Family Times

     This fall we got to take a little trip up the Mississipp to visit Bemidji and see family. Always a good thing!
     One evening we hung out at the Cobb's home right on the Mississippi. Eating and fellow-shipping. Ephriam learned he really liked fried purple onions when Uncle Luke feeds them to him. And Travis shared some Red green episode he thought was funny to some of the guys. I guess they thought it was fun as well.

     It was deer hunting season while we were up there so when anyone was out beyond the yard they needed to wear hunter orange. We aren't too supplied on hunter orange clothes so I brought along the home depot aprons. I thought I was pretty clever. Mostly we just stayed out of the woods and worked around the house and garage. No one was supposed to be hunting in the pasture but it is better to be safe than sorry.

 Eph thought Bea's pink hair was a little overwhelming
;)

 Grandma's love to hold sleeping babies.
Sleeping babies love to be held by Grandmas.

     Several trees were cut down. This one was particularly close to the house so we all came outside and watched from a safe distance. Travis did good and the tree fell just where it was supposed too. Dad was on the skid loader giving it a pull in the right direction as well.

      The night we came home was the super moon. It was so pretty. When we got home we got out the telescope and gave it a viewing that was a little more up close and personal. You could really see the details of it through the telescope's lenses.

          That morning in his sermon Mathew used James 3:17 & 18.

      But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Those words really struck me as who I want to be. Can I be less greedy, more pure in my intentions? More peaceful than grumpy, gentle in my response rather than critical? reasonable rather than jumping to conclusions? Merciful rather than impatient, leaving a trail of good memories rather than angst? Steadfast rather than giving up? all of that without being hypocritical?

 I think I can but I have to try. I want to try. I will try.

     Then, my Uncle Leland died and we took a trip to Wisconsin to celebrate his life.
Uncle Lee was a great guy with a lot of great traits but what we will most miss and we remember about him is his music. Him sitting at the piano, beaming with joy as he played and sang songs of praise to Jesus. Family reunions are not going to be the same with out his presence. He didn't have to be the one making the music he was quite happy listening to others and clapping along. Music was his peace.

 At the Johnson's house with cousins.

Until next time,

~Anna