Easter in Houston

I see posts all over Facebook today with families dressed in their Easter finest - little girls in their Easter dresses, kids holding their Easter baskets.  Lots of "He is Risen" posts, reminding us of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the true celebration of Easter.

I think it's pretty traditional for most when I say that Easter is also spending time with family and loved ones.  I feel the absence of our daughter today, who is in Minnesota with my family.  I also feel the absence of our boisterous family - lost of noise and laughter. 

Looking forward to having our first holiday meal in Houston, I prepared a traditional Easter ham, cheesy potatoes, corn, sliced watermelon, dinner rolls, and deviled eggs.  I wanted it to be nice, so I brought out the China that we received from Chad's great Aunt Evelyn, along with all of the accompanying serving dishes that match the China set.

We sat down to our meal, and I said a prayer.  I thanked God for resurrecting Jesus from the dead and giving us hope for an eternal life.  I asked him to bless our family, especially our loved ones who couldn't be with us today.  I asked him to bless our Minnesota family and friends, and I asked him to especially keep Courtney safe.  I thanked him for the food we were about to receive in Jesus' name.  We all said Amen.  That's when my little perfect Easter meal went not so perfect at all.

Corbin does not eat Easter food.  Because he has autism, he only likes about 5 different foods, and let me tell you, what I served today was not on his extremely limited list.  We have always been understanding of this, but it is hard enjoy a zesty meal when he's sitting there with a dinner roll on his plate and nothing else.  As usual, he asked to be excused very early from the meal.  At least he was polite and asked to excuse himself.  Carly got upset and said "that's lame."  Thus, an argument ensued between the two of them, causing Corbin to meltdown.

I tried to continue having our nice meal.  Carly rudely burps.  I try not to let it get to me.  Then, she farts.  Whenever she farts, she calls it a "safety" - thinking that it makes it acceptable, because hey, she said "safety".  I glare at her and she starts to laugh.  I look over at Chad and he's smirking, trying hard not to laugh.  So then I glare at Chad, and he stops and puts on his serious face.

I then begin preaching that we do NOT burp and fart at the dinner table, especially at Easter meal!!!

Not two minutes later, Chad leans over, raises a butt cheek, and lets one rip.  I'm thinking, Really?!?  I'm sure that showed on my face because Carly busts out laughing.  They both think it is very humorous.

I decide that since my perfect Easter meal has been tossed out the window, I might as well lighten up and enjoy the fun.

See, I know many of you think I'm uptight and can't have fun, but I have my moments.  I picked up a forkful of my cheesy potato and flung it across the table right at Chad's face.  THWAP!  Right in Chad's eye.  He never saw it coming.  Carly is of course now howling with laughter.  I feel victorious.

Life is what you make it.  :)  Happy Easter from Houston!