Easter Blessings Tree

Yesterday the girls and I decorated our Easter Blessings Tree.  (It's actually the mini Christmas tree that we put in Nani's room for Christmas, and I just decided to keep it up through the year!)

I explained to the girls how Jesus lived and died for us on the cross so that we can live a happy life.  (That's probably the best way I can explain it to a 6-yr. old and a 2-yr. old)

I also wanted to have a reminder present, something they can look at, to remember everything that they have to be grateful for.

I found an egg template online (which you can download here).  I then cut a couple out and had Nani trace them on different colored foam sheets.  We cut them out, hole-punched them and put a ribbon through them.  Nani wrote down some things that make her happy.

Things that make Nani happy - Daddy, Playing outside, Nudgie, Dolls, Spaghetti, Zoja and Mommy

I gave Nudgie a couple of the paper eggs to color as well. 

I found some solid colored egg ornaments on sale at Hobby Lobby (before Lent, of course....) and used my secret stash of markers to write some meaningful words on them - Love, Faith, Hope, Family, God.

Then we took turns putting our ornaments on the tree.



I really love how it turned out.  So cute and colorful with Nani's ornaments, Nudgie's colored eggs, and my eggs.   Nani made a wreath out of her handprints in the colors of the rainbow and we added that as a tree topper.

And a great reminder of God's love for us all!

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Lenten Activities

One of the things to do for Lent is to give up something.  Sacrifice something that you love in order to prepare your heart, mind, and soul for the blessings that Easter has to offer us.  In the past I've given up snacks, chocolate, desserts, pop, and even Starbucks (but not coffee).  This year, I've decided to give up -- brace yourselves -- craft stores and book stores.

I know, I know......shocking, isn't it.

I've also been trying to come up with something to balance the see-saw of craft store deprivation.  Do something to devote my attention to Lent and not shopping.  So I've added a daily rosary/devotion time - which I've been wanting to do for awhile.

I also wanted to do something with the girls too.  So I made up a calendar of activities to do with the girls - something they can do on their own or something we can do as a family.  (It's a little blurred and for that I apologize -- I'm still learning how to do screen shots....but I have uploaded the file available for you to download, if you choose.)

Some of our activities include:

*  Reading Bible stories
*  Saying an extra prayer for the soldiers, medical professionals, etc.
*  Setting up a jar for a charitable donation
*  Sharing a special toy/book with Nudgie/Nani
*  Make a donation to a food bank/animal shelter
*  Making our Easter Blessings tree

I have uploaded my activity calendar here.  Feel free to download and share with your family.  If you do use it, please share what activities you're doing with your family.  I'd love to hear what you're doing!

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