I think my absolute favorite holiday is the 4th of July. I love Christmas and Thanksgiving but there is something so wonderful about the Fourth. I love summer and it's a nice break in the middle of the summer. I love the fireworks and the cookouts and the lawnchairs and the red, white and blue everything and patriotic songs.
I am SO thankful to live in America. (As I write this I realize that there are a TON of you who live in other countries and I know you all love yours equally - but I DO love my nation so much!) I get SO emotional every year during the Patriotic service at church because I am so in debt to all the men (and women) who have served our country - especially those who have gone to war. Both of my grandpas served in wars and they were my heros. I'm SO proud they shared that legacy with me.
Today was our annual Celebrate America service at church so I wanted to dress Harper up in red, white and blue. At the last minute - I put her in this little outfit. It was mine when I was a baby. (My mom saved SO many of my outfits and I love that I'm able to put Harper in them).
Shannon at Cary Hairbows had sent me a special patriotic bow for Harper to wear and I just love it - we are going to get a lot of use out of it in the next week! ( I got my jewelry at Dillards probably 7-8 years ago.)
I'm a little worried about my child. She was SO NOT happy to be at church this morning. I'm pretty sure she cried most of the time we were there. But this afternoon we took a family trip to Wal-Mart (which is something we NEVER do) and she was practically giddy. She smiled and cooed and laughed the entire time. I certainly don't want to raise her to be more happy at Wal-Mart (or Target or the mall) than in church. (I really don't worry about that - I'm sure as she grows that church will be her favorite place just like it has always been for me).
Tonight our church did a special service on the town square complete with a flyover, patriotic songs, Twila Paris singing a special, free hot dogs and ice cream and a special speaker who was a Vietnam Vet who sustained massive injuries and was later saved. Scott stayed home with Harper since it was past her bed time and I enjoyed going and visiting and just loving the small town atmosphere. It was just Americana in the South at it's finest.
What is your favorite thing about the 4th or about living in America? (If you are not from America - what do you love about your country?)
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. 2 Chronicles 7:14
The "LOTness" of it All
1 year ago
135 comments:
I love that little dress!
LOVED this post!! Happy 4th of July week to one of my favorite families in America! :-)
Harper is a doll baby, i'm glad you had a good day :)
I'm with Laurie, as well!! :) One of my favorite things about the 4th is just being with family and remembering ALL of those who are serving our country. It's just such an amazing holiday! :)
I'm especially excited for this 4th because I get to be with my nephew, Jorgen!! :)
she just has a little separation anxiety. she will learn you will be back. i doubt you leave her much so she is used to only having mommy!
Could you please pray for my friend, Stephanie @ http://happyhughes.blogspot.com/ Here's the update I just received about her new baby girl.
Alaina was born Saturday morning via emergency c-section because after laboring for several hours, her heartbeat kept fading from the fetal monitors. After she was born, the doctor found that she had been living in a severely significant amount of meconium for about a week. The doctor was able to remove a large amount of the meconium, but the remainder of it is preventing her from breathing properly & has to be dissipated by her body. She is making small improvements, but she still has a long road of healing ahead of her.
P.S. I love that we are so blessed to openly praise God in America. Love that dress on Harper!
I'm with you. I love the 4th. Every year my hometown has a big celebration at the park with singing and fireworks etc. I just love it! Wandering around and talking to everyone we know. It's the most exciting time of the year for visiting with friends!
I think I have the most patriotic mom in the world. It probably comes from the fact that her dad and brother both served in foreign wars and then she went off and married a military man! The 4th of July is her fav...by far!
I love to see the sense of duty to country on the 4th that tends to be lacking the rest of the year.
I love to be able to still look my dad in the eye and say thank you every year on the fourth...and to be able to thank my Heavenly Father for allowing my father to return from every war he fought in.
I love the music and the flags flying EVERYWHERE!
I love being with my family (who is almost always together on the 4th and who I don't get to see very often)!
I think I exceeded my limit...
Harper looked precious in your outfit!
Kelly, I thought about coming over for the celebration, but we had a big share service tonight at church and a Falls Creek mtg. afterwards, so I missed it. :( Maybe next year. My parents came up and said it was AWESOME!! Little Harper is just getting cuter and cuter every day! Happy 4th!
I love that little dress - Harper looks adorable (as always)!
I so enjoy reading your blog- it is a great ministry!
I love the 4th of July as well!! I get choked up so often when I hear the patriotic songs and especially seeing and hearing about the men/women who serve our country. I love the family get togethers, fireworks, and all the food :) It is such a great time and always makes for fun memories!
Happy 4th!
A) You look AMAZING!!!
B) I teared up this morning during Battle Hymn of the Republic.
