Happy Easter!

I love holidays. All holidays. But Easter and Christmas are my favorites. I'm a huge fan of "The Bunny", egg hunts, the arrival of spring, time with family..but above all, I love the spirit Easter brings. It is always such a powerful holiday for me and my faith. Hearing the story of Christ's death and resurrection is just so moving. It is always such a powerful reminder that he died for each of us and to take our sins. By His wounds we are healed. I don't know that my human mind will ever be able to wrap my mind around this. He died for us as we are, not who we will become, not who we should be, but who we are right now. He loved us so much that he allowed himself to be beaten, spat on, tortured and nailed to a cross in agony. It is also such a needed reminder to me that he understands pain, doubt, fear.. and can always understand anything we ever feel.
Now that Collins is 5, she is starting to understand more about the true meaning of Easter. Sure, we still have tons of fun with all the Easter Bunny stuff, but I love that now she can also understand the true reason we celebrate!
Today after visiting The Easter Bunny, we came home and made Resurrection Rolls together (the Collins friendly version, of course). They were really simple and SO tasty (I may or may not have eaten 3). Making these rolls together is a great way to go through the story of the resurrection with your kiddos! This is what we did..

Resurrection Rolls 

1 can of original Pilsbury Crescent Rolls

8 large marshmallows

1/4 cup of Earth Balance butter (or butter of choice)

2 Tablespoons of Sugar

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Separate crescent rolls into individual triangles, and lay out on counter or wax paper. Melt butter in a small bowl. mix sugar and cinnamon in a separate small bowl. Dip a large marshmallow into melted butter, then roll in sugar mixture. Place marshmallow into the center of a dough triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow. Pinch the seams together tightly to seal in marshmallow as it melts ( I recommend you wrapping them for your children if they are younger to make sure they are sealed).Place on a silpat or parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool about 5 minutes before opening.

While you make the rolls, make sure you walk through the story with your kids!

1. the Marshmallow is Jesus' body (and it is white because Jesus was pure and without sin)

2. Dip Jesus' body in the butter, which represents the oils that he was embalmed with

3. Next dip the marshmallow into the cinnamon and sugar, which symbolizes the spices placed on his body to prepare him for burial

4. Place the marshmallow in the center of a crescent roll triangle, which is the tomb. Wrap the dough tightly around the marshmallow, sealing all edges, so that Jesus will be trapped inside (and you don't have a marshmallowy mess lol).

5. Place them in the oven for 3 Days (or 10 minutes ;0) and allow to cool a few min.

6. Now let your child open the tomb to see what is inside..The marshmallow is gone! (melted) And Jesus has risen!

Happy Easter everyone!!