Easter Resurrection Tree

so last year was the first time we had done a resurrection tree.  it is an awesome way to build up to and celebrate the real meaning of Easter with your children and family.  this year, i've done a bit more preparation in getting it ready though.  here's a picture i borrowed from a blog i stumbled upon that shows a great example of what it can look like.

each day for two weeks, you read through a passage of scripture leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, and then put an object ornament on your tree.  the tree then becomes a constant visual reminder of what Easter is about.  i've put together two weeks worth of scripture passages and objects.  i'd love to pass it on to any who are interested. 

elise's little book, What Is Easter?, by Michelle Medlock Adams, sums it up well by asking is Easter about egg hunts, bunnies, jelly beans, pretty dresses, hats, dress shoes, parades?  

"NO!  That's not what Easter means.

Easter means much more than that. 

It's all about God's son.

See, God sent Jesus down to earth

To die for everyone.

He had to die upon a tree

To save us from our sin.

But he was only dead three days,

And then he rose again.

Now, that's what Easter really means!

It's quite a special day.

Jesus our Savior rose again.

Hooray!  Hooray!  Hooray!

Today, he sits right next to God

In Heaven up above.

He wants to live inside you too

And fill you up with love!"

the many faces of being sick

after a few days of many bodily functions, we finally got a reprieve and the kids had some energy...

enough energy to roller skate old school style with a blow up guitar...

 isaac's phrase these days after getting his diaper changed is, "no pants"...

how can i resist?  his legs are so cute!

 i told him to say "cheese" and he puffed up his chest (close enough buddy)

this was just hours before she came down with the bug...

love this boy

 she went down hard.  we've watched more barney, berenstain bears, veggie tales, and PBS kids than i dare to admit.  

 another moment of energy

what a difference a year makes!  her painting last year would always end up as a large finger-painted, purplish-brown blob.  this picture was intentional, neat, clean, organized, and rather beautiful!  she was so proud and so was i.

i never thought i would have inside jokes with my kids before they were two years old, but with isaac, that's just the case.  all i have to say is, "you can't eat that dog-dog" in a gruff voice and he'll crack up!  don't you wish you knew the whole story?!

 there aren't words to describe how stinkin' cute and sweet this little boy is.  reesey boy has been spared of this illness thus far and we pray it continues that way.  he sleeps like a champ, endures smothering hugs and kisses from his siblings (when they're not sick), and overall is just such a gift.  love you little man.  (p.s. if you couldn't tell from the excessive bib and towel on the exersaucer...he's a SPITTER!)