Easter Weekend and Some Ranting

Oh my, how things have changed. When did Easter become a second Christmas?!?  I guess it is easy to say that I'm a little perturbed about how materialistic this world is becoming. Christmas is no longer about Christ our Savior but more about the presents under the Christmas tree. Valentine's Day now warrants gifts for children other than Valentine's Day cards or candy, but real presents?!?! What the heck!!! Easter is no longer viewed as a celebration of our Lord's resurrection by children but more as yet another gift bearing holiday and a reason to eat more junk food. Add in candy from the 4th of July and Halloween and I can already see our dental bills racking up in the years to come. UGH!
Now keep in mind our daughter is only 9 months old. This means no Easter basket for her because honestly, what the heck does one put in an Easter basket for a 9 month old?! I am completely aware that every family does things differently and am in no way trying to put down those practices. But really people, can we please start teaching our children where these holidays originated from? I guarantee that I will be the first one snapping photos of Maddy as she runs around in her little Easter dress collecting eggs in the yard, but I will also be doing my best to explain to our little munchkin the real meaning behind such a beautiful day. Okay, end of rant.
On another note! We really did have a wonderful weekend, a very different holiday that normal, but none-the-less, joyous. Joe had to work on Saturday so that did put a little damper on the weekend festivities. There was no decorating (I'm not the best at holiday decorations other than Christmas anyway), no egg hunt (9 months old!!) and no Easter dinner of ham and scalloped potatoes as I am accustomed to. There was however a very relaxing Saturday for Madelyn and me, a beautiful Easter Vigil service, and a lazy Sunday morning followed by some fun in the sun with friends. Although very different from the norm, I would call Madelyn's first Easter a success. We will work on the traditions next year once we're back home. :)
Our days lately have been filled with packing up, selling anything we don't need and trying to downsize anywhere we can. Man, moving is stressful! There is however a saving grace. My mom will be here for two full weeks starting next Tuesday and I couldn't be happier! Visits from the Grandparents are always welcome here.

 Beautiful flowers from Grandma Marshall

Our little girl just as pretty as ever.

We sure are going to miss this sunshine!

 Momma and Maddy

All tuckered out after a long day. She let us sleep in until 9am!