Happy 4th of July!

I am always thankful on Independance Day.

I'm thankful for our freedom. It's just so easy to take it for granted. Seeing fireworks and everyone decked out in red, white, and blue just breathes life into my sense of patriotic pride. I'm thankful for every person that has ever served in our armed forces, and especially for those who have served in wartime. I'm thankful that we are still (for now at least) a nation of capitalism and democracy. I'm thankful that even though there are many things about our country that make me sad/angry/fearful, I still think it's the most wonderful place I could ever ask to live. I was reaffirmed of this this morning at church, when they introduced us to a recent graduate of West Point. When asked if he had any fear about entering into military life and possible war, this 22 year old confidently and calmly said, "I have peace because I know that God knows the number of my days, and he knows if I will have a full military career and retire or if He will call me to die for my country." Gulp....sniff, sniff. If this 22 year old is any indication, there is HOPE for our future generations.

My very dear friend Misti and her husband and son came over Saturday morning to help us celebrate the 4th. We ate a FEAST of a breakfast, including a fabulous smoked turkey quiche that Misti made and these cinnamon rolls that I made. The recipe is from Pioneer Woman (and if you don't read her yet, you need to start!). Yuuuuuummmmmmmmmm!!!! Our neighborhood had a bike parade, so Misti and I decided to take her son and Molly and the hubby's decided to stay here and watch macho man tv while Jack slept. Molly has never been to a parade, and yet when I asked her if she wanted to go see the parade she started running around in circles yelling, "Go see the paraaaaade! Go see that paraaaaaade!" I guess a parade just sounds fun, even to a 2 year old!

And fun it was!!!!

My parents came over later that afternoon and we all went to the pool. Unfortunately (well, after that huge breakfast, it's actually fortunate!) there are no pics. I made this Olive Artichoke Dip from Pioneer Woman, and you must make it....soon!!! We had steaks with blue cheese butter, corn on the cob, broccoli slaw, and fresh fruit for dinner, and then my favorite Strawberry Shortcake for dessert (the shortcakes are buttery and sweet, and the fresh whipped cream...well, just don't get me started!)! Again, no pics, because quite frankly, we were just too busy stuffing our faces to stop!

I hope that everyone had a very Happy 4th! God Bless America!