• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About My Blogging World
  • My Dogs
    • Finally Found an Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy!
  • Favorite Recipes
    • My Famous Sweet Pickled Jalapeno Recipe
  • Military Pride
  • Photography
    • Project 365
  • Joy of Advent
  • Affiliate Disclosure

3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

  • Graphic Design
  • Military Gift Store
    • Military Gift Ideas
    • Marine Corps Gifts
      • Marine Mom Gifts
      • USMC Veterans
      • USMC Ornaments
      • Boot Camp Books
      • Custom Designed USMC Gifts
    • Army Gifts
      • Custom Army Gifts
  • Shopping at 3 Quarters
    • Unique Photography Gifts
    • Unique Dog Gifts
    • 3 Quarters Photography Shop

celebration

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

July 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Across the United States millions of Americans are celebrating Independence Day with parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks. The town of Murdock Nebraska is no different. However, our story is a little unique because you see it is a village of under 400 people. The town is joined by Elmwood Nebraska just six miles south and we form the community of Elmwood-Murdock joined together by our schools and with a total population of around a thousand people.

The day starts off with a 5K Dillon Synovec Memorial Run at 7:30 am and then continues with a parade, lunch hosted by the Lions Club, pie at the church, firemans water fight, tractor pull, softball games, and fireworks at the end of the night.

Patriotic pride on Independence Day

Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade
Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade

However during the 4th of July parade and Independence Day parade we grow to probably close to a thousand people. That is no joke. Our parade is one of the best around and over an hour long. You can see the sidewalks packed with people and this goes on for an amazing three blocks of main street. Well actually people are also sitting in their yards on the parade route also, but the announcers stand is on Main St (3rd Ave).

Online Stores 12-Pack US Stick Flag Standard, Wood Stick with Spear Tip, 8 by 12-InchNo-Fray Parade Flags, Set of 12

My friends always bring their donkeys and throw candy from the home made barrels on the side. Chris dresses up in his red and white “Husker” coveralls which double for the 4th of July.

Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day
Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day

Game Day Red and White Adult Bib Overalls

There wouldn’t be a country Independence Day parade without some antique tractors decked out in 4th of July bunting, and this one is an oldie. I’ve never even heard of a Rumley tractor before, obviously this brand is no longer made and was built before inflatable tires.

Tractor in the 4th of July parade
Tractor in the 4th of July parade

The marching band from Elmwood-Murdock high school marches, and because it’s the 4th and not a competition they are allowed to wear shorts and an school T-shirt. My daughter played the drums in school and during her senior year she moved up to the quads which is a coveted position. She felt like a “beast” when she played the quads.

Bass drum and the quads marching during the parade
My daughter on quads marching during the parade

After the parade one of the local 4-H clubs gives out free watermelon. It’s a favorite with the crowds and a good appetizer to the lunch served after the parade put on by the Lions Club.

Watermelon on the 4th of July
Watermelon on the 4th of July

Can’t go wrong with watermelon on the 4th of July, it’s a holiday tradition.

Watermelon Napkins and Plates for Summer Decorating and Picnics

The day continues with a tractor pull and one of my favorite activities the Fireman’s water fight. The local volunteer fire departments from about 8-10 towns in the area compete for bragging rights (and I’m sure a few beers) in water fights. The object of the game is to push the 55 gal barrel down the wire using the force from the water hose. If it’s hot the spray from the fire hoses are a welcome relief to the hot sun. It’s so much fun watching the little kids play in the water. (My daughter is sitting with our dog Leah to the left of the picture)

Celebrating the 4th of July with Fireman water fights
Fire Department Water Fights

For most kids the favorite part of celebrating Independence Day is the fireworks. This year my husbands family took a cross country trip from New York to tour the Western United States. They stopped by our house and the teenagers were so excited to light fireworks. Fireworks aren’t legal for the “regular” person to light in Buffalo. There are kid safe fireworks that are legal in all 50 states and small kids really don’t know the difference.

Pow Pow Party Snaps, a Super Noisemaker, 50 BoxesSmoke Balls – Assorted Colors, 72 Pieces

Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks
Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks

However you celebrate Independence Day, have a safe one, hug your families, salute the flag and remember we are celebrating our freedom, the birth of our country and all that we hold dear and take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom from tyranny. Our military fought for our freedom from the British in the 1700’s and continues to fight for those who suppress freedom around the world.

