It's Independence Day......

Well it was anyway. I'm trying really hard to blog better. The hardest part is when I usually blog, Bill plays his PS3 online and it messes with our connection and we both get slow slow signals and internet. :( I guess you can't have everything.

This year we went to Aunt Shirley's, still a regular thing for us. We didn't buy a lot of fireworks, just some for the kids to enjoy. Which is a tale-tale sign that we are getting older :). We had a good time. The kids, although mostly all SCARED-OUT-OF-THEIR-MINDS, did really good. They don't like the loud noises, plus if one is upset, Why can't they all be?

I enjoy Independence Day a lot and always take time out and think about all of our vetrans and those currently serving. My dad and grandpas were all in the service, I have 2 uncles that were too (one still is in and currently deployed to Afghanistan). I think on the freedom we have and political issues,where our country is headed especially as it relates to our Armed Forces. I have a love that only an BRAT can have. An appreciation that goes beyond what I can even say and begin to think. I remember a lot about moving around and my FAMILY being in Service to this great nation. I remember my dad being gone a LOT. I remember moving a lot. I remember getting to see my Mom everyday. I remember having patriotic programs in school. I remember standing and feeling very proud each time I put my hand on my heart and Say the Pledge and sing the National Anthem. (still am very Proud) I remember writing my dad letters while he served in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. I remember crying when we got to see him again. I remember the letter my dad sent me and the $ in the envelope to " please listen to and be good for your mother while I am gone." I remember this STRONG DETERMINED WOMAN sticking with it even though she was alone a lot and we never knew where the money was going to come from. I remember liking to move. I remember the Gummi factory. I learned Spanish, French and German (all before High School). I remember the joy of getting to live in Germany (a totally different country). I remember HAVING to make new friends. I remember not knowing anyone for more than 2 or 3 years and then moving on and never seeing them again. I remember vacation meaning going to Kansas to see our family. I remember my dad shot the cannons at the 4th of July celebration on Post. Yes, we called it POST not FORT. :). I remember not knowing what a grocery store was. "Is that like a Commisary?" I remember playing any sport I wanted to because on post no one got cut, everyone could play and no one lived anywhere long enough to be a Favorite. I remember not wanting to move here because no one would understand. I remember a lot and am grateful I got to experience a little part of it. Our service members deserve nothing but the best, but often qualify for state aid, food stamps, and can't even afford to live. They sacrifice on a continual basis and still LOVE serving our Country. This is a little, yes just a snipet of what INDEPENDENCE DAY means to me. I hope I can give my children a love of God, Family and Country that so fills me. :) Enjoy the pics.

Close to when it all began for my parents and us.

I could probably say a lot more, but for now I will stop :) This man and woman in the above picture are the reasons for all the memories and appreciations I have for OUR Independence Day. LOVE YOU! :)