Thankful Sunsets

Last week brought about some absolutely beautiful fall weather and with it some evening sunsets that were breathtaking.  I still find that I have to pinch myself sometimes when I look out my kitchen window, living room window, bedroom window...ok well just about any window in our home...and see buffalo roaming the pastures.  I would have never imagined that our journey would ever bring us here but almost a year since we've last moved to the farm, I find myself appreciating it even more.  I'm so grateful God has blessed us with sunsets like this to enjoy.  2 years ago both Jamie and I were struggling with where God had us and had no idea the many ways in which our faithful Father would provide.  So in my true form my fingers were itching to capture my backyard friends against the spectacular show of color God painted across the sky this evening...I was once again reminded of the creativity God has used throughout my life and thankful that each brushstroke He has painted has added color and richness to my life...even when at the time I can't always see His big picture.

These last 2 I took one early morning when I had returned home from work.  It was a crisp, very clear morning and the moon was almost full.  I just had to run in to grab my camera and tripod to attempt to capture what I saw.  Unfortunately I'm still working on that and I didn't have much time as the moon was quickly disappearing behind the hill.  But a few of my backyard friends were either still up or early risers and they offered a great subject against that brilliant moon.

Last but not least I have to say...while I'm on the grateful trail...how grateful I am that fall has finally arrived!  I don't so much enjoy the hot, sticky weather that comes around every summer.  I much prefer the colors, smells, and temperature of fall.  My wonderful Mom provided me with 2 beautiful mums and we were able to go out one afternoon and collect a few pumpkins to create the perfect little fall feeling to our homes.  To continue with the fall theme, this past weekend we had the fabulous Tate's over again and we found an orchard near our home where we could pick our own apples and what a grand time we had.  I should have taken some pictures but I was too busy enjoying the Tates company.  We picked about 60 lbs of apples between the 4 1/2 of us and then headed to the store to get some pie dough so we could make our own homemade apple dumplings.  What a delicious feast we had that evening!!  The Tate's are another grand reason I'm thankful that God has brought us here.  As we head into fall 2011, I've found that my list of blessings well outweighs the struggles this year and I can only credit that to the One who makes all things possible.