Gift #207- My sister's 15th Anniversary!

So happy for my sister and her sweet husband Oscar.  Congratulations on 15 years!  

I hope that the next 15 are even more wonderful.  

Gift #206- Eternal Father

To close our chapel service each week, we sing "Eternal Father Strong to Save."  I love singing it all together with our church family.  I sat beside Macy yesterday and noticed that she knew every word and that she sang it out so beautifully. I love hearing Macy sing anything.  She can do a mean Taylor Swift.  But hearing her sing a prayer about the Navy and Marine Corps just made me feel so proud.

Eternal Father, Strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to thee,

for those in peril on the sea.

Eternal Father, grant, we pray

To all Marines, both night and day,

The courage, honor, strength, and skill

Thy land to serve, thy law fulfill;

Be thou the shield forevermore

From every peril to the Corps.

Gift #205- My Jack

Today is my Jack's 12th birthday!  I just can't believe it!  The days go too quickly.  Jack you are so kind and helpful and perfect!  I love you so much and am so proud of you.  Here is a mushy little poem that I wrote to you when you were 5.  You are still "handsome and kind and helpful and smart."  You still "help fold the bath cloths" and will forever have a big heart.

I know a boy

His name is Jack

He’s Super-de-Duper

And that is a fact.

He loves playing with Legos

And riding bikes very fast

If he were in a race

He wouldn’t be last

He loves cartoons

Like Jerry and Tom

He’s super-crazy

He gets that from his mom

He loves cookie dough ice cream

And popcorn and candy

He thinks peas are gross

And pizza is dandy

A race-car driver

Is what Jack wants to be

Something much slower

Would be fine with me

He wants to play drums

I am hoping guitar

One thing’s for sure

He’s going to go far

He’s getting so tall

His feet hang over the bed

I wish I could put

A brick on his head

He’s handsome and kind

And helpful and smart

He helps fold the bath cloths

He has a big heart

Jack is so special

I just can’t wait to see

The wonderful man

That he’ll grow to be.

Gift #204- Garden of Light Children's Home

This Christmas morning we were so very fortunate to be able to visit the Garden of Light Children Home to hand out gifts and play with the kiddos.  The kids did not know that we were there or that they would be receiving gifts.  The directors brought them into the gym area where we were all hiding behind a curtain.  When the kids were all seated and quiet, the curtain was opened and the kids could see that the stage was LOADED with presents!  They were quiet at first, but as soon as the gifts started being handed out, the noise level quickly rose!  Many of the kids did not open their gifts right away.  They wanted to save them so the moment would last longer.  In fact, the little guy that Josh chose, did not open his gift at all.  As we were leaving, he was carrying his unopened package back to his room.  He wanted Christmas to last a little longer.  I knew exactly how he felt.  

Hiding behind the curtain for the kids to come in.  I never expected to spend my Christmas morning this way-  standing in our socks with 6 other families and some single Marines on a small stage in a Japanese orphanage trying to keep our kids rounded up and quiet.  I wouldn't change a thing!

 

Hank got in on the fun!

Jack chose to buy for a 12 year old boy named Amano.  Amano loved his gifts and spent much of the morning shooting Nerf darts at his friends.

Macy chose a 10 year old girl named Sawada.  Sawada loved her gifts and Macy loved watching her open them!

This is the sweet little boy that Josh chose- Abe.  Josh bought him a remote control car and some Legos!  We did not get to see him open the gifts before it was time to go.  But the memory of him saving his gifts meant so much to us.

Gift #203- Christmas Morning!

I love Christmas Morning!  This was the scene at our house BEFORE the kids came down.  Santa brought each of the kids a Pro scooter and a stocking full of treats!  They were so happy!

Turbo was pooped after helping Santa deliver all of the gifts

It just wouldn't be Christmas without Egg Nog and Moose Mugs. 

Hank made me this beautiful manger out of an old pallet!  I will use it each year in my garden for decoration.  I am so proud of it!

