Hi Everyone,
Happy Fourth of July!!

We started today with a wonderful "Blues Music Service" and Communion. We enjoyed the church band with both of our daughters playing saxophones. The praise music featured two of our sons and Marissa, who surprised us with a wonderful blues solo. She hadn't told us or I would have taken my video camera and recorded for everyone. She will be singing again sometime this month or early August, and I will be prepared for that.

We came home and did some yard work. It was quite warm--but we weeded, mowed, planted three new plants that I bought. Then we got the things together for our party tonight. We packed them up (including our screen house, tables, chairs, games, and coolers)and went to set up for the afternoon and evening for fun and fireworks. (My husband had to drive a couple of the kids to work and pick them up--but we had everyone but Mason, who was with his girlfriend's family) We also took Marshall's birthday cake out of the freezer where it has sat because he works so late every night to have his birthday party. There was some light rain a few times, but all that did was convince them to start fireworks at 9 rather than 9:30.

It was a fun family time. The fireworks and music were beautiful and it certainly made me think of years gone by. I thought about learning all of those patriotic songs from my past as a child. I also thought a lot about the soldiers and troops who have given so much for all of us since the beginning of this country. There aren't enough ways to thank them and their families.

I hope that you all have an equally wonderful holiday!

Gentle hugs,
Sylvia