Independence Day Memories

Like you, I’m sure, I have many memories of Independence days through the years.

I can remember going to the car races with my Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mamie and waiting, waiting, waiting for the races to be over. I wanted to watch the fireworks! I also remember flying in their little airplane to a nearby town to go to a town picnic in the park. I was so upset when Grandpa wanted to leave early before the fireworks. I was later thrilled to watch them from the air!  Everyone should have a Grandma Mamie and a Grandpa Frank. 

I remember standing out on Grandma Mamie and Grandpa Frank’s front porch and playing with sparklers. Sparklers were my favorites. I used to try to write my name with them in the air. They were the next best thing to a real magical fairy wand. Hey, I was young! I wasn’t that smart about sparkler safety, though. I dropped one on the porch and then stepped on it with a bare little foot. Yikes! I could wail with the best of them.

Grandma and Grandpa moved to Texas when I was a teenager. So, from then on, most of my Independence Days were celebrated on the third with my mom and step-dad. I’m not sure if we had the big cook out and shot the fireworks because it was their anniversary or because they didn’t have to work the next day.

I remember my first Fourth of July as a young bride. We lived just half a block from the college football field where they were shooting the fireworks display. We invited my Dad and Annie to come and watch with us from our driveway. Unfortunately, we were downwind. We were inundated with smoke and debris falling from the sky. Annie was hit by what looked like a big piece of coconut shell.

Later, I remember watching with our babies. I remember covering their ears, hugging them closely, and watching their eyes wide with wonder at such a glorious sight. I don’t remember any of them crying; but, they sure snuggled in close.

Twelve years ago, I remember standing in our Pastor’s front yard, with tears streaming down my face, as we watched the display from afar. We had been on our way to the park; but, it was excessively hot, I was excessively pregnant, and my mother was at death’s door. I had just returned from seeing her. My, how she loved fireworks! She’d spend a fortune to get that display just right. Well, she waited until just after midnight to go home so that she wouldn’t spoil the fourth. I’m quite sure she waited. She could have gone on the third, her anniversary. She could have gone on the fourth, a holiday. She could have gone on the sixth, her mom’s birthday. She went on the fifth. I just can’t help believing that she knew what she was doing.  

Thank you God that this is another year to fill with memories with my husband and my kids.  Praise the LORD!

Laura

Drip Drip Drip Boom!

A memorable account of July 4, 2009.

We spent the evening out in the country with friends at Charlie’s Big Red Barn. It was open on both ends; and, the breeze was so nice that it stayed cool. We had a cookout with lots of friends then headed out to the Municipal park. We sat in our usual place at the edge of the golf course. We had all of our friends, Lowell’s mother, and all of our little family. The kids played as we were waiting for the sun to set. I told the kids that I wanted them to come on up the hill and sit with us near the van when it got dark. Well it got dark alright. Just moments before the display began, drip-drip. Yes, it was sprinkling. Well, that’s okay, we thought. We’ll get a little damp. The display was gorgeous. This year they had a new kind of firework that had little white swirly sparkles interspersed with small bursts of purple. I just loved them. That’s just about the time that our drips became drops and then, suddenly, a downpour! Boy everyone started to scramble for their cars! We were close; so, we got in and watched most of the rest of the display from the car. It did slow to a sprinkle near the end. So, we got out and watched the finale.

We came home soggy but happy. I have a feeling that this is an Independence Day that we won’t forget!

I hope this year is fabulous for you as we remember the sacrifices of our founding fathers and those who have fought to keep this country free.

God bless the USA.

More of the Good Stuff About Summer...



Free e-card from Debbie Mumm.

 Still trying to look on the bright side! Boy the sun is bright, isn't it? ~smile~

*Giving my children popsicles and ice pops that brighten their little faces with pleasure.

*A break from the "do your math" routine.

*Sending the kids outside to play.

*Knowing the pleasure that my "yes" can give when they want to play in the water.

*Bubbles

*The kids' excitement as they plan a trip to the fireworks stand.

*Electric fans.

Have you thought of anything else?

~~~~~
May I suggest...
Jalapeno Jelly and Salsa
~~~~~


 A Return to Loveliness - Take a Look Tuesday  - You're Gonna Love it Tuesday -Titus Tuesdays -  Tuesdays with a Twist - Backyard Farming Connection

Looking on the bright side...

