Patriot Day...Never Forget!

It's 9/11 and 12 years since America suffered the startling terrorist attack on our homeland. We are still feeling the devastation of it even after all these years. To top it off, it is also the one year anniversary of the Benghazi terrorist attack last year, in which the first US Ambassador was killed in the line of duty in 33 years. It's a somber day, but one we must never forget. The world changed that day for all Americans and has never been the same since. Gone is the innocence and naivete I once took for granted.

Our war weary country now faces another conflict in the Middle East. There is much confusion, with many opinions about the best way to handle the conflict. I certainly don't claim to have the answers either. So, I have decided to acknowledge this day as a day of prayer. For our country and its leaders, for the safety of our citizens and military, for the innocent people who are in harm's way, and for wisdom and conflict resolution. I hope you too will join me in this prayer!

Vintage Cards For Independence Day

For Americans there is no patriotic holiday that tops Independence Day! It is the day we celebrate the very founding of our nation, and as John Adams said the very day before signing the Declaration of Independence;

"It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

And commemorate we have! Every Fourth of July our citizens come out of hiding and fill our parks and cities to wave old Glory in remembrance of all that make us Americans. So, to commemorate this year, I am featuring a round up of some vintage patriotic greeting cards that symbolize the continuation of that tradition in this nostalgic slice of Americana!







































See these and many more patriotic images on our Pinterest board!

Holiday Inn on the Fourth of July!

One of my favorite musicals of all-time is Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn! It was released in 1942 and is still a joy to watch Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire compete for the adorable Marjorie Reynolds. One of my favorite aspects of the film is that although it is shown most during the Christmas season, it contains special scenes from so many Holidays that it is worth viewing at almost anytime of the year. Especially with songs like 'Let's Start The New Year Right', 'Be Careful, It's My Heart', 'Easter Parade' and 'I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For'. There are even two songs for Independence Day! They are so full of fun and energy, I just had to share these scenes with you the day before the Fourth of July!

Bing croons out 'Song of Freedom' in his classic baritone.



Fred masterfully taps his way through 'Say It With Firecrackers'.


If you've never had the chance to see Holiday Inn, be sure to pick up a copy! Below are links to purchase it as a single disc or 3 disc special edition. I definitely recommend the 3 disc set if you don't mind splurging a little for a new copy, but they are about the same price used. Either way, you won't go wrong - the movie is a pure delight and one I have watched many times over the years!


Check out more patriotic movies on our Pinterest board!

Happy Columbus Day!

Happy Columbus Day to my fellow Americans! Of course this is an important day in our country's history, as it was a defining moment which led to America as we know it today. Would just like to share a couple things for both adults and children to enjoy.

To begin with, here is a link to the History Channel's website, where you can find lots of video clips and info on Christopher Columbus:


http://www.history.com/topics/columbus-day

And here is a really cute and informative animated short to teach kids about Christopher Columbus and the events leading up to his famous voyage across the sea to America. Of course it's a simplified version, but I think it's very well done and quite entertaining!

Patriot Day!

It seems like yesterday for those of us who never forget...

Without fail, I listen to this every year on 9-11. It's a reminder of how strong the American spirit is, for those who believe what our country stands for. If we keep our eyes on God, no matter what challenges we face, the flag will stand...we will stand!

Happy Independence Day!

We hope everyone has a fun-filled Fourth Of July, as you gather with family and friends to celebrate our FREEDOM! A special thanks to all those who served to make that possible!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day...we honor and thank all of those who have served or are currently serving in the US Military for their great sacrifice.

Movies About 9-11

The 10th anniversary of 9-11 has passed, but all the touching memorials have sparked our memories of that fateful and devastating day. For those who are not quite ready to put it out of mind, here are some films and documentaries on Blu-Ray & DVD that pay homage to the fallen and courageous.

The 10th Anniversary Of 9-11

10 years ago today our country changed forever. 2 hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center and brought both towers down. Another plane hit the Pentagon and another crashed to the ground in Pennsylvania, thanks to the sacrifice and courage of the passengers.

