I'm grateful for my sisters. I have super sweet sister-in-laws, too, on my side and Wade's side of the family, but today was a day with just Margaret, Ruthanne, and me...Olive Garden, pedicures, manicures, and lots of laughing. They have ALWAYS been there for me during my happiest times and toughest times. I sure love these girls!
I'm grateful for my camera. It's 6 years old and definitely due for an upgrade, but it fulfills it's purpose, and for that I'm grateful. It captures my favorite people and things in life and the precious moments that I'll want to remember for years to come. This was just a cool view of my baby at our 4th of July Neighborhood Breakfast. She has this habit of doing cute things with her cute little self like crawling on the grass on her tip toes since the grass was itchy for her legs. Funny girl! I'm so glad I had my camera ready for this one.
I'm grateful for long, hot bubble baths. At least a few times a week, I'm able to sneak one in, and it's one my favorite times for spiritual reflection and meditation.
I'm grateful for my freedom and all those who sacrificed to make that possible for me. Having lived for a short time in two other countries, Ecuador on a humanitarian mission and France for a study abroad, my eyes were opened and my heart was humbled by all the blessings we have as U.S. citizens that we often take for granted. As a child, we traveled a lot as a family all over this beautiful country (to 49 states to be exact), which I count as another blessing. One of my favorites places to visit was Gettysburg. I will never forget the sacred nature of Gettysburg, knowing how many died for their God, their country, and for freedom for us all. One thing is certain, on this Independence Day I want to say that I'm proud to be an American!
I'm grateful for my neighbors. Where I live, there are hundreds of families of all different religions and beliefs, and I'm grateful for that diversity. Wade and I have received generous christian service from our neighbors who share our beliefs and also from those who don't. They are all just such wonderful people. I feel so blessed to associate with each of them! We are excited to attend our annual neighborhood 4th of July Breakfast tomorrow with a flag ceremony, famous pancakes, fish pond, games, and a candy cannon for the children. We haven't missed it in the 6 years we've lived here, and I expect this one to be just as memorable. Isn't the 4th of July such a special holiday to celebrate our independence? So many blessings!
I'm grateful for my mother in law, Eileen. Today at the family BBQ, she let me know that she had prepared a few gluten free items just for my daughter. I was so touched! It's been rather difficult to get used to a gluten free diet in our family in order to help my daughter's body heal from eczema. It's been worth it, but it sure can be tricky. We just take it day by day. Have you ever had to deal with an allergy? Just when I think we're doing well at home, we attend a family get together or birthday party where everyone else is enjoying breads, rolls, cakes, and the like, and suddenly, my little girl feels left out. So it meant a lot to us that Eileen was so thoughtful, which is a common trait she possesses. We love you, mom!
I'm grateful for the curveballs in life. You thought I was going to say that I'm grateful for baseball, didn't you? Nope! True, it's America's favorite game, and Summertime and Baseball go together like a ball and a glove, but I'm going deeper than that for a moment.
