Independence Day!

Sorry I don't have any pictures of our Independence Day celebration. I left the camera in the big city of Blanch, so I'll have to post them when I get it back. I have some cute pics of my niece and nephews snapping beans and holding Damaris. We had so much fun hanging out with our family today. We swam, played, ate, laughed, etc. and got to see Uncle Vic and Aunt Sissy this time!!! Ezekiel's favorite part of the day was swimming with Nana, Haley, and Jason and taking his nap (well over 2 hours!). Damaris' favorite part was talking (cooing) to all her cousins. Seems like she might be a real talker. I enjoyed getting to hang out with my sister-in-law Bev in the pool for a few minutes without the kiddos. I love my kids so much but it was fun sneaking away for few minutes of girl time and not having talk about "going potty" or sharing trains or "asking nicely."

I am so thankful to have this Day of Independence to celebrate. I thank God for being able to live in this country with so many freedoms and am thankful for the men and women who have given their lives for our freedom. I think we take our freedom too lightly sometimes and don't realize what a huge cost it has been to so many people. There is a neat post on NPR's website. You can listen to their staff read the entire Declaration of Independence. It takes less than eight minutes and it's written out so you can read along. (www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgld=3) 

I always enjoy celebrating Independence Day and remembering what God has done just in this country not to mention what He's done around the world. Thankfully I get to celebrate being free every day because of what Christ has done for me. I am not a slave to this world or the things of this world but I am free in Him.