I Love Jesus! and other thoughts on Easter....

For myself, the Easter weekend is the most important celebration of the year.  Jesus loves me so much (and you, too), that He went through unspeakable tragedies just to be with me.  Just writing those words brings tears to my eyes.  Who else would allow others to mock them, physically abuse them, and wrongfully accuse them before putting them to death - when, with just a word He could have stopped it all.  But He didn't, because He wants to spend eternity with me.  Because His love for me is deeper than I can ever imagine.  He is alive, He is risen, He has defeated sin and death so that I may live fully and forever.  For that, I could not be more thankful, or more in love with my Savior.

Lately I have been overwhelmed by how much God loves me.  Sometimes, it's because I think of how much I love Ava, how I long to be with her, hug and kiss her, hold her, and save her from everything bad in this world.  I am overwhelmed by how much my heart loves her, and I think "This love is nothing compared to how much my God love me."  That love is just unfathomable.  And other times, when I feel like I am drowning in life's trials, when sadness feels like it will overtake my heart, I run to Him and I feel that overwhelming love.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

If I love Ava that much, if I would do anything to give her a wonderful life and future, then why should I doubt that God will do the same for me?  I am so thankful that when things are difficult, my Savior never, ever, leaves my side.

Did I mention how much I love Jesus?!

Now on to our Easter Sunday....

So Sunday morning, after a sleepless night of working at the hospital, we took the drive down to Joplin to spend the day with family.  Ava happily watched 2.5 hours of non-stop Elmo, and I napped in the back while Josh drove.  What a beautiful day to celebrate that our Savior is alive!


We arrived to Nickie and Kirths house to celebrate with all of Josh's side of the family.  We were so happy to have EVERYONE there!  With the nieces getting older and being busy like most teenagers, this does not happen often and was a wonderful surprise.

Dalton, Victoria, Micayla, Allie with Ava, Sydnie, and Elizabeth

The nieces hid the plastic eggs in the back yard, and we handed Ava a basket and set her loose.  The Easter egg hunt is a tradition in the Dalton family, and I remember hiding eggs for our nieces and nephew when Josh and I were first married and the kids were little.  Now they are all grown up and seem to think that they are too old for it, but were more than happy to help Ava scour the yard for the eggs.  The excitement on Ava's face as she attempted her first egg-hunt was priceless!

Everyone played volleyball all afternoon, even Ava got to play with dad.

 Ava checked out the dogs in their pin.  She loved those doggies, even gave them kisses!

with Aunt Jill

With her Grandma Dalton

With her Grandpa Dalton

Such a beautiful weekend to celebrate that our Savior is alive, and to celebrate the birthdays of Grandpa Dalton and Jill!  Happy birthday to you both!!