Christ is Risen!

It has been a difficult, challenging, frustrating, heart-warming, convicting..... past month, but I rejoice in the truth of the gospel, that God allowed his son to be brutally murdered to pay for my (and your) sins. Then, because he is the God-man, Jesus rose from the grave three days later, conquering death so that we too may die and rise with him, if we believe.

I don't think I have the energy to go through all the details about what has made this past month a hard one (which is probably for the best), but there are a few things I do want to remember. Obviously, the car accident and all that has followed it, was/is difficult. We are continually attempting to put things we cannot control with this (and the things we can) in God's hands and not be anxious. He has been faithful and patient with us during this process.

I would say, however, that for me, the car stuff has taken a back burner to being sick for nearly a month now. I started getting a cold at the same time the boys did in early March, but then my cold turned into something else. We thought it was the flu, followed by possible allergies, but it was actually a sinus infection. Ugh! I had one of these last year and it was brutal, but not as brutal as having one when seven months pregnant. Joe had to take off some work and I've been doing a lot of "couch parenting" and I have to continually just give it all to God, though I'm still kind of angry about it, when I really think about it. I thought I had learned a few things about my pride when I got meningitis, but I have SO much more to learn. The good that has come out of this is: that I am being worked on and learning that I need to trust my husband more, that he really loves me and cares for me, that I still compare myself to other people and care too much about what they think (or what I think they think) and there is more... and there will always be more.

My hope for Easter a month ago was to have a big party at our place inviting family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, but we soon realized that wouldn't happen. Instead, we had a very restful and still very fun time with our little family and with Joe's parents. We went to church in the morning, followed by treats at Flying Apron bakery and then visiting and dinner with Joe's parents after that.

The boys got chocolate shortbread bunny cookies, but ended up mainly wanting that thin line of frosting.

Not to say that they didn't enjoy the cookie part too.

Joe with a mug of joe, or something like that. He had a giant Russian teacake and loved every crumb.

Since my sense of smell is nearly non-existent, my sense of taste is pretty affected and so I asked for something with a lot of flavor. I was told that this pumpkin bread bar was a favorite. It was quite good considering I'm sure I missed out on at least 50% of the experience.

I did a quick photo shoot outside the bakery. I love these little guys!

Preparing for the traditional Egg Roll at Joe's parents'. Joe's mom played this on Easter growing up and has done it with her family every year. We even did it last year when Joe and I hosted Easter. There is a technique, but usually those under 2 (Tizzy!) use a baseball throw or something that pretty much guarantees that that egg will not roll next time.

Grandma showing Luca rolling technique. Luca got in a few side arm throws before he got it by the end.

Joe demonstrating a proper rolling technique with a facial expression that makes it look pretty challenging.

Me demonstrating a large, pregnant woman's rolling technique with a facial expression of "crouching like this was a mistake".

The night finished with this lovely dessert made by yours truly. My whole idea with strawberry shortcake is "more is better". I thought I could handle this after a very light lunch and not going hog wild at dinner, but I couldn't even finish! I believe that is a first. I would have if I could taste it more and if there was any room left in my huge belly. There's always next time.