Easter

We had a nice Easter. I'm big on the tradition of waking up, letting the kids find their baskets, eating a nice breakfast then trotting off to church, followed by a grand egg hunt when we get home.

This is the first year that Cookies really "got" the whole egg hunt idea- and had us hide the eggs again and again. I tell you- having kids brings an excitement back to holidays that had fades away as you get older. I got giddy about baskets and hiding eggs. Even dying eggs was more fun this year. It is nice to feel that way again. And it didn't even take getting a basket from Bum. In fact- this is the first year we didn't do baskets for each other.

We went to my parent's church- our old church for Easter service. It made me a little sad, because it was then I realized that it was no longer our home church. I didn't get that same sense of joy being there. That was hard. But the service was good. Pastor Dary asked a couple of questions that really got me thinking. First he asked, "What are you willing to die for?"-- easy. My kids and husband. But then he asked, "What are you willing to LIVE for?" Well gosh. My kids and husband of course- but what beyond that? What am I going to put my passion into beyond raising my children? I feel like so much of that passion is gone- and I don't know where it went. I have been tempted to brush up on my flute skills again and give lessons. Or get involved with worship at church again. Maybe take some classes on photography or cake decorating. Something so that I can offer myself to others. I think it is easy to get depressed when you feel useless. Or at least not valued. I know our home would not function if I weren't around. I know I can create things- and I am slowly becoming a better photographer- but the things I make aren't used by other people. And I am not planning on a photography business. So here I sit- questioning how I can offer myself beyond raising wonderful kiddos. May take some time to figure it out.

Shameless cute baby pictures...