What does the 4th of July mean to you ?

For me it means ~ Family ~ fun, hot, hot, hot, water guns, Silver Queen dripping in butter, horse shoes, daddy's BBQ ribs, bubba's Boston butts, cold watermelon, 5 gallon buckets filled with just picked tomatoes, water balloons, daddy churning ice cream with fresh picked peaches, lots of laughter, blueberries, dancing, singing, kids everywhere and siting quietly at the end of the day watching the night sky come to life with all my family around me.

This year will be our first without my brother he was Mr. 4th of July he loved everything about it. He would stay up all night on the 3rd cooking Boston butts on smokers for us. He always had the biggest water gun and made sure everyone got soaking wet... We are going to miss him madly this weekend ..

I would like to take a moment on this 4th of July holiday to thank all of the military families and to introduce ya'll to my girlfriend Beth's family ..

Beth's brother in law Bill was killed June 19, 2007 during his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq he leaves behind his wife Coneitha, three children, 10-year-old Anastasia, 6-year-old Cameron and 3-year-old Spencer.

Barry Moore, 23, who served in his unit said... Zapfe looked tough but was a soft guy on the inside "He molded me into the soldier I am today," ... "He took care of us, he put us under the wings. He had big shoulders.

"He's really a hero."

From Beth

A Walk of Valor for fallen soldiers

Bricks line the Walk of Valor in Richmond Hill, Georgia to honor the memory of fallen soldiers.

now meet Beth's niece Shasta's husband Steve Bossen he too served in the Fight for Freedom. While visiting Savannah last summer Steve was asked by John Mellencamp to be in a video that he was filming in downtown Savannah. Check it out My Sweet Love

Now meet her grand sons Brandon and Stephen Garrett

Stephen has left now to serve please keep him and all the others in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you so much Bridgett and Charlie for raising such wonderful young men. Brandon is going to be our rock star and take his mom and meme on tour. Beth and Bridgett thank you so much for all the pictures and for sharing your families with us. I love you both so much sending BBQ kisses to you both. I hope that each of you have a fun and safe weekend enjoy every second with your love ones for we truly don't know what tomorrow will bring.

BBQ kisses to everyone !
hugs, Cherry