Eight

Happy Birthday, Curly Girl!!!!

Our trip to the mountains

Last week my hubby and I had a chance to get away together for a few days. The grandmas were kind enough to take the kids for us, and Toby spent his vacation at the kennel. Poor doggy!

I really needed this time away, but I didn't realize how exhausted I was until the third day of our trip. It has been a real adjustment going back to work after being home full-time for the last nine years. And my job, although it has some wonderful, fulfilling moments, is not the easiest one out there. Students love their principal; parents are sometimes another story. It's a huge responsibility knowing that children, parents, teachers, and staff are counting on me to make right decisions and lead the school down the path God has for us. I have to admit, at times I feel overwhelmed.

This trip could not have come at a better time. I was ready for a break, and this year I've really been missing the atmosphere that autumn in the mountains brings. Remember, in Florida there are only two seasons: hot and hotter! :) We were able to fellowship with friends on this trip and just take our time doing what we wanted to do.

We had so much fun in the mountains and spent one afternoon hiking up Amicalola Falls. It was truly breathtaking! Here a few pictures we snapped along the way.





We had some bitter-sweet moments on our trip, too. One of the men from our church in Georgia, Bro. Cameron, was in a horrible accident the week of our trip. An electrical transformer he was working on exploded in a fireball. Bro. Cameron received 3rd degree burns all over his upper body. He is still in a coma and in critical condition in the burn unit in Atlanta. He turned 80 last week. He and his wife Fay are two of the godliest people I've ever met. Bro. Cameron is a man who has truly walked with God and has served him faithfully for many, many years.

For those of you familiar with Bro. Lester Roloff and the Roloff homes in Texas, Bro. Cameron worked there for many years and was the pastor of the church there after Bro. Roloff went to heaven. Please pray for Bro. Cameron and his family during this difficult time. They are still taking things hour by hour. We were able to visit the hospital a couple of times and share some sweet moments with Mrs. Cameron and the family and some of our Georgia church family as well. Our hearts are just aching for all of them, but we know that God's grace is sufficient even when we don't understand.

Steven and I are in the mountains...ALONE...and loving every minute spent together admiring God's beautiful creation! :)

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Ps. 103:2
Whatever you are facing today, remember that God loves you! His grace is sufficient for your every need. Praise Him today for His goodness and mercy.

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A Night Under the Stars for Curly Girl

During our Christian school's homecoming week there are a ton of fun activities. Everything culminates on Friday night when the homecoming queen is crowned at halftime during the football game. This year Curly Girl was invited to be the crown bearer for homecoming night.

We went to the salon so that she could get her hair done for this extra-special night.
She had a black faux fur cape to wear with her dress, but it was close to 90 degrees that evening, so she didn't end up wearing it. In spite of the heat, Curly Girl had a wonderful time being a part of the homecoming court. Here she is posing for pictures. She was so cooperative; I think the photographer took over 50 pictures of her and her escort (the sash-bearer, another little second grader).

With Mommy and DaddyDaddy with his little sweetheartMy favorite

Curly Girl's Curlz

Curly Girl's face is a fun one to watch. Here are a couple of pictures I took of her at the salon while she was getting her hair "done" for a big night out.Just wait 'til you see the finished product! I'll post more pictures soon. :)

Breakfast with a butterfly

This past Saturday morning my wonderful hubby took me out for a breakfast date. Lil' Nut was the only child at home at the time (the rest of the kiddos were with their grandmas), so she got to accompany us. A "balloon man" in the restaurant made this butterfly creation for Lil' Nut. What could be better than pancakes and a new friend to keep her occupied the entire meal?!

Fall Decor~ Part II

This wreath hangs on the powder room door. It was made by the talented Susan P. :)In the kitchen...
And the family room...

Fall Decor~ Part I

It doesn't feel the least bit fall-ish here; the temps have been back up in the 90's every day. I'm not going to complain about the heat; I'm just thankful that our air conditioners haven't died on us. :)

Today I'm finally following through on my promise to post some pictures of my fall decorations. Actually, I'm only going to post a few today; that way I'll be motivated to get another post together later this week.

These welcome flags are out in the front yard.

I purchased a new wreath for the front door this year.
The Foyer (Yes, all of my walls are still white!)

Feeling like fall

It doesn't take a whole lot to put a smile on my face. Nighttime temperatures in the mid-60's make me feel almost as good as a good piece of chocolate does. Not quite, but almost. Yesterday morning a shiver went through me when I went outside to walk the dog. Sixty-five degrees, Friends, is big news here in Central Florida. The afternoon high of 87 doesn't bother us when the humidity has dropped. I could stand a few more days of this.

I haven't had time for many updates lately, but hopefully I'll have another post up soon. I have some pictures of fall decorations around the house to share, as well as some of the kiddos. This morning I'm off to a school administrator/teacher convention. Hope you all have a wonderful day! :)