Happy Independence Day!

Sometimes it is overwhelming when trying to comprehend the magnitude of what took place during those days in July of 1776.  For us, 200+ years later, freedom from a controlling or colonial power is expected and even commonplace.  For our founding fathers, it was not.  No colony had broken off from a "mother country" in the history of the world to that point.  And if considering doing so wasn't monumental enough, to consider doing so from the most powerful and wealthy nation in the world was what seemed to be an insurmountable task. 

Yet, we achieved it.  And we achieved it by not only winning militarily, but our founders infused into a merely revolutionary document (The Declaration of Independence) statements regarding rights and freedoms.  They stated for the whole world to see that this was more than a war against tyranny and oppression, it was a statement of human dignity.  It was a broadcast to the world then and for generations to come that our Lord God made us free and no one on earth had/has the right to take that from us.  That is what is overwhelming sometimes to ponder, yet ponder it we must, perhaps even more so during these times than the times in which it was written.  We must always remember what those brave men had the courage to sign, at risk of their lives and those of their families, an incredible "expression of the American mind" that forever enshrined the values upon which this nation was founded.  May God bless America!

Flashback: Trip to Historic Philadelphia

Last week, I surprised the kiddos with a trip to historic Philadelphia.  We are blessed to live so close to the birthplace of our nation.  My kids yelled out "Yay!  We're going to see the Liberty Bell!"  Wow!  :-)  My favorite part of the day was our taking a horse and buggy ride.  There is something amazing about hearing things like "on that corner is where George Washington sat for the portrait that is on the dollar bill" or "there is where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence."  There were some lesser-known (at least to me) facts like the location of Dr. Physick's home and that he is more famous for inventing soda pop, not being the father of "modern" surgery.  Go figure.  lol.  :-)  We even got in a visit to the Mint and were able to see money being made.  Visiting Benjamin Franklin's grave and seeing a copy of the Declaration printed in his print shop ended our visit.  Another day filled with wonderful memories together....

Versatile Blogger Award

I was so excited to win this award!  Thank you to the Spangler family from the Writing Garden for selecting my blog!

The rules of the award are:
1) Thank the giver
2) Tell 7 things about yourself
3) Award fifteen bloggers with the award

My 7 "things" (in no special order):
1) My husband and I have 4 children: 3 boys and 1 girl
2) My husband is in the Army and I take quite seriously my obligation as a military spouse and I am proud of him beyond words.
3) I love to bake.  My kids keep saying I should open my own business.
4) I always am looking for new recipes to cook for my family.
5) My background is in education, with both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field.  I currently teach American History in the evenings for a local college.
6) I am proud to be both a devout Catholic Christian and a conservative.
7) My greatest and proudest achievement is homeschooling our children.

Here are the new award winners:
1)Totus Tuus Family
2) Our Side of the Mountain
3) Does it Come in Chocolate?
4) Raising Real Men
5) The Chuppies
6) It's the Little Things
7) Growing with My Girls
8) Slightly Crunchy Catholic
9) Light of My Life
10) Embracing Motherhood
11) Pondered in my Heart
12) Defining Beauty
13) Catholic Icing
14) A Catholic Life
15) Home with the Boys

Father's Day 2011

Fathers have a special role
In each young child’s life
To mold and shape them to become
A follower of Christ
To show them the Father’s heart
And help them understand
How God’s love can be their guide
As they take Him by the hand.
© By M.S.Lowndes

For Father's day this year, we took a day trip to Lancaster, PA to "ride the rails" and enjoy a "day out with Thomas."  The look on our 9 year old's face when he saw the lifesize Thomas engine coming down the tracks was priceless!  The kids all had a good time. 

I truly treasure such time as a family and am grateful beyond words for a husband who is such a wonderful and loving father.

Flashback: Kiddo #1's 13th Birthday

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the 13th birthday of Kiddo #1, who decided to make an entrance into the world 5 weeks early! (and still was over 7 pounds, lol!) Our precious preemie has turned into a wonderful young man who is not only handsome, but thoughtful, kind and smart. (and very tall, lol! He is already over 5'10". Definitely going to be tall like his dad!)

We celebrated his day by visiting an indoor water park and boy did they have fun!  I mean after 8 hours, I still had to coax them out of the place, lol!

For his choice of dinner, he decided on homemade pizzas!  More fun and tasty, too.  :-)

We are so blessed!

And yes, for the record, I did climb that 4 story staircase several times to come down the waterslides.   Mission accomplished: Kiddo #1 had an awesome 13th birthday!  :-)

Ascension Thursday

Thanks to Lacey at "Catholic Icing," we made a craft today in honor of Jesus' Ascension into Heaven.  The kids did a really good job on it and had fun, too.  :-)

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God,

that we who believe

Thine only-begotten Son our Redeemer,

to have ascended this day into heaven,

may ourselves dwell in spirit amid heavenly things.

Roman Missal, 6th-8th Century

Happy Memorial Day

I received the poem below in an email newsletter back on Veteran's Day from Fr. John Corapi. It spoke volumes to me, not only as a soldier's wife, but as a patriot and as an American. I am proud beyond words of the veterans in my life, especially my husband. Their example has inspired me to be a better person, a better American. May God bless them always!

As we all celebrate this weekend, let us remember the sacrifices of so many that have made our celebrating possible. It is not about sunbathing and barbecues. It is about death and sacrifice and ultimate love for a nation, the principles upon which it was founded and freedom. Freedom isn't free. God Bless America!



THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN


The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass..

Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'


Author Unknown~