March 2024 Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday, and when I was planning out the activities for our ward back in January, I really felt like we needed to have a special Easter Dinner. I kept having impressions to do a musical program and try to create a sacred experience for our ward members. We ended up having our celebration on the Thursday before Easter. I made this flyer, and my amazing lone committee member arranged for the catering of the food. 

Our numbers were sparse, but those who attended had a great experience, at least the ones who left reviews for me. We had food from the Pita Pit--meat, rice, pitas, hummus, and salad. The primary children sang, "Gethsemane," I accompanied a sister who sang, "Oh Lord, My Redeemer," and I sang "O Savior, Thou Who Wearest A Crown" with one of my young women. Another youth sang "Forever" and we closed out the night singing "I Believe in Christ." I was very happy with how everything went, and I hope that it helped those who came with their Easter Celebrations. 

For actual Easter, we headed up to my Mom's house. We stopped in Ogden to caravan up with Chelsea and her dogs. Chelsea's kids were spending Easter with Thomas, and it was her first Easter ever without them (due to Thomas deciding that he wanted a divorce.) I rode with Chelsea in her car while Brian drove with our kids and dog. Taryn met us at the gas station to drop something off (I don't remember what), and we took advantage of the brief gathering in the Maverik parking lot to take this picture. 

I absolutely hate that this divorce thing is happening to Chelsea, but it has been nice having my sister back. Thomas always gave her grief about doing anything with me, so it has made it really difficult to do anything together over the years. We've been able to talk to each other so much, and I love having my childhood bestie back! I just wish the cost wasn't so high for her and her kids. 

Chelsea was staying at Cal's house in Idaho Falls for the weekend, so we stopped there to say hi to Cal and Cassidy and so I could get back into our van. 

The next morning, the Easter bunny found us in Idaho, and we all spent the morning looking for our baskets.  Brian captured this photo of me in all my morning glory while I looked for mine. The Easter Bunny visits us on Saturdays so we can focus on the Savior on Easter Sunday. 

Chelsea came a little bit later, and she found the basket that the Easter bunny left for her. She tried on the dresses in her basket to find the one that she liked the best. 

She opted for this green one. 

As is often the case, I didn't quite have my Easter outfits ready to go, so I took advantage of my mom's sewing machine in the spare moments. My skirt was way too big, so I had to do some serious taking in of what I had cut out, and while I was testing the size again, I had a little too much fun with the fruit on the counter. 

Like I said....

It was so fun being at my mom's with my sister, but we were all sad that the kids weren't there too. Rachel especially missed Amber. 

I guess it's good that she can usually convince Gabe to play a game with her. 

Chelsea has always been Grandpa's girl, and she really needed this sweet hug from him. 

We colored Easter eggs, which was quite the feat with some of those brown ones. Michael was a trooper to participate with us. I may or may not have insisted he join us. 

Ethan requested a carrot cake for Erika's birthday (which was two days after Easter). I'm not sure who made it, but Cassidy tried her hand at decorating the cakes with these cute mini carrots. 

She even shared what she knew with Rachel. 

The carrots were so cute! 

Meanwhile, Michael spent most of his time over in "The Barn," my Grandpa's woodshop that he and my dad used to share. 

Gracie took every opportunity to take a nap. 

On Easter Sunday, we dressed up and headed to church. 

My mom took this picture of us after services. 

Then, we took a few more when we got home. 

We got my mom to roll eggs with us before everyone came for dinner. 

And I made the traditional Saville Egg Stuff. 

There was music and dancing. 

As well as some silliness (why wouldn't there be?) 

And then folks started arriving for our Easter dinner. 

Ethan tried on Gabe's wearable blanket. 

After dinner, Chelsea dropped me off at the cemetery on her way out of town (Brian picked me up later). I wanted to spend some time reflecting on how grateful I am for the resurrection of Jesus. It was half raining, half snowing, and it seemed to be the perfect metaphor for how I felt this Easter. 

So much in the world seems wrong. Chelsea is having such a hard time because the love of her life decided that her marriage doesn't matter anymore. Her pain is so deep, and I hate seeing her life so in tatters right now. I still miss my dad, and holidays are always a reminder that he's not here for any of this. Brian's wrist is a mess; Gabe's ears keep getting infected. This mortal life is fragile, broken, and too often bleak. But Jesus came, and He makes it all better. The sun will shine again. Our hearts will heal. We will be reunited with our loved ones, all because He suffered for us in Gethsemane, died on the cross, and rose from the dead that Easter morn two thousand ish years ago. All that is broken will eventually be mended. This is my hope every Easter, and I praise my Jesus for making it possible.