Sunshine

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, 

but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent 

arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

{Thomas Jefferson}

July 4th & Outback

This Independence Day we continued the tradition of celebrating with our good friends, the B. family! It's always so exciting having six additional littles to entertain us, and of course, Johanna was most thrilled to have her sweet friends over. The Grandmas "ood" and "ahhd" over not so little Gabriel and the other kiddos.

This past Monday we packed up and headed out to good ol' Outback Steakhouse. Other than the 100 degree weather which was attempting to melt those of us made of sugar, we all had a real relaxing time out  together, getting to enjoy being waited on (please, let's not mention that Mondays are my cooking days...cough☺).

Happy Friday!

Sweet Visits

Mr. Buz and Mrs. Kathy flew down from NC to visit and spend the day with Grandma "D" {and we were blessed to fellowship as well!}. It is always so good to see Mrs. Kathy and it was so nice to finally meet Mr. Buz.  Of course, the little mischevious blue-eyed girl with the pink headband was so thrilled to spend time with Mrs. Kathy while making sure friends with Mr. Buz {the ipad has absolutely nothing to do with it *grin*}.

Thanks so much for coming!

Gratitude

A few weeks ago we had Mrs. LaTonya and her sweet family over for dinner and fellowship, and what do you know? It was also National Nursing Assistants Week (June 16-23)! We had such a lovely time with her family {well, part of their family...they have eight children} and Johanna just had a blast with little Mr. Omarian.

Mr. Cliff & Mrs. LaTonya

Having fun making castles



Oh, isn't this sweet? Poor Bella Bean was on the other side of the glass, wondering how to weasel her way back in

The pink headband girl with the pearly smile somehow makes her way into the picture

He's waaaay too cool!

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things {unknown author}

We are so grateful for the love and care Mrs. LaTonya has brought to our home, for our Grandmas {and for ourselves ☺}. Thank you so much for your hard work, serving spirit and dedication. We love you!



"For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account?" {I Thessalonians 3:9}

Happy Birthday America!

“Give me liberty, or give me death!”

Was heard the cry of Freedom’s breath

And with one passion set us free

From “Mother dear’s” taut apron strings

No longer held within the bonds

Nor pushed along by ‘nother’s wand

--Perhaps a scepter, with pow’r and might

Or pounding club would suite the write--

But, ah, what bliss to lead our own

What gratitude to them we owe

No longer need we crouch in fear

We are now free from bondman’s mere

Middling place among the nations

Bearing taunts, living on rations

Nay, today we lead, fearless we stand

Our hearts are tied to our own home-land

May we hold dear those words of old

Let them to others pass on, be told

Let’s celebrate our sovereignty

Take upon ourselves this great duty

Hold fast their cry for which they bore

Take flight as to the eagles soar,

“Look out, O foes, and hear us roar!”

~~~~~~~~

{Hear Us Roar, by Kaitlin Rose 2010}

...Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD...

{Psalm 33:12}

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the 

principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

{John Quincy Adams}

The Drafting of the Declaration of Independence, John Trumbull 

The Prayer at Valley Forge, Arnold Friberg
Betsy Ross 1777, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
Text of the Declaration of Independence, Barefoot

From Father's Day

Us girls are so thankful for the gift God has blessed us in our Dad. What wonderful memories he has blessed us with and such a godly heritage he is paving for us and our children to come. We were able to take him out the day before the "official" father's day to spend three-on-one time with him. Our day was filled with the yumminess of Pappadeaux and fun at Cabela's. On father's day we enjoyed a feast of steak, crab-stuffed mushrooms, hot rolls, and salad...not to mention chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake! We love you, Dad!

DAY 1

Strong fingers entwined in little hands,

guiding along the way...sharing the joys

of the moment...the sunshine in the day.

Leading, directing, shepherding, piloting;

Always close by my side. A father,

companion, you've been to me, a

protector and a guide.

{Dayspring card}

Sweet younger sisters...my! time does fly

Yes, that's Dad, and, yes again, that's me with the bunny ears

Isn't she so grown up? Something Johanna loves is going on "hot dates" with Dad...so sweet!

Of course, we just had to take advantage of their buy 4 get 2 free delectible Cabelan fudge!

Ready...aim...wait! what's my target?

DAY 2

The Master Griller sizzlin' up some New Yorkers

Grandpa & Grandma came to celebrate

Waiting...Patiently...Well...Sort of...

The Lovely Couple: twenty-six years and counting

Oh, yes...and of course we'll leave you again with our one and only, brave and boldly...Johanna Joy, aka Lone Ranger.