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Of Easter feasts and finery
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 11:44AM 
Bunny art abounds in April
If you've been paying attention, you know that our family celebrate all of the holidays with as much togetherness as we can muster.
The spring holidays are especially happy ones, bringing with them as they do, pretty flowers and nice weather (usually ... I am laughing in the general direction of the Midwest and points north and east, which saw snow this week).
Easter and Mother's Day spring to mind. Pun intended.
It was such a pretty day
In addition, we have our Allissa's birthday. She is a Tax Day baby and she turned fourteen last Friday. With the exception of our loves in Oklahoma, who for obvious reasons could not be there, we all met that evening for supper and a birthday pawty.
I'll tell you all about that and share pictures, later in the week.
But first, Resurrection Sunday. We go to church every week so that was no different, but of course on this day there are special decorations and songs and lots of visitors at church, and Easter gifts and treats.
The purple bunny is new this year
We also make a pretty big deal out of Easter outfits. Yes, we dress up every Sunday for church and yes, we know it's not a fashion show but we like making a special effort on that day. It's exciting.
(And it is not a crime to dress up for church, and it doesn't make you vain or shallow to be extra on Easter. If it does, go ahead and clap me in irons.)
Saturday morning, the day before Easter, was rainy here. I had accomplished my grocery shopping the previous Thursday -- pirate ducks all in a row, as it were -- and had a schedule of household chores plus dishes to make ahead of time.
Audag were decked out in springy togs
Dagny had traveled back home with us from the birthday party the night before, and slept on her bedroll which lives in an upstairs closet but gets toted into our room and laid out on the floor when she overnights. She still won't sleep two floors away in the guest room, haha.
But that's fine.
Let's pull over and park here for a mo. There is something about TG's and my bedroom that encourages long, sound sleep -- any time of the day or night.
This bunny's sweet expression captured my heart many years ago
I think it's because our room is kept very cool year round, and because of blackout curtains and blinds it can be made dark even in bright daylight, and because of its situation in the house, it is unusually quiet.
At any rate, the children always rest for their naps exceptionally well there, which is nice when everyone has gathered together for a whole day and the little ones are wiped out and need a good long sleep.
Dagny always goes to bed late and sleeps in when she's with us. Saturday followed the pattern. In the dark, cool, quiet of our room, she snoozed until nearly ten o'clock.
Cherica, with the adorable addition of Baby Rhett, were charming as always
I got up at eight and did my usual routine of coffee and reading and sitting with my pets in the sun room.
Eventually Dagny joined me and we got her squared away with something to eat, and began going about our day's tasks.
The first thing I crossed off my list was making a Blender Lemon Pie. This is a fabulous recipe and you should try it. Putting it together is easier than falling off a log, unless you have the need to make your pie crust from scratch, which I most certainly should, but do not.
Easter cries out for a lemon dessert, so this ticked the box nicely.
I spell spring dessert L-E-M-O-N
Next I made deviled eggs, which is also insanely simple to do now that I have a Dash rapid egg cooker.
I don't know what I ever did without that thing. I try not to dwell on those dark days.
After that I was pretty much done with what could be got out of the way before later that evening, when I would get the spiral-cut ham wrapped tightly in foil and ready to go in its pan, putting it back into the refrigerator until Sunday morning, when I'd slide it into the oven set to switch on while we were at church.
Our Tar Heel darlings sent this family photo
The next morning I was up early to dice the russets and throw them into the Crock Pot where they too would cook for the next several hours. Later they'd be transformed into Slow Cooker Baked Potato Casserole -- a recipe so simple and good that all I have to say is, you are a dumb bunny if you don't hop to and try it.
Once we got home and I'd changed clothes, I took the baked ham out of the oven and added its glaze and put it back under the broiler for a few minutes, then set it aside.
I made my mother's broccoli casserole as well as pineapple casserole -- if you have not tried that yet, you really must -- and pretty soon, it was time to eat.
We rounded out the meal with Sister Schubert's yeast rolls and a nice assortment of ICE drinks.
Where there is ham there is happiness
In addition to the homemade lemon pie, I had bought a Pepperidge Farm coconut cake. Those little square layer cakes are so delicious. Next time I'm getting the yellow one with chocolate icing.
Oh dear. I don't know why this is but it happens every time: when I have taken two or three days to plan and make a meal, I really don't enjoy eating it all that much. I sit and I eat, but somehow I'm not really hungry at that point, and the experience falls flat for me.
