Thought I'd catch you up a little bit on some of the spring happenings at Casa Donaldson.
Margaret and friends made a Peeps Cake, 200x the size of a regular Peep. She found the recipe in her Food Network Magazine.
So it doesn't look EXACTLY like the magazine picture...
I had a quick trip to Richmond on a blustery day with my college friends. Here we are in my friend's fabulous clothing store, "Heidi Story," in the heart of Carytown.
Jack's classmates planted a butterfly bush in his memory in our back yard for us to enjoy while we eat dinner on our porch. I love those kids. One of the girls even made Picklesicles-- popsicles made out of pickle juice, because Jack had told her how we did that once.
We watched the Yankees game on tv on Opening Day. So NOT the same without Jack, but the Yankees jersey I bought for Shadow helped keep the mood upbeat, at least for the people in the room.
Margaret made egg-shaped funfetti cakes. Can you tell I've been eating a lot of sweets lately? I am enjoying her new hobby.
We had a very quick girls' trip to Philly with our dear neighbors. Saw the Liberty Bell and the Betsy Ross House, but tried not to do "too many historical things" per the girls' request.
We also watched too much tv and made multiple trips to the mall with thumping music and shirtless Abercrombie teens.I haven't thought much about the HOLY in Holy Week this year. Just trying to get through, I think. But I wanted you to know we are here and we are okay.
And even though the trappings of Easter are so painful this year-- one Easter basket to fill, no egg toss, etc, the real meaning of Easter is the only reason we can keep going.
Life doesn't end.
Thanks be to God.
Happy Easter dear Anna! Thanks for sharing your outings and activities.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you and your family. That peeps cake is super cute.
ReplyDeleteJack is still smiling down on you.
(((((((((Donaldson's))))))))))
ReplyDeleteLove to you guys...from Kentucky
Thanks for the little update friend. I am not very "into" Easter this year either. Last Easter I was at my mother's death bed. The Easter before that, we learned that our jobs were ending and we still are living off of our dwindling savings. Sorry for the negativity....but I think we are allowed some you know?
ReplyDeletePraying for you and yours.
Peeps rule! Margaret is so cute. Good luck with the weekend. The sun is returning, the light, and the love. Glad to see you are having some fun. You certainly deserve it. I have a feeling you are going to get an awesome Jack sign this weekend, idk why, just feelin' it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for updating us on what the Donaldson "peeps" have been up to this week. LOVE that Jack's class planted the butterfly bush!
ReplyDeleteLove, prayers, hugs to you, Tim, and Margaret
I think it is just great that Jack's friends planted a bush in his memory. What a thoughtful thing to do!
ReplyDeleteLove is stronger than death. I will be praying for you on Sunday.
Thinking of you on this Good Friday. I love how your little Margaret is growing up and enjoying "big girl" thngs. I am sure she is trying to work through all of this, too but children sometimes seem to recover from loss faster than the rest of us. Maybe because they feel closer to God-and find life's journey different than we do? God bless all of you as you struggle to forge new memories and traditions with the unplanned change in your family. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteDid you noticed the orbs in the picture of you at the restaurant (I think that's where you are)? A picture of three :) sending you uplifting thoughts this weekend and always!
ReplyDeleteI have popped by a few times today - thinking of and praying for your dear family. I'm so glad I stopped in one more time as you crossed my mind. *Love* the update on happenings with The Donaldson Family. Life most certainly does not end. Praying for a peaceful weekend for you and yours - with the warmth of Jack's special light enveloping each of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. Blogland still is thinking of you and praying for you. The smiles and the fun baking--those are good. And all good things come from Him.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see all of your smiling faces. Have a wonderful Easter!
ReplyDeleteYeah, dogs are all about the dressing up.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like you've had many months of holy weeks - trying to find the holiness in your situation and maintaining your hope in Jesus. I think a week of shopping and fun sounds refreshing and well deserved! That peep cake makes me want peeps AND cake. I foresee a weight gain in my future. God bless you all with so much peace and hope, especially as you go through this weekend.
ReplyDeleteAnd darkness never has the final word, I thought of you at service tonight. Glad to see you all are getting out and enjoying yourselves. blessings and peace to you all
ReplyDeleteYou have definitely been busy! First, I LOVE that cake. I think Margaret's version rocks. SO awesome. Also, the poor doggie in the jersey. I laughed a lot at that.
ReplyDeleteAnna, I am so glad you have your faith and your people (even if they bring you picklesicles :) ).
Love to you this Easter. May you spend it as peacefully as possible.
Looks like you have loads of sweetness right now.
ReplyDeleteLoved the picture of Tim & Shadow...too cute.
