Gift #460- Our Birthday Girl

She is her mama's daughter for sure!  

This year passed so quickly.  I can't believe that this little girl is already one! Avery Grace is such a bright little light in the Thomas house and I don't know what we would do without her.

Gift #459- 15 Years

I met this boy when I was 19 years old in Arden Jensen's American Literature class.  He wore t-shirts and steel-toed boots and told me that he would take me flying.  Our first outing was to see a  community theater play (for extra credit) and then to Applebees for milkshakes.  On our second date, he kept his promise and took me flying.  We married 6 years later.  2 countries, 5 states, 8 moves, 11 homes, 15 years, and countless kiddos later, he is still the one for me!  Happy Anniversary Hank.  These upcoming months and years will be full of adventure as we welcome our 2 little boys, move back home, and begin this 312 story! The best is yet to come.

PS- We ate at a Japanese style Italian restaurant for our anniversary dinner- Campagne.  My pasta came complete with crab eyeballs!  Gotta love Japan!

Gift #458- Josh's Birthday Dinner

We had a great time with Josh and his friends at Jan Jaka.  

We are thankful for good friends to share special days with.  

Gift #457- Sharing

I just love watching these two together.   Today, they are sharing popcorn.  

Gift #456- Josh Turns 12!

Josh had to spend most of his birthday sitting in class, but he made the most of it.  I might have emailed his teachers and told them that it was his birthday.  He came home with a few free homework passes and a big smile.  Jack made his birthday cake- a double layer cookie cake.  We had Soba Express for dinner and opened presents!  Friday we will take his friends out to dinner at Jan Jaka.  Josh, we are so proud of you.  You are smart and kind and helpful. Not a day goes by when you don't ask "is there anything that I can help you with?".  Thank you so much.  We hope that year 12 is your best one yet!

Gift #455- School Days

The kids started back to school on Monday.  Everyone had a great first day!  Macy started 3rd grade at MC Perry Elementary.  She is in Mrs. Brillant's class.  Josh started Middle School!  He is in 7th grade.  Jack started 8th grade- his final year before high school!  Both boys are at MC Perry High School.  They have great schedules and even have one class together.  Sam is home with me this semester.  We are brushing up on reading and math so he will be all ready to go when we get to Beaufort next semester.  So far so good.  But, then again, its only day 3.  :)  We were sad to see the summer end, but were ready to get back into a routine of things around here.   Happy School Days!

Gift #454- Mommy Macy

Macy is such a little mommy to Avery Grace.  She is such a big help to me and I am not sure what I would do without her.  Whenever I tell AG "no" in a stern voice, AG usually reaches her arms out to Macy to save her.  :0)  This always brings the biggest smile to Macy's face.

Gift #453- A Somen Party

My students came last week and brought a somen machine.  Somen is a noodle that is eaten here during the summer.  It is eaten in a cold soup.  The somen machine swishes the noodles around in a circle and you try to catch them with chopsticks!  Sam and Macy loved it!   As you can see, Avery Grace enjoyed herself as well!

Gift #452- My Boys are Home!

They came home bearing a suitcase loaded with chick-fil-a sandwiches!

The laundry will double and the grocery bill will sky-rocket.  But that is ok with me.  I am so happy to have them home!

Gift #451- Girls Night

Macy, Finnley, and Moriah are all very quiet and reserved little girls.  But put the three of them together, and all manner of silliness ensues.  They slept over at Finnley's last night and had such a great time together.  I am not sure what Macy would do if she didn't have these two.  They are such sweet friends and I am so very grateful that the Lord placed them all together here in this tiny little corner of the world.

Gift #450- The Chicken Shack at Night

We went out to celebrate our Baby Boy/Beaufort news last night.  We have been to the Chicken Shack several times, but never during the evening.  It was beautiful!  The pictures do not do it justice.  The lanterns are actually red and they are strung all throughout the trees.  The restaurant is up in the mountains so it was plenty cool.  We had a great time.  The ride home was not so great as the baby screamed most of the way which made Macy cry which made Sam sing  Row Row Row Your Boat loudly to drown out Avery Grace and Macy.  But in time, we will forget about the ride home and just remember the beautiful evening.   I think.