This is MY country

I know this is a little late - but Happy 4th of July! I have always loved seeing a flag waving in the wind. (My personal favorite is actually at a grocery store in Logan, Utah, called Macey's - it is the hugest flag I have ever seen and it looks so beautiful waving in the wind.)

Just a few months after Jeff and I were married, September 11th happened. I have always tried to be a patriotic person - but after that event, I made a promise to myself that I need to proudly display the flag as much as possible. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! So, two years ago, I made the flag pictured above out of wood from an old crate. I know it isn't the greatest thing in the world, but I actually do love it.

To me seeing a flag is a lot more than just knowing we are a free country. Everytime I see a flag, I think about our forefathers and how they fought hard to make sure we could have the freedoms to choose what we want to believe. I think about the early pioneers going through so much to get to a land where they could do exactly that - worship how they want. I do love this great country and feel so blessed to be here.

Jeff and I spoke today in church. Of course, my nerves were running high - but I feel I actually did very well. Yeah, I still could feel my body shaking, my voice quivered a few times ... but all in all, I can't complain. I spoke on "Miracles" and Jeff spoke on "The Plan of Salvation." He did really great, too. Now that it is over with, I don't understand why I get so uptight. It really isn't that bad.

Well, we have 10 days left before we head out to Utah for a few weeks. Braxton is still worried that we have missed our plane. Poor kid, we have been counting down since day 39. That is a long time for a 3 year old.

OK - I guess that is all I have for now.