Happy Fourth!

I've read some great blog entries and emails the past few days that have expressed so much gratitude and appreciation for our wonderful country. It really makes me grateful for what my mom and dad taught my siblings and me as kids--I think we all learned to love our country at a young age. I feel a bit sad when others I know don't have a great appreciation for our country, especially because I think that is mostly due to a lack of knowledge and understanding. So thanks, mom and dad, for teaching us..

Some things I found myself thinking this past weekend:

I know that the founding and establishment of our country was inspired on this dedicated and consecrated land. It is because of our establishment of government and religious freedoms that so much of the world is free to practice their faith of choice. I know that there are good things about other countries, but there's nothing like the good ol' U S of A anywhere. I'm grateful for the inspiration of the founding fathers and the sacrifices they made to give us the rights we have. It makes me sad to think of what politics have now become (mostly I consider my votes to be a vote for the LEAST harmful/corrupt - morally, ethically, and every other way), but I still recognize that our democratic freedoms are a blessing. Though I don't love some of what our system has become and even some of what it now stands for, I know I'm blessed to be born in this country.

I'm grateful for the 4th - while I know we should recognize and remember the privileges we have continually, it's a day/weekend that makes it easy to do so.

And here's one photo from the weekend - a classmate of Rob's took it. She's sending a few more our way later this week - I can't wait to get them all. :)