austin found a lot of eggs themselves.

 All the cousins that were there for a the egg hunt. 

The Sunday before Easter, as I was sitting in church the hymn "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" kept coming to my mind.  As I reviewed the words several phrases spoke to my heart and soul....."He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears. He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart....He lives my kind wise heavenly Friend. He lives and loves me to the end...." I know this is true as I have experienced it several times in my life. How grateful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ who does calm my fears, wipe my tears, and calm my troubled heart. I know that He not only died for me but He Lives!! And He is always there to give me comfort and peace.

The day before Easter, our Bishop's middle child was suddenly called back home to his Heavenly Father at the age of 13. When we first heard about this, my heart immediately ached for the sorrow and despair this family must be going through. We have known this family for several years and they are amazing and such great examples! But I have been truly touched as I have watched this family rise up to the adversity that was given to them. It once again testified to my soul that we can feel pain and sorrow while at the same time feel joy and peace! I have seen how everyone has reached out to this family to help lift their burden and "mourn with those who mourn." I have been reminded of the promise of resurrection, of eternal families, and of the tender mercies of the Lord. I am so grateful for my knowledge of  the gospel of Jesus Christ that makes all of this possible!!