Happy Easter!

What a wonderful weekend!

I took Friday off and spent it with the girls. We had such a wonderful day!

Saturday, we dyed Easter eggs. This was really the first year that Ann Catherine could take part and she loved it. Every time she dyed one, she would say, "I want to do one more!" After she dyed them, she put stickers on them.

Just in case you're wondering where Lily was, she was sitting in her high chair eating and watching Elmo. She really could have cared less. She's still too young to understand what's going on. I can only imagine how crazy it will be next year trying to dye eggs with both of them!

This morning, we went to church. My girls looked adorable if I do say so myself! Ann Catherine loves new clothes and was thrilled to wear her "big girl tights" and new Easter shoes. And Lily? Let's just say I was thrilled to have Lily dressed with a bow in her hair. She is in constant motion and it's hard to get her to sit still for anything right now.

Chris' parents are visiting, so the Easter Bunny brought more than usual. In addition to their Easter basket, chocolates and other goodies, Ann Catherine and Lily also got some adorable, painted Adirondack chairs for outside. They looked so cute sitting in them!

Would you believe after two gorgeous, warm days that it was so chilly this morning?! Even so, I wanted the girls to hide Easter eggs, so we put their jackets on and went outside. After that, we went back inside and played some more. They had a blast!

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know that I've gone through a rough patch emotionally. Melissa has been so heavy on my mind and heart. As the service began at church this morning, I began to feel anxious and wondered if I could get through the service. I just prayed that God would help me - and he did. The first worship song was the one I told you about last week that always makes me cry. But this morning, I sang that song with a smile on my face. Yes, I had tears in my eyes but I also felt so happy.

You see, Easter has taken on such a different meaning for me since Melissa died. First, because I believe that Jesus died and rose again, I have the assurance that Melissa is in Heaven and that I will see her again. Also, I remember when Melissa died, I thought that no one in the world could understand my pain - including God. Then one day I realized, he understood better than anyone. Not only did his son die, but he gave him willingly. I could NEVER have given Melissa up willingly. But, he did. And I am so grateful for that. Because of what he did, death does not separate me from my daughter forever.

That's a beautiful gift on this Easter. Besides the wonderful times I shared with Ann Catherine and Lily this weekend, I have the promise of wonderful times to come with Melissa. Thank you God for that.