Our Ordinary Is Extraordinary. . .

 Sometimes, as we live our everyday life, we just don't look at things as being "out of the ordinary" to most people.  After all, it's just another part of life, right?  A kind lady once taught me (by her sweet example) to enjoy each moment of my life as an adventure no matter how "humdrum" it may seem because only I was blessed to live this wonderful life God gave to me.  Oh, sure . . . everyone has their troubles and disappointments, but I have a wonderful Lord to carry me through those difficult times and to be my absolute JOY through good times and bad! : )

So I thought I'd share just a few fun moments of our "humdrum" life . . . : )

 I promise that you are not going cross-eyed.  It's really a seven-toed cat!

  

And just in case you need a clearer view . . .

The Lord blessed us recently with several big paper bags full of green beans.  And we learned an important lesson . . .

 Bella LOVES green beans!

 Every little while we find her sitting around chewing on one. : )

 The evidence, my dear Watson?

 Sherlock Holmes wouldn't have to get his magnifying glass out in this case! : )

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And for those who haven't been following her Caring Bridge site, Allison recently got her new HKAFO's and is able to walk some!  Praise the Lord!

To see some of her first steps in eight months, here's the link!
http://youtu.be/1yc-kiqhqG0  

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he {the man} delighteth in his {God's} way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."

Psalm 37:23-24

Let Freedom Ring!

 "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

~ Ronald Reagan

We had a great time celebrating the 4th of July ~ the birth of our nation ~ the great freedom with which God has blessed our land.  So often we take for granted the freedoms that we have, thereby giving up little by little the freedoms for which our forefathers fought and died.

 Because the Battle of Kings Mountain was a great victory in the Revolutionary War, an event is never complete without a re-enactment.

 We got there at 7 to help stake out an area big enough for all our friends from church. : )

 9:00 came with a sigh of relief.  Those that were there understand what is meant by that. ; )
Just a tiny hint. . . Allison had to stuff Bella's ears with cotton before she finally went to sleep. : )

 It was encouraging to hear our city officials and others proclaim that we are a nation under God, that He is our Creator, and He is our Sustainer.

 There were presentations, patriotic songs, the Pledge and National Anthem, speeches, and acknowledgements.  Then came the re-enactment.  We love this part because it so vividly reminds us of all our forefathers gave to obtain our freedom.  It reminds us of God's protection and blessing that He has given our nation ~ One Nation Under God.

As the Over-Mountain Men celebrated the victory by raising the flag, the fireworks display began, nicely setting off that beautiful Banner proclaiming our freedom and God's blessing.

 

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America, Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home!

 It was absolutely magnificent!  They certainly didn't skimp on the fireworks.

As soon as the last one went off, a mass exodus ensued. : )  We stayed a few minutes chatting with friends, then by the time we got to our van, it wasn't as crowded and we got out fairly quickly.

I know this verse is used quite often, but it is still as true today as when it was written:

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

 II Chronicles 7:14

May God Bless America! . . . My Home Sweet Home!

For more of our 4th of July pictures you may click here.

I've Got the Blues . . .

 It's that time of year again!  Blueberries came out in full force, and the community of Ammon followed suit to celebrate. : )

This is a festival that we wouldn't miss for anything.  Reason #1:  We really enjoy getting to know our neighbors better, and Reason #2:  We like to show our support for the community (as everything benefits the volunteer fire department in one way or another).  Besides, it's a fun family time. : )

 Meet Bella . . . she's the latest addition to the family. : )

 There's no end to hair bows and blankets!  When she's in her sleepy mood, she doesn't mind the blanket, but the hair bows aren't the most welcome accessory. : )

 She was VERY popular!  Five minutes did not go by without someone coming up and playing with her, pampering her, petting her, and commenting on how cute she is.  And, yes, we do humbly acknowledge that she is just the most adorable little puppy on the planet. ; )  And that is NOT a biased opinion! : ) : )

 And here's our piper!  All ready for an action-packed day.

 Say "Hi!"

 Sittin' by the roadside, On a summer day . . .

Without the Goober Peas (sniff, sniff)

 And the parade begins!

 Here comes our piper!  She was originally going to be attached to the Color Guard, but when they didn't show, she was promoted to leader of the parade.

 Bella got LOTS of attention.  She and Allison even got their picture in the paper. : )

 This horseless carriage is so sweet!

 There were the usual city officials, beauty queens . . .

 And the not-so-usual.  What a great idea!

 This little train was SO cute!  He was very busy the rest of the afternoon giving all the kids rides in it.

 Then there was something that no Ammon parade would be without . . . tractors!

 Even the youngsters get in on this one!

 Sara was one of the most photographed people the entire day.  Really . . . how often is it that you get to see a piper in Scottish dress?  Even though it has become quite the norm around our house (not a day goes by without some mention of  bagpipes, etc.), just a little over a year ago, it was a rare thing to talk about, much less see a bagpiper.  I would have been in amongst the photogs trying to snap a picture of her.  Truth be known . . . I . . . (ahem) . . . still am. : )

 Playing Amazing Grace for the opener . . .

And now it's time for the auction!

 The traditional 1st flat of blueberries . . .

 The 14-layer chocolate cake . . .

Had to hold my breath the whole time he was holding it like this.  I could just envision it slipping . . . and then what would they do???

 We bought our flat from the booth, not the auction. : )

 We love visiting all the booths and chatting with the locals.  Of course, we intermittently spent a good part of our day at the goat milk cheese and soap tent.  Such sweet people . . . and friends! : )

 Sara entertained on stage for a while during the afternoon.  She definitely had her workout for the day!  Needless to say, there was no practice session for her that evening. : )

As evening crept in, we loaded up the van and made the several hour drive back home.  What a day!

And who said a dog's life wasn't all it was cut out to be?!?