Gift #376- A Pile of Dirty Dishes and some Potato Peel

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving again this year.  My ladies, along with 2 of Hank's Marines came over to share a big Thanksgiving lunch.  My tiny little living room was packed!  And I loved it.  We spent a few hours being lazy after our company left and then we went over to the Gordon's to have another full meal!  We ate again and played board games.  A good time was had by all.  There is so very much to be thankful for this year.  I am even thankful for the sink full of dishes and the potato peels!  It means that we had a house full of friends and a delicious meal to share together.

Gift #375- A Short Memory

So, this might not really be considered a gift to some, but Sam's short memory can sometimes be so very comical.  It defines him so well.  He can lock many interesting facts into his mind and keep them there forever.  But on Sunday, when he was supposed to remember to make the short trip from our front door to the chapel on his scooter, he got sidetracked and forgot what the goal was.  There was a little party at our thrift store which sits right between our house and the church.  This party had a bounce house.  I could probably just end the story right there and you would be able to guess what happened.  Well, I guess that the bounce house seemed much more appealing  than children's church, because that is where we finally found him half-an-hour after church started.  His explanation:  "I got distracted."   He certainly did.  Well, he got in trouble, but I really found myself smiling about the situation more than anything.  That was such a "Sam" thing to do.  He is such a unique and special kid.  Ok, that might be a kind way of saying that he is a hand-full.  But I sure do love that little boy of mine.

Gift #374- Sweet Smiles

Avery Grace started smiling several weeks ago, but these big smiles are starting to come more often and they light up her whole face.   She is really starting to "talk".  She has to try so hard to do it, but is getting better and better.  I love watching her reach these milestones.  But it also means that she is growing up.  When I was growing up, my mom had a framed poem in our house that read:

Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow.
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs.  Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

I never really understood the words until I had children of my own.   I am doing my very best to remind myself that the cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow.  I don't want to miss one smile or one little word.  I want to rock her forever.

Gift #373- A Life-Long Friend

True Friends are never apart.  Maybe in distance, but not in heart.  

Happy 40th Birthday Joy.  I think you are right- 40 is the new 30.  

And you (we) are going to wear it well. When I get home, we must celebrate!  

Gift #372- Chicken on a Stick

I have counted "chicken on a stick" as a gift once before. But it is one of those things that can certainly be counted twice!  The chicken is delicious, but the experience itself is even better in my opinion.  It was a cold day last week when we went.  Each table is complete with warming blankets so you can cozy up while you are eating.  Sam LOVES the sauce and dips his fingers in it long after the chicken is gone.  Macy is CRAZY about the gyoza and gets very grumpy when it is all gone!

The Chicken Shack was already decorated for Christmas!

This was AG's very first restaurant outing with her family!

Do you see what Santa is holding?  Chicken on a Stick!

Gift #371- My brother-in-law Travis

My brother in law Travis is so very kind-hearted.  He is a wonderful daddy and husband.  I hope that, when we are stateside once again, our families will be able to spend some time together!  We are long overdue!  Happy VERY late birthday Travis!  (Sept. 16)

Gift #370- My sis-in-law Amy Thomas!

Happy VERY late birthday Amy (Sept 15)!  We don't get to see Amy and Rob and the girls often enough, but we sure do have a wonderful time when we do!  Amy is always so welcoming and hospitable.  She makes you feel right at home and she doesn't seem to mind if your kiddos wreck the living room or if your dog comes right in her front door and makes a mess on her carpet!  (Sorry about that Amy!)  You are an amazing friend, mommy, wife and nurse!  This Amy Thomas is so very happy to have you in my life!

Gift #369- My Homecoming King

Jack was nominated for the 7th grade Homecoming court.  He did not want to get dressed up and go to the homecoming dance.  But, because his class had nominated him, I felt as though he should go.  He dreaded shopping with me.  He was afraid that I was going to embarrass him by saying something like "Is there plenty of room in the crotch?"  He hates that word!  (So I try to throw it around every now and then.)  He sure did look handsome, but way too BIG!

Gift #368- Treasures Found in the Garden

"Now he wasn't hungry any more- and he wasn't a caterpillar any more.  He was a big, fat caterpillar.  He built a small house, called a cocoon, around himself.  He stayed inside for more than two weeks.  Then he nibbled a hole in the cocoon, pushed his way out and ...he was a beautiful butterfly."

Eric Carle- The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I will blink and a butterfly she will be!

Gift #367- Sweet Friends

Some of my very sweet friends (Colleen, Julie, and Moira) threw Avery Grace and our new little neighbor ,James, a "Sprinkle"today.  We had such a great time together.  These girls have a way of making you feel like family when you are so far away from your own.  

My neighbor, Tiffany, & our friend Nikki.  Nikki is holding Tiffany's new baby, 

James Stephen Featherstone

Shower Guests:  Julie Goodwin, Katie Bayley, Erica Hall, Moira Jones, Colleen Gordon, Michelle Northam, Tiffany Featherstone, Megan Reid, Gary Bernhard, Fatima Boyd, Nikki Baldwin, Jenn Keller

Gift #366- The United States Marine Corps

The Marine Corps has allowed our family to experience one amazing adventure after another.  We have enjoyed the ride and are so very grateful.  Happy 238th Birthday USMC.