Gift #188- Dogs Wearing "Outfits" (and Hank's Love for Dogs Wearing Outfits)

In Japan, it is very common for dogs to wear clothes!  You can buy clothes for all seasons at the Japanese dollar store for 105 yen.  Dogs wearing clothes is one of Hank's pet peeves and it makes me laugh so hard.  He says that dogs should not wear "outfits."  I like to dress Turbo up every now and then just to get Hank a little fired up.  A few moments ago, Hank came up behind me and saw that I was editing this picture of Turbo.  He said "seriously-  that is what you are thankful for today."  So, I HAD to post this picture of Turbo in his Santa outfit.  I am not sure if I am more thankful for Turbo in a Santa suit or for the way that Hank continues to make me laugh after all these years.

Gift #187- Japanese Italian Restaurants

Today, my friend Berta introduced me to the most amazing Italian restaurant here in Japan!  It might have been the best Italian food that I have ever had.  Weird huh?  I had to be touristy and take pictures!

This was my appetizer.  A small salad with sesame dressing.  Port tenderloin with fried lotus root and basil, cracker with peach mango salsa, and creamy corn soup!  Eating was so fun!

This was my entree.  Freshly made Udon noodles with chicken in a garlic butter sauce!!!  Too good.  I was full, but managed to finish the bowl!

The meal would not have been complete without a little dessert- a small brownie with raspberry sherbet!  A Christmas reindeer made from chocolate decorates the plate!!!  Another friend of mine went last week and she had the cutest Christmas bear made with cream and chocolate in her cappuccino!  I can't wait to go again!  Maybe for dinner!  :0)

Gift # 186- Sam and his helmet

Because Sam spends so much time outside on his bicycle, he sometimes forget that he is wearing his helmet.  He came in after a long day today and kept it on for at least an hour before he realized that he was wearing it.  He had a snack, did his math facts, and watched tv all in his little blue helmet.  He looked pretty darn cute all the while.

Gift #185- Croutons and Chocolate Chips

So I am probably not going to win the Mother of the Year Award this go around.  You might remember from a previous post that going to the grocery store is not on my list of favorite things to do.  Well, that was apparent this morning when it was time to pack the kids lunches.  I was out of lunch bags so I wrapped the sandwiches in wax paper.  I thought that it looked kind of quaint.  It was truly a scavenger hunt.  Josh ended up with a sandwich, some croutons, some apple slices and a few chocolate chips.  When the kids got home I was expecting them to complain, but they actually said that it was the best lunch yet!  Thank God for Croutons and Chocolate Chips!