because I have been given much.

My dad served in the Army when my parents were newlyweds. He missed the birth of their oldest child and wasn't able to see my brother until he was 6 weeks old. Besides my father who served before I was born, I've never had anyone close to me serving in the armed forces. I don't know what it's like to worry about someone I care for. I can't imagine how hard it must be for those serving and those who are missing someone who is serving our country.

This Memorial Day we are trying our best to pay tribute to those who make sacrifices.. those who risk their lives for a greater cause, those who put themselves in harms way to fight for freedom, parents who are away from their spouses and children for months at a time, those who serve me and my family so that we can enjoy all that we have. I am so grateful to live in a country that allows me to experience the things that I do on a daily basis. I have my own house. I have food on my table to feed my children. I can sleep next to my husband at night. I feel safe. I worship as I please. I am free. I am truly grateful for the sacrifices made so that my family can have a better life.


This past weekend my grandpa, Fred Clawson, would have been 100 years old. He died when I was only 4 years old, but his legacy lives today. I am so grateful to my grandparents who put family first. They had 6 wonderful children who grew into respectable adults. Their children had LOTS of children. This picture was taken in 1973 (or so) when their clan was just getting started. Their oldest daughter Sandra had 14 children (all her own, no sets of twins!) Their oldest son, Don, had 12 children. My father and his brother Larry both had 10 children each. My uncle Dave got married late in life and had 2 beautiful girls. Their youngest, Nancy, never married but is the BEST aunt this side of the Mississippi. Every single one of her 48 nieces and nephews adore Aunt Nancy (including me!)


Today-- 100 years after the birth of my grandpa... The Fred Clawson family tree branches out with over 310 members. Hundreds of his decedents gathered together for a big celebration this past Saturday. I wanted to be there so badly, but I celebrated in my own way with my own little family. I love my grandparents so much, along with each of my aunts and uncles and my gazillion cousins. I consider myself truly lucky to be a part of THIS family tree and believe I have a legacy to live up to. My grandparents lives weren't easy. They were never famous or rich or successful in worldly means. But they worked hard. They put their family first and we knew they loved each of us. The example my grandparents set inspires me to work harder, endure longer and love deeper. When all is said and done, I hope to be just as "successful" as Fred and Roma were. I hope to make them proud.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

and not to toot my own blogging-horn,
but with 31 days in the month, 31 blog entries for May isn't too shabby..