Eggs-hausted

It happened. We celebrated (and survived) yet another holiday--Easter! Paula, Mika and Wylie attended the annual neighborhood egg hunt at the beginning of the month.

Ramona and I went to a friend's baptism that was at the same time, but the kids saved her some candy.

On Easter morning, the girls momentarily wore matching headbands before we left for church. They posed for a few pictures.

And I got some pictures with my baby boy after church.

I may be pictured smiling here, but truthfully I was feeling incredibly sadtired. You know, when you are so tired that you just want to cry? The thought of cooking Easter dinner almost did make me cry, so Forest told me to go take a nap while he cooked dinner. As capable as he is, cooking a large meal and watching four kids on his own did not seem like a good idea. Something had to give--either the nap or Easter dinner. That day, Easter dinner got voted off. I asked if I could take a nap and if we could eat grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner instead, and he agreed. 

I took a glorious nap. And I felt so much happier afterward.

The kids did not complain once that our house did not smell like ham, and were content to rub chalk on the patio and dye eggs most of the afternoon. 

Ramona's eggs:

Mika's eggs:

Paula's eggs:

On past Easters, our family has managed to get pictures of the children dressed up, hunting pastel-colored eggs in the backyard. This year I did not think it would happen because of my lack of energy and enthusiasm, but around 4pm I felt a burst of motivation. I bribed the kids to put on some pretty clothes and let me brush their hair, then scattered plastic eggs all over the yard. With my camera in hand, I said "Ready, set, go!" and they started collecting those empty eggs as fast as they could. I can't remember what I bribed them with, but it must have been good.

I hope Wylie enjoyed his first Easter. He is such a happy guy.

Sheepy Daisy and Sheepy Bunny outlasted another Easter--sort of.

Sheepy Daisy's ear fell off a few days after Easter, so now she is sitting forlornly in the "fix-it" pile.

Life definitely wears us out and leaves us ripping at the seams, but how grateful I am for the hope and renewal that Christ's Easter message brings. And the occasional nap is quite rejuvenating, as well!