I stood in a cemetery today with my family and listened to the local pastor pray and I was proud to be an American. I’m honestly tired of the negativity that I hear about our country in the news media, negativity even from Christian folks. Sure, we need to pray and we need to realize that yes…there is some concern over our nation, but you know what? There are always going to be some problems. That’s just reality, but God is in control always. We need to stay positive and trust Him.
I’m proud of the fact that there are still men and women brave enough to put their lives in danger to defend the people in their country. I’m proud that it towns across America, people gathered today to clap their hands for the veterans who fought in wars. I’m proud of those old men I saw, who, despite their age, put on their uniforms, picked up their flags, and walked down the road in the heat, to represent a time in history when they were young and full of strength, and served our country. I’m proud of the men and women who are still fighting, and still serving. And, when I look at the faces of my own sons, and know that someday I may have to let them go off to war as well, I am proud of all the people who were left behind to bravely wait.
I’m proud of our Pledge of Allegiance. I got to say it today with my fellow citizens. I’m proud that men still pray in public settings without shame or apology. I was moved as I bowed my head with the others to pray to my God. I’m proud that we have a special day to honor and remember sacrifices made for us. We have a lot to be thankful for.
Rich and I were so happy to be able to take the children to a Memorial ceremony. At 9:00 in the morning, we found ourselves outside with the crowds watching the parade on a beautiful day. The children each got their own flag to hold.
We had a wonderful picnic at noon. (Grace was with us, she is just hiding behind Jacob.) We ate at our picnic table out in the front of the house. I used one of my vintage tableclothes and Jacob picked some wild flowers and put them in my Scarlet fiesta disc pitcher for the center piece.
Rich grilled sausages, hot dogs, and speidies. We also had fresh strawberries and watermelon, taco salad, potato salad, baked beans, chips, and soda. Good food, fun, and family! Great day. . . . .
Rich also mowed the lawn, went running, and filled up numerous water balloons for the children. The children swam in the pond and played outside all day long. I folded lots of clothes and went out as much as possible, too.
And now it’s the end of the day. It’s dark outside and the children are in bed…all but Seth, who is waiting for me. I can hear Rich talking to him, trying to keep him happy while I finish up writing here.
I think we’ll all sleep good tonight!
Love,
Shanda
Good to be Home 
I love the pictures…what a lovely day you guys had! I’m glad you had such a nice day with your family, sounds like the best way to spend a holiday to me. We went to my inlaws, as usual…it was also a great day for us. 🙂 I hope you have a nice evening, Shan. Love you!
I love seeing all of you out there. David had a violin lesson this morning and I made food for our church picnic while Bob went to a memorial service nearby. We had a wonderful afternoon with our church family, the hours flew.
The picnic sounds so nice ~
What a wonderful day you had. May we never forget those who fought for the freedom we enjoy! It’s so wonderful that you teach your children about patriotism!
What a fun day! We had a chilly and drizzly Monday and had to bring our cook out inside! Glad you guys had a good day! =)
I love reading your “heart.” I am so glad that you had a wonderful day with your Family. 🙂
What a wonderful way to spend the day with family. Beautiful family!
looks like a memory to keep 🙂 yes, we have so much to be grateful and positive about our nation – and those who have fought for our freedom. ~ glad you had a family day ~ celebrating the gift we have been given from the Lord in the history of our nation and the brave men/women who have given so much.blessings on this new week!
sounds like a great day! i so love to read your blog!
What a great day! I totally agree with you that there has been entirely too much complaining and not enough thankfulness for our blessings and our freedom. Yes, our nation is struggling, but complaining will not change that. Prayer will. I am also proud to be an America. I missed being able to celebrate the holiday with other Americans. It’s been a long time since I said the pledge surrounded my my countrymen.
It looks like you had a fantastic Memorial Day! Personally, we didn’t do much, but I enjoyed seeing what your family was busy with.
Great post. I totally agree, and it is very refreshing to know that there are still Americans like you and your family 🙂
Wow. what a beautiful way to spend your memorial day.
I’m so glad you had a wonderful day! You have a wonderful and precious family! How Rich was keeping Seth happy for you reminds me of how my husband keeps Ridley happy while I finish something up before I feed him. Babies are so fun! Seth and Ridley are both growing up SO fast! I’m going to add your blog to my sidebar of favorites. I just LOVE reading about your life and your family! Life is good because God is good. Be blessed!
Proud to be an American!!!! How wonderful to hear that there are still special parades to celebrate this holiday when a lot of people are more concerned about the sales at the mall!!!I loved the pictures. What are speidies???
Shan I’m glad you had a great memorial day. Your words of gratitude for those who have served and are serving ring true to my heart too. Thank you for sharing! Love you, Lish
Good thoughts! My heart and soul agree. May God Bless America
Looks like you had a wonderful day. The picture of Seth with the flag is so cute.
What does Gee have on her feet, have I seen those shoes in pictures before (my memory is so bad) They are darling, I am so drawn to red shoes. I also like your new red shirt! I can imagine what it was like see the vintage table cloth and the flowers, and hear the kids running and playing….a dream life Shanda Banda! The flag in the pocket could not be more fitting!
Glad you guys had such a good day. And thanks so much for the reminder. It’s so true…Thanks,~*Akarui Mitsukai*~