I actually feel slightly annoyed that I can't just go to my recliner and rest.
Melanie was overjoyed about something
Can anyone tell me why that is? Because if someone else prepared it, I would be ravenous and devour every bite with great gusto. But when I have done the cooking, eating becomes a chore.
Anyway. I ate and TG and Audrey and Dagny ate, and they all pronounced it delicious. Correction: Dagny ate some and then said she was full, leaving potatoes on her plate, and three and one-half minutes later was inhaling a yeast roll and chocolate candy and a refill of soda pop, and clamoring for dessert.
Typical. She's exactly like I was as a kid. What am I saying? I'm exactly like that now.
Deviled eggs are delightfully de rigueur
Stephanie and her family are never with us on Easter because our son-in-law is a pastor, but they took pictures and shared them with all of us, and I herein share a few of those with you.
I am so grateful for the way my children are rearing their own children. I thank God every day for that. You can tell from the photos how sweet they are. Not perfect, but perfectly precious.
Also the Tar Heel Tootsies have added Piper, a golden retriever and miniature schnauzer mix. She is a handful.
L to R: Piper, Melanie, Andrew, Allissa
Andrew, Brittany, and Ember, as you know, are far far away. I had sent them cards and gifts. Chad and Erica and Baby Rhett traveled to Newberry after church, for Easter dinner with a bunch of his relatives.
After our Easter lunch, we cleaned the kitchen. Nobody except Dagny was ready to eat dessert. That same Dagny was keen to take a walk, which she normally does not like to do "except on Easter," she said. So we three girls struck out for a half-hour stroll.
It was so hot. We were exhausted by the time we got back to the house.
Say it with rabbit raffia
By then, Cherica were on their hour-long trip back from Newberry. Since they live over by our church, we had decided to get together with them after the evening service, for leftovers and dessert.
Baby Rhett had had a long day with only cat-naps in the car, so it was decided that I would sit with him at their house while everyone else went to church.
Audrey joined me because she had worked all day the day before, and had strained her back, and needed some rest. Plus she is addicted to Baby Rhett.
Sparkling ICE drinks make it even more festive
I packed up all of the food and TG took me over there at about five thirty. Those who were going to church left, and I got the vittles out for when they returned an hour or so later.
We had a nice evening noshing on ham and fixings, plus the cake and pie, and a pot of decaf.
Dagny had school on Monday and everyone was more than ready to wind down, so by a little after nine, we had all said our goodbyes and headed for home.
It looks like a cake but it's really coconut crack
What a day.
Monday dawned gray, rainy, and cold, with high temperatures in the low fifties. I did not venture out.
Today the blue skies and plentiful sun are back, but it remains cool-ish. It will be nice for my walk.
It was indeed a happy day
Our next pawty is set to take place a week from Saturday. It will mark an ultra-special once-in-a-lifetime occasion, but you will have to wait to find out what it is.
I hope everyone had a great Easter holiday with loved ones and good things to eat. Later this week, as promised, I'll tell you all about Allissa's birthday party. So you have that to look forward to.
And that is all for now.
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Happy Tuesday
Reader Comments (15)
Oh my gosh! Where do I start? First of all, I now feel like I know all of your family personally! Dagny is so pretty, and I've learned that children all have the same eating habits! A bite or two of food and then on to the treats! Baby Rhett is adorable and those shoes! Stephanie and her family took a beautiful family picture to treasure! I've printed out the recipes for the lemon pie and baked potato casserole. Do you think the pie would work with a graham cracker crust? It looks delicious! Yes, this weather was crazy! Easter Sunday was sunny but too cool to stay outside for long. Then yesterday we got 2 inches of stinking, wet sloppy snow! I could literally have cried!!! Luckily today it's gone and we are actually going to get temps over 60 by the end of the week! I miss the warm SC weather! Looking forward to reading about Allissa's party!
It looks like another successful Weber gathering!
Happy Birthday to Allissa!
That's an especially nice photo of you and TG.
The kids and grands are all gorgeous as always. :)
I can relate to Dagny as well. It all looks so good!
