later gators.

We are going to where dreams come true...tootles for now.

i'm a little excited

...my semester is finished.

Now, for the fun, friends and family-filled Christmas break.

ho-hum.

                                  

                                 Source: here via Marli on Pinterest

It's finals week, y'all.

Need I say more?

callaway in all its wonder.

Yesterday afternoon, after Sunday morning church, the Bush family loaded up in the Suburban with us and we hit the road.
Our destination: Callaway Gardens.

When arriving at the Gardens, our first stop was the Butterfly House. We didn't see as many butterflies as we normally do, but we were able to find some in all the vines and bushes of pretty flowers.

After the Butterfly House, we studied the map and set off down a secluded walking trail--looking for a place for us to have Sunday night "church". Then we saw it. The perfect gazebo. The seven of us gathered around and settled down to listen to Mr. Billy. We were surrounded by the wonderfulness of God's nature while digging into His Word.

When the lesson was concluded, we continued down the quiet path. On our way, we were stopped by a park police and was kindly informed that we needed to leave the park because the gardens were closing. We reluctantly trudged the rest of the way to our SUV (My sister and I sped it up a little by racing back...the sister won. :( ).

After we left the gardens, we made our way to the trolleys to see the Fantasy in Lights. As many times as we have seen the magnificent lights, they have yet to get old. Unlike in times past, the weather was quite comfortable and not too cold...we were thankful. Singing Christmas carols and laughing at the little one's who were sitting behind us, the trolley ride was another unforgettable memory.

Me, Memory, Mom, and Daddy

...with creeper, blurry mom in the background.... ;D

The whole gang in the perfect gazebo.
(minus mom who was taking the picture
and missing the brother and his wife who were unable to come on the trip.)

Mr. Billy leading the devotional.

On the trolley, ready to see the lights.
Andrew, Memory, and Me

Oh, you know. Just being us.

That's a wrap!

being thankful.

This week is a special week.

Not only is it a birthday week for me, it is a week where families are able to come together and count their many blessings.

It is a time to talk about how we are truly blessed regardless of all the hurdles and struggles that life brings.

{(just a few of) my "thankful for's"}

The privilege to vote

My little children in my Sunday school class

(....I was planning on posting more photos, but Blogger is saying that I have run out of space in my Picasa Web Album. :'( Has anyone had this problem before?? What do I need to do?????)

Since I couldn't continue with pictures, I'll just share in words...
I'm thankful for good health
I'm thankful for the ability to wake up and go for a run in the early morning light
I'm thankful for family that loves me
I'm thankful for new friendships
I'm thankful for a sister that will stay up and watch Little Women with me
I'm thankful for a brother and his wife who live close by
I'm thankful for a God who is still high and mighty on His throne
I'm thankful for the dressing that I'm going to devour today
I'm thankful for the awesome invention of Skype
I'm thankful for only 3 weeks more in this semester and then having a MONTH of a break
I'm thankful for cozy fire's in the fireplace
(tons more...but I'll spare you)


(read last year's "thankful for" post.)



So, eat lots turkey and dressing, have some of that peanut butter pie (without regretting it ;D), and have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!!

Oh, and try not to get run over in all the Black Friday hustle and bustle Thursday night/Friday morning... because I'll be right there with you, trying to find all the good deals that you could probably find in the daylight the next day. ;)