Gift #191- Hope

Today I am thankful that for the hope that I have in Christ Jesus.  I am thankful for the promise of heaven.  I am thankful that over 2000 years ago my Hope was sent down in the form of a tiny baby king- the most precious gift from God that one could ever receive.

A dear friend passed away today.  She was a teacher at the kids school and we attended chapel together.  We have not known each other long, but she was so inspiring that you couldn't help but love her and find reasons to spend time with her.  After a long 4 year fight with cancer, she finally met the Lord this morning.  The kids were heartbroken.  I am heartbroken as I type.  She leaves behind three sons and a husband.  Her youngest son is a very close friend of Jack's and is our paperboy.  He is only 13 years old.  I can't imagine what he is going through this evening.  But the one thing I do know is that he has hope-  he is hurting, but he knows that he will see his mom again some day.

Macy came home from school today and drew a picture of heaven.  It had gold streets and a beautiful mansion.  She listed some of the names of people that she loved that had passed away.  At the bottom of the picture, she wrote "All You Need is Love".  She is right.  Today I am thankful that "Love Came Down" and that with Him, came HOPE.

Gift #190- Letters from Santa

Macy wrote a letter to Santa a few days ago and got a very quick reply.  She has been so excited.  Sam is a little hesitant to write.  He said that he does not know if he is on the naughty or nice list is too scared to find out.  ;0)  Gotta love him!

Gift #189- My Snaggle-Toothed Girl

A new World Record:  Macy lost 4 top teeth in two days!  (It helped that she had that little extra tooth. She is hoping that the tooth fairy will count it.)  Macy's usual smile is small but oh so pretty!  But for 2 days now, she has been smiling exactly like the picture above.  She is so proud!  I will have to admit, I like her usual smile better.  Her new one reminds me that she is getting way too big.

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!

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)