Bitter Sweet Reunion

Raymie, Kristen and Jeremy

Monday Ray and I were home for the day and three fourths of our children were here also. Normally this would have been a happy occasion, but this time it was a bitter sweet reunion. Oh sure, it was fun to spend time with them laughing, eating, watching football, laughing some more and just hanging out. But in reality my heart was hurting knowing all the while that yet another of our four children would be moving 11 hours away.

The morning was a cold with overcast and a few sprinkles, but I woke up and realized the importance of spending time with my family and living in the moments the Lord had blessed us with. With my heavy heart, I spoke to the Lord concerning my attitude and it wasn't long before I made the decision to spend the day in the woods. What better way to be close to God and my family at the same time?
We took a drive just over 20 miles from our home, parked our cars; one at one end of the trail and another at the other end. Then we commenced on our four mile walk in the woods of Kettle Moraine State Forrest. This is such a beautiful time of year.

While in the woods I couldn't help but take a few moments to note the beauty all around me. The vibrant colors of Autumn captured my view and I in turn captured bits of it in these photos.

I love the contrast between the colors, and shades of gray

Jeremy and Joanna along the trail

Aaron, Kristen with baby on the way:)

Jeremy and Joanna again (close up) They are moving to Missouri:(

In the photo above you can see the trees so random with older lifeless ones lying about. I love the natural beauty in this shot

In contrast to the random trees above; it is obvious these trees were intentionally planted in rows. This created another aesthetic all together. I like it just as much as the previous shot, for different reasons.

Here we are in the woods, me and Ray

In this photo is my son Raymie and me. Raymie came home to help Jeremy and Joanna move. At least they are moving to the same state, perhaps the same city. At the end of our four mile walk stood Parnell tower. Don't let my calm appearance and smile fool you. I couldn't wait to get down from there. My knees were shaking all the while.

All in all it was a full and fun day. When we got home I had a pot of chilly all ready and waiting for us. God is so good. He helps me find joy in the simple things in life. I am blessed. Thank you for stopping by. I hope my simple life blessed you in some way today:)