I survived! This weekend was EPIC – it was just crazy busy. We had a friends birthday party which turned into an Easter egg hunt in the dark at our house with a dozen kiddos and then LJ’s birthday, a baseball game, and then Easter and all its goodness. No big deal. EXCEPT I ALMOST DIED. Not really….but it was that stressful. Seriously though – I wouldn’t have changed a thing….even with the pressure and the craziness and the self-doubt of whether I did enough to make the boys understand that they are so loved and so blessed. Jeremy and I are trying to tell and show the boys at every turn that we have so much to be thankful for…..that our hearts should really overflow with gratitude and that we should do our very best to serve others.
Which leads me to my next point – I get it that not every one believes in God or Jesus or even the spiritual world. But I will say this for me….I can not possibly imagine waking up every morning without hope. Hope in the eternal. Hope in the fact that one day I will be able to meet my Creator and I will hear that I was made…my children were made….very specifically. very intentionally. and that He always wanted me. He always wanted us. He wanted us so much that He did whatever was necessary to make sure we were pure enough to be with Him forever…and that it wasn’t anything I did…nothing I could earn or be or do…because I am OH so flawed….but through the most profound act of sacrifice. And that is what Easter is to me. It’s such a relief to teach my children that it is more than Easter eggs (even though they are pretty awesome), and more than matching outfits (again….all the heart eyes) and more than even time with family (which is probably the closest thing for me when it comes to paradise) …. that it’s about celebrating Jesus and what’s more – the fact that death couldn’t hold Him. I hope they get that. I hope that one day they can truly get a glimpse of the depth and breadth of God’s love. It’s so good. OH soo good.
Okay so grandparents – this is for you! Here is a little look into our Easter festivities! Love you!
Weston cracking me up….
I ordered the matching Sunday best outfits before Christmas from Gymboree. We already had the socks and shirts so we just ordered the jackets and shoes and shorts (that had a sewn in belt). And yes, it was a miracle that everyone fit in their shoes.
Sadly – this will probably be the last Easter for complete matching….someone hand me a tissue because that is just so sad. I will have to develop some mad ‘coordinating’ skills but yeah….Will is in the top size available for most stores so this was kinda a final hoo-rah for Easter. Sweet Maxi Knight was showing how we all felt about that fact 🙂
Earlier in the week we dyed eggs….thank goodness for drop cloths and my mom who helped! They did glitter eggs this year and loved it! Now we get to eat eggs for DAYS 🙂 Link up your favorite way to eat them because dude….egg salad, deviled eggs and salad toppings are getting kinda boring!
Some of our friends asked us if I would snap some pics of them right after church. Meet the Pedrazas….
These are our people. They are so fun and helpful and just the sweetest. They are going through the adoption process right now and I am so excited for them. I can not wait to meet their little baby!
Their kids are favorites for my kids. Natalia is LJ’s favorite person and she takes care of him whenever the kids are all playing. He seriously can’t get enough of her 🙂
And Nicky is Will’s & Weston’s best little bud. He is very different than my boys but in a way that balances them out. He is such a little defender of his big sister and also ridiculously handsome for a five year old. Watch out ladies!
After church they had an Easter egg hunt in the lawn and the kids thought it was so fun. I just liked watching that man right there with the babies walk around 🙂
This was the first year that LJ really understood and he was so cute! He would say WOOK MOMMY WOOK! AN EGG!
I asked Will if he wanted to take a picture with his friends Wyatt and Ben and Weston turned on a dime so he could be in it too! It was so cute because truly Weston does believe that these big boys are his buddies too. It’s so bittersweet as a parent to see Weston (my painfully shy kid) cling to Will (my social butterfly) and his buddies. I tell myself all the time that I don’t know what is best – all I can do is create opportunities for Weston to make friends his age – but it’s so hard! Any veteran mama’s have advice? I don’t want to say that Will has his friends and Weston needs his own because I honestly don’t believe that…I think well rounded children should be able to play with a variety of ages! But it’s increasingly hard because Weston doesn’t have those buddies yet and forming those relationships right away is harder for him. Also – I definitely believe that the Bower boys should be best friends first and be defenders and playmates with each other before any other kiddo comes into the mix. It’s just hard! I mean…just look at his sweet face…
Easter morning was really sweet. We sat in bed all together and talked about the story of Easter and how Jesus is still alive! Then the boys went downstairs and found their baskets on the table. This year Jeremy made me a basket (I helped him by giving him lots of hints!) and it kinda surprised me how he arranged it in a Halloween tub 🙂
And it was Maxi Knights first Easter! I loved doing his little basket full of non-candy items 🙂
He got his favorite snacks, some socks, a new car book and a sweet little bunny!
