The 4th of July is really one of my favorite holidays because it is full of tradition: parades, picnics, and of course, fireworks, all with my favorite people. It's also the time when I miss my daddy the most. He was a patriot with a plow, a flag-waving American, a hero to his family. I felt him with us through all the festivities. He loved a good show...
When all is said and done, THIS is what I love the most and is most important to my heart... (May 2010)
"Borrowed" this great picture of Chels and Olive Lillie at Aunt Anna's wedding reception. Now we know that summer has begun! Weddings, sundresses, soft brown skin, and smiles...
Just finished reading this great book. Through Dean's family, we are related to Governor William Bradford, yes, THE William Bradford of "Mayflower" and "Plymouth Rock" fame. I'm thinking I should invest in buying this book because of the interesting tidbits about our ancestor; discovered his first wife--sadly alone after leaving her little boy in England and afraid for her husband as he explored the wilderness for the best place to build their village--probably committed suicide by jumping from the moored Mayflower off Cape Cod. But mostly, I was intrigued by the development of the community of Pilgrims that shaped all of New England: their relationship with the Native Indians, their struggles through those first lean years, even the mistakes they made as they first befriended, then alienated their Native brothers and sisters. The book puts William Bradford and his descendants in a good light (thankfully!), so I do believe that they tried their best with what they had. An interesting piece of trivia: "In 2002, it was estimated that there were approximately 35 million descendants of the Mayflower passengers in the United States, which represents roughly 10% of the total U.S. population." ...of which my husband, children, and grandchildren are all a part! 
My good hubby borrowed a Bobcat and scraped away the hard-as-rock dirt in our unfinished backyard last Saturday as one of the first projects to get the improvements going! On the list are cement pads (patio, trailer pad, trampoline pad, basketball hoop), gardens, trees, grass, and a back fence. Doesn't he look a little like Wall-E? Just trying to make the future real!
Today is my Chelsea Diana's "golden" birthday--she's 28 on the 28th!! Chels is a beautiful woman, inside and out. She is my best friend and supporter. She is a wonderful mother, a creative and successful business person, and she is kind and caring. What more could a mother ask for? I love you with all my heart, darling girl!
Look at my little boy...he's a daddy with three beautiful angel-girls! Where has the time gone? Happy Birthday yesterday, Big A! You make me smile...
