The following is a series of pictures displaying an Easter project the kids and I did. NOTE: This is not my project idea. I saw it on FB, and I could not find the original poster to give him/her credit. Be sure to read our step-by-step instructions, though. You may learn a thing or two…

Step 1: Gather the Loot.

You’ll need potting soil, shade grass seed, a small pot, large clay plate, some twigs, small stones, a large stone, and water.

We purchased most of loot at our local True Value. Sticks and stones were gathered by Jacob and Leesie on a “nature walk” through the old Cost Cutter parking lot. (We have TWO large stones, because they couldn’t decide. We decided to try out both.)

Step 2: Lay the stones and pot in the plate.

We also have two pots. I wanted a clay one, but it was too big. So we went for the smaller peat pot.

Step 3: Cover with soil and add (choose) large stone to cover the tomb. (Leesie’s stone won.)

Step 4: Sprinkle with grass seed and add hot-glued or twine-tied crosses.

Step 5: Eat dirt. Or at least shove it up your nose. Or make yourself a mud-mask. Or all of the above. (Note, only Jacob is in the following pics, because Leesie’s mud-mask got into her eye and caused some serious drama eye-irritation. NO pictures were to be taken of this pain and agony.)

Step 6: Since you have extra soil and peat pots, plant some herbs. That is, if you can still see.

Step 7: Dump several pots of soil onto the ground. Especially those your sister planted. Because that will make her cry harder.

Step 8: Be sure to get LOTS of dirt in the fabric chairs. It makes a neat dark smeary pattern.

Step 9: Clean up your mess and set up your centerpiece. Water 3xs a day.

Step 10: Enjoy your new centerpiece, and ham it up while your mom attempts to get a good picture of you with your finished project. This is, of course, 7-10 days later, and the mud-mask-in-the-eye-mishap will be all taken care of by now.

And finally…

Step 11: Remember to do this activity on a sunny day next time, so you can make the dirt mess outdoors.

Step 12: Tell all your friends the Good News that He is Risen!

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay! ~Matthew 28:6