He is Risen! Levi's First Easter Celebration

We had an amazing Easter weekend with Theo, Ruthie, and Levi. Theo and Ruthie had been explaining to Levi all week about searching for Easter eggs. Ruthie even cut out paper eggs and hid them around the house for a "practice run". ha! So, when Sunday morning came, Levi did not miss a beat. He collected as many eggs as his brother and sister. They had the best time searching for eggs and digging into their baskets. Theo was concerned that the Easter bunny had not come and that maybe his Mommy and Daddy had "filled in" for the EB since we had a stormy night. ha! He was fine either way--just as long as there were eggs to find. I don't think they even really care as much about the candy inside--it is just the thrill of the hunt! :)

After our traditional Easter breakfast of hot cross buns, boiled eggs, and sausage, we headed out to church. Theo attended a special service for K-6 grade where he was presented with the Easter story using "resurrection eggs". He got to come home with his very own special egg filled with tiny reminders of what Jesus did for us. Levi and Ruthie attended big church with Mommy and Daddy. They were so well behaved! Ruthie opened her Bible when the preacher asked us to. She asked me to help her find the Easter story in her Bible. It was precious. She also sang her little heart out! Then, they quietly colored and listened as best they could to the sermon. When we entered the church, the children got to put freshly cut flowers onto the cross. They enjoyed being part of this special tradition at our church. The cross looked beautiful with all of those brightly colored flowers. It was a nice contrast to the gloomy rainy weather outside! But...I have to say that later in the afternoon the sun came out to create a gorgeous Easter Sunday! God is good! He gave us the gloomy weather in the morning to remind us of Jesus' death on the cross (Good Friday) and then the sun later in the day to remind us of His resurrection! It made for a special and memorable Easter!

After church, we came home and ate a light snack while we all worked together as a family to prepare our Easter meal. We had fresh green beans which all of the children helped to snap. They really enjoyed this. Then, they made the resurrection rolls. We take a large marshmallow--which we say is Jesus wrapped in burial clothes--we dip the marshmallow in butter and then cinnamon and sugar. We tell the children this is how the women prepared Jesus' body for burial--with oils and spices. Then, we put "Jesus" (the marshmallow) in the tomb--(a Pillsbury crescent roll) and sealed the tomb. When these bake, the marshmallow melts and a hole is formed inside the roll--we then say, He is risen! The tomb is empty! The children really enjoyed making these as well as eating them! Although, Levi does not really like bread. He sure ate the green beans, though! ha! It was a precious time just being together and celebrating Jesus' love for us.

I looked over at Rich during our Easter meal and commented that I just couldn't believe Levi was really here with us celebrating Easter and learning about Jesus. Sometimes it still doesn't seem real. He is such a delightful and sweet child. We are so blessed!! Easter was even more special this year just because of Levi's presence.

On Saturday, the children dyed Easter eggs. Levi was quite the pro, which makes us wonder if he had done this before. :) There is a foster home in China that updates their website regularly and includes pictures of their children. They had their kids dye goose eggs so they would be easier to decorate and color for preschool hands. We don't know if they dyed eggs because it is something they do in China nowadays or if it is because this foster home is run by an American woman. My point is....maybe Levi has done this before--we aren't sure????? Maybe when he has fully learned English, he will be able to tell us. Another mystery yet to be solved.... :) Whatever his past experience, all 3 children enjoyed making their eggs coloring and sparkly. Daddy enjoyed it too! ha!

Levi is continuing to blossom. While there are some frustrating moments raising a 6-year old and two 4-year olds, our house is now filled with the sweet sounds of three precious children. My days are busier, but my life is also so much richer and even more fun. It is wonderful to see the three of them playing, celebrating, learning, and loving, and sharing together. Each day brings new and exciting possibilities and experiences! It is an ongoing adventure that Rich and I are priviledge to be a part of!!

We hope you had a blessed Easter and that you and your family celebrate Easter EVERYDAY of the year, remembering God's amazing love for us.