Easter Traditions

For Easter, we make orange pie.
Here's the story behind it: The year we got engaged, we had a lively discussion with my parents about fruit pies and we all agreed that oranges were sadly left out of the whole fruit pie scene and wondered why. So, my mom and I baked no less than 4 pies that weekend, trying to figure out the best recipe for orange pie. We used navel oranges, mandarin oranges, jello and cool whip pies, etc. and had a lot of fun doing it! So every year for Easter, Eric & I have orange pie. It's our own little family tradition and it's just a fun thing! :)
Amy Gruetzmacher


As a little girl, I remember listening to a favorite Easter record on the "Handy Boys blue record player". I was blessed with memories from extended family of coloring dozens upon dozens of Easter eggs with my cousins, many of which we hand selected from my Grandparent's chicken coup.
We are now starting some traditions with our little ones, including coloring eggs and learning favorite hymns. What a wonderful time of year. He is risen; He is risen indeed!!!
Summer Forness

Easter egg coloring and finding our hidden Easter baskets Sunday morning were always traditions growing up. We plan on continuing the tradition in our house. We have added sharing the Easter story with the little ones and lots of singing!
Jessica DeGraff

What Do You Love About Being A Mom?

I can be a kid again!
Debra Bender

*Snuggles
*Wrestling and tickles to hear their giggles
*Hugs and kisses
*"You're the best Mommy ever!"
*Yummy smell after baths
Jamie Poelzer

A better understanding of exactly how our dear Lord loves us unconditionally! In addition to those unlimited hugs, kisses and "I love yous!".
Jessica DeGraff

Seeing everything as if for the first time through the eyes of my children. The wonderment is amazing and so is the unconditional love.
Deanna Braman

The light of joy in my little one's eyes when they are doing right things and having fun. Sarah and Micah playing and giggling together. Snuggle time in PJ's. Chasing Micah while crawling at top speed around the living room. Wondering how little boys instinctively know what sound a truck makes. Reading to Sarah. Listening to Bible songs sung from Sarah's car seat. And, of course, hugs.
Summer Forness

New Year's Goals

My New Year's goal is to have Jessica kick my butt with exercising my way to a healthier me!
Also, trying to maintain a better balance of playing with my boys and being ok with letting my house go a bit...which is hard being a neat freak!
Jamie Poelzer

My goal for 2010 is to wake up at 6am three days a week to get in my weight training and devotions before the kids wake up.
Jessica DeGraff

1. Read through the Bible
2. Run a half marathon
3. Find creative ways to reduce monthly spending costs
Ruth Sohre

Learn to make good homemade bread. I already practiced three times with Ciabatta! Yum!!!
Anna Herman

1. Eat more chocolate
2. Be more content
3. Have more date nights
Gretchen Weis

To not have a baby in 2010! Ha! Ha! Ha! ; )
Brianne Haust

Organize my house. No clutter!!!
Debra Bender