The big boys all got the same thing….it’s so much easier to do it that way! Just buy multiples! Next year I think I might not buy any candy – they had SO much that they haven’t even touched 99% of their baskets!
They got all the generic treats and then a scratch art pad and a movie to share. I haven’t watched it yet so we shall see if it’s age appropriate – there might be some fast forwarding in order 🙂
Jeremy had a basket too but he already took out the underwear and ate half the candy before I had a chance for a photo….so he said just show y’all an old photo of his baskets 🙂 Stinker.
I can’t be mad though….not when he makes me an Easter basket full of goodies!
He got me an awesome tank shirt that says Every Moment Matters (which is basically my photography mantra!) and then he bought some goodies for me to enjoy! I am obsessed with Tervis cups after a sweet reader named Heather sent me one….now I collect them because they are amazing. And I bought that Martha Holiday Book and told him to give it to me when I wasn’t expecting it. He sure did that! He also picked out some stuff that smells good (candle and sorbet lotion!) and crafty stuff that I hinted at in the clearance section of Target 🙂
Overall it was just such a wonderful holiday and I can’t wait to burn some wood and eat CHOCOLATE! And I also made this slider with links to stuff we got so that you can shop for your own loved ones 🙂
I gotta go run! I have to finish shooting the basement kitchen for you guys and I can’t wait to share that tomorrow! Come back then to see the reveal! And happy Easter to you guys! I truly am so thankful for you all!
Love your Easter testimony!!!! I could not agree more!
Also, beautiful family. You are truly blessed.
Your boys are so cute!!! Little Weston sure can work that camera! It’s sweet how much he looks up to big brother, Will. Love the matching outfits.
Happy Easter!
I was hoping you’d post about Easter today. I have a tiny 3-year-old and it’s so hard to find Easter clothes for him at this size (and without breaking the bank). Your guys look adorable; I’ll have to start thinking way in advance like you did. And about making friends. I have two kids but one is definitely more social than the other. My social butterfly is my baby and he inadvertently helps his sister be more outgoing. She starts kindergarten in August, and I admit being a little worried about that. However, we’ve enrolled her in a few camps and classes that she does without him? And she’s done great. So I guess I have no great advice. Things just seemed to work themselves out. I have a feeling that’s the case a lot in development if kids have a good environment. Maybe W will have more of his own friends once he starts school. Or maybe they’ll end up being a big group of boys whose age differences matter less as they grow. (That’s my long-winded way of saying basically nothing but I like their outfits.) 🙂
We don’t do Easter baskets for the ourselves, its all about the kids here. But I do like the items in your basket and my need to start hinting about them for my birthday.
Beautiful photos and the sharing of what Easter means to you. Soon the boys will be old enough that they won’t really appreciate being dressed matching outfits anyway – cute while it lasted!
Those little ones look like their own Boy Band! So darn cute!!
Looks like a lovely day, celebrating so many wonderful things <3
Yes – that is what I am hoping too. Weston starts preschool in the fall so hopefully between that and scheduling playdates he can develop the social skills needed!
xo – kb
He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed!
Beautiful post from beginning to end. 🙂
I’m repeating what everyone is saying…Just a wonderful family!!! I can’t get over how big Max is already. His build is more like his two oldest brothers. He’s probably absorbing so much from them that you’re gonna be surprised how mature he is. Thank you for witnessing the true meaning of Easter. Get some rest..
Could you share with me how you go about telling your kids in a kid friendly way about the meaning of Easter? I want my son to understand that it is more than just an egg hunt and easter bunny but he’s only two and I’m just not sure the best way to share it.