Google Maps kept us updated on Santa's location.  The kids were happy to learn that he does indeed fly to Japan!  

GIFT #202- The Greatest Gift of All

Candles glow from frosted windowsRooms are filled with twinkling lights,There's a manger scene, boughs of evergreen,Someone is singing 'Silent Night'...And every gift my heart remembers, of easy laughter, dear old friends,Precious faces and smiles,All remind me once again:The Best Gift of All is JESUSHis love knows no season or placeYou can see Him in the firelightReflected on each face...And though we cherish the blessings of Christmas, When his love seems especially near...The Best Gift of All is Jesus - ALL THROUGH THE YEAR!

Gift #201- Sunday Mornings

After 13 years of wedded bliss you would think that we would have figured it out-  our Sunday morning routine.  But without fail, 10 minutes before church begins, we are still at home rushing around trying to find shoes, brush teeth, slick that last little bit of hair down, etc.  Someone is usually crying, someone else is grumbling about having to wear a collared shirt, and on a few occasions, Hank and I are not speaking to each other.  :0)  From what I hear, this is a fairly common phenomenon for most Sunday morning church-goers.  This particular Sunday morning at the Thomas house was no exception.  I tried to get up a little earlier than usual.  It is the final Sunday of Advent and I wanted it to be peaceful.  After all, our sweet Sam and Macy were about to sing in the children's choir and Hank was about to play the role of a life time.  But, with 10 minutes until show time, Macy was waiting for me to find sew on a button, Sam was crying about his sweater, Josh was MIA, and Jack had just slipped his pink Iwakuni football sweatshirt over his head to wear into the house of the Lord!  To make things even crazier, I was up to my eyeballs in making a Jesus costume for Hank.  His beard needed to be adjusted this morning, so, in true Amy fashion, I waited until the very last minute.  I found myself muttering some mild curse words under my breath as I am attaching the last little piece of elastic onto a Jesus beard made of felt and a ladies scarf.  Talk about crazy!  Oh, did I mention that it was potluck Sunday and that I forgot to turn the oven on when I put my casserole in?

Hank went ahead to church with the kids and I arrived shortly after the service began- just in time for the children's program.  There is something so very beautiful about little voices singing Away in a Manger.  (Unless you are the mom of the child who on stage making funny faces and covering his ears.)  I was not that mom this year and it was glorious!  Last year was my year.  Right Sam?  Hank made his brief appearance as Jesus and he looked just perfect- beard and all.  The advent candles were lit.  The pastor gave a very short and sweet message about peace at Christmas time and then we sang O Come All Ye Faithful together.  For a brief second, I longed for home.  But as I looked all around me, I realized that I was already there.   My casserole cooked while we were at church and it turned out just right.  We sat with a wonderful Japanese family during the potluck and talked about our many different Christmas traditions.

After church, we quickly straightened up the tornado-like mess that we had made this morning.  The boys played with friends, Hank and Sam went to the gym, and Macy and I stayed home, watched Christmas movies, and painted our nails red and green.  We were almost done with our nails when we noticed from the window that it was snowing!  It was perfect!  For a brief moment, everything was so peaceful.  Today I am so very grateful for a Savior who is the Prince of Peace- even in the midst of crazy every Sunday morning at 1275D in Iwakuni, Japan.

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!

Gift #189- My Snaggle-Toothed Girl

A new World Record:  Macy lost 4 top teeth in two days!  (It helped that she had that little extra tooth. She is hoping that the tooth fairy will count it.)  Macy's usual smile is small but oh so pretty!  But for 2 days now, she has been smiling exactly like the picture above.  She is so proud!  I will have to admit, I like her usual smile better.  Her new one reminds me that she is getting way too big.

