Early July 4th!

Happy July 4th everyone! It is the eve of July 4th and the girls are in bed now. I was just thinking of tomorrow and how much fun the day will be. I know the girls don't realize the true meaning of July 4th just yet, but I am trying to teach them day by day. It is especially important considering our circumstances this year. I want them to know how much their daddy sacrifices and will sacrifice for them and their children. I want them to have respect and pride for their country. I know all that will come in time and with age.

So, for now, we keep things simple. We talk about freedom, we talk about daddy and his job, we talk about parades, we talk about cookouts and talk about spending time as a family. That leads to Lillian and I making chicken salad, brownies and a dip for the cookouts tomorrow while Lydia takes her morning nap. It is a time we are looking forward too- being with our friends and watching the parade. I know Lydia won't remember as much as Lillian, but I hope she remembers that we were there with her on her first July 4th. She will see her scrapbook later in life!

So, Rich, I love you and HAPPY JULY 4TH. Thank you for all that you do for us- your family. We miss you dearly and celebrate tomorrow in your honor!! We are so proud of you! Good night!

Love Always and More,

Julie

THE AMERICAN FLAG

The American flag stands for freedom

The red, white, and blue

It tells of sacrifice for freedom

I beleive in Peace and Unity

Red stands for Power

Our Nation so Strong

White Stands for purity and peace

Blue stands for Happiness

I Am Proud to be An American

I stand Proud and True

I show Respect to the flag

By placing my hand over my heart

a moment of silence

And a quick prayer

for those, who have fallen

for freedom

We are United

We are One Nation

I am Proud to wave our

Flag so freely