Yesterday afternoon, I was in a tizzy, trying to get my daughter to nap so that she'd be able to manage the marathon Mass (2 hrs+) that is Easter Vigil. I thought about bagging our plans to do Church at night so that we could indulge in Asti Spumante, chocolates and cured, glazed prok products all morning, and instead awaken early for a morning Mass.

Luckily, she did finally sleep, and later, we readied ourselves. Despite the objections of my family members who deemed my frock "too loud for church," I donned a silky knit animal print dress and some pointy-toed, knee-high boots (we have snow on the gound...not the weather for peep-toe shoes!)

The first good omens were securing a good parking spot and a roomy pew. From  there, everything went well, and my daughter behaved nicely. My husband kept his eye-rolling to a minimum. We did have a few stifled snickers together when one of the cantors began in too high of a key and botched her psalm...but other than that it was a lovely - and quite moving - service.

As I type, I have a glazed ham warming and homemade scalloped potatoes bubbling in the oven. The Ballatore is chillin' in the 'fridge and the glazed Easter cake is tempting me, but will remain wrapped until the time is right.

I have busted into some of the Whoppers eggs and Jelly Bellies brought by The Bunny...who almost didn't make it this year.

Last night, I knew I had to ready the Bunny goodies for the kiddo. I kept reminding myself over and over to do it once she was sound asleep. Thinking it would take awhile to kick in,  I took a Restoril to get a decent sleep (I've been sleep-deprived the past few days) and planned to head to my hiding spot to fill plastic eggs with pastel m&m's.  I ended up conking out and waking up at 8 am with no basket ready!

Whoops!

I snuk into the basement, and fortunately the kid was engrossed in morning cartoons in the family room. I managed to stealthily fill the eggs, and put together a basket brimming with goodies.

I dashed upstairs, again, unnoticed, and told my husband to alert the child that something got the dogs upset (they were barking as usal in the morning for me to get up and walk them.) She came dashing up, I pretended to just be awakening from slumber, rubbing my eyes.

Excitedly, she explained, "Mom, I was awake all night so I guess the Bunny couldn't come. So I went downstairs to watch tv. I guess he waited for me to get out of sight before he tossed the basket through the window and did a quick repair!"

OK... I never thought of the bunny as a sort of benevolent vandal but if it works for her, it works for me!