Happy Easter

While Chris was away in Indianapolis, Arista and I spent the entire weekend together. Chris took the car so we were stranded at home, but we didn't mind it one bit. We spent our weekend soaking up General Conference, going on walks, hanging out with our neighbors, watching basketball and spending time together. I watched an old classic movie "The Easter Parade", which I LOVE too.

The original plan was for Arista and I to go with Chris to IN, to site see, shop, etc. I felt like I really needed to stay home, and was happy with my decision. I needed to be home to hear conference that weekend. There were so many talks that moved me to tears (more of that later). I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with Arista, and for being able to enjoy Easter listening to our apostles and prophets.

Before Chris left he kept talking about how Arista needed a Duke jersey to wear while they played. So I made one! Arista wore it during the Final Four game, and was helping me cheer Duke on.







Arista's first Easter was so fun. We woke up and found that the Easter Bunny had come. He was good to Arisa this year and gave her many books, sun hats,stuffed animals and clothes. The Martin Grandparents spoiled her with little books and stuffed animals, and The McDonald Grandparents bought Arista a breathtaking Easter Dress. I won't let her wear it yet, until we take her to get pictures taken this weekend. I set up the webcam so that Chris could enjoy watching Arista open her basket. Her favorite thing was a stuffed Chick that we got her!







We spent the rest of the morning enjoying conference, then we got all dressed up and went for a 3 mile walk with our friends down the street. It was a beautiful day outside. After a long nap for Arista and more conference we joined our friends for an awesome Easter dinner!





Easter was an emotional day for me this year, and I couldn't help but wonder how excited Preslie would have been to see her Easter basket. Easter has taken on a whole new meaning for our family, and we are so grateful that Christ sacrificed his life for us. We are grateful that through him we are able to reunite with Preslie again someday. Although there are difficult days and moments, the knowledge of Gods plan reassures our fears and comforts our aching hearts. I am so grateful I was able to spend Easter with our miracle baby, and for the light she has brought back into me. I know that without her I would not be able to move forward. Through Preslie's death I have learned to not take any moment for granted with Arista. Although motherhood has it's own challenges, my favorite thing is being a Mom to my daugthers. I hope you all enjoyed the inspired conference this weekend, and had a blessed Easter.