Freedom and Family

In the United States of America today we celebrate the Declaration of our Independence.  Our Independence and Freedom was won so that we could be "We the People."  Independence Day is our day to celebrate the people of this our great country. 

We celebrate with our close family members and our extended family.  Every year the Lewis's gather together the Friday before the 4th of July and on the 4th of July for a celebration of family.  We see cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.  It is my husband's ultimate vacation!

This year Jim was unable to go because of work demands.  He is one sad puppy.  He plans another time at the end of the month, but he will miss seeing most everyone this year.  So we pull out the photos and see how many people we can name. 

I'm making my "Journey" short today so I can go celebrate!

The Story
The photos in this layout are priceless.  This was Mom and Dad Lewis' reunion the Friday before the biggy on the fourth.  As if your are reading:  Judy, Jim's sister, and Jim.  (Journaling)  Uncle Robert and Aunt Lola Bell.  Aunt Lola Bell is no longer with us and is missed greatly.  Jim and his nephew Will and (below) Tabitha and her cousin Kelly.  Of course it's me and Jim.  No, no, no, this is not my normal hair color...it was just an experiential stage I went thorough.  LOL

The Layout

What I Learned

• Although this one is a little less "cutesy" it is still in the cutesy category to me.
• I like inking with a paper towel.  The banner was pretty much white.  I used my Distress Inks and a paper towel to ink them up.
• I cut the center from the very background sheet of paper.  This gave me a little more matching paper.  In my early years of scrapbooking this was normal.  We called it "Halo-ing."  It was a way to save paper.  Not a bad thing to do in this economy.

I've been going through the comments and everyone has such great ideas.  I have one definite one that I'm going to use, but I found several others I'm might incorporate.  So I'm going to have to a few more prizes.  Please give me to Wednesday to make the decision.

Happy Fourth of July!  I pray it is a fun and safe day for you and your family. 

Have a Crafty Day!

Gratitude List
1.  the men and women how have given their lives over history that I might enjoy the freedom I often take for granted.
2.  those people who give everyday, not just the military, to make this country what it is today. 
3.  for our military who give their daily life in service for this country.
4.  a country where "We the People" do hold the power and responsibly of this country.
5.  God's gift of family and friends.