@Jeanette ... UGH! TWO inches of sloppy snow? That is just YUK! I would have hid under the covers! But your spring will warm up forthwith I am sure. About the graham cracker crust, I am not sure since it has to be baked after you put the filling in, but maybe look it up online just to make sure. I will say that the filling made as directed fills a store-bought deep-dish pie crust perfectly. You're going to love these recipes! Of course you can cut that potato recipe in half; it calls for five pounds of potatoes and that makes enough for the whole neighborhood, haaha ... BUT it does freeze well, so if you make it as written, you'll have lots to pull out and serve at a later time. And a bite or two of food and then treats suits me fine, but we are adults and as such are supposed to advocate for cleaning your plate before dessert, haaahaha! xoxo
@Mari ... It was pretty good if I do say so. I actually enjoy the leftovers more than the actual meal. We had such fun. xoxo
You had me at Pepperidge Farm coconut cake! Girl, that is THE best! We traditionally go to our church’s Saturday night cafe service. It is a potluck where we worship in song around tables and then dig in while a few members (chosen ahead of time) give their testimonies. We brought a Thai chicken slaw and German chocolate coconut bars. It’s always a blessing.
My oldest daughter, son-in-law, and grands came on Easter and brought my mom, who doesn’t drive on the highway. I made an Easter lasagna (involves ham and broccoli), Parmesan and tomato asparagus, blueberry bread, frozen fruit salad and my husband made the deviled eggs. I even made raspberry peach iced tea.
Sadly, it snowed ALL day today. I’m afraid my daffodils and hyacinths have bit the dust. Thanks for sharing your yummy meal and delightful family photos. I’d love to know what Melanie was excited about! XO
@Bijoux ... WOW that sounds like quite a feast! I'm sure a good time was had by all. Raspberry peach iced tea ... YUM! Your Easter service sounds special too! YES the PF coconut cake is divine! I don't get one very often but when I do, I thoroughly enjoy it. Now I can't stop thinking about the yellow cake with chocolate frosting ... we'll do that next time! I can't believe you had to put up with a whole day of snow at the end of April. That is just so wrong. We had a freeze early on this year and hardly had any wisteria as a result. But summer will come! And I too would like to know what cracked Melly up. She is quick to laugh so it could have been anything but probably had something to do with the dog, hahaha! xoxo
I printed out the recipe for those potatoes. I'm definitely making those soon. I never met a potato, pasta or bread that I didn't like :)
Oh my gosh, Jenny. Jeanette and me are going to crash one of your parties one day! They always look so well organized and delicious with the food you serve! I would imagine you don't feel like eating it because you were consumed with it beforehand. No pun intended but you did all the hard work pulling it together that you couldn't enjoy it. I would get that way sometimes when making a meal for son/family coming over. I'd sit down and think "I'm not even hungry" but would eat something anyway.
Your children and your grandchildren are all so lovely/handsome; lovingly raised by you and TG and now in turn lovingly raising their children. Truly a blessing!
I like how you all dress up for Easter and really for going to church every Sunday. I don't even own a dress these days. Everyone looked beautifully dressed!
So the next party as the once in a lifetime celebration could it be for a special wedding anniversary?
Looking forward to your next posts :)
betty
I am exactly the same in that I will do all this cooking and baking for my family (it's been years since I've done that, though) and then I do not eat! Ha! Nowadays, I just cook for me and Jerry, and even at that, I will look at my plate... {sigh} meh. I save it, then eat later when my stomach thinks I'm trying to starve it. Maybe at 65 I'm just kinda sick of cooking. Well, maybe not... I do love to bake and cook, but mostly for my family or friends.
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I looked at all those recipes. Oh me, oh my! I do my deviled eggs the exact same way! Wait.. I lie... I add a touch of vinegar and a spot of stevia. Heh-heh. But oh hey! That blender lemon pie is intriguing! Jerry loves lemon cheesecake, so I'm bettin' he would love the pie! Yes, me too probably, LOL!.
Thank you for sharing your lovely Easter blessings of being with your beautiful family. I so enjoy seeing how you spend time with all of them. And your blue dress is sooooo pretty! I dig those cute heeled sandals you're wearing, also. You and TG make such a stunning couple. Just looking at your family photos, there is such a caring and engaging atmosphere of love and deep faith I see in all of you and how much you all love to be together. Exactly what a family should be!
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I'll be back to catch up on previous posts. Right now it's way past muh bedtime! Sending you big hugs and lotsa blessings, my friend!
Ok... I have a need to know about the Once in a Lifetime occasion??lolol...alright, guess I have to wait!
Happy Birthday to Allissa! 14??? Incredible how time is passing so fast!