How Are You Celebrating Independence Day This Year?

Leave me a note below, I’d love to hear your traditions.

 

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: 4th of July, celebrating independence day, celebration, Elmwood-Murdock, fun, Holiday, Independence Day, murdock, Nebraska, parade, Photography, small town, summer

Patriotic Video: America, I Love You

May 22, 2013 by info@3QuartersToday.com

This patriotic video might just make you forget the recent government scandals so prevalent right now. Although it seems patriotism and confidence in the United States is waning or lacking. I don’t think it’s true. Yes, if you listen to talk radio, or watch CNN or other news channels you might be depressed and discouraged. But I tell you, there are good people all across this country doing good things, helping out neighbors, serving in the military because they love where they live.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free
Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

When American citizens are left alone, without government intervention we help each other out and stand side by side during tragedies such as the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

In this week leading up to Memorial Day, I want to remind people the greatness of the American people outside the Washington Beltway. Memorial Day is not only a day to remember our veterans and those who died serving our country but to gather together as families worship and celebrate life, and remember those who have died and left an impact on our lives.

America I love YouMarine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA I’ve wanted to create a patriotic video that includes the many photographs I’ve taken over the years that have a military theme, or veterans theme, but didn’t have the appropriate music. This song “America, I Love You” was written by my friend Steve Raybine, a jazz musician in Omaha, Nebraska. I first heard it last fall and fell in love with it and he graciously allowed me to use it for the video.

Veterans of all our wars deserve our thanks for making the sacrifice and serving their country. This includes not only the modern wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom, Desert Shield, and Storm but the often forgotten Vietnam and Korean Veterans, along with those veterans from WWII and WWI.

It is the men and women of the Marine Corps, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and our National Guard that spend days away from family and friends, whether abroad or stationed in the United States, that serve to protect our freedom. We owe them our thanks for volunteering for a job many would never consider.The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

As you participate in Memorial Day celebrations, parades and picnics, stop by a cemetery and read the inscriptions on the War Memorials of soldiers from the French Indian War and even the Civil War. If you are lucky enough to live in New England search out the Revolutionary War cemeteries. Those soldiers truly fought for our freedom and Independence. They are the reason we celebrate the 4th of July.

If you recognize some of the photos it’s because they are some of my favorites from my Washington DC trip when my kids marched in the Memorial Day Parade and include the World War II Memorial, United States Marine Corps Memorial, Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and other images of freedom and sacrifice.

I was really quite surprised I had so many photographs of the American Flag and color guards taken at various parades. It never fails to give me a chill when the American Legion leads a parade with the flags and people stand to applaud, salute or put their hand over their heart.
My goal is to create a national sensation with this song. Patriotic pride needs to once again resonate through the land. So reblog this post, tweet it, post it to your Facebook page and PIN it on PINTEREST, let’s see how far this video and song can spread.

So post this for Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and all other patriotic holidays.

Thank you and God Bless.

Filed Under: Military Pride, Small Town Living Tagged With: America, celebration, flag Day, Holidays, Marine Corps War Memorial, memorial day, military, music, Nebraska, Omaha, patriotic, patriotic video, patriotism, politics, soldiers, United States, USMC, veterans, video, washington dc, YouTube

Happy Birthday US Marine Corps

November 10, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

To all United Marines Marines, past, present and future, have a very Happy Birthday

We owe you a debt for our freedom that can never be repaid, so we remember you on this day and always. So to all the Marines from 1775 to the present day, we thank you for your service to our country.

Happy Birthday Marine Corps, the official birthday of the USMC is November 10, 1775

How Marines Celebrate Their Birthday

Every active duty Marine recognizes the USMC birthday in some way, most have a Marine Corps Ball they attend near the end of October or the beginning of November.

Every Marine Corps base is recognized on November 10th with special guests, cakes and it is a tradition for each Marine to greet each other on this day with a Happy Birthday. No gift is required, just the gift of respect. (according to Maximilian Uriarte at Terminal Lance)

Veterans will have a drink, in where else, a bar or tavern since Tun Tavern is the birthplace of the Corps. I know my oldest son will be raising a glass to toast his Marine brothers somewhere tonight.

Many in the Marine Corps League will gather in bars all over the country and relive the camaraderie that makes the United States Marine Corps unique.

Many of them display an American flag at home along with their USMC EGA.

