Dear Big Poppa....Day 1

Dear Big Poppa,

Maybe it was because it's only the first day you've been gone, but it wasn't as weird waking up and not having you there. That will probably change as the week goes by, but for now, it's been okay.

The three older Crack Monkeys went to school without a hitch, and then it was time for Mom to get her couponing on. Jeff happily got ready because, after all, going to Papa & Tutu's is always exciting.

Mom scored some really good deals, including a Soda Stream machine from Target, that earned her a $10 Target Gift Card. So when you get back from Tonga, we'll have some soda ready for you, made especially just for you with our new contraption!

Ryan had basketball practice, where he got hit in the face with a basketball. It wasn't funny at the time, but by the time we got to Papa & Tutu's, he was laughing and joking about it with everyone else.

At the end of the day, Mom got everyone showered, dressed and ready for bed before 9pm, a miracle, don't you agree? She hopes it becomes a habit, while the Crack Monkeys vigorously shake their heads in the background.

But, we all agree that we miss you. We hope you're doing okay and that you get to Tonga safe.

We love you!

Love Always,

Mom &The Crack Monkeys

Easter and Its Baskets

I admit it....when I started having kids, I was excited whenever any holiday rolled around because it gave me an excuse to go crazy with gift shopping. Whether my babies were 1 month old or 5 years old, I attempted to pull out all the stops, and Easter was no exception. You know those Easter baskets that are pre-filled and wrapped that stores sell? They had nothing on me! One year, I actually bought a huge Jump-O-Lene for my two oldest boys, blew it up and proceeded to fill the inside with candy and more toys.

Yeah, insane.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I realized my kids were missing the true meaning of Easter and why we celebrate it, and that it was my fault they didn't know. I especially didn't like that they were turning the Easter Bunny into Santa's co-worker when they'd tell me, "For Easter, I'm going to ask the Easter Bunny for..."

So when the Fire Pig was about 7 months old, I decided to go as simple as possible. Big Poppa was all for it, considering it meant I'd be spending way less money than I usually did. That first Easter of going back to the true meaning of this holiday, I filled the kids baskets with a chocolate bunny, plastic eggs filled with candy, and a small coloring book with the Easter story, along with some crayons and markers.

The Crack Monkeys were not impressed. In fact, I think that was the quietest Easter morning breakfast we'd ever had.

The second Easter of simplified baskets went better. Along with the candy, I added the Easter storybooks for the two younger ones, and journals for my older boys. They also got those cheap-o CTR rings, which was exciting, since Ryan had been baptized and wanted one, and Ethan always wanted to copy his big brother.

Since then, I'm happy to report that the Crack Monkeys know why we celebrate Easter, and they are content and happy with what the Easter Bunny may drop off at our house. As for me, it's been fun trying to think of things that are meaningful and help remind my kids about Jesus. In fact, this year I dropped by Deseret Book to see what they had, and I walked out with a whole bunch of stuff I think the Crack Monkeys will be pleased with.

So, how do you celebrate Easter?