Easter 2012...

We had a busy weekend full of friends and family with fun activities and great food which I'll detail tomorrow, but today I will focus on the real Easter. The kids had a great Saturday and even participated in an egg hunt. Before going to bed we were talking of Easter and we questioned Hunter as to it's meaning. He looked at us confused and replied, "Eggs and stuff, and a bunny." Nothing tears at your heart like the feeling of failing and we felt we had failed. You better believe he didn't go to bed until we had a good conversation as to the true meaning of Easter. Up until this year, we have been really good about separating the "fun" aspects of Easter from the "real"aspects of Easter.

Saturday is the day we do baskets with candy and egg hunts galore. With that behind us, Sunday we were allowed a more spiritual experience as we truly focused on Jesus Christ. We missed the boat this year purely from lack of planning and overwhelmed with a busy weekend. After Hunter's response last night, there is no doubt we will go back to baskets on Saturday with all the fun and hoopla that goes with them. I love it all - I just need my children to understand the difference.

I want them to understand that they have a loving Heavenly Father who lives and loves them dearly.

I want them to understand and gain faith that Jesus Christ lived on the earth and that He is risen.

I want them to understand that there is and always will be peace and hope in the Atonement.

I want them to understand they are never alone.

I love this declaration that testifies of the same Savior that we celebrated today. I also enjoy this quote by Elder Robert D. Hales, “When the challenges of mortality come, and they come for all of us, it may seem hard to keep believing. At these times, only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding. Only faith that He suffered for our sakes will give us the strength to endure to the end."

I have faith. I am grateful for this day we celebrate such faith.