Preparing for Easter

Sometimes when I look at photos of my kids I like to make up a fake conversation that "happened" (I think it's called pretending). Anyway, with Easter right around the corner it would go like this:

Rachel: Logan, what is Easter about?

Logan: Well, Rachel it's ultimately about Christ's resurrection. Do you know what resurrection means?

Rachel: No, but is it snack time yet?

Logan: Pay attention Rachel, this is important.

Rachel: Okay, but can you use little words instead of dad words?

Logan: Fine. I'll do the best I can. Remember how much Jesus loves us?

Rachel: Yes, he loves me thiiiiiiiis much.

Logan: Well, remember how we do bad things sometimes? Like when you try to rip my hair out?

Rachel: Yes, that's not very nice even if I do think it's funny.

Logan: Well, Jesus died for you and me and everybody so that we can be forgiven for all the bad stuff we mean to do and the bad stuff we don't even know we do...like the things that mom tells us are bad, but we didn't know.

Rachel: Like when you locked the bathroom door & shut it so no one could get in?

Logan: Yes. Well, Jesus died, but then on Easter He was alive! He conquered death Rachel, it's a pretty big deal.

Rachel: Conquered?

Logan: Yes! It means that he didn't stay dead, but Jesus is alive!

Rachel: Oh. Well then, can Jesus get my snack because I'm still hungry.

Apparently Rachel got tired of waiting for someone to get her snack & she pushed her red chair over to the table, stood on top, and reached her juice & some cookies I had taken out of the oven. Smart girl...or coincidence. Either way it made for a funny picture

Who wants to know of ways to make the holidays that are supposed to be about Jesus, really about Jesus? (Rachel says, "I do! I do!" as she fashionably wears her hat that reminds me of the Strawberry Shortcake characters).
Now I see why she wants to know more: her mafia picture proves (pretzel cigar, overalls or stroller straps, and the way she is giving someone "the look") she needs Jesus (okay, we all do)!

Okay, now for the reason I really decided to post something tonight (yes, the rest was all just random fluff). Noel Piper (John Piper's wife) wrote a book that is called "Treasuring God in our Tradition" and you can find it on the Desiring God website as a free download if you go HERE.

I heard about it from a friend of mine and decided to look into for ideas for Easter. There are some great ones, but since I got sick this week (tonsillitis) and the medication is making me nauseous I haven't gotten to any of her great ideas. Still I am thinking about the next few nights reading out of Logan's Bible (The Jesus Storybook Bible...I recommend this above any other kids story Bible btw), having a celebration Easter morning where we play music, dance & shout "He's Alive!" and then in his Easter basket have things that are different colors and can represent different aspects of Easter. I still haven't made any final decisions.

Anyway, do you have ideas that you've tried (for a 3 year old & 1 year old) that you'd like to pass on? If so, please leave a comment because I'd love to hear!