Gift #170- A Change of Season

We are enjoying an amazing change of season here in Japan.  The leaves are such brilliant shades of red and orange and yellow.  Jack and his dad traveled to Miyajima yesterday to take some photographs of the beautiful scenery.  These were a few of Hank's favorites.  He's pretty good huh?

Gift #169- The 237th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has provided our family with so many unique opportunities and adventures.  We were proud last night as we celebrated its 237th birthday.  We went to the birthday ball at the base gym and had a wonderful time.  My dress fit a little tighter than it did last year, and I took the heels off the second that we were seated.  But it sure is fun to be able to dress up once each year and go to the ball.  I love seeing Hank in his dress blues.  He looked so very handsome and made me very proud to be on his arm.

Gift #168- His Ways are Higher

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher that your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:9.

Even though our hearts are heavy, today, we choose to give thanks.   Knowing that God's ways and plans are far higher than ours could ever be.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  Choose to give thanks.

We are especially thankful for our Aunt Catherine!  Today is her birthday.  She has always held a very special place in Hank's heart and won mine the moment that we met.  She is kind and thoughtful and so very welcoming.  She also bakes a mean butter cookie!  We love you so much Aunt Catherine.  You are truly a gift.

Gift #167- A Voice and a Vote

Sam's Voter Registration Card

Sam and Macy have been on the campaign trail.  Macy promises a classroom pet.  Sam promises no school for the rest of the year!  

No matter the outcome of today's Presidential race, I am proud to be an American today.

Gift #166- Emoticons and iMessage

My Brother Ted, my sister Beth, and I texted for almost 2 hours on Saturday.  Beth has always had such a wonderful sense of humor and Ted was blessed with  quick wit and great comedic timing.  We started texting about some fun memories of mom and it turned into a making fun of Ted session, then we started making fun of each other.  Beth found some hilarious emoticons on her iPad that were so very fitting and well-timed.  I was actually out on a walk and was texting the entire time.  I was walking along literally laughing out loud.  It was such good therapy.  I love remembering mom and laughing about some of her endearing quirks.  I also love remembering the craziness that occurred at 811 Avery Street when we were growing up.  My sister, Kim, was included in the message, but she was at a party with some of our friends from church and couldn't respond.  We didn't know it at the time, but she was reading the texts and sharing them with our friends and they were laughing right along with us.  We decided that we should take our comedy on the road.  Kim suggested that I use the text conversation as my Gift for the day.  I thought that was a good idea.  Sharing happy stories and laughing along with my brothers and sisters is truly a gift.  I miss you all.

Gift # 165- Hot Chocolate With Marshmallows

 Sam Likes a Little Hot Chocolate with His Marshmallows

Mint Flavored Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Bits.  A match made in heaven!