Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

For a long time, I took the 4th of July as just another holiday, some good fireworks, and maybe some good fair food. And then, I started dated Manly Man. He grew up and his parents still live in the town where NC has their "state" 4th of July Festival. It is a very big affair down there! The first time I went, I was moved by the patriotism that is just oozing from every corner. There are no anti-war protests happening or anti-Bush signs. It is a few days that people come out and really show how proud they are to call America home. They even have a naturalization ceremony over the 4th! How cool!

We have only missed one 4th here since we got married in 2001, but with good reason...is was about 34 weeks pregnant with Jonathan and could not stand the heat. That 4th didn't "feel" like the 4th.

We have taken the boys to the parade the past two years, which has been fun and will be doing it again this year. They haven't seen the fireworks yet because they don't start until about 9:15PM, and if you don't know anything about me...I am a bit of a stickler for bed time. (Hey, my boys need their sleep and I need my quiet time and hang out with Manly Man time.) Not to mention that neither of the boys like really loud noises. We are still undecided as to if we are going to attempt them this year.

Ever year I think I become a little more patriotic and a little more proud to be an American! Don't get me wrong, I wasn't ever "not patriotic", but I just never thought about it a whole lot. My mother in law has been working on genealogy and she has traced backed that 4 of my husbands ancestors actually fought in the Revolutionary War. They played a role in my freedom, and yours. I am more vocal about thanking veterans for their service to our country. I am so thankful that over 200 years ago, some brave men stepped up to the plate to win our freedom and that through the years, even more brave men have and will continue to step up to the plate to defend our country and the rights that those men so desperately fought for!

So, on this 4th, remember where you live, who paid the price, and what the price was. Remember how blessed you are to live in the USA!

I am proud to be an American!

By the way, hop on over to Pocket Change and wish Caroline a happy birthday!