Gift #181- Little People Decorating Big Trees

Macy did most of the decorating of our tree this year.  She stood on the chairs to decorate some of the top of the tree, but most of the decorations were at her eye level and below.  It is perfect and I think we will leave it just like it is!  :0)

Gift #180- Our First Japan Thanksgiving

We were so very grateful to be able to share a traditional American Thanksgiving with our  Japanese friends.  It was such a wonderful experience.  The ladies had many questions about the food and the traditions.  We all went around the table and shared what we were thankful for.  They especially loved Hank!  (Hank said "what's not to love").  :0)  I taught them the American idiom "good catch" and I pointed to Hank.  They all laughed and agreed.  We started talking about music and they told us that they liked Carly Simon and Abba.  One of the ladies had a strong affinity towards George Strait.  Hank played one of his songs and she got up and started to country dance.  It was the best!  The kids had a special table beside us.  But they did not stick around for too long.  A flag football game was going on over at the high school field and they had to join in.  We ended the evening over at our neighbors house sitting by a fire.  It was a great day!  If you can't be home for the holidays, then this certainly was the next best thing!  

Gift #179- Miss Diane

Happy Birthday Miss Diane!  We love you and miss you.  Thanks for keeping Papa in line.  He needs all of the help that he can get.  We hope that your birthday is as wonderful as you!  You are a gift to our family.

Gift # 178- Bed Head Contest

Each morning there is a contest at the Thomas house to see who has the best bed head.  Sam was the undisputed winner this morning.  Congratulations Sam!  :0)

Gift #177- A Full Refrigerator

I do not love to grocery shop.  I put it off as long as I can.  The kids will attest to this.  But today, my fridge is full and running over!  Hank said that there was something comforting about a full fridge!  I agree.  We have so many things to be thankful for!

Gift #176- Our little Student of the Month

Macy is the student of the month in her first grade class.  She was so very excited and we were so very proud of her.  I was hoping that they would give me a bumper sticker for the monster van that said "My child is Student of the Month.  But no such luck.  :0)  Love you Macy Girl.

Gift #175- My New Bed!

We left our king sized bed behind in the US.  We did not think that we would have room for it.  We realized quickly that a queen sized bed is just not good for our marriage.  We bought two twins and pushed them together.  Hank made the bed out of old pallets that we found around base.  I LOVE it!  We splurged and bought a down comforter.  We have been wanting one for years.  We usually buy nice bedding for the kids and make their rooms look just right.  Our bedroom decor has always been put on the back burner.  But we are so happy to have a fresh new look!  And now we can stay married!    

PS-  Hank if you are seeing this at work, you will notice a new lamp.  I promise that I got it for a steal on Amazon.  :0)

Gift #174- Japanese Snuggies

I am not sure quite how these are a gift, but they sure did make me smile when I saw them in the store.  Like many Americans, the Japanese also love to be able to read and keep their arms warm and cozy at the same time.  Snuggies just make me smile.  The comedian Tim Hawkins says that Jesus is probably coming back soon because of the Snuggie.  He says that Jesus is up in heaven saying "Dad look how silly they look, can I please just go and get them already."  :0)

Gift #173- Hanging with American Idol Finalists

Phil Stacey from American Idol season 6 came to our chapel last night.  He put on a great show and even gave me 2 of his CD's.  It was so inspiring to hear him sing and to know that he is using his talent  to serve the Lord.  What a blessing.

Gift #172- Man's Best Friend

I know that I have already counted Turbo as one of my gifts.  I might have even counted him twice.  But look at him!  He is just so darn cute!  Hank took these pictures of him a few days ago.  He says that he is not a big fan of Turbo and he tries to give him away to every person who pets him.  But I know that, secretly, he loves this little dog as much as I do.  Right Hank?  Thank God for my little Turbo and for my husband who secretly likes him too!  :0)

Gift #171- A Quiet Place

This is my favorite place in the whole house.  It is my quiet place.  It is not usually so very quiet.  But if I get up early enough, I can spend an entire hour here with my dog and my coffee and my Bible.  The screen to the left of the chair is my laundry closet.  The dryer heats up my cozy little space on the cold mornings.  Base housing can be a little drab and dated, but you can make it your own as long as you have a quiet place to sit (and of course a little dog to sit with you).