OK. Frankie and I were pretty sure we would never want to discuss politics on our blog. Too messy. Well, Frankie, I must beg your pardon and warn all who read this, it may get a little messy.

Tomorrow is my sweet daughters birthday. And in Utah, caucus meetings will be occurring throughout the state. My husband and I will be attending ours at the local high school, after our little girls birthday party has ended and the friends have gone home.

As I have studied the candidates for my particular party, I was simply overcome with gratitude for the freedom I have to choose for myself who I will vote for. I am blessed to live in this land of liberty with the God given right to choose for myself. I am excited to be a small part of the process, no matter how broken some parts of our complex system may be. I revere the names of the many men and women who sacrificed so much to found this nation. The colors of our flag run so much deeper than fabric and dyes.

This picture was taken by my 15 year old son and his friend on the mountain above our home. It is a breathtaking reminder of why we should all remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. This beautiful land was won through much blood, sweat, sacrifice and tears.

So, tomorrow as I hang crepe paper for my daughters 5th birthday, I will be thanking the Lord for my family, for the privilege of being a mother...and for the gift of liberty...and the men and women who purchased it for you and I at so a high price.