Easter

It has been a wonderful few weeks (mostly for the kids and I-Mr. J has been working while we were having fun). Easter was really nice. Here is a little of what we have been up to! M got a new bedspread (clearance at Sam's) :

We've been playing a lot of card games because our weather is awful right now. I definitely do NOT like spring in MI. I'd rather have four feet of snow then what we have now! (Cold and rainy with the occasional tease of a day that will be 60 and sunny). However, the weather has provided a teaching moment for M. She has been frustrated by it and so we've been discussing a lot about how we have to look for the good in every single situation in our lives. We can't control so many situations-especially the weather- so we have to figure out how to deal positively with these situations. So we are really practicing looking for the positive aspects of any given situation. 

Little J keeps disappearing and I have had a lot of super heroes in my house! My sweet friend bought him this cape and mask-which he loves!

The flash has been everywhere with us! He has worn it so much that the crossing guard lady we meet on the way to school was surprised when J wasn't wearing his flash costume!

This next picture has a special place in my heart. I was feeling pretty down and useless. I have not been able to find a job or do some other things on my list. And because I have no job, I have had a lot more time with J. I have really been making the most of my time with him. I have worked hard to spend a lot more quality time with him. I'm also working harder on discipline with him. This particular day we were at the playground at M's school waiting for her to get out of her after -school art class and I was enjoying our time together. He took his flash head off and somehow is face was so dirty! I just had to laugh. In this precious moment I realized just how special my time with him right now is. I was already making the most of it, but it was an attitude change. The way I felt changed. I love this little dude so much! He has such cute little quirks and funny sayings. I'm not worrying about what's not happening on the list because this little guy, and M of course are the most important items on the list!

The next day was Good Friday. So we had little Miss P and her mom and brother over to dye eggs. We made soft baked pretzels and jumped on the trampoline and dyed eggs. We had a great time! 

That afternoon M went for a playdate at her BFF's house. And then the BFF came to a dinner at the church with us. The girls did not want to part! The next day was the BS Easter egg hunt. I've never seen such a spectacle in all my life! But I guess it was worth it because the kids each got a bag of candy and a toy. Here is M waiting for her chance to get eggs.

Here is J before it was his age group's turn to go. He was feeling a little nervous and had a few tears because he didn't want to fight all the kids for eggs. I told him he didn't have to participate but that he wouldn't get any candy if he didn't. So he got brave and did it. Afterward he was very proud of himself! And happy with the candy and toy!

After the egg hunt some more friends came over and played for a little while. We jumped on the trampoline and hid eggs for a few hours! The next day was Easter. We had beautiful talks in church about the Savior. I am so thankful for the power of the Atonement and for the Gospel in my life. I couldn't make it through one day without the help of my Heavenly Father and the saving grace of Jesus Christ. What a wonderful time of year to celebrate His birth, life, death, and resurrection!