Friday, March 21, 2008

Good Friday

Good Friday has been a good Friday. We've had a long, lazy day at home and I've actually taken two naps. Two. That might give you some indication of the crazy-busy week I've had. Thankfully, I feel rested and ready for the weekend.

Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions for appetizers. I had Bunco last night and I tried a couple of new recipes. You absolutely must try Jenn's corn salsa sometime. It was delicious and was a huge hit, as was the pico de gallo from The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I also made Carrie's M&M Dream Bars and everyone loved them...especially my children!

I seem to be on a new recipe kick because I made Leah's Southwestern Pizza for dinner tonight, and it was awesome! I think it's a new family favorite, and I will soon be adding it to my recipe blog!

John took the kids to see Horton Hears a Who last night and they thought it was great. It was a fun way to kick off the beginning of spring break! (And a good way for them to spend a couple of hours while my Bunco friends were here!)

Tomorrow is a big day at our house. It's John's birthday, and it's Abbey's birthday too! I don't have a baby anymore...my big girl is going to be SIX!!! She's requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and we told her we'd let her choose a restaurant for a birthday lunch or dinner. She wants all of us to have lunch at McDonald's (*gag*) and have macaroni and cheese for dinner. I'm trying really hard to change her mind about Mickey D's, but so far the only alternative she'll consider is Carl's Jr. Poor John...I bet he's wishing he had been given the choice!

One of our birthday traditions is to pull out the birthday kid's "first year album" and look through it together. When Abbey woke up this morning, that was one of the first things out of her mouth.



Another tradition at our house is a visit from the Easter bunny. He always visits our home on the evening of Good Friday. I like it much better this way because the kids get to eat their candy and play with their stuff all day Saturday, making it a lot a lot easier to keep the focus on Jesus on Easter morning! So, in addition to birthday stuff tomorrow, we'll have Easter goodies too! Should be a full and fun-packed morning.

Even though our weekend feels really full, it's about more than candy and birthdays and bunnies and gifts. It's about Jesus' love for me and for you...Love that sacrificed all so that we might live fully and freely. I am so incredibly thankful for His gift.

10 comments:

His Girl said...

May your Easter be a sweet time with your family & with our Savior!

Trish said...

Mer, I thought only military wives played Bunco. Love it, love it, love it!

We're to the stage in our family where there are no longer any Easter (Resurrection) Eggs, bunnies, chicks, candy or Easter baskets. I thought I didn't miss them, but faced with the fact that next Easter I'll have a granddaughter, I'm really looking forward to reviving those traditions!

May your Easter be blessed ~ praise God, Jesus is risen!

Blessings,
Trish

*carrie* said...

Mer,

So glad you enjoyed the dream bars--even without chocolate! =)

I enjoyed reading about your Easter and b-day traditions--hope you enjoy the next couple of very special days.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Happy birthday to the pertinent parties! ;o)

Have a blessed and meaningful Easter holiday, Mer and family.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Gretchen said...

Happy B'day to Abbey and John!

Sounds like BUNCO dinner was fab. Wish I were in your Bunco group. :)

I love the idea of Easter baskets on Saturday. Sooo hard to jam everything in on Sunday a.m. because of church--which is where I want to be anyway, but I always feel torn because Big isn't there with us. It's also hard to get through with baskets and b'fast when you have to be at church by 7:30 or 8, so I think the Easter bunny may come early to our house next year, too.

I did our big meal today, and it was fab. We had brunch with dear friends. Perfect. I walked my 5 miles for my 3 day, had brunch, and now it's nap time. Does it get better than that? xxxooogretchen

Betsy said...

Sounds like your weekend is going to be fun and busy! All the recipes you listed sound awesome! I bet the ladies at Bunco loved everything!

I really like the idea of the Easter Bunny coming on Good Friday. That's a great way to still have fun, but keep the focus where it needs to be.

Enjoy your special weekend!

Kelly said...

So - I should have read this first - they do share a birthday! So neat!
You have a lot of REALLY GREAT traditions!! You inspire me!

Jenn said...

Sounds like it was a great day! Glad you enjoyed the recipe and had fun at Bunco!

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

We pull out baby books for birthdays too--but get them out for the whole month so the girls can show them to everyone who happens by for a visit.

They just love seeing themselves as babies and hearing the story of how they were born, received their name, and anything else they can think to ask!

Joanne

Leah Belle said...

Glad you liked the recipe! It's one of our favorites.