December 22nd

It's the 22nd, and what's so important about this day? Well, 5 years ago, Audrey Ann came into this world. What an interesting day that was. Went in for a flip, hoping she would turn and ended up with a c-section. She was born healthy that afternoon. Can't say it was love at first sight and I couldn't believe she was our's...our very own kid...weird! But I guess you could say over time that she began to grow on us and it's been a lot of fun watching her grow throughout the last five years. I am thankful for our little girl!

The night before her birthday, Kevin and I decorated the house. She woke up in the middle of the night and wanted to know who put that stuff up. She wanted to make sure it was us and not some werido. Plus, after telling her happy birthday during our nightly bathroom run, she responded, "It's not my birthday, yet, its not morning time and I have to wake up."

Birthday gifts from family awaiting on the table.

Let's get to business first thing in the morning!
Looking on as she opens up.

Titus is more concerned with his morning milk cup.

Upon request: Pancakes for breakfast!

April reads to Josiah while we wait for the party to begin. Josiah LOVES books and LOVES people who will read to him.

The guests have arrived and we have already checked "playing tag" off our to-do list. Here we are eating lunch. Nuggets and fries.

The youth gals who came over to help paint toes (which I didn't get pictures of)

Next on the to-do list: Painting Pictures

I made each one of the girls an apron. They really liked them which made the hour and HOURS of sewing worth it!

Present time!

Cake time!

Josiah helped blow, thankfully, his spit landed in front of the cake on the table and not on the cake itself...ewwww!

Toes were painted, guests all left, and here she is checking out her new toys. She would pick up one, totally check it out, play with it for a little while and then move to the next one. She's going to have plenty to do before Jesus' Birthday arrives and she has a whole other slew of gifts.

Then we went caroling in the neighborhood around our church. We sang in both English and Japanese. We handed out goody bags and invited our neighbor's to tomorrow's Japanese Christmas Fellowship. Please be praying that the Lord will plant seeds in the lives of those who come!

Kevin belting it out!

Boys walking along!

The glow stick identifier. LJ makes himself a set of handcuffs.

It has been a great day. Now my mind is moving on to the next thing in the Christmas line up. We are having a great week and just enjoying everything as it comes. It's nice to not be stressed and just enjoy life. Tomorrow, Thursday = Japanese Christmas Fellowship and I hope to bake cookies for our neighbors. Friday = Cookie baking and Christmas Eve Service. Saturday = Birthday Celebration (complete with egg-chiladas) with family and then friends...yippee!!

May you all have a Merry Christmas!!