Easter Activities, Anyone?

Okay, so Easter was several weeks ago and no one is looking for Easter activities right now.  I started this post awhile ago, but as you can see I got distracted by life and just now finished!  So, let's just pretend for a minute that it's March and we're super duper pumped that Easter is almost here!!!
There are so many fun things to do with the kids during the Easter season, and I think all the signs of spring are such incredible reminders of Christ! 

This year we made these little bird's nests that are extremely easy! You just melt a bag of chocolate chips, then stir in coconut until it becomes the texture you like. Drop little spoonfuls onto a tray and use the back of the spoon to flatten out the middle on each one. Put a few jellybeans in each one for eggs and you have your little nests! I put my tray in the fridge for a little while to make them harden faster.

I shared these verses with the kids that I just love--such a sweet reminder of how He cares for them...

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  Luke 12: 6-7

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—

a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God." Psalm 84:3

We also had a great time dyeing eggs!  I talked to the kids about how in the beginning the eggs look dull and plain, then after we dye them they are colorful and beautiful.  It's a neat reminder of how before we know Christ our hearts are dull and ugly, but He makes us new and beautiful by giving us His record of righteousness!   

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."  2 Corinthians 5:17

"Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.'"  Rev. 21:5

Another tradition we have on Easter morning is making Resurrection Buns!  I can't remember where I first heard the idea, but you can find the directions here: (http://homeparents.about.com/cs/eastercrafts/a/eastertradition.htm).  We've made them with biscuits and crescent rolls and both work well.

We put them in the oven and while they bake we read the story of the resurrection. When the kids bite into them they are empty, just like Jesus' tomb!

I'd love to hear of anyone else's Easter activities (for next year :)  Easter pictures to come...

three tall trees

Have you read the children's book, The Tale of Three Trees?  It's been one of my FAVORITE books for years now, and I was thrilled to see the Kindergarteners at Griffin's school perform this story.  He looked so sweet up there in his little tree costume! 

After the program was over we went to his room to wait for him to come back, and he was so proud and excited to see us!

Nana and Poppy came to see him too!

with a few fellow trees...

I also got to go to Anderson's class for their Easter Egg Hunt!

trying to balance the egg for an egg race!

We've also been enjoying playing outside in this WARM weather!!!

Griffin enjoyed putting Collier in some of his baseball gear (Anderson isn't angry--he's chewing something but wanted to jump in the picture). 

spring break....

You have no idea how happy I was when I took this picture.  And not because I happen to think this little girl is adorable...

You see that baby doll?  I had just given it to her--why, you ask?  BECAUSE SHE WENT POO POO ON THE POTTY!!!!!  Those of you that have potty trained understand the elation that one can experience when her child finally, after days and days of waiting, goes #2 on the potty.  We had spring break a few weeks ago so I decided it was a perfect time to potty train Collier.  Michael and the boys went to the beach for a couple days, so I was able to devote all of my attention to this monumental task.  There were a few times I wanted to shout, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!" as I know there will be NO potty training in heaven!!  She really did very well and I can't complain at all, but I am definitely glad to have that behind me!  For the first time in over six and half years I am NOT buying diapers!! Woohoo for me!!!!

We spent LOTS AND LOTS of time at home while we were in potty boot camp, so we made the most of it by making some yummy cupcakes.  Isn't that a cute apron?  I got matching mommy/daughter aprons at TJMaxx for a steal, but don't worry--I won't scare you with a picture of what I looked like in my apron at home during potty boot camp.

She of course wanted the icing to be pink...

Voila!!  Gourmet cupcakes!!  {or funfetti box mix, as some may call it}

We also had our first pedicure party!!  I didn't have any pink polish so she settled on red.  It was a really

sweet time with her :)

So day one I told her she could have ice cream if she went #2, but after several days went by I offered to take her to Disney World if she had some success.  Okay not really, but I did end up giving her ice cream and a new baby doll!!

She's a big girl now!!

Meanwhile, the boys were basking in the sunshine at the beach.  That's my six year old driving a boat by himself, and yes, I grew thirteen gray hairs when my husband texted me this picture.

And I can't leave off this picture of Griffin's latest lego creations (for those of you wondering, it's a sport fishing boat complete with a marlin tower)!

This kid just melts my heart and cracks me up at the same time.  He can talk.  All. Day. Long.  He likes to say my name over and over again until I answer him.  He says the funniest things...like that when "something" comes out of his nose it's like mail being delivered from his nose--okay so maybe that's just gross.  The other day he said his ears were playing tag with each other and every now and then he would say, "Tag--you're it ear!"  And then, "Got you other ear!"  He loves the Easter "Peeps" that are out right now, but he calls them "Chicken Puffs."  And he even likes it when I take his picture! 

The weather here has been insanely cold for so long, but we had a day of relief a couple weeks ago and the kids were thrilled to run around outside for awhile!!  I brought my camera out and caught some action shots of the kids running...

griffin's classic tongue shot...

I can't remember if I've shown our "dirt pit" before, but the boys spend so much time there it deserves mentioning.  When we got our playset several years ago we had some dirt dug out to make a good spot--the boys love to dig and play in that dirt, and they will do it for hours!  It does not make for attractivce landscaping, but it's a dream for two little boys!!

Here's to hoping for consistently warm weather and many hours outside in the dirt pit!!

This is a happy girl--I know because she tells me.  A lot.  And each time she says, "Mommy!"  And I say, "Yes, baby?"  And she says, "I'm happy!"  I want to kiss her pink little cheeks and make her understand that she couldn't possibly be as happy as she makes me.  I'm so thankful for the joyful, smiley, delightful spirit the Lord has given her. 

She has become obsessed with pink!  She wants everything to be pink--her clothes, her socks, her bow, her ponytail holders--everything!  In this picture I had to sneak a green bow on...She always has a strong opinion about what she wants to wear, and it usually includes tights and a dress.  It's actually comical when I take her to Wal-Mart in my sweats and she's all dressed up! 

Anderson just had an Art Show at his school and he was SO excited to show us around.  He even took us on a tour to the gym!

Nana and Poppy came to see his works of art :)

Griffin was really proud of his brother!

Anderson with his friend, Hudson, from his class.

Another fun picture with Ms. Tracy!

Yummy Casserole

Okay, so the real name is "Noodle and Spinach Casserole," but I think that's a terrible name, so I'm calling it "Yummy Casserole."  My mom made this for us awhile back and we loved it, so I just made it myself and decided I would pass it along.  It's not hard, and it's a great way to give your kids spinach without them knowing it!  I would be willing to bet that I have the most picky eaters in the world in my house (I'm referring to the younger members--the two older members like all food a little too much :), and two out of three eat this well--that's really good for our house!  Let me know how you like it!

To make ahead, bake as directed, cover, and freeze. Let thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

1 (8-oz.) package wide egg noodles
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (26-oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

2. Cook beef and next 3 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning.

3. Combine spinach and next 4 ingredients. Fold in noodles; spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of Parmesan cheese. Top evenly with beef mixture and remaining Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.


--from Southern Living

When you have a second...

I have a friend who, two years ago, found out her breast cancer had come back (after being in remission) and metastasized to her lungs.  Her faith is absolutely amazing and she is a gifted writer.  She just shared the notes from a talk she just gave at the Briarwood School PTF on "Raising Spiritual Warriors" and it is just incredible--you have to check it out!!! 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lblack