INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 4th

Celebrate with a Special Dinner or Picnic

Traditionally, Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations include a picnic of some sort. Choose from a variety of picnic foods and include some of the favorites like watermelon, fresh cherries or berries. There are some photos of Americana-style desserts below and in the right-hand column.

Add a little pizzazz with some decorations and party games. A water balloon toss or wet sponge tossing game can help keep everyone cool on a hot summer day. Let children play in the sprinklers. If you have a pool and plenty of adult supervision for children, you can cover a watermelon with oil and see who can get it out of the pool. (It's like trying to catch a greased pig--or so I've heard--never tried to catch a pig, so I'm not an authority on that part.) Let kids play with drums and other musical instruments--anything that makes a good noise will do--strike up a kid's band and celebrate. Decorate trikes or bikes with red, white and blue crepe paper and balloons and have your own parade.

Get a copy of the Declaration of Independence and actually READ IT. Take advantage of the holiday to teach a little history. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was just 33 years old when he wrote the Declaration? Find interesting facts about the founding fathers. It can be fun!

Of course, after the picnic, find a great place to watch some fireworks! Then take some time to pray for those who are currently in harm's way and defending your freedom. It matters.

The Glow-Lite Entrepreneur

This was something that our youngest son did for two years in a row. It turned out to be fun and he made about $80, which isn't bad for a kid of 7 or 8. He ordered glow-in-the dark products in red, white and blue from Oriental Trading Company. (See the link at the top of  the column to the far right). Because he bought them in bulk, he was able to mark up the price enough to make a profit. Then he sold them in the parking lot where people had gathered to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July. We had a business license at the time, but if you decided to do this, you can often get a one-day or event license or permit for such a project. Check with your local city/state for information. Depending on the location, you might also need a local permit or permission of some sort to sell things. It really was fun. Of course, don't let a child out of your sight while they are going around to sell anything. Keep them safe, but let them have a good time if it's an experience that is of interest to them.

Have an Island picnic. make a creative centerpiece from fruits and vegetables. (This example was made by a 10 year old girl who used carrots and bell peppers to make the palm trees, a hollowed-out piece of pineapple for a hut and a slice of orange for a canoe with a carrot lice for a paddle and a cucumber shark in the water. The water is made from blue Jell-O™ and the white sand is sugar.)

For a simple picnic, focus on fruit salad with some grilled meats and tropical beverages.

Check out this Caribbean Children's Story:

Jonah, the Mouse and the Goat

A Caribbean tale for children

by Fangette Willet

I Want You 

To Know Me … 

Love, Your 

American Hero

Give this book to 

a U.S. Military Serviceman now, 

let our Heroes know we care. 

Spirit of America

 A tribute to victims of 911 with traditional American recipes included

Kas Winters' book

Mother Lode

has over 5,000 simple ideas like these. Take a look.

Some decorations and desserts from our family Independence Day Celebrations