Little Rascals?? It was the first movie I took my son to (he’s 23 now and has his own son). We love, love, love The Little Rascals!! But you should watch first – they do say boogers and a couple of sassy things!
Looks like a sweet, family weekend! Love the boys matching outfits!
The Little Rascals was my favorite movie growing up. My brother and I watched it so much we broke the VHS. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did (and still do!)
Love this post, the pictures and the way you share God’s love so beautifully. Keep shining His light (and dressing those kiddos in matching outfits).
My 17-year-old had the great idea to make confetti-filled eggs this year. It solved the whole hard-boiled egg problem. We blew the eggs out and ate quiche for a week, which was fantastic!
I was so surprised to hear that Weston is shy. He seems so confident in all your photos! Organized sports were the best thing for my shy kiddo. Some really strong friendships were made on the sidelines of soccer games.
Hi, Katie. As an atheist, I normally don’t comment on religious posts, for fear that what I am saying will come across as combative or argumentative, but I felt compelled to post a comment to you because I know you won’t take it that way. I wanted to say that while I understand you thinking that those of us that don’t believe in God wake up with a lack of hope in our day, that is definitely not the case, at least for me. I wake up with hope every day, but it’s for the life we are living here and now, not the eternal. I wake up with hope that the world will be peaceful, if just for one day. I have hope that forgiveness and niceness will become commonplace. I wake up with hope that the “good guys” will prevail. I wake up with hope that I can be an example of love and compassion for my toddler. Heck, I even wake up with hope that there we’ll make it through the day with no tantrums (one day we’ll get there!). I love hearing your perspective and what your religion means to you, but don’t worry. Many of us that have chosen a path away from religion have not chosen a path away from hope. We’re hoping right along with you. Much love to you and your family.
I’m a new reader and what a delightful blog you have. Your boys are just adorable and I’m sure keep you busier than a bee. Blessings for a great week!
These photos are all too cute! This was the first year my son (LJ’s age) understood the whole concept too! I told him Saturday night that the next day would be Easter and he woke up no less than three times throughout the night shouting “I’m awake! I’m awake!” – it was hilarious!
Bhahahahaha! That is hilarious…sounds exactly like something LJ would do! It’s funny how their concept of time is so crazy off yet they totally understand that it’s gonna be awesome 🙂
xo – kb
I totally respect that….and I definitely am not trying to say that others that believe differently do not have hope…just for myself. I love that our hopes are the same in so many things – good guys prevailing (as Will puts it “let’s have the supers win!”) and that we can be loving examples and that forgiveness and niceness will be commonplace. I definitely don’t take it as combative when you share those things with me….and I appreciate you. Just know that.
xo – kb
We tell the boys all about Jesus and all the good he was and how he did miracles and LOVES us….and then how he DID EVERYTHING so we could be with him (we know that little ones don’t understand death and life yet so saying HE did everything is something very real to them) and if we love him back and choose to obey his Bible then we can be with him forever in Heaven. And we tell them that Easter is like a party to celebrate how Jesus is already in Heaven waiting for us!
xo – kb
He is one of those kids that is all or nothing. When he first meets you, you are a complete stranger and he shuts down completely….but if he knows you? You are his best friend and he is passionate about you 🙂
xo – kb
thechildrensplace for matching clothes in larger sizes.
Ran into your blog on Pinterest & loved it! Started at your white dresser makeover, then looked at your “Fixer-Upper” Texas trip & now this Easter one.
Please know that your explanation of the true meaning of Easter was so precious! You & your husband are doing a fabulous job with your kiddos & I truly enjoyed your blog & lovely photos. Blessings, ch
This 100 times! Just because people are atheists, or simply of a different religion, doesn’t mean we live meaningless lives without hope. We have morals and want good things for the world… It’s just our centers of motivation for these things are different. Mine is in the here and now.
