The Chirping Dog: Easter Blessings

Easter snuck up on me this year. I volunteered to host the family this year and was so excited to decorate, plan the meal, and see everyone.

Before the holiday arrived I had to finish off a week at school and it happened to be the week leading up to Spring Break so it dragged on....and on.

Friday was a half day for us, we started the morning off with an Easter play by the 1st graders.

It was a wonderful experience. I was so emotional throughout the entire performance; there is something about seeing young children share the good news of God that reminds me of God's grace and many blessings. I found myself holding back crocodile tears watching the proud parents smile as they saw their children sing and recite scripture. I am so amazed by the pride and love that shines from parents while they watch their children.

I think as I enter into the next phase of my life and see my friends having babies and becoming an aunt has made me realize the great joy in children.

Lately as I go through my daily activities of being a teacher I also have many thoughts of teaching these children to be wonderful humans with remarkable character traits. School is not just about academics and after school sports, it is a place to be nurtured and challenged emotionally and socially. I am so thankful that God has given me the job of teaching and I pray that it helps me to become a wonderful mom one day.

Easter should not be the one day that I reflect on God's love for us and the sacrifices....I have been guilty of focusing on my life, my plans, my wishes, I am thankful for those precious 1st graders that pushed me to think more and challenge myself.

One of the greatest blessings on Easter was spending the day with my sweet niece Letty. My husband spent some quality time with her, it was adorable.

She was chatting away to him.

Spring frames in the entry way.

Dining room table with fresh flowers.

I knew I had to find lots of fresh tulips for the vases, my favorite flowers.

Tulips, mums, and ranunculus.

Hyacinth, lavender, and honeysuckle plant.

I love filling in with free plants from my yard!

This little frame was my last minute-night before Easter- project.

Saw it on pinterest and made it work with what I had!

Emptied out a frame. Covered clothes pins in various washi tape. Picked out patterned letters to go on chipboard. Added wire to frame and hung them up!

Coffee table flowers

This mantle is all new! I don't normally decorate for Easter but I had to get it all fixed up for hosting this year!

The bunny butt banner has to be my favorite by far.

Found this carrot wreath at Von Maur, of all places, in the home section on sale.

Printed off template from pinterest, went around with black sharpie. Cut tails out on cricut, brushed them with ink to look distressed, and attached them with 3-d stickers so the tails would stand up from the paper.

I loved using various papers that were white, cream, and patterned!

Felt eggs from Target years ago.

These little guys are my other favorite new addition! I made them a few weeks ago and just can't get enough of their little bushy tails.

They are made out of felt, I chose fun colors for the inside to look like spring!

Embroidery floss was used to make the eyes, nose, and whiskers! The tails are made out of yarn and sewn on. They are little finger puppets but I stuffed them with cotton balls so they could stand alone.

These foam flowers are also from Target this year. The leaves on them were originally green felt, they looked cheap so I knew they needed a makeover. I used spray adhesive and added various pieces of green fabric. Once attached I hand sewed with embroidery thread around the leaves so they would look more detailed and stay put for years!