I really wanted to write on Easter, but I was in a slump. Not because it was Easter, because truly, Easter is one of my favorite holidays and the promise that day reminds us of is the promise of peace and hope. The day was hard for me because I wasn’t feeling well and Andy was working the whole day. We got up early so the kids could see their baskets before he headed off to work, and waited till he got home to do the easter egg hunt. While he was at work, we went to church and dyed eggs. Throughout the week we used eggs that held a symbol and a scripture to point to the whole reason for this celebration: our Savior, Jesus Christ. My brother April 3rd, so this season is a mix of emotions, but mostly of peace- a reminder that though he is gone, and I miss him terribly, we will be reunited one day thanks to my Savior and his atoning sacrifice, and the triumphant day of his resurrection. I love the promise that those spirits who chose him in the preexistence will automatically have the promise of a resurrection. That his sacrifice was indeed for all. Even those who have rejected him, because he loves everyone. Now if we choose to follow him further, then we choose a higher way, a way that would lead us to become and desire all that he has. The rest of the atonement makes that even possible, because even if the desire is there, we will all fall short. I’ve been reading a bit about J.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis’s stance on christianity and have learned a lot, but also have appreciated the testimony they left in their lives and literature.
“The pagan stories, Tolkien insisted, are God expressing himself through the minds of poets: They are ‘splintered fragments’ of a much greater story. The account of Christ and his death and resurrection is a kind of myth, he explained. It works on our imagination in much the same way as other myths, with this difference: It really happened.” -JR Tolkien
I love the scripture, “All things denote there is a God.”
In my personal life, I have seen this through “coincidences” but I also have seen it in the studies of ancient literature and belief system. It is interesting to see that these beliefs and even pictures depict a version of Christ’s story, even before he was born. I know that he lived on this Earth and that he lives again. “It really happened” and he has brought his church back to Earth to prepare us for his second coming.
I got a new calling today. I am now the singing time leader in Primary. I love those kids and the spirit they bring to church with them. I always leave feeling uplifted and strengthened by them… though maybe a bit exhausted.
Maverick got braces! 
Andy treated his class to a pizza party since they earned an incentive and won their field day. 
Beverly’s recital is coming up! Here she is for her first class’s photo shoot. 
I got to watch the little’s at church on Tuesday night while Harvey’s friends’ dad took care of activity days. These are two of Harvey’s closest friends. 
I think we did ok for his birthday presents this year. The Jacksons also got him (hopefully) a year supply of paper… though it may only last him a couple of weeks. LOL 
Here’s Beverly at her 1st grade performance. She even had a speaking part that I’ll include below. 
Harvey’s cake. 
I think there was more food coloring in this cake than sugar… 
A boy and his dog.