Happy Easter Katie! Your boys look so adorable! (And it doesn’t have to be the end of matching! You can easily find big kids stuff to go with the toddler stuff!) I have four kiddos close in age as well (8, 6, 5 and 4) and it has honestly never occurred to me to concern myself with finding the younger ones their “own” friends! We are homeschoolers so that may have something to do with it. If I can get them out for a park day/playdate, then I’m just happy they can play with whoever is there. Also, my oldest was my shy guy so my concern was mostly directed at finding him playmates. So no advice here . . I just totally agree that it makes a well-rounded child who can play with all ages. I wouldn’t worry about it. Love you and your blog! xo
I love the matching sport coats!! My kids are a little older and I still manage to get them into somewhat coordinating clothes for Easter and Christmas. It does take a little more shopping though
Also, my kids style of making friends is similar. My oldest, she is 11 and everyone’s friend. She has a huge group of friends. Definitely a social butterfly. My middle is 8, also a girl. She is fine tagging along with the older girls or having a small group of friends. She just isn’t a fan of a big group where everyone needs her attention. I’m more this still with just a few good friends too. My youngest, a boy who just is turning 5 is quite a clown. He is so much different than the girls. I don’t think he has ever met a stranger. 3 kids 3 different styles. It is so interesting being a parent and watching all of their personalities develop.
We LOVE their boys preppy stuff…it’s just that they do not carry the exact items sometimes. Like last year I ordered ties for all the boy cousins and they were just SLIGHTLY a different color in the older sizes. It’s disappointing but I am sure that I will find a way 🙂
xo – kb
Amen! Love this, and love that you talk to them about the meaning of Easter before getting into the baskets and eggs. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Love this whole post! Love your boldness to share what you believe and the hope you have. And I also really love the kindness of the dialogue above in the comments. The decency, respect for all people, the exchange and realizing that though we may believe differently from one another, we can still be friends. I wish our whole country could be a little more like this right now. 🙁
Katie, on a “business” note, I don’t think the slider bar with links is working. I was trying to check out those Tervis cups and the link didn’t go anywhere.
Beautiful Family!
I feel compelled to respond regarding dealing with a shy kiddo – I have 3 kids Girl (9.5) -Boy (8) -Girl (4). My Son, who is 8, was (and is) rather shy. As little toddlers my oldest daughter (now 9) and son (now 8) were and continue to be, best friends. I have ALWAYS had the saying “all play or no play”. When someone has a friend over or is playing with a neighborhood kid everyone gets to play; you don’t get to intentionally exclude anyone based on age or gender. However if the girls are playing Barbies and my son wants to play, he gets to, but if he doesn’t you don’t have to change what you are playing. This also means everyone (I am looking at you my little 4 yr old :)) has to play nice and kind with all – if not, find something else to do.
I know not all of the other parents agree with me, however my house, my kids, my rules. I have said ‘no’ to playdates with neighbor kids when my kids were younger because only 1 of my kiddos was invited. School friends are different – my kids don’t have to go over there in a ‘pack’, however if they come to my house, all play applies. I have to say it has worked in our favor, our kids have a really great group of core friends that all get along and play well together. Sometimes organically they play by age or gender, but many times they play as a large group.
Over time, as my son has gone through elementary school, he has come out of his shell (still shy) and has made his own friends. Ironically enough if you ask him to stand front and center on his birthday so you can sing to him, he won’t. However, ask him to get in front of thousands of people to compete in a gymnastics meet — no big deal. I think for him finding ‘his thing’ has helped him – it is about him feeling comfortable in the situation that he is in.
Hope this helps a little bit for your sweet son.
Thank you so much for this, Kary Glawe. Thank you.
It’s great to hear your perspective on Easter! We have 4 little kids as well and try and instill in them the real meaning of easter. Love your blog!
I’m the same age as you and my husband was very much a shy kid. He hung out with his older brother and his friends a lot. He formed his own friendships in school with kids his own age too which became his best buds eventually. Because of those early relationships, as adults we’ve gone to many of his brother’s friends weddings. They may not be people we see very frequently but one can never have enough friends. ☺️
So perfect! Love this. I’ve also bought some simple books about the holidays related to Christian celebrations. Pictures and simple books help little guys understand better too. I caught my 4 y/o teaching is baby brother all about Easter just like he’d learned in Sunday school and from those stories. It’s so sweet