celebrating new life and new opportunities

I enjoyed telling Vivi the story of Easter...or rather, reading a book to her on the subject I got from the library, Easter by Gail Gibbons. It's a sweet book that wraps up all of the elements of Easter nicely. If you struggle as I do about how to incorporate Jesus, hunting for eggs, candy, and the Easter bunny together, you might also enjoy the book. Er, well, it's a bit late for me to be telling you. Next year you'll enjoy it. File that one away somewhere.

I heard once and for all that it won't work out for me to visit Nate at the tail end of his two-month international work trip. I may not have mentioned to you that it was a possibility because I didn't want to get my hopes up. But now that I know it won't happen, Reader, I realize I did have high hopes for it to work out. I am disappointed. However, I have much in my life for which to be grateful. The girls are a joy to parent and be with, and our quiet days are punctuated by bursts of activity and laughter. This blog is growing in readership by leaps and bounds, and I am thankful for all of the wisdom you have shared with me and each other. Thank you!

Forsythias and azaleas are blooming, which means once and for all that spring is officially here. It seems like everyone around me is pregnant, and I am so happy for them to be growing their families. Celebrating new life is my favorite aspect of the Easter holiday. Recently the girls and I witnessed hours-old lambs being cared for by their mother, and I think they (the girls, not the lambs) were as touched as I was by the experience. We stared in peaceful silence for full minutes on end (a feat for a toddler!), just watching them snuggle and totter around and sleep.

Happy Easter and Passover! I hope you are enjoying the warmth of spring and the love of your family today.
Hugs,
~J