all-american family

I'm happy.

It's the Fourth of July and this happens to be one of my most favorite holidays. I love the displays of patriotism, the parades, and I'm proud to be an American. Add in many of my favorite things: Summer, Family, Friends, Picnic, BBQ, Watermelon, Old Glory, and Unity. These things make me proud, happy, and content.

We have spent a lot of time as a family the past few days. We went and played at a State Park yesterday and enjoyed a little beach there. Today we went to a BBQ picnic with co-workers and friends. These are moments that I cherish with my little family. I have the perfect family (for me). We as individuals aren't perfect: we fight, we argue, the kids throw fits and pick at each other, I yell more than I should, and I have less patience than I ought to. But, at the end of the day we make up, we love each other, our kids give each other a kiss goodnight, we work hard to forgive each other of our trespasses, and we are living a life that we wouldn't trade for anything. I've learned that being the perfect famiy doesn't mean that we don't make mistakes or have problems. It means that we get through those mistakes and problems and become closer and stronger as a result.

Tomorrow, I'm sure I'll lose my patience at least once, raise my voice at least once, I'll say "you're driving me crazy!" at least twice, and I'll want to take a long nap. But today, I'm happy. This is a great life!