Happy 4th of July From Our Family to Yours!

“The real democratic idea is, not that every man shall be on a level with every other, but that every one shall have liberty, without hindrance, to be what God made him” Henry Ward Beecher


Wishing you all a day filled with barbecued hot dogs, homemade ice cream and fireworks! This picture is one of my favorites of my kids when they were little. We will be packing for our trip to Texas today, but will still make sure and find time to fire up the grill.

Praying for our country today in a spirit of gratefulness and thankfulness. And sending up special prayers for those who are celebrating on foreign soil. Being an American is a blessed gift I did NOTHING to deserve. Just another reason to appreciate God's gift of grace in my life.

Remember friends, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalm 33:12

Busted Out of the Slammer!

Spent most of my morning today busting our beagle out of doggy-jail. One of our four darlings apparently left our side gate open. Angel soon made her daring escape. Her wild day of fun ended when she was picked up by the local fuzz.

We weren't home to receive her one phone call so she spent the whole night behind bars. In a way I'm glad. It gave her some time to think about her crime and the shame she has caused our family.

She was charged with being out past curfew without proper identification. My children convinced us to pay $150.00 to bail her out. They believe she's worth it.

I'm still not too sure.

Blessed...Blogs of the Month!

Yep, it's that time again. If you haven't already noticed the left side of my blog - it's time you did. This is the part of my blog-real-estate that I use for my monthly blogging hall of fame. (Below the pictures of my kids. Cmon' cut me some slack, I'm a proud mama!)

Pay attention to the left side of Blessed...it's here I highlight seven blogs each month. You will discover blogs that inspire, encourage, make you laugh and sometimes even make you cry, right over there at your finger tips. Take the time to peruse their sites and get to know some of these precious people.

I look forward to having all of you there soon. But, if you're impatient like me and just can't wait, then hop on over to my BlogFrog thingamajiggy on the right side there and check out my blogroll. Make sure to add your name to the list. That way, people don't have to wait, they can visit you today.

Now, take your cursor and make a sharp left turn and check out my Blessed...blogs of the month list. I hope you have your comfy shoes on - pop on over and pay a visit to all of these Blessed... blogs. And make sure to tell them Joanne sent ya!

***And to those of you chosen this month, your words have blessed my heart. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that has been changed.***