I took an early drive this morning with my camera to catch some quiet shots and great lighting. As I drove I passed a local cemetery and noticed how lovely it was dressed.

Spring has flown by without even really making an appearance, so you can understand that I had almost  forgotten it was Memorial Day.

Memorial day traditionally has been celebrated to honor those who have given their lives for us in the line of duty. But for many years it’s been a day to celebrate any of those who have left this earthy time with us. I love how we decorate our grave yards.

My cute Dad passed away a couple of years ago– He served his country and was blessed to be able to return to his family.

My thoughtful sister put together this collage for my Mom and Dad years ago and it has been quite a treasure.

I love how the young men “back then” had such pride in how they dressed.  Look at that cute way he tipped his hat.  So darn handsome.

Sadly not all come home. This photo was take byTHECoachesWife and posted on Flickr.  This is of the American Cemetery in France.

Luckily there are many more who do come home to a hero’s welcome.

This fantastic shot was by HISBRIDE – obviously he is his son’s HERO for sure.

I am so thankful to live in a beautiful country who so many have sacrificed so much so we could be free.  Thankful to all of the families who have given the ultimate sacrifce — I will never be able to thank you, but my hearts is bursting with pride every time I see a man or woman in uniform.

Some days I really worry about where our great country  is heading — but I also know that the American people are more awake than ever and will not let her fall.

The song highlighted today is a favorite of mine… Private Andrew Malone.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Claudia

PS… Stop by Mary’s place — LittleRedHouse is celebrating Mosaic Monday again.

Welcome Back to Friday~~Finding Beauty

Taking a moment in our lives to stop to appreciate the everyday beautiful is something I have to work hard on. I think too often we find the wrong or focus on the things we think need “fixing” … but if I can stop– breath– and be IN the moment I will find that beauty… it’s there, always has been, we need to find it.

May is a month of birthdays and Mother’s day– one of celebration in our family.

Also, my sister from Montana came down to visit us this week… What an awesome visit it has been.

I do not know what I would’ve done without my sisters– Even though I am the Oldest…(and yes they remind me when ever they can) they take such good care of me. When I have been the lowest, they have been there. When I have been in the highest — they have been there to celebrate with me. They are my biggest cheerleaders and I am thankful for them down to my toes!

Look at these cute things!

They are very happy I am not posting photos of them now–

Three Sister’s

We are three sisters
Three sisters are we
I love each of you,
And I know you love me

We’re not always together,
Life sometimes keeps us apart.
But we’re never separated
We’re in each others heart.

Now I know we’ve had our troubles,
But we always get thru.
The real message is you love me,
And I also love you.

We have had lots of good times
That we’ll never forget
Sometimes we worry
And sometimes we fret

But if God ever gave me
Something special you see,
It might have been the blessing of,
Three sisters are we.
The Lord above has given me much
Of happiness and glee
But the most special thing he did was
Make us sisters, all three.

by Francis I. Gillespie

Join with us as we Celebrate the beauty around us! Be sure to link your blog to us — making SURE you list Finding Beauty on your blog post.

TTFN~~ Claudia ♥ ♥

Is this a scrumptious child or what?

Curious Colton is not quite 2 and kept his “lil devil” side of himself hidden for a very long time… But then one day out of the blue he went coo coo on us all; cant you just see it in his eyes?

Of course he comes by it naturally, because his OLDER more “devil-ish” cousin Mr. Magoo, has started teaching him all his trickery.

Easter pictures at the school yard playground slide brought some of the funnest kicks and giggles!

Bubbles are very illusive… even for us older, more mature people. (bubbles sting your eyes when you get too close.) I love love LOVE bubbles!!

When too much fun has been had by ALL. ahem… This is where one MIGHT end up if one has too …too much fun. (Not to mention he is giggling while he is in the time out corner!)