Today is July the 4th – Independence Day. It’s a very special day for our amazing country.

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On days like today I like to think back and focus on the reasons we are so blessed to be here. We all could live anywhere we choose, but we choose this wonderful country.

Today in honor of Five Things Friday I want to focus on 4 Reasons I love July the 4th.

Family

As long as I can remember I have spent July 4th surrounded by friends and family. I think this what makes most holidays special for me. The fact that this one falls during the summer makes it even better.

This year is no different. Even though hurricane Arthur is trying to rain on our fun, I am so blessed to be spending the day with my husband and family. There is no place that I would rather be.

But seriously, if anyone wants to tell Arthur to go away and come back next weekend I will be OK with that.

Freedoms

This day of course is a reminder of all of our freedoms. We often are so busy that we move through life and forget all the  freedoms that we as Americans are blessed with. Sure, it isn’t always perfect but who would expect it to be.

I wouldn’t even probably be able to share on this little blog of mine if it weren’t for the freedoms that this country provides. Sure, it may not seem like much to some but with this blog comes therapy for me. Without the freedom to express my thoughts, feelings and opinions I wouldn’t be able to channel that as I do.

Just to name a few of those:

• Freedom of Religion
• Freedom of Speech
• Freedom of the Press
• Freedom of Assembly
• Freedom of Petition

As I stated before, it’s not always perfect but there are some that will never get these freedoms in life. I think it is important to remember them!

Reminder of the Sacrifice

The 4th of July is a reminder of the sacrifice so many have made for our country. There are men and women all over the country who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.

I have had several members of my family in the military, and I cannot thank every one enough for the sacrifice that not only they make but that their families make as well.

Let us remember these members of our armed forces and their families today and every day. Lets not just remember their sacrifice today but every day.

Food

This may not really be near as important as the ones mentioned above, but my mother-in-law and I have been discussing some fun food for this July the 4th so I’ve been really focused on it a lot recently.

My contribution this year is this recipe for Patriotic Quinoa Salad.

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It looks fresh, delicious and the perfect mix of healthy and fun! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

I also have a feeling there will be lots of baking going on! It most likely won’t be on the healthy side, but that’s what vacation is for right!?

What are you doing today?

Any fun 4th of July recipes you are making?

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