C) Our service was on "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" and he talked about how our founding fathers built our government/country on Christian values. It was really good!
I love the fireworks, but mostly spending time with friends and family! Where did you get your necklace and bracelet, they are too cute!
Our best friend James is in Iraq now...please pray for him! I have a hair bow from Shannon too! I am in her bow of the month club! ;-)
Have a great week!
Our whole family gets together, and we celebrate not only the 4th, but my Grammy's birthday! :)
My son had a hard time at church at that age, too. I think it was b/c he was used to being with me as a stay at home mom. The kids who were in daycare had an easier time just going in to nursery and not fussing. Harper will outgrow it--don't worry!! :-)
The 4th of July has always meant time to be thankful for our freedoms and to be with family for as long as I can remember. I LOVE watching fireworks shows and all the patriot songs. It meant even more to me after I married my husband who is a reservist. This year is extra special as my hubby reports for his second deployment the next day. It will be a bittersweet 4th this year!
how precious is the dress?! i love the fourth, too! harper just gets cuter and cuter with every passing day!
July 4th has ALWAYS been my favorite holiday.
I love that it's low stress and full of fun, friends, food, and fireworks! (All the important things...HA!)
Adorable dress too, Kelly. I was able to dress my kiddos in stuff that my mom and J's mom saved. It's very special!
Great post. I think being able to worship our Savior open and freely, not worrying about if we pray or sing, or share with others about what could happen to us is what I love most about America. Such a blessing to live here and I get emotional like you. And if I may say so, you are looking HOT!!
My favorite thing about the fourth is actually taking a couple of minutes to sit back and recognize the service that the servicemen/women do for us. I also love, love, love fireworks...I love, being casual. You know, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter we all dress up to go to our family and friends where as for the fourth we wear a cute skirt and a patriotically colored shirt. It is a more comfortable atmosphere for most.
I <3 the Fourth!
Also, you looks beautiful with Ms. Harper in the picture where she is smiling up at you.
Harper looks ADORABLE as always and I love your jewelry! So chic! :) We love the 4th as well! Hope you have a great one!
Awww she's so precious.
The fourth of July is my favorite holiday too. We love going to the Spirit of America festival in our city and watching the fireworks over the river. Another thing we like is just being around family. My mom usually has thanksgiving and Christmas off (which are close together), and Easter (which is always on a Sunday), so the fourth of July is nice for her to be off work so we can celebrate together when it's warm outside :)
Faith
I am so patriotic, too. I just feel so blessed to live in this amazing country founded on Biblical principals. I know we don't do everything right here, but I feel like we are a country that opens its arms to the world and tries to make the world better and I think that's what Jesus would do.
I love events like you went to tonight. Summer in the South is the BEST, isn't it??!!
I hope Harper gets happier at church soon. I think she just misses you. I'm sure she will grow out of it!! :)
My favorite thing about the 4th of July this year will be that my cousin will be home from his tour of duty in the pacific ocean. He is a Naval officer and my other cousin attends West Point so my family is very honored that these two servicemen will be home.
I like your necklace!
I love the 4th of July too. It is a special day for my family too. I love all patriotic songs. This year the 4th will have more meaning for me, my nephew was sent to Iraq and then his father (my brother) was killed in a traffic accident. My nephew was allowed a week's leave. He attended the funeral and then went back to Iraq. He came home at Christmas, to find my dad very ill. My dad had a very rough winter. He is doing much better. To have my nephew home and my dad well is such a blessing for me.
I share a love for this country too! Many of my family members are veterans and served the people of this country and this country. We are indebted to them for their courage and selflessness. So glad your Church recognizes the importance of honoring these men and women and our most amazing country.
That is just too neat that your mom saved your baby clothes for Harper to be able to wear ;)
I also love July 4th. I have one of my bathrooms decorated in red, white, and blue. Mabye I'll share pic's...someday!
I love the 4th too!! I also love your necklace!!!
4th of July is my favorite holiday too! I love all the things you mentioned...the fire works, being outside in the hot, grilled food, celebrating, and putting little flags by my mailbox. God bless everyone who has served and protected our freedom!
I love the Harper's outfit! So sweet that it was yours! My favorite thing about America is that we have such incredible freedom to worship God, read His Word etc. In this day, it's definitely not something to take for granted. I'm excited about the 4th too! Love the fireworks!!
We sang a song today based on that verse..."Calling Out to You" from Somebody's Praying Me Through. SOOoo good!
