Happy Easter

The next day [they] heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.  They took palm branches and went out to meet him shouting "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:12-13)

Yesterday we had own "Hosanna" heyday, thanks to the palm branches Grandma and Grandpa sent to us.

It was a hard one to capture in photo.  Some of the pictures are therefore a little out of focus!  As you can see, there was a lot of waving of branches.  So neat to reenact and feel like we were there cheering on our King with the real Palm branches.  Jasmine sang the Hosanna song she learned at school at top volume and we all joined in.  Levi was reluctant to have his picture taken, stage fright maybe.  Jack just whipped us and everything in sight with this big fan, twice the height of him.  He was not in favour of being Jesus on Jasmine's donkey back as she carried him over a carpet of branches...as much as she said it would be fun.

You might also notice the sticky tabs on the window--an idea I got from an inspiring blog I am following www.aholyexperience.com.  Each day, usually at a meal, we write down on post-it notes things we are grateful for.  The window has been steadily filling as lent progresses.  Jasmine loves it. What she can't write herself she asks for help spelling or draws.  I ask Levi what he is thankful for and write it for him.  Some surprise entries from Daddy and Levi.  Levi signs his name and other letters and tells us it means he is thankful for his brother Jack...and neighbour friend Andrew.  Jack has a couple of scribble drawings up.  I am surprised by how little space things and toys take up in our hearts and minds.  We are mostly grateful for the people we have in our lives who we love and who love us in return.

This is character trait that perplexes most parents:  teaching our children to be grateful.  Do you have an activities or techniques you use to help your child or yourself have a more grateful heart?  Please share!

Most of all we are thankful for our Saviour who died on the cross and rose again to give us life and freedom to really live.

Wishing you a blessed Easter.  He lives!