Moved to Patriotic Tears

Lurlynn won some free tickets to the Stadium of Fire in Provo for Independence Day. What a wonderful experience! There was a prayer, the colors were brought in, we said the pledge and then we all sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” I don’t know how many thousands of people were there singing, but as we sang, “… and the rocket’s red glare…” up shot some red lights with a cloudy mist trailing behind them. “… the bombs bursting in air…” Boom! Boom! Boom!

As we continued to sing, “…Oh say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave…” Just then, right on key and in tight formation, a squadron of fighter jets streamed directly overhead as we sang, “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

I was moved to tears because of the emotions welling up inside. The freedoms I cherish have been paid for with a terrible price… much like the Atonement. To take them for granted is like not appreciating our God-given gift of agency.



 Hundreds of girls danced on the field in choreographed routines. It was fun. Brought back memories of high school.

We drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon and found a cute little parade going on there. We walked on the boardwalk of Silver Lake. Then we joined Francine and family for a BBQ before heading for Provo.

More Tender Mercies!

TENDER MERCY #1: Yup, we sold it! The amazing 1987 RV! It was actually quite a blessing to us, but we had no place to park it at our new home... and with just Dave and me, we've talked about getting a pop-up trailer instead... But I did not have faith that anyone would buy our old friend... I was wrong. We put it on KSL.com on Thursday night, and it was sold on Friday before I got home from work! What a tremendous blessing!

We also don't have room for the old boat... but the engine is shot and would cost more than it is worth to repair... that leaves the boat trailer... but what do we need with a boat trailer?!!

We left it at the repair shop and are trying to decide how to procede.
                                                                    

TENDER MERCY #2:    I won tickets to: Stadium of Fire!


On the radio while driving home, I called KNRS AM570 and won two tickets to Stadium of Fire this year! It's at Provo on Independence day and includes the Beach Boys! It will be fabulous! I need to remember to bring ear plugs, though... Don't want to damage my delicate and aged ears! 
 
It actually was a "Tender Mercy" because I had just had a very bad day at work and was in tears on the way home. What a nice surprise!
 
TENDER MERCY #3:   Bountiful Baskets!!!
Dave and I have been enjoying green shakes, and realized that buying the extra fruits and veggies is expensive. Lisa and Barbie had been enjoying Bountiful Baskets, but they have a lot of mouths to feed, so I didn't think Dave and I would be able to use all of that food.... but with the new green smoothies... it is PERFECT!

Today was the first day I participated...

$15 for the following:

 

2 pineapples

2 celery

1 romaine lettuce

1 butternut squash

2 yellow onions
2 bags of Bing cherries
1 bag of green seedless grapes
4 green bell peppers
1 cantalope
1 pkg grape tomatoes
 
I can hear the blender going already....Yummmy!

Happy is the person who cherishes the precious lessons of the past and lives vigorously in the present.

I am appreciating every moment more than ever before in my life. Every Friday, I cheer that the week is over. Every month I lament that the year is going by too fast. Every time I see the children or grandchildren accomplish something, I am amazed and wonder how so much time has passed without my notice.
Now that I am over 50 years old, I find myself wondering about time.
How much time do I have left?
Time to do things I've planned while I have health to do it...
There's no time for pettiness or ugly thoughts about others... only time to generously love.
Even though time has not been my friend when I look in the mirror, I embrace time as a sweet companion that will carry me through this mortality and into the next realm.

Happy Father's Day!

I love Father's Day! I think of my Heavenly Father, my earthly father, my husband and my sons. I am so blessed and I feel so grateful!


This is what I made for Dave for Father's Day this year, along with a special breakfast of course!

 I saw the idea on Pintrest but with a different application. I bought ceramic pens, let them dry for 24 hours and then baked the plates at 300 for 30 minutes. It was a fun project and a nice surprise.

The tree has the names of all of our children and grandchildren. I just put baby for Michelle & Steve's son that is due next month. They have not decided upon a name yet.

The beauty of this is that I can add new names by doing the same thing... 24 hour dry and 30 minute bake.

Now I just need to do the wall downstairs with room for little pictures. I'm excited!