My favorite part of July 4th is singing the Salute to the Armed Forces...of course, I'm on call on July 5 (when my church is doing its celebration), so I won't get to sing it.
a)HER SWIMSUIT IS ADORABLE!!! Especially with her in it. :)
b)I salivate everytime I read about Sonic on your blog. We don't have it in my town and when we vacation it's the first place I go for lunch, snack, dinner, snack, late night snack, late late night snack, did I mention I love Sonic?
c)The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, too. And I am a total sap and tear up everytime I hear "Proud to be an American." I always buy my son a cute patriotic outfit. My nieghborhood has a little parade for the kids in the a.m. We decorate his wagon and pull him in it. So fun! We watch fireworks at a local golf course with my family. Her outfit is precious!
d) This is an obnoxiously long comment! Sorry! :)
July 4 is my favorite holiday!
I love to thank God for the courage of the men and women who are brave enough to fight for my right to do whatever in the darn world pleases me.
I also like to remember my friends who have been injured or killed in the last 8 years serving our country. Too many! :(
And I love the fireworks!
First, I love that harper is wearing YOUR old dress!How sweet is that!? My mom save several of my dresses too, and it makes me just down right happy to put London in them.
The 4th of July is a favorite for me too. For as long as I can remember, it has been a time for my whole family to get together (even the Aunts, Uncles, and cousins from out of town) to gather and spend a couple of nights hanging out. There was always a cook out on the 4th and lots of time in my Uncle's Pool.
This year we are spending the fourth back home in Mississippi (we are in Dallas now) with all of my hubby's family. I can't wait.
4th of July and Halloween are my very favorite holidays! I love that on the 4th it is all about American pride, cold lemonade and sharing yummy food. We drop our political and social arguements and share love for one fabulous nation. Oh and the music! I wonder if other countries have as many awesome songs about loving their nation? Who doesn't cry when hearing "Proud To Be An American?!!"
Sweet Kelly-If you've ever read my blog you know I heart ALL THINGS red, white and blue! In fact since I have a December b'day and HATE that...I've taken it upon myself to change it to the 4th of July:) (my brother and sister give me a hard time about this but oh well)....I buy all the grands red-white-blue flag shirts for the 4th...love everything about Patriotism and what it stands for and am so thankful my Dad and his brother's served our great Country. What a blessing to have had so many go on the front lines to insure our safety.
You both look fantastic, wonderful pictures! Thanks so much for sharing and I LOVE her red-white and blue!!!!
Blessings tonight and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
Aww! She Harper too cute, as always!!
I've spent most of my life abroad and I am a proud American. My favorite thing about America is the stability. I know what it's like to live in a country with the fear of impending war in my own front yard every single day. I'm just glad that I have never felt that way while living in America.
Hi Kelly,
I'm a long time reader and first time commentor. You have such an adorable family! I love the lttle dress you put on Harper! Thank you for the Bible verse! It really spoke to me!
I too love the 4th of July, it might be because my birthday is the 3rd and my son's is the 2nd. It's a festive week for us.
I just wanted you to take heart about Church not being Harper's favorite place right now. When my babies were really babies (they are now almost 7 & 4) Sundays were brutal days. The day is just different than normal. Nap times are different and feedings are different and there are all those people who want to look at them.
My son especially didn't like Sunday church for almost 2 years. He loved going to youth group (daddy was the youth pastor), but church nursery wasn't his thing. Now he loves going to church and learning about Jesus.
Love Harper's patriotic bow! And I love your necklace and bracelet!! Where did you find it?
In Canada, we celebrate Canada Day on the 1st of July. Too bad that this year we don't get a long weekend but at least we get a break in the middle of the week. We have fireworks but it doesn't seem to be such a big deal as in the US. But that is not to say that it is not important to us because it is!
I am usually not a 'poster' but tonight I was just floored by the fact that Twila Paris sang a special... When my husband and I got married 15 years ago we had "How Beautiful" played. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Oh, by the way, I love your blog and Harper is just the cutest thing.
Have a great 4th!
I love the 4th..it is by far my most favorite holiday. I grew up in Coronado, CA where the military is what makes the town tick. My father is a retired Navy Capt., my father-in-law is a retired Air Force Colonel and my husband is a Navy fighter pilot with 17 years in so far. We have been married for all of those seventeen years. I love the 4th because it is a day for everyone to stop and appreciate their freedom. I love the 4th because of everything is represents. I cry when I hear my husband's planes overhead...two reasons, that is the sound of freedom and because is usually means they are coming home. This year we won't be in Coronado, CA for the 4th of July. We will be where we are currently stationed...but it will be a great 4th no matter what!
Thank you for this post...
Cheers,
Alison
What a cute dress! Harper is such a cutie!
I to like the 4th of July. :) For me it isn't just a day but I get to be with my own hero-my husband. :) He is in the military(19 years in the Navy) and I have been with him the whole time. We also got married in July and so we went with a red, white & blue wedding.
