I have no right to be as blessed as I am, and I thank God for every single bit of it.

Our July 4th celebration was wonderful!!!! Cory, my nephew, who will soon ship out for the Air Force, was able to come after all. His older brother Jason and his wife Kim was also able to attend, when it was thought they would have to work. My sissy (sis in law), Linda, her husband Marvin, Mom, Barbara, and Art, Honey, and her son Sean from next door, step daughter Misty, with her two children, which I claim as my own grandkids, Trenton and Dyllon, and of course Dillard and I made up our fairly large group.

While it was a bit painful to reflect on who wasn't there, I kept pushing that away, intent on making the most of the wonderful blessings right before my eyes.

We all had a good time and pigged out on the grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. There was fruit and banana pudding for dessert, along with a beautiful patriotic birthday cake for Cory's birthday. I was so hoping he would be able to attend this 4th celebration, as it may be his last for who knows how long?

And I owe a huge thanks to everyone for contributing to the eats we all enjoyed. Everyone brought something to help make the affair  a fun love filled event.

Rain was in the forecast which I was actually looking forward to. At about 10:00 or 10:30 p.m., we could hear the thunder getting closer and see the lightening move in. But we had already enjoyed many fireworks and so it was yet another blessing on an already rich day. We all moved inside and slowly everyone headed for home. We ended up with it raining all night, and more the next morning, before it finally left. But oh how we needed that rain!!!! This summer is almost a repeat of last year's drought. So I was a very happy camper!!!!! And I couldn't help but think, how many fires were prevented by the rain? Every year you hear of fires and other tragedies from fireworks.

It was much later than usual the next day when we were able to go out and clean up from the festivities. Art and Barbara came over from next door and helped as well. It was just awesome reflecting back on how we had all managed to get together and be family and friends sharing food and hearts.

Sidney is still in Texas with his sissy Julie. And I know he had a good time celebrating the 4th there!!!!! I missed him of course, but I was also content that he was in a good place having a good time, being well looked after.  Gene is in Army boot camp, and I wonder daily how he is doing. I know he is doing well. Of that I have no doubt. But I know the training is rigorous, and Mama's can't help but worry about their kids. Even adult kids LOL. Have I mentioned how proud of of him I am? But then I am proud of all of my kids.

And it was our anniversary yesterday! It was a great day as well! Back in December I had won a gift card at the Christmas party at work. It was to a local restuarant I had never been to. (I am not much for fast food). It was really good and I was impressed. I ended up with a take home tray and I brought home enough left from my plate for another meal LOL It was a good peaceful day that I wouldn't have wanted any other way.

And our gospel meeting started yesterday!!!! This year it's a four day meeting, and since I am on vacation this week, I will be able to attend every single night!!! It just keeps getting better and better. I feel so wonderfully blessed! The man holding our meeting is from Terrell, Texas. Terrell is not far from the D/FW area where I lived many years. But I had never met him. The sermon last ngiht was called how Jesus was hung up for our hangups, so we could hookup. Even if someone didn't pay any attention to the sermon, they had to come away with that powerful message!

Today I am spending part of my day with Mom. I am taking over some of our first harvest of corn. We planted two different kinds this year. One of them was ready to be picked. Due to the lack of rain the ears are small, but look great!!!! No bugs/worms, and all the ears are perfectly filled in. We also took some over to the neighbors. There is still plenty left over for cooking now and freezing for later. The zucchini and squash keeps coming LOL. I will probably start taking some to work to give away. I do love to share!!!! Since it is all organically grown, no chemicals are in the food!!!! My melon plants are small but healthy. Several already have blooms!  I will start them earlier next year so they will not be behind in growing as they are this year. The lack of rain has really hurt, but even if the melons are small, I will be just as happy to have them.

And sometime today I hope to get to talk at length to Sidney, Julie and,.....Glynnis and Todd!!!! They flew over from England and arrived in San Antonio Saturday. I knew they would be tired so I didn't try to call til yesterday afternoon. They were at the zoo!!! LOL So I didn't keep Sidney on the phone. I could hear Glynnis and Todd in the background excitedly talking about the animals. Julie and Ashley have done a great job taking care of Sidney, keeping him safe, and now they really have their hands full with three kids!!!! LOL I am so glad Sidney was there when they arrived back from their 3 year stay overseas. I know they have all really missed each other, and I didn't want to intrude on their outing. My time will come LOL. Sometimes it's hard for us Mama's to stay in the background. But we do.

I hope everyone's week is as great as mine has started out. May you be surrounded by the love of family and friends!