Happy Easter!

For us of the older generation - "Car didn't go beep, beep and run over Easter Bunny" we got our treats and things here at least. :) Honestly I'm having a hard time time remembering that joke. Does anyone remember? Was it...
Knock, knock
Who's there?
Cargo
Cargo who?
Car go beep, beep and run over Easter Bunny

That somehow seems right although we shortened it considerably to tease the younger members of our family at one time (thanks Gary - that scarred some of us for life or at least we remember it more than most things!). :)

Well the Easter Bunny arrived here safely at least. There’s some chocolates and jelly beans for everyone. Even Dad and Gloria got a 6 oz. Russell Stover chocolate Easter bunny delivered here. We’ll take it with us when we travel there later. Other than that – Matt got some specialty coffee (French vanilla cappuccino mix) and a large bottle of Pepsi (his fave), Christi got some flavored coffee (French vanilla) and a large bottle of Diet Mt. Dew (her fave), and I got a sampler package of different teas (so far my favorite is a red tea with strong cinnamon smell and taste) and a large bottle of iced tea. Easter bunny was nice this year. No “car go beep beep and run over Easter bunny” today – at least not before he got to our house!

Every holiday I try and remember those who aren’t with us – it’s easy with the holidays so closely tied to family. Grandma Smith – well there is always the food and her hospitality and kindness – a very strong woman who lived a great life. Grandma Lange (Mom’s Mom) – she was always gracious with snacks and treats (chocolate chip cookies and pop) and though reserved in her nature a kind woman dedicated to family and friends. Mom – well I will remember her for far more than I can write about and I miss her deeply. Nephew Mike who had a good spirit and was a devoted friend with an adventurous soul – he was taken much too soon from us. Though we’ve gained many new members to the family, it seems only fitting that we remember the others too.

This year will marks Reagan’s first Easter. It’s a wonderful thing – Gary said that he and Sue went there Friday night to celebrate Easter (everyone’s schedule is so busy that was the only time available). Anyway, Jarren has an ear infection so he’s not been feeling well. Reagan though was (as proud Grandpa Gary described her) a “little doll” who looked at everyone with her big eyes and just was quiet and good.

I’ve got the Easter Mass from the Vatican in Rome (Pope Benedict presiding) on TV right now. It seems strange to have commercial breaks to a mass but I’m taking those breaks to write this. Most of it is in other languages so I’m glad there is an interpreter. There seems to be a variety of countries represented. There are huge numbers of people out in the rain for the mass. Umbrella sellers in the area must’ve made a lot of money. Really though it’s quite nice – the music is good (though I don’t know most of the songs or understand them). The movements appear perfect – almost like a dance it’s so choreographed – no miss-steps and a great economy of movement is evident in the design of the area and the facilities. There is a huge altar area that is covered – lots of gold and bright colors. It’s an amazing sight. The flowers were all provided by the Netherlands florists and are beautiful and very spring-y. The mass looks like it’ll be about 2 hours long and it seems very cold, rainy, and windy. It’s a very dedicated group.

Best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy Easter Day!