Easter...the most wonderful time of the year!

There have been sightings of Easter around our house... Ellyana's costume from her cousins didn't fit at Halloween, but it is fun to wear now! Her brother likes to "monkey around", most mornings he's "suited up" by 7:15 AM :)

Each year we try to make Resurrection Cookies, the "tomb" is sealed for tonight...we'll hope they are empty by morning (I didn't do the directions in order this year, too many distractions ;)...not sure of the results for this year) http://www.annieshomepage.com/resurrectioncookies.html (lots of Scripture to go with each step)

Coloring Easter eggs, we are going to be gone over Easter...that's why this stuff is getting done a little early this year
The kids before our Sunday School Easter program...the boys did very well reciting their pieces & Ellyana is pictured with her new Poppy Dip Twirl, we love Poppy Dips & we love the "cause" of bringing another orphan home http://itspoppydip.blogspot.com/

"Silly Baby" is what her brothers love to say! It is so special to get to celebrate our 1st Easter with Ellyana!

In college I heard the story of Edith Easter http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/e/edith-burns.htm, and it brought alive the amazing truth that "Easter" can be anyday...and the most important question we can answer is "do you believe in Easter?" We love the bunnies & the eggs (and the candy ;)...but what we really, really LOVE are the reminders of NEW life because Christ actually conquered the power of death...and the tomb was EMPTY!!!! Happy & Blessed Easter!

A few pics from the weekend...

We were so happy Ellyana got to see her friend, Jada, again! These 2 were at the same 2 orphanages together in Ethiopia & it is so special to see them grow! Ellyana was very happy to see Jada again too, hugs & kisses! (notice their same pants ;)
We were able to visit my Grandma in the nursing home, she is as "sharp" as ever & the kids brought much entertainment to her room!

It was great to have all the cousins together at Grandpa & Grandma's, #8 is coming in June...a boy to even it out!

As for what we are up to in everyday life...check out the post below...

Something smells like lemon...

I'm mostly recording this because I don't want to forget what it is like to live days like these...

I walked in this evening from being outside with the kids, "Boy, this place sure smells like "lemon", I wonder what it is?"

I looked at the kitchen counter...
*maybe the lemon dish soap as I had attempted to tackle the mountain of dishes today
*oh, maybe it was the Lemon Wet-Ones, as I had tried to sanitize hands more than usual...BJ had a 104 degree fever in the night...just a "virus" the Urgent Care doctor said today
*no, probably it was the Lemon Scented 409 cleaner that I used to clean the animal "poo" that both boys had managed to walk through yesterday (in different locations)
*or maybe it was the Lemon Clorox wipes that I had just used on the toliet & floor, as Ellyana had been back to her old toliet-swishing ways

Lemon does seem to be the smell of choice I pick, but as I thought about it "all"...it was not a good smell. What else is there to do? Pop a batch of popcorn to share...it smelled a lot better in here.

If only I was Mrs. Incredible

OK, here she laid on my kitchen floor & the thought overwhelmed me...wouldn't it be nice to be Mrs. Incredible? Yes, I am completely happy to be married to Mr. Incredible & have 3 Incredibly Wonderful kids...but if only I was her...I would have those Amazingly Stretchy arms...and I'm pretty sure that is just what I need...

Let me introduce you to the 1st true "climber" in our family...she seems happiest at the "highest point" she can possibly get to...and that is where the stretchy arms for the Mom would be so awesome to save her...on the table, swinging the light fixture, standing on the dishwasher door, on the pile of books on the couch, chairs, stools, end tables, trying to scale the bookcase...she has a true "talent"...but it makes the momma sooo nervous!

Oh, the brothers try to get her involved in other activities...

And she seems to be our Champion Winter Olympian...speed sledding by herself is a favorite, along with diving off the front porch into a pile of snow, then climbing back up & doing it again & again...thankfully the snow made soft landings & she often was giggling & asking for "more"

Oh, & she does love to brush her teeth (with ALL of our toothbrushes). Notice the random pantry items & mittens that she collects in her favorite spot (the bathroom!)

Yes, our precious beauty is keeping us busy, we love her so very much & never have to worry she will get left behind with keeping up with our boys!

Thankful for our many blessings and even the blessings of just being ourselves!!!