Happy Birthday America!

I'm a little behind, but when does my life go on schedule? I was thinking in sacrament meeting about my dad and his birthday and how old he would have been if he was still alive. I always laughed when he used to say that he thought everyone was celebrating his birthday with the parades, parties, fire works until he was twelve. I know he probably knew sooner, but he always told us the same thing. I remember that we used to ask him about being a kid and growing up in Ririe and on the dry farms. We loved to hear the stories he would tell us, but we loved Uncle Orv's stories the best because they would be scary. Now all I wish is that I could hear them tell us one more time the stories of that could scare us and sing the songs that made us laugh.

How thankful I am that my father taught me about being a good citizen and understanding what men and women gave so that I could live as I choose. I know he was proud of having served in the Navy for our freedom at the end of WWII. I'm thankful that he taught me to respect and love the history of our country and the native tribes that were here. He loved the old stories of the great cheifs of the leaders of the country and those who settled the west. He loved being an American and was proud of it. Hopefully all our children and grandchildren will also be thankful for these freedoms and the men and women who served and serve us now.

Alan, Rusty, Megan, Crispin and Marcus are in Idaho this week. They will have a great time and already they have enjoyed the layed back days of the 4th up there. Alan is always sure to call me each day and check to see how things are. He says they are having a ball and doing all the things they can while there.

Rae and the kids came and stayed with me for a couple of days and we just ate and vegged. It is always fun when they are around. Both kids crack me up. Grant is my boy and Cami has found that I can be fun too. She figured out that I wasn't a crazy lady and she would play with me. Both kids are growing up so fast. We missed having Mark here, but it sounds like he slept in while they were away. He is such a good man.

Well it'll be back to the grind stone tomorrow. I wish I was retired so that I could just go and play whenever Alan goes. But if I didn't work we couldn't play. Hopefully sooner than later. The next trip is to the Canyon for a weekend with the scouts, so maybe I can go up then with them.

This may be a conbobulated message, but I did want you to know that I love my country and an thankful for those that gave their all for me. I'm also thankful that I had good parents to teach me the values that I have and the feelings that have taken root in my soul.