Black Background Official Seal - US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
Black Background Official Seal – US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
by usmarines

Marine Corps Birthday Challenge Coins

Challenge coins are a tradition in the Marine Corps. Often senior officers have a certain number of coins to award during a Marine Ball and they will press it into the palm of the hand. I know one of my sons has received a coin in this manner

Challenge coins recognize boot camp companies, tours of duty, and even Marine Moms. Below are just a few Marine Corps challenge coins

Since I am a Marine Mother I have begun an annual tradition of writing an official letter to the Marine Corps. I don’t think anyone of any importance reads them, but it’s my way of summarizing the year and my current sentiment.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

To all Marines have a very Happy Birthday!!

Gold EGA- US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
Gold EGA- US Marine Corps Wrapping Paper
by usmarines

 USMC Birthday Traditions & Celebrations

Learn more about the Marine Corps, Marine Corps traditions and history in these military books. History does repeat itself and the United States Marines will always serve at the ready to protect our country and our world.

Filed Under: Marine Corps, Military Pride Tagged With: celebration, freedom, graphic design, Iwo Jima, leathernecks, marines, marines birthday, memorial, military, patriotism, United States Marine Corps, USMC, usmc birthday, washington dc

Baby Shower, It’s a Girl!

July 23, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I recently had the honor, and selfish fun of throwing a friend a baby shower! Excited, oh yes. To think that someone told her that a Mom should only have a shower for their first born and not a second baby.

Baby showers are just as much for the friends as the new Mama. In fact for those of us closer to being a Grandmother (no ideas kids) than being pregnant, we revel in babies. The thought of cuddling, spoiling, buying cute baby clothes and toys knowing that when the crying starts we can had them back has a TON of appeal to me right now.

Baby Shower for a girl
Baby Girl Shower

Found the rubber duck punch and LifeSaver pacifiers on Pinterest, yes there will be separate posts for those. I had just too much fun.

Initial photos were run through Lightroom, about 45 of them in about 30 minutes, then put together this simple template in Photoshop

Related articles
  • Rachel’s Baby Shower (dailydoily.typepad.com)
  • My Friend’s Baby Shower (banheethespectator.wordpress.com)
  • Oh! Baby O! (kmckphoto.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Events, Photography Tagged With: babies, Baby, Baby shower, celebration, children, Entertaining, family, infants, Mom

Week 1: Happy New Year 2012

January 1, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I’m going to try my 365 project again, but this year make it realistic and try the 52 Week project. I’ll still try and add extra postings in between as I learn more about my camera, have a recipe to post, or food pictures. But I’m setting myself up to succeed, with less stress.

Last year was my first 365 project and I made it to day 312 posting everyday, but then life got in the way. I still consider it a success.  I made some new friends, learned more about my camera and ultimately achieved my goal. I received a new camera. More on that later.

For today this week, it’s a simple Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year 2012
Happy New Year 2012

Filed Under: Project 365, Project 52 Tagged With: 365project, 52 Week, camera, canon, canon rebel, celebration, happy new year, hat, Holidays, new years, noise makers, party, Project 52

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

What I Write About

Shop Amazon

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Categories

Visit my Facebook Page

Visit my Facebook Page

Pages

  • About My Blogging World
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Army Gifts
    • Custom Army Gifts
  • Best Place to Print Political Yard Signs
  • Cool Gifts for Photographers and Camera Lovers
  • Food & Recipes
  • Google Search Results
  • Marine Boot Camp Resources for Parents
  • Marine Corps Gifts for Any Occasion
    • Best Gifts for Marine Corps Veterans
    • Marine Mom Gifts
    • Marine Mom Shirts & Gifts
    • USMC Ornaments
  • Military Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas
  • Personalized Custom Graphic Design Services
  • Unique Dog Gifts for Pet Owners

Recent Posts

  • Starting a Small Business in the Second Half of Life
  • Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day
  • Local Farmers Market Booth Ideas
  • High School Graduation Party Ideas
  • How I Became a Face Mask Designer

Tags

365project Advent animals Block Island christmas Connecticut cooking country dogs Elmwood-Murdock Faith family flowers Food God Holiday Holidays Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod marine Marine Corps memories midwest military music Nebraska Omaha pets Photography Photoshop postaday Product Review project365 recipe rural Silent Sunday small town snacks snow Spring summer tradition travel USMC video winter

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Footer

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...