2. Easter

 It was lovely. We did many traditional Easter activities: Egg hunt, egg dyeing, baskets of candy left by the Easter Bunny, etc.

The egg hunt was at my brother-in-law's work, and they had different hunts for different age groups. So Risa got to go first--and Coren was a little confused and uncertain about why we were letting Risa walk out and gather eggs and not him. But then he got his turn, and all was well. The bunny was kind-of funny and awesome--he had no big bunny head mask. Just a dude in a bunny suit. But Chad and I thought it rather fitting, considering the day before we had gone through all the scariest Easter Bunny mascots on the internet! Ha! So extra points for going sans mask, bunny man!

We also had the kiddos watch He Is Risen, the short Living Scriptures video about the Resurrection. Okay... they watched the first ten minutes, more or less. But it's the intention, right? Maybe next year will be fifteen... etc... etc.

And Chad's family all came over to our place for Easter dinner.... I was actually really thrilled to be able to host it at our house--I always like an excuse to do a fancy meal! So we made chicken cordon bleu (which, yes, is fancy, but is also deceptively easy--I mean, super super easy!) and couscous and vegetables and fantastic, fluffy, peach jello (that was the hit with all the little chickens.... though I was pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed the chicken as well). It was informal and relaxing, and really lovely just to sit together and smile.

And we got to hear our brother-in-law sing in his ward--one of my very favorite church songs--"Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" (with yes, the lyrics from the hymnbook, but different music--way more moving and beautiful)... And really, that was all I would have needed to focus my heart on the Savior. The words to that song truly resonate every time I hear it. However, to add to the splendor of the day, both speakers (in our home ward and the in-laws' ward) read the final conference talk given by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, which is another moving testimony to the unmatched gift of Christ's Atonement. I went away with my heart full, reflecting again on the emptiness of a life without a Savior...

or even just the casual idea that is growing in this world that I can get by without one.... How complicated your life must get, I think. Because say what you will; for me, the real peace in life comes by embracing the gift of Jesus Christ, not ducking it or denying it. My life is simple, beautiful, happy, peaceful, full of a joy that doesn't wax and wane with life's challenges and inconsistencies--and that is ALL from knowing I have a Savior who loves me. It's not a perfect life, but oh, tis a perfect one for me!