Redd Family Reunion

Celebrating Freedom

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I know some of you are thinking that its because its my birthday. But its not. I love America and what it stands for. I love Freedom. I love Choice. I love Liberty. I love the story of America. I love the courage of our Founding Fathers. The fact that America IS, is nothing short of a MIRACLE. It is heartbreaking to see the direction we are headed. Our freedoms are being tossed away based on lies and unsound principles. It's discouraging. Yet I love to honor those who have carried the torch of freedom. I honor our soldiers, and I also honor their wives and children. They make a huge sacrifice, that you can't quite understand unless you've been there. I lack eloquence in writing and speech, but my heart is full of admiration for every TRUE American. God bless America!If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace. ~Hamilton Fish

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer DavisHow often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy. ~Paul Sweeney

When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect. ~Adlai Stevenson

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. ~Robert J. McCracken
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

Birthday Beauty

This pretty little angel eyes, just celebrated her ELEVENTH birthday. I know- its crazy. She had a few friends over for a little party.
Katry is one of the most talented kids I know- she can do anything!
You can count on a hug and a kiss from Katry every night.
She randomly leaves you a love note to brighten your day.
She is adored by all the kids in our neighborhood- little girls will come over and ask her to play- cause she makes them feel so good.
Katry is uber blessed with soccer skills.
She is an amazing writer.
She is a straight A student.
Katry is an avid reader- whips out 500 page books in no time flat.
She has a bazillion friends- I made her limit her party to just five.
She is ultra competitive and usually wins.
Katry has a tender and loving heart.
She is very responsible and capable.
She makes great treats.
Katry, thanks for making our family so much fun. We love your wit and cleverity. You are AWESOME!
We
LOVE
you!

Bear Lake + Family = Great Memories

Rolling on the River

We went white water rafting last Saturday to celebrate our 14 years together. My mom graciously came and kept the kids entertained and happy as we rolled on down the river. It wasn't as romantic as our anniversary in Italy(#11), or as thrilling as our anniversary spent sky-diving (#12). But it was amazing and exciting. It was beautiful, quite a bit like our last 14 years together. We went up near Jackson Hole and came down the river about 32 miles. The water was freezing- so I am glad we didn't over turn- though I did nearly flip out of the boat a few times.
We only regard those unions as real examples of love and real marriages in which a fixed and unalterable decision has been taken. If men or women contemplate an escape, they do not collect all their powers for the task. In none of the serious and important tasks of life do we arrange such a "getaway." We cannot love and be limited.
Alfred Adler

Thank you for your unlimited love. Here's to our "prolonged relationship"!