Free Desktop from Debbie Mumm.

Summer is NOT my season.  You might call it my my melting dewy season.  Heat and humidity make me one very unhappy girl.  No a/c at the house makes me miserable.  So, in an effort to look on the bright side, here is my summer happy list.

*No heating bill.
*No icy cold snow in my shoes.
*No snow melting on the floor.
*No worries about the hens or their eggs freezing.
*I'm not going to go into a spin after hitting black ice on the road.
*The kids can go outside without fear of what folks will think.
*The hens lay more eggs.
*Watermelon!
*Fresh corn on the cob!
*Vine ripe fresh tomatoes!
*Fresh from the well cold showers.
*Fireflies
*Trips to the creek
*Birthdays
*Grilled chicken and burgers
*Icy cold lemonade 
*Filling little jars with homemade jams and jellies.
*Fewer school hours
*Shade trees
*More reading time
*Looking forward to Autumn...my favorite season.

What do you enjoy about summer?

~~~~~

How about...

Harvest Peach Jam

~~~~~



Monday
Mom's the Word - Good Morning Monday 

I'd Like to...

I'd like to... quilt... embroider... write... read... knit... sew... bake... have a tea party for close friends... play more and cool off!

What would you like to do?

 ~~~~~

May I suggest?

Just Something to Think About... Wishing

~~~~~


Monday
Mom's the Word - Good Morning Monday 

I've Learned...

I've learned many things from reading other ladies' blogs:

~to make laundry soap from scratch

~to count my blessings

~to sew tea wallets

~to sew a tote bag

~to make bread from scratch

~to make new soups

~to make new desserts

~to put photos on my blog

~to decorate my blog

~to make paper snowflakes

~to be more frugal

~to enjoy great music on Pandora.

~to enjoy new artists and works of art

~to make a refill for my foam soap dispenser

~to enjoy my family more

~to enjoy the seasons more

~to write better

~to get free books for writing reviews

~to use YouTube to find video tutorials

~to enjoy new genres of reading and new authors

~to make, do, and enjoy lots of things

~to be more self-sufficient in pursuing the
old-fashioned arts

~to get closer to the LORD Jesus Christ.

It is great to be part of a bigger community of Christian ladies who believe in femininity not feminism, home living, homemaking, homeschooling, and making do with what we've got.

Thank you ladies!

What have you learned from other bloggers?

God bless you all...

Please continue to pray for the tornado recovery in Joplin and surrounding areas.

Laura

~~~~~
May I suggest?
Frightened of God... My Testimony
~~~~~


Linking with:
Wow Us Wednesday - Wonderful Wednesdays - - Fluster's Creative Muster - Making a Home
Modest Mondays -  Proverbs 31 Monday  - Mom's the Word - A Mama's Story - Mix it Up Monday -Inspire Me Monday  

Teach Me Tuesdays at Growing Home
Domestically Divine Tuesdays at Far Above Rubies
 Making a Home.

Share Your up Thursday 
Hearts 4 Home Thursdays
The Charm of Home
Imparting Grace 

Joplin Tornado Update

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry that I've been off-line so much lately.  The Joplin Tornado has kept our family busy.  We've had lots of folks staying at the Big House for the last couple of weeks.  We'll have more coming in over the next few weeks.  Lowell has been working as liason between Joplin Family Worship Center and FEMA, SEMA, Red Cross, and I don't even know who else.  He's up early in the morning and serving at the house next door, then it's off to the church and meetings, home around 6 or 7 pm, then over to the big house again to make sure everyone's settled in for the evening.  He usually comes home to our house around 8:30 or 9:30.  He's wearing himself out.  I do ask for your prayers for him. 

The kids have been JFWC and helping for several days.  I have to make them stay home some days.  They are getting tired, too.  I told them no more working until Monday.  There is so much need; and, they see it.  I thank God that they want to serve.  They're working hard for the Lord.

I've been holding the fort down here and doing what needs to be done on the home front.  People come and go during the day.  It's a whole different life from the one we were living just a couple of months ago.  Then, Lowell and Matthew weren't here; and, we had no car during the week.  It was 5 days at a time of relative peace and quiet at home.  My things change!  May we all serve with a happy spirit.