I'm Proud to be an American

Since it is September 11, I want to write about my experience 9 years ago today. I went to an institute class that morning and was stunned when people told me about what was going on, since I hadn't turned on the television or radio that morning. I went home and watched it all day for a few days. It was unbelievable. As the events unfolded and I heard about the people on Flight 93 and their courage and sacrifice, my heart was so touched.

There were so many who gave their lives and time, helping those in need during those days of sadness and shock. Firefighters became national heroes and flags became a new symbol of patriotism that was tangible. Pettiness and politics seemed to be put on hold and everyone seemed to care about people. It gave me new pride in being an American, as it did so many others. That feeling has possibly faded a bit for some, but every September 11, our country pauses to remember. It reminds me that God lets men use their agency for good or bad, and rarely intervenes, but can find a way to soften hearts and change lives, even in the midst of tragedy. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost work together, to bring us peace. 

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
With just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
To be living here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
Next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
To the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
And New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
And its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
Next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.


Artist: Lee Greenwood
Song: Proud To Be An American

Grandmahood and Grandma Dates

I must say that I absolutely love being a grandma. I doubled my grandchildren in May, when my son married a sweet mom of two children. It's fun to get together with everyone. I recently decided I should do "Grandma Dates" with them. (I used to do mom dates with my own children. I should probably do that again, too.)

The first grandma date was with my 3 and 1 year old grandchildren. We played together and then my husband played with my grandson while I spent alone time with my 1 yr old granddaughter. We played on the piano together for about half an hour and she loved it. I was scared she'd be mad when I told her we should read some stories, but she was happy and enjoyed them. Then I played train with my 3 yr old grandson. It's his favorite thing to do. We make a train out of pillows and he tells me about how he needs to fix the wheels or the engine and we eat pretend food on the train. My husband played with my granddaughter while I played with him and read him some stories. Then we all ate pizza we'd ordered and then we made chocolate chip cookies together. Leftovers were sent home with them.

The second grandma date was with the newly inherited grandchildren, ages 11 and 7. We played games together. I chose games like Pictionary, Scattergories, and Catch Phrase, which I knew we could all play and work together on, so there would be no frustrations over who won or was cheating. I also read them some stories and we ordered and ate pizza and made chocolate chip cookies too. I gave them a ride home and gave them cookies and pizza to share with the family.

So, these dates were similar, but I tried to gear them a little differently for the ages of the children. I'm not sure my new grandchildren would feel comfortable doing a date one on one with me, so I'm trying to decide whether to work them as a family thing for the next few times, too. Anyway, it was fun and I'm looking forward to future dates with them.