Best. Present. Ever.

Bellevue Botanical Gardens Holiday Lights

He whispers

Every day God invites us on an adventure. It’s not a trip where He sends us a rigid itinerary. He simply invites us. God asks what it is He’s made us to love, what it is that captures our attention, what feeds that deep indescribable need of our souls to experience the richness of the world He made. And then, leaning over us, He whispers, “Let’s go do that together.”

Thanksgiving

Today was Miho's and Aika's first Thanksgiving. Aika had never had turkey before. We decided to eat late so we could all sleep in. Around 11:00 a.m. we all stumbled into the living room and started putting away the summer/fall decorations and getting out the Christmas decorations. We had to move a few things around to make room for the tree. JP was in charge of the turkey this year and it was excellently outstanding :-) He also made yummy smashed potatoes. I made the rest. We decided this was the best year yet as far as successful cooking went. Everything tasted delicious and we have enough left over to get us through the weekend plus extra to make turkey pot pie and homemade noodle soup. 

We're all set for Christmas now...decided not to get a real tree since we'll be gone for a couple of weeks in December.

Before eating, we went around the table and said what we were thankful for.

Me: My momMA's cancer was caught early, removed and no more found; God's gifts in His Son and His people

JP: We have the means and ability to enjoy life and do things we want

Miho: All she has and being able to live with us

Aika: Friends who listen to her and FOOD!

Can You Hear My Smile?

So happy. Thank you Father for wonderful news.
Love my momMA.

Redeemed

Too many things going on and too many thoughts to record. Here's a song by Big Daddy Weave that I love.

Beautiful Girl

Didn't get any pictures of Baby Boy because I was holding him, but got lots of my sweet girl.

Auntie loves her lots!

Bits and Stuff

Megan is such a good Mommy and friend. Here are pictures of my babies...mmmm....they're de-lish-us.

Can't wait to spend time with them next Tuesday.

Yesterday was a teacher workday. We had midterm exams earlier in the week and Wednesday was set aside for grading papers, finishing report cards, etc. My grades were done Tuesday so I didn't go in to work. Hopefully, I don't get in trouble for this. In the past it was allowed. We'll see. Anyway...since the girls were in school, JP and I decided to go to the zoo. God blessed us with GORGEOUS weather from the moment we arrived until the moment we left. As soon as we got in the car to go home, it started to rain.

JP worked the dinner shift and Miho was out with a friend, so just Aika and I were home. I made her favorite meal...beef curry. It was so delicious. Definitely a keeper. My tiny girl ate double portions and then I had to watch her jump up and down while rubbing her stomach so she "wouldn't get fat." Sigh.

To top off a wonderful day, momMA came over to watch Survivor. The episode went exactly the way I wanted and my least favorite person was voted off. Now, if they can just get rid of Abi that would be great.  

The day was a much needed break in the middle of the week.

Far More Beautiful

This makes me think of Baby Girl and a little redhead and her big sister

And myself and Megan
And Mom and momMA
And Grandma #2...

(and almost makes me not notice the spelling errors found in the lyrics)

Autumn Walk in Mill Creek