Gift #200- Carolers

A few nights ago, there was a ring at our doorbell.  When we opened the door, a group of our friends were there to greet us with a few Christmas carols!  I remember caroling as a kid after my grandparents annual Christmas Eve Party.  My grandfather always played his kazoo and wore a Santa pin on his shirt.  But I don't remember ever being the "carolee".  I loved it!  It just warmed me right up.  We are a tiny bit home-sick this time of year, but the carolers reminded us that we have a military family just right outside our door.  We are so very grateful.

Gift #199- A Little Tree in the Monster Van

I found this little battery operated Christmas tree at our thrift store and just had to get it for the van.  I remember my dad having one in our Suburban when I was a kid.  It was made from cardboard and had silver tinsel wrapped around it.  We would turn it on each time we got in the car.  What a great memory.  Jack seemed a little embarrassed at first, but I think that it was just an act.  He is usually the first one to turn ours on.  We get a lot of looks driving around base in our ginormous van and little tree!

Gift #198- My Little Nephew Cooper

My nephews birthday came and went last week and I did not blog about him!  I don't know how I let that happen.  Little Cooper is unforgettable in so many ways.  He is quiet and sweetly shy and has blonde curls and big blue eyes.   When I see him through the computer, I just want to reach out and grab him up.  Happy Belated birthday Cooper.  I love you so much.

Gift #197- Lunch with Tomoko In Otake

Today, I met my friend Tomoko for lunch in her hometown of Otake.  We started out with a green salad, corn chowder, and potato salad with shrimp.  We then moved on to a lunch set that was full of  so many different types of delicious foods.  We ended with cheesecake and Earl Gray Tea!  I am truly enjoying the many different types of foods here in Japan.  I am not, however, enjoying trying to button my jeans!

Gift #196- Christmas Gifts from Japanese Friends

My friends from the Japanese preschool gave me a Christmas gift today-  rice and micans (oranges).  Both were home grown in the yard of one of the teachers.  I feel so blessed to be here experiencing this unique culture and sharing our traditions.

Gift #195- Christmas Nerds

The Thomas Kids are CRAZY about Nerds.  Their mom is pretty fond of them too.  (Except when they are stuck in the carpet.)  Macy spilled her nerds today on the table and then managed to shape the mess into a Christmas tree.  Thanks for the Nerds Aunt Annie.

Gift #194- Toys for Tots

I LOVE the Toys for Tots organization.  I especially love seeing these Marines giving of their time to collect toys.  It does my heart good!  Macy took these 2 Marines some hot chocolate and they were very grateful.

Gift #193- My new Japanese Kokeshi doll Nativity

My students gave me this beautiful Kokeshi Nativity for Christmas.  I can not tell you how proud I am. I collect Nativity's and this is one is already one of my favorites.  It will forever remind me of our first Christmas in Japan.

Gift #192- Hank playing the role of Jesus

So, the chaplain calls yesterday and asks Hank to play Jesus in the church Christmas program next Sunday.  I just couldn't help but smile when Hank shared this with me.   This evening, I asked Hank to tell me a little more about his role.  He said, and I quote, "well, I am not really sure what I will be doing.  I just know that Santa is going to be there and I am supposed to hand him presents or something."  I said, and I quote again,  "hold up, did you just say that Santa Claus was going to be in the Christmas play on Sunday and you are going to hand him presents."  And to make this little story even better-  Chaplain Lee asked ME to make the Jesus costume.  I am envisioning something purple and flowing!  Maybe something in a shiny satin.  I will keep you all posted on any new developments.  I am also happy to facetime the production with anyone who might be interested.  :0)

Hank, I love you and I am so grateful that you made me a delicious dinner this evening and helped me clean the kitchen.  You are going to make a wonderful Jesus next Sunday!

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!