Up from the Grave He Arrose

Easter Sunday! One of my favorite days of the year! It brings back a lot of wonderful childhood memories. Getting all gussied up for church in a new dress and white shoes, then heading to my Mamaw's to join the extended family for dinner and an egg hunt with the cousins. It was always so much fun!! And my goal as a Mom is to make sure that my girls have wonderful holiday memories as well. Those memories may not look exactly the same, but they will still be good, none the less. 

Since Josh had to work on Easter, the girls and I decided to go to the early service so we could get home and get the house ready for Nina, Aunt Kim, Kyson, Graddy, Aunt Emily, and Wyatt to come over about 4:00 for an egg hunt and dinner! 

Church was wonderful! As usual. And the girls got to go to service with me! They did really well sitting in big church. And I enjoyed having them on either side of me. 

After church we took some obligatory Easter Dress pictures. 

I finally got the bunny away from Zmacie. 

Soon after lunch, our day took a turn. We found out that Nina was really sick and couldn't come. There had been a heavy feeling on my heart all weekend anyway. I missed my Mama. This was our first holiday without her. And there seemed like a big hole in the joy. And when Nina couldn't be there either, well, sadness took over. BUT- I knew that Mom would be SO upset if I let that sadness ruin a fun time for her two favorite little girls! So- I did exactly what she would want me to do- I put my big girl panties on and slapped that smile across my face and carried on! 

Since Nina was supposed to bring the ham, Aunt Kim picked up some chicken and I made the sides I had planned along with a chocolate cake per my children's request. It was a great dinner. There was still a void there, but we all forged on and had a good time being together. 

The rain the night before put a damper on the hunting, but as we had had to do already that day, we went to plan B! Egg hunt on the patio and in the garage! We had a blast hiding the eggs! 

And the kids had a blast hunting them! 

Cutest 3 kids on the planet! 

The best part of the above picture is that I texted it to Becky and she replied that's the first real smile she has seen on Brenna in a while. I assured her that it didn't happen on the first try! This was the first one.... 

Never. A. Dull. Moment. 

It ended up being a good day. We missed Josh and Nina, and of course Mom. But we made it. As we will continue to do. One day at a time. And we will be thankful for the promise of getting to see her again.