We had a lovely Easter! Resurrection weekend is one of my favorite holidays for sure!
Due to eating too many delicious dark chocolate brownies Thursday night, I was super tired Good Friday morning. I know this about myself and yet, they were sooooo good. Maybe I learned my lesson this time.
Friday morning, I was moving slow, sipping tea, and directing family logistics from a foggy brain. After lunch, I was able to rest and get my energy back. When Mama's tired, it can be hard to make holidays special and I know that very often this is a source of guilt for moms.
Over the years, I've learned that each holiday ought to reflect our own family's beliefs, convictions, and traditions, in consideration of our family's current season, rather than the pressure of Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.
I've come to an attitude of "This is what I can nicely manage this year." I say "nicely" because it's important to me to be Godly. How much value is making a memory if I'm stressed out, overwhelmed, and upset the whole time? Better a little less, with a better attitude, in my opinion. Honestly, there have been a number of years, including this one, that we have colored eggs in the week AFTER Easter and after that first year, I endeavor not to feel the least bit bad about it. Half the stress is removed when I just space things out and stop rushing around.
For this year, my sister mentioned Hot Cross Buns as a fun and traditional Good Friday treat and we've never made them before. It sounded cool though, so I snagged a recipe and got those rising. All those spices that represent preparing Jesus for His burial sure made my kitchen smell lovely!
Everyone came in from working outside and we had a fun fish fry with the fruits of fishing on Mentored Youth day last weekend with Daddy. We all milled about the kitchen and living room, snacking on delectable trout and perch straight out of the fryer. The funny thing is, I didn't plan on eating fish Good Friday night, it just happened.
(Jerry has fish radar.)
I was tempted to grouch that this was a meal that took FOREVER to get on the table, but then I realized how much we could enjoy the camaraderie in the kitchen and living room while we were cooking, so I embraced it. It isn't a meal I would've attempted when the girls were younger, but I'm thankful that we can enjoy the longer process now.
(Blossom1's trout was trying to make a break for it.)
From a bin in the basement, I pulled out a dozen Resurrection Eggs that a friend had given me. They were all ready to go and I was grateful for this a thousand times over. Resurrection Eggs are colored, plastic eggs with small items that correspond with the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection inside. Because of my friend's generosity, I didn't have to go looking for all those little items. She also gifted us the accompanying book, Benjamin's Box, by Melody Carlson.
After our fried fish feast, we hung out in the living room and read the story. The older Blossoms stuck around and the little Blossoms were thrilled to be opening the eggs to find a tiny donkey or a strip of linen cloth. Hearing the story from a child's point of view with something they could touch was so meaningful. If the girls had been younger, I would've condensed the story just a little bit, but overall, I highly recommend it!
On Saturday we ventured out in the 20 degree weather for Opening Day of Trout season. It's practically a holiday in this family, although the Blossoms do miss sleeping in on early fishing days. Still, it was nice to be out in the fresh air by the creek. I was doing my usual untangling of lines. I almost slid right in the creek at one point, but I was happy to stay on the bank DRY and warm!
(Blossom2 enjoying the great outdoors)
We did our usual Saturday homestead work afterward, had a fun supper, and then we gave the girls their little Easter gifts and candy. We never did Easter baskets as kids and I've never felt like I missed out. Mom and Dad really wanted to take the focus back to Jesus from the Easter Bunny.
The Rugged Mountain Man and I have come to our own traditions, based a bit on each of our upbringings. We try to make holidays reflect our beliefs, keep each holiday a bit special, but yet not financially burdensome on a single income. It's neat to see the Blossoms looking forward to these little things!
Sunday was very reminiscent of my childhood Easters. We dress extra springy, thoroughly and joyfully celebrate His resurrection at church, and then enjoy good food with family and friends who don't have family nearby. I'm glad the girls are enjoying these family traditions too. The sunshine and warm temps were a pleasant addition to the day! And the Ranger rides in the mountains were highly popular too!
Yesterday was back to school as usual and we managed to color eggs also. That tie-dyed blue egg on the bottom right is my favorite!
What a fabulous Resurrection weekend!!! Thank God He is risen and has bought the victory for us!
