My Independence Day

Fireworks with the Kiddos:

Molly was enthralled. She kept saying, "You know, there's no real point in putting your fingers in your ears!" She said her heart was beating faster than the sparkling lights of the fireworks. :)

Maggie was a little bit scared, a little bit tired and a little bit bored. She says she doesn't want to go back next year, but I'm sure by then she'll have changed her mind.

Lorelei sat on Bob's lap the whole time with his hands over her ears. She liked the lights, but not the noise.

Liam sat on my lap with one ear on my chest and my hand over his other ear. He covered his eyes with his blanket and hands the whole time. :)

We parked at Cherie's house and walked to the end of the block and around the corner a bit and sat in someone's yard, right across from the baseball field. The view was wonderful (save for the power lines) with the fireworks in the sky directly in front of us.

As far as I'm concerned, this is the start of a family tradition. The time, location, everything was just perfect. We got home really quickly too.

I've missed fireworks. I'm so glad I was awake for this year's. I remember sitting out on the back deck of our home in Virginia, listening to the Statler Brothers sing and watching the fireworks overhead. We'd roast marshmallows on a (illegal) campfire in the backyard and swim after dark in our pool. Our dog, Max, would hide under my parent's bed and howl. We'd always have friends over - lots would just stop by - some would park at our house and walk down to Gypsy Hill Park - it was just a big party at our house. It's because of those years in Va that I grew up wanting to always have people in our home. I loved my childhood there. It was pretty idyllic. I hope I can duplicate it for my kids.

This year I'm free. Free from whatever it was that was clouding my mind. Free from depression and anxiety and brain fog. Free from pain and rotting stuff inside and being tired all the time. Free from sin and darkness lurking in my heart. Free from everything that was keeping me from living the life I wanted. I am so grateful for everything.