Gift# 349- Being One Step Closer...

To meeting this little girl!   I arrived safely in Yokosuka yesterday evening.  I had my first appointment this morning.  The doctors were wonderful.  Baby girl appears to be healthy and happy.  The rest of the gang are back in Iwakuni having a big time with their Mimi and Papa.  

Gift #348- The Birthday Boy

Jack made Josh's birthday cake!  It was a little over the top with sweetness, but it sure did look pretty!

Happy 11t Birthday Josh!  You are such a gift to your dad and I.  You are always the first to say 'I love you" and are always so quick to give a heartfelt "thank you".  You are kind and funny and so very smart.   We love you.

Josh's Birthday Dinner!   Kikutei with Mimi and Papa

Josh asked for a Burger King crown to wear all day on his special day.  Burger King was all out.  I tried.  This Happy Birthday sticker on his forehead was the next best thing.  Crazy Kid!

Gift #347- A Great Start!

I have been praying for a few weeks now that this morning would go smoothly.  That peace would reign in this house and that the kids would have calm hearts.  Not just the kids.  I am usually the biggest wreck of all.  The Lord heard and answered.  We had a quiet easy morning.  The kids were calm and happy.  We made cinnamon rolls and even had enough time to watch half an episode of Mythbusters!  I measured the kids heights on our door frame.  Macy is a full inch taller than Sam.  I have a feeling that he will catch up quickly!  We are off to a good start!  Thank you Lord for hearing and answering our prayers.

Gift #346- Help is On the Way!

Mimi and Papa on the plane bound for Japan!  

We are very excited and so thankful that they are coming to do life with the Thomas kids as we are away waiting on the arrival of the newest Thomas kid!

Gift #345- A Girl and Her Dog

Gift #344- A Boy & His Dog

Gift #343- Having One More Week

The school supplies have been purchased and the backpacks are hanging ready.  One week from today, at this very hour, the kids will be heading out the door for the first day of school.  They are excited and apprehensive at the same time.  The days go by too quickly but yet sometimes drag on forever.  I hope that this particular week drags long and wonderfully.  I pray that we will take advantage of each moment and make the last few days of summer memorable ones.

Gift #343- A 15 minute bullet train ride to Costco

Last week the kids and I were looking for a little adventure so we hopped on the Shinkansen and took it to Hiroshima.  Hiroshima is about an hour away by monster van, but it is a cool 15 minutes by bullet train!  When we arrived, we caught a cab to the new Costco.  That was a bit of an adventure in itself.   I kept telling the driver that we wanted to go to Costco.  He kept saying things in Japanese and giving me the most confused looks. I finally used my phone and typed out COSTCO.   The driver said "OH  COSACO!  I said "Hai COSACO".  The kids all smiled at each other from the backseat.  We made an afternoon out of going to the new COSACO!  It was like stepping into America and we had a great time together.

Gift #342- Macy's Texts

Daddy and Daughter love notes!  What a gift!

Gift #341- Help With the Grocery List

When I told Josh and Macy that I had to run to the grocery store, they were quick to "help".  They very graciously made the grocery list for me.  I was extremely appreciative of their unsolicited and highly-entertaining assistance.

(The "QOO" on Macy's list is a Japanese juice box.  It has a jello consistency and she loves them!)

Gift #340- Book Club Baby Shower

My girlfriends showed up for book club last night at my house bearing not only their books, but a pink tiara and snacks and flowers and baby girl gifts!  A surprise baby shower!  They all arrived at the house at the exact same time and I noticed that they had gifts in hand, but it took me a second to realize what was going on!  It was when I was crowned with a hand-made pink and purple ribbon tiara that it sunk in.  The ladies had taken the time to purchase a beautiful flower arrangement for myself and even a small one for Macy.  She was so very proud.  They brought the most wonderful pink whoopee pies and strawberry layer cake and pink pretzel sticks and cookie bars and hummus.  I received some of the most precious little toys and clothes and hand made hair bows.  I felt so loved and cared for and I just didn't (and still don't) know how to say thank you for such kindness.  My heart felt so very full.  We eventually got around to book-club talk and the discussion was wonderful!  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening.

Thank you Marisa, Erika, Cindi, Michelle, Wendy, and Myia.  I am so very grateful that the "Writer" saw fit to bring you all into my story.  It is exceedingly more rich because of you.