Wordless Wednesday - More 4th of July Independence Day Happy Birthday America Fireworks Pics

My 4th of July Blog Post

Happy 4th of July to America!  Today is Independence Day.  How are you celebrating?

We have one little tradition:  We usually have our own miniature, very extremely miniature, parade out the front door with flag on pole in hand.  We hum patriotic sounding marching music as we march out to the porch and hang our flag out for display.

Other than that, we usually have had our own indoor picnic with fried chicken and some years have avoided the heat and bugs and watched the fireworks show on TV, from Boston Pops or wherever they air it from.

Last year, the day after 4th of July, we left for a trip to the beach and then to Disney to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.  So, we didn't go to an actual fireworks show.  This year, we are hoping to take in an actual show.

However, we don't know where to go.

We don't like crowds or traffic jams, and we don't like bugs.  Thankfully, this year should be mild temperatures, so we won't have to worry about heat being an issue.

All these plans and little celebrations for a holiday that remembers how men came together to sign a Declaration of Independence.

This Declaration of Independence gave us certain rights as American citizens, which we teach to our children, and enjoy but never take for granted.

Thank you to the men and women who lost their lives in the course of making our country free.  We do not take this lightly.

Happy 4th of July!

4th of July Fun: Two Free American Flag Pattern Coloring Pages

Happy 4th of July.  If you're looking for a coloring page or a basic pattern of the American flag, this is your spot.  For 4th of July, I'm inviting you to come and enjoy some of my samples.

I've been playing around with turning pictures into coloring sheets and then turning the pictures into pdf files.  After all this, I have uploaded a few to my website, and they are now there for you to download for free and enjoy!

You have two pictures to choose from.  Download one, or both.  It doesn't matter.  They're both free for your use and copyright free as well, so duplicate or turn them into a fun craft project.  Whatever your homeschool or parenting or party needs are, enjoy!

The one flag is pictured on a flag pole:

The other is a close up of the waving flag:



Click on the pictures above.  It will take you to the download page on my website at www.Elephantearseducation.yolasite.com.  From there, find the flag picture you want, and then click on the link below the picture.  It should be blue letters next to a picture of a red swirly pdf icon.

That's it!  Your next step is simply to print and enjoy!

---Oh, and of course, please let me know if you run into any difficulties!

Happy 4th of July!

Why do we celebrate 4th of July?: Best 4th of July videos

It's almost time for another 4th of July. Over the years, I've celebrated several - as a child, as an engaged female, as a wife, as a mother and now as a home educating mother. I've gone from enjoying being a part of the vast amount of people at our city's downtown Fair St. Louis to having an air-conditioned picnic with KFC in front of a television showing fireworks with the Boston Pops music in the background. I've run the gamut. I even remember the 1976 bi-centennial 4th of July - Yes, that makes me old I guess, as some of my homeschooling and parenting friends were not even born yet at that time. I have written articles on lapbook lessons and 4th of July crafts, and enjoyed the freebie crafts that the library has offered over the years to help our family celebrate in style.

I know the date goes far beyond fireworks and backyard BBQs. I know that many have died to bring me the freedoms I enjoy. I appreciate the pioneers of the homeschooling movement who went before me. But, while some spent time under the gun with the law, I do not believe any died for this freedom (I could be wrong). But, people did die to bring about the freedoms America enjoys. For this, I am forever grateful. But, repaying this act is an impossible and daunting task. So, we celebrate instead of mourn the loss because their loss brought about great gain to our country and the freedoms we enjoy. And, the best I can do is say: "Thank You!" And, to live my life in a way that brings honor to my God and to those who lost their life to give me the freedom to do so.

The fireworks we watch is to remind us of the guns firing in wars that brought about freedoms. The parades are to honor those who went before us. The red, white and blue crafts are in honor of our flag - whom I proudly pledge allegiance to, under God. The red represents the blood that was shed. The celebration is because our freedoms were not defeated, but despite the incredible loss of lives, we were ultimately victorious.

Shifting gears is a bit awkward, but I wanted to find and share some of the best 4th of July videos I have found. Enjoy your freedom to watch:










I tried to screen every video with a scrutinizing eye. In this one, there is bikini-clad females and mention of beer and one interviewer that slips a curse word. But, the overall meaning of the video was so important, that I have decided to include it (it just may be for adult eyes and not for necessarily for children - use your own judgment):