Easter morning started early for us: I was awake at 4am from the prednisone-induced insomnia and Ben woke set his alarm for 5:30 to finalize his Easter sermon. The two of us sat on the couch and listened to praise music as the sun came up, dazed and sipping our hot beverages (home-roasted coffee for Ben, home-brewed decaf chai tea for me). Maddie and Sam came tumbling downstairs, happy and filled with joy, yelling, "Happy Easter Mama & Daddy!"
Come Awake was playing on the speakers and the four of us danced and sang and jumped and spun on the living room rug. It's seriously the best way to start any day. Nothing makes me smile like hearing Sam and Maddie singing loud and exuberant, "Come awake! Come awake! Come and rise up from the grave!"
I casually mentioned that there might be some surprises hiding around the yard and within moments we were outside finding baskets, donning new flip flops and crocs, and running through wet grass while squealing with joy, and collecting eggs.
Maddie, in the joy of the hunt:
Hardly able to contain the glee of boundless candy and fun little Easter treats:
My poor littlest Easter bunny has some serious Springtime allergies. His little eyes were like slits when he first woke up. :( It didn't stop him from finding eggs, though.
Trying on their new suits and shades (our traditional Easter gifts):
All dressed up and ready for Easter service:
After church we came home and Maddie released her butterflies. We grew them from caterpillars at home and watched with amazement as they transformed into vibrant, fluttering, beautiful painted ladies. It has been such a fun adventure. I think we'll do it every year! I was so sick, I did not get it photo-documented but believe me when I say how much joy and wonder it brought into our home.
Here my angelic girl is, watching one of her butterflies flutter away into the sky:
Three out of five butterflies developed beautifully. One chrysalis sort of shriveled up, and one butterfly emerged with misshapen wings. She lived out her days in the butterfly garden net, happily crawling around the bottom of the enclosure sipping nectar from oranges and the sugar water Maddie lovingly replenished. Maddie was so gentle and tender and patient as she let the little butterfly crawl into her hands and explore the backyard flowers.
Such a beautiful picture of Easter: God gently and tenderly caring for us, keeping us safe and close yet also allowing us to venture out and explore, knowing the best thing is for us to remain in his care but loving us enough to let us roam free.
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake! Come awake!
Come and rise up from the dead!
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake! Come awake!
Come and rise up from the dead!
Oh, death, where is your sting?
Oh, hell, where is your victory?
Oh, church, come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night
Sing it! Oh, death, where is your sting?
Oh, hell, where is your victory?
Oh, church, come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, He's alive! He's Alive!
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