Happy Mother’s Day!

As I look back on my life
I find myself wondering...
Did I remember to thank you
for all that you have done for me?
For all of the times you were by my side
to help me celebrate my successes
and accept my defeats?
Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
good judgment, courage, and honesty?
I wonder if I've ever thanked you
for the simple things...
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?
If I have forgotten to express my gratitude
For any of these things,
I am thanking you now...
and I am hoping that you've known all along,
how very much you are loved and appreciated.

I love you Mom

Happy Mother’s Day

11/11 – Happy Veteran’s Day

In honor of our men and women in uniform past, present, and future, I’d like to share the following video for Veteran’s Day. God Bless and Thank You (and your families).

Lt. Andrew Kinard, a soldier injured in Iraq, introduced  Trace Adkins and the West Point Glee Club who performed "Til the Last Shot's Fired." Kinard told the audience, "As you listen to this song, please consider: It's not about the war, it's about the warrior."

ACM 2009, Til The Last Shot's Fired, Trace Adkins, 1st. Lt. Andrew Kinard, West Point Glee Club

9/11 – Never forget….

Take a moment today to say a prayer for those who lost loved ones…..

and a prayer for those who continue to put their lives on the line….

Freedom isn’t free!! God Bless our troops and their families~

Some people sure have short memories…..

I don’t pass along YouTube videos very often… but I think everyone needs to watch this one…and pass it along!

(From the video) “Some people sure have short memories…..and those who are too young to know need to be taught.. ..Come on I want to show you guys something…..”

(Turn your speakers up and get your tissues ready)

“We salute the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom… ‘All gave some, some gave all’”

They fought for you (and me) and continue to do so EVERY day….

“THOSE WHO ARE TOO YOUNG..NEED TO BE TAUGHT” (and also the older ones who don’t seem to know any better)

Happy Fourth of July

As we celebrate America’s birthday this Fourth of July, let us remember that our forefathers, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. These brave men sacrificed all for us so that we may live in the land of the free.

Today, we still have brave young men and women putting themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms. Our military service members continue to fight the War on Terror—some serving as many as four tours of duty—so that we can keep our independence and protect our homeland. The Fourth of July is a time of reflection. To ask ourselves, do we really appreciate their sacrifices? Do we really know what the real price of freedom looks like?

May you all have a Happy (and safe, for those traveling) Fourth of July weekend……

God Bless our military and their families…..

Happy Father’s Day

To all the Dad’s out there….

Father’s Day Prayer

By Joanna Fuchs

Lord, please bless our fathers,
these men who mean so much to us,
who are greatly responsible
for who we are and who we are becoming.

Bless them for having the courage
to do what’s necessary to keep us out of trouble,
for making us do the right thing,
for helping us build our character,
even when it makes us angry;
and bless them for pushing us to do our best,
even when they just want to love us.

Bless our fathers for being our protectors,
for leading us through stormy times to safety,
for making us believe that everything will be all right
and for making it so.

Bless our fathers for quietly making a living
to provide for those they love most,
for giving us food, clothing, shelter
and other necessary and not so necessary material things,
for unselfishly investing time and money in us
that they could have spent on themselves.

Bless our fathers, Lord,
for saving some energy for fun,
for leading us on adventures
to explore the outer reaches of ourselves,
for making us laugh,
for being our playmates and our friends.

Bless them for being our secure foundation, our rock,
for holding on tight to us...until it’s time to let us go.

Lord, bless these men we look up to,
our role models, our heroes, our fathers.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

and to my Dad…. Happy Father’s Day… I love you!

Teacher Appreciation Month at bing

Head over to Bing  for Teacher Appreciation Month. (It only takes a few minutes) Share your story about a teacher and if posted, Bing will mail it to your teacher's school and give you a $5 donation to help other teachers.

Go HERE

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June 14 – Flag Day

June 14, 2010...is not only Flag Day but also the day that the U.S. Army celebrates 235 years of service to our country.

(clicking on above will take you to U.S. Army Birthday site)

Let’s take a moment today to pay tribute to an institution that has spent over two centuries fighting for and defending our freedoms. If you see a soldier today, stop and tell them thank you. And Happy Birthday to the United States Army! 

Hang your flag high!! Happy Flag Day!

