Daddy: “It’s been great having you home this weekend.”
Lincee: “Thanks Daddy! I’ve had fun.”

Daddy: “When are you coming back?”
Lincee: “I don’t know. I’m not sure of my work schedule this fall.”

Daddy: “You should come back for Hallsville Western Days.”

Lincee allows herself to reminisce for a few minutes remembering past Western Days. She recalls the energy restored in the small town as its citizens gear up for the rival football game, reuniting with old friends at the street dance downtown, the parade that consists of old cars, the volunteer fire truck and about a million tiny twirlers from the local dance school.

Daddy: “There’s going to be a Civil War re-enactment in our front yard.”
Lincee: stunned silence

Note to reader: We live on 15 acres.

Daddy: “I’m serious. The North is going to be over there and the South is going to be down there. They are going to battle right here in front of the house.”
Lincee: “Naturally.”

Daddy: “We had to move the chili cook-off to the west side of the property.”
Lincee: “Well that makes sense.”

Daddy: “There’s going to be an old-fashioned dance in the driveway and your Mother is hosting a tea in the house. She wants to dress up like Scarlet O’Hara.”
Lincee: “And she should.”

I’m going to go ahead and let you guess where I will be on October 3. Western Days can not come fast enough!

The 4th of July is a pretty significant event at the Ray household. Since I can remember, we have my Dad’s family over for the 4th. For some reason, we’ve been hyping this particular holiday since Christmas. Maybe it’s because the renovation of my parents’ house is finally finished. Maybe it’s because it gives my Dad and uncle Steve a chance to mow any grass that even thought about growing in our 15 acres. Or maybe it’s just the little kid in all of us who gets excited about food, fun and fireworks. Take your pick.

It was a 4th of July celebration I will never forget…”The Summer of Miracles in 08″ as it will be infamously known from here on out. July 4th was a blast. I was in such a good mood. And it had very little to do with the banana daiquiri I was sipping as I bobbed on a noodle in the middle of the deep end of the pool. Sure the XM radio was blaring rockin’ tunes from the 60s/80s (battle of the generation gap) and the sun was warming my skin, but that’s not why I was so happy:

1. My uncle Steve actually got IN the swimming pool. He never does this.
2. I convince my Mom to jump off the diving board. Wow. Peer pressure really does work.
3. I did about five back flips off the diving board.

Please know that I didn’t just walk up to the diving board and bust out a back flip. I had to mentally prepare myself for the task. I’ve always loved the water and have done tricks off the diving board since I was young. As I bobbed and sipped my beverage of choice, I wondered if I still had it in me, and convinced myself that if I didn’t execute at least one back flip, I would officially be in the shady age of not really young, yet not really old.

Clearly, this was unacceptable.

I run the thought by my Mom and cousin Stephanie.

Lincee: “I think I’m going to do a back flip off of the diving board.”
Mom: “You can’t do that any more.”
Steph: “You’ll hurt yourself.”

Lincee: “No really. I’m serious.”
Mom: “Don’t you dare. You are not in high school!”
Steph: “You’ll hit your head.”

Bursting with confidence from this endearing pep talk, I dismount my noodle and swim over to the ladder in the deep end. Remembering back when I was a whipper snapper, I recalled that I used to warm-up on the ladder doing back dives before attempting the diving board. I scramble up the ladder, take a few deep breathes and fling myself backwards.

Golden.

I pop up out of the water, expecting to hear shouts of congratulations and glee!

Nothing.

Mom and Steph weren’t even watching.

This time, I step onto the side of the pool and fling myself again in another perfect back dive. I pop up. And again…nothing.

Time for some serious action. I hoist myself out of the pool, making a big production that I AM ABOUT TO BACK FLIP OFF OF THE DIVING BOARD!

Mom: “DON’T YOU DARE! YOU WILL HURT YOURSELF!”
Steph: “If you jump, I’m not watching.”
Dad: “DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!”

I make my way around the pool and step on to the old creaky diving board that no one has used in 15 years. I march down to the end, turn around and go for broke without thinking.

Golden again.

This time when I pop up out of the water, I am greeted with applause, cheers and shouts for me to DO IT AGAIN!

Which I obliged. About four more times. Then my head started hurting and I felt like I was going to throw up. I blame the rum.

But the moral of the story is that I did it. I was the cool kid. Everyone wanted to be me.

That night, we all sat on the veranda (my Dad refuses to call it a back porch) and enjoyed fireworks from other houses in surrounding neighborhoods. I plugged in my iPOD and we listened to patriotic music as we watched the show. It might have been in the middle of Neil Diamond’s “America” or the “American Trilogy” by Elvis when I became emotional.

I love my country and feel I am a patriotic person. I’m one of those people who cries at the National Anthem and the American Homecoming with Bill and Gloria Gaither. As we were clapping during fireworks and singing “God Bless the USA,” I became overwhelmed at the fact that we have men and women fighting for our freedom…right now…this minute. Whether you support troops being overseas or not, the fact of the matter is that they are there. I’m not only thankful to be an American…I am blessed.

I received an email from a friend with a call to action in which I plan on participating. She is collecting various products to send to the troops. You can check out her blog for more information if you are interested in helping out: http://www.theflipsideofthepillow.blogspot.com

Whether you join us in our efforts, or reach out to them on your own, here’s praying are troops are safe and return home soon.

“I pledge my allegiance to the grand old flag
And the promise of the hope from sea to sea.
Under God one nation, undivided we will stand
Lift the banner of liberty.”

Teel: almost five

Jackson: two

Benjamin: almost two

Sam: brand new

And I’m in love with all four!

These are the sons of four dear friends who are gracious enough to let me share in the lives of their children. Caroline (Teel’s mom) took these photos just for fun. She’s known for her ability to capture cherished moments. She typically takes actions shots during birthday parties or while we are just hanging out and comes away with amazing photos. She has a true talent and should go into business for herself taking lifestyle pictures. And I can be her assistant, because nine times out of 10, it’s me making a fool of myself in the background to get them to look and smile!

I’m blessed to have these boys in my life and plan on teaching them all the important things that guys should know in this world. For instance:

1. Learn how to dance. Even if you don’t want to, do it. Girls like boys who can dance.
2. Be a gentleman. Open doors and help old ladies off the bus. And don’t text while I’m talking to you.
3. Lighting your farts on fire is funny once. Choose wisely when you will enter this “club” and then call me so we can compare stories.
4. Recognize how wonderful your Mama is and tell her often that you love her as I do.

Meet Alexandria. She’s the daughter of my dear friends Caroline and Michael. Bless their hearts, they are huge fans of the website and they thought it would be funny to send me pictures of Alexandria’s first taste of green beans.

Here she is eyeing the dreadful thing. I’m sure her one-year-old brain is trying to comprehend why something so cheery and colorful could have such a scary texture.

She takes her first bite and wonders what that weird smell is as she looks longingly at her mother on the other side of the camera lens as if to say, “Are you sure I should be putting this in my mouth?” Then she swallows.

And she likes it. Clearly…she’ll eat anything.

You are the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and I am very proud of you for eating healthy. But seriously. Green beans?

One of these days, dear Alexandria, you will know the truth. Green beans are evil. It’s my opinion. But it’s true. Remember…I’m the one who ALWAYS has gum and some sort of sugary candy in my purse. I know what is good and what is not. Trust me.

Wait until you discover Pringles. Now there’s a day to look forward to! Let’s hope your parents document that moment in time to remember forever as well.