Gramsy, Mama Hayes and Olivia had quite the fun adventure hunting for an Easter dress for sweet O. (Well, I think Olivia might say that the adventure lay in how fast she could get Gramsy to push her in the stroller cart!) Almost at the same moment, we noticed a light cotton, mint-colored dress with an elegant row of roses at the waist. We knew that this was the one! Item: one beautiful Easter dress. Item: two pairs of lacy socks. Our search for a white cardigan led us to another kingdom, where the perfect accompaniment to the Rose-Festooned Frock was triumphantly discovered.
Chapter 2: Celebrating the Resurrection
We woke up to bright sunshine smiling down on the land, and got ready for church. While Mama Hayes merrily bustled about her beauty bonanza, Papa Hayes got himself and sweet O dressed up in Easter fashion. We arrived at church at nine o'clock to join friends for juice, coffee and fresh baked goods in the Fellowship Hall. "Happy Easter!" we greeted one another with joy.
The Easter service was lovely. Lilies filled the front of the sanctuary. We sat in the front row, and during the children's message, Olivia pranced down the center aisle, swishing her dress proudly. Pastor Rich offered joy, hope and thoughtfulness to the congregation in his sermon. Our congregation sang Easter hymns with more gusto than usual!
Chapter 3: The Feast
After our morning at church, we journeyed to Gramsy's castle for the great day's feast. Olivia went down for her nap, and the three of us sat down to a sumptuous meal:
- Quiche with roasted red peppers and asparagus, bacon and gruyere. Made with farm fresh eggs, Blue Marble Dairy milk, and a cornmeal crust.
- Spinach salad with cranberries and walnuts, topped with an oil and vinegar dressing. We bought the spinach at the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning.
- A side of asparagus, lightly steamed and finished with olive oil. Served chilled.
- Lane's Bakery cherry kringle, strawberries and grapes.
- Swedish rice pudding was served for dessert, an old-fashioned recipe, made the night before.
- Beverages: Highlander Grog coffee and virgin Mimosas.
Chapter 4: The Hunt is On
While O slept peacefully, the Easter Bunny came and hid sparkle eggs all over the living room and dining room. It seemed that each egg contained something especially for Boo... She awoke at length, and the hunt was on. She was given her Easter basket, and we told her she could find the eggs that were hidden for her. Olivia found an egg and shook it. Eureka! She quickly brought it to Mama, and I opened it for her. Her eyes lit up, she smiled and covered her mouth with her hands in delight: an animal cracker! It was instantly grabbed and stuffed into her mouth. I put the empty egg back together, she took it and dropped it in her basket. Then she went forth to find more! This continued through 10 more eggs, and each egg had an animal cracker in it. O ate as she went, more and more triumphant, until the last egg was found. "All done!"
Chapter 5: Joy
We give thanks for the health and well-being of our family! We rejoice in our family and friends who fill our life with happiness and nurturing relationships! We bask in the light of God!