It's hard to believe that day was 10 years ago, as it is still an image so vivid in most of our minds. It was like watching a scene in a disaster movie, with Hollywood type effects and storyline. We had been attacked on our own soil and thousands of our citizens were murdered, due to terrorists under the direction of Osama Bin Laden.

10 years later we continue to fight the battle that was brought to our homeland. In many areas we have claimed victory, including not suffering another attack since that day and bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice. The War on Terrorism has also come at great cost to our nation and citizens, but we remain free and proud to be Americans!

Please take some time out of your day to remember those lives that were lost on September 11, 2001 and the days that followed. Give thanks to our courageous firefighters, police officers and military who responded quickly and bravely, even to the point of giving their lives. They are another example of the American exceptionalism that we celebrate this Patriot Day! Never forget...

For more information and a wealth of content and videos on 9-11, visit Archive.org!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day to American patriots everywhere! We hope you all have a fun, festive day whether you decide to picnic, see fireworks, spend the day at the beach or even if you have to work. Take a moment to count the blessings we have because of our fortune to live in this great, free country. May God bless you and your family, and may God bless America!

Simple Patriotic Recipes

Looking for some simple, yet delicious recipes for your Fourth Of July picnic? Try one of these patriotic delights from Kraft Foods!

Wave Your Flag Cheesecake

Patriotic Poke Cake	Patriotic Fruit Pizza
Patriotic Quilt Cake	Jello Easy Patriotic Pie
Firecracker Cupcakes	Patriotic Parfaits
Patriotic Layers	All American Summer Dip

See these and many more patriotic recipes on our Pinterest board!

Patriotic Performances

America's Independence Day is just days away. No one will disagree that this country has had its shares of ups and downs, but as a people we understand the concept "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". No matter how far we may stray, the citizens of this great country have gone back to this simple truth. We're going through some troubled times, with plenty of uncertainty of the direction we're heading in. What better time than now to focus our attention to the essential truths that make this country great? I hope these incredible patriotic performances by the impeccable Mormon Tabernacle Choir will help inspire you to remember what this great nation is all about and hopefully encourage a longing for more of it.

THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC


AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL


SALUTE TO THE ARMED FORCES


MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE


GOD BLESS AMERICA


THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND


THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER


For more patriotic music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choice:

Memorial Day Weekend + My Birthday!

Memorial Day Weekend has passed, but it was a super fun time for us and the weather could not have been more cooperative! My birthday was also the day after, so my husband had a total of 4 days off. Although we spent a lot of our time relaxing by the pool, one of the highlight events was the Santee Street Fair, located in our own town! It seemed to be the only major event going on that weekend, so we felt especially blessed to have it so close to home. So close in fact, that we were able to ride our bikes and avoid trying to find a parking space.

We had never been to the Santee Street Fair and had little expectation. It turned out to be a grand event, with the crowd to prove it! All the usual vendors, food, carnival rides and games were there, along with live music and lots of freebies! We stayed most of the afternoon and left with a large bag of kettle corn and caramel apples in tow. It was basically reminiscent of our loot from Oktoberfest!

On Sunday my husband surprised me with dinner and live jazz downtown San Diego. It was quite lively, since most people had Monday off for the holiday. The jazz band was Archie & The Archtones, and they were excellent and highly entertaining! The crowd was definitely enthusiastic, which added to the overall enjoyment. An energetic crowd can really make a difference, to both the listeners and players.

Monday was a bit more low key, but we made sure to take some time to remember the many soldiers who have fought and died for our freedom. After all, this is the whole point of the holiday, and not just another excuse for a day off of work. I felt it was important to reflect once again on how blessed we are as a nation and how much we owe to our military. Still, we did some of the usual activities, such as have a BBQ and go swimming. We ended the night by driving over to Sea World for the fireworks display, which was the perfect climax to a wonderful holiday weekend in San Diego!

The fun was far from over though. The following day was my birthday so my husband and I took a drive up to Oceanside to have lunch at our favorite fish and chips place by the harbor. He also surprised me with kites, so we flew them on the beach and just enjoyed the sea breeze and beauty before us. We had originally planned to go somewhere overnight, but after all the previous events this was truly the best way to spend the day. And how did it end? With a delicious dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, topped with a fat slice of White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and opening some amazing gifts!