May your Easter be blessed and peaceful..hoping you feel Jack's love. ((Hugs))
Shalom to you all. Have been praying for you today, and will continue through the weekend. Love the peep! Tell Margaret to check out www.bakerella.com &/ www.sweetopia.net if she needs more inspiration. Sorry to your waistline in advance! ;)
ReplyDeletePart of getting home and settling back in from days away down south is checking in on you guys. Such a blessing to read your post on this Good Friday evening. Sounds like you and Margaret really made some memories this week. That's awesome. God bless you, Anna! Sending love and prayers this Easter!
ReplyDeleteAnna...I think being joyful IS being Holy...we don't need to be in a constant state of pondering religious thoughts to be Holy. If we know, in the core of who we are what Jesus did for us not only on the cross, but with His resurrection, we ARE holy. I think Jesus is watching your family, with Jack, and smiling at the silly cakes, and the shirtless wonders otherwise known as abercrombie models. I think its ok. And I'm so glad this week was filled with giant peeps and other silly things. Minute by minute, day by day, and year by year, you will get through this. Praying for you this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you and your family! Enjoy all the easter bunny treats!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all this week, and always. xox
ReplyDeleteOne day (holiday, minute, second) at a time. Sweet Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMay God throw Himself on you 3 this weekend like never before. He broke the power of death. Your perspective and ability to focus on that even for a moment is brave and trusting. I so, so feel for you and wish I really knew you so I could really love on your family.
He is Risen. Indeed.
This weekend...this Easter thing...this is what we hold on to. For all those that have crossed over...we hold on to the faith, the hope, the promise that we will meet again.
ReplyDeleteHe is risen, indeed.
xoxo, Julia
Anna I just stumbled across your blog. I am so very sorry. Jack seemed like an amazing boy. I lost my baby boy 18months ago and though are losses happened at different points in our boys lives I understand the agony of a loss that shouldn't be. No one can prepare for the gaping hole one leaves no matter how long they are in your family. You are a beautiful writer and I wanted you to know that I don't even know you but my heart is broken for you. Thank you for sharing Jack.
ReplyDeleteBlessings....thinking of you. The peep cake looks great!
ReplyDeleteLisa G. in CT
Thinking of you and your family Anna!
ReplyDeleteAww...headed to Richmond tomorrow to take my oldest baby out to Easter brunch (he's at U of R). I'll take a peek at that store....LOVE Carytown.
ReplyDeleteSeeing Tim, Margaret, and Shadow's smiling faces is so nice...you have a great baker on your hands! Best to all of you this Easter and all the ones to come.
Love that peeps cake! I think it looks yummy. Your trip sounds fun as well and I hope that some college girlfriend time was restorative.
ReplyDeleteI am commenting on your prior post as well - thanks for bringing back memories of all those cicadas in our neighborhood! Nell loved them too - covered herself in them and made some "cicada stew" in the backyard. Even our dog was grossed out by that but she loved it!
We are keeping you all in our prayers during Easter and beyond. I think of you every single day.
Love,
Claire P.
May your Easter sunday be happy .Thinking of you. Smiles , Susie(She Junks)
ReplyDeleteLife doesn't end. Thanks be to God, indeed. Thanks for letting us know that even amidst unbelievable pain, you are still getting through. That is enough.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful peeps cake. Love it! Hugs as you step this holiday....with us loving you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to see you smile! Happy Easter to all of you - wishing you grace and peace and joy.
ReplyDeletePlease know that as you enter yet another tough holiday without Jack that our family will be right beside you praying and holding you close. You are not alone on this journey.
ReplyDeleteLove the Peeps cake. They did a great job on it. Sounds like you have had some yummy treats to eat.
ReplyDeleteWell maybe not the picklesicles!
Sounds like you have had a few nice trips out and about. So sweet of the boys to plant the butterfly bush. I just did a post about butterflies and have a link to your post on helping others through their grief. http://wwwforyourtears.blogspot.com/2012/04/visitors-from-heaven.html
NICE job on the Peeps cake, Margaret! Next you'll have to try "Smeeps" - S'mores, but with Peeps instead of marshmallows. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd picklecickles sound both revolting... And delicious at the same time! How is that possible? :)
Praise that Christ is risen... And proof that your Jack is healthy, happy and safe in heaven with Him. Alway thinking and praying for your peace. Your story has touched me deeply.
-Mags, everydayplaces.blogspot.com
The rhythmic beating of life is all around us and even if we can't see it we can feel it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel Jack especially so this weekend.
xoxo
Amen, sweet girl! And that Peeps cake is the bomb!
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteSo Margaret likes to bake.A girl after my own heart.I think that cake is adorable.I continue to keep you all in my prayers.I so miss Jack even though I have never met him.I think of him all the time....crazy isn't it?
Easter Blessings to you and your family.
