Resurrection Day!

He is arisen! Glorious Word! Now reconciled is God, my Lord;
The gates of heav'n are open.
My Jesus did triumphant die, and Satan's arrow broken lie,
Destroyed hell's fiercest weapon.
O hear what cheer! Christ victorious, rising glorious,
Life is giving. He was dead but now is living! (LSB 488)

Our Easter morning had the kids finding their Easter baskets with trail mixes and swim wear for summer.

Oh, and a new cup for Violet.  Always a new cup for Violet.

The new cups are the only thing she ever cares about.  And I guess the Reese's Eggs. And Kitty.

We got to church early to get set up for the Youth Easter Breakfast.  The boys worked in the kitchen while Evie and Kyla decorated the tables.

I had to get a cousin's pic, and Deb sent me an adorable selfie she got with Violet before church as well. Violet sure loves her Debra!

Time to celebrate our risen Savior in the Divine Service!

It was a beautiful service and an overflowing sanctuary. Pastor reminded us in the sermon what Paul taught in 1 Corinthians, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve."  Making sure we keep "First Importance" always on Christ this Easter Day and always!  The Easter breakfast followed and was delicious as always.

The boys training up our future Youth!

 The black has turned to white; our sins have been washed away. "He is risen! He is risen indeed -- Hallelujah!"

We went straight from eating at church to eating at Grandma Jo's :)  First, though, pictures.  So thankful to have all of the kids' grandparents close and healthy, and even Great-Grandma Shirley! My kids are certainly blessed.

We enjoyed a dinner of Hawaiian roll sliders with lots of sides, and hanging out with family.

Violet was twinning with Aunt Joy -- aren't they adorable?

It was a wonderful Easter celebrating God's greatest gift to mankind with our family!

Now all the vault of heav'n resounds in praise of love that still abounds:

"Christ has triumphed! He is living!"

Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear! Repeat their song of glory here:

"Christ has triumphed! Christ has triumphed!" 

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 465:1)

Holy Week

 Hosanna, loud hosanna, the little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang
To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to His breast, 
The children sang their praises, the simplest and the best. (LSB 443:1)

Our Holy Week started as it always does with Passion Sunday/Palm Sunday. The kids processed in to "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" and we were treated to some beautiful music from the High School choir out of Concordia Academy in Minnesota.  They were really phenomenal! If you'd like to hear more, this is the YouTube link to the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xei3Fh8ypQ8

On Good Friday, I attended the noon service at our church, where the cross outside was draped in black and the altar area in the sanctuary had been completely stripped.

That evening we attended the Tenebrae service in Ottawa with my family, as we always do.

After church, we enjoyed some yummy Smoked Creations at Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Kermit's.

Love this time with family!

Saturday was a beautiful day! Evelyn and her friends went egg hunting at the annual American Legion Egg Hunt.

There were so many eggs to find!

Now let's see what goodies she got!

She redeemed her tickets and got a box of 18 FULL-SIZE candy bars!

Buuuuut, then Bernie realized that the sweet high school wrestling girls accidentally gave Evie all of prizes from Midwest Auto :)  Evelyn kept a couple of the Reese's, so she was happy.  It was a great afternoon at the ball fields!

That evening we got together with family for another great meal, this time Mexican. We ate to our full and watched some NCAA basketball tournament action.

It was a gorgeous evening so we ate outside and then Grandpa got the big kids to hide eggs for the girls to find in our long, dandelion-filled grass.

Grandma gave the kids their Easter bags filled with gift cards, Gatorades and candy.  Then we made some Resurrection Rolls for dessert.  

What a wonderful Holy Week spent with family!

"Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing;

For Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav'n our King.

Oh, may we ever praise Him with heart and life and voice

And in His blissful presence eternally rejoice! (LSB 443:3)