Gift #188- Dogs Wearing "Outfits" (and Hank's Love for Dogs Wearing Outfits)

In Japan, it is very common for dogs to wear clothes!  You can buy clothes for all seasons at the Japanese dollar store for 105 yen.  Dogs wearing clothes is one of Hank's pet peeves and it makes me laugh so hard.  He says that dogs should not wear "outfits."  I like to dress Turbo up every now and then just to get Hank a little fired up.  A few moments ago, Hank came up behind me and saw that I was editing this picture of Turbo.  He said "seriously-  that is what you are thankful for today."  So, I HAD to post this picture of Turbo in his Santa outfit.  I am not sure if I am more thankful for Turbo in a Santa suit or for the way that Hank continues to make me laugh after all these years.

Gift #187- Japanese Italian Restaurants

Today, my friend Berta introduced me to the most amazing Italian restaurant here in Japan!  It might have been the best Italian food that I have ever had.  Weird huh?  I had to be touristy and take pictures!

This was my appetizer.  A small salad with sesame dressing.  Port tenderloin with fried lotus root and basil, cracker with peach mango salsa, and creamy corn soup!  Eating was so fun!

This was my entree.  Freshly made Udon noodles with chicken in a garlic butter sauce!!!  Too good.  I was full, but managed to finish the bowl!

The meal would not have been complete without a little dessert- a small brownie with raspberry sherbet!  A Christmas reindeer made from chocolate decorates the plate!!!  Another friend of mine went last week and she had the cutest Christmas bear made with cream and chocolate in her cappuccino!  I can't wait to go again!  Maybe for dinner!  :0)

Gift # 186- Sam and his helmet

Because Sam spends so much time outside on his bicycle, he sometimes forget that he is wearing his helmet.  He came in after a long day today and kept it on for at least an hour before he realized that he was wearing it.  He had a snack, did his math facts, and watched tv all in his little blue helmet.  He looked pretty darn cute all the while.

Gift #185- Croutons and Chocolate Chips

So I am probably not going to win the Mother of the Year Award this go around.  You might remember from a previous post that going to the grocery store is not on my list of favorite things to do.  Well, that was apparent this morning when it was time to pack the kids lunches.  I was out of lunch bags so I wrapped the sandwiches in wax paper.  I thought that it looked kind of quaint.  It was truly a scavenger hunt.  Josh ended up with a sandwich, some croutons, some apple slices and a few chocolate chips.  When the kids got home I was expecting them to complain, but they actually said that it was the best lunch yet!  Thank God for Croutons and Chocolate Chips!

Gift #184- Gran

Today I am thankful for the life of Sarah Grace Thomas- Hank's Gran.  My sister in law sweetly reminded me yesterday that she was my Gran too.  She certainly did treat me as one of her own and I loved her as mine.

15 Things I loved about Gran:

1.  Her Big laugh.
2.  Her story-telling (ok, so it was a little long, and sometimes a repeat, but it was one of her most endearing qualities.)
3.  That she always bought a little something for the great grands at the Christmas White Elephant Sale at the Methodist Church- usually a stuffed animal.
4.  That she was a kindergarten teacher and knew exactly how to make her great grand children feel special.  Specifically, I loved it when she would receive a drawing from them and she would say "Tell me about it".
5.  That she always had candy.
6.  That she wore soft purple pajamas and always had a "hair-do"
7.  That sometimes when she tried to whisper, it wasn't a whisper at all.
8.  That she "owned" Miracle Strip Amusement Park in the mind of her grandkids.
9.  That she had impeccable timing and delivery of the phrase "Bless Her Heart".
10.  That we shared a love of poodles.  :0)
11.  The memory of her not-so-attractive yellow couch.
12.  That she always knew just a tiny bit of town gossip and that she was always willing to share.  (Not without saying the proper "Bless her heart" either before or after.)
13.  That she hugged long.
14.  That she is in heaven with her Savior and her Mark (and my mom).
15.  That her last words to me were "don't cry baby".

We love you so much Gran.

Gift #183- Love Came Down

December will be here in less than 36 hours here in Japan.  I am praying that the Thomas family will be able to slow and enjoy this advent season and be mindful of why we are celebrating- because Love Came Down.