I am Australian, and Australia Day here is on January 26th... I love Australia Day for the same reasons you love the 4th of July- it's summer, everyone's on holidays, there's bbq's and things to go and see, and everyone is just so happy to be from their country on that one day!
On Australia Day, it's a public holiday, so everyone is relaxed and there's just a cool feeling to the day! People drive around with Aussie flags stuck to their windows, and wear the
Aussie rugby colours, green and gold. People chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi oi oi!" all day long. It's just FUN! In fact, we Aussies love
Australia Day so much that some people are saying forget Australia Day, we need Australia WEEK! Hahaha... and I agree!
I love that dress and I think it is soooo special that your mother saved some of your outfits!!! I think it is so sweet that Harper gets to wear them.
True comfort comes from the Lord alone! Praying right now!
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Prayer Bears
My email address
I love dressing up in red/white/blue! This year I have a navy sundress to wear for the fourth. We're planning on having a cookout with my in-laws, who will be visiting our brand new house for the first time!
The 4th will be very special for me this year. First of all, my husband and I will be celebrating our 11th anniversary on the 3rd--it's always cool to have the anniversary right around a major holiday. :) On top of that, my husband just enlisted with the Texas Army National Guard. He will be leaving for boot camp on Aug. 9th. That being said, me and our 3 children are SO PROUD of him for wanting to serve our country, just like my father and his father. Have a blessed 4th--and I love reading your blog!
PS: I have a friend with a little 4 year old girl named Harper. She thinks it's so cool that you picked that name as well. :)
My fav thing abut the 4th is every year My dads fire dept9and my old one) gets together at our station and cooks out and shoots fireworks. Its a rear time fr all the firefighters and there familys to just enjoy each other and goof off
I love the Fourth of July mostly because it is our daughter's birthday, as well as our country's. Kennedy will be six this year, and she still thinks the fireworks are all for her! My husband and I think she has the coolest holiday birthday that there is! We usually go to a friend's house for bbq, swimming, and fireworks. Also, she always has to have a red, white, and blue outfit. This year I found the cutest dress ever at Belk. I also get to dress up our almost eleven month old this year in red, white, and blue to match his Sissy! Visit our blog next week for pictures!
LOVED the post and that scripture is awesome!
I love being with my family and friends, the fireworks, the good food and outdoor fun.
My fiance served our country in Iraq so I am even more thankful now for everything our troops have done for our country.
Harper is just precious in that outfit!! LOVE the bow!!
I love the 4th! And what it stands for: independence and freedom! I love my nation! The songs, the special church services, and more. I also love that verse of Scripture you posted. One of my favorites. Have a blessed week! :-)
We've been to a lot of countries, and the list of reasons as to why I love America is pretty long; we're so, so blessed. Freedom of worship would be at the top, though.
What I love about America...that we are given the opportunity to fulfill our dreams. We are given freedom to think, believe, and act; without it we would have little. By being an American I feel that no matter what negativity and animosity exists in this world, I can be myself and live out my dreams. We have hope for tomorrow...Thank God we have this freedom and hope!
Love the dress and bow, too cute!
How neat that your church does that! You guys have such a nice town square to do it in too.
As I've gotten older, I've grown to love the 4th so much more too. My family has a long history of Military service and service to the country. On my dads side, two of his brothers served in WWII (one uncles story is amazing!), he and another brother served in Korea and the youngest served in peace times and helped to build the Alaskan Pipeline. All 5 brothers served. My father-in-law served in Vietnam. I have a cousin who just retired from the Marines and was there when the Berlin Wall came down and one of the first troops into Kuwait after America took it back in the first Gulf War. As I get older, I understand so much more what the 4th is about and hope that my boys understand how important it is.
My favorite thing about the 4th is it's my husband's and my anniversary. We are a true all American couple that thought it would be a great way to celebrate living in America because we are able to choose our spouse. Last May my husband joined the Army, so he is now a serviceman. It's a great thing to celebrate. (he suggested the 4th and said we would always have fireworks for our anniversary :) )
I'm with you Kelly. I LOVE the patriotic services at church and ours was today, too. I canNOT keep from crying during those services, especially when they have all the veterans/active duty servicemen stand... gets me choked up every time! And it doesn't hurt that military men are my favorite men (which is great since I live soo close to Fort Knox)!! I hope that my future husband has military roots.
AND-- when I was in high school, our Sunday school teacher was this older lady (like in her 80's) and she wanted us to learn and memorize scripture. 2 Chron 7:14 was one of the one we memorized and would say together as a class. It wasn't until I got a little older that I realized how amazing it was that she still had a passion to teach kids at a time when it would have been so easy to let someone else do it. She has since passed away, but I will always remember Mrs. Mastin fondly!
you, little missy, look like a million bucks! and that harper is a doll as always! i, too, love being an american and can't help getting weepy at our patriotic celebration as well! glad you had a fun evening! isn't the south great?!?!
