Easter Thoughts

Easter Sunday

Often, I am asked, "How does it feel to leave one of your sons at the MTC (Missionary Training Center)" The most perfect description is.... PAINFUL JOY. It is a time when I am bursting with happiness, joy, and gratitude, yet the tears and sobs I experience as I say goodbye for 2 years come close to some of the deepest physical and emotional pain I have ever experienced.

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, I was thinking of this term, Painful Joy, and realized it applies to Easter, The Resurrection, and The Atonement of Christ. My human brain and emotions cannot fully comprehend the pain and suffering that Jesus Christ suffered for my sins, yet I am humbled and filled with joy to think of this sacrifice for me. Understanding The Atonement and The Resurrection make Easter, indeed, a Happy Easter.

We spent Easter in Orlando with my parents. They were guest speakers in another Sacrament Meeting, so we went to Church with them and enjoyed their marvelous Easter Messages.

It is so great to have Andrew with us! I have to get used to focusing the camera so as to include all of him, it is easy to cut his head off.

Below

Before we left for Church, we were outside taking Easter photos. Megan was not in a smiling mood. Her foot was still wrapped in a brace and she was not in a"smile for the camera mood". Katherine placed her lips in a "smile" position and I told Andrew to snap this one.

Every picture tells a story....

Like Mother-Like Daughter....

All weekend, I was saying, Katherine never stops talking....can she just be quiet for one waking moment? Then I saw this photo she took of me....

I know, I know, I never stop talking, either.....

We walked in to Church at a Ward my parents were visiting at as speakers and look who we saw as soon as we walked in....

Yep, its Rachel... with a baby on the way this fall! Whoa, I am old. It was great too see Rachel and feel of her bubbly spirit again!

The world truly is small in the Church. I rarely walk into a Chapel in any area in the United States and not know someone or know someone who I know, etc......

Sometimes, I just forget that Andrew really is this tall.

Then I see a photo and his height is a reality.

We have to work with him on the length of his ties....

After Sacrament Meeting, we were headed home. Time to capture some Easter memories.

My mom says that every time we have a photo taken together, she is wearing this jacket. It is lovely and looks great on her. At least I know I need to wear something to coordinate! You know what you can give mom for Mother's Day guys!!!!!

Shauna, Ron, and Andrew

Ready to head home.

Shauna and Andrew Easter Morning at Grandpa and Grandmas!

It is so great to have him here!

Megan, Andrew, and Katherine

at

Grandpa and Grandmas for Easter

Andrew with Grandma and Grandpa prior to Sacrament Meeting. After speaking and thinking in Spanish for so long, sitting in an English Speaking Sacrament Meeting was confusing for Andrew. Singing hymns in English did not come easily, either. Slowly, he will adjust. Hopefully by the time he speaks in Sacrament Meeting ,the English will come easier.

For the next two photos, keep in mind that Megan is on the injured list.

Here, Katherine is helping her walk outside for Easter morning photos.
This is how Megan got from the car to the Chapel for Easter Sacrament meeting. Grandpa placed an ankle brace on her sore foot for support and Katherine became her "crutches" I offered a cane to help her walk and she said... canes are for old people, I just need crutches. I am sure John Klemas can help her out.

Happy Easter!