Easter Festivities

Oh how I love the holidays and how it enables us to spend a little extra time with our families!  The yearly tradition at my Mother-in-Law's house is decorating Easter eggs.  Lucas had a blast with it this year...and I can happily say that the eggs and his hands were the only things that got dye on them!  (Dipping the eggs in different colors also gave him some time to practice his colors!)  I only wish I took more pictures!

On Easter day we made the trip up to my parents' and had dinner next door at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  Praise God for the spring weather enabling all the kiddos to enjoy their Easter egg hunt.  There were so many eggs!!  (and therefore more candy than I know what to do with!)

The day started with an egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Off to look for the eggs!

Searching all over!

Now it's playtime with the goodies inside the eggs!

Most of us hanging outside (sadly missing our Hawaii family)

We had a great time, but unfortunately had to head home that night.  Pete was able to enjoy silence by both Lucas and I who dozed off merely minutes after leaving the driveway...  Blessings to all!

He is RISEN!!!

Praise God we have a risen Savior!!  Can you even imagine the emotions that Mary and Mary Magdalene were feeling when they went to the tomb only to find an angel and no Jesus?  All I know is I would have been speechless, scared beyond belief and probably would have fallen to my feet!  This Easter weekend I just want to remind and remember how promising and thorough our Lord and Savior is.  Only God knew the plan He had for Jesus and the events to come in His last days.  But, sometimes still I admit that after reading the scriptures I often ask myself, why didn't Jesus argue more that He IS the savior, why didn't God save him from that torture, WHY WHY WHY?!  Well, obviously we know why and I therefore couldn't be more thankful for why those things didn't happen.  As much as I rely on God daily, I need constant reminders that He is the Master Planner.  I must trust that His plan is sovereign above all.  Thank you God for always fulfilling your plan, just as you said!

"The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said."  Matthew 28:5-6

I know, it's been awhile!!  But here's the latest....
Last Tuesday Pete and I were abel to hear the incredible sound of our little baby's heartbeat!  Oh how amazing it was!  I am now 13 weeks along and the Dr. said so far so good!  It only took seconds after we left the office to start calling people to let everyone know!
Wednesday I had to drive up to Providence for another ultrasound.  This one was to help with testing for Down Syndrome and Open Neural Tube Defects.  I was blessed to have my mom join me in this experience.  The only problem was the little peanut was not cooperating!! In order to get a proper reading on the ultrasound the baby has to be in a certain position in my belly.  Well, needless to say, the baby was NOT in that position!  After lying on my back for awhile the nurse asked me to move to my side, then back again, then get up, go to the bathroom etc. etc.  One hour later, she was able to get a good enough picture and reading.  After watching the monitor for awhile I now speculate why I've been feeling so nauseous...the baby wouldn't stop punching and kicking!  There was constant movement of feet and hands from that little one!  The nurse said the baby is now close to 3 inches long.  It was so incredible to see something so small but already have a belly, ribs, feet, hands and so much more!  Many tears were shed by both my mom and I during this visit....Here is a picture of our little peanut.

Pete thinks our little one looks like an alien...I think it looks like a owl   :-)

This past Sunday we drove up to my parents to spend some 'catering' time with my mom who had an intensive surgery on Thursday.  Praise God she is doing well, but will unfortunately just have to deal with a long recovery.  We had a great time enjoying the nice weather, relaxing and playing 'Mom' to Mom!
Here are some pictures of Lucas riding our old little 4-wheeler at Grandma and Grandpa's.  He had a blast!

In other news, all is well around the house.  Mango's is starting to pick up with the warmer weather, which is such a blessing to our wallet!  And, Pete is getting jobs lined up for the weeks to come.  He's been so excited to work lately.  Lucas is getting bigger and more talkative as the minutes go by.  He cannot wait for the baby to come out of my belly so he can play horsies and machines with him or her.  Just about every day he asks if the baby grew enough yet to come out to play - it's going to be a long summer for him if he's asking now! Kona and the horses are shedding like crazy, but looking nice and svelte nonetheless.  I have yet to ask my Dr. if it's still ok for me to ride.  I don't know what I'll do if he tells me I soon can't!  

Well, I guess that's it for now, I'll try to blog again soon!

May the words of my mouth and the meditation 

of my heart be pleasing to you,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14