Anne
Happy Easter to you and your family, Anna. That's an awesome looking Peep
ReplyDeleteI just clicked on your blog as I was taking a break from making my Peep cake - too cute! I'm only at the point of baking the cakes and cutting them, wish me luck! Happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteJust stealing time alone to check in on you. Am loving the Peep cake and the fact Maragaret gets Food Network magazine. I still rely (heavily) on the backs of cans for recipes. That and Pinterest. Wait till Margaret discovers Pinning!
ReplyDeleteSending love to you tonight and especially tomorrow.
Wishing for birds and butterflies.
xoxo
Easter blessings to you, Tim, and Margaret.
ReplyDeleteWith much love, and hugs, from the other side of town
Love the Peeps Cake and Miss Margaret's smile!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you today - I check in each day and am blessed by what you share with us.
Prayers and Happy Easter.
Kent
Thinking of you today. Love the peep cake, the Yankees jersey not so much. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter Anna,Tim and Margaret!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you all this weekend and praying.
I lost my daddy in Oct. Because He lives I can face my tomorrows! There are days when I lose sight of that, but I beleive it with all my heart!
Much love,
Joyce
Thanks for checking in, Anna. Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteyou all have been on my mind A LOT... blessings and so much love to you all, all 4 of you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAmen to that. Another Jack sign to tell you about. Dave and I ran the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K for Jack's Lanterns last Saturday in Charleston, SC. Came back to our beach rental house, took showers, got dressed, and came out to the family room to hang out with our family. Sat down on the couch and the next thing that happens is my mom hands me a piece of paper that says across the top, in big letters, a headline: "Nothing is impossible with God." She knew nothing about this verse and its connection to Jack. It was simply a brochure about a ministry she was interested in and wanted to tell me about. The world stopped for a brief moment for me as I took this in, felt the click, caught my breath. No question, that was not a coincidence.
ReplyDeleteLife doesn't end. Jesus put death in its grave. Many blessings to you and Tim and Margaret this Easter Day and every day until the day you are reunited with your precious Jack.
Thanks for sharing Anna. Had a super busy weekend but you and your family were in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteI thought of you during church on Sunday, and ached for how hard Easter must be for you all this year. And in the midst of that, I was grateful for the Easter reminders everywhere that death DOES NOT win. Love and light to you.
xo
Jen
Wow! I was just in Heidi's store last week. My sister is going back to work and was buying some fabulous new things. Small world. He is Risen. We will all be reunited one day.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to all of you, especially the thoughtful friends who miss their buddy and who care about his family. The fact that those kiddos wanted to plant something for you in Jack's honor brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my face. And Margaret's beautiful baking turns the smile into a big grin.
ReplyDeletelove,
jbhat
That is the coolest looking Peeps cake EVER! And pregnant with twins right now, the Picksickles sound very intriguing! I've been wondering what to do with all that leftover pickle juice after I finish a jar off :)
ReplyDeleteGod is good...and he doesn't keep a schedule. Blessings to you and yours.
I did think of you.
ReplyDeleteI pray you can feel it.
xo
Prayers with you & your family!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you on Easter Sunday as our minister spoke of not fearing death, and the innocence of Jack's life that he did not fear death.
You instilled that. Be proud & keep it close.
And I said a prayer of thanks, for your openness that has kicked my lazy rear end back in church & my son is learning the teachings of God.
Since you cannot hear my prayers, Thank you!
Oh Anna, I've been away and am catching up on your last couple of posts. The cicada one breaks my heart. I just want you to know that I have been thinking about you and praying for you a lot over Easter.
ReplyDeleteHugs
I should consider making that cake for Chris. He loves Peeps. Of course, he also loves those half-stale marshmallow, orange Circus Peanuts things... Wonder if the Food Network has a recipe for THAT cake.
ReplyDeleteThought about you all weekend...
"The real meaning of Easter is the only reason we can keep going."
ReplyDeleteYES.
This is one of those times where I am not sure what to say, but I suppose the fact that I, a total stranger to you and your family, am still listening, thinking and praying. Jack is teaching me. Thank you. Millie xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThought of you guys this weekend when we were at the National Harbor for Meg's vball.. If Peeps are Margaret's thing, perhaps a day trip over to the Peeps Store on the water @NHB... http://www.peepsandcompany.com/nhb
ReplyDeleteThat Peep Cake is too cute!!
ReplyDeleteThat cake!! Ridiculously cute!
ReplyDeleteI love that photo of you and Margaret.
So much love to you, Anna.
I was reminded, when reading this blog, of an old, anonymous Vietnamese poem that continues to encourage me. I keep it posted above my desk.
ReplyDelete"We fill the craters left by the bombs.
And once again we sing.
And once again we sow.
Because life never surrenders."
Thanks for your words and how they have been an encouragement to me and my readers as well.