Peeking In At A Party

Last week I celebrated my birthday. The daytime hours were like most any day – the morning hours were spent in my chaplain ministry and during the afternoon I ‘puttered’ around the house, doing things that needed to be done. But late in the afternoon everything changed! My sweetheart had planned and organized a family barbecue – exactly what I wanted. I wanted time with my family gathered together! He outdid himself. I was very proud of him and the way he had each of the gals (my dear little mother, our daughter, daughter-in-law and my cousin) participate. Before most of the crowd arrived my cousin and her hubby came and were busy with assigned tasks. Whenever I wandered into the kitchen or outside to the patio I was told to go relax, put up my feet and get ready for a party! The dining room table was decorated, as were two tables on the patio. My sweetheart bought potted plants for centerpieces on each table. Is it any surprise that the blooms on the plants were yellow?

Tiny pots of little cactus were added to the floral centerpieces – chosen by my sweetheart so I could plant a little cactus garden later.

My sweetheart reigned over the grill – the aroma of chicken filled the air.

Soon my family began to arrive. Everyone had such a good time together. My dear mother and our granddaughter, Miss E. . .

Two of our grandsons – Mr. G. and Mr. C. enjoyed being together again. . .

And our youngest granddaughter, Miss H., arrived in her party dress. She and her aunt, our daughter-in-law, Mrs. K, seemed to enjoy spending time together.

Mr. R., our oldest grandson, is growing up so fast. He recently broke his collarbone in a skateboarding accident so he has to wear a backpack-style brace for a few weeks.

After the festivities began to slow down a bit, Miss E. read Winnie the Pooh to Mr. H. He snuggled up next to her and listened intently – and then, as his body began to relax, his thumb went into his mouth and it was obvious sleep would overtake him if he sat still much longer.

But it wasn’t long and he was up and going again! He couldn’t wait to hold his new cousin, 'Bebe H.' (supervised, of course, by her mommy, our daughter, Mrs. M.).

Miss H. was the ‘new kid on the block’ and everyone wanted time to hold her. Mr. J., our son enjoyed spending time with his new niece. He held her for a long time so her mommy could eat and enjoy time with the family.

It was fun to see our oldest grandson and our youngest granddaughter together. (Oh, Grandma, that light is so bright!)

My sweetheart bought a beautiful birthday cake for me – complete with yellow roses. Of course you know yellow roses are my favorite!

The evening went too fast but it was filled with love and laughter and lots of smiles.

Much too soon it was time to give hugs and kisses and say goodbye. . .

And it seems there’s always time for one more picture of someone ‘hanging’ from a branch in the big tree by Grandma’s front door!

(Pictures of some family members are missing: my sweet cousin and her hubby - and our oldest granddaughter who requested that I not share the photos I took of her. This grandma loves the fun photos that show her ‘cuteness’ but I have chosen to respect her wishes. Of course I am always the one behind the camera so you will just have to believe me that I did attend the party!)