Born in the USA!

It was a busy, but great Independence Day. Fireworks, family, friends, and work! Phillip and I worked hard on the deck all weekend. Thanks to Rodney who also helped for a few hours on Saturday. Just wanted to share a few photos taken at Hollis park on Saturday afternoon. I love being at that park. It's so peaceful.

Aunt Darlene makes the best Caramel Cake. She wanted a picture of this one because she says it is the ugliest cake she's ever made. Apparently there was a phone call while cooking the icing. It may have been ugly, but it still tasted good to me!

Kacy and her niece got in a little 'swinging' time.

Cooper enjoyed playing in the rocks with a stick. Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could be entertained with the same simple nature of a 1 year old!

Debbie the 1st is enjoying a little time with the newest addition to the Hollis clan, Devon Perry. Son of Kerri Hollis Perry

Jordan and Allen were enjoying themselves on the 4-wheelers. Jordan is so much like his Daddy when he was young. I kept calling him Little Ken.

Xavier was so cute and so good walking around and watching the bigger kids. And he knows how to get someone to pick him up when he wants. He just asks for a hug. Now who can turn that down!

Kaelyn and Caleb at their favorite place in the park. And of course, Grumpy has to push!

Aunt Beck and Aunt Darlene.

Ely Weakley - Another Little Ken in the making!

The crowd was a bit small this year, but the love, fun, and sharing of stories is still some of the best times we have! Thanks to Judy and her family for hosting the picnic!

Restoration

It's been a while since I have made a post, but have something to share today. When I go back to the doctor on June 1st, I have to give him a decision about taking the plate out of my shoulder. My shoulder has been keeping me awake at night and muscle aches, but aside from that, I can use it and do most everything I want to, so it's been a hard decision for me, knowing I will have to be careful with it for another 6 to 8 weeks to avoid re-breaking while the 'screw holes' heal. And knowing there are no guarantees. There could be no improvement. From the beginning, I have had this feeling (trust your gut) that the plate needs to come out, but have been doubting myself lately. For Mother's Day, Michael gave me a book, "A Book of Prayer". Today when I picked it up, I just said, "Okay, God, if there's a message I need today, point me to it." With that I opened the book and the first prayer I saw was entitled "Because He Redeems All Things."

The prayer says, "Lord, I thank you that you are the God of redemption and restoration. Thank You that You are all about taking the imperfect and injecting Your perfection into it. Help me to remember that so I don't give up on situations, relationships, hopes, or dreams just because I think they are unredeemable. Thank You that You love me enough to be my Redeemer."

Since God is the center of my 'gut', I cannot doubt it. My decision is made. Thank you God, for sending me the message that it isn't time yet to accept the limitations. Your work is not finished.