Scribbles

Counting down to the new year. Wow. As the Vicar said in church this morning, a whole new calendar without scribbles on all the pages. But the scribbles on my old calendar are the happenings in our life. In these waning hours, before I put up that fresh calendar, I want to celebrate the scribbles that represent the significant events of 2006. (These represent actual scribbles from our family calendar)

January ~ Went in for what was to be minor knee surgery. The doctor found significant damage which he repaired. The recovery was tough, but my knee is so much better now.

February ~ After attending an information session by CCAI, we made our decision to pursue an adoption from China. Wow, what a life-changing decision.

March ~ Attended CCAI's orientation session. Began our paperchase in earnest. Celebrated our one year anniversary.

April ~ Attended the USARC Strong Bonds marriage seminar at Callaway Gardens. Had a wonderful time of renewal.

May ~ Spent Memorial Day Weekend at Brunswick Island on Georgia's coast. Got sunburnt, but loved relaxing in the sand.

June ~ Lady turns 13. Still happy and healthy after all these years.

July ~ Received our 797c from USCIS and our dossier was finally ready and off to China.

August ~ Road Trip!!!!! Visited family in Nebraska and spent time in Branson, MO with my parents. Our dossier was "logged in" in China.

September ~ CCAI Reunion - we met many waiting families and those who have adopted from China. Had breakfast with Josh and Lily, the founders of CCAI.

October ~ On Friday we climbed Kennesaw Mountain and attended our first First Friday event. On Saturday B left to play in the big sandbox in the Middle East. What a difference one day makes.

November ~ Our church revived its military family support luncheons just when I really needed it! In November I began to learn firsthand the challenges and blessings of being an Army wife.

December ~ Travelled north to see friends and family. We are truly blessed by the people in our life. I was hoping for a white Christmas, but there was no snow!!!

'Tis the night before Christmas...

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring but my computer and mouse.

The family's all sleeping and snoring in bed

but I've got my Christmas thoughts bouncing around in my head,

Then I had a light bulb up there in my nogger

I'd put my Christmas thoughts out on my blogger...

OK, I guess that's the extent of my creativity this late Christmas eve. But I can't sleep for thinking tonight of those who are with me and those who are not.

For those who are with me, Merry Christmas to my family and friends whom I've gotten to visit during this Christmas tour. My love and prayers are with my cousins C & M as they continue their own adoption journey. And with other cousins who are increasing their families the old fashoned way. To my aunts and uncles, I love you even when I don't tell you. To my mom, dad and brother, you mean so much to me.

For those who are not with me, my heart grieves. For my family out west, I deeply wish we could be together. To my hunny B, the love of my life, I wish you a safe and happy holiday so far from home. To the child I have yet to meet, I already love you more than you can imagine. I send to you the words to a song by Third Day, called simply, Merry Christmas.

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, and I'll tell you from my heart

I wish you Merry Christmas

The calm before the storm

As part of my holiday tour, I spent a couple of days with my friends in Toledo. I woke up one morning to hear the happy bustle of the house. I could hear the kids running around getting ready, squabbling, teasing, laughing. I dug myself deeper under the cover and just lay there, enjoying the sounds of family, knowing that as soon as I stirred from the bed, I would be swept into the fray. I loved it there in the dark, enjoying the calm before the storm.

I'm trying to muster the same feelings about our adoption. I'm sitting back, watching and listening to families with children, not yet being a part of it all. I know that once our referal comes, we will be thrown into the thick of things. I may wistfully remember these quiet times. Can I enjoy the calm before our adoption storm?

(photo by Tim Smith)

Fantastic Four Month Anniversary

Four months down and X to go. The only problem is we don't know the value of X. Going back to my high school algebra, I'd have to say we don't have enough information to solve for X. The only thing we know is that X is smaller by one month than it was in November.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Our house is decorated for Christmas. Our tree is completely decked out in red, white and blue.

Since most of you won't be stopping by for coffee this week, I thought I'd post some pictures here for you.


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