Sunday Citar ~ Freedom Refreshed + a Contest Winner!

“Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” 
~Dwight D. Eisenhower

I could write about how Brayden’s teething has caused us all to lose sleep the last couple of days, or made runny diapers that bring out the red of his cheeks… and not the ones lodged cheerfully below his deep blue windows to the soul.  I could mention that my four-going-on-fifteen year old changes about three times before we leave the house each day… and it’s the comfort factor that trumps style for her, most of the time… but it also makes us feel like we’re running behind, for everything.

But on this extended weekend, where we all celebrate the glorious freedom that so many fought for, died for, sacrificed for, I can’t help but remember to be grateful.  For all of it.

Grateful that I can hold my whiney babe, just knowing that the comfort brought in the 48 inches of arms that surround him is enough to soothe, if even for a few minutes.

Grateful that my daughter is so immeasurably blessed that she can throw a rejected too-hot, long sleeve down or pants that squeeze just a bit too much at the waist, because there are choices.  Many choices.

Grateful we can take our summer fun to the waterpark, as we continue crossing off our summer bucket list… and blessed to spend time with friends and family, splashing through the shallow waters of the kiddie pool or letting a tuckered toddler fall asleep on my shoulder as we rock to the big lull of the wave pool.

And we celebrate with each day that we can do all these things.  We can slather on sunscreen and play outside so long that we still burn.  We can pack a picnic to enjoy poolside surrounded by people we love and the chatter of many voices and different conversations happening simultaneously and yet somehow cohesively.

Because we’re free.

And we live that way.  Freely.

With our hearts loving open and unrestrained and with our actions taking on the daily choice of being free.

There is much to be thankful for.  There is much to enjoy.  And I’m delighted that my little free spirits can grow up knowing this, feeling this… living this.

And in the attitude of gratitude, Thank You to all who commented on my plea for naming this photo.  One of you won the 8X10 canvas, printed with your own photo choice of course!

So without further ado, the prize goes to…

Ashley Sisk with the title of Giraffe Wrangle’n!

That title stood out to me the entire time, and had a few commenter votes as well! There were so many great submissions, so thank you all!  Congratulations Ashley, please email me at [email protected] to claim your prize.

Enjoy your Holiday!  Enjoy the FREEDOM.