4th of July Family Dates

Good Thursday morning!

I wasn't able to change my Showcase Pic today, and it SHOULD be a picture of my Special Guest for the month of July... the wonderful and kind KIM MONTGOMERY. The photo will be up and running this evening (when Mikie gets home), but you will find Part One of the interview below.

I have CURRENT pool pics in the Gallery today. And these pictures are not of Roxie. Nope. The "Guys of Summer" have returned and made their first appearance of the season.

SPECIAL GUEST - KIM MONTGOMERY - PART ONE - Kim has been my walking buddy this past school year, and it has been a joy to get to know her better. As with all of my walking partners the past three or four years (Cam and Julie), I have learned so much and am a better person for having spent time with these amazing women.

Kim is the wife of Keith and mother of 15 year-old Heather and 12 year-old Adam. Enjoy the next few days getting to know Miss Kim a little better!

1. What was your worst dating experience?

I was 16 and on my first date which was a double date. We went out to eat first, and I was so nervous I just ordered what the other girl ordered which was a steak, well-done. When it was served, I was having a hard time cutting the thing. With all my strength I pressed my knife into the steak. Needless to say, it didn't end well. The steak split into two pieces. The first half went flying across the table into the other girl's lap (did I mention she was wearing white?), and the other half landed in the middle of the table!

2. For each of your children, list at least one of your traits or characteristics they possess.

People say Heather looks a lot like me, and we both love having fun together. But poor thing... she inherited my sense of direction (or lack thereof). Adam loves to talk, likes math and is very social.

3. If you could have one physical attribute changed, what would it be?

I would have skin that would tan. Not burn!

4. Breakfast, lunch or dinner... favorite meal?

Whichever one I don't have to cook! (I hear ya, Sister!)

5. If you could remove someone's burden and take it as your own, whose burden would it be?

My Mom's cancer. She has fought this battle for seven years. She has had hundreds of chemo treatments, many stomach problems, mouth ulcers, loss of hair, etc. She has endured all of this with a faith-filled positive attitude! I would love to be able to give her her life back. She deserves it.

6. Where is your "happy place?"

Snuggled up with a good book and a cup of coffee... priceless!

7. What is your favorite holiday, and why?

Christmas. We do not have a "theme" tree. Instead we have ornaments from all over on our family tree. I love decorating the tree and telling stories about each ornament and the family it represents as we hang it on the tree. The children have ornaments on the tree, too, and they love hearing the stories about when they were little and what their ornaments represent. Of course, this is done with Christmas music playing and the aroma of wassail floating through the house. I love it!

8. Movie lover or shopping lover?

Movies!

9. What are you reading right this minute?

The Chronological Bible and Defiance by Don Brown. I LOVE Christian Fiction-Suspense writers. (Did you know Kim had her picture taken with the uber-famous author, Ted Dekker? Did you? I was mighty impressed, I tell you.)

There's much more to learn about Kim, and I'll add Part Two of her interview tomorrow (along with her PICTURE). I am SO technologically challenged it isn't even funny!

Blog Linkage - I have a couple of links to share with you today. And guess what? They both have something to do with animals (woodland and farm). I'm going to declare a theme in Blog Linkage today!

1. Go to My Blog List and click on Boo Mama. Read "Sometimes I Understand Animals" dated June 30. I am putting a "squirrel feeder" on my list of "THINGS I MUST HAVE" today.

2. Go to My Blog List and click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman. Read "The Daisy Dilemma" dated June 30. Isn't it amazing what some people consider normal and ordinary? I would be freaking out if a cow was staring at me from my living room window, I tell you. FREAKING OUT!

4th of July Family Dates

If fireworks are part of your 4th of July celebration, I have listed one date for you and your family to try this Sunday. However, check Birmingham Bargain Mom's website (http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/) and click on "Bargain Mom's Regional Fourth of July Celebrations" for several more options.

Vulcan Thunder on The Mountain starts at 9:00 p.m. (It is a fantastic fireworks show.) Prior to the fireworks, the UAB Summer Band Concert will be performing beginning at 7:30 and ending at 8:45 p.m. You can watch the fireworks sitting in your lawn chair after the concert ends. The two events go hand-in-hand.

Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. Lawn chairs and snacks are welcome.

The concert is held in front of the Bartow Arena located at 617 13th Street South.

This could very easily turn into an annual family tradition!

Have a terrific Thursday. Roxie and I will be headed to the doctor after lunch. She is running a 102 temp, and I cannot make it go away! Other than that problem, the beginning of July brings with it a little anxiety. June flew by much too quickly, and I NEED July to slow down a bit. That being said, ENJOY this day. Spend some time with loved ones. Call an old friend you haven't spoken with in awhile. Use your machete and slice open a fresh pineapple. In other words, have a great day!

Tomorrow I'll have Weekend Happenings, more of Kim's interview and a few reminders. Don't forget to visit before the busy weekend begins!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda