i never made it to a good friday service today. my sister's church didn't offer one, and when i asked the secretary for any recommendations of churches in the area that did offer one, she said she didn't have that information. AND my niece and nephew had a half day of school today! on good friday?! so wrong.

i love Christmas, but Good Friday and Easter are what our faith is all about. the birth of Jesus is great, but without his crucifixion and resurrection, we wouldn't have our faith, and the relationship with our Heavenly Father that we have. every year i am more and more moved at the thought of Jesus hanging on the cross for me. it is something that i am unable to express my gratitude for in words... praise God for the sacrifice of his son!

today was spent shopping with mom, my sister and my 3 year old niece, natalya. we took a nap this afternoon, and ran to the store to get ingredients to make homemade pizza! so yummy! tonight i played uno! with my niece, becca.

off to try to sleep... this time difference has me all messed up! i'm trying my best to stay on east coast time... but... so far it's not going so well.

i'll leave you with a picture of natalya. here's the gorgeous face i woke up to this morning: