Family Easter Egg Hunt 2013

A few years ago, we started having family Easter egg hunts in the backyard.  This year, we didn't do it until after Easter, but the boys still had a good time.

Let the Madness Begin

We've had a family Easter Egg Hunt almost every year since we bought our first house. The kids had fun doing it again this year, although it was a bit late (and our grass was monstrously long!).




Here are a couple videos of the kids "hunting" for Easter eggs. I forgot that I can't rotate the video if I turn my camera to the side, so you have to turn your head to the side to view it. Sorry. :)




This one's not so bad, because I remembered not to turn the camera.

Ward Easter Egg Hunt

Just before Easter, our ward (church congregation) had a breakfast/Easter egg hunt. Here are a few photos.

Easter Dog.

In Venice, they don't have Easter bunnies, they have Easter dogs. Here he is resting after a long day of egg hiding.

Actually, a few days after Easter, I was walking back from lunch, and we (me, Keith, Erik, and Pericles) saw this dog on the sidewalk. We figured he either got into the leftover Easter candy, or his owner really wanted to celebrate Easter.

Coloring Easter Eggs

We were late coloring our Easter eggs this year. Usually, we have an Easter egg hunt and color our eggs on the Saturday before Easter, so that Easter Sunday is focused on the Savior and the true meaning of Easter.

This year, General Conference weekend was also Easter weekend. This was great, because we were privileged to hear from the living prophet and apostles while celebrating the Savior's resurrection. But it also meant we had less time to follow our normal pattern on Easter weekend. As a result, we colored eggs last night (Tuesday).

The kids still had a good time and didn't feel they missed out on anything.

Family Easter Egg Hunt

For the past few years, we've had a family Easter egg hunt in the backyard. Because General Conference was Saturday, we didn't have the opportunity to do it before Easter. We planned to do it Monday, but it was pouring rain when we woke up. Thankfully, the rain ceased, and the sun came out. By Monday afternoon, it was dry enough to have our hunt. Here are a few photos.

Even Milo wanted to participate.

Jon

My brother, Jon, died in a car accident Thanksgiving weekend 1998. If he had lived, he would have turned 33 today. I didn't want to let this day pass by without mentioning him.




As sad as I was (and still am) that I don't get to see or hear from my brother daily, I learned a few things during this trial/experience. Some of those things are:

1.) Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally, and all my experiences "shall work together for [my] good." He can make good out of any trial if I allow Him to do so.

2.) I am blessed with a wonderful family, including two parents who raised me in a righteous home and taught me correct principles. I have 10 siblings (7 sisters and 3 brothers). I love them very much and am so grateful for them. Often I am asked if it was a good experience growing up in such a large family, and it was for me. I always had someone to play with, someone to cry with, and someone to fight with (when I was so inclined).

3.) The blessings of the Temple are real. Families can be together for eternity with the family unit preserved. Marriage and family relations do not need to end at death. Not only can I be with my husband and children again, but I can also be with my parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.




4.) Jesus Christ came to this earth to set an example for each of us, to atone for our sins, and to be resurrected. These three things allow me the opportunity to be resurrected and to live with my Heavenly Father and family again beyond the veil.


5.) Despite my imperfections, I can return to live with my Heavenly Father again. No matter how hard I try, I will never be perfect. On my own, I can never be good enough to earn the privilege of living with God again, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can live with my Heavenly Father again.

Easter and General Conference

This year, General Conference falls on Easter. What a wonderful way to celebrate Easter by hearing the living prophet and living apostles testify of Jesus Christ, and to give us counsel for us in this time, pertaining to the problems we face.

For those who read my blog, but are unfamiliar with General Conference, it is an annual meeting broadcast at LDS church buildings (stake centers), over the internet (www.lds.org), BYU TV, and on many cable networks (find the channel in your area at www.bonneville.info). During this meeting, several speakers address a variety of subjects, all of which are timely and appropriate for the challenges we face at this time.

If you haven't watched it, I encourage you to take the time to watch it and feel the spirit associated with hearing living apostles and prophets speak.

In the spirit of Easter, I've posted some of my favorite pictures of the Savior below.

The resurrected Savior with Mary outside the tomb

The resurrected Savior with his apostles.

Jesus Healing the Sick at Bethesda


Jesus raising Jairus' daughter

"Christ in a Red Robe" by Minerva Teichert

John and I have been searching for a new picture of the Savior to put in our new home. We saw this one at the Book Castle, and were thrilled to receive a 20% off coupon for their General Conference Sale. I picked it up on Friday afternoon.

It makes such a difference to see this when we walk into the house. As this is a print of the picture found in the Los Angeles Temple, it makes my home feel more peaceful and heavenly. I love it.

I took a few pictures of it, but none of them do it justice. If you'd like to come over and see it, just give me a holler.

A Windy Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast

Our ward Primary put on a wonderful Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt at a nearby park. It was a lot of fun.

To add to the excitement, it was incredibly windy yesterday. As the food was cooked on campstoves, wind complicated that. The flames kept going out, so a blanket "shield" was created.

Breakfast went beautifully, and, ironically enough, almost as soon as the cooks finished, the wind died down considerably.

An Easter Message

I enjoyed this video and thought it set a wonderful tone for Easter. I am so grateful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know He atoned for my sins and for the sins of all God's children. I am especially mindful of His sacrifice during the Easter season. I hope this video helps enhance your Easter Holiday.

Ward Easter Party

Today we had a ward Easter Party put on by the Primary. I got there early with Michael and A.J. to set up. Michael and AJ were great! They helped hide eggs and did anything I asked. Here are some photos of the event.

Instruction time: Don't trample the little kids!

The Hunt!

The Haul

Trading Candy After the Hunt.

Playing on the Play Structure After the Party