Gift #354- Homecomings!

As far as deployments go, this was a short one.  Only 10 weeks.  But it sure did seem long.  Hank sent this picture today.  He is on his way home!  If we didn't have these deployments, then we wouldn't get to have all of these happy reunions!  Homecomings are a gift!

Gift #353- 14 Years

14 years, 8 moves, 4+ kiddos, countless adventures, and you're still the one for me!  

Happy Anniversary Hank!

Gift #352- My Home Away From Home

I am here in Yokosuka- waiting!  I am staying at a little hotel right beside the hospital.  The accommodations are not 4 star by any stretch.  But, I am thankful nonetheless.  My shower is stainless steel and the water only runs for 30 seconds before you have to push a lever to have it run again.  The toilet seat is way too small so your legs rest on the bowl!  Yuck.  The TV is ginormous, but doesn't have a single channel.  A big family of ants show up every time I drop a crumb of banana bread.  And my view is of the hospital loading zone and the biohazard waste shed.  It sounds as though I am complaining, but I promise that I am not.  I actually find all of these things quite humorous and I want to remember every detail of my time here.  All of these things make for a much richer story to share with baby girl someday.  There are many good things about the room.  There is an ice machine in the lobby that makes ice like Sonic!  And with a little rearranging and a few small purchases, the room has even become a tiny bit cozy.  The absence of TV has drawn me to read my Bible a little more and wouldn't you know that the passages that the Lord has led me to each day have been about being still and about waiting patiently.  He always shows up doesn't He?  I miss the kids, and this silence can be so loud at times, but I will do my very best to embrace this time of waiting- knowing full well that I am not alone in the wait.  I have the ants to keep me company.  Just kidding! I have the promise of Joshua 1:9 and in that promise is where I will rest.  

Gift #351- Grilled Porkchops and Great Company

Gift #350- Making Happy Memories with Grandparents

Making Cookies with Mimi.

At the Skatepark with Papa

Triple Trouble

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