Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Our Easter Garden



Last week at M.O.M.S. we received materials to make an Easter Garden! I have to admit, I was less than excited at the prospect of growing anything (I mean, come on, I've killed a Chia-Pet...who does that?!?). I was, however, intrigued at the concept of it! Ed and I have been looking for a concrete, visual way to teach the kids about the events of Easter week.

It's pretty simple and makes a great centerpiece for the table! Having it in the middle of our dinner table helps us remember what Christ did for us everyday!

Supplies:

Potting soil
14-inch terra cotta saucer
Rye grass seeds
Sticks (for 3 crosses)
Doll pin (represents the body of Jesus Christ)
1 piece of white muslin fabric (represents the burial cloth)
Ribbon (purple and white)
4-inch terra cotta pot
Spray bottle
Twine

Directions:

1. Pour potting soil in the 14-inch saucer-press down.
2. In the front center make a tiny hill where you will put Christ's cross.
3. Position the 4-inch pot (tomb) over to one side under some of the soil.
4. Spread out a layer of rye grass seed. Do not cover the seed.
5. Make 3 crosses with collected sticks.
6. Wrap twine around the crosses to secure them.
7. Tie a purple ribbon around the middle cross (Christ's cross).
8. Place stone in front of the tomb.
9. Water the garden twice a day with the spray bottle.
10. Place the doll pin wrapped in the white muslin cloth in the tomb on Good Friday.
11. On Easter Sunday morning roll the stone back, remove the doll pin, and leave the burial cloth in the tomb.

Other options: place flowers and candles around the garden. Happy Easter!

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6





Friday, March 25, 2011

Our Weekend Away






At The Old 4th Street Filling Station

Ed and I celebrated our 8th anniversary by going away last weekend! It was absolutely wonderful!! It had been almost 5 years since the last time we went away just to get away and reconnect...it was LONG overdue! He planned everything out and made sure it would be a very relaxing time together!

Friday night we ate at the 4th Street Filling Station in Winston. We had our rehearsal dinner there 8 years ago :)

Saturday morning we drove to the Elkin Creek Vineyard in Elkin, NC. It was PERFECT weather, a cool breeze and an abundant amount of warm sunshine! The vineyard is an organic winery, they hand pick every bunch of grapes, and it tastes amazing! The owners are very friendly. The grounds are small, but beautiful! Everything is so laid-back and relaxing...it was exactly what we needed!
Elkin Creek Vineyard
After we shared a bottle of their Soft White while sitting by the Big Elkin Creek, we drove to our private cabin. The Frog Holler Cabins are the perfect size. They have a full kitchen and, an added bonus, a hot tub on the back porch! It was so quiet and secluded....very romantic!


Saturday night we ate dinner in downtown Elkin at Twenty-One and Main....yummy, yummy, yummy! But the best food we had was Sunday for lunch. We went back to the vineyard and had their famous homemade, wood-fired pizza! The owner, Mark, is 100% Italian and his food tastes like it! He only makes 20 pizzas on Sunday so we had to get there early...but it was worth it!


I love Ed and I love that he took the time to plan this out :) I am so blessed to have him as my best friend and husband!



If you are ever interested here are the websites:
Elkin Creek Vineyard
Frog Holler Cabins

Their Soft White wine




Their old Ford truck


Their front door

Adventures in Novocaine....



All smiles!
At TJ's dentist appointment, we found out that he had not one, but TWO, cavities! He had one on each side of the mouth so they couldn't do it all at once.

I think I was more nervous the he was! He politely asked me to leave and said, "Mommy, you can go now. I don't need you to stay back here with me!" WHAT?!? He can't be that old yet! After they finished, Dr. Goodwin gave him $1 for being a great helper and he got to choose 2 prizes from the prize box...no wonder he was all smiles!

I couldn't resist posting pictures of his silly, numb smile!






Filling #1

Filling #2