Independence Day

I testify that America is a choice land. (See 2 Nephi 1:5.) God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. (See D&C 101:77–80.) This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. (See 3 Nephi 21:4.) America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever, and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom. (See 2 Nephi 1:7.)- Ezra Taft Benson

JD had the opportunity to work in the hospital on the fourth which was kind of sad, but it resulted in a rather unconventional holiday for me.  It started with attending the ward breakfast.  It was really good with pancakes, sausage, and fresh fruit and berries.  It was fun talking with friends and meeting new people.  They had a bike parade for the kids, ultimate Frisbee, and fireworks. 

The afternoon was spent babysitting for some friends while they went house hunting and afterwards we had a really good BBQ.  The evening was spent listening to tons of fireworks all over the place they were so loud and constant until who knows when, I finally caved and wore ear plugs to be able to fall asleep-Oregonians definitely love their fireworks though.

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays.  It is the epitome of summer with good food, family, friends, no work, and a time to reflect on the love that I have for this country.

USA vs Canada Soccer

We went to the United States vs Canada game today and it was a blast! The game was great, we had super close seats (not from where my picture was taken) and we had a great view of the United States team, Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, Amy Rodriguez, Megan Rapinoe, Lauren Cheney, etc. USA won 2-1. We got a ton of sun, but it was worth the high temperatures to get a London Olympic Games preview.

9/11

For 9/11 we drove down to Salt Lake and attended Music and the Spoken Word, afterwards we went up and walked around the State Capitol building. It was nice being in a place of the Spirit as well as a place that represents the freedoms of this country on a day commemorating so much hurt and pain.

I was reading an article not too long ago that followed a kid who was born on 9/11. It was really humbling to realize that 10 years had passed since 9/11 and outside of that, how much the world has really changed as a result of that day. These kids don't know what it is like to not be at war, or that the only metal detector you used to walk through was at the airport not such things as sporting events and General Conference. Speaking of flying, you didn't used to have to strip down to nothing but socks, shirt, and pants and babies and toddlers weren't on the suspect list. They will never be able to greet a loved one at the terminal as they get off the plane. Terrorist is an everyday word now. Such places as Iraq and Afghanistan are always in the news.

I am grateful to be a citizen of a country that stands for freedoms and encourages opportunities of choice. Despite the changes that have happened, this country is still based on the founding father's goal of democracy and freedom. I am proud to be an American. :)