Not So Tradtitional

We just ate the best Easter dinner ever!
We decided several weeks ago that we would like to have a passover feast in place of the traditional Ham filled meal. Passover is void of ham.
We teamed up with Rob and Lisa, and got together this afternoon after conference.

We talked about the symbolism for each dish. There was the lamb. Lamb is symbolic of the sacrifices made by the jews, as well as being symbolic of Christ. There was an apple dish called charoset. It is symbolic of the work done by the jewish people and the good that became of that work. We had horseradish and bitter herbs, as well as matzoh. I tried mint jelly with the lamb and thought it was delicious! I always thought it would be an awful combination, but it worked for me!

During a traditional passover feast a matzoh cracker is broken and wrapped in a napkin. It is hidden somewhere in the house and after dinner the children search to find it. Rob hid the matzoh and Max found it. He was rewarded with chocolate cadbury eggs, which are not kosher, but oh well.

This is Ty covering the little eyes so that Rob could hide the matzoh.
Everything was delicious and the company was the best!
Now it's time for some more conference!

Happy Easter!

The Easter bunny came to our house!
Max had a basket filled with candy, bubbles, a helicopter, and a watch.

Mia had bubbles, candy, and a necklace.
It looks like it is going to be a beautiful Easter Sunday. We are so glad that we get to spend the day together as we reflect on the life and mission of our Savior!

Conference and Cottonballs

We so enjoyed watching conference yesterday. I had some activities for the kids to do while we watched.
They made these cotton ball sheep. I drew the outlines and they filled them in with fluff.

That's Mia behind her sheep :)

Tradition!

Each year for Easter I make hot cross buns. I thought they would be a perfect conference snack as well.
Hot cross buns are made from a slightly sweet and spicy dough. They usually contain currants or raisins. This year I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe and they came out great!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/hot-cross-buns/

Really Delicious...

http://picky-palate.com/2010/04/01/spring-time-candied-popcorn/

Springtime Candied Popcorn from Picky Palate

The kids and I made this recipe today in preparation for conference weekend. It is super yummy and we are hoping to have some leftover for tomorrow and Sunday!

Baking for Boys

You must read this article from "joy the baker" entitled; How to impress a boy by baking.

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/04/how-to-impress-a-boy-with-baking/#more-2504

"it’s not that we need to impress boys. Oh heck no. It’s just that sometimes… we want to, and that’s not a crime. "
-Joy the Baker

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday, and I am thinking of my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am so thankful for that day of Atonement, when the Savior chose to suffer all things for me, and for my family, for my friends, for all of God's children.
I am so thankful to know that Jesus lives. I am so glad that he was resurrected. Easter is such a wonderful time to remember the gifts we have been given and the many opportunities we have to receive all things. Our Savior has opened the door and led the way.

2 Nephi chapter 22 is my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon.
It always fills me with love and appreciation for my Savior and a new desire to follow Him. It helps me recognize the strength we can find in Him.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."

The First Hunt!

Today was the big Easter egg hunt at preschool.
The parents were invited to attend. Max's teachers knew I would be bringing Mia along so they invited her to bring a basket and hunt for eggs as well. She was so excited to be one of the big kids.

The eggs were hidden in a big grassy field behind the church where the preschool is held. You would think a bunch of colored eggs lying in the green grass would be easy to find. Mia had some trouble at first, but soon caught on :)

Max had no troubles and soon filled his little basket to the brim. ( I like to buy the small Easter baskets so that on Easter morning I only need a few goodies to make the basket seem full of fun.)

When the eggs had all been found the children sat in the shade and counted their loot! Mia opened all of her eggs right away to see what was inside.

Max was so good to Mia while she sat in as a member of the class. I was so glad they thought to include her. It was fun to see them get so excited. We are having another egg hunt at our house this Saturday, so we should have enough candy to last for a while!

Songs at School

Max's preschool has a little song and dance time every Thursday morning. The teachers invited the families to come and participate today.
It was so cute and I think Mia was so excited to be there!

We looked out the window....

....And saw popcorn!
Max and Mia were thrilled with their discovery of the popcorn tree :)