a rite of passage

Look closely! Mark and Maisy made it to the top!

Climbing the fire tower is a Martindale rite of passage. Each year, we try and get away to Breezy Point for a few days. There is a fire tower that can be climbed nearby. It is very tall and in my opinion, very scary! I am not fond of heights. When Maisy was 3 years old, she cried because she couldn't climb the fire tower with the big kids. She has been waiting all year to climb the fire tower.

She is fearless and never shys away from a challenge. Her whole life has been filled with challenge and she has never backed down yet. And this year, it was her turn to climb the tower. Under close supervision, (and without me watching!), Maisy and Daddy began the climb. It was a windy day but nothing stopped her from making the trek up. She made it. She loved it! And so did Elijah. Everyone made it up except Aaron, Isaac and myself...we prefer to stay on land (although I am pretty sure that Aaron would be the first one up if he was able to walk!)

The fire tower. It is a rite of passage in the Martindale home. Sweet Maisy is one of the big kids now. And she is so proud of herself!

Easter

 These are our breakfast muffins! Cute, huh?!

 Excuse the crusty nose...Elijah's nose runs constantly since transplant! Elijah enjoyed every minute of the Easter fun...dying the eggs, the egg hunt and going to Church..his enthusiasm has excited everyone...He is such a miracle!

It started out as a precious Easter...relaxed, fun and filled with all that Easter should be..about Jesus. The morning was filled with such a glimpse of  the overwhelming sacrifice, the amazing love..poured out upon us by our Heavenly Father. A beautiful day, filled with hope for the future...came crashing in at lunchtime. A misunderstanding that blew up into an ugly mess...and the "perfect" feeling of Easter, flew right out the window. A teenager furious at us has a way of steeling the joy..but it also has a way of reminding us exactly what Easter is all about.

We are sinners...fallen...rough...impatient...judgmental...and we need Jesus. Every day. If we didn't need him so much, Easter would lose all it's meaning. This life here on earth is messy..ugly even. We get little glimpses of the joy that is to come...and I am so grateful for those moments. But, it is in the midst of our sin..our sadness..that the reality of Easter is made so truly precious.

He is risen! For us!! And we are determined to not let this rough patch steal our hope, our gratitude..our passion for Jesus Christ. Happy Easter Everyone!