I was so sure the girls had Friday off of school for Good Friday, but they don't and I'm bummed. Audrey just asked if they could stay home anyway, but I've heard the school is planning a cool chapel for them, so they're going. Plus I have school that morning too.
We're having our Seder dinner on Friday night and there should be plenty of time for the girls to help with it when they come home from school on Friday. They can set the table and maybe make the haroset. And maybe make some Easter story cookies.
I've blogged about this tradition before here. If you've never done one of these, it's an amazing experience. We like to include others, but with Good Friday services, it makes it a little tricky for other families to come.
I think this year it will just be the four of us--something that feels a little weird since we live close to family, but normal at the same time since growing up it was just my parents, my sister, and me for the most part.
I have to confess that I've not really decorated for Easter this year. Despite being aware of Lent and doing a Lenten devotional (Reliving the Passion by Walter Wangerin--so good!), I feel like it's snuck up on me.
We'll go to church with my parents on Sunday morning and then have brunch at their house. And Mom decorated, so all's well!
By the way, if you've never read or seen The Robe, now's a good time. If you like Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series, you'll love it!
What are you doing to get ready for Easter?
I am halfway through the first book in the Mark of The Lion series - and can't put it down, so I don't know what the links are, but I will be checking them out immediately. I LOVE Francine Rivers books and can't seem to get enough of them.
Posted by: Kristy | April 08, 2009 at 08:44 PM
I have to do all the mandatory stuff (cooking, cleaning, decor), but what I am REALLY trying to do is get my heart ready. I wasnt in the right frame of mind last year (had a 7 week old), so this year I want to be intentional about it....
Posted by: CherryTreeLane | April 08, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Hello Joanne! I just read Janna's latest entry about the dedication in the book you wrote. That's awesomely sweet of you, Joanne! You totally rock! (:
Posted by: Puva | April 08, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Wow, are my eyes opening and my heart excited! I've never heard of a Seder meal before - and don't know that I have the $$ to pull it off this year. But we can definitely do the cookies - and will!
Thanks for that one. I'm so excited.
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
Posted by: Kim Feth | April 09, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Unfortunately, as a PW I sometimes feel like my job is just to help the family "survive" during holidays. But now that I write those words, I guess that's a choice I'm making - a total excuse. It stinks sometimes... but now that's my depression talking! Boy am I messed up or what! Thank you for this post... you've helped me re-think my plans for the rest of the weekend!
Posted by: Shane | April 09, 2009 at 09:04 AM
This year is full of new experiences for our family. We started going to church again regularly in November - thanks in large part to your blog and others I've found in the past year - and became members at the end of March. Last Saturday, we participated in a church program called Journey to the Cross geared towards elementary school kids. It was amazing and interactive and the whole family enjoyed it. Then on Sunday, we did a Hike to the Cross at the top of a mountain in our town. It had 10 stops up the hill that discussed Jesus' last days. Finally, the Easter Bunny's big gift this year will be a set of Resurrection Eggs - I'm sooo exited about these and hope that my 2 girls will enjoy them too. I love your idea about the Easter Story cookies and I'm glad that you posted the recipe early enough. I've already put that on the list for Saturday night. Whew...that was a long answer for your short question! :)
Posted by: Nicole | April 09, 2009 at 09:02 PM