Eager for Easter

This year was an especially wonderful Easter.

For one, the weather has been so fabulous! I feel so invigorated by the *Sunshine!

Secondly, I was so proud of my kiddo's for their commitments during Lent. And, because of their commitments (especially my girls), they were super *EAGER for Easter this year!

Will committed to doing setting the table and getting drinks & vitamins every night at dinner without complaint (it is usually one of the girls' jobs)

Abby gave up donuts - this is a hard one when you consider they serve them every Friday morning at *Trojans for Christ.

Ella gave up chocolate - which again, is quite a challenge since our house is always filled with chocolate (Mommy's FAVE) :-)

Ooooh, powdered donuts are so yummy!!!

and oh how scrumptious is a chocolate marshmallow puff!!

Happy Kiddo's :-))

Off to our Glorious Easter Service at Asbury!

3 Beauties

forever friends ~ Ella & Lauren

Big version of Forever Friends :)

The Fam

Cousin Zach (and his mom & dad) come to 11:00 service - so excited to see them!

The annual Ark Easter girls pic

and boys pic

Will's favorite lil' buddy - Hudson 

Christina and Laken read the Easter Story

Big girls doting on Miss Lily

Abby had to get a turn in...

Piano time!

Back home for lunch at da casa ~ Ella wanted a pic of her with the freshly bloomed roses

My beautiful babies

Family Photo Op

Mimi with her grands

Abby's Gap casting call entry pics

Afternoon Egg Hunt at Nana & Grandads

(Unfortunately, I had to miss it due to needing to cook for dinner, but I snagged these pics from Uncle Brad's Facebook page! :-) )

Easter Dinner at Oma's

THE Carrot Cake

(been dreaming of this bad boy for days!!!!)

Kid Egg Hunt

Grandpa helps O reach 

I'm just now realizing Owen's using my Easter Basket from growing up, (the '80's) - note the purple floral and lace basket...hahaha!

Time for all my lil' bunnies (including "Roscoe") to hit the hay ~ 

back to school in the morning!

He is Risen...He is Risen Indeed!!

Crowder Concert

Favorite Christian Artist:

David Crowder

When I heard he was doing a concert at Church of the Battlecreek, I was determined to get tickets... especially after missing out on seeing him a few months ago when he did his Tulsa stop on his last band tour. Tickets sold out before I could my hands on some. :-(

These tickets were 1st come, 1st serve - free of cost - all that was asked was a donation to be made the night of the concert.

We were able to score 4 tx's - so we decided to take our oldest son Will and let him invite a friend (Abby had dance, Ella had a b'day party and Owen was with a sitter). It took heaven and earth to get to the concert...but, OH HOW IT WAS WORTH IT!

There is simply nothing like a Concert with Purpose. A Concert where not only does the music sound amazing...but, the music allows one to feel amazing. My soul was on Cloud 9 as it soured with passion and energy listening to this most magnificently talented musician. Anointed is an understatement. His music has a way of moving my soul into worship, the kind of worship I picture Heaven having!

Due to his over the top generosity, over 10,000 lbs of food were donated and 2,000+ items of clothing. 

Free Concert + Blessing those in Need = One Awesome Night!

Nothin' like the Very First Game

A day this Momma has dreamed about...

My Baby Boy's 1st T-Ball Game

After watching him passionately enjoy anything related to a ball since he was a toddler, to see his love for sports unfold bring such joy to my soul!

The bonus of being blessed with an amazing coach and team is just icing on the cake! 

Lucky #7 of The Bulls

Batter Up!

BAM!

and he scores!!

Bulls Win 1st Game 

The shaking of hands at the end...what a great tradition of good sportsmanship!

Boys do *Happy Dance*

then Owen does the "get my first grass stain" dance :-((

Sissy begs for snack

Brother enjoys snack

As I've said before, "There's just nothin' cuter than little boys in stretchy white pants!"

Shower Extravaganza

My baby sister is Getting Married!

And we all know what that means...SHOWERS!

The first of the gift pourings came at the church we all grew up at 

(the one my parents and Grandma still attend).

When I say gifts...I mean GIFTS. One thing the members of this church are known for are their generous hearts.

*Best Wishes Kerri*

Bride and Flower Girl (my Ella) embrace

Mother of the Bride with her Baby Girl

Matron of Honor (well, 1 of them anyway), flower girl, Bride

Shower Mingling

Bella diving into the appetizers

Let the gift opening commence!

Ka-yutest set of vintage tea towels my Mom found at a garage sale...check 'em out!

Bella was the gift toter...carried item from bride to gift table

Woka Woka

Homemade afghan from our one and only uber talented Grandma

and, last but not least, Kreston's long-awaited Silver Kitchen Aid

Ker says it is his new "baby" :-)

(little envious that she found her a man who cooks!)

The almost Mr. and Mrs. with their Loot

7:00 p.m. Same Day...this time, in OKC

The pretty hosts with the Bride

Cutest Idea!

An old wine bottle + flowers + mini chalkboard

bowl of corks ~ guests write message and name on them 

The King Sistas

(Kerri, Kim, moi, Courtney & Amy ~ the 2 on right are married to our brothers Kendall & Kevin)

Us with our Sweet Momma

me and my lil' bro (well, by "lil'" I mean younger ;-) )

me in a sister-in-law sandwich having fun catching up

the Happy Couple happily opening up gifts 

After 8 hours of "showering", it was time to head home to T-Town...what a wonderful day it was celebrating my sister's upcoming nuptials!