Thank you. You inspire me.

  Independence day is celebration to commemorate the courage and faith of our founding fathers in their pursuit of liberty. It’s also so much more. It is like a second thanksgiving to me. With so much going on in the world there should be but more than one day out of the year that we give thanks for. I’m taking this time to thank a few people who inspire me. They may not be big things and may seem silly to some, but life gives us both big and small which deserve gratitude great and small. Take a few moments to read the Declaration of Independence with your children. They’ll appreciate the history.

First of all I’d like to thank the soldiers who are serving for our freedom. It seems as there isn’t anything more powerful than the thought of someone giving their life so that I may live in freedom. You sacrifice all, for me a stranger who you will never meet. Your wives, children and families sacrifice with you and for that you bless others with your life, for this I thank you.

I thank my mom for being a phone call away and having the right answers for me or a ear to listen when fear and doubt fill my mind. You comfort me with your words, your spiritual faith and bond with Jesus Christ, is a blessing that I hold near to my heart. You are a good mom, a wonderful wife and my best friend.

I’m thankful for the million and one kisses and hugs I get each day from my two sweet boys. Some days are more exhausting that others (like today) but each and every kiss and hug makes it all better.

I’m thankful to my super hot husband who works out in some serious heat all day long to provide for our family. I love the farmers tan honey, but I can’t wait for the beach so we can even you out a little :o)

On a lighter note, I’d like to thank a few people who have made my summer fun and enjoyable for their ideas and inspiration. I hope to share just  a few of them with you and hope you find inspiration in them as well.

Marie of Makes and Takes for this Frozen Grape Pops idea. I’ve found a new love in frozen grapes and so have my boys. I don’t have the patience to put them on a stick ( my son and I did the first time though) so I wash them up dry them really good and place them in the freezer as is. This treat is going to the beach with us daily, thanks Marie!

Amy from Angry Chicken, LOVE her blog and this "Beet Down" post inspired me to try roasted beets for the first time. I roasted them in the oven and made a roasted balsamic vinaigrette and served them over salad. I can’t wait until  the next batch come in! 

My designer Casey Brown. This chick just inspires me all around,her sense of vintage style, youthfulness and good cheer make me happy all of the time. Please visit her blog sometime I think you’ll agree with me.

Ida from of ArtsFarm. This amazing lady helped me while I made a difficult decision recently. With her help and graceful attitude and business mind, she turned something rather difficult into something positive and just her presence and thoughts have made this a smooth transaction for me. Thanks , Ida!

Honestly, this list could go on and on and I’m sure I’m forgetting some of you here, but rest assured I think about your blessings, your kindness  all of the time.

I’ll be cooking up some of these for the 4th & 5th from Pioneer Woman , another wonderful blogger (oh if you haven’t this sandwich , it is a must and so yummy!)  and lastly old stand by Jell-O Poke Cake!

Have a wonderful 4th of July everyone!