Gift #200- Carolers

A few nights ago, there was a ring at our doorbell.  When we opened the door, a group of our friends were there to greet us with a few Christmas carols!  I remember caroling as a kid after my grandparents annual Christmas Eve Party.  My grandfather always played his kazoo and wore a Santa pin on his shirt.  But I don't remember ever being the "carolee".  I loved it!  It just warmed me right up.  We are a tiny bit home-sick this time of year, but the carolers reminded us that we have a military family just right outside our door.  We are so very grateful.

Gift #199- A Little Tree in the Monster Van

I found this little battery operated Christmas tree at our thrift store and just had to get it for the van.  I remember my dad having one in our Suburban when I was a kid.  It was made from cardboard and had silver tinsel wrapped around it.  We would turn it on each time we got in the car.  What a great memory.  Jack seemed a little embarrassed at first, but I think that it was just an act.  He is usually the first one to turn ours on.  We get a lot of looks driving around base in our ginormous van and little tree!

Gift #198- My Little Nephew Cooper

My nephews birthday came and went last week and I did not blog about him!  I don't know how I let that happen.  Little Cooper is unforgettable in so many ways.  He is quiet and sweetly shy and has blonde curls and big blue eyes.   When I see him through the computer, I just want to reach out and grab him up.  Happy Belated birthday Cooper.  I love you so much.

Gift #197- Lunch with Tomoko In Otake

Today, I met my friend Tomoko for lunch in her hometown of Otake.  We started out with a green salad, corn chowder, and potato salad with shrimp.  We then moved on to a lunch set that was full of  so many different types of delicious foods.  We ended with cheesecake and Earl Gray Tea!  I am truly enjoying the many different types of foods here in Japan.  I am not, however, enjoying trying to button my jeans!

Gift #196- Christmas Gifts from Japanese Friends

My friends from the Japanese preschool gave me a Christmas gift today-  rice and micans (oranges).  Both were home grown in the yard of one of the teachers.  I feel so blessed to be here experiencing this unique culture and sharing our traditions.

Gift #195- Christmas Nerds

The Thomas Kids are CRAZY about Nerds.  Their mom is pretty fond of them too.  (Except when they are stuck in the carpet.)  Macy spilled her nerds today on the table and then managed to shape the mess into a Christmas tree.  Thanks for the Nerds Aunt Annie.

Gift #194- Toys for Tots

I LOVE the Toys for Tots organization.  I especially love seeing these Marines giving of their time to collect toys.  It does my heart good!  Macy took these 2 Marines some hot chocolate and they were very grateful.

Gift #193- My new Japanese Kokeshi doll Nativity

My students gave me this beautiful Kokeshi Nativity for Christmas.  I can not tell you how proud I am. I collect Nativity's and this is one is already one of my favorites.  It will forever remind me of our first Christmas in Japan.