Sealed Deal: "You are SO my Mary, Mama"

Easter season is always so special, I dare say I like it more than Christmas time. It's got the same spirit and excitement for Christ without all the business and commercialized fluff. I really wanted to do something special this year but with Chad having a sinus infection and Matix having a fever most of the week a few of our plans were foiled but what we were able to do, really stuck with our family and I glad to say we established some really fantastic traditions this year. A friend of mine posted about a darling poster that gave place to 10 photos that you could talk about and display in your home for the week leading up to Easter. I was a little late to the game but I took the ideas from the blog and ran with them in a "Merrell-friendly" way. Each night we discussed what Jesus did every day leading up to Easter. Liam was particularly fond of the story of Jesus Cleansing the temple. We told the story, watched a short clip on LDS.org and related it to the importance of only allowing clean things into our temple and keeping our churches clean and reverent. He was quick to relate to it and told me the story almost every day after that all week. It really clicked with him that Jesus could be saddened by our actions and he found a new resolve to make Him happy. The next Sunday at Church he whispered, THE WHOLE TIME. And when I thanked him for being so reverent, he said "Jesus likes when we are quiet in the church. We have to keep His houses holy." *Que mom tears. Cute side note: We're working on folding our arms in the halls and walking more and he sometimes gets bored of folding his arms so this last Sunday I asked him to fold his arm as we walked to Nursery and I could see the fidgety 3 year old fighting and internal struggle to wiggle and he slammed his hands on his hips and kept walking, and said, "Is this still reverent mom?". I laughed and he ssshhhed me.
Wednesday, we have no record of what Jesus did but we easily filled our evening with the Easter pageant. Liam LOVED it last year and he was two so we know its just going to get better for him each year. We talked about the resurrection all day and i tried to help him define that word so he could not be as scared of the crusifiction scene and understand its purpose. We get to the Pageant and we take Matix to see the sheep and the Roman soldiers (The actors are just the best people, so kind and so welcoming). Matix laughed at the sight of the sheep and cried if I pulled them apart, he was not such a big fan of the pageant but he wised up and realized we weren't going to leave so he chilled after the first 1/2 hour. Liam was so excited about each scene, he switch from mine and Chads lap all night asking what was happening, after we would explain something he'd hug us and tell us he loved us, kind of out of nowhere. This when on the first 30 minutes or so and I really believe his heart was accepting truth and the spirit was being felt and he expressed that by loving us. The scene where they recap Jesus birth came and I showed him the star in the sky and the baby on the left side of the stage, he then labeled Mary and Joseph by himself. I'm sure I said something like, "Jesus was born into his Earthly family! " after a short silence, liam wrapped both arms around my neck and whispered, "You are SO my Mary, mama!" he hugged me and I never wanted that moment to end.
After the Pageant I went and hugged the director, (My old boss, Jenee) and we let the boys talk to the characters. The Roman soldiers let the wear their helmets and when Liam saw their swards he tapped in the solders leg and said 'Hey, Guy, did you get that from the Renaissance Festibal?" He laughed and said it was given to him when he became a Roman Guard, then he asked if Liam wanted to hold it and without hesitation Liam said, 'dats so nice a you, but no thanks, I have my own at home." The Solider got a kick out of him.

Stratton was a sleep walker by the end (it was from 8-9 this year so it was late for all of us) but he jumped at the opportinuty to hold the sword and show his guns to his lovely friend who tagged along.

Matix stayed up for the whole thing (against our wishes) but he shoveled the popcorn I brought from home like it was HIS last supper. Him and his dad are too much alike sometimes.

   The spirit that evening was so wonderful and I'm so grateful for all the people who works so hard and sacrifice so much time and talents for the creation of such a beautiful and accurate reenactment of the most important events in the worlds history.
   The next few days we read scriptures and recapped stories and it occurred to me that I am not telling enough stories of Jesus. We read a toddler friendly Book of Mormon every night with him and we discuss Jesus often but I don't read stories exclusively about Jesus and his life and after this week, I'm realizing how much he yearns for a connection with his Elder Brother. The stories we shared with him, really stick and he seems to connect with better than the ones of the prophets of old. At least right now he does. SO I'm grateful for the perspective shift that this season has given me and I'm excited to switch up our focus and have a newly inspired drive for his spiritual growth.
   Easter morning was short and sweet as we have 8am Church. The Easter bunny kept it simple this year with new Irrigation boots and a Sunday outfit for each boy with some jelly beans and empty plastic eggs. Thank heavens for easily thrilled boys. Matix had a fever so we went for the sacrament, I sang in the choir and shortly after that, we realized that taking Matix was a mistake and I took him home, luckily Chad taught Sunday school so Liam got to stay for Nursery. When they got back, My parents had came and hidden eggs for Liam to find in our front yard. Best parents ever! The boys walked home from church and I was there in the front yard waiting to hand Liam his sand pail (cheap moms Easter basket) to collect the eggs. He gasped every time he found an egg and needed a LOT of help to find even the most obvious eggs. He's blind like his dad.

Matix wanted nothing to do with pictures but we tried anyways....

we failed. But Liam was so sweet, trying to heold him still and saying "It's ok Mati, just real quick and easy!"

Close. So close.

When Matix woke we decided to brave the Hatch Family Easter party. It was so great to be with everyone and the cousins LOVED hunting eggs together. Liam kept waving at everyone and saying 'Happy Easter Day!" and Matix didn't mind all the snuggles and loving grandpas. This Easter was probably one of the best we've ever had and I'm so excited to build on our tradition next year.