Monday, October 25, 2010

Autumn Beauty

Justin
I went on my first photo shoot over the weekend. It was scheduled for the sole purpose of taking pictures and nothing else. Nothing extravagant or anything just some random fall shots. I went to the home of my former pastor to find some fall inspiration. He lives in the hills and it is so peaceful. You can see neighbors but there is hustle and bustle of town life. Even in the country close to town there is a constant sound of a distant highway. Not here it is just us and the sound of nature. And even though it was an overcast day I did catch myself standing in the middle of a pasture with my eyes closed soaking up the sun as it peeked through the clouds and thanking God for allowing me to enjoy the beauty he created. I took my youngest son with me because he is all about the outdoors. We walked through woods, hiked up hills, and walked through pastures. He is so at home in this kind of setting. He took only one picture while we were out but he chased frogs all the way around the pond. Thankfully for the frogs he did not catch them. And after he shared his lunch with the dogs one of them even helped in that quest.  Justin got his first ride on a tractor while we were there and he got a close up view of some cows coming to feed. He is such a blessing to have with me on outings like this. And even though he was scared to ride with me on the 4-wheeler we did have a great day. I wasn't expecting for anyone to be home so it was a great surprise to get to see Bro. Ron when he came home early. It has been years since I had seen him and was glad to see him looking so happy and refreshed by life. I learned allot from him and consider him to be my church father. I grew so  much spiritually and as a person in general while having him as a pastor. He was also the principle at our christian school and it was a joy to have him as an influence on our children. And I for one have to say he may have influenced my oldest more than others since he is the one who spent the most time at the principles office. It was to bad that I was the secretary he got to see when he got there. So I secretly hoped that he just wanted to see his mommy. 
Bro Ron wasn't the kind of pastor who lectured you on Sunday and then was not heard from till the next service. He was an actual part of the congregation. He played with the kids, and visited with the members and he and his wonderful wife even hosted hay rides in the fall at his home. He and his wife was a blessing to have as our leaders. And I am so very thankful that he is blessed with such a wonderful family to support him. And I do want to add that if you like to read that his daughter wrote an awesome book called Beyond Tomorrow! It is a christian based book set in the Civil War. Try it you will love it!!!
 So here are a few pics of our outing. And remember to take time to enjoy the outdoors with all of the beautiful fall colors! And if you have an opportunity to take a friend or family member it will make it that much better.
Beautiful fall colors
Bro Ron taking the kids fishing

Old Home Church

Justin and Pepper looking for frogs
  



Sunday, October 03, 2010

Technology

Well the last few days I have been having a love/hate relationship with technology. Since it is now officially hunting season we were in the woods doing some last minute prep to the stands. We were not getting done in time to pick up the boys from school so I needed to make arrangements for them to go to grandpa's. While on the phone with the school my phone went dead. And of coarse I was not anywhere near a charger. My husband had his in the truck but it doesn't get a signal where we were. And even if it did, I didn't know the number because they are all programed in my phone and all I see are names when dialing. Just what happened to the old days when we were a walking phone book and could memorize dozens of numbers. You know back when there were only phones at home and kids spent a whole lot more time around their parents. Now, second graders have their own cell phones and my thirteen year old calls me from his room. Well the kids were taken care of thanks to the great secretaries at school that got just enough of my phone call to get them where they needed to be. But now my youngest is coming home from cub scout camp and I can't call and check on him because the leader he is with is old school and does not have a cell phone. We are very good friends and I trust him very much and I am sure they stopped for lunch or even went to a sporting goods store and will be home soon but I so want to talk to him right now. So as for technology I am glad and sad all at the same time that you have spoiled us by making things so darn easy!

Me out hunting!
I just wanted to add a few pics to show some of the things I have been working on.