Gift #389- A Rockin' New Years Eve

Happy 2014!

Emma, Erin, Macy, Emerald, and Sam

This year, we had some of Macy's friends over for a New Year's eve bash.  They played Dance Party and ate junk food until midnight!  They toasted in the New Year with sparkling cider in champagne glasses.  It was a happy way to ring in 2014!

Gift #388- Christmas Morning

I think that this might be my favorite time of the day on Christmas.  I love to wake up, pour some coffee and think on the reason that we are celebrating.  I always read The Story even though I could quote it line for line.  But there is always something new that reveals itself or speaks to me.  God is so amazing like that- the way He unpacks truths little by little or just when you need them the most.  I love the anticipation of this moment.  I love thinking about the kids excitement as they see what Santa brought.  I wish that it could last and last.

But I also love this moment...

When it is all said and done and the kids are out playing with their new toys and the wait is over.  This was the part of the day when my dad would pull out the rake and rake the living room floor clean.  I never really understood that until I became a parent!  Genius!  This year we made things easy on ourselves and went out to dinner.  We went to Jan Jaka's, a Korean style BBQ restaurant.  We had a great time together.  Another wonderful Christmas for the Thomas family.

Gift #387- Exterior Illumination

I think that my love for exterior illumination comes honestly from my dad!  There was a Christmas or two when our house looked very Griswold-ish.  And I loved it.  I think that we might have even drum-rolled when it was time to light em' up!  I love having those memories.

Freedom Square.  Each year there is a tree lighting ceremony here in the square.  There is music and prizes and hot chocolate.  It has a good feel!  Everyone counts down together from 10 to watch the tree light up.  It makes me happy just thinking about it!

This is the jet that is parked at the entrance of the base.  They light it up each year complete with a bright red nose!

This is one of our favorite Christmas decorations-  Santa on a jet!

Gift #386- My Teenager!

Jack, welcome to the teen years.  We've been nervously expecting you!

This is my first "selfie"!  Even though I have a 13 year old, I am obviously still so very hip.  

Right Jack?

#happybirthdayjack

#you'llalwaysbemybaby

#ijustlearnedabouthashtags

Gift #385- The Wait is Over

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign unto you: you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will among men".  Luke 2:11-14

Love Came Down and He is the Greatest Gift.

Gift #384- Santa Sightings

You know what is better than Santa in a sleigh?  Santa in an F-18.  You know what is better than Santa in an F-18?  Dad driving the F-18 that delivers Santa.   We had a wonderful time at the squadron children's Christmas party yesterday.  I am thankful for friends and Christmas activities such as this that make Japan feel a little bit more like we are "Home for Christmas".

Gift #383- The Manger

So this might have taken a little bribing. Or maybe a lot of bribing. And the wise man might have wanted his box to say Franken-Scent instead of frankincense. The scene might have even gotten a little ugly when the angel got ticked off about wearing a halo and the shepherd captured Joseph with his hook. But the lovely picture above is how I will choose to remember it in my mind. :0)

Gift #382- Letters from Santa

Sam was so very relieved to learn that he was not on the "Naughty List."  ;)

Gift #381- Decked Halls

We literally Decked Our Halls this year! 

 How do you like our Duct Tape Christmas tree?

Our little Japanese Christmas tree.

Gift #380- Christmas Cookies

Sam and Macy love making and decorating Christmas cookies!  We have made quite a few this year to share with our community.  Which means that we have eaten quite a few as well!  Macy's new favorite song is the Christmas Cookie song on the Duck the Halls CD.  It is a duet with George Strait and Phil.  Her favorite line is...  "everytime she puts those cookies in the oven, there's fifteen minutes for some kissin' and huggin'.  She said that it is too bad that Miss Kay and Phil only get to hug while making Christmas cookies.  ;)

Gift #379- This little 3 month old!

December 14th 2013-  3 months old

November 14th 2013-  2 months old