Christmas Miracles/Blessings

One of the unexpected gifts my adoption process has given me has been two new friends from my adoption agency.
We've each had our own struggles with the journey, but in the midst of impatience, frustration, tears and heartbreak, we've formed a camaraderie and friendship. And in the past 6 weeks we have been able to experience promise, joy, excitement and elation like we've never known.
Last night it culminated with one of the three of us accepting the referral of two precious little Ethiopian princesses. A true Christmas miracle! And we are all three on cloud nine!
This morning as I take some time from our family festivities to reflect a little (something I seem to be doing more and more frequently), I am struck by the realization that this journey has not gone as planned for any of us. In fact it has taken some real deep twists and turns and for someone like me, who is not a fan of roller coasters, it has been anything but a joy ride. However I will say looking back I would do this a hundred times over, blindfolded with one hand tied behind my back to be where I am right now. I am awaiting a court date for a stunning little girl who God willing will be with me next year for Christmas in all her wide-eyed glory. But aside from that blessing I have been granted two new friends that I will count as an added bonus to this journey.
Congratulations Celeste and Renee...there's no one else I would rather be on this ride with!

Merry Christmas

Is there anything better than a child at Christmas? Last year was my niece's first Christmas and while she didn't really get what was going on, she still charmed all of us with the way she ripped wrapping paper and squealed over her new toys. And this year, this almost two year old will again delight us.

And yet before I have even arrived home for Christmas the thoughts have turned to next year when Miss Jaci B. will be here with us. There is a wistfulness in the family as we talk about how things will change. My heart soars when I think about sharing family traditions with this beautiful, stunning little girl the Lord has placed into my life. I am praying that all will go well and she will be in my heart and life forever and that next year will be one of the best Christmases ever. I also know that this year if you look closely at the sparkle in my eye, you may just see a tear because I am wishing that Jaci B was already here.

Merry Christmas!

Care Package

So I am pretty sure Miss Jaci B. has received her care package by now. I can hardly wait for Crystal to get back and let me know if she received it. I have had lots of questions about what I included in the package.

Well let me just say that it is amazing what you can fit in a gallon ziplock baggie!

I sent her a Hello Kitty Bag, a Hello Kitty Sparkly shirt, a Hello Kitty necklace set (are you sensing a theme here?), a Hello Kitty notebook, pens, some candy, hair accessories, two small stuffed bunnies, a yo-yo, jumprope, maze, storybook and a photobook with her new families' pictures in it that took me two hours to make at the Kodak Kiosk. I know there were more things in there, but I can't remember now and I forgot to take any photos until after I had packed the baggie. But here is the finished results that were then overnighted to Montanna and more than likely placed in her little hands sometime yesterday.

Darling Jaci B.,

It has been three weeks since I saw your face for the first time. Today a woman named Crystal left to go pick up her daughter. She is carrying a package that I put together for you. It may be that you don't even know yet that there is someone "out there" waiting for you. But you will know soon, my darling girl. I am praying that as you open this package and look at the contents that you will somehow sense love and peace. I had some help from some very special people to put that together. Your Aunt Erin and Uncle Doug as well as another special friend had a lot of fun suggesting items that you should have. Your Grammy and Papaw watched as I packed it during my visit for Thanksgiving.
While this package is just filled with small trinkets, it is sprinkled with butterfly kisses, sunshine wishes and so much love, it almost didn't fit.
We are waiting to be filed for court and for a date. There is more waiting to come, but for me it is so much easier now that I have seen your face and I hope the same will be true for you.
I am praying that God will prepare your heart for me as he is preparing my heart for you. I don't know your past story, but I hope as we build a bridge of trust in the next few months that you will share your story with me and I will help you capture it for all time.
I also heard that I may see new photos of you at the beginning of the week. I am so excited that I find it hard to sleep.
Just remember darling girl that "even though I know how very far apart we are, it helps to think we might be wishing on that same bright star."
Love,
Your waiting Amayae

Tis the Season

I got this from my college friend, Gretchen. In it she warned me not to be a scrooge, so I am going to post my answers here.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I always want to do the whole wrapping paper thing with coordinated hand-made bows, but I usually end up shoving it in a gift bag and scrounging around for tissue paper.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as I can find free time to do it
4. When do you take the tree down? Weekend after New Year
5. Do you like eggnog? Nope
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably my life-sized doll, Blondie.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? Leah, my niece
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail when I actually get them out
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Sausage
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year I may be lucky to have it started before Dec. 24th. Usually I am done by Thanksgiving.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I turn regifting into an art!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Chex Mix and homemade cookies
16. Lights on the tree? yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Christmas Song and O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel to my childhood home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Depends on the year, we usually split it up.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Looming deadlines
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Gold and cream with white lights
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Broccoli Casserole & homemade mashed potatoes
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A court date, referrals for Celeste and Aimee, for Renee to pass court, to go Christmas caroling and a nice book light.