I love the unity we all share with one another. Of course, we all have our moments of differences, but when confronted by something that threatens our lives as a nation, we unite under one flag and one belief.
Harper truly brings a smile on my face, especially when life gets a little too hard to bear. Thank you for sharing her pictures of just pure innocence and love.
Well, first of all great pictures. Harper is just so radiant in her mommy's outfit & adorable bow.
I love America because everyone is able to freely practice religion, opinions, and culture.
I love America because people can get medical help when needed without having to do horrible things to get it.
I love America because I sleep peacefully at night (except when he's gone like now) knowing people like my husband are in Iraq and Afghanistan protecting me from terrorists.
I love America because where else can a simple harmony from a trumpet make everyone get goosebumps (or chicken skin as we call it in Hawaii) and stop people in their tracks as the melody rings across the country.
I love America because where else can women have jobs that are equal to men and not be condemned for it.
I love America because for generations men and women have fought to keep tradition alive so that our children's children can enjoy the same peaceful comforts that we enjoyed as children.
I love America...all day, everyday!
i'm german
and i love the history and traditions we have, i love the free of speech and the right to vote.
i love that we've come a long way to be that accepted and needed in the world's community.
i know that you're all a big fan of the 4th but to be honest: for us europeans it's a bit funny too.....it's just funny that you're THAT patriotic, wearing all this white, red, blue stuff.....but if you like it that's fine for me:)
Harper looks adorable!
Happy 4th!
Be Blessed,
Amy
My husband and I were married on the 4th, and it was super! Fireworks all over the sky when we walked outside! I'm going to post about our 11 years together...Some old pix! My family aleady has their red, white and blue ready to go! Beautiful pix!
I grew up as what as now termed, 'a third culture kid'. My dad moved us back to the US my junior year of High school so we could finish up here. I remember going to my first basketball game and hearing the national anthem played and it all sunk in - I am an AMERICAN. I remember being so overwhelmed.
I am blessed to live here in the US. I love the geography. As a nation, we are truly blessed...majestic mountains, vast prairies, rolling oceans, pristine lakes, muddy rivers. I appreciate being able to visit all through the country.
We are fortunate to be able to have differences in our beliefs (political, religious and otherwise) and still be able to celebrate our respective heritage. We may not agree with what others have to say; but there is no fear of harm to ourselves or our families by our government just for speaking out.
I am sure most people are proud of their own countries. What an amazing world, eh?
Love that verse at the end and Harper looks so cute in her outfit!
I too love the 4th! It's such a special holiday!!! LOVE Harper's bow and outfit!!!
Enjoy your week!!
This is my first post to your blog. I have been reading for a few weeks and absolutely love it!
I am going to be spending the 4th of July holiday in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. I am very excited to be where this country all began!
Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your necklace and bracelet!! Where did you find that?
First of all, that outfit is soo cute! I think my mom has some of mine!
That service looked so special! I love things like that! Have a great fourth!
I love the 4th. Grilling, swimming, and watching the fireworks! Doesn't get any more American than that. I've been all over Europe and while it's wonderful to see, there's nothing better than touching down on American soil and knowing you are home.
The pic of Harper and Mel is up on my blog today. Thanks for letting me use it!
http://www.marlataviano.com
I also love all things patriotic! I come from a huge military family, and still bawl like a baby during anything for our country!
Two of my favorite things about July 4th are that my twins were born on that day!!!!!
This year they turn 11 years old.
My husband and I watched fireworks from my hospital bed. We could see perfectly out the hospital window.
My two little firecrackers are the BEST part of July 4th.
Kelly S.
Michigan
LOVE THE NECKLACE!! It looks great with your dress. Harper is adorable and I love her little anchor outfit!
My husband and I are currently stationed in Germany as he serves in the Air Force. While I have always loved America (hello, I'm from the South), moving to Germany REALLY helped me appreciate how much we enjoy in the states. Choices, convenience, capitalism, churches. Ah, we are truly blessed. :)
What a sweet outfit!!! Little Miss Harper just keeps getting cuter everyday....I didn't realize how much she looked like her daddy until I saw the last picture where she is looking up at you. My goodness she's Scott's twinkie!!! lol
What a nice post! I love the fourth too! How sweet that she is wearing your dress!
How cool!!! I'd love to attend this small town event! That is my perfect idea of summer :) And Harper looks so cute in your old dress!
we took our first family trip to walmart on saturday but it didn't go as well as yours did. I ended up carrying Caleb most of the trip, but we didn't have much to get thankfully! I didn't see Harper yesterday in the nursery but she looks super cute in the pictures! Wish we could have gotten her and Caleb's picture, he was wearing red and white!
