Wordless Wednesday 7/4/12

Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July! We're having a great day celebrating America's independence. We had cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Right now, Leighton and the kids are outside in the pool. Tonight, we'll have bbq ribs that are making my house smell divine, macaroni salad, cheesy potatoes, watermelon, cornbread, and sweet tea. I prepared everything last night so I could just relax and enjoy my family today. 

 

Today is not about good food and good fellowship though. It's about our great country and what  made us great. Here are some quotes about America that I shared last year. Now more than ever, America needs to remember the truth for which our forefathers fought.

 

America needs to return to God and the Bible. 

 

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." - Patrick Henry

"The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart." - Thomas Jefferson

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." - George Washington

"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor." - George Washington

"The Bible is the rock upon which this Republic stands." - Andrew Jackson

"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book." - Abraham Lincoln

"America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness, which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scriptures. ...Part of the destiny of Americans lies in their daily perusal of this great book of revelations. That if they would see America free and pure they will make their own spirits free and pure by this baptism of the Holy Spirit." - Woodrow Wilson 

"The fundamental basis of this nation's law was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teaching we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul." - Harry S. Truman

"The future and success of America is not in this Constitution but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded." - James Madison

 

And-A-Half

As soon as Jacob turned four he began asking, "When am I going to be four-and-a-half?" It's a big deal to kids to add that half a year. You don't hear adults say, "I'm 42 1/2." But to a child, it's important. Jake plays with a few neighbor kids who are all four. It's funny to listen to them talk about who's older. 

For the past six months, I've had to count down until that long awaited milestone: four-and-a-half. You should have seen his excitement when I told him that he is indeed another half a year older. His eyes sparkled, his smile widened, and his feet danced with joy. He asked, "Do I look taller? I'm definitely taller."

Along with the pride of being older, comes added abilities. All day it's been, "Oh, I can do that. I'm four-and-a-half." He wasn't kidding. He made his own half-birthday cupcakes today. All by himself. He literally did everything except measure the ingredients. He even cracked the eggs! (Only had one tiny shell in the first one.) He washed the dishes too! He's helped me in the kitchen dozens of times, and watched hundreds. This was the first time I got to watch him. 

My little boy is growing up so fast. I love seeing him learn new things and reach new goals. And now that he can obviously handle greater tasks, I'm thinking it's time for some new chores! Because after all, he's four-and-a-half!     

Cracking an egg by himself for the first time.

The only piece of shell that fell in.

He loves using the mixer.

Doing what he does best: making a mess.

Not as neat as when Mommy does it!

He's a fast learner!

I'm not sure where more frosting ended up: the cupcakes or his face!

Our Little Trouble Maker even won the first game.