Let the Easter-ness begin!

Ok, so first of all, I'd like to brag on Hollyn Reed who has slept through the night three times this week! I am so stinkin' proud of my twelve-week-old, and I am so in love with this little grin.

So, today Lib and I went to an Easter egg hunt at the Methodist church here in town with some friends. It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time together- just the two of us. :)

......And the kid did some SERIOUS egg huntin'.......

....and then got to meet the big white bunny.

OK, so a new Easter tradition at our house are the Easter story cookies. We made these last night, and I think it is one of the best teaching tools out there. Here's what you do:

You’ll need: Bible, 1 c pecans, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites, pinch of salt, 1 c granulated sugar, 1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag, wooden spoon, tape

Before we started we preheated the oven to 300 and lined a cookie sheet with wax paper (it's important to preheat your oven now and not when you're halfway done).

First, have your helpers crush, smash, and beat the pecans and while they do it share with them that this is what the Roman soldiers did to Jesus’ body. Read John 19:1-3. Put the pecans aside until a little later in the story.

Note: This picture was taken prior to telling Libby what the beating of the pecans represented, hence the inappropriate joyous expression. ;)

Next it's time to add the vinegar. Before you add the vinegar to the mixing bowl let the children smell the vinegar (I even let Libby taste it- wish I'd captured THAT face on camera). Explain to them that this is what Jesus was offered to drink. Read Read John 19:28-30.

To the vinegar, add egg whites. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life, and the eggs represent new life.
Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each childs hand and let them taste it. Have them brush whatever is left into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27.

Point out to your little ones that so far, the ingredients in this bowl aren't so appealing, just like our lives would be without Jesus in them.

Next, the story turns sweet. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20.
The next morning…
open the oven and remove the cookies. Notice – the cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Libby LOVED this- I think it really helped her to wrap her mind around all that Jesus went through so that we may be free.

Again, I hope you and yours are truly blessed tomorrow.

Easter mornin' pics comin' soon. :)