Happy 4th!!!

Although I am most grateful for this special day of the year (even more so now that I have a son in the military), our 4th this year started out waaaaay yucky. My sweet little honey, Alysa, woke up promptly at 7 a.m. complaining of having a stomach ache. We played it off because she'd been complaining for a couple of days because she'd "stretched" a little too much while dancing with some friends, making the muscles along her sides sore. That was most definitely NOT the case today (boy, did we feel like heels!)! Let me just say the situation went downhill rapidly. She was sick as she could be the entire day.....no breaks. Finally, I got wise and "introduced" some medicine for just such a problem and she quickly fell asleep and slept peacefully the rest of the night. We tried to rouse her to watch the fireworks, but she just wasn't in the mood. However, she was regretting that decision the following day. Speaking of the fireworks........Richmond does the 2nd largest pyrotechnic show in the state, just across the street from where we live, over Lake Reba. We were going to watch from a blanket beside the lake, but under the circumstances, we watched from our back patio instead. We are located up on a hill and had a perfect view. It was beautiful and truly tugged at our patriotic heart strings. We'd invited friends over and grilled burgers and dogs and even had angel food cake with strawberries and blueberries and whipped cream (creating a yummy red, white and blue dessert)! We even heard from both boys, Wes and Perry (via internet). Just to hear Perry's voice from so far away and know he's doing well eases my heart and mind tremendously. I have always been a crybaby when I hear the National Anthem. But I boo-hoo'd through every comment and song during church on Sunday. My heart is so full of gratitude to live in this wonderful, free, blessed country and for all those who made and continue to make it possible to have all that we have. I love my family more than words....each one of them....and feel so tremendously blessed to be able to share my life with them. And I'm so grateful for all the wonderful friends I've made throughout my life. I thank the good Lord for them all every night. May God continue to bless America!