I haven't been online in a couple days. Catching up on blogs, emails, facebook, will take awhile but will do it later tonight. My mom and nieces were here for two days, and we enjoyed each others company and had a lot of fun. We found some roller skates in the thrift store, so both girls had to try out rollerskating! We roasted marshmallows over our outdoor fire pit one night, and even though it is July, it felt like September out there! We also giggled a lot, made cookies, went shopping, and just enjoyed spending time together. We had to go on a flip-flop shopping quest as the youngest niece didn't have any and she felt left out!! We were able to get two pair, one high wedge heal with lots of sparkles, and another regular pair, because of half off summer gear sales!
Time went by rather quickly, and I cherish the times we had. Times like that seem to be too few, so when I can get moments with my mom, and nieces, I treasure them and store them in my heart as a precious memory.
Our weekend here started on Thursday, at least for me. My hubby's started on Thursday night at 6 pm. We had a busy time, but a great time. Our niece who is in the Navy, decided to spend 22 hours of her four day leave with us. We felt blessed. She used to spend every summer, and sometimes spring breaks, with us since she was about nine, but since she joined the Navy nearly four years ago, we haven't seen much of her. So, the time we had with her was very special. She and I spent part of the day reconnecting with my family, and my hubby's mom. She hadn't seen her grandma in four years so wanted to make sure she got to see her on her trip. In the evening, we went out in the boat, and she went tubing and we had a great time. We were beginning to get get pelted in the face with bugs, so we called it a night and enjoyed a meal together. We shared a lot of laughs and memories. Time ended too soon when she left at 5:30 the next morning.
Our niece's parents came in and took her place as our company for the rest of the weekend. We traveled up north so my hubby and his brother could spend some time with their mom. We also spent two hours in the boat going from Sandpoint to the outer edge of Priest River and back on the Pend Oreille River. The 4th of July took us to the mountains to spend some time with both sides of our families, including my sister's stepson who made a trek over the Cascades to spend the weekend in Idaho. We enjoyed riding horses, catching up, trying to stay cool in the shade, and relaxing. We also enjoyed a little wildlife as we saw a turkey with six youngin's and a doe who we know had a fawn close by. A moose was spotted by the in-laws as well. And as always with the 4th of July celebration, we enjoyed good food. My dad had to introduce his version of s'mores to my hubby's family. They said they will never go back to regular s'mores again! To make my dad's version, you take two graham crackers, two roasted marshmallows, and a brownie. You put the brownie in the center of the graham crackers and marshmallows, and enjoy. Since I have a gluten allergy, I have not enjoyed this 'feast,' but I have been assured it's very tasty!!
We left my family behind as we headed down the mountain just a little before sunset. After getting my mother-in-law back home, we headed to the beach to enjoy the best fireworks show I have seen in my old home town. We did sit in what used to be our 'normal' viewing spot on the beach when we lived up there until three years ago. This is the spot where we used to know everyone around us because we had all lived there for a number of years, and we could catch up while we waited for the show to begin. This year, however, as I scanned up and down the shoreline looking at the thousands of people at the beach, I only found six familiar faces, including two police officers and one fireman that I knew. It was a weird feeling! I set that aside as they started the fireworks and I must say it was worth the trek down and back with all the strangers. It was definitely the best show I have seen there in thirty some years of watching fireworks.
On Sunday morning, we checked out one of the new dining establishments in town and enjoyed a good breakfast before we said our goodbyes, and went our separate ways. It was nice to catch up with everyone, and it was nice to enjoy time with our families as we celebrated America's freedom.
On this 4th of July weekend, please remember that it is called Independence day and that we only have that independence as a country and as individuals because people have been willing to fight to keep our freedoms. We have that freedom because millions have fought for this country, many have lost their lives for this country. Are you willing to protect and preserve your freedoms? I am willing to stand up and fight for freedom and to preserve this country and all it stands for, are you?
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.' And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Red Skelton recalled what his teacher told him about the Pledge: "I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"
I
me, an individual, a committee of one.
