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".

Gift #383- The Manger

So this might have taken a little bribing. Or maybe a lot of bribing. And the wise man might have wanted his box to say Franken-Scent instead of frankincense. The scene might have even gotten a little ugly when the angel got ticked off about wearing a halo and the shepherd captured Joseph with his hook. But the lovely picture above is how I will choose to remember it in my mind. :0)

Gift #382- Letters from Santa

Sam was so very relieved to learn that he was not on the "Naughty List."  ;)

Gift #381- Decked Halls

We literally Decked Our Halls this year! 

 How do you like our Duct Tape Christmas tree?

Our little Japanese Christmas tree.

Gift #380- Christmas Cookies

Sam and Macy love making and decorating Christmas cookies!  We have made quite a few this year to share with our community.  Which means that we have eaten quite a few as well!  Macy's new favorite song is the Christmas Cookie song on the Duck the Halls CD.  It is a duet with George Strait and Phil.  Her favorite line is...  "everytime she puts those cookies in the oven, there's fifteen minutes for some kissin' and huggin'.  She said that it is too bad that Miss Kay and Phil only get to hug while making Christmas cookies.  ;)

Gift #379- This little 3 month old!

December 14th 2013-  3 months old

November 14th 2013-  2 months old

Gift #378- A KING Sized Bed

This morning, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for this "King-Sized" bed.  I am thankful for the baby boy that came to occupy it.  I am thankful for the example of the mother that simply said "May it be to me as you have said."

Gift #377- Japanese Karooke

When in Japan, one MUST karaoke!  You will not regret it.  Ok.  You might regret it a little bit as you later wonder if you completely disrespected REO Speedwagon with your rendition of "Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore".  But, if you have good friends, they will swear that you nailed it and might even talk you into trying your hand at a little Lynyrd Skynyrd.  Sweet Home Alabama has never sounded so good!  Thankful for making fun memories in Japan!

Gift #376- A Pile of Dirty Dishes and some Potato Peel

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving again this year.  My ladies, along with 2 of Hank's Marines came over to share a big Thanksgiving lunch.  My tiny little living room was packed!  And I loved it.  We spent a few hours being lazy after our company left and then we went over to the Gordon's to have another full meal!  We ate again and played board games.  A good time was had by all.  There is so very much to be thankful for this year.  I am even thankful for the sink full of dishes and the potato peels!  It means that we had a house full of friends and a delicious meal to share together.