I’ve never done a post like this before, but I figured it would be fun.  And possibly interesting.  And at least self-soul-searching.  Well, kind of.

On the 4th of July, you are supposed to be grateful for being an American.  Proud.

So here are some of the things I’m grateful for.  And definitely proud of.

Organic Raspberry Lemonade on a warm summer day.  I even love the little bit of pulp that is in it that gets stuck to the inside of the glass.  Makes me feel like my grandmother just made some fresh squeezed lemonade.  Even though my grandmother never made fresh squeezed lemonade, but if she did, it would definitely feel like this.

And of course beautiful bouquets of flowers.  And it’s even better that these flowers grow around our house.

And for really crazy sun rays that make for cool pictures.

Oh, and our new glasses.  Our new glasses are cool.  Very retro.

I’m extremely grateful for boys who are so tired out from playing so hard they almost fall asleep while driving around their power wheels.  There is nothing better than a beautiful summer day and skipping naps because well, Momma doesn’t want to have fun without her boy, either.

For our furry friend visitors that take great pictures, and are a lot of fun to have around.

For dead plants that I brought back to life. Since I have this ability to save dying plants, Brandon call me the plant whisperer.  So I’m grateful for silly husband, too.

And for awesome yellow petunias that bask in the summer sun.  That also create sun spots on my lens.

For Grandpa’s who are patient and kind. And aren’t afraid to be silly.

And for Grandpa’s silly friends.

I’m grateful to be able to watch my boy learn how to roast marshmallows over the fire.

And to see him so proud of his work.  I am also quite grateful to eat the results.

I’m grateful for others who love my little so much that they greatly care about him, and they show it.

For awesome fireworks.  I love the flashes and the bangs that you hear roll down the valley.

I’m extremely grateful for my wonderful husband who allows me to take his photo so often.   Who also so kindly poses for undoubtably crazy photos with me.

I’m grateful for wonderful cousins….

…and for fun days at the lake with them.

I’m grateful for fun in-laws, and falling asleep while floating in the lake.  Also grateful for my sister-in-laws ingenious idea of using an anchor to keep us in place.  So, I’m grateful for laziness.

For Grandmother’s who aren’t afraid to have fun with Erik.

I’m grateful for the furry ones who sit and let me take my crazy silhouette pictures.

For our view of the beautiful lake that we can look at everyday.

And I…am especially grateful…

….for a flower that has the ability to stand alone, and still be breathtakingly beautiful.  It’s a lesson that I need to learn.

Hope you all had a good 4th.  I know we did.