MY Family: Easter 2009

Before Tim came into the picture, I never had Miguel and Karizma participate in Easter egg hunts, Easter bunnies, or baskets because I did not want to take the focus off of Jesus and confuse them. I truly wanted Easter to focus on the gift of Jesus. We never did the egg or bunny thing when I was a kid, either. Anyway, once Tim and I got married and I shared with him my reasons, he agreed and we continued celebrating Easter the same way. This sometimes clashed with the rest of our extended family, and we decided a couple of years back to avoid dealing with having to work around the hunts and such and doing our own family day. Plus, it was VERY important to us that we really spend the day reflecting on Christ's sacrifice for us. Now, please listen, Tim and I are in NO WAY saying that having Easter egg hunts, Easter bunnies, and baskets are wrong, they just did not fit into what we wanted to do with our kids. We have never asked anyone to change their plans or to not have their Easter fun because of what we choose to do with our children. We just asked that they respect our decisions...sometimes that is easier 'hoped' than achieved. So, we had to start our own family traditions. God truly blessed that decision and as I recall correctly, Walker said to me on Easter: "Mom, I love our Easter tradition of taking an Easter walk and talking about Jesus." Now, this was 'news' to me, because I did not realize that he saw that is a tradition, since we had only done it the year before. So, it was imperative that we continue this and God blessed our day richly with reminders of HIM.



It was truly a blessed Easter this year...or as our Pastor likes to call it 'Resurrection Sunday'. We spent the day enjoying our 3 little boys, Walker, Christian, and Zack...but, missing our 2 oldest, Miguel and Karizma (I am sure they didn't miss us as much as they spent a long weekend with Gramita and Grandpapa and went to Magic Mountain.)


Tim and I decided that we would spend the day making some of the boys 'wishes' come true. So, after a really wonderful sermon given by our beloved Pastor, we surprised the boys by heading to the trolley station. We took it all the way down to Old Town, San Diego, and they were over the moon excited. When we got to Old Town we found a place to eat and it was such a blessing finding ways to incorporate JESUS into everything in our day. We took them to the toy shop and for dessert at the local mexican bakery. Then we headed to the plaza that sells mexican type gifts. They were each allowed to pick one thing. Walker and Christian chose guitars (I was hoping one would pick the little toy accordian so they could form a little mexican band.) and Zack chose the maracas. What an adorable sight they were in their Easter clothes standing on the corner playing their instruments. I told Tim all we needed was a cup for people to put their spare change in and we would have earned our lunch money back.


I am blessed to say that much of the family that didn't get us in years past have now come to Christ. PRAISE GOD! And some have even adopted some of our views. Isn't it funny how things work? This is why God wants us to be mindful of our examples at ALL TIMES because they are supposed to be a reflection of JESUS.

Thank you, Lord for the greatest gift of all, the sacrifice your son, JESUS, made on the cross for each and everyone of us. I am truly blessed to know you, have you, and love you. Thank you also for the precious arrows you have brought into my life in forms of sons, daughters, nephews, and nieces. Lord, they are absolutely beautiful, inside and out!
(L-R: Tristan(5 and mama's right hand man) holding Gracen(10 months and standing/crawling), Sonoma(2 and potty trained!), Skyler(4 and I think he is a superhero in the making), Christian(4 and a CONSTANT joy in our lives), Zachary(2 and potty trained!), and Walker(5 and reading and a whiz with his math!)