Love the Sunday clothes...nothing wrong with looking absolutely gorgeous...and PIE? Gads Girlfriend, I had to print it out, lolol
And...I'm also ordering that dang egg cooker...troublemaker ,you are...but I still love you...
hugs
Donna
@betty ... awww thank you my friend for your very kind words! We do all certainly love one another, but in that I don't think we are different from most families. We are perhaps more traditional than most, and we enjoy being that way. I am very idealistic and I sort of force that on everyone else, hahaha ... they might complain inwardly but they know it's a waste of time to argue with me!!!! Yes DO make those potatoes! As I said in a comment, five pounds of potatoes makes a huge amount, so either halve it or freeze some for future feasts! Either way you can't go wrong. And try as you might, you will NEVER be able to guess at this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. I myself cannot believe it! Can't wait to tell you all about it in due time! xoxo
@Diana ... You hit the nail on the head ... you plan and work for days, and when the meal is served, it just doesn't look all that interesting! I need to stop fighting that and just have a roll and watch everyone else eat, haaha! They won't notice. You've simply got to make that pie for you and Jerry. I promise you'll love it, and so EASY! Thank you for dropping by and for your kind comments. I hope things are going well for you. xoxo
@Donna ... You will find out when everyone else does about the once-in-a-lifetime occasion, haaaha! Yes, pretty granddaughters and pretty dresses and pretty pies are what it's all about! You really must try that one. And when you get your hands on that Dash egg cooker, you are going to wonder how you ever mustered the energy before, to make hard-boiled eggs! Haaahhaa xoxo
Your meal sounds delicious as always. What is a holiday meal without deviled eggs? I know they're always on my table.
I am going to have to try that lemon pie. I love lemon desserts.
You all looked so beautiful and your shoes GIRL I love them. There is nothing wrong with dressing up. I know it makes me feel good.
You're blessed to have such a close and loving family!!
I can't wait to hear about your announcement. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Oh, your Easter sounds just perfect! I think I will be trying every single recipe you shared. That pie! I had an egg cooker, but it has disappeared in our remodel. (By the way, I would dearly love details on the Amazon bed setup you mentioned on my blog!)
Your family is a wonderful testament to a life well enjoyed! I know youxall look forward to holidays. We have fun. I would have been surprised and in denial if someone told me my huge family would all be gone except for one precious son! But we enjoy each day ...as we live and breathe!
We sure are chill here in the Midwest... tonight it's 45 degrees... Heat wave! Snow on Easter... gale force winds Monday. Gotta say though... I love it!
Happy Spring. Do you have my email? Or Gayla Pappenfoht on Facebook or Instagram.
I love that your family dresses up for Easter, church and everyday doings. We do the same. I am so tired of seeing folks dressed in PJ's all day long. Today, at 1 pm in the afternoon, what do I see, but a PJ dressed lady at the Post Office.
Thank you for showing us your lovely Easter outfits, family, and celebration.
@Lori ... YAY you noticed my shoes! When I found the royal blue lace dress (Amazon) and ordered it, and miraculously it fit and (I thought) was flattering, and the decision was made to wear it for Easter, I began thinking about shoes. Now, of course I have a full range of black and neutral dress shoes ... but I yearned for a floral shoe, something I have never exactly had. A search on Amazon turned these up within seconds, and I took a chance. They are SO DARLING (you can't even tell HOW darling in this picture), and very comfortable, with a cute heel height. They are Dream Pairs and they come in many colors and I am just going to have to have some more. So yes I felt they were the perfect foil for the solid color dress, and so springy and happy and feminine! A triumph! As was the lemon pie ... you have simply GOT to try it. xoxo
@Gayla ... YES I have your email and I will send you the bed details today! We do look forward to holidays, so much. I just love it when everyone is there, even though I feel the pressure maybe more than some. But it's worth it. Do try the potatoes and the pie ... and that pineapple casserole is so delicious too! I'm glad you like your weather and the truth is, if I am snug at home, I don't mind cold and wind either. And your nest is soooo cozy! Happy spring to you too, and I will be in touch! xoxo
@Carla ... amen sister! Dressing up is life. As I often say, this is NOT a dress rehearsal! This is it! In heaven we won't have to think about such things! But here, it's fun. And I do believe that God wants us to look nice, haahaa. xoxo
I pinned 3 of the recipes. I have a good lemon pie (easy) one, but I want to try yours. I love the rapturous Melanie photo. Somehow, I think the combination of retriever and dachshund could spell trouble...
@Barb ... well, Piper is a retriever and miniature schnauzer mix ... and believe me, it is going to be interesting! She is a wild child! But so cute! I hope you will make the blender lemon pie! It is so good. xoxo