Easter

I'm finally blogging about Easter - aren't you excited? 

This year was a little different in that it was Russell's first Sunday at Hickory Grove.  It was an exciting day of new beginnings.

Of course, we began our celebrating with the kids decorating eggs the night before.  Another blog friend called it edible art - I love that!  Although I will say that after a day in the Florida sun, we did not eat these eggs.  That would just be weird.

I do love that the kids are a bit older and I don't have to hover over ever egg - and they don't have to sit in their underwear to protect their clothing from being Ty-dyed.  I will admit that it's VERY hard for me to be one of those fun, crafty moms.  The mess has never been worth the stress to me.  I fail terribly in that area.  But I've always managed to color the eggs each Easter - it's a must.  I just have to close my eyes a lot.

I do love some of the things that Anne and Jarod came up with this year.

 

This one never made it in the dye.  Jarod decided to only use crayons.  I thought it was very cool.

Oddly enough - I didn't get a photo of my children outside with beautiful trees or flowers behind them  and somehow we missed a family photo this year.  I'm slacking.  It was a busy day.  Sorry!

However, I did manage this photo of Russ in his new office.  He did the Sunrise Service for the Clay County Fair Workers and I caught him resting before our morning worship.  How cute is that?

Easter morning was very exciting at Hickory Grove.  Of course, the community is a buzz about the "new pastor" in town so we had several visitors.  After the service, our family went forward and joined the church to make things official.  It was a wonderful morning.

Afterwards, we spent the day at Nana and Papa's.  

 They will celebrate their 57th Anniversary next month.  Love these two!

CJ

Anne and Corrie hiding eggs

 

Jarod hid the eggs this year for the younger ones and then spent his day throwing the football with his older cousins, Steven and Christopher.  It seems funny for him to be old enough to hang with the big boys now.

Easter is a time of new beginnings.  Spring is here, Jesus has risen and gives us a great hope.  We can walk through life and all of it's ups and downs knowing that God loves us more than we can even begin to comprehend.  He has a great plan for us all.

It seemed fitting to start out at Hickory Grove on Easter Sunday.  We are moving forward with what God has for us with excitement and anticipation. This past Sunday was special as well.  Hickory Grove had a special Installation Service to officially welcome us.  It was a very nice evening.  Russell's parents came and they had a nice reception for us afterwards.

We are so excited to be a part of Hickory Grove and all that God is already doing in and through them in their community.  We are thrilled to be joining them.  We look forward to what lies ahead for us all.  God continues to confirm our obedience and we know we are where we are supposed to be.

God is good.