Easter Weekend

For the fam in California - we missed you this weekend! It was Easter weekend and whenever there's a big holiday, I always think of all the things we use to do together. Our Easter here was a little bit different than usual. For one, Brandon and I got to have a little getaway for the 2nd time since we've had kids. I know, you're working it out in your head right now; that's only 2 trips in the past 5 years! We went to Lake Whitney with some friends and of course, made the most of getting some time to relax.

We drove home Saturday night then Sunday morning after Easter baskets we headed over to the Easter service at The Village Church. Of course, we were running a little behind so we were turned away from the 9:00 and had to wait for the 11:00. While waiting, we drove around to try to find a nice picture spot but it was a little chilly and windy outside for pictures.



We spent the rest of the day over at Grandma's house for an afternoon of Easter egg hunts and lot's of good food. One of the things I wanted to do the most with the boys this Easter was the Resurrection Cookie recipe but we couldn't find the time. It looks like a really great way to show kids the meaning of Easter. I'll include the recipe if any of you want to try it.







Happy Easter everyone!

Resurrection Cookie Recipe

1 c whole pecans

1 t vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 c sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. (this in important - don't wait until you are halfway done with the recipe!) Place pecans in a zipper bag and let children beat them with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isa.1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered ookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matt. 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!