Joanna's 1st Birthday Party

Since I have a ton of pictures for y'all to enjoy I will TRY keep my words to a minimum. Saturday we had birthday party for our little princess who turned ONE on the 16th! It was a nice time with family (at least I thought so). Michael grilled hot dogs, it always cracks me up because I always hear at least one person say something about how good the hot dogs are and that they haven't had one in so long that they forgot how good they are. :) I had some chili and cheese as well as the normal fixings for hot dogs. I was surprised how many people ate chili on their dogs. I thought I was one of the proud few who did. There was also homemade lemonade that apparently went over well since there was none left! :)

Joanna was not shy with all the attention and kept us laughing with her cutie pie self. She was blessed with some wonderful gifts, but most importantly she was blessed with all the family who came to share her day. To me, that is the best gift ever, having family who live nearby and share in the joys and heartaches of life. Who laugh with you, pray with you, and can scold you (with Mommy and Daddy's permission). :)

Our family is super blessed and I look forward to the day when my kids realize that they have the best family around!

 Jo opened a gift early since her Godparents were not able to make it. (I was too excited to make her wait three more days.)

 Grandaddy, Jo, Michael, and Great Grandaddy

 Great Grandma Traskos, Jo and Memaw (in the corner)

 Joanna with Uncle Doug

 Great Grandma and Grandpa Traskos

 The Lord worked everything out so Michael and I were able to get Joanna a play kitchen. The kids LOVE it! They have played with it for hours already! :)

 Aunt Brenda, Aunt Carrie, Uncle Doug (who got crowned a princess for all of 7 seconds) and Wyatt

 Our Family (minus Uncle Larry, Regyn and Madelyn)

 Jo stylin' with her new shoes, purse, phone, and bracelets.

She also got new books, outfits, snacks, a water table for outside (eeeek! They kids are going to love that this summer!), cds, and $! She is one loved little girl! :) 

Gratituesday: It's the Simple Things

Sometimes its the simplest things in life that make me happy. Today is was the garbage man. He actually put my garbage can back in my driveway!!!! 

Please tell me I'm not the only one who sees this as a small miracle. I mean, two weeks ago I came home to both trash cans IN THE ROAD and they were blocking the driveway. Last week I watched a dude practically throw it back TOWARD the driveway. 

So I guess I am saying that they are people who still take pride in doing their job to the best of their ability. I am thankful he was my garbage man today. :)

And yesterday I got to watch a storm roll in. It only lasted 10 minutes but I enjoyed it immensely!

Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Easter with Family

We had a small family Easter get together at our house on Saturday afternoon. My brother's crew was not able to join us since they were having a family hunting trip. We missed them but we still had a ton of fun!

Josiah was so anxious for everyone to get here. He stayed on the front porch for at least 30 minutes waiting on people to show up. He eventually got bored and laid down. 

 The kids table- We taped down construction paper for them to color on.

 While Michael and Larry hid the eggs the kids were inside decorating sugar cookies with icing. (I just now remembered I forgot to pull out the sprinkles for them. It would have just made a bigger mess I am sure.) It kept them occupied and kept them from trying to peek out the back windows.

The funniest thing that happened when they were decorating was when Becky and I got distracted talking with each other. I looked down and Emelyn had the icing bag in her mouth squeezing all the icing into her mouth. It was so funny!

 One of the girls (I think Regyn) is very artistic. She did a great job decorating her butterfly! She is only six years old by the way.

 Waiting for Uncle Michael to say go!

 And they're off!

 Grandaddy swinging with Joanna. :)

 I found one! I found one!

 Opening their eggs to see what they get.

 Sixlets and puzzle pieces. :)

 One of the girls quickly got the smaller puzzle put together and then Mom and Becky and a few others here and there put together the larger puzzle.

 The kids waiting in line to get a chance to shoot the paintball gun at an egg.

 That is part of my old bathroom floor. Ha!

 Josiah

 Thomas

 Grandaddy

 Nana and Becky even colored on the table. :)

 Someone got worn out from all the activities. lol

There were only a few minor injuries from all the excited playing so I think we all had a blast. :)

Matthew 28: 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.