Gift #184- Gran

Today I am thankful for the life of Sarah Grace Thomas- Hank's Gran.  My sister in law sweetly reminded me yesterday that she was my Gran too.  She certainly did treat me as one of her own and I loved her as mine.

15 Things I loved about Gran:

1.  Her Big laugh.
2.  Her story-telling (ok, so it was a little long, and sometimes a repeat, but it was one of her most endearing qualities.)
3.  That she always bought a little something for the great grands at the Christmas White Elephant Sale at the Methodist Church- usually a stuffed animal.
4.  That she was a kindergarten teacher and knew exactly how to make her great grand children feel special.  Specifically, I loved it when she would receive a drawing from them and she would say "Tell me about it".
5.  That she always had candy.
6.  That she wore soft purple pajamas and always had a "hair-do"
7.  That sometimes when she tried to whisper, it wasn't a whisper at all.
8.  That she "owned" Miracle Strip Amusement Park in the mind of her grandkids.
9.  That she had impeccable timing and delivery of the phrase "Bless Her Heart".
10.  That we shared a love of poodles.  :0)
11.  The memory of her not-so-attractive yellow couch.
12.  That she always knew just a tiny bit of town gossip and that she was always willing to share.  (Not without saying the proper "Bless her heart" either before or after.)
13.  That she hugged long.
14.  That she is in heaven with her Savior and her Mark (and my mom).
15.  That her last words to me were "don't cry baby".

We love you so much Gran.

Gift #183- Love Came Down

December will be here in less than 36 hours here in Japan.  I am praying that the Thomas family will be able to slow and enjoy this advent season and be mindful of why we are celebrating- because Love Came Down.

Gift #182- Kenny Chesney's Christmas Album

Kenny Chesney's "All I want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan" is my all time favorite Christmas CD. Is that sad?  I love his duet with Randy Owen and I love the song "Just a Kid."  I was crazy busy with some sewing orders today, but Kenny sang to me all the while.

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)