Happy Independence Day

This was shared on my blog in the past and I truly feel that it is worth repeating.  Hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday and that all remember what it is truly about!  Enjoy the post.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Many of us will spend this day with family, having a barbeque, at the beach or watching fireworks.  And this is truly how we should be celebrating.  John Adams, one of our most influential Founding Fathers, said the following,

"I am apt to believe that it will celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great Anniversary Festival.  It ought to be commemorated , as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.  You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.  I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.  Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of Light and Glory.  I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means.  And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."
(The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975. 142)

Celebrate, yes, but also remember and reflect.  Remember the enormous and incredible sacrifice that was made by that generation and all of those that have followed to secure and defend that precious freedom.  We were the first colonies ever in the history of the world to break from a mother country.  It had never been done before.  Today freedom is taken for granted because it is commonplace.  Hundreds of nations and their people have followed our lead.  

God gave us all rights-- those precious "inalienable" rights defined  and immortalized in Thomas Jefferson's words of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  No government has the right to take them away.  In Jefferson's words:

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.  Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.  But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin's words come to mind:

"Those who sacrifice liberty for a little safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

These men knew hardship.  Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence suffered unspeakable losses because of their signing the Declaration.  They were considered treasonists and the British government targeted their wives, children and homes.  One was forced to make an agonizing decision-- trade his son's life for his recanting his support of the Declaration.  None of us would have blamed him for pledging allegiance to the king.  Like a martyr sacrificing for their precious faith, this man sacrificed for freedom, for honor, things he truly believed in with every fiber of his being.  That took a courage and fortitude that I cannot even imagine.  Let us always remember these sacrifices, let us always remember how precious freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and a government of representation meant to these individuals that so much was lost to attain them.  Let us remind our children of these things as we rightly celebrate this day.  

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 238th Birthday America, and may God bless you always!

Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Home to 4 Kiddos by Email and get our posts sent right to your inbox!

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up July 5

I hope everyone had a wonderful week!  Lots going on in the Home to 4 Kiddos the last few days. On Saturday, Kiddo #3 helped Dad hook up the soaker hose in the garden.

On Sunday, we bid our pastor goodbye.  There was a prayer service and a dinner immediately following.  He has been the pastor of our church for 21 years.  He is a good and holy man and will be missed.  He assured us all that he will be back to visit.  At almost 76, he deserves a happy and long retirement.  :-)

Kiddo #1 was able to capture a photo of a bright and beautiful visitor to the backyard

The kiddos swam every day and also enjoyed baking

and picking some peas from the garden

We also said goodbye to our kitchen set.  We donated it to the preschool that all of the kiddos attended.  We brought a piece to them a day, as it all wouldn't fit in the van at the same time.  :-)  I think most moms would agree that it is a little bit emotional in a mama's heart to give away something that was a big part of when your child(ren) were small.  Just another reminder that they all are growing up and fast.

I hosted my weekly "Try a New Recipe Tuesday" and shared my Meatless Chili.  You can see my recipe and all of those that were shared here.

On Thursday, July 4, I wrote a reflection on the importance of the day. I am so thankful for the freedoms that so many have sacrificed so much to attain and defend for each of us.  Click here to read the post.  I know you will not be dissappointed.  :-) 

We had a fun day having a barbeque with family and friends.  And, of course, the kiddos found time to get a dip in the pool.  :-)

Kiddo #4 also picked our first cucumber!  If you remember, they started these from seeds back in March;  It has been a wonderful journey seeing the plants grow, do well and produce a little harvest.

She also set up her very own Fourth of July "Pigie" parade.  Too cute!  ;-)

and what better way to end the week to watch some new butterflies emerge from their chrysali?  When we raised the butterflies a couple of weeks back, there were a few that didn't make it.  :-(  The company stood by their guarantee and sent us 5 more caterpillars.  The kids were beyond thrilled and we got to witness the amazing process yet again.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Stop by on Saturday afternoon, as I am hosting a super giveaway!

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday and T.G.I.F. Linky Party

Thankful Thursday- July 4

Many of us will spend this day with family, having a barbeque, at the beach or watching fireworks.  And this is truly how we should be celebrating.  John Adams, one of our most influential Founding Fathers said the following:

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142).

Celebrate, yes, but also remember and reflect.  Remember the enormous and incredible sacrifice that was made by that generation and all of those that have followed to secure and defend that precious freedom.  We were the first colonies ever in the history of the world to break from a mother country.  It had never been done before.  Today freedom is taken for granted because it is commonplace.  Hundreds of nations and their people have followed our lead.  

