God Bless the USA

Before I share the excitement of the weekend, I want to take a second to remember why we celebrate today. 

The Fourth of July is the federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the country’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. On this day, the colonies declared their independence from Great Britian and the king’s rule.

On the 4th of July, fireworks display across the sky, as Americans of many races all celebrate the important date in American History.

When the Declaration of Independence was signed, there were over 50 men who were present. Of those men, eight did not sign the Declaration. Famous signers of the declaration of Independence include John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Penn. July 4th has never been the same ever since.

 

I want to thank you men above, for having the bravery to change the world.  I also want to thank every person who has given of themselves to better our country including the military, government officials, and any other man and women who has helped make our country great.

 

Thank you Grandpa Don and Grandpa Bill-  You never talked about your service a lot,  but I know this was because of how important, and hard it was for you.  Thank you for sacraficing everything for freedom.  Thank you for leaving your families and your children (even the babies on the way)  so that I could live in peace.   And thank you Grandma Beverly and Grandma Lola Ruth,  for being strong and enduring while your men were at war. 

I love you.  I thank you.  Bill, Don, Beverly, I miss you, but will see you again someday- 

 

And lastly and most important,  Thank you Heavenly Father for this promised place. Thank you for letting me be born in a country where I am free to live how I choose.  Thank you for putting the Gospel in my life from day one.  I know EVERYTHING is done by your hand, and I so blessed to be a part of this gospel, country, and time.  

 

Love you All-  God Bless

 

Air-Bound Angels 1st Performance

The girls had their first performance and I was really proud of them!  Good Job Girls

Michael Jackson Remembrance Day!

We love MJ, and were devistated when he passed away.  So on the 1 year anniversary of his death,  we got together and celebrated his life!  Love you Michael

Eating my words

I have always been one to preach wearing suncreen, and to get after people who got sun burned. 

I confess-   I went to the pool, and two hours later, sunscreen free...

I am FRIED

Eating my words

Apologizing to all those I teased

lecturing myself

I am sorry to all of you. I now understand and hope you all forgive me for being preachy. 

Summer Dreamin

Right now it is 9:45pm and I am in class.  I'm obviously paying such good attention. 

My thoughts on summer school-   UGH-  whatever happened to summer vacation?  Vacation from work, school, responsibility... I guess I left that in grade school.  Too bad.

I remember the days of lemonade stands, popsicles, jumping on the tramp with the sprinkler under it.  Summer seemed to last forever. 

The only difference between summer and winter in my life now, is the temperature.  I'll just have to day dream about the days when all I had to do in the summer was play; When work and school didn't exist, and when my only worry was what snow cone flavor to pick at the snow shack. 

Good Times

Sunscreen

Yes it is getting that time, and Yes I am getting preachy.

I read an article today about how sunscreen doesn't prevent skin cancer, and that you need to be in the sun, unprotected,  for so many hours each day to get your vitamin D... blah blah blah

Good think I was home alone because yelling "Bull Crap" out loud in public might be a little embarassing.

SPF 50 is a part of my daily regimen and will be probably forever.  I wonder if this article writer has ever worked in a Dermatologists office.  One week and he'd be whistling a different tune....just sayin.

Wear it, everyday. The End

Here's a pretty picture of skin cancer death

Here is a picture of how to not get what you see above.

Lifestyle Changes

So recently I've been dealing with a bunch of health problems, and seeing lots of doctors. (we'll leave the details out)  Part of the problem was that Tyler and I were living an unhealthy life! We didn't exercise regularly, and our diet was pretty bad.  So we decided, after being told I was on the road to diabetes, that it was time to shape up.  We started a new diet called the primal blueprint.  Its, in essence, a low carb low sugar diet (as the doctor ordered).  We LOVE it!  Yes it was hard to give up carbs at first, but we are doing great, feeling better, and losing weight.  There is a chicken bacon walnut salad that is to die for, and a cocnut chicken recipe that is sooo good.  Who knew I'd like eating healthy so much.  Yes, I do love an occasional ice cream cone, or cookie- and thats ok.  But we are making changes and are really happy about it. 

Memorial Day

(Above Pic- Grandma Lola Ruth and Grandpa Bill)

Memorial day has had me thinking about the people who are important to me. I feel very blessed.  I feel so lucky that I was able to be close to each of my grandparents.  My "grandma B" (Beverly Edvalson) and Cranpa Don (Donald Edvalson) were so much a part of my life.  Not only did I see them at least every other day for most of life, I was able to live with them for the last 7 years of their lives.  They became like second parents to me.
My "grandma Ruth" (Lola Ruth Anderson) and Grandpa Pill (William Anderson) didn't live quite as close, but were also a large part of my life. They were seen at least weekly and made appearances at the important event such as soccer games, recitals, etc.  Always there when needed.

Unlike some who see their grandparents on Holidays,  mine became a large part of my life.  Unfortunately three of the four have passed.  Losing them was extremely hard and I still struggle with it today.  I'm hoping Grandma Lola Ruth will stick around for the long haul.  I'd like my kids to meet her, she's a pretty special lady. 
Over the weekend I found myself looking back on all of the memories of my grandparents.  I looked through pictures and laughed about all the silly things we did together.  In a way, it was my perfect memorial of the one's I've loved and lost.  I still find myself looking to them and the things they taught me, when the moments in my life get tough. I hope they know how much I love them, and look forward to being with them again.  Luv U Grandma B, Cranpa Don, Grandma Ruth (still living) and Grampa Pill

FURNITURE!

yep, we bought some furniture...

on a whim...

just wanted to add a little to the house. 

Thanks to Natalie for the help finding our seating.  :) 

Tyler and I love the new addition-

our house is coming together a little bit at a time. 

Cheer Tryouts Follow UP

I am feeling much better about my choices for this team.  We have had only 2 practices and I am already impressed with the hard work ethic and talent we have.  I have high hopes for these girls.  Here are some pics from Tryouts.  And again, thanks to you all for the support after having to cut some girls- your words of encouragement really helped me through that time.