I ♥ Autumn, Yet it is the hardest season

colors, sun, and a chill in the air....

leaves changing and leaves falling

hay rides, pumpkins, trick or treat, happy turkey day,

cheering, jeering, celebrating, losing,

notre dame v. navy, hospital, death...

Four years later and I miss him more than ever...

"Dear Dad:

Thanks, for whispering an idea in Abby's ear today to start 'mud ball' game with her sister.

Did you laugh when you saw Madi covered in mud?

Or did you laugh more when Rebecca asked Abby

'How come your sister is covered in mud and you are not?'

I am sure that you whispered her answer: "mom, i can throw farther than she can"

I am sure you heard the laughs and giggles come from my girls

and I know it brought a smile to your face... Thanks!

I wish they could feel your strong hands wrap them up the way you used to with me.

I am trying to be loving, strong, caring, and all that you stood for in front of my girls.

I will never understand why you aren't here, but thanks for reaching out today...

In case I haven't said in a while... I love you and miss you!

Hope to see you soon!!!"

PLEASE ENJOY THESE PHOTOS!

"Handsome smiles wearing handsome shoes,

Too young to say, though I swear he knew,

And I hear him singing while he sits there in his chair,

Now these autumn leaves float around everywhere."
(Autumn by Paolo Nutini)

That time of year again.

IN THIS CORNER:
Standing: 5 feet 10.5 inches
Weighing: 235lbs.
(More on this later)
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Last night my wife and I were discussing how we enjoy this time of the year. I stated that I don't
really like it, but when I think about it I am not sure that there is a time of the year that I enjoy more. I mean, Baseball is wrapping up (or making a big push to the playoffs) and Football is starting. In another month or so Hockey and Basketball will be starting. So let me profess right now! I do love this time of the year. The weather is getting a little cooler and nature's colors are starting to shine.

Well, this past Sunday Abby and I went on a Father/Daughter date to Wendy's (she for some reason has wanted to go there for a long time!) and then we stayed home from church with Madi (only Rebecca went). So what did we do? I taught the ins and outs of Football. Really just running and tackling one another. We ended the night with them taking baths and watching our favorite "The Lion King". I think the most fun part for the girls was getting to "tackle Daddy''. It was a great night.


Here are some of the photos of the girls playing football.






This is Abby coming to tackle me


Nice Catch!

Change is Good... DON'T YOU THINK?

(Sorry the title is taking from my favorite Disney movie "Lion King")

Coming out work today I realized something... I love this time of year! The leaves are starting to change. The air gets a little brisk, and at least in Maryland it is still warm during the day. The Sun causes the leaves to sparkle. Mostly I can get some great photos. This season (autumn) has a lot of change in it. Animals, plants, trees, people, and weather seem to get ready for winter. Also I feel like I am in a season in my life of change, harvest, and sowing... Here are some of my thoughts lately about the four seasons.

Spring: A time when Life awakens from a slumber. To me this is a time of receiving.
Summer: Abundance of life, Full of sun and warmth. A time when God's hand of blessing seems to be present.
Autumn: Time of Changing, Sowing, & of Harvest
Winter: Time of rest, and of trust.

Right now in my life I feel like God has me in place of harvesting and sowing. I feel like this season is a time when I will be harvesting. Harvesting the things that God has planted in those around me. I also feel like this is a time when God will be sowing in me. Sowing in me the promises and grace that I will need to listen to, and trust in.

Anyway, I have been listening to a song called "Desert Song" lately and these are some thoughts that can come into my mind. I hope that this makes some sense. Below are some of the photos that I have taken and thanks for reading













~Justin