'Tis the season to be jolly...

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is right around the corner. I was so thankful to be back home for Thanksgiving this year, even if I didn't get any time off for the holiday. It was great to be with my mom, dad and brother again....we were missing one beloved sister very much.

Last night my roommate Jessica had a little more energy than I did (I had teacher training all day Friday and Saturday- all I wanted to do was sleep), so she decorated our apartment for Christmas. I woke up to lights strung throughout the apartment and tinsel outlining every doorway :). Tonight we are having some friends over for a belated Thanksgiving dinner with them. Yes, we are indeed spreading the American Thanksgiving tradition throughout Almaty :).

This past week was a difficult one....more than a full week. And this upcoming week will be full of chaos as we rehearse for our Christmas Concert on Friday. However, the one thing that keeps me hanging on at the moment (besides the grace of God ;)) is that my sister will arrive in exactly two weeks! Then, one week after that, my friend Katie will be joining us!!!! I cannot wait! I'm so excited to see them both, and catch up on life! I'm looking forward to many late nights of giggling, drinking hot chocolate, watching Christmas movies (and other classic movies), and hopefully seeing lots of snow.....but still waiting for that.

Well blogger world...I hope you've all had a thankful Thanksgiving, and you are looking forward to the season ahead. May we all be reminded of the true meaning!!!

Oh if only weekends were a little longer......

SIGH.....so another weekend is coming to an end. Another Saturday spent at a school event, and time is still just flying by. However, I am very thankful for the extended time I got to spend with my coworkers this weekend. After school on Friday we all went out to eat Indian Food and spend hours lounging around, talking, and laughing! It was great!!! Then we had to get up early Saturday and go to the Grand Opening of our preschool campus. We had lots of fun and games, and met perspective families and such. Then on our way to go eat, mom and dad invited us all over to join the cookout they were having. We got there, jumped on the trampoline, shot some hoops (as always at the Horsley house), and ate a great meal. It was good!

Top (Left to Right): Azamat (Aliya's husband), Mushtaq, Khalmurat, Khalmurat's cousin, my dad, my mom, Asem (Aliya's sister.

Bottom(Left to Right): Aizhan, Me, Rufina, Aliya

I am so truly thankful that God has placed these people in my life. They have truly become very dear friends of mine.