Gift #182- Kenny Chesney's Christmas Album

Kenny Chesney's "All I want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan" is my all time favorite Christmas CD. Is that sad?  I love his duet with Randy Owen and I love the song "Just a Kid."  I was crazy busy with some sewing orders today, but Kenny sang to me all the while.

Gift #181- Little People Decorating Big Trees

Macy did most of the decorating of our tree this year.  She stood on the chairs to decorate some of the top of the tree, but most of the decorations were at her eye level and below.  It is perfect and I think we will leave it just like it is!  :0)

Gift #180- Our First Japan Thanksgiving

We were so very grateful to be able to share a traditional American Thanksgiving with our  Japanese friends.  It was such a wonderful experience.  The ladies had many questions about the food and the traditions.  We all went around the table and shared what we were thankful for.  They especially loved Hank!  (Hank said "what's not to love").  :0)  I taught them the American idiom "good catch" and I pointed to Hank.  They all laughed and agreed.  We started talking about music and they told us that they liked Carly Simon and Abba.  One of the ladies had a strong affinity towards George Strait.  Hank played one of his songs and she got up and started to country dance.  It was the best!  The kids had a special table beside us.  But they did not stick around for too long.  A flag football game was going on over at the high school field and they had to join in.  We ended the evening over at our neighbors house sitting by a fire.  It was a great day!  If you can't be home for the holidays, then this certainly was the next best thing!  

Gift #179- Miss Diane

Happy Birthday Miss Diane!  We love you and miss you.  Thanks for keeping Papa in line.  He needs all of the help that he can get.  We hope that your birthday is as wonderful as you!  You are a gift to our family.

Gift # 178- Bed Head Contest

Each morning there is a contest at the Thomas house to see who has the best bed head.  Sam was the undisputed winner this morning.  Congratulations Sam!  :0)

Gift #177- A Full Refrigerator

I do not love to grocery shop.  I put it off as long as I can.  The kids will attest to this.  But today, my fridge is full and running over!  Hank said that there was something comforting about a full fridge!  I agree.  We have so many things to be thankful for!

Gift #176- Our little Student of the Month

Macy is the student of the month in her first grade class.  She was so very excited and we were so very proud of her.  I was hoping that they would give me a bumper sticker for the monster van that said "My child is Student of the Month.  But no such luck.  :0)  Love you Macy Girl.

Gift #175- My New Bed!

We left our king sized bed behind in the US.  We did not think that we would have room for it.  We realized quickly that a queen sized bed is just not good for our marriage.  We bought two twins and pushed them together.  Hank made the bed out of old pallets that we found around base.  I LOVE it!  We splurged and bought a down comforter.  We have been wanting one for years.  We usually buy nice bedding for the kids and make their rooms look just right.  Our bedroom decor has always been put on the back burner.  But we are so happy to have a fresh new look!  And now we can stay married!    

PS-  Hank if you are seeing this at work, you will notice a new lamp.  I promise that I got it for a steal on Amazon.  :0)

Gift #174- Japanese Snuggies

I am not sure quite how these are a gift, but they sure did make me smile when I saw them in the store.  Like many Americans, the Japanese also love to be able to read and keep their arms warm and cozy at the same time.  Snuggies just make me smile.  The comedian Tim Hawkins says that Jesus is probably coming back soon because of the Snuggie.  He says that Jesus is up in heaven saying "Dad look how silly they look, can I please just go and get them already."  :0)

Gift #173- Hanging with American Idol Finalists

Phil Stacey from American Idol season 6 came to our chapel last night.  He put on a great show and even gave me 2 of his CD's.  It was so inspiring to hear him sing and to know that he is using his talent  to serve the Lord.  What a blessing.

Gift #172- Man's Best Friend

I know that I have already counted Turbo as one of my gifts.  I might have even counted him twice.  But look at him!  He is just so darn cute!  Hank took these pictures of him a few days ago.  He says that he is not a big fan of Turbo and he tries to give him away to every person who pets him.  But I know that, secretly, he loves this little dog as much as I do.  Right Hank?  Thank God for my little Turbo and for my husband who secretly likes him too!  :0)