Warning: this may turn into a rather long blog!

I am blessed. Not just with an amazingly awesome family, but with friends and a church that mean so much.

As some of you may know, I've had a rather rough year so far. Two months ago, I had a surgery that turned into a long battle. I became septic and have battled that, along with a wound that didn't want to heal and a strength that refused to come back. I went from the queen of energy to not being able to care for myself at all, let alone my family.

But, God has blessed us. Our friends & family were there with us in the hospital, going shopping for us, taking children where they needed to be, bringing meals into our home and getting our children out for a breather when needed. My children have stepped up; taking care of mom, instead of mom taking care of them. And my husband; words cannot express. All I can say is that our marriage has reached a new level! 🙂

A few weeks ago, Easter discussion began. Should we cancel our annual party this year? After much begging from me, we decided to move forward with it. 🙂 After being cooped up in a house for two months except for doctor's appointments, I needed my party!

Friday, my children really stepped up and gave the house a once over! It was wonderful to see them work together and get things done quickly!

Saturday, a couple of sweethearts came over to help with the cooking; which was considerably less since others had volunteered to bring things I usually make! B-boo also helped me put together the dozens of eggs for hiding and the Easter baskets for the next morning.

Tradition has us hiding baskets each year for the kids to find. We get up early and film and take pictures of the kids finding and then raiding, their Easter baskets. This year, hubby had to be at church by 7 am. And he wasn't coming home until shortly before the party started. And you know what? I think this was perhaps the biggest blessing of all. You see, my children weren't so worried about finding their baskets. They were more concerned with helping dad and mom get the little ones ready and going to church. And the little ones didn't complain at all about going to church before they found their baskets.

It wasn't even mentioned.

Not that tradition isn't important. But I will share what an amazing moment I had, when I realized my kids get it. They understand the real reason we celebrate Easter. They understand that while *tradition* is fun, there are just certain things that mean more. And so, we went to church and worshiped and celebrated. It was my first Sunday back, so B-boo kicked me out quickly before I could be caught up in the crowd. She is more like me every day.

And we came home, and they got to work setting up tables and doing the little things that had to wait until the last moment. And it was only after Dad got home that we quickly found our baskets; baskets that are steeped in tradition. The same baskets that Grandma had made for each of them when they were born; the same basket that my oldest son, for the 1st time in 22 years, was not here to receive.

And shortly after, our house was flooded. Flooded with friends that have been there for us for the past two months; for the past year; for the past several years.

We are blessed, indeed. And when we circled up outside for prayer before the feast, I looked around. I was overcome with emotion and tried so hard not to cry as my husband thanked everyone and then asked for the blessing. Our home was brimming; inside and out, with over 80 friends.

They were smiling, laughing, making memories. And it was amazing.

Someone came up to me at one point and commented, "You're not loved are you?"

Her point? 

Our house was full. Full of His love; a love most definitely worth sharing!