For more on Flag Day….click HERE

Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day is a good time to reflect on the sacrifices and services of the American soldiers and veterans and the U.S. military men and women. The American military is, has always been and will always recruit the best and finest of the crop of young men and women of the country and we will continue to shower them with appreciation, support and prayers, as we have always done. Memorial Day is just an opportunity for us to express the special places they have in the hearts of American citizens and more by honoring the people who work in the various branches of the military.

 

Freedom Is Not Free

- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

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Ways To Observe Memorial Day*

Memorial Day reminds us of our duties towards the wounded soldiers and the bereaved families, orphans and widows of the dead soldiers. We should honor the dead by adorning their sacred remains with flowers and garlands and show our gratitude towards them in the following ways:

• Adorning the graves of the soldiers with flags or flowers.
• Visiting cemeteries and memorials.
• Furling the American Flag at half-mast until noon.
• Furling the 'POW/MIA Flag'.
• Keep silence for a minute at 3 p.m., 'National Moment of Remembrance' and listen to Taps being played.
• Make a pledge to aid the disabled veterans, widows, widowers and orphans of the dead and keep it.
• You may support the efforts to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th.
• Offering thanks to the veterans and appreciating the ultimate sacrifices of the soldiers to the bereaved families personally may help too.

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It is the VETERAN,  not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,  who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,

It is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON  THEM.

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God Bless Our Troops…those who have served before and those who are serving now……

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ADDED NOTE: I have been asked if it would be okay to borrow some of my ideas…. the answer is YES!!! (This is one of those times I don’t mind…..  our troops past and  present deserve our support!!!!)

 

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Happy Mothers Day

One Flaw in Women

(author unknown)

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"

And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands."

The angel was astounded at the requirements. "Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."

But I won't," the Lord protested. "I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. "But you have made her so soft, Lord."

"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"

"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."

The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."

And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, If There Is One Flaw In Women, It Is That They Forget Their Worth.

To all the Moms…

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Sunday thoughts……

This seems like a good thing to share with you all on a Sunday! I was having a bad day Friday….. nothing seemed to be going right…. I found myself fighting tears all morning … so headed to Wal-mart… not sure why…. perhaps I was headed for my favorite brand of Edy’s ice cream (double fudge brownie is oh-so-g00d!) but I ended up not even going in the store!

Outside the store were some of the “dreaded tables”…you all know the ones…they are usually selling something you really don’t need…and whether you buy or not is often determined by whatever mood you are in for the day… but that day the tables were manned by some Army Veterans who were collecting money for Veterans Support Organization. 

All the guys were friendly….. not pushing for donations…. and I stopped to talk to them. My bad day evaporated as soon as I looked them in the eye and thanked them for sacrificing and paying for the freedoms that my family and I enjoy…... I stayed and talked to them for awhile and felt much better when I left to head home…..

We need to remember (more often) the brave men and women who have volunteered their lives….sacrificing themselves and their families….. a simple thank you means alot to most… but there are some organizations that are helping in other ways…. and Veterans Support Organization is one of them.

Take/make the time to stop and tell them thanks…and let them know that we do care!

Okay..I am off my soap box now… and will be back on Wednesday with something from outdoor!

Happy Easter

Spring forward

Happy Father’s Day

I am fortunate to have three special Dad’s in my life right now…… my dad, my father-in-law, and last, but not least, my wonderful husband……

What Makes a Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
~~Author Unknown.~~

[Note: picture above is from Stonehenge, England. Yes, I selected it on purpose for this special day….. for my Dad. ]

Happy Father’s Day!

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6/14 Happy Flag Day!

Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days. During both events, Americans also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.

Many people in the United States honor this day by displaying the American flag at homes and public buildings. Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.

Organizations such as The National Flag Day Foundation are actively involved in coordinating activities centered on the event and keeping the flag’s traditions alive. Following Flag Day is Honor America Days, a 21-day period through to Independence Day (July 4) to honor America. During this period, people hold public gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor the nation.

Public life

Although Flag Day is a nationwide observance, it is not a public holiday in most parts of the United States so public life is not affected.  In a few areas it is a legal holiday, such as Montour County in Pennsylvania.

Background

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress replaced the British symbols of the Grand Union flag with a new design featuring 13 white stars in a circle on a field of blue and 13 red and white stripes – one for each state. Although it is not certain, this flag may have been made by the Philadelphia seamstress Betty Ross, who was an official flag maker for the Pennsylvania Navy. The number of stars increased as the new states entered the Union, but the number of stripes stopped at 15 and was later returned to 13.

