Gift #442- Having our own Baby Sumo

This is AG's preferred way of sitting these days.  It is especially cute when she is topless- she truly does look like a little Sumo wrestler.  My Japanese ladies began calling her "sumo akachan"  (Sumo Baby.)

Gift #441- Having a Built in Best Friend and Japanese Fireworks

We went to the beach a few nights ago for a picnic.  Hank and I looked out and saw these two sitting side by side.  We are not sure what they would do without each other.  We had a great evening.  The rain earlier in the day cooled the air and thinned the crowd.  We stopped at 7-11 on the way to the beach and bought a package of fireworks.  One thing that we have come to appreciate about Japan is that you can stop at any roadside convenience store and pick up a load of fireworks.  (Randall family, these are the kind of fireworks that you have to drive over the state line to get.  You know the ones.  We even found some in our package that were similar to *** choppers.  We thought of you all.)   The fireworks display was a great way to end our evening.  We were so thankful that we ventured out.

Gift #440- Not Being Afraid...

to let it all hang out!

Gift #439- Having 1000 Things to be Thankful For!

I have been working on a list of 1000 things that I am thankful for.  I finished my first list a few days ago!  This list will be a great reminder of the many ways God has blessed our family during our time here in Japan.

Gift #438- A "Note" from my Favorite Author

For a few years now, I have been very inspired by the writings of Ann Voskamp.  In fact, her book "One Thousand Gifts" was the inspiration for the name of my little blog.   A few days ago, Ann posted a link on her Facebook page.  I made a comment about the post and she wrote back!  I know, I know- this seems a bit weird and maybe even stalker-ish.  But in my defense, she is kind of famous.  Her book stayed on the NY Times Best Seller list for over a year and she appeared on the Today Show of all things!   It was a neat little birthday gift from my favorite author and it made me smile.

PS- She called me friend at the end of her reply.  I think that she probably meant BFF.   :)

Gift #437- 40 Fantastic Years!

I had a very happy 40th Birthday.  Sam and Macy stayed up with me and counted down until midnight July 11th!  We ate ice-cream with magic shell!  They each made me very sweet cards.   The boys gave me some flavored Kit-Kats before they left-  Sweet Bean Paste, Cheesecake, Cherry Blossom Green Tea, and Strawberry Flavored!  Hank had one of our sweet friends make a delicious Chocolate Kahlua Cake for me.  We went out for a Chinese dinner and then had cake and Rocky Road Ice-cream.  Hank gave me a funny card with a promise to take me to the first Zac Brown concert we can get too when we get back home.  I will certainly take him up on that.  I got some very thoughtful packages from home and so many sweet birthday wishes from friends and family!  It was truly a wonderful day.

For months now, I have been trying to come up with some type of goal that I would like to accomplish in my 40th year. I was thinking maybe I should climb Mt. Fuji, or finally learn to play the guitar.  After much consideration, I think that bringing home 2 babies will be enough.  No exercise required.  Bringing home little Bo from China will be a dream come true.  And a tiny little Thomas is just icing on my 40th birthday cake.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed with God's goodness.  Today is one of those days.

Gift #436- Boiled Peanuts

The only thing that I can think of that is better than boiled peanuts is
boiled peanuts with a view!

Gift #435- Good ol' 'Merica!

Happy 4th of July!

The Life of the Party!

Avery Grace with her very favorite boy at our neighborhood street party!

Sweet Sisters

The boys waiting to see the fireworks show with Mimi and Papa in GA.

Gift #434- Jack and Josh's Excellent Adventure

USA or Bust!!!!!

The boys are on their way!  Hank is flying with them from here to Tokyo to make sure that they get on their flight.  Papa will be waiting for them at the gate in Atlanta!  What an adventure!

 To my sweet boys-  have the time of your lives!  And don't forget to call me!

Gift #433- Garlic Toast

Thank the Lord for Garlic Toast or really just about any other food that this little girl can get her hands on.  So far the only thing that AG will not eat is carrots- and watching her face when she tries is quite entertaining!

Gift #432- A House Full of Boys

 Hank and I are so very happy that the boys have some nice friends.  At least once each week, you will find our living room covered in boys!  The sound of their laughter is a bit deeper than it once was and they spend much time quietly playing on their iPods rather than talking to each other, but they sure do enjoy each others company.  My friend Julie and I only have one rule- they all have to shower before spending the night- teenage boys are stinky!