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Now on to the Meaning of Children.  

It’s getting deep.

Deep in Crisco.

You think that I am going to write a really deep post about how much I appreciate my children, right??!?! 

Not so much.  I do love and appreciate each and every one of my blessings.  They are gifts from God afterall!  There is one other meaning for children that sometimes goes unnoticed.  Yes.  I am speaking of greasing the cookie pan.  A job that all moms despise and all children love doing, or think they love doing.  I did it as a child and I am sure my mom did as well.

Alice did a great job.  I think she has a future in pan greasing.  At least until she realizes that her kids love it as much as she once did 🙂

Have a great Sunday!
Jennifer

We celebrated Chinese New Year today.  The kids wore their silks.  We went to Denver to the CCAI celebration and then due to weather we headed for home and had Chinese food for dinner at our favorite little restaurant. 

Friday and Saturday, the temps were in the 60’s. Sunday we dropped to a chilly 50 degrees. Monday was pretty cold and dipped down in the teens and today, well, guess what, my kids are home from school because IT IS TOO COLD!  Negative temperatures and the high is zero!  ZERO!!! 

Last night, I asked Scott if we had ever missed school due to the cold.  He laughed and said no, zero degrees in Michigan means that it is winter.  Well, I have to say, these Coloradans are a tad bit wimpy when it comes to cold and snow but I will most definitely take the warmer days too 🙂 

Scott wrote a funny post about winter running over on his blog. Check it out here. He really is that crazy.

Before Mason came to be part of our forever family, he lived in the Xinxiang Social Welfare Institute.  He was so blessed to be part of a program called Gracie’s Room, started by Dianjiang Kids International.  In Gracie’s Room, Mason received extra time with his nanny, more physical activitiy, playtime and so much more.  Unfortunately, not all these sweet kiddos at Xinxiang get to be a part of Gracie’s Room.  The director of Dianjiang Kids International, Moya Smith, has been nominated for a service award.  Dianjiang Kids International was started by a group of adoptive parents who wanted to do more for the kids in Dianjiang and that love has extended to Xinxiang.  If Moya wins this award, she and the kids at Xinxiang will receive $2500.  Please go over and vote for Moya.  http://www.serviceawards.org/applicant/117/Moya_Smith.aspx?mid=794

She is awesome and works so hard for our kids!!!  I had the opportunity to meet Moya in December at a reception for Henan Orphanage Directors.  She was able to meet Mason, just one of the kids who were blessed by her efforts.  She actually watched him while I ran to get my camera and he so sweetly shared his snacks with her 🙂 
After you vote, scroll down and click on video.  It is a short slideshow with pictures from Gracie’s Room at Xinxiang.  I watched it and was so excited to see pictures of our sweet guy!  Some of the pics I have but others were new.  I know that Mason received awesome care while in Gracie’s Room and I have no doubt that all that wonderful care made his transition easier once he came home. 

Go vote and watch the video! 

The dog is not a fan of our newest addition.  Unless you count it as food.  We are “babysitting” a chinchilla, indefinitely.  I think it is actually kinda like “keeping” but I am in denial.  Actually this little fur ball is pretty cute and so far, pretty low maintenance.  The kids think he is awesome.  Jesse does not. 
Unless you count it as food. 

I know, I know….Aside from the couple of random snow patches, it doesn’t really seem like it is winter here.  This season we have had an extremely mild winter.  We have only had a few days of snow and a handful of really cold days.  The kids would like more snow and I am happy with warmer days 🙂  Yesterday we all enjoyed the weather and headed to Ute Valley Park for a hike. Of course, I took my camera 🙂 
Happy Tuesday!
Jennifer

This weekend was full. 
Saturday afternoon, the kids had swimming lessons.  They are taking lessons in Black Forest.  It is a haul out there but sooo worth it.  Their instructor is awesome and in two lessons I have already seen so much growth and confidence in their swimming skills.  Paige started her lessons this week and also did great. It was so fun to see her have such a blast in the water.  We spent Saturday evening at the Young’s house.  Due to sick kids and busy lives, we haven’t had a chance to all get together to celebrate Christmas.  It was such a nice night spent with great friends. 

Well…two of them. The ones who still like to get their pictures taken.