Remembering Our Fallen Heroes...

Do you recall your grandparents reference to "Decoration Day"?   Memorial Day was once known as "Decoration Day", given it's title for the celebration of the fallen heroes of the Civil War.  I often wonder how many of the people in our great nation, who enjoy the long weekend of Memorial Day, stop to pause and reflect on the real sacrifices of the men and women who have given their lives in many wars, fighting for the many freedoms that we enjoy in America.

  With our celebrations let us remember the true reason for our celebrations, at our family picnics and parades all across this great nation.  It is because of the brave heroism of the men and women in our military, who have given their lives, with such great honor and integrity that we might continue to live freely here in America.  True Patriotism begins in the hearts of every man, woman and child in America, and let us hold our heads proudly to say, "God Bless the United States of America".  Long may her great flag wave, as a symbol of our faith, honor, charity, freedom, liberty and justice for all people!

This is one of my favorite BBD pieces called "Summer Jubilee", (sorry about photo quality). This  Patriotic piece, commemorating the celebrations of the sacrifices of our men and and women in arms, with it's lovely American flag waving gently in the breeze among the beautiful blooms of summer.... a true reminder that while summer often begins in our minds with the Memorial Day weekend, it has a much more significant meaning.  Long may our flag wave as a symbol of our freedom in this great nation.  (Sorry that I couldn't capture a better photo:)  It really is a very special piece.

                                            "This Is My Song"
              "This is my song, Oh God of all the nations,
                A song of peace for lands afar and mine.
               This is my home, the country where my heart is;
               Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; 
               But other hearts in other lands are beating,
              With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine."


Text:  Lloyed Stone, 1912-1993; Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974
Music  Jean Sibelius, 1865-1957

God Bless Our Great Nation and God Bless You & Your Family Aways!


Love,

Thank Heavens for Great Blogger Friends!

Hallelujah!  Our wonderful "Follower" Friends  are back up on my blogger page today!

Thank you to so many of my dear followers who posted notes and sent me emails about similar frustrations with the "Follower" button not showing any of our "Followers" for the past two days.  When I realized that I was not alone in this very frustrating dilemma, it made me feel a little better.

I appreciate the suggestions offered from everyone.  I also posted a note on Google's Help Forum and received some suggestions from one blogger, but ultimately even that person suggested that I keep trying to contact Google Administration.  When I tried clicking on "Contact" Google Admin., nothing happened.....equally frustrating, but they probably were being bombarded with  people asking for help for the same problem.

Oh well.  Happy Dance!  It is good to see the smiling faces of many of my dear followers again!

Just have to show you the gorgeous Baltimore Album quilt made by my dear friend, Ellen, who is an exquisite quilter.  You should see her sewing room......full of all kinds of quilts both completed and those that are works in progress too.  She just loves stitching up beautiful designs, many of them baby quilts, or lap quilts too, and keeping them on the shelves in the sewing room.  Then, when she needs a gift for someone, she just picks out the perfect quilt for them!  She is such an inspiration.  We get together for stitching days, and Ellen works on embroidery for some of her quilt blocks, while I cross stitch on my current WIP.  Great Fun!!

Here is our little grandson, Emery, sitting in the box, in which I sent him, and (Daddy Kevin & Mommy Gwen), chocolate chip cookies and another one of Emerys'  favorite "Blankie Bear", which he carries everywhere he goes.  So adorable:)

Emery has such big blue eyes, like little "pools".  Our son, Kevin, had those same beautiful blue eyes and blond hair when he was little.  "Thank heavens for little boys!  Without them what would little girls do?"

Hope that your weekend is filled with something fun, something relaxing, something peaceful, and something special, just for you!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You!