~ Around the Home ~

I love to decorate for the Fourth of July.

We are a very patriotic family and celebrating the Fourth is always time spent with family and friends, usually with the same enthusiasm.

I fell very ill last week and have been slowly recovering.  My children, especially my Butterfly, have been nursing me back to health and taking very good care of me.  I am one, very blessed lady.

My husband gets good points, too.  He came home in the middle of the day/week to brighten up the "convalescent" room with a lovely bouquet of flowers. 

My decorating began, before I fell ill...and I am glad that I was able to get the Easter decorations down and the Fourth of July decor up before I became too sick to do anything.  

Some things old, some things new, some old things in new places.

Besides, I wanted to get things in place before the World Cup USA vs Portugal game.  We should have won that one.  Oh well.  I had both patroness set out, no surprise it ended in a tie.

Patroness of the Americas: Our Lady of Guadalupe
&
Patroness of Portugal:  Our Lady of Fatima
(Although I believe that both countries invoke The Blessed Virgin Mary - Immaculate Conception as their principle patroness).

Everyone brought lots of great dishes and we supplied some All American Hot Dogs and Portuguese Sausages...American...Portuguese...that was my husband's idea.  It was his and the teens party; I was just asked not to bring out the 'fancy' dishes and to use paper plates.  No dishes?  Why, sure.  You cook?  Oh-K.  No problema.  
We had some trimmings for the dogs & sausages and a few appetizers and snacks...and chili.  I love chili.  And I love it, even better, when someone else makes it.

Our friends baked and brought some fabulous homemade desserts...as well as a delicious store bought for two birthdays that we celebrated.  Happy 9th & 14th dear friends!

We can't forget the Red Velvet cake...

Just some things that have been happening around the home...

HAVE A BLESSED FOURTH OF JULY FOR THOSE THAT CELEBRATE 

&

A BLESSED SUMMER TO ALL!!!

Linking up to Catholic Bloggers Network:  Family Journal Edition

~ Independence Day 2013 ~

I enjoy decorating the entrance to my home.  At the beginning of each season or liturgical celebration I make  some sort of effort to let "the world" my family, guests, & neighbors know that we are celebrating, at this moment, some special & meaningful event in our lives.

This afternoon we will BBQ and talk a little of our Country's Independence in 1776...

I'm reminded of Leila's tradition of reciting the Declaration of Independence; I love this idea! 

However you decide to celebrate this Fourth of July, have a safe and blessed day!