Through the years, it seems to be changing into more of a vacation/cook out day than a day to remember those that have died while protecting our freedom. Don’t get me wrong, I can cook out and hang out with the best of them, but I really feel like it is crucial to reflect on where our nation has been and those who fight to protect us. I know that I am a bit of a History nerd, but I am also very proud of our nation and our nation’s military.
Although I did not grow up in a military family, I did grow up near a military base (Shout Out to Ft. Benning!!). A lot of my friends were military kids and several of my friends joined the military. I am so thankful that I was blessed to be around so many that were willing to sacrifice so much for our nation’s freedom. I am so thankful to see first-hand what their families go through. I am thankful that I was taught to appreciate and respect the branches of our military.
I heard a TV interview with a widow of a soldier the other day. She made a comment that really stuck with me. She said that she and her family remembered her husband every day, but Memorial Day was a day that she hoped everyone would stop, even if just for a moment, to think about her husband and the others who have died in combat. That thought brought her comfort.
I am like this woman. I think of Mark often, but especially on Memorial Day. I am thankful for his sacrifice. I am thankful for the sacrifice his family made. I am thankful for his willingness to stand and fight for my freedom, despite the risk.
Mark is my brother-in-law, Mike’s, younger brother. He was killed in Iraq in 2005 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery with so many other brave men and women. I am proud of Mark and thankful for him!
I am thankful for freedom. I am thankful for a day away from the normal routine of life to appreciate the freedoms that we have. I am thankful for time to share with friends.
Time with friends is exactly what we had last weekend. Good quality camping at the lake time. David and I spent Saturday and Sunday at Lake Keowee with our friends, the Strouds. We thoroughly enjoyed crashing with them in their camper and hanging out with them on the water. They have really become a second family to us. We are in the middle of all of them, age wise, but love spending time with all of them – Mark, Connie, Matthew, Savannah and John Lewis.
Before we went, I met up with my college roommate, Anna, for a mani/pedi on Friday. If you know me at all, you know this is a big deal for me. I have only had a few of these in my life. I know some of you (Bor) think that is crazy, but I don’t really like having a stranger cut, file and rub my nails, especially my toenails. I had one done before our wedding. The only other times I have gone has been with people asked me to go – Bor’s wedding, a girls’ weekend with my mom, and this time with Anna. This time, I decided to go all out and get a bright pink on my fingernails and toenails.
Here are my FANCY nails
We went up to the lake early Saturday morning and came home late Sunday night. We spent a lot of time on the boat and the rest of time hanging around at the campsite.
Matthew, Savannah, and John Lewis
John Lewis, Savannah, me, and David
I didn’t ski, but most everyone else did. I have done it before, but I am not very good at it. I have learned not to waste everyone’s time trying to get up and just let the experts do it while I get some extra sun! David is an amazing water skier and is so much fun to watch. I would much rather watch him cut out and back on the water then try over and over drinking most of the lake!
Mark recently bought a Sky Ski. This is, by far, the craziest water contraption I have ever seen. It looks almost like a wakeboard, but has seat and foot holds on it. You are literally strapped in at the waist and the feet. In addition to all that, there is a big metal fin that is attached to the bottom. This fin boosts you on top of the water, almost like you are flying. The boys all tried this out, but us girls were smarter than all that! It was HILARIOUS to watch!
David on the Sky Ski
We had a super great time with them!! We grilled out, made s’mores, and played games. The boys LOVED playing Corn Hole. They went out and back with that one, trash talking the whole time! It was fun to play but even more fun to watch!!
David, Matthew and John Lewis
Memorial Day reminds me that I am so proud to be an American. I am proud to live where we are free and enjoy an abundance. I realize that there are so many all around the world that are not as fortunate as we are. They do not take vacations. They do not have a job to take a day off. They do not have extra to do anything that they enjoy. I do not take our life and freedom for granted. I am thankful that the Lord blessed us by allowing us to be born in this great nation! 
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