Easter 2009

Years ago Adam and I decided that we would celebrate Easter without the Easter Bunny. At first it was a hard decision for me because growing up Easter was akin to Christmas; it was almost just as exciting. Over the years we have developed our own holiday traditions. This year we were invited to a neighborhood brunch and egg hunt. The weather was a little rainy but the kids still had a lot of fun. Saturday was also "Harris Day" This is usually a day set aside to spend the day with all of Adam's brother's and sister's and their families. We usually do something really fun and have a great time spending time together. This year didn't really feel like Harris Day because so many people chose to not come. Even *I* took off to do my grocery shopping in the middle of it! I think it was because we met at the legacy center for swimming and then went to Shannon's for lunch. This is something we do quite often as a family so it wasn't all that exciting...and with so many people missing...it just wasn't the same. That night Adam and Matthais went to a REAL game and so we weren't able to color our eggs until the next morning.

On Sunday, we started with the morning with our Resurrection rolls for breakfast. My kids think this is really great and they love eating them. Here is the recipe and the story if you're interested:

Ingredients & Symbolism

Large Marshmallows - body of Jesus
Melted Butter - oils of embalming
Cinnamon & Sugar Mix- spices used to anoint the body.
Crescent Roll - the wrapping of Jesus’ body or the tomb.
Oven – the tomb
Cavity in bun – the empty tomb or the empty cloths
Directions:

Take a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.
Dip the marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.
Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.
Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This can either represent the wrapping of Jesus’ body after death or the Tomb. Matt. 27:57–61; John 19:38–42
Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or as directed on the package of the crescent rolls. (The oven can represent the tomb if the roll is representing the wrapping—pretend like it was three days!) Take the role of the guards at Jesus’ tomb. Stand guard at the oven.
Let the rolls cool slightly. Open your crescent rolls and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)
Jesus is Risen! Now read Matthew 28:5-8; Mark 16:4-8; Luke 24:1-6; John 20:1-18; Isaiah 25:8

After breakfast we colored our eggs and got ready for church. We don't do Easter baskets but I always get the kids something new for church. They all looked so nice in there new clothes and when I told Owen he looked handsome he said "I know, I have a cool tie!"

After church we headed over to my mom's house for Easter dinner and an egg hunt. Ian was off the whole afternoon and just before we were ready to leave he came in and said he needed to throw up. I grabbed the garbage can and he threw up some mucousy stuff. I called Adam in to help him while I washed my hands and when I looked back I could tell he was having a seizure. Adam took him in and layed him down and I checked the clock. It was 6:08. He continued to seize and threw up again. He improved a bit but never fully snapped out of it and I didn't have is medication so we headed for home. By time we got home, gave him the medicine and the seizure stopped it was 6:37, 29 minutes. We are not suppose to let him seize for more than 5 minutes and I was feeling major guilt. It's been so long since he's had a major seizure that I've become relaxed in carrying his medicine. Won't do that again! I have yet to speak to the neurologist but the psychiatrist said that the new medication he's on for his behavior can cause his seizure medication to metabolize different so we'll need to adjust it until we figure it all out.

Despite that, Easter was really good this year. I am so grateful for the Savior and I have been learning a lot about the Atonement and how it applies to my life lately. He paid such an enormous price for us! I know that every sin, every heartache can be redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ! I know that he died that we may live again! I am so grateful of my knowledge of this these eternal principles this Easter season.