Yesterday I was blessed with several gifts….some tangible…others intangible.

The gift I received that is such a fitting tribute for Memorial Day is the stack of letters that my mother so graciously gave to me. They are letters that my father wrote to my mother while he was stationed in Vietnam.  What better way to spend Memorial Day than to start transcribing an integral part of history through my father’s eyes. He was military through and through and thanks to the support of my mother – an exemplary military wife – he had an outstanding career.

God bless our active military and the families that support them and our fallen heroes and the families that gave their all. I am honored and humbled to be a part of our country’s military history.

Now for a tall glass of cold sweet tea, a keyboard, leftover bratwurst from yesterday’s cookout and some reading glasses.

What are your plans for this Memorial Day?

I’m going to spend the day fishing with the Captain of my heart.

What are your plans for Mother’s Day??????

Just a sample of Sam’s creativity behind the camera lens. She captured this during our photo field trip to the wildlife park today.

The caption she wanted to insert:

“I found Reindeer chocolate”.

Ho…Ho…Ho.

Thanks to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee for this holiday Random Dozen.

1.Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinary adventurous? I am fortunate enough to have a brother-in-law that – although he doesn’t have a culinary degree – he should very much have the honor of being called a “Master Chef”. He makes our Thanksgiving memorable with his traditional dishes and a modern twist of Cajun Fried Turkey ~ everyone’s favorite! I will be bringing Pumpkin Dump Cake and Artichoke Dip…another twist on the traditional.

2. Tell me something concrete that you’re thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like “hope.”) I am thankful for my new Fiskar’s Deluxe Paper Trimmer. The one I have had for 14 years FINALLY gave up. It is amazing how much more efficient a new tool can be when scrapbooking to my heart’s content.I am also thankful that Hobby Lobby had a 40% off sale on them and there was one left with my name on it!

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you’re thankful for. I am thankful for a husband that ~ even though he swears he is NEVER going to do it again ~ straightens out my side of the covers before I come to bed at night.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn’t have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory. The last Thanksgiving that my father-in-law was with us. I will always remember him saying that I was like a daughter to him. This coming from a man of few words was like manna from heaven for me. I miss him.

 5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year? I eat too much.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs? Only the left-overs from our left-overs.

7.Does your family pray before the big meal? Who does the praying? My brother-in-law offers up a spontaneous prayer while we all stand in the kitchen waiting for that Amen Let’s Eat!!!!

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing? Nope. Most likely supervising the kids on the trampoline/the jump house/golf cart. And after that….taking a nap!!!

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing? EEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving? Yes. Here is a quote from Barbara Rainey that I like from the book Moments with You:

“I like the contented way the Pilgrims approached life. They did not allow their feelings or circumstances to determine whether or not they would exercise gratitude and thanksgiving. They believed that God was in control – “providence” they called it. Following this belief to its logical conclusion, they responded to challenges with a perspective3 that said, “God has allowed this for good.” They chose to believe – rightly so – that their dependence on a holy, faithful God was well placed and that even though much was against them, there was always much more for which to be grateful.”

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying? None. I have been forever spoiled by my mother’s pies. She makes the most awesome apple/pumpkin/cherry pies!!! No other pies measure up so I will be content to eat my Pumpkin Dump Cake.

12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!) That would be a no.

Excerpt from a V-Mail Letter written by my uncle as World War II comes to an end:

“Boy, hasn’t the news really been swell the past few days? Looks as if I may be home a lot sooner than I’d dared dream. Gosh, I sure hope everything comes out okay and we can all start looking forward to going home. We are supposed to get two days off on pass as soon as V.J. Day (Victory over Japan) is declared officially and you can bet anything that I’ll be out there in some city doing my share of the celebrating. The boys are all very glad that the end of this mess is finally in sight.

August 13, 1945

Please pray for our country and the brave men and women that continue serving with the mission to keep our country free.

For a personal story on the sacrifices made to keep our country free, please visit April’s post ~ Independence Day: Thank you Sean.

God Bless America ~ home of the free and the brave.