Greetings on this blessed Holy Thursday. I hope your preparations for Easter are going well and that you have a few moments for five random topics…

Plates – Growing up in my parents’ house, I definitely didn’t eat off a silver platter. Rather, I ate off plastic plates decorated with sloppy drawings and scribbles. On this date 11 years ago, I published one of my all-time favorite blog posts. I wrote about our annual childhood family tradition of adoring our dinner plates with our art. Every year, my mom would give us a circular piece of paper. We would draw whatever we wanted on it and then she would send the papers to a factory. A couple months later, our drawings would come back in plate-form. We ate off those plates every night growing up. And guess what? My own family now eats off them every night, too. When I got married and had kids, my mom gave me the plates I created as a child and we have put them to good use.

We would draw designs on a circular piece of paper and then my mom would send them off and they would come back in plate-form.

Fruity Pebbles Clearance – I live for deals like these. I spotted this bargain on “Berry Pebbles” this past weekend at Grocery Outlet. Just 17 cents? Does that even cover the cost of the box? Sure, the “sell by” date might be at the end of this month but it is cereal—it will be good for another year. Of course you can just eat these with milk and a spoon like most normal people, but what a neat opportunity to make colorful and unique rice krispie treats. As you probably guessed, I did buy a couple boxes.

A box of “Fruity Pebbles” costs less than a gum ball.

Spring Sports – Our family calendar just filled up. On Monday, spring sports started for both our kids. Sloan attended her first soccer practice and Beau reported to his first t-ball practice. There will be something going on pretty much every week night for the next 6-7 weeks so we are settling into the grind. Although things will be hectic, thanks be to God that our children have the opportunity to play sports and have fun with other kids.

Beau is ready for some t-ball. He had his first practice on Monday.

Easter Commercialism – Do you plan to take your children to an Easter egg hunt this weekend? If so, do some research on how the hunt will be conducted. Three years ago, I called out certain events that don’t reward children like they should. Hopefully the candy will be superb at whatever hunt you do attend. More than seven years ago, I counted down my top 5 favorite Easter candies. Finally, watch out for sketchy-looking Easter Bunnies. I still maintain my position from 10 years ago that Easter Bunnies are just plain weird.

I love an Easter basket filled with delicious candy.

The Chosen – As we journey deeper into Holy Week and with Easter right on the horizon, you might be looking for something to watch that pairs well with this sacred time. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with “The Chosen.” You can read my blog post from three years ago that delves into what makes this Jesus series so outstanding but for the sake of the limited space I have in this Thursday Rundown, I will say this: give it a try. Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus is superb and many of the scenes are beyond profound. I am navigating season four right now and it is the same great stuff.

I recommend that you watch “The Chosen.”

———————

Although I have alluded to Easter this whole post, let’s keep in mind that tomorrow is Good Friday. Before we celebrate His resurrection, we must come to terms with his crucifixion. Thank you for reading! Don’t Blink.