the simple things in life...

This weekend, I've been making a list in my head of some of the simple things in life that make me smile... I thought I'd turn that into a blog just for fun :)

-discovering that humidity and cotton candy don't mix... the result is a lump of chewy sugar! oops!
-spending time with good friends... knowing you've definitely crossed the line between friend and good friend as you make fun of each other (in a loving way of course!) and call each other silly nick names... like Chinchillary!
-laughter... and enjoying something that just makes you flat out laugh!
-re-discovering things about yourself like "Man, I hate crowds!"
-firework shows that last for over 1/2 an hour... and enjoying them with a perfect view and the perfect company!
-discovering that apparently frogs and crabs can be friends!
-having teammates that feel like family and make you laugh every minute you're with them!
-getting a wobbly toddling baby to wave at you :)
-watching pre-teenage girls try to wink at each other while sitting in a restaurant
-discovering mini Ritz cheese sandwiches are available in my grocery store here in Hirao (and they're just as yummy as I remembered!)
-the beautiful smile and laughter of a 'toothless grandma' :)
-newborn twins in a double stroller
-finally being able to confidently sing along with the worship songs in a Japanese church service... and getting every song number right in the song book
-McDonald's chicken nuggets and a mint oreo McFlurry for lunch in Japan... and the fact that Japanese Happy Meals serve 5 chicken nuggets instead of 4 like they do in Canada
-skype!
-using a Japanese word in a conversation with your Dad, and having him think you just insulted him!
-seeing the sun set and the moon make its appearance at the same time
-having a Mom who thinks of you as she laughs because she just saw a girl (through the window) trip over her high heels
-crabs scurrying across the road
-watching the the sweetest '60 something' lady in the world respond to a 9 year old boy who told her she ate her ice cream bar faster than everyone else at the table... and seeing that same lady's face light up and take pride in translating something for me into English!
-knowing that God still loves you even when you fall asleep in mid sentence with Him!
- 2 words.... DILL PICKLES! :) (You can only get them at Costco and the American military base I think.)
-English/Japanese lessons with a 9 year old! (and enjoying the satisfaction of 'mastering' a new word!)
-Pineapple/grapefruit/orange air freshener :)
-Having a sister who affectionately calls you 'Little One', a Dad who calls you 'Pumpkin', and a Mom who calls you 'Sweetie Pie' (and a 'pretend sister' who calls you 'Pillary')

Although I'm sure my list could go on and on, these are just a few of the blessings God has given me that I'm thankful for! Take some time today to stop and enjoy some of the simple things in your life! Leave me a comment to tell me what 'simple thing' made your weekend! :)

Thank you God for showering me with things to be thankful for!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17