Christmas Eve Surprise!

We were surprised at our Christmas Eve service when a friend of ours sang Third Day's 'Merry Christmas.' Of course, he changed "girl" to "boy" and I cried uncontrollably like any hormonal, expectant mom! I am so sad when I think of my baby boy all alone halfway around the world, especially at Christmastime. I have to find peace in knowing that soon he'll be where he belongs ~ home with Mommy and Daddy (and five siblings). Come to think of it, it's probably more chaotic here at home than where he's at! Even though this is the fourth Christmas we've spent "waiting," I can't say that I'm used to it or that I've gained any more patience. But certainly I have learned to trust in the One whose timing is perfect, always! Here are the lyrics to the song, which we also used on Kaeleb's "announcement" video earlier on the blog. I love this song, not only for the message of physical adoption, but also for the true reason we celebrate Christmas, Jesus' birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection, allowing us to be adopted into His family and not left as orphans. Thank you, DH, for singing this beautiful song and allowing me to picture the moment I will finally hold my son.

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn

Crying for momma's arms

At an orphanage just outside a little China town

There the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire

And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home

Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone

And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms

And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights

I'm warmed by the fire's glow

Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,

Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears

And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home

Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone

And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms

And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child

and we celebrate his perfect gift of love

He came to earth to give his life and prepare a place for us

so we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home

Your family is here so you will never be alone

So tonight before you go to sleep,

I'll hold you in my arms

And I'll tell you from my heart,

I wish you Merry Christmas

To our friends and family, near and far, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you find special meaning and abundant blessing this Christmas season, and may God bless your 2008! The Johnsons.

Too busy to watch out, cry, or pout ...

... even though Santa Claus is comin' to town - next week - yikes! Here's a rundown of December so far...

Look at those adorable pre-K kiddos! They are darling in their first school Christmas program.

Kayden and her "Abby"

Some of the clan tries to sled in the first snow/ice. And Kayden insists she'll be warmer with her favorite "dress-up" dress as the top layer :)

And some just get to dress up as if they're going sledding!

With the cold weather, we get to try new soups ~ this one was a hit!

We've enjoyed on-line games like Elf Yourself at http://elfyourself.com/ and making our own snowflakes at http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/. Baby sister is a real help!

Mommy always needs good "help" in the kitchen, and Kayden is willing! 2 sheetcakes in 1 week means 4 bowls to lick clean!

The finished product ~ yum!

Of course, we must bake our traditional frosted sugar cookies!

Found this cutie in the kitchen!

We hosted 20 or so of our awesome youth for a Christmas party. We had a little bit of food ...

... and an interesting gift exchange.

Awesome!

This is an adoption awareness video. Get your Kleenex and be blessed!

Some of our friends have asked us to share our adoption testimony, especially regarding "finding" Kaeleb. Since this is his blog, I thought that would be appropriate :) You can find Mommy's abbreviated version in the lower right of the side bar. Blessings!

Poem by a "Pondering" Mommy

I want to share this beautiful poem written by an adoptive mommy who, in the quietest moments, listens to her heart. It expresses so much of what we felt before we surrendered to God's call to adopt when we had nothing but our faith to proceed.

Heart Vs. Head

I watch her chest rise and fall

Sweet peace and sleep drift over her

Dark hair peeking from under the blanket

She's finally here and my heart has never known

Such love...yet...

Something whispers softly in the wind

Another small one...far away...

Soft, rhythmic breaths from a palate or crib

Arms and eyes that wait for a forever Mom

Ridiculous! My head says...No time...No money...No way!!

Three small ones under the age of five...

Mama...mama...mama...all day.

Chaos reigns in our house...Side by side with joy.

Rapturous! My heart says...The feeling of that little hand in yours...

With each beat it tells me

You can do "all things" when loveLights the way.

Lori

Another "waiting" Christmas

This is the 4th Christmas we have spent waiting on our child to come home. The first "waiting" Christmas was 2003 which turned out to be a shorter time frame than expected. We were so blessed to bring Kayden home in October 2004. Since we're not getting any younger, and the Lord's call was unmistakeable, 6 months later we began the paperchase again, expecting another 6 month wait. Our plans were again proven inferior to the Master Planner as we waited through Christmas 2005 and 2006, receiving our referral on February 1, 2007, and bringing Kambry home in April. Four months later, in August, we found our precious son, Kaeleb, and will spend yet another Christmas waiting. Aside from Jesus, I can't imagine a better Christmas gift. Thank you, Lord, for the children who are home this Christmas and for those still waiting.

The Dad and Mom had a rare lunch date today, and this is what our fortune cookie said. Can someone please tell me, what does "oversleep" mean?????