2009

Do you remember when you were a kid and the year 2000 was like at the end of all time and we would be flying with jet packs--if we were still alive and not nuked by then? Well we are still here--no jet packs--just hybrid cars. We were so very blessed this past year. Following is a list of random highlights of 2008:

Austin had another good Cardiologist checkup.
Shannon turned double digits.
I turned 40.
Dwayne finally built a dining room table and bench (after promising for 10 years to do so). I love, love, love it.
I celebrated 18 years of blissful marriage to my best friend.
Took (too few) "wine walks" with friends.
Lots of Family and extended Family gatherings.
Summer days in the back yard.
Trips to the beach.
Kayaking.
Wii came home.

AND...we started on the road to China that leads to our baby girl. We wish you a blessed Happy New Year. Suggestion for a New Year's Resolution--Choose Joy. Think about what that means, it's a huge thing when applied to so many areas of life. Instead of complaining about something, look for a good thing about it. Instead of pointing out faults, compliment, but be sincere.

Deb

Merry Christmas--Third Day

I know, quite sappy--try not to cry. Good Luck!



The band Third Day recorded a song entitled "Merry Christmas". The guitarist from the band adopted a daughter from China; the song is about his wait to bring her home.
This video puts a family's pictures to the song.

MERRY CHRISTMAS -- THIRD DAY
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 you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

More Paperwork

Last week we submitted our application to Bethany's Child of Promise Program. This is where families are matched (by Bethany's China Team)with children who have certain health issues that prevent them from being in the regular adoption program. We filled out a bunch of papers stating conditions or "needs" that we would be comfortable with--like heart condition, orthopedic issues, even birthmarks are considered special needs in some cases. We also wrote a letter about how and why we would parent such a child. The way I see it--all children have "special needs". You probably know Austin has a heart condition, and Shannon has/had a "murmur". When we are matched with our baby girl, we will have some medical information explaining health issues and we will be able to have that info assessed by medical professionals.

So meanwhile, we are still waiting on USCIS for our pre-approval to adopt from China--and then.....we can actually submit our application to China, blah, blah, blah.

Christmas shopping is almost done, the house is about decorated. I love this time of year! Maybe next year we will have #3, maybe not.

I know I have signed Dwayne's name before, but I think we all know his computer skill level and who the acutal blogger is.

Deb