Jul. 4, 2008 - Happy Birthday America!!!!!!
Yes, I know it's not technically the exact day that the Declaration of Independence was signed, but it is the day we celebrate that important day in history, so
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!
We will be celebrating in our usual way. Shane has been smoking ribs for several weekends, and the chicken goes on this morning, we have baked beans ready for the crock pot. (My Dad bought Shane a new, bigger smoker when he was here a couple of weeks ago, so next year, he'll only smoke once-- Thanks Dad!) We have several families that join us and bring the sides, watermelon, corn on the cob, home made ice cream, just to name a few. I make lemonade. We shoot off various fireworks... daytime and nighttime... no not anything huge, but the children love it anyway.We have a 3 person water balloon launcher (from Vision Forum) that is VERY fun!!!! Etc, etc. etc.
And we have a patriotic presentation in honor of the freedom's we have and of our country's birthday.
This has evolved over the years. I believe the first year involved nothing more than the reading of a Peter Marshall prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Every year it has grown. This year it may prove to be the best yet! Bubba and I are going to read "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" Princess is going to tell everyone what is inaccurate about the poem. Shane is going to be reading excepts from several founding documents... from a great book we found at a used bookstore in Springfield, MO last year (Our Nation's Archives) in case anyone's interested. Shane's brother is playing several piano pieces, including the Army's theme, in honor of our dear friend, Tim. He just reinlisted and left 1 1/2 weeks ago, leaving his wife and daughter's here while he faces the heat of Fort Benning, GA this summer. (shshshsh... it's a secret, but she also found out last week that she's pregnant... she miscarries easily, so please pray for her. Her name is Donna). I'm also planning on playing "God Bless America" on the dulcimer, but I haven't had it out in a while, so I'm a little rusty... one of our friends sons, picked out a former President to talk about. He chose Zachary Taylor (can you guess what this child's first name is?) and another young lady is going to tell us about Bess Truman.
This year, there may be an added bonus. Bubba has been thinking about being baptized. Yes, Jesus is his Savior, but we feel this is a very important step in obedience and are very excited. He has been thinking about it for over a year now. But has not seemed to be quite ready. We were up very late last night discussing with him. And he is ready now, when he decides that his answer is yes. He really wanted to go ahead last night, but decided to wait until today when Grandma and Grandpa would be here. All Bubba has to do is tell Daddy and Shane will fill the little pool we have this morning so he can be batized this afternoon in warm water.
Hey, if you're in the area... come on down! The more the merrier! If you can't make it this way (hehe) then have a wonderful day whereever you are...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!!
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