Shelly & Doran Johnson Family

Merry Christmas
from
The Johnsons in Texas!

I love the end of the year—not just because of the warm, cheery holidays of thanksgiving and Christmas, but because it is a time to sit down for five minutes in a room bathed in soft Christmas lights and music, wrapped in a fleece blanket, with a cup of hot chocolate and think about all the things that have keep our lives so busy throughout the year. Of course, here in The Woodlands, Texas, we have to set the AC very low so to get the desired cozy Christmas mood! Such is the case as a few events of 2009 spring to mind.

Ryan (16) achieving his Eagle rank the same week son #4, Spencer (almost 8), enters the wonderful world of Cub Scouts and Gavin (13) begins working on his Eagle Project (Doran laments he will be in boy scouts forever, but inside he secretly must love it!)

The mother/son’s campout Shelly spent with Gavin and Ryan staying up late for midnight mischief and sleeping snuggled in our down bags in the woods. And biking 18 miles together the next day.

Watching Malia (15) perform in her splashy roles in the musical “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”, complete with Egyptian painted eyes and wild costumes.




Derek’s incessant pursuit of magic—he has the best 10-year-old sleight of hand ability I have ever encountered. I seriously think he could make money performing! His ten little fingers are pretty good on the ivories as well. He is exceptionally gifted—piano seems effortless for him.




Annalee (5) tromped off with all the kids on the first day of school to Kindergarten, her backpack thumping the backs of her calves as she walked down the sidewalk, only turning back to say, “Bye mom! I love you!” She adores school.





Spencer’s (almost 8) baptism will take place the day after Christmas. What a special time of year to make covenants to follow Jesus. He is excited and talks about it almost daily.




The countless hours we have spent pounding tennis balls around the court regardless of Houston heat, humidity, & even rain! Fortunately, our efforts are bearing fruit--Ryan, Malia and Gavin love it and are having success on their teams.

Ryan’s unbelievable ability to read, write and speak Chinese. He has incredible aptitude for abstract languages.



Piper, our Irish Water Spaniel, has grown up this year—lives to go on walks, tug on Shelly’s arm should she dares to teach piano or sit at the computer, and loves to play tag with little Jesse, our Cavalier and any kids who are home.



The momentous day Doran decided to shave his head! Have you noticed this is a cool trend among men? Thank heavens he has a handsome head!

Frequent visits with family! What a blessing it is to be in the same country. Our lives are inexplicably enriched by the love of grandparents, siblings and cousins. Getting together with family is worth every mile on the car or in the air and a complete gift!

With the kind innkeeper who found room for Joseph and Mary in his inn and found a place in his heart for the baby Jesus, we echo the words he might have spoken: Let Him in. We live in a busy world with many good things to occupy our time and energy. It is our prayer and wish for all to make room for Him in our lives, hearts, blessings and our challenges. The peace the Savior offers is real and is lasting. It tempers all our stresses and envelops all our joys. And it is a gift to all, for all. Let Him in. You’ll be glad you did. We sure are!

Merry Christmas!