Friday, April 22, 2011

Easter Memories...

This Easter will be the first time in 19 years that Brittany won't been home with us to celebrate the special day. It's a really strange feeling, too...and one that I can't deny makes me a little sad.  Easter has always been a big day at our house.  The girls get up on Easter Sunday morning to look for their Easter baskets hidden somewhere in the house.  It's a tradition that Chris's family used to have, so we decided to do the same with our girls.  I think that last year was the first time I had their baskets just sitting out in full view. After breakfast, of what often consists of chocolate bunnies and Skittles, the girls and I hustle upstairs to put on our Sunday's finest to attend church...and we always sit together for the sermon. Then, when church lets out, we rush home so that I can prepare a dinner of baked ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.  It's our typical routine.  This year, however, there will be an empty spot next to us in the pews and an empty chair at the dining room table.

It's true that life brings with it many changes along the way.  That's just the way things happen when kids grow up and start their own lives.  However, I feel incredibly fortunate for all the memories we've made on Easter...and so many other occasions, as well. I came across these pictures yesterday of some Easters that have come and gone...and I can't help but smile when I look at them.  We always make a point to take a family photo on Easter.

This first picture is of Brittany and me when she was about 2 years old...and Abby hadn't arrived yet.  


These next pictures show how we've all changed through the years.





I love my family with all my heart and would give anything if we could all be together for Easter.  I did send Brittany a big box of her favorite Easter goodies, so maybe that will make the missing us part a little easier on her. Thank goodness, it won't be much longer before she'll be home for summer!

I hope each and every one of you has a BLESSED Easter with your family and those you love. Cherish the moments...and hold them close to your heart. HE IS RISEN! 

"Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there!"~Clarence W. Hall





April
April

Hello, I'm April, welcome to my blog. I look at every day as an adventure and an opportunity to laugh and to learn. You will soon discover that my family and my faith are at the heart of who I am.

20 comments:

Paula said...

Awwww... such beautiful family pictures, April.
I have a feeling Brittany will miss being there just as much as you do.
((Hugs))

Kimberly said...

Oh this post made me cry! LOL. I feel your saddest. Its hard when they grow up, I know. Ashley won't be home this summer for maybe a week or two. She is interning in NY City - she is excited/I am a nervous wreck!
Happy Easter!

Heather said...

Aaww this made me tear up! My daughter is a sophomore and I just dread the day when she leaves for college! I can't imagine her not being with us everyday. She will be away for her birthday this year for the first time ever. Her birthday is on July 4th, so we've always spent the entire day together. But this year, church camp is during the week of the
4th. This mama is going to have a rough day!

Carrie B said...

{sigh} I remember (like it was yesterday) the first time Miss K. wasn't home for the holiday. That was hard. I do not like it and I still do not like her not being home for her birthday!
I guess they get older and do what they're supposed to do and we should be proud and excited for them.
Doesn't make it any easier. ugh :)

Anonymous said...

I thought of you this morning when I was at my church's early morning Holy Week service. I had both of my chicklets (plus a (ahem) boyfriend).

Hugs to you. You are such a blessed woman, and your daughters are blessed to a part of such a loving family.

Love the Decor! said...

Oh April, How I can relate to this. WIth a married daughter and girls out on their own, much has changed in our home by way of our traditions. As sad as it is for me and (you too I'm sure) we need to be thankful for the times we do get to spend with all of them (doesn't make it easier tho) Hope your Easter is blessed in spite of your daughter missing

Impulsive Addict said...

This post just made me sad for you and I don't even know you that well yet!!

But, I confess, that I loved seeing the pics. I always feel super nosey looking at other peoples pictues but you're giving me permission so I'm not sure why I feel so guilty.

It also makes me remember that I want my body back that I had 10 years ago. It's never gonna happen but a girl can dream big, right?

HAPPY EASTER!

FrouFrouBritches said...

What sweet Easter pictures! It goes by so fast, doesn't it? I'm so sorry Brittany won't be home. i know you'll miss her. But there is reason for celebration - He is Risen! Happy Easter!!!

Sandra said...

Fountain of youth in your back yard? The kids may change, but you don't!!! Wow woman! You look fantastic!

Mamarazzi said...

love the throw back pictures. so cute.

growing pains, my mom said the first few holidays without all of her kids was really hard for her, she is OK now. takes time i suppose.

Rebecca Jo said...

Ahh - I know its going to feel funny not to have your girl with you... but what a good mommma sending Easter treats.

LOVE that Easter quote... & all the pictures....

Expats Again said...

I'm with Sandra. You look the same! Your family is adorable & the pets as well. Have a blessed Easter.

Melissa Miller said...

What nice family photos and memories you have April. Beautiful!

Happy Easter!
~Melissa

Buckeroomama said...

How wonderful to have family pictures taken every Easter. You have a beautiful family. :)

Happy Easter!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Wonderful family photos, thank you for sharing them. I don't do baskets anymore (30&32)but I do buy some gifts. I have this theory that works for me, as long as my children are happy they can be almost anywhere for the holiday's unless I have grandchildren!

Queenie Jeannie said...

HUGS!!!

I'm missing my Alex & Shane too this year. Darn them for growing up and awayyyyy!!!!! But I've still got my Bella!

Happy Easter - Buon Pasqua!

Joyce said...

I think the breaking of tradition is one of the hardest parts of kids growing up. In my oldest daughter's freshman year of college her Easter break was spent with a roommates family. We were in England and it was just too far to come for a weekend when she'd be coming for the summer soon after. I'm sure your daughter is also missing the Sunday morning tradition. Everyone gets used to a new normal but thank heaven for happy memories of all the Easters spent together.

Anonymous said...

If we chase after happiness, we'll always be disappointed, won't we? It's hard to feel "happy" when you're missing your girl, even though you're glad that she's growing up well. But joy... that's a different story entirely. Knowing that you've done your best and that you've committed her to God's hands, believing that HE knows best... walking in faith tends to invite joy to travel as a constant companion. And you, dear April, seem to always be hand in hand with her... Happy (belated) Easter... He is Risen!

Together We Save said...

Oh wow - this post brought tears to my eyes... my oldest (same name although I never share it on my blog) will be graduating soon and heading off to college. I don't know if I am ready to the empty seat.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post! I think that's nice that y'all always take a family picture. I always looked forward to Easter because I liked getting a new dress.

I can't remember the last time that I was with my family for Easter. Or even went to church on Easter for that matter. Hospital work keeps us working on Sundays. It's kind of sad I guess.