We had a lovely Easter as a family of five! The highlights: our ham turned out, we made it to church, and it didn’t snow. The lows: my rolls were a little undercooked, we had to leave mass early because the kids were running around acting like they’d never been to church, and we had to re-do our family photo after church when people were crabby because of a lighting mistake. Yet, the holiday remained worth celebrating because of our hope in a risen Savior. What joy, there is loveliness in the chaos of hosting a holiday and life with three three and under.
There were the moments I don’t want to forget…
My dad gave the kids Easter pajamas this year and I snuck a little photo shoot in in our guest room. This year, because of all that we had going on, I decided to do our baskets on Saturday morning. I am trying to be intentional about keeping Easter Sunday about faith + family + food, so we spread out our celebration a bit. Saturday morning the kids woke up to hidden baskets in their new pajamas.
I feel like as a mother I truly live for these holidays and big moments. I have many flaws as a woman, and can be an impatient and easily annoyed mother, but I do feel like holidays are where I shine. I find such great joy in putting on big events and making these moments magical.
Langston has been so into birds lately, so I was delighted to find a little bird stuffed animal for his basket. He’s been enamored with watching them out our window. Sometimes I feel like my stash of ribbon and yarn is out of control, but it does come in handy for the holidays!
This year I was determined to start working on our Easter menu. What we eat for Thanksgiving and Christmas is pretty established, but not so for Easter. I decided to try all new recipes, focusing the most on ham. I don’t love ham, but Seth requested it, and I wanted to find a delicious recipe. A friend of mine from the gym came through, and of all the dishes we made it turned out the best. I’m still on the look out for a good potato recipe, so if you have one please send it my way.
Our Menu:
Charcuterie board
Salad
Brioche Rolls
Orange glazed ham
Cheesy potatoes
Chocolate lamb cake with ice cream
Langston was the biggest fan of the rolls and butter and kept requesting them during the entire meal. I was surprised at how much Teddy liked the meal, too. He’s been eating so well since he started solids about a month ago, and I love seeing what flavors he is drawn to.
For the first time I made a lamb cake. I’ve seen others bake these and I’ve been very interested in trying one myself. I found a pan a few weeks ago and just went for it. I followed the recipe that came with the pan, but next year I am thinking I’ll use a chocolate poundcake. I loved decorating simply with just powdered sugar.
One of my favorite things is choosing Easter outfits for all the kids. I found some darling boys outfits from Fetlman Brothers and a dress from Etsy for Cilla bug. I was so glad that LJ’s birthday shoes still fit him. I’m hoping Teddy can wear his outfit next year.
It was truly a lovely and beautiful Easter, one I will remember for many years to come. What joy we have in this family we’ve created and in our faith. I love these days!
