Happy Resurrection Sunday!

I hope you all had a good weekend. :)

The boys went to stay with my mom, so while they were gone I went to Target to get them some goodies. Last year I made Resurrection day boxes, so this year I decided to do Resurrection evening bags. I read an article recently on chocolate slavery and it was so sad and eye opening. As a result, I decided to seek out slave free organic chocolate, along with some naturally sweet fruit treats. There is a good list of where to find it here. I was tempted to buy clone trooper helmet baskets, but in order to save money, I got inexpensive gift bags instead and filled them with recycled shredded paper. I also bought them new markers and pads of paper, which we go through very quickly! Of course they also got Easter treats from their Grammy, Stan, Papaw, and Lexi... which was really sweet of them, but enough to probably last until next year. :) They had such a good time with my family. They had an egg hunt and went bumper bowling with my mom, her fiance, and my sister and brother-in-law, and then to church with them this morning before coming back home this afternoon.

I spent yesterday catching up on e-mail and blog reading & writing and tried to get as much R&R as I could soak up. I have been battling bronchitis again for the past couple of weeks, and even though there were a million things I really needed to get done this weekend, I knew it was important to take some time to rest. I have been trying to fight this virus naturally and was able to get rid of my sore throat and sinus infection by taking silver biotic and gargling with apple cider vinegar. But this chest infection just won't see to go away, and my asthma has been really severe as a result, so I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and will probably have to treat it with antibiotics again. :(

I coughed and wheezed all through church this morning, but was so happy I made it through... they combined all 3 services into one this morning and met a conference center instead of at our normal location. I was running a few minutes behind, so I had to park really far away and take the shuttle (aka, daycare bus) over to the building, along with a few other people. It was so good to celebrate the rising of our Christ with my church family. It was a really unique service... they had artists painting during the Pastor's message and passed out coloring pages and crayons to the kids to create along with them in their seats. I couldn't help but wish the boys and Nolan were there with me, as I knew they would have enjoyed it. It was nice to see a couple close friends after the service for a few moments, and then I got back on the shuttle bus (as the only passenger aboard!) The new driver and I joked about how he was my own personal shuttle chauffeur and then I pretended to be on a safari expedition. I didn't see any wild animals on my way back to the car, but we did pick up another person along the way who was tired of walking too. :)

I have had this worship song in my heart all week and was so happy to hear and sing it this morning in church... my favorite lyrics of this song are, "Break my heart for what breaks yours"....



After I got home and had a late breakfast I felt kinda lazy about shuttling it (even though I think being sick and asthmatic is a good excuse!) but also, the weather was gorgeous today, so I decided to take a walk with my camera, soak up some sunshine, and capture the first buds and blossoms of Spring. I absolutely love this time of new growth and re-birth. The sun was so rejuvenating, and even though I was out of breath by the time I got home, it was good to get a little fresh air and exercise.

Not long after I got home, the boys returned and were excited to find goody bags on their beds. We had dinner and got caught up, they drew some pictures with their new markers, played outside for a bit, and are now fast asleep in bed.... sigh. Weekends always go by so fast. I am hoping to feel better very soon because I have a super busy weekend ahead of me coming up! My mom is getting married this Sat and then Sun we're going to my brother and and his wife's baby shower. My doctor's appointment isn't until the end of the week... so please pray a quick healing for me! I was planning to go to my woman's Bible study in the morning, but think I am going to stay home and rest. I am hoping the drastic change in temperatures begins to even out a bit and that this Spring is filled with renewed strength, energy, and health!

I always have to remind myself that as much pain and sickness and suffering we experience in our lives, it is NOTHING compared to what Jesus took on for us. I am so thankful that God has not only nailed our sins to the cross... but also, that through Him we have been promised new life! I pray that whatever it is you are going through right now, that God will heal and restore you. I am so blessed to have an amazing family and such good friends. I am so thankful for each of you. :)

Love and blessings,
Erin

Btw, I got my camera stuck in a weird setting... in case you're wondering why my pics are so slender. It's unstuck now though. :)

Oh, and just for your viewing pleasure... the peep version of one of my favorite shows, "Project Runway". Enjoy! :)