Love the 4th...we always go to the fireworks and parade in our hometown.
Those are absolutley adorable pictures of you both....such a pretty baby and Mamma! I hope you all have a great week and I love July 4th too!!
You both look sooo gorgeous!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE those pics of the two of you! But then there is something I noticed! Yoz guys need to get family pictures taken! I would love to see some of the three of you!!
There is not much I like about living in Germany! The one thing though that I like is the food!! ha!
I am half american though and I will for sure move back there one day.
Oh something else, I love the architecture of old buildings in Germany, I love the castles and stuff like that, and I love that I am so close to france, belgium, netherland, italy, spain etc.
:)
Have a blessed week!!
Kelly,
I have been reading your blog for a while now. I love that you're creating an online scrapbook of your daily life with Harper! I found a website that will print your blog into a bound book. I think this would be a great treasure for Harper one day!
Here is the link:
http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html
I love outdoor services. My church doesn't seem to do them anymore. We used to go up to my Aunts house and her church had them in her yard overlooking the river. So beautiful.
Harper looks fantastic in your outfit and her hairband. Mommy is gorgeous too!!!
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday! I live year round in a little beach town (in the south of course). There is just so much going on around here that week. My Grandma started a parade on our little street over 30 years ago. We still all dress in red, white, and blue, say the pledge of allegiance, sing the star spangled banner and walk up and back banging pots and pans. I am so proud to be an American.
Love the outfit. I am sure she looked as cute as her mom did when she wore it! The bow is stunning!
My favorite thing about the fourth is all the great picnic food, there is nothing better than a grilled hamburger!
I love the 4th becuase we always spend it with family! Usually at the lakes. I get to see all the cousins, hold new babies and celebrate the free country in which we live!
God Bless America!
Suz
I find that I really only enjoy it when there are others involved with us in the celebrating. I always love watching my kids play with cousins and stay up late to see fireworks, and have a lemonade stand. And I love decorating the house and making homemade LEMONADE!
She looks super adorable! Love the outfits that are passed down.
What a cute town square you have! MAkes me wish I didn't live in the big city. ;)
Jennifer
Our pastor at church last night preached from that VERY verse. He talked about loving the things God has already done for our country - and waiting in anticipation for what God will do.
I agree with you, there is somethig so magical about the 4th of July. I think part of it has to do with it the community all coming together for one event. Around here Christmas/Thanksgiving is so cold people don't venture out of their house. 4th of July there are get togethers, town celebrations. You just see people in the town you may not see all year long and you feel connected to them as you watch the fireworks overhead. I LOVE the patriotic music being played while watching the fireworks. It reminds me of the military who have served and those currently serving and moves me to tears.
Happy 4th to your family!
sweet little harper! i love twila paris! hers was one of my very first concerts. i'm curious about what she sang!
I really did LOVE this post Kelly.... just by your pics it seems like your town has such a wonderful small town feel... Love it, and love ya girl!!! :)
Enjoy your week!
Love your necklace!! Sam Moon?
I just wanted to let you know you LOOK GREAT...you are just glowing. Love the hair! Harper is BEAUTIFUL. I have two little boys I love to introduce her to in about 25 years! Ha! Have a blessed day!
I love the 4th of July for all of the patriotic and summer reasons. I also love it because it's my birthday. =)
We really are so blessed to live here and I'm very thankful to those that fight for our freedom.
My favorite part of the 4th is cooking out and spending time with family and friends!
I too love this country. My favorite thing to do is to be with friends and family while eating good food and being thankful for the country we live in. By the way you look fabulous. Seriously your face and arms are looking very slim. Have a great week.
P.S. I heart Harper.
Fourth of July is also one of my favorite holidays. Everything you talked about in your blog, so true. I am so excited for this fourth because this will be my daughter first one. I have the outfit ready the bow made. Fourth of July here we come. That is so special that your mom saved outfits from when you were little, that is what I am trying to do for my LO.
I remember hanging up the flag on our front porch with my dad for the 4th. Even as a child I felt proud of the flag and to live in this great land.
Kelly - you look great and I love that necklace. Is it vintage?
Missy
I'd have to say that my favorite thing about living in America is that we get to share the love of Jesus with everyone, freely!
I too am SO thankful to live in America. I spent a month in France and I'll never forget coming back to the USA and being so thankful that I was born and raised in this amazing country. My hubs is a veteran and I am so grateful to our troops for all they do for us. Patriotic songs give me goosebumps and make me so dang proud!
