'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