What America is...

We were recently able to celebrate America's birthday on the 4th of July, and what a celebration we had!  This country, the US of A means so much to me! 

America means food.  Food aplenty.  I've always been so grateful to never have had to go hungry and especially now as a mother, I think of all of those parents who have to struggle to find any food for their children and feel so thankful I've never had to tell my kids we have nothing to eat. 

Star spangled waffles.  I love festive food!

America means family.  Isn't that one of the big reasons America was founded and made great, so families could flourish?  And isn't it strong families that make America great?  I truly believe that strong homes make for a strong America.

Went to the Eaglewood Car Show and the Fireworks on the 3rd.  We enjoyed being with family, playing with balls and bubbles, rolling in the grass, eating peanut butter and marshmallow popcorn, playing glow stick bowling, and of course, watching the fireworks!

America means freedom. This is the basic principle our country is founded on. Freedom in so many ways and forms, what a blessing from God! America is a miracle. A few years ago I read 1776 by David McCollough. So many miracles were involved in gaining independence from England. And I know it was so we could have the basic freedoms we enjoy, and for me, one of the major ones is freedom of religion.  

We went to the Centerville Parade on the 4th, and then up to Ogden to have a picnic with the Stoddards.  The kids were so happy to see Morgan and Kyle, who moved to St. George about a year ago.  We had some yummy food and played on the playground. 

America means courage. I'm thankful for those brave forefathers and their vision and for all who have fought to get and keep America free from the beginning. I'm grateful to have family and friends and for those all over who have assisted in that; through politics, serving in the military, or being active voices or volunteers in the communities where they live. Thank you for your sacrifices!

America means happiness. I'm thankful for the happiness and the joy I feel to be able to be a citizen of the greatest country on earth. Anytime I hear a patriotic song, tears come to my eyes as I think of the happy, beautiful life I enjoy from living here.


We had a BBQ and then attended the Davis High fireworks on the 4th, the best firework show around!  We had a great time with the Ryerse clan.  It is getting crazy with so many kids around, but we corraled them around our circle of chairs for a while while the adults played games.  The fireworks, which are set to music, were amazing!

America means opportunity.  Opportunities abound here, and we just need to take advantage of opportunities, be grateful for them, and work hard to make the opportunity amount to something.   

My sweet sister-in-law Shirley is always taking pictures of others but never likes us to take pictures of her so she is pulling a face, ha ha!  Shirley is from Canada but lives here now.  Usually she and Jeff have Canadian flag camp chairs they brings to fireworks, but they recently broke.  So that's always been a big joke! 

My father-in-law Dan.  He's a great man who has taken advantages of the opportunities he's been given and worked hard his entire life.  That's the spirit!

America means hope. Hope in a better future day for posterity. This has always been a vision of many, including mine. 

"My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth." -Abraham Lincoln 

 

"Because of what America is and what America has done, a firmer courage, a higher hope, inspires the heart of all humanity." - Calvin Coolidge

America means God. We are still one nation under God, and though some seem to argue this, it's been this way from the beginning and as far as I'm concerned will be that way forever.   May "In God We Trust" ever be our motto!