I've always loved going to the lake and playing with my family on the fourth. However, when we adopted our baby from China 3 years ago...Independence Day took on a new meaning because of our daughter. I have always been a proud American, but it's amazing to me how many people have given their lives so that my daughter may have freedom here in the US!
I enjoy the 4th - bbqs with the family, fireworks, food... gotta love it all! This time around, I'll be celebrating with my little girl who has an adorable outfit (although I wish I had Harper's hair bow to go with it!). Have a great week!
Kelly, I'd love to make a quilt for baby Harper! Please visit my site at http://littlemistermanpants.blogspot.com and email me from there!
Thanks.
LMMP
I love living in America because it is still ONE NATION UNDER GOD. My fater is a WWII veteran - he instilled in all of us a sense of patriotism that I truly hope to pass on to my own children. Great post, Kelly!
jake was that way too about the nursery at church. There was a sweet lady that was there every service that he would do ok for. She said that it was normal becasue I stayed home with him and he just wasnt used to the seperation. Hang in there!
The picture of Harper looking up at you smiling looks like a photo out of a magazine! Precious!!!
I love the 4th too! It used to mean seeing fireworks and having a a bbq with friends, until 7 1/2 years ago when my husband and I started dating. He is in the army and now it means so much more, the national anthem makes me cry EVERY time! I love him and love that he fights for our country and that is what the 4th means to me now. It is also the 1 holiday that we have always celebrated together. Through a year long, bicoastal relationship and 2 deployments during our marriage, we seem to always be together on the 4th. He is deploying again in May and I am hoping we can spend it together again next year.
Kelly, this is the first time I've ever commented on your blog, though I've been reading for awhile. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to love on my country!
I was born and raised in the United States, but God made Mali my country. I am an American Malian and could not be happier with my nationality. (We call my fiancé a Malian American, so it goes both ways.)
Mali has only been independent since 1960, and I love how people absolutely do not take that for granted. I've seen Americans celebrate on July 4th who love their country with a fierce devotion, but the Malian celebrations on September 22nd just seem to mean so much more. These people actually know the oppression and fear that they are celebrating being free from - it is just incredible!
I'm grateful to have grown up in the United States, but I love my Mali!
Too cute!! We love the 4th too! Especially the service at church. It makes me feel better to read your post and all of the comments becuase I just thought I was crazy for getting so choked up at it. I have just learned that I definitely need water proof mascara at that service. Come to think about it, maybe I am a little crazy because I even get choked up at flyovers at Hog games! Ha! Seriously though, I am just especially thankful for those who serve our country! Thank you!
I love the 4th of July, too. I get a lump in my throat every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I heard someone say that there's something wrong with you if you don't! :) My grandfather was in the Navy during WWII, and my father was a Colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard (reserves). This is our second July 4th without him, and I will miss celebrating with him at our family's picnic.
Harper looks so sweet in her outfit and in her swimsuit! And I LOVE your necklace and bracelet! So pretty!
I love the UK, where I'm from. And I also love the USA (where my grandparents are from). Happy 4th!
Cxx
I love the 4th too- it is my husbands B-day and he is my hero- surviving Cancer these last 2 years and doing it all with a positive attitude! Your little girl is adorable! Thanks for all the wonderful posts! Have a nice 4th!:)
I love the 4th too! It's my favorite holiday. Our second son had a due date of July 6th. I was REALLY hoping for a July 4th baby, but wouldn't you know, the little bugger was born on July 3rd at 11:35pm...lol. He'll be 7 this year. He also has a younger sister (he actually has three younger sisters now) that celebrates her birthday on June 28th. We always like to combine their parties and do a lovely red, white and blue theme. They love it (for now)!
Anyway, I just swell with pride at being an American! I actually spend more money and time on coordinating outfits for our children on the 4th than I do during the Christmas season...lol!
Although I, too, love the 4th of July, this comment has nothing to do with the Patriotic post... Sorry. I remember you mentioning Harper's allergies and then noticed you started giving her cereal. I have an infant with several allergies also. I wasn't sure if you were familiar with the brand HappyBellies. They make allergen free food, including rice cereal. It is the only allergen free rice cereal. I tried all the others and even though my baby does not have a rice allergy, the other brands seem to cause some irritation because they have soy in them. I just thought you may be interested to try the allergen free cereal. Harper's sensitive tummy may like it better! The website is www.happybabyfood.com - you can look under "Our Menu."
Thank you so much for posting a "special" post to those who are serving our Country and fighting for our freedom. I am a proud sister to a Navy seaman and also a proud Army wife. My husband is leaving in a couple of weeks to deploy to Iraq (been gone since March for training) and I would appreciate your prayers for him as well as our family. I have a 15 month old and a baby girl expected to make her arrival in Nov who's birth my husband will not be able to attend. Thank you again for showing your patriotism it does us Military families good to see that we are appreciated, thought of and more importantly prayed for. May God Bless you and your family this 4th.
