It was a good day

Today was a good day. TMB had an extra day off from work and we chose to grill out for the third night in a row. To me, it was the epitome of Summer Vacation. I haven't really felt like the kids and I have been on Summer Break because we haven't really done anything as a family. TMB still has to work during the summer which means Sundays are the only Family Days. Here lately, I've been entirely unmotivated and have waited until the very last minute to get my homework done, which pretty much kills family time on Sunday.

But today was different. Today was lovely.

Left over newspaper from the chimney starter

TBM learned real quick that the Turtle household needed not one, but two chimney starters!

Char-Broil Smoker/Grill Combo - a Father's Day gift for TMB

After doing some research, TMB realized that natural charcoal was better than briquets - and cheaper, too!

A man and his knife: a deadly combination (Okay, not really...but it sounded good)

Wicket, the purebred Shitzhu and NuNu, the husky/lab/beagle mut. Notice who is begging.

Oh the deliciousness of it all

Not a homemade BBQ sauce, but tasty nonetheless

Coming along oh so nicely

I might be This Side of Perfect, but TMB is spot on!

 Until next time...




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Home of the Free

As I sit here listening to The Boy and Baby Gurl wash dishes in the kitchen and TMB play his latest  video game, I realize that I am blessed and it is today, in which we celebrate our nation's independence, that I understand that freedom is not free.

I have family in the military and a brother who came back to the states not too long ago. He hasn't talked a lot of about his tour in Afghanistan, but Jillian Micheals wrote a first-hand account of what she saw. The next time you complain that it is too hot (which let's face it, down here in the south, it is a daily topic of conversation), please keep in mind that our brothers and sisters in the military are dealing with 120+ degree temperatures. Whether you support the war efforts or not, it cannot be denied that we should support our troops in their efforts. Their tour of duties are anything but glamorous and pleasant and every part heroic despite being in the pits of hell.

Those same freedoms that you express every day: freedom of religion, freedom of press (thank you, bloggers), and freedom of speech, are thanks largely in part to the men and women who are fighting in the war that you may/may not oppose.

I urge you to take a moment to send a prayer/word of thanks for people who make our lives what it is today; especially if you're a woman, a person of color, or follow any faith. Our county has it's faults, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else and be what I am today.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

Until next time...