Easter

Before coming down to check out the Easter Baskets, we sat at the top of the stairs and talked a bit about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Spirit testified to me again and again over the course of the day of the reality of the Savior and significance of the Atonement in my life. My testimony was strengthened and my resolve to put aside my own selfish desires and be more obedient was bolstered. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and that all His counsel and commandments are given because He knows me and wants me to reach my potential. Jesus Christ makes repentance possible and it is through the power of the Atonement that I can become the person God wants me to be. I am deeply grateful for this knowledge and the perspective on life that it gives me.

The gift giving element of the Holiday went over very well this year. In addition to snack cakes and candy, Hyrum got Minecraft pajamas, and a hand saw, Abraham got a Ninjago shirt and a hammock, and Mercy got a Rapunzel night dress and the quilt I made from Susan's scraps. The older couple that often sits behind us in church got each of the kids a long stick sucker with stuffed animals attached. Hyrum got a panda, Abraham a tiger, and Mercy a purple unicorn. It was very thoughtful of them. Matthew got a new t-shirt and some fancy chocolates in addition to his share of the more generic candy and treats. Matthew stayed up until midnight last night finishing a set of cedar builder boards, which are like life size Lincoln Logs. They were a big hit and the hour or so we had before church was filled with eating treats and building a fort.

Mercy seems to have caught the head cold I had and woke up with what she calls the 'neezes and the cough-es. Matthew stayed home with her and finished the fort while I took the boys to church.

We had a simple lunch after church, then Matthew and I worked on our Easter dinner. I made Hasselback potatoes a'gratin with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and thyme and Matthew tended to the ham, cooked sous vide and then glazed with a homemade balsamic-brown sugar syrup. We also had a big bowl of green beans. Mindy came with her boys, since Dave had to work, and contributed a herbed bread and dessert of lemon crinkle cookies and cheesecake brownies. Dixie also joined us for our meal and it made for a lovely little dinner party.