Thank you!
We used to go to the lake every 4th with my husband's family and their best friends. But since we move we don't have a tradition (will have to start one). I am wishing that I lived in your town though, so I could go to that celebration...it looked fabulous. Also wished we lived in a neighborhood where we could have the 4th of July parades that I see so many communities have!
I just have to say that you look great in those pics! Your arm looks ripped in the first one! Have you been doing the shred? Good for you for getting back in to shape so fast!
Twila Paris singing live? Wow, I've listened to a lot of her beautiful songs over the years. My favourites are Lamb of God and How Beautiful.
I'm from the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland north of Brisbane. It's a pretty special place too, though if I ever get to America God Willing of course, I'd love to explore the South.
Here is a link to an article I wrote for Australia Day this year.
http://abbagrace.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-australia.html
Claire
Independence day is my absolute favorite holiday! I can't wait to dress my daughter up this year! I bought her a red pettiskirt and I made some adorable patriotic bows and appliqued a t shirt to go with it! She is gonna be so cute! I adore Harper's little outfit and especially her hairbow! I know I don't have to tell you, but you better post pictures of Harper on her first 4th of July! I know she will be super cute!
My favorite thing about Independence Day/living in America is the freedom we enjoy. We have the liberty to worship as we choose, our election process is fair, and if we disagree with our leaders, we can voice those feelings without fear of violence or death. I know that many, many men and women paid the ultimate price for our liberty and I am so thankful. If anyone reading this is a military or service member, or has any family members in this category, let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices.
I'm from Canada and have always envied Americans and their 4th of July. Our birthday is only 3 days before yours on July 1st and like you, we love that it's in summer and typically we have our best weather then.
In my hometown, I loved the outdoor concerts, children's events, etc. We always put on a Talent competition that begins a few weeks before July 1st and the semi-finals or finals take place on Canada Day. Oh, and the parade is fantastic too! I think as I get older I yearn to be a mom so I can take my kids to watch the clowns hand out candy or the cute firemen wave. :)
Nothing makes you more proud to be living in a free nation than this!
My mom saved pretty much all of my stuff too. In fact, my 3 girls all came home with the same dress me & my sister wore along with the same afghan :) My favorite thing about the 4th arrived 6 years ago--As the town celebrated outdoors, I watched fireworks from the hospital bed while giving birth to my 2nd little girl Laramie D'ayne (named after my Dad, My grandma, her daddy and my aunt). I was really tempted to name her Liberty Belle though!!!! My husband likes to think this is an easy birthday--everyone celebrates with a parade and fireworks, She even thinks Bentonville & Bella Vista has fireworks just for her!!! I want to take her to DC for her 16th to really make it memorable!!!
Kelly,
You are a beautiful mom but I must say that today's pictures are the best ever! I can tell you are dropping your postbaby weight. You look awesome! I love the shot of Harper looking up at her mommy.
4th of july is my favorite holiday too besides christmas!! i lovee it my favorite thing about the holiday is just looking at the big dark sky watching the amazing fireworks and thinking How amazing God is for our awesome country that we live in! and I think of all the men and women over their fighting for our country right now. we are a blessed country and i praise God for that.
I love reading your blog daily! You and Haper look so pretty in this picture! Not that you don't look pretty in all of your pictures! I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Julie
p.s. I LOVE the patriotic headband Miss Harper is wearing! I make alot of BIG custom bows...my theory is there is no such thing as a bow too big!!
I am not an American, but I understand the feeling you have on the fourth of July. For me, it's not a particular day, but whenever I hear the Indian national anthem being sung.
India's freedom was also a result of years of non-violent struggle. As a child I grew up listening to stories of those years from my grandfather who was an active participant in Gandhi's freedom movement.
Jesus Chirst may not be the foundation on which our country was built, but our constitution is based on a lot of Christian principles. I am proud to be an Indian and am ever thankful to God for my beautiful country!
I love the fourth too! And, my favorite part of the parade is when the float with the Veterans goes by - it always makes me cry - tears of pure gratitude to those that sacrificed (and are still sacrificing) so much so that we can live like we do - GOD BLESS AMERICA ~ LAND THAT I LOVE!
L in Alaska
What a great post and such a cutie patooty Harper is in that outfit! :) Have a great week!
I just got back to American after living a year in Ireland and let me tell you, I am SO happy to be back! I love the US for lots of reasons but nothing like living abroad to help you realize it even more! The customer service and convenience of America cannot be beat. Happy to be home. :)
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