The 4th o
f July was an eventful day for our family. My girls were cheerleaders in the Kaysville Parade. They were absolutely darling! Bry and I got soaking wet in the water portion of the parade, which was followed by a giant "slip n' slide" event at the Hess Farms Park. Then we all went to the Kaysville city fireworks in the evening. It was an awesome way to celebrate the birth of this country. (...and yes, I cried at the fireworks). :)
I have volunteered in my children's classrooms since my oldest entered school, and on a recent volunteer day, had the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance with my daughter's kindergarten class. I remember beginning each school day with The Pledge, but I was either too young to understand what I was saying, or had said it so many times that the words had lost meaning. I found myself tearing up as I pledged my allegiance to our flag on that day. I realized that I really mean the words that I state each time I recite The Pledge. I love this country and everything that it stands for. I know that it has its faults, and is far from perfect...but it has never failed me, and I am proud to be an American. I look forward to celebrating this country's birth this week and will cry as I watch the fireworks just like I always do, (and my husband will roll his eyes and say, "Tell me that fireworks really don't make you cry", even though he knows that they do, and always will). I have made a Pledge to the Flag, and to the republic for which it stands. I believe as do many that this is truly one nation under God, and will pray always that it remains indivisible, with liberty and justice for all...as I have pledged to do on countless occasions.
I love the way that by morning, both of my girls have ended up in my room to sleep...and that I can hear some nintendo playing in the background from my son who has arisen earlier than everyone else so that he can play. I love the way that my son senses when I am nearing the end of my rope
, and always takes that moment to give me a hug and tell me that he loves me. I love the way that my older daughter tells me "Thank you for this wonderful dinner, Mommy" everytime we sit down to eat...whether we are having something that I have slaved to create from scratch, or cold cereal. I love when my baby sees me getting ready for the day and says things like, "Mommy, you are so tretty.", or "Mommy, it looks dreat in here." after I have straightened up a
room. I smile as they choose parts to "The Mysterious Ticking Noise" in the car and recite the entire thing as we drive, and then explode into fits of laughter when the entire cast is blown up by the pipe bomb. I laugh at the wrong words they sing to songs like "American Lumbo" (American Woman), and "In Stand an Oval" (Istanbul). Don't get me wrong, our lives are filled with the same whining, and fighting, and craziness that everyone else's are. I am just choosing to take today and focus on how gratetful I am for the children that I have, and how much I enjoy being a part of their lives. 
So...I know that everyone goes through those times where they feel alone. I don't think that knowledge helps when you are feeling that way, however. The problem is self-inflicted, in my case, as I don't ever choose to share my struggles with anyone. I have a problem with trying to appear like I always have everything put together, which I assume everyone has. I just never share anything, and so when I have difficulties, I feel very alone.
I have learned of late that this is a ridiculous behavior. I don't know why I never share my struggles with others, because there are people who are willing to be there for me when I need it. I really do know amazing people...who are not so self-invloved that they wouldn't take time to be there for me. I am in the wrong for not allowing them to be there for me if I need it. I am learning that friendship goes both ways. I know that I am forever willing to be there for those that I love, and would feel very badly if they did not feel that from me. While it is difficult to admit that I am weak, I can take the oppurtunity to lean on those that are strong. I love you all.
So, as many of you will recall, I posted back in September about singing with a local band. As the majority of you will also know, I still sing with the aforementioned band. Bry recorded us singing the origional song that I was asked to sing with them at a recent acoustic performance. If you remember, I said something in the first post that I wrote, I said something about it being the most difficult somg that I have ever sung due to it's quick moving line, and VERY many words. Now, you can hear the song if you would like for yourself. I apologize, the sound on our small and dorky camera doesn't really do the song justice...but it is the best that we have at the moment.
Liza has been taking a cheer class of late. Last Saturday was her first cheer competition. The group did very well and took first place in their division. If you can't tell on the video, Liza is the little blonde that gets lifted up in the little formation (there is another little blonde...Liza is the one in the front at the beginning). She is one of the very smallest in the class...hence the lifting. I never thought that I would have a cheerleader for a daughter. I am quite certain that any athletic ability, or desire for that matter, comes from her very athletic father. She really enjoys doing it, and we were very proud of her. :)
