America's birthday & Grammy Ethel's 92nd birthday!

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From time to time my blogging journal collects dust. And that's ok. Journals will always be there. But since writing and reflecting refreshes me, I just pick up the virtual pen and start again... I'm going to begin posting summer moments, starting with The 4th Of July & Grammy Ethel's 92nd birthday!

It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor. ~ George Washington

So much love & gratitude for the United States of America! 

We celebrated with red-white-and-blue patriotic treats (Savannah's cake turned out so festive!), a long family walk by the ocean, I add some American history with a few of my favorite books (always homeschooling), and then we spent the evening in Sarasota, Florida, with amazing friends who threw an incredible birthday celebration for our country! 2 hours of non-stop fireworks in their driveway, an ax-throwing contest, and the most delicious Key-lime Oreo cookie dessert! We love you and your family, Tim & Cindy! And as we drove home over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the fireworks over St. Petersburg, then the Gandy Bridge, and Tampa Bay were going strong!

Grammy Ethel (who now lives just a few hours north of us) also wanted a patriotic-themed 92nd birthday party and what a joy it was to celebrate in person with her (Papa & Nana)!!

I think all her family would agree that Grammy makes each of us feel deeply loved and individually valued. She celebrates us, encourages us, and speaks the truth in love (never politically correct). She makes us laugh, spreads joy like confetti, and at 92 constantly embraces new adventures! She walks a mile every morning, stops at her neighbor’s front porch for coffee, laughs at the day ahead, and then they pray together for their families and our country. 

Having lived through World Wars, the Great Depression, attending a one-room schoolhouse “on the prairie”, taking care of the life-long-love of her life as he suffered from strokes and dementia, and other trials I can’t possibly understand (like being a mom of little ones without a dishwasher and crockpot. *smile*). I cherish Grammy’s wisdom more than ever and am honored to be her granddaughter. Even at her birthday party, she reminded me that, “When our homes (marriages & children) are strong, so are the communities outside our homes.” Thank you for your example, Grammy!