But a vapor....

Ok, this week we had another setback-our fridge went out. Just when I thought one more thing couldn't go wrong it does. I'm sorry to be such a downer but this is getting almost comical...almost. I guess I have to laugh so I won't cry. If there is some rich relative out there that would like to send me some money, I'm open to handouts! If only. I hate having to spend money on things I wasn't planning on. I mean we are trying to move and in just the last few months we have had to pay hundreds of dollars to remove a tree that snapped, a thousand dollars on a new shower that leaked, had to replace all four tires on my van, get a new battery for the van, my tooth chipped (and we have no dental insurance,) I've had to go to the doc for plantar fasciitis and get two injections, and now the fridge. I'm sure I am leaving something out too. I mean our house won't sell and we can barely afford a down payment on a new one anyway and all this comes up. I just don't know if it will be possible.

I just had to get that out there. It's almost more than I can take. But all this to say--it isn't more than we can take! Our God is the God of the impossible! And I'm so grateful that I even have a house, a van, teeth, heels to walk on, and yes I am grateful for the fridge that we've had the last 8 years. I know we have far more than so many in the world and I'm amazed that God allows us to live in America where things are so plentiful. It's so easy to feel sorry for oneself when things are rough, but when things are going well are we really grateful? I guess a not so small lesson God is wanting me to learn is to be grateful in the rough and the smooth times. No matter how bad it may seem, it could be far-far worse. I hope we don't have to experience the far worse -I like the smooth times much more. But in the bad, I will choose to remember that this life is only temporary. We are but a vapor...passing through...and on the other side I know my Father is preparing for me a mansion. And in that mansion, I will have a french door, freezer on the bottom, ice/water in the door, stainless fridge. Oh wait, just kidding, that is what I wish I had in this life. In the next I will be all consumed with the God that is the Provider of all things good and all things that last. Thank you my everlasting Father for your unfailing love that surpasses any pleasure in this life! Please consume me!

Happy Fourth of July!

Had a great time at the Trussville Freedom Celebration that our church puts on for the community. Tons of inflatables, climbing walls, food vendors, live music, fantastic fireworks, and friends all equals a great time! Silly eyes
Couldn't get a great photo of the fireworks. I couldn't even see my camera, but you get the idea. Catherine gave Ryan a few fireworks of her own. Smooch!
Best Karate moves! Sweet Catherine! Holding hands on the walk back to the car.

Botanical Gardens--June 29

As I've probably said before the first words out of Ryan's mouth are usually..."Mama, what are we going to do for fun today?" So today was the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. We had a great time. Weather was not too hot and both boys loved walking around the grounds. Of course their favorite is always the Japanese Gardens where they can see the giant gold fish.(koi) Well, all was going well but I ended up getting stung by a bee at the Japanese Tea house. I stomped that little guy though. Sorry all you activists....it was sweet vengence!
Bye, bye Bee!