see even more fun here

For Good Friday at our house this year, we hosted several of our friends for dinner and a Tenebrae. Our pastor had put together a booklet that broke the story of the crucifixion down into nine sections based on a section in the book of Luke paraphrased for children. We had nine candles lit in the middle of the room, then each adult took one of the readings. As a reading was finished a candle was extinguished until the burial of Jesus in the tomb when the last candle went out.

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The kids did fairly well, though the girls were decked out in princess gear by that point, and the little boys were wondering what-on-Earth to do with themselves in such a girly house. The children took turns extinguishing the candles, which went surprisingly well - after Julia stopped attempting to start a rousing 'Happy Birthday' from the crowd. Carolyn and one of her best friends, Landry, each offered a prayer (which cracked me up, "God, thank you for our food, amen" from both of them...there was no food at this point).

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Truly though, this was a holy moment. Not only did we model for our children the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifice of Christ on the cross - we as parents had the opportunity to reflect on the 'dark hour' Christ endured. Easter is all the more joyful when the bleak reality of the cross is first appreciated.

As the nine o'clock hour approaches the proclamation goes out: "Bedtime girls! Go pick out your books!" Four little feet hussle up the stairs at breakneck speeds. In front of the big green bookcase heads tip from side to side, sometimes a finger is brought to the edge of the little lips, 'hmmm?' At last they both have a selection in hand, they slap it on mattress as they climb up to the bed top where they snuggle into their spots, ready for story time. Tonight we might search for Cinderella's slipper in a search-and-find book, then Curious George might take us to the zoo, or the Dr. Seuss Dictionary might teach us our letters, or we might look for a lost Big Green Pocketbook, or read about friendship in the Giving Tree. We always end our time the same, we open up the Sweet Dreams Princess devotion book and read a story, or two, or three. Carolyn loves (bery much) the stories. She can already retell several essential Bible stories, and she engages in the devotional questions, which leads me to think at least a little is soaking in. It is one of those sacred moments tucked into the everyday-ness of life, when we all get quiet together and think about something bigger than ourselves, our busy day and our worries.

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this is the one for girls

and here is the one for boys

My brother-in-law returned from Iraq last week. Tonight we had him, my sister and their three kiddos over for dinner and egg dying. By the end the kids had lost interest and the adults were all trying to see what we could do with a few wax crayons, rubber bands and some creativity. For dinner we ate his favorite penne pasta meal with homemade tomato sauce and parmesan-ish fried chicken, homemade focaccia bread and brownie sundaes. When he left over a year ago I promised him this meal upon his return - I think he earned it.

Holy Week has begun. Carolyn waved her palm branch yesterday as she was led through the sanctuary during worship - priceless smile and happy steps. Today she made ceramic eggs with her Dad while Mommy worked. Tomorrow there shall be more egg decorating with cousins, Thursday we will make a tomb out of clay and Friday night we will have friends over to host a Good Friday rememberance time. All of this to point to Sunday, to Easter, to an ancient story that can rivet a four-year-old as much as her Mommy.

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I am reading Reflections for Holy Week with Brandon for our own adult preparation. I recommend it, small book with short messages for each day of the Holy Week.

"Mommy, I need some quiet time" she said as she climbed up on our bed. "Why don't you work on your art in the art room?" I asked. "No Mom, I want to sit here and look out the window while I have some privacy...close the door when you leave." Well ok then.

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She has a lot on her mind this weekend. She's very curious about what electricity looks like - I told her to ask Grandpa Chris. She also is determined that though she did not kick the ball in the goal yesterday "I will get the ball in the goal Mommy!" And she's been working on some intense Easter art, crosses and eggs scattered amongst letters and numbers that make sense only to a preschooler with a fantastic imagination.