Gift #440- Not Being Afraid...

to let it all hang out!

Gift #439- Having 1000 Things to be Thankful For!

I have been working on a list of 1000 things that I am thankful for.  I finished my first list a few days ago!  This list will be a great reminder of the many ways God has blessed our family during our time here in Japan.

Gift #438- A "Note" from my Favorite Author

For a few years now, I have been very inspired by the writings of Ann Voskamp.  In fact, her book "One Thousand Gifts" was the inspiration for the name of my little blog.   A few days ago, Ann posted a link on her Facebook page.  I made a comment about the post and she wrote back!  I know, I know- this seems a bit weird and maybe even stalker-ish.  But in my defense, she is kind of famous.  Her book stayed on the NY Times Best Seller list for over a year and she appeared on the Today Show of all things!   It was a neat little birthday gift from my favorite author and it made me smile.

PS- She called me friend at the end of her reply.  I think that she probably meant BFF.   :)

Gift #437- 40 Fantastic Years!

I had a very happy 40th Birthday.  Sam and Macy stayed up with me and counted down until midnight July 11th!  We ate ice-cream with magic shell!  They each made me very sweet cards.   The boys gave me some flavored Kit-Kats before they left-  Sweet Bean Paste, Cheesecake, Cherry Blossom Green Tea, and Strawberry Flavored!  Hank had one of our sweet friends make a delicious Chocolate Kahlua Cake for me.  We went out for a Chinese dinner and then had cake and Rocky Road Ice-cream.  Hank gave me a funny card with a promise to take me to the first Zac Brown concert we can get too when we get back home.  I will certainly take him up on that.  I got some very thoughtful packages from home and so many sweet birthday wishes from friends and family!  It was truly a wonderful day.

For months now, I have been trying to come up with some type of goal that I would like to accomplish in my 40th year. I was thinking maybe I should climb Mt. Fuji, or finally learn to play the guitar.  After much consideration, I think that bringing home 2 babies will be enough.  No exercise required.  Bringing home little Bo from China will be a dream come true.  And a tiny little Thomas is just icing on my 40th birthday cake.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed with God's goodness.  Today is one of those days.