Merry Christmas!

We hope your Christmas was filled with Christ and the magic of Christmas morning filled your home. We had a wonderful Christmas as we focused on our blessings, the gifts we have and were able to give and most of all the most perfect gift of all!

One Year Ago Today...

...our plane landed on US soil. It felt so good to be home and yet we all knew that a part of our heart would forever remain in Taiwan.
Its been one year since grandparents met their new granddaughter and aunts and uncles met a new neice. WOW- time flies!

Karlee's Gotcha Day Anniversary!

Today we celebrate one year of having Karlee in our family. We cannot believe how quickly the year has passed and how much she has changed. Above is the first photo of our family of four taken in Taichung last Dec. (sorry its so small) Just scroll on down and see pictures of her now! WOW!

It's Almost Christmas!

We saw Santa today! They were so excited. Karlee was not the least bit afraid- why should she be? She had her big sister and that man was giving out candy- she was there! After Kalie made hers and Karlee's few requests and Karlee got her candy cane and gave Santa a big DAY-DOO (translates thank-you) we were good to go. I admit I am a subjective mama but I must say-don't our girls look too cute in their matching Christmas outfits and all smiles??? God, thank you for these sisters. You continue to teach this mom so much through them.

Adoption Update

We are making some changes in our search for Kate. We have decided to move towards the "Waiting Child" lists looking for our daughter with a specific need. When I was born, I had VSD- a minor heart problem which healed on its own. Occasionally, surgery is required. This condition is considered a special need in China as they do their best to make sure the referrals given are truly as healthy as possible. Drew and I after much prayer and discussion believe that Kate is a waiting child with ventricular septal defect. We feel much peace pursuing this route and look forward to seeing her for the first time. Please remember us and Kate as we prepare for her arrival. Pray for us to know our daughter when we see her and for God to protect her until we get there!
Just wanted to let everyone know!

We Are Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! WOW- what a year! We just wanted to take a minute and express some gratitude for the gifts God has given us. Drew is thankful for Jesus
...my wonderful family (beautiful wife, and thankful to have two daughters this thanksgiving)
...to be doing for a living what i was made to do...to be back in our hometown...my church home...learning so much...friends in kentucky...an amazing new home...my country. Lori's list includes our family- for my awesome husband, for our precious Kalie and Karlee and the treasures they are. I want to thank Him for the struggles- I have learned so much more about God's heart and His love for me and more about myself -so I praise Him for all the tears and the difficult lessons learned. I thank Him for the great days- the picnics, the giggles, cuddling on the couch, reading books, discovering this world through new eyes everyday. I thank Him for the year in Louisville and for allowing us to return home. And for our new home that is so close to having the sounds of our family run through it! I'm thankful for friends- new ones and ones I have had for years- what treasures they are. And of course, for the opportunity to soon be called mama for the third time. Kate- we love you already and pray for you daily!! Three girls- what more could you want? Four girls??? hmmmm.... I am thankful for a great extended family as well- Thank you all for the love and support you continuously show us! Kalie is thankful for: "God, Jesus, my home, my friends, school, food, teachers, animals, my mommy and daddy, for Karlee, family and I'm thankful for talents like dance, for books and toys." Karlee is thankful for food, food and more food, beebos (translates to passies) elmo, mommy, daddy, MY Kalie and yuckers (translates to suckers), and Mimi, Dada, CC, Papa. Grandmother, Grandpa Ray, Grandma. That, James, Khloe, Emma and Bang Bang, Amy, and the rest of this great family as well as her best friend Mal-Mal.
This picture was taken from a friend who is also a photographer. Her email address is listed in our blog. She did an awesome job!
May we focus on the blessings of our lives today and everyday. Thank you God for simply being God!!

THANKSGIVING NEWS!!

WHOA! its a busy place around here! From school programs and projects to Thanksgiving Feasts, the Jamiesons are busy! I am pictures soon of Kalie in her Indian costume and the awesome wigwam she/us made! I love Kalie's school- the big projects are encouraged to be family events- we had a blast! And, check out Karlee in her new coat- this cold weather is still an adjustment for her! Also, I wanted to let everyone know to be sure and check out the MACY"S DAY PARADE- my sister will be one of the dancers in the parade! Her costume is a sailor suit with white hat and its an honor to the Armed Forces! CONGRATS AMY!! She and 3 friends from the studio along with their parents are going up there.

Family Update

The Adoption Fair was a huge success- many families came through that are very interested in adoption. Around 500 people just came through supporting the cause so to speak.
We are two weeks out from our house being finished- we are very excited about move in day. This weekend, Drew and my dad have been out of town and the girls have had a blast- we've watched movies, played at the park- just had a lot of laughs and sweet time together. I am posting a couple of new pictures. This one right here is my friend Melissa who did the fair with me. She and her husband are adopting a little 3 year old boy Eli, from China. The picture of Mulan and Mushu is actually our girls- Kalie put that together and I must say that the characters truly describe their personalities. Mulan, was the brave daughter who fought in a war secretly to protect her daddy. Mushu- her loyal sidekick and comic relief also became her best friend.

ADOPTION FAIR

On November 5, 2005 from 9:30-5:30 pm we will have an Adoption Fair. We will have a huge yard sale (begins at 7 am) and a silent auction- its loaded with great items! There will be games for the children, a chili lunch and many booths where represenatives from various agencies will be able to answer any questions you might have. The proceeds of the fair will help our area families with their adoption expenses. Please come and support our community and help bring home these precious little ones to their forever families!!
Drew, Lori, Kalie and Karlee

Karlee is two!

Today was Karlee's 2nd birthday and what a fun day it was! She was very much aware of it being something special. We enjoyed celebrating with family this evening. I must admit I got a little emotional as we sang to her remembering that her first birthday we watched on dvd and this time she was right here with us! I have posted a couple of pics from her big day! Happy Birthday Sweetie- We love you!

We have a LID

we just got the call from our social worker at lifeline- we have a LID-log in date- october 12. we are very excited to have this next step taken. please pray for baby kate over the next 6 months as she will be matched with her forever family. if you would like to see pictures of where our info is copy this website: http://www.angelcovers.org/ccaa/ccaa1.html
YIPPEEE!!!

Fall has arrived!

The cool weather is finally here in Alabama. They question is- how long will it last? We have had great week- Kalie turned 8 this week, my baby sister turned 18 and I feel old!
My parents and Amy are on their way to Brazil for a mission trip- thank you for praying for them. Thought I would post a new family shot.

Fun Pictures to Share

Karlee at the beach- she spotted her sister.
Kalie this summer.
These sisters are crazy about each other.

Our family at the beach this summer. We had so much fun!

Favorite Websites

We wanted to post a few of our favorite sites:


New Hope Agency (the agency that helped us get Karlee)
www.newhope4adoption.org

Lifeline Children's Services (our agency for Kate)
www.lifelineadoption.org

Kalie's Favorite Site
www.americangirl.com

Email address for Goode Dethero (photographer)
goodenbrad@comcast.net

Clay Crosse (doing a benefit concert for us Feb. 19, 2006
www.claycrosse.com

Sites of Families who have Adopted:
www.passkids.com
www.downingadoption.com
www.lilyandkate.blogspot.com
www.adoptinganna.blogspot.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tochinaforkatielin/

Our Family story in a Nutshell

How do we even begin to sum up the last 15 years of our lives in a few paragraphs? Drew and I met on a youth mission trip. I am three years older than Drew, so our paths didn't cross much afterwards other than a hello or we'd be at the same youth function. Fast forward a few years and we started talking. We quickly became friends and that grew into a very close and special friendship. After admitting that we didn't want to just be friends, we began dating in 1992, engaged in 1993 and finally married on June 11, 1994. As I have told him before, I would have married him before our first official date- I knew God had blessed me so undeservingly with HIS BEST! Its been over 11 years now and he is still my best friend and the love of my life. We always knew that we wanted children- we would actually say either one or 4! After several months of trying, we found out I was expecting in February 1997 and on October 3, 1997, Kalie Michelle came into this world. I will always remember the words of wisdom shared with me from my mom- she said, Lori- just think, if you would have gotten pregnant in those first months, you would not have had this child. Oh how thankful we were and still are that God allowed us to wait-although it was painful because we truly know that we got OUR daughter- so perfect for our family. For the next few years, we felt like we were finished. We had no desire for any more children and were completely content. Then God began to change our hearts. In November, 2000, Drew shared a calling on his heart for our family to adopt. In January 2001 we began finding an agency. As I prayed and "explained" to God how content and complete I was, He so gently spoke to my heart and said Lori, this is not about you, its about the life of a little girl. We knew from the start that the process of this adoption was going to be just as vital in our lives as the end result of it. We were being called to believe- to believe in God- not in what He was or wasn't going to do but to believe and trust His heart. What began as a 9-10 month process turned into an almost 3 year roller coaster ride. After waiting for 2.5 years in a program that never released their children, the doors finally closed and we joined a program in Taiwan in April, 2004. On April 20, my cell phone rang. As I answered, the voice on the other end said Lori- she's beautiful!! Thirty minutes later, we were looking at OUR daughter and we knew in an instant that she was meant to be our child and we knew why we had waited for so long. On December 17, 2004, Karlee was placed in our family forever. Karlee's adjustment has been difficult- she grieved deeply for her foster family and would not allow me a place in her heart initially. Now, as she recognizes her family as just that- HER family, we are grateful. Over the past months, we have had the opportunity to experience a glimpse of the unconditional love of Jesus- how He loves us and waits so patiently for us to allow Him a place in our hearts. We have witnessed the transformation of a precious little soul. Now, we are in the process again. We always knew we wanted to do it again and began the paperwork at the beginning of this year. We all feel like our daughter is in China this time so we are getting ready to go hopefully next summer. Our paperwork is actually in China now. We look forward to bringing home our baby Kate in the next year. I stand amazed at God's miracles- the miracle of birth has occured in various ways. I am humbled at how God put our family together and how He worked on each of our hearts- He even put the desire of adoption on Kalie's heart when we initally began. And I look at the future in anticipation of getting more tastes of the love of the Father. Truly our girls were "created for such a time as this."

About Karlee

Karlee is 2 years old. She joined her forever family on December 17, 2004. She is crazy about her big sister! Karlee loves to play outside-especially with bubbles. She also enjoys books, babies and playing chase and tickle- ha! Karlee is the family entertainer. She is very bright, strong-spirited and very affectionate. She is a miracle!

About Kalie

Kalie is 8 years old and in 2nd grade. She loves school and being with her friends. Kalie is passionate about dancing- she truly comes alive. This is her 6th year and she is on the competition team at her studio. This year, her solo will be tap to Amazing Grace. Kalie is kind, gentle and somewhat shy. She is also creative, dramatic and completely hilarious! Kalie LOVES having a little sister too. She is all girl as she loves dolls, dress-up, make-up, reading, etc. She also enjoys camping and hiking as well- she handles the 5 mile hikes better than mom and dad! ha! What a blessing she is!

About Us

Drew is currently family counselor at a cancer center. He has also begun his private counseling practice- what a blessing to see his dreams come true. Drew is currently pursuing a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. Drew has such a passion for families. He loves spending time with "his girls". He also enjoys snowskiing, hiking, camping with his family. (Drew is still a soccer buff as well and enjoys an ocassional pick-up game!


Lori is enjoying her role as Drew's wife and mama to Kalie and Karlee. She is very involved at Kalie's school. She enjoys visiting with friends over a hot cup of tea anytime! Her hobbies include heirloom sewing, scrapbooking and photography. Lori is beginning to pursue a lifelong passion in writing. Lori also loves to go camping and hiking with the family. She has a passion for adoption and families as well.

our site

we have created this site for friends to journey with us. God has been so faithful and we are grateful.
on this site, we will share the happenings of our lives and also keep you up to date on our journey for kate. we hope to travel next summer to get her.
feel free to look around the site- we have posted several "testimonies" already!

Kate Adoption Timeline

Jan. 05 wanting to proceed with second adoption. begin talking with karla at lifeline agency.
Feb. 05 all paperwork begins once again.
Mar-April 05 fingerprints, medicals, interviews all done.
May 05 INS approval
August 31. 05 Officially DTC (paperwork on its way to china)
October 12, 05 LID (paperwork logged in at CCAA)
December 05 homestudy updated and have decided to pursue a special needs adoption. Our baby Kate is our heart baby- we have requested a little girl younger than Karlee with VSD.
January 9, 2006 REFERRAL ACCEPTED!! We laid eyes on our beautiful daughter for the first time today. Kate Elizabeth LiXin is a precious 20 month old little girl residing in Guangxi China.
January 11, 2006- LOI sent to China and has been translated and given to CCAA.
Feb. 6, 2006 PTA (or PA) given.
Feb. 7, 2006 Care package sent to Kate.
March 27, 2006 TA arrives
March 28, 2006 Consulate Appointment confirmed. Flight arrangements being made.

Karlee's Adoption Timeline

Nov. 2001 Drew shares desire with Lori
Dec. 2001 Lori agrees with calling and they proceed to pray
Jan. 2002 First contact with New Hope Agency
Feb. 02-Oct.03 WAIT WAIT WAIT
we did and redid paperwork during this time.
Oct. 03 Agency mentions program in Taiwan. We begin to start change of country process. things don't seem to want to go well at this time. we feel on hold basically.
Apr. 04 Doors to original country close for good. Proceed with Taiwan program and everything goes very smoothly.
April 20, 2004 REFERRAL received.
June 04 All paperwork is in Taiwan
Nov. 04 First Ruling in District Court
Dec. 04 Final Ruling, Travel Plans Made
Dec. 15, 2004 Leave for Taiwan
Dec. 17, 2004 GOTCHA DAY
Dec. 22, 2004 Arrived back in states