Pledge
dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.
Allegiance
my love and my devotion.
To the flag
our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
United
that means that we have all come together.
States
individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
And to the republic
a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
For which it stands, one nation
one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"
Indivisible
incapable of being divided.
With liberty
which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
And Justice
the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
For all
which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.
***~~**~~***
Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance...
UNDER GOD
Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?
Patriotism-love for or devotion to one's country I recently heard someone say that patriotism is at an all time low in our country. I thought about it for a few minutes, and sadly agreed. It seems people are quick to put down our military, but defend the terrorists who killed our people on our own soil. People seem more willing to fight for these people than they are willing to to stand up for our country, our freedom, our constitution. It seems many are willing to easily give up what our ancestors, our grandparents, parents, uncles, sons and daughters, friends, have fought so hard to defend and preserve. To me, many may not even realize how easily they have been swayed to let their freedoms go and not stand up for them. It's like a lobster. When he gets put in a pot, he doesn't realize he's about to die because the water is cold, but the temperature slowly rises, until before he knows it, he's dead. The same thing is happening in our country. People are letting our rights and freedoms be taken away at an alarming rate, but it's being done in a way where most people don't even realize how much they are losing because it's packaged up nice or it's told to us that we will 'benefit' from it, when it is actually causing us to die as the great nation we once were. Our national news media is partly to blame. They like to twist things around and have amazing control over people's thoughts. If you listen to the national media, the Iraqi people hate America. I had some friends recently spend three weeks there, and they said the opposite it true. For the most part, the Iraqi people have deep respect and gratitude for Americans, and that the Iraqi people actually come up and say thank you. Do you hear that in the news media? No. Do you remember the brief time after 9-11 when we were actually united as a country, we stood together, ready to fight for our flag and what it stood for? Why did that all change so fast? What made the pride that Americans felt for our country disappear? Why did Americans give up the fight so fast, and roll over and stop supporting our troops, our country, and our flag? Why? In my opinion, it's because of the saturation and mind control of the national media in our country. They tell us to think a certain way, they put down what is true and right, and they tell us how to think and if we don't think that way, we are wrong. We, as a nation, have become media robots, almost like a bunch of brainwashed cult members who have no idea to think for themselves. I recently read that alcohol abuse is skyrocketing with those serving our country. Their morale is very low. They feel like their country is against them, not supporting them. How sad. No matter what you think of war, you should support your troops, your country! I have relatives and friends currently serving, and I know they are not feeling support from their country, but quite the opposite. One told me she felt more supported for her service by those in other countries than she does her own! That statement broke my heart. Let me ask you, do you remember our troops? Do you thank them, send them emails and packages to support them, or say thank you when you see one in public places? Are you willing to stand up for your country, for your flag, and be proud to be an American again? It's time to wake up as Americans and take a stand for our freedoms and what is right, to take a stand for our country, and restore some American pride again. If you need some reminders about our military and what they sacrifice for us, maybe it's a good time to rent Band of Brothers, Flags of Our Fathers, Saving Private Ryan, or Pearl Harbor and remember, and be grateful. On this Independence week, I pray for patriotism to return to our country, and I pray for our freedoms, our troops, and our leadership.
Red signifies hardiness and valour White signifies purity and innocence Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice
As we approach the 4th of July, I have a lot of thoughts going through my head, some of which I will share with you throughout the week. Today, I am thinking of our flag. I feel proud, and humble when I see the flag flying. I feel respect, and honor. I feel a strong sense of patriotism for my country when I see Old Glory flying high. I am thankful for those who have fought for the freedom to keep that flag flying, and I think of the many lives that have been given for our freedom, and I am thankful. I am willing to fight for that flag, and I get angry when people deface it or disrespect it. What does it stand for to you, and how do you feel when you see it?
As we approach Independence day, think of all that flag represents, and if you want, share your comments.
I enjoy the outdoors, wildlife, flowers, trees, the mountains, photography, and geocaching.
Living life, loving those around me, laughing as much as possible, and hanging on to hope.
