Brothers-In-Law and Family Rules

It has been brought to my attention that I am also the fortunate relative of two fantastic brothers-in-law (brother-in-laws?). I humbly accept the rebuke and gratefully acknowledge my blessings.

Ben, the newest addition to our family, is responsible for this timely reminder. I might point out that being the newest addition to our family, he obviously doesn't know the number one family rule: Don't be a smart-alek. Actually, that might be Rule Number Two. Rule Number One is: Don't mock your sister-in-law.

With that said, I would like to thank him for all of the many ways he is rocking this family boat. Any man who can love my sister the way he does is more than welcome aboard. It is a delight to see him challenge her, comfort her, confront her, and love her with such consistency and passion. How could anyone not adore someone who clearly adores my sister so much?

The other brother-in-law is Chad. What a guy. He is not unlike Ben in his consistent and persistent flouting of Rule Number One. He keeps me in check, and in stitches. If I had to choose one thing about him that I enjoy the most (which would be a hard task) it would be the way he laughs until he cries. I've looked over at him on a number of occasions to see tears running down his face as he is laughing at something that just hit him the right way. I've never known anyone else to do this, and it really means the world to me. It makes me laugh harder, but also it makes me appreciate the beauty of that moment even more. It makes me pay attention more closely to the experience, the joy, the guffaws and snorts.

Like I've already said, I'm a lucky woman. I love and am loved by some pretty fantastic people.

Amanda's Wedding

I am the lucky big sister of Amanda and Randi. Despite all the grief I've dished out over the years as the overbearing and bossy older sister, they still love me and fill my life with amazing friendship and wonderful times together.

My sister Amanda (The Bride) started this blogging ordeal, or rather her husband Ben did. (Check out teamlanghans.blogspot.com) They have recently treked crosscountry to begin seminary at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. Great, just what this family needs, two more theologians!

As I said to Amanda the other night, I miss her tremendously and have come to the realization that the unique role she plays in my life is that of Trouble Maker. Everybody needs someone in their life who instigates crazy ideas, or who at least is ready and eager to go along with crazy ideas! Amanda is my eager, crazy, sister and I am missing the opportunities to be silly with her.

Randi is my sane sister. Better said, Randi is my sanity. Don't misunderstand, she is equally fun and adventuresome (any mother of 4 boys has to be) but she is also a calm and lovely woman. People have often said to me after getting to know Randi, "She's really funny!" As if I didn't know this! She's my best kept secret.

I am truly blessed to have such sisters. They make me laugh, make me cry, and hold my feet to the fire like only those who truly love you ever do.

Sasha Anne

This lovely young lady is Sasha Anne. I find it simply astonishing that she is about to turn 9.

I look at this picture and see the hints of the beautiful woman she will someday be. Already she is quite a lady.

As a person, she possesses such charm. She is the social butterfly of the family (outside of her Mama and Papa, of course). Sasha takes very seriously her role in planning for any event our family may undertake. If someone is coming for dinner, she hustles around to set the table with the "pretty tablecloth" instead of the "just family tablecloth." She wants the candles lighted and the pretty napkins. She thinks of special music for the evening, and usually will rope her sisters Lily and Chloe into preparing a performance for the guests. She is all about entertaing.

What I love about this is how much it mirrors my own heart. Sasha gets as excited about baby showers or bridal showers as I do! Besides the purely narcissistic aspect of my enjoyment, I also admire this trait in Sasha because it shows her love for others, her desire to serve and please, and a heart that gets filled and blessed through interaction with others. She understands and experiences community in a way that most of us have ceased to do. She still gets her hopes up, she still gets butterflies about meeting new friends, she still gets heartbroken when people let her down. My prayer for her is that this tenderness does not grow hardened as people (me) disappoint her.

Gabriel's Adoption Day

This handsome man is Gabriel Richard Johnson. He doesn't know it yet, but his middle name honors another handsome man, his Grandfather Richard Johnson. If Mike and I were the "fertile type" we'd call Gabriel our "oops baby." Suffice it to say, we were not planning on 3 children under 3!

We received a phone call from the state the week we finalized our older son's adoption, informing us that his biological brother was about to become legally free and that because we had already adopted his brother, we had the option of choosing to adopt Gabriel, too. With my heart beating very loudly, I called Mike at work and told him the news. Fully prepared to hear him say all the wise and appropriate things about finances, stress, our large family already, etc. I was stunned to tears to hear him say, "Well, I guess we'd better let them know we'll take him." What a man. What an amazing, big hearted, brave man.

We went to court to finalize Gabriel's adoption 6 short months after he came home. Now that we're old hands at this, we were able to relax and dress up in Hawaiian Theme for this adoption day. Who'd have thought we would have so many adoption days that we would distinguish them by what we wore!?! Our Judge, a man named Judge Wilkins, was himself one of 7 children. He was so kind and supportive of our family that he really made the day special for us.

Spring 2005 Ballet Recital: Cinderella

These beautiful ladies danced their hearts out in the ballet Cinderella this spring.
Sasha finished her 5th year of ballet in 2005. In case that doesn't seem amazing, consider the fact that she's been dancing longer than she's been: reading, riding a bike, brushing her own teeth, sleeping through the night, and going to school.
Lily has also been dancing since she was 3. This is her third year of ballet and she danced beautifully in Cinderella. Her slender and tall body make it hard for people to believe she is only 6! She's begging to begin gymnastics, however, and she seems to have the courage and strength of an athlete. Mama will accept this gracefully. I will.

4 Johnson Kids

Well, here we are with only 4 Johnson Kids. Little did we know, but at the time this picture was taken, our 5th son, Gabriel was weeks from being born!

From right to left, starting with Mike, is Dena, Isaac (age 1 at the time), Sasha (age 7), Chloe (age 2), and Lily (age 4).

Our family has grown through the unique and adventure filled process of adoption. We'd love to share some of our story with you.

You will also find some interesting and fun-filled facts about our amazing kids! They have asked to share some of their own thoughts, as well,so this is truly a family experience.