God gave us all rights-- those precious "inalienable" rights defined  and immortalized in Thomas Jefferson's words of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  No government has the right to take them away.  In Jefferson's words:

"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Another Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin's words come to mind:

"Those who sacrifice liberty for a little safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

These men knew hardship.  Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence suffered unspeakable losses because of their signing the Declaration.  They were considered treasonists and the British government targeted their wives, children and homes.  One was forced to make an agonizing decision-- trade his son's life for his recanting his support of the Declaration.  None of us would have blamed him for pledging allegiance to the king.  Like a martyr sacrificing for their precious faith, this man sacrificed for freedom, for honor, things he truly believed in with every fiber of his being.  That took a courage and fortitude that I cannot even imagine.  Let us always remember these sacrifices, let us always remember how precious freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and a government of representation meant to these individuals that so much was lost to attain them.  Let us remind our children of these things as we rightly celebrate this day.  

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 237th Birthday America, and may God bless you always!

Linking up with ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH,Miscellany Monday, Raising Homemakers and Modest Mom and Raising Mighty Arrows,, Spilled Milkshake,Crafty Spices,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, and Just the Stuff Ya Know , the Fontenot Four and A Sorta Fairytale and Family Fun Friday and TGIF Linky Party

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly-Wrap Up July 6

We enjoyed VBS last week, but were glad not to have to be up and out that early during this hot and humid week. (or any week for that matter, lol)  :-)

On Monday, there were no music lessons (the instructors were enjoying some away time with their family), so we made a fun 4th of July craft.  You can read more about it and see pics of the kiddos making it here.

I also posted here about the Kiddo's final assembly for VBS, which, despite the heat, was really wonderful.

On Tuesday, Kiddo #4 attended a jump rope class.  It is being held on a 90 acre estate that is just breathtaking.  We are signed up for some other classes that are being offered there (next week is make and fill your own honey jar) which I am really looking forward to.

I also hosted my weekly recipe linkup.  I shared my recipe for chocolate chip banana bread.  It is REALLY yummy.  You can find the recipe and all of the others that were shared here.

Wednesday was the holiday.  We enjoyed just spending time together, barbecuing, swimming and watching "A Capitol Fourth" on TV.  We finished the evening by reading the Declaration of Independence and remembering the true meaning of the day and being thankful for all of those who have fought for our freedom.

On Thursday, in addition to more swimming, Kiddo #4 had her sewing lesson. She finished a new collar for her brother's Dumbo stuffed animal to match the hat she had already made him.  Isn't it adorable?  Kiddo #3 added the cross sticker to Dumbo's hat afterward.  :-) Kiddo #1 also had his Civil Air Patrol meeting.

I posted my "Thankful Thursday" post today, expressing my gratitude for the freedom we have in this nation and how blessed we are to be able to celebrate July 4th.  Come see photos of us celebrating the day here.

What will Friday bring?-- perhaps some more fun art projects and definitely more swimming, as the excessive heat warnings continue until Saturday night.

What I'm reading: "I SURRENDER! Thoughts on Making Christ the Center of Your Daily Life," and the instruction book on my new pressure canner, lol. :-)

What I'm praying for: those who are ill or suffering, our nation and its military, the preservation of our freedom of religion and conscience...

A Quote or Photo to share:

Kiddo #3's Dumbo and Kiddo #4's pigs had their own Independence Day parade.  :-)

"Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. ... Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."-- John Hancock


Linking up today with Create with Joy, Homeschool Mother's Journal and Weekly Wrap-Up.

Thankful Thursday- July 5

On this day after Independence Day, I am very thankful for the freedoms we have in this nation; that millions have fought for, hundreds of thousands have died for and upon which this nation was founded.  I hope and pray that these freedoms will not continue to be taken from us.

I am thankful for all those in the military who defend our nation, and that while we are able to barbecue and enjoy our families, they are keeping watch, having our backs, and fighting against a foe whose only goal is to destroy our very way of life.....

I am grateful for my husband's 23+ years of service, his fighting in 2 wars, but most importantly, that he is home with us on this holiday and able to do the "ordinary" things like tend our little garden.

These are the little things that we Americans tend to take for granted, because we have always known freedom.  Being able to barbecue

or swim to celebrate the holiday.

I will be sure to take a moment to read the Declaration of Independence with my children, be proud of what it stands for, the freedom it represents and how much sacrifice has been made to attain and secure those freedoms for the past 236 years.

God Bless America and those who have fought for her freedom!  We all have much to be grateful for this day.

I'm happy to be linking up today with:

Red Oak Lane, Raising Mighty Arrows, NOBH and A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings