Gift #394- Having an Artist in the Family!

I noticed that the sign to Macy's office said "The Artist is In" (as opposed to "Do Not Disturb").  And I thought that I heard some giggling through the door.  I also heard Macy telling someone to "Be Still" several times.  After a few minutes, a smiling Macy emerged from her little room under the stairs with a portrait of her brother Sam!  Sam was very proud too!  He came and showed it to me and said "Macy really is an artist".

This is most definitely fridge quality artwork!  It certainly made this mama smile!

Gift #393- Ukelele Kate

Happy 8th Birthday Kate!  Keep practicing that ukelele.
I want you to play for me when I get home! 

 I love you!

Gift #392- Thumbs

I know that "Thumbs" might sound a little odd to count as one of my gifts.  But, I bet, that if Avery Grace could talk and tell us what she is thankful for, she would definitely say "thumbs".  I have never had a thumb-sucker before!  It is adorable.  I know that I will be singing a different tune in 15 years when I get the bill for the braces, but for now, it just warms me up!

Gift #391- Having a Sister

(Macy- 8, Avery Grace, 4 months)

I think that I might have already counted "Having a Sister" as a gift.  But I think that it is definitely one that can be counted over and over again.  I love these sisters!

Gift #390- Birthday Twins!

Happy 8th Birthday Sam and Macy!  We started your day with donuts shaped like 8's  and eating from the Red Plate!  We ended with Kikutei, presents, and Baskin Robins Ice Cream cake!  It was a wonderful day.  Both of you said that you actually did feel a little bit older.  Don't get too much older!  I would miss your little gapped-teeth smiles.  

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".