Grandma Gaskill's 100th Birthday Bash

Grandma Gaskill and me.

Kianna and Libby: Kianna has started making silly faces for the camera lately.
Kaylee and Grandma Sue
Cousins: Kaylee, Libby, Alyssa, Kianna, and Jada.
More cousins...
Grandma Gaskill with her three kids, their kids and grandkids; plus a niece and nephew. 51 present in all.
Wayne's family with Grandma; minus by brother, Rick and his family.
My Aunt Joanne and her family with Grandma.
My Uncle Rod and his family with Grandma.
Grandma with her kids: Wayne, Joanne and Rodney.
Crazy Cousins: Libby and Katie with my kids.
Did I mention we had bells for a couple of the songs? Debi's family was really into it!
Trace napping on Mommy, a rare moment.
Singing "Happy Birthday" to Grandma.
Blowing out the candles.
Girls giving Grandma the gifts they had made her.

We traveled back to Iowa this weekend to celebrate my Grandma Gaskill's 100th birthday. Josephine Lucille Curtis Gaskill was born on September 13, 1911. Can you imagine all the change she has seen in her 100 years? She grew up in a time when many kids only went to school until 8th grade, yet she got her teacher's certificate and began teaching other children. She used to ride a horse and buggy to work each day. She saw the invention of penicillin in 1928. Unfortunately, it was discovered a few years too late for her sister who died at a young age from a foot infection. Not to mention the technological advances she has seen with televisions, computers, microwaves, cell phones, etc.

Rising above all of the amazing things my grandma has witnessed over the years is the life she has lived, a life worthy of praise. My grandma is a strong Christian woman who passed on a Christian heritage to her children, grandchildren, and great-grand children. For that I will forever be grateful. Her favorite bible verse is Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." I have observed my grandma living her life according to this verse for my entire 34 years. Part of the weekend's festivities included a family church service, which was planned by my brother, Dave, and nephew, Scott. Dave led worship and Scott preached. It was a priceless experience worshiping with my family. I hope if I live to be 100 years old, that my family will think it appropriate to plan a church service in my honor as well. What a privilege that would be!

We had a great weekend spent catching up with my extended family. We spent the night at a hotel in Cedar Falls, so the kids were able to swim and play with their cousins while we visited. It was especially nice to see my sister, Debi, my brother-in-law, Dan; and my nieces, Katie and Libby. They traveled from Colorado for the celebration. It had been two years since we had last seen each other, so it was wonderful visiting with them this weekend. One of the precious moments from this weekend that I will cherish was when my girls each presented Grandma with the gifts they had made her. I had told Kaylee how Grandma used to make beautiful handmade quilts when she was younger. The girls decided that Grandma would like a homemade gift from them as well. Kaylee gave Grandma one of the pot holders she had made and Kianna gave Grandma the dragonfly keychain she had made. It was a sweet moment when we presented the gifts to Grandma. She was pleased to receive them. Happy 100th Birthday Grandma! We love you!!!