Easter!!!

So.......Easter has always been one of my favorite days of the year! It's such special day, and there are so many reasons to celebrate this day. The number one reason being that HE is risen and that all who believe will have eternal life. How amazing is that just to think about???
Easter was extra special this year, because it was Hanna's first Easter. You would have really thought it was Christmas in April, but I loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, Jason had to work on Easter Sunday. I guess that's one downfall of any manager's job. Hanna woke up in a GREAT mood that morning and couldn't wait to see what the Easter Bunny brought her! Okay....she had no clue what was going on, but I sure was excited!

 We celebrated Easter with Jason before he headed to work. Who would've thought Hanna would've loved her new pacifiers more than the dancing and singing bunnies and other Easter goodies??

Hanna and I then headed off to Sumter to spend the day with my family.....something I have always done. We went to church and then went to mom's to eat a yummy lunch! The rest of the day was spent dying Easter Eggs, opening more Easter goodies, and playing in the new inflatable "water park" that mom got for all of the girls! They all put on their new bathing suits, and had a blast. Hanna wasn't sure about it at first. The water was cold, and she did not like it splashing in her face. She was just sitting there shivering! We then turned the water down, so that it wouldn't splash her and she loved it! She is definitely a little water baby!

Stay at Home Mommy for a Week

So, words won't even explain how much I have enjoyed being home with my sweet girl this week. I guess that's one of the perks of being a teacher. This week has made me even more ready for the summer. We have had so much fun together, and I'm so sad that the week is almost over. Luckily when I head back to school, I only have 6 weeks left, and then I'll be home with her for over 2 months! So far this week, we have been to Sumter for a few days, been to a birthday party, went out on the lake with daddy, cleaned the house, went on several walks around the neighborhood, shopped, and went to dinner. We still have another trip to Sumter to make so that we're with our amazing family for Easter Sunday! Throughout this week, Hanna has even realized that it's fun to sleep in! Never would I have thought that I would be up before she is. She has been sleeping until at least 8:30 for the past 4 days. Monday is going to be so hard on both of us!! I hope Natalie is ready for some sleepy babies Monday morning!:) Here are just a few pictures of our week so far. I'll try to post more later!

Just having fun with the camera at Gammy's house

More fun outside!

Hanna loves to help her daddy drive the boat!

A Special Man He was......

So, I was not planning on this being my first real blog post, but my family lost a great and wonderful man last night.....my grandfather died very unexpectedly from a heart attack. Over the past year, I've really realized that death is something that you are never really prepared for. I've said many times, "this just isn't fair." "I wanted to see him one last time." "Why is God doing this to my family right now?" I've had so many thoughts going through my head, but through all the hurt that I'm feeling,  I've decided to try and smile because he lived instead of shedding tears because he's gone. I am going to cherish his memory and let it live on. I've tried to remember all the wonderful times I had with him throughout my life. I had the privilege of living next door to him for 18 years. I ran back and forth several times a day! I was his only granddaughter and I must say, "I think I always got special treatment!" He lived a wonderful life and I am so thankful that he was my grandaddy! He showed me more love, support, and encouragement than any girl could ever ask for! Not a day went by that I didn't know how much he loved me. I am so thankful that he was my grandaddy!
I read this poem and it made me think of him:

The love we have for Granddad
Will never fade away.
We'll think of him, our special friend
Throughout each passing day.
We'll walk into the room
And see his empty chair;
Although we know he's resting,
We'll feel his presence there.
The memories of his laughter,
His warm and loving smile,
His eyes so full of happiness,
His heart that of a child.
Memories are forever
Be they laughter or of tears,
Memories we will treasure
Through all the forthcoming years

This is the last picture we took together at Christmas.
I love you Grandaddy, and will always love you!

Givin' It a Try.......

Okay.....So, after reading several blogs that friends were doing, I thought to myself "what a great way to keep people updated on what's going on." I'm not sure I'll be the best "blogger" but I decided to go for it! I have so many exciting things that I want to share with everyone about my sweet little family, so what other way to do it??? I'll try to update this as much as possible, but I'm sure all you mommies out there can relate, we don't have a whole lot of free time!

Get used to seeing this precious face......I have a feeling you'll be seeing it a lot on here!