{Wednesday Hodgepodge // July 2nd Edition}

 Linking up with Joyce for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge! These questions are all centered around July 4th - one of my favorite holidays. Let’s dive in...

1. What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom, to me, means living without fear… being able to worship freely, raise our family how we choose, speak our minds, and chase dreams without restriction. It’s a privilege that I never want to take for granted...and I’m especially mindful of it this time of year. I’m so thankful for the brave men and women who’ve sacrificed so much so that we can live in freedom.

2. How will you celebrate Independence Day this year?
We’ll be at the lake this year, and I can’t wait! We rented the cutest little lakehouse just across the water from my parents’ place and two of my aunts’ lakehouses. So, it’s shaping up to be a big family-filled weekend! We’ll celebrate with festive foods, a scavenger hunt, fireworks, boat rides, snapping photos, water balloons, nostalgia, and lots of red, white, and blue. There’s nothing quite like the 4th of July at the lake!

3. This or that...

• Red, white, or blue? All three - all together. But if I have to choose one, then I choose blue! Always love a classic navy.

• Stars or stripes? Again, both!! I love them both equally much. Especially together. I can't even begin to count the # of striped shirts I own. And now I've collected quite a few items with stars. 

• Watermelon, homemade ice cream, or blueberry pie? Homemade ice cream all the way. Preferably rootbeer/creamsoda - which makes a vanilla. We'll definitely be making homemade ice cream at the lakehouse this weekend. We'll probably do Big Red to make the strawberry and to stay in theme with the red, white, and blue. 

• How do you feel about fireworks? Love watching them, not a fan of popping them or being around people popping them. They terrify me...to many things can go wrong.  But a good fireworks show on the 4th? Magical. I can't wait to watch them over the lake this weekend. 

4. What have you purchased recently that made you excited?
Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for all things red, white, and blue...and I’ve scored some adorable thrifted pieces for the 4th! From patriotic tees to festive shoes (coming to the blog on Thursday) and accessories, I’ve been loving the treasure hunt. I even grabbed a couple of new Fourth of July–themed t-shirts to add to the mix. I cannot wait to wear all the stars, stripes, and sparkle this weekend at the lake! 

5. I’m thankful to live in America because...
We have the freedom to live out our faith boldly, raise our families with intention and values that matter to us, and openly celebrate the blessings we've been given. I’m thankful for the ability to gather in worship, speak freely, and pursue dreams...big or small...without fear. America may not be perfect, but no country is. Even in the midst of challenges and differences, I believe there’s beauty in the unity we can find through gratitude, community, and shared history. I’m proud to call this land home and feel so blessed to raise my family in a place where freedom still rings.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
Is there anything better than lake days + fireworks + family cookouts in the summertime? I think not. Hope your 4th of July is filled with joy, freedom, and a little sunshine on your face.

Thanks for stopping by and reading along! I haved loved joining in on Joyce’s Wednesday Hodgepodge the last two weeks...it's such a fun way to reflect, share little life updates, and connect with others. I hope you have a joyful and safe 4th of July filled with family, freedom, and festive fun. Here’s to soaking up all the red, white, and blue moments this weekend!