Happy Spring!

Happy first day of spring!  When the children were little, we decided to do all the cute bunny - spring stuff on the first day of spring rather than Easter Sunday.  We keep Easter focused on the resurrection of our Savior by moving all "fluff" to a different day.

I have to admit, the first day of spring often catches me by surprise. And it is definitely celebrated much quieter than when the children were younger. Gone are the days of bubbles and new jump ropes and matchbox cars in their "Spring Baskets." I have some candy for the boys, and made bird's nest cookies this morning. Check out the beautiful photos and tutorial at this web site for instructions! 

As I was making the cookies, the birds were singing brilliantly through the open windows. The backyard has been greener every morning. The world is coming alive again.  Like the trailer for a movie to be released, creation's re-birth is a  beautiful foreshadowing of what is to come - the celebration of the Savior alive from the dead!  

I can almost hear the choir of my childhood church as they parade down the center aisle of the sanctuary, "Christ the Lord has risen today!  Alleluia!"  Mrs. Ahrens, my piano teacher is at the organ; Easter lilies line the alter.  The church is filled with worshippers, and Charles Wesley's hymn can be heard outside the doors. Yes, Easter needs to be reserved for Him alone, not crowded out by chocolate and eggs.

Today, however, we immerse ourselves in celebrating the newness of spring with chocolate sticky fingers, Peeps, jelly beans, bird's nest cookies, and sunny weather.  Alleluia - it's Spring!