Memorial Day

Well our day didn't get off to a great start but it end up pretty good anyway. I had talked to the kids about what Memorial day meant and that we were going to a parade today so they were all excited. Well we got there just in time to see the end of the parade even though we were early. They had moved it up due to a chance of rain without telling anyone. I was a little irritated. But then we went to the stadium and got to see the memorial service for the families of fallen soldiers, see the airborne paratroopers, see a blackhawk take off, and the pass of colors. I tried to explain the meaning of Memorial day to the girls on a level they would understand. They did understand some of what was going on but I am not sure how much. Atleast I planted a seed though. It was hard to explain without crying but I managed to do it. All to many times it could have been one of my family members who had fallen. Luckily this year I didn't have any family members in a war zone but I have plenty of friends that are over there or friends whose family is over there. I did think of you all today and will be saying a prayer for you tonight. I am also doing a study on Memorial day with the kids this week as part of their "school" lessons. I don't make it seem like school because I want them to enjoy learning and have fun and not really realize they are doing "school". :) It is really important to me that they realize what Memorial day really is. I think to much of society has forgotten. They just think "hey 3 day weekend with some parade and other fun stuff". That was more than evident when the parade and helicopter and paratroopers were done because very few stayed for the actual memorial service after the pass of colors. I want my children to stop and think about the fallen soldiers and appreciate what they have done for not only us but everyone in the US even those who don't appreciate it. Our bed time story tonight was on Memorial Day. I think it did them a lot of good to talk about it beforehand because they asked questions during the whole program and were quiet when they were suppose to be. Then tonight they went through the events of the day for me. I have realized through my very short time homeschooling that we really do underestimate our children sometimes. In addition to that I think I am learning as much as they are. There are lots of things I didn't know about Memorial day. Like where Taps originated from, or that it used to be called Decoration day, or that the flower for Memorial day is Poppies. Over all though I just wanted to write this blog to remind people that today is about our fallen soldiers. Sure you should have fun and bar-b-que and all of that but please at the end of the day stop and say a little prayer for the fallen soldiers and their family members. Also if you know any Veterans tell them thank you or maybe take them some of that good bar-b-que if they live near you. Just remember what the day really is about. I hope you had an honorable Memorial day!

P.S.Pictures to follow tomorrow as it's late now.