Our Best Easter

Nothing like Easter pictures, so check out the full post here

For the past 7 years Mike and I have been trying to teach our kiddos about the true meaning of Easter and put the focus on Christ and His resurrection. It's not an easy task with little ones, but as our boys get older, I'm amazed at the gospel conversations we can have and their understanding. We had a beautiful week leading up to Easter as we read about what Christ did each day. Then, on Easter Sunday, after baskets early in the morning and reading a sweet book titled, The Easter Walk we went to a great church service where we all strengthened our testimony that our Savior lives. All those years of trying so hard when it seems like a waste of time are starting to prove that good habits and intentions get rewarded at some point.

The rest of the day was spent just enjoying gorgeous weather and loving our time together.Plus, we had a great meal with fantastic friends, so how can you beat that? It was a GREAT Easter.

The night before we did the traditional "egg hunt," which, no matter how old, we always love.

Meet Grateful Pig

My mom sent us "Grateful Pig" this year in the mail and he has been such a fun part of our November. At least once a day each of us write something we are grateful for on a slip of paper and slide it in to Grateful Pig. On Thanksgiving when everyone is here, each family will open their pig and read about the many blessings we all have. My boys love the secret element to it and I love that they are constantly thinking about what they have...and so am I.

My mom got the cute sparkly pigs at Old Navy for $5 and I thought it would be a great way to do December too...instead of thinking about all the things you want, thinking about what you already have. Great tradition! Thanks mom, we love it!!

Here is the letter she attached on cute paper with a colorful bow on grateful pig:

Think of THANKFUL PIG like you would his famous cousin, Piggy Bank...something to place your deposits in until it's time to make a big withdrawal. THANKFUL PIG accepts little written expressions of gratitude instead of pennies and nickels. Put THANKFUL PIG in a place where he can be easily seen. Once a day, ask every family member to write on a slip of paper something he or she is thankful for. Place each slip into THANKFUL PIG. Over time, the slips will tell your family's unique story, all the while reminding each family member how important--and fun--it is to be thankful.

By Thanksgiving Day your pig will be well stuffed--maybe even overstuffed. THANKFUL PIG'S big reveal on Thanksgiving Day will help turn the holiday into what i was meant to be: the joyful climax to a year of gratitude!