Happy Easter - He is Risen ........

" Me: What lovely flowers........" Son: "They put Phoenix next to L.A." .....what....???

If you have had the heart and compassion to read my ramblings and rantings over the past several posts, you'll notice I have been less than chipper as of late. In fact, a friend at Toys R Us (where I still work very part time in addition to my bookkeeping job - which may account for why I am so cranky and tired), even mentioned I was not "my old self" lately. This was during the height of the holiday returns so that accounted for a portion of it as that was BAAAAD.

While I can't guarantee I won't fall off the wagon and complain with my whole heart about every detail of my life from time to time, I am resolving to see the glass half full more often. I have way too much going for me not to.

Even though it was very rainy and very cold, in my wisdom and nostalgia for family togetherness, I announced to my lovely trio that we were going to an Easter egg hunt today. Rain or shine - it was going to happen, or so the ad stated. My girl's teeth were chattering the entire time. Snow parkas would have been the order of the day - that and galoshes.

The challenge of the hunt was not so burdensome for 3 almost 11 year olds who were wanting to get it over with asap so they could go to a play date at their friend's house, who by the way has a huge screen tv, wii, gameboy, and more bakugan that you could shake a stick at.

The critters were adorable - meet "RED" aptly named. Isn't he/she beautiful?

Rosie was quite friendly as well. I think bunnies love to be held. Kids talked all the way home about "can we get a bunny and name it Giggles?" That would be a "no" - nice thought though.

My boy was having a flashback of the time when he was 3 and we were pumpkin picking. They had a chicken pen and he quickly and painfully learned to NOT stick you hand through the fence when feeding chickens. Chicken feed is meant to be thrown.

uh - hello chickens - aren't you glad most people have ham for Easter?

Of the smaller children, I noticed a lot of tears and loud wails of apprehension when parents were attempting to capture the moment in photograph with the huge scary nice, friendly bunny that was walking around and greeting the children.

My guys were absolutely thrilled. It's written all over their faces. Along with the "I'm way cool stance of the bunny. I think he is just antsy to get all those eggs delivered and this hunt was slowing him down.

I love the sweet fragrance of hyachith and lilies and lilacs - the princess, not so much.

The kids found what they thought was a stray, but I think he belonged to the owners. Notice he is on a leash and has a collar and tags- again, nice try kids. Very sweet. I think he was a bit overwhelmed with all the festivities. I am sure this place is not so busy most of the time - at least not like today.

I could totally understand why - the price were very outrageous - not that we purchased anything. We were there for the free hunt and photo opt.

A lovely time was had by all. The ride home displayed lots of giggles and the goodies that they of course devoured, even though they are really "too old" for this sort of thing.

The kids and I have a nice discussion of various faiths today, and how to know which is for you. I shared with them the viewpoint many share of being sincere in your beliefs is all that matters. While sincerity and devotion is an admirable trait, it is not just a matter of sincerity. I can believe with my whole heart that the sun rises in the West and sets in the East, but sincerity does not make it so. One can be quite sincerely wrong. And in a matter of such high importance, being wrong is no small error.

I can't "believe" for my children, nor can my faith be their faith. I certainly have the responsibility as a parent, and as a Christian, to share what I believe and why. This was recently discussed on another blog I faithfully read, from a vantage point of a non-believing parent. Many others agreed and it was from a point of having had religion "shoved" at them either during formative years or by a well intentioned adult who was more zealous than they felt comfortable with. While I respectfully disagree with her feeling that spirituality is not her responsibility to bestow, I do believe that I have been mandated to provide the best I can for my children, physically, emotionally, intellectually, AND spiritually. Where one spends eternity IS important.

All of my children have voiced and professed their beliefs and been baptized of their own accord, after reaching an age of accountability. That does not mean they have it all together nor do I (as evidenced most of the time), but we are a work in progress. I am thankful we have the road map and pray it is followed throughout their lives. It's just too important not to.

I pray you have a happy Easter and find the fulfillment you need in the ultimate sacrifice made to restore right relationship with the Father.

He is risen .......indeed.