It's a Weekend of Firsts!

What fun to have a weekend of firsts!

Tomorrow will be our new baby grandson's first Easter! Today Henry had a visit with the Easter bunny. He wasn't a bit upset at being held by a gigantic rabbit with scary looking deep-set eyes.

Of course, he is only five weeks old, and his vision isn't as strong yet as it will be when he's a bit older. I suspect next year's visit with the Easter bunny may not run quite so smoothly.

Speaking of scary looking bunnies, take a look at a few old photos I found. No wonder the children are petrified.

Of course, it's Winston's first Easter, too, but no bunny pictures for him. Hey, I'm still trying to help him realize every man he sees is not a potential ax murderer. If a giant rabbit got hold of him it might set his training back for months.

However you celebrate the day, we hope you avoid the scary bunnies and have a wonderful Easter!

Happy Easter 2014

My four-legged thief...

But Bogey has other interests...

Hey Mom! Where can I get my paws on the bird that laid these eggs!

Easter is tomorrow and it looks like the weather will be sunny, warm, and simply spectacular. After church we're heading for the annual Easter car show. Gotta love those old-time rides. Of course it is rather disturbing to realize cars I once owned are now referred to as antiques. Sigh...

Wishing you and yours a safe and truly blessed Easter holiday.

Have a Hip-Hopping Happy Easter!

Oh, those chocolate bunnies! They come in so many scrumptious flavors it's hard to choose. Let's see...there's milk chocolate, dark chocolate, cookies and cream. There's white chocolate, raspberry chocolate, and peanut butter. Each one is more scrumptious than the next. I remember carefully selecting an assortment of my most favorite luscious chocolates to put in my children's Easter baskets. Those baskets literally overflowed with sugary delights.

Which reminds me, have you ever filched Easter candy from your kids? I believe it's legal to do so as long as you practice the utmost fairness. Never take a peanut butter cup from one basket without taking one from the other, too. Just to even things up, you know.

You're welcome, kids! 

Alas, the only ones ineligible for treats from the Easter basket are the four-legged family members. Chocolate is toxic to pets. Keep those baskets out of critter reach, because they'll raid it faster than a sneaky parent ever could. But don't feel bad...a quick trip to the dog bakery for pet-friendly Easter treats is the perfect solution to keep everyone healthy and happy.

From us to you, have a safe and happy Easter holiday!

Bunnies, Chicks, and Ducklings, Oh My!

Easter is hopping our way with the speed of light...or should I say, the speed of a rabbit? It's a holiday that makes us think about all things Spring, and also never fails to entice legions of people into buying a live bunny (or duckling, or chick) as an Easter gift. This unfortunate practice has resulted in two things: the abandonment of thousands of animals over the years, and the death of many others due to neglect or abuse.

Yes, these little critters are cute, warm, and cuddly. But they are also creatures with plenty of needs that must be satisfied in order for them to thrive. Once the fun and excitement of Easter is over, who's going to take on the responsiblity of that adorable little animal?

Shelters everywhere will be forever grateful if you take this pledge: Never bring a live animal into your family until you've educated yourself on it's needs, and are willing to make it a lifetime commitment.

So this Easter, buy the kiddos colorful eggs, jelly beans, cute outfits, a soft stuffed critter, or a yummy chocolate one. They'll be happy, and so will you. 

Oh, and while we're on the topic, remember this little known fact. I highly recommend the purchase of chocolate bunnies, because chocolate bunny ears belong to adults. At least that's what I told my kids--and who are they to doubt me?

Many thanks to Mr. Pip for the reminder badge posted above, and feel free to post it on your blog. It speaks volumes!

Happy Easter

It sounds like the weekend weather will be invitingly spring-like, which should make Easter morning pretty perfect for kiddos and parents alike. In the bustle of the holiday,I hope you can take time to reflect on the joy of the season.

And don't share those yummy chocolate bunny ears with your pets, as chocolate can be toxic for them. Instead, make the ultimate sacrifice and keep them all for yourself. ; )

My critters and I wish you a spegg-tacular Easter!

Easter Gifts

A popular Easter gift for children in my youth was a bunny, chick, or duckling...yes, a live one. What animal loving child wouldn't be thrilled to receive a cuddly bunny or charming chick of their own? Of course my parents didn't indulge me, as much as I asked for one. In retrospect, I understand how wise they were.

The purchase of a live bunny, duckling, or chick for a child's gift nearly always resulted in the death or abandonment of the animal. What seemed like a good idea quickly became an annoying slice of reality. No one was fully prepared for the extent and type of care required or the delicacy of small fragile bodies in tightly clenched hands. Thus the impulse gift swiftly became a fatality, or simply a nuisance.

Luckily, through zealous education efforts, live animals as part of an Easter morning celebration are now seldom seen.

And I'm grateful that bunnies, chicks, and ducklings come to us another way these days. As a chocolate treat!