Easter

This Easter weekend meant more to me than any other has in the past. I think for the first time I understood the weight of the cross because I made an effort to focus more on it than just the family get-togethers, the peeps (you know you love them!), and the Easter outfit. Thanks to the creative and innovative staff at Powell Church, I experienced a powerful morning of corporate worship. It truly was a celebration of the God's goodness and his unfathomable mercy.

I was charged with bringing dessert to three separate family functions, so I created this smorgasbord of options: Carrot Cupcakes, Truffle Tarts, and Paula Deen's Lemon Blossoms.

The family functions began with dinner at Mom and Dad's Saturday evening.

Mom and Dad looking like a couple of teenagers in love.

Mission Accomplished. Nana is notorious for running from cameras, but I got her!

Mama Ese and Mom getting some tomato plants ready. Hope it's not too early!

Mom always has the prettiest Johnny Jump-ups. I love these delicate little flowers.

After church on Sunday, we headed to Mamaw Shirley and Papaw Jim's (Dad's parents) for the annual egg hunt. We have only one child under the age of sixteen, but we've always kept the tradition.

Two of my favorites.

My sweet grandparents.

The Cole Crew.

The traditional Easter pic at Mamaw's. I think we have one just like this from every year of my life.

Lucy loved the colorful eggs, and

everybody was gathered 'round to watch her every move.

Stop #3: Maryville for the annual egg hunt at Russ and Melissa's.

On your marks, get set,

GO!

You hid how many eggs???

Eggs? Who cares about eggs? Look at me sitting up by myself!

But where's the golden egg? I want the dollar!

We may never solve the mystery of the golden eggs. Three eggs with $1 each were hidden, and only one was returned. Was it a curious animal? The sticky fingers of one of the kids? One of the adults? We may never know.

I hope each of you experienced the power of this Easter weekend as I did.