A Few More Easter Memories...

Dulcie

Holland

An Egg Hunt at Home

Easter Memories

The girls awoke this morning to find their Easter baskets overflowing with lovely things. Godiva chocolates (one shaped like a charming parasol), creamy roses and sky blue hydrangeas, Flower Fairy flower seeds, tiny Steiff bunnies (a paperwhite one for Holland and an apricot colored one for Dulcie), and a robin’s egg soap from Gianna Rose. I started a silver collection for them this year and each had an ice cream fork in Gorham’s Buttercup pattern in their baskets. Every southern belle needs one of those, wouldn’t you say? :) Holland also received an audio of The Secret Garden to listen to in the car while Dulcie received a storybook from Bunnies By The Bay. The best part is that the Easter bunny shopped throughout the year and when he found something he thought would be a sweet addition to a little girl's basket, he stored it in the linen closet. So other than the chocolates and fresh flowers, his task was very simple this year. Holland and Dulcie, as always, were very grateful for their gifts.

After church, we had plans to have brunch at The Harbour Club. This is where Mark and I had our wedding reception many years ago so it’s always special to go there. But during church, Holland wasn't feeling well. She and I ended up listening to the sermon in the foyer. After much thought she decided she needed to stay home. I insisted that Mark and Dulcie go ahead and and enjoy time together at The Harbour Club while I stayed home with Holland and served her chamomile tea and bunny shaped crackers. They brought us home something to eat though including several traditional Easter desserts! So, the day didn't turn out as we had planned but all in all, it was a special day.

Happy Easter, dear friends!

A Traditional Seder

Last evening our church gathered at the home of our pastor for a ceremonial Seder meal. As we learned about the rich tradition of the Seder, families sat together around a plate of traditional Passover foods which represented historical events...

Matzoh, the bread of haste, full of lines and piercings, just as Our Messiah was pierced for our sins. (Isaiah 53:1) Two were shared among the families while one was hidden for children to search for later.

Horseradish, bitter to remind one of the bitterness of slavery of the Israelites while in Egypt.

Charoses (apples, nuts, wine and cinnamon) which remind one of the mortar made by the slaves as they toiled in constructing buildings for Pharaoh and the Egyptians.

Parsley was used to symbolize hope and redemption, served with a cup of salt water, tears shed.

Four cups of wine (The cup of sanctification, instruction, redemption, and praise) were served throughout the evening

A charred bone representing the sacrificial lamb was shown as we listened to the story of the Passover.

It was a somber time in which I learned so much. I think I would like our family to honor this tradition every year. Afterwards, as always, our church had a lovely time of fellowship with one another. Holland saw a sweet girl she met at a Christmas tea party last year while I was able to visit with her mother and others. Perhaps you would like to make a Seder meal a part of your Easter traditions?

Days of Gentility

I'm so pleased with my daughters. Today, they accompanied me to my hair appointment. As I was being colored, shampooed, cut and styled, Holland and Dulcie sat in the crowded waiting area with the other customers who were awaiting their turn with the hair magicians. They were within my sight at all times. Each time another lady entered the salon to find no seats, my little girls stood up to offer theirs. I miss the days when this was not an uncommon gesture, when children sacrificed their place for their elders, when they respected their elders. I believe this isn't just a subject for Emily Post though. Scripture teaches this as well. How many places do we read of rising to one's feet as a sign of reverence? Showing respect to the aging brings honor to God. The instruction from Leviticus 19:32 is timeless. "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." I think, as parents, we need to go back to teaching our children to honor those who came before us.

Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Commitment to Loveliness

I love Emma's blog, Charming the Birds from the Trees. I thought I would begin participating in her Commitment to Loveliness. With two young ladies watching my every step, I want to show them the importance of caring for oneself, tending to home and the honor of having been created a lady. Would you like to join me? Each week, simply pick five things to add to the beauty and femininity of your life and post about them. Simple! Here are mine for this week...

1. To begin wearing a bit of fragrance everyday, even when I stay at home. The girls love it and it makes me feel special.
2. I would like to exude more the beautiful fragrance of my Lord.
3. I will begin spending time in God's word again...I've been so neglectful lately.
4. Increase the numbers of water I drink each day. I've done so well with this as of late but there are still days that I don't come close to the recommended amount.
5. Arrange some fresh flowers for our Easter centerpiece.