Friday, March 14, 2008

It's Beginning to Feel ALOT Like Springtime

I love to decorate for the seasons and various holidays. My favorites are fall and Christmas, and I have boxes and bins full of cute decorations that I enjoy putting out for my family to enjoy.

But spring. OH SPRING. It seemed you might never come.

And then it arrived in a flourish yesterday. The birds were so noisy. I suppose they were making plans for their spring and summer homes, talking amongst themselves, feeding like they hadn't eaten in months (ahem, little birds, I beg to differ), and entertaining all of us with their songs. My neighbor declared, "I saw a ROBIN today!" Despite the strep throat, Cody, Caden, Ozzie and I ventured outside and we blew bubbles, took a walk around the block, and played on the driveway (every other area was way too muddy and damp). By the time we arrived back home, I felt like I literally had "spring" in my step. None of us wanted to come inside.

Since Easter is in a little over ONE WEEK, I figured it was finally time to pull out my springtime decorations. I just couldn't do it when it was a mere 20 degrees outside and there was still a foot of snow on the ground! We still have quite a bit, but now you can see grass. Oh spring. How I love thee.

And now, a question for my bloggy friends. I need your creativity. I am having several neighborhood children over for egg decorating on Good Friday (their moms don't want to do it this year). Good Friday is usually a day that we remain somewhat somber as we reflect upon Christ's sacrifice, so it feels a little strange to be doing something celebratory like decorating eggs. Our schedule doesn't allow any other time to do it before Easter. So, this question is for you, my bloggy friends. Do you know of a way that I could incorporate the gospel into egg decorating for my kids and our neighborhood kids? I know about the resurrection eggs, but I wanted to try to do something that focused on the true meaning of Easter while we decorated the eggs. I'd love to hear your ideas. Thanks, everyone! Have a great weekend!

6 comments:

Glass Half Full said...

I haven't even attempted to color eggs with my own children - HA! If I think of a creative way to tie in Christ death/life, I'll let you know.

Yesterday was beautiful and today is too. Tomorrow: 30's!

Lori

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

Oh, I am interested in seeing what suggestions you get! I wonder if you can tell the story while you are decorating and maybe have Christian Easter themed stickers and such to go along... maybe help them write a verse or two on there? Not sure if that's too complicated!

I found this little explanation online:

The Easter egg's a symbol of the miracle of birth and the beauty of creation as each spring renews the earth. But, even more, it represents Christ rising from the dead and the message of new life and hope, his resurrection spread. Today, each brightly colored egg reflects a special part of the gift of joy and gladness that Christ brings to every heart.

Be sure to post pics!! : )
Steph

Kari Lynn said...

Yeah Spring! Only a little more than 2 months till we get to see each other. I am so excited!

The Kempiak Party of Five said...

Hey girl, do you know about the Easter Story Cookies? I can't wait to do them this upcoming Saturday with my kids (tradition)...you can do them a few days early. You make cookies the night before Easter and experience the miracle of Easter through the ingredients you use and the scripture you read with them. Let me know if you need a copy.

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

What a WONDERFUL way to reach out to the kids in your neighborhood!!!!

Have you ever seen the book The Legend of the Easter Egg by Lori Walburg? It's a children's book that is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of the gospel. I love reading this book to my girls each year.

May the Lord bless your efforts to share Christ with the children around you!

The Kempiak Party of Five said...

Hey there...I know I've replied to this already but I had another idea. My kids (and I) are very visual, so books are always a great way to go as well. There are so many good ones out there if you visit your local Christian bookstore (like Berean). I have some titles if you'd like but also know that you may not be able to be too picky since it's Easter week.

Also, we have 3 kid dvds for Easter. Miss Patty Cake's Egg-Strava-Ganza (the kids LOVE it, it goes with the resurrection egg style)that runs for 35 minutes, Great Heroes and Legends of the Bible...The Last Supper and Resurrection that runs 50 minutes, and a Veggie Tale Easter (the kids like it but to be honest I have not taken the time to watch it this year or at least remember it from past seasons).