In June 1886 Bernard Cigrand made his first public proposal for the annual observance of the birth of the flag when he wrote an article titled “The Fourteenth of June” in the old Chicago Argus newspaper. Cigrand’s effort to ensure national observance of Flag Day finally came when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation calling for a nationwide observance of the event on June 14, 1916. However, Flag Day did not become official until August 1949, when President Harry Truman signed the legislation and proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1966, Congress also requested that the President issue annually a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week.

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation to: call on government officials in the USA to display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on Flag Day; and to urge US residents to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

Symbols

The American flag, also nicknamed as “Old Glory” or “star-spangled banner”, has changed designs over the centuries. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars. Each of the 50 stars represent the 50 states in the United States and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union. 

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Armed Forces Day- Saturday May 16

In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. The day was created in 1949, and was a result of the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days, but observance of these days, especially within each particular service, continues to this day.

So why am I mentioning it today instead of waiting until Saturday? Because I think we need to spend more than ONE day thinking about and thanking those who do so much for us……. the sacrifices they and their families make…. on a daily basis….

Forget about about the politics….. these are families like you and me….. that have answered the call…to defend our freedom….

My challenge (request) to each of you this week (and perhaps in the future)….when you see someone in a military uniform while you are out and about…. take the time to stop him/her and tell them “Thanks”… you’ll be surprised to find how good it makes you feel!

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5/5 Happy Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May commemorates the 1862 victory by Mexican forces, including ordinary citizens, over French soldiers.  The battle known as La Batalla de Puebla or The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5th.  It is a day marked by many Mexicans and those with Mexican ties as an important cultural event. Everyone likes a party or fiesta - so put on your party clothes and get ready to explore the roots of Hispanic culture by learning more about this day in  the history of Mexico.

For more see wiki for Cinco de Mayo

I know some bloggers (friends) who celebrate this holiday….. so this post is for them! (Have a margarita or two for me)

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Long day today…… and a surprise!

My father-in-law had knee surgery today… all went well and he is going to be fine…. but it made the day busier than normal….. and I am behind visiting my friends (blogs)…..

BUT…….LOOK WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL~ a surprise!

One of last week’s Outdoor Wednesday participants, Curtiss Ann Matlock, sent me one of HER books, the soon-to-be re-released Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel !

Curtiss Ann Matlock and her blog Pressing On joined us in last week’s Outdoor Wednesday for the first time (I hope she will be back again). She generously gave away her books to the first four people who commented on her post…and I was one of the lucky ones!

Biography from her official website:

Curtiss Ann Matlock is the author of nearly forty books and short stories in romance and women’s fiction genres. With over 7 million copies in print worldwide, her books have earned rave reviews, spots on the USA TODAY bestseller list and numerous awards.

Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in 1951, into a family of avid readers, Curtiss Ann began reading before entering first grade and was writing vignettes while still in elementary school. Her writing career began in her early thirties, with publication of two small, warm-hearted articles about her life, for which she received a total of $100. She was so enthused at this success that she immediately started writing her first novel. She also enrolled in the professional writing program at the University of Oklahoma, studying under the distinguished writer and teacher Jack Bickham and bestselling mystery novelist, Carolyn Hart. In her second year of study, Curtiss Ann experienced the dream of selling the first novel she ever wrote, a romance, to Harlequin Books.

Told with a strong Southern voice, her insightful stories portray the uncommon valor of everyday people and the humor, heartbreak, and shining graces of small-town life. In 1999, Lost Highways was published by Mira Books. The book was nominated for a RITA Award in women’s fiction and began the warm-hearted and funny series about the lives of the beloved characters in the fictional Valentine, Oklahoma. The most recent and sixth book of the Valentine series, Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel, was a 2005 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist.

Curtiss Ann lives with her husband and a number of cats in Oklahoma and Alabama.

Thank you Curtiss Ann for the autographed copy of your book. I am honored… and will treasure it!

Curtis Ann Matlock has two reprints coming out April 1 at Wal-mart (Cold Tea on a Hot Day and Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel AND coming (new) in May 2009, Chin Up, Honey.

Visit Curtis Ann’s blog “Pressing On” HERE and her official website HERE.

Don’t forget to come back Wednesday for Outdoor Wednesday……. you NEVER know who you might meet!

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Happy New Year!

From our house to yours…..

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