July 3, 2013

Here I am for my nightly blog! What will tonight's topic be? Hmmm, maybe the loud fireworks going off all around. I enjoy the 4th of July and all that it represents. It is the freedom of our country ... this great land we call home. When you think about it, we truly are blessed to live in this country. Yes, it has it's issues - many of them, if I do say so myself. But look at some of the other countries we could be living in. There are people in Israel that have to take shelter on a daily basis, children missing school, etc. just to survive the constant air-raids. I couldn't imagine what a life would be like having to take constant shelter. We do face terrorism here and it can be extremely tragic; such as 9-11 or the Boston Marathon Bombing but fortunately it isn't an every day thing. We have our spouses, children, brothers, sisters, family, and friends who fight each and every day in war zones to defend and protect our freedom. Please let us not forget the price that so many have paid for us. Think of the choices we have in this great place! There are so many opportunities set before us and all we have to do is go for it. As I sit tonight counting my blessings and eagerly wait family time tomorrow on the 4th; I pray for the safety of those who are in the battlefields of gunfire and bombings. I pray that they make it home very soon to their loved ones. So tomorrow brings out the fireworks and all the festivities. I enjoy this time. I like being with my family and celebrating all that this Independence Day represents. It is so much fun to watch the children running around, laughing and playing. And the fun little "fireworks" for them... like the snakes! Why is it that these have fascinated children for years. Even myself as a child, and now grown, love them! Why? Who knows - maybe just the fascination of setting them on fire and watching them grow. Then you have the "snappers". I loved these as a child and guess I still do - but now being a parent, they are a pain to clean up after! My favorite are the fountains. I like feeling like we are under control with them; unlike those that go up in the air and land who knows where. They were grandma's favorite too - so you can bet I will be doing plenty this year just so she can watch from Heaven. I hope everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July! Good night.