Friday, July 30th

Today seemed much cooler-- because it had rained and the humidity died a little--so we decided to take it easy again and walk around the market area to explore. We came across some strange sites so we thought we'd share them with the picture link below.

Last night we elected to skip the Chinese food and went to Outback Steakhouse with another family. It was extremely hot and humid. We were drenched in sweat when we got there, but it was worth it. The food was very good and the conversation even better.

Another dear friend sent me some scripture verses that kept me going. In fact, I read them so much that this morning it was my first thought. Thanks, Girls! You know who you are--my been there done that Girls'...Ron read me some sweet comments from the blog that I didn't know were there. I wish I would've seen them shortly after I posted--they were quite encouraging and filled with love! Thanks everyone who did it!!

Tomorrow we fly to Guangzhou which I hear is beautiful. And slower paced. But truly, I have been slowing our pace anyway. Even though we are ready to be home, we are enjoying some things anyway. Jace is definitely happier too. I have already packed most the luggage..lol...can you tell I am ready? We just got Jace's passport today too. YAY!

http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#albums/market

Love,
Shannon

Naptime

These photos above were taken after McDonald's and the mall in Beijing. We were very sleepy. The heat will tire anyone. But we enjoy strolling along the mall. I think tonight we may try to go back. It looks like there is an outdoor market type thing. It is still very hot, but I'd like to check it out. I wish I'd have known these things earlier. I may not have went a little stir crazy. Anyway, we are enjoying ourselves much more.

We've learned a lot about our little guy in a week. I'll give you a little synopsis. Say, 20 random things about my Jace:

1. He LOVES to eat! Especially fried rice! ALso, he eats most veggies, shoots, etc. But he can 'put away' rice, pork and chicken. Makes me want to learn to cook his foods. I want him to be able to still enjoy those.
2. He smiles a lot. And laughs. He is genuinely VERY silly and mimics everything you do! He also imitates signs.
3. He loves people. Especially the men in the group, but will go to anyone who wants him. But lately he glances at me first to check. I like that.
4. His feet can smell up a room quickly! Even in sandals!!! Whew!
5. He LOVES the bath. Tells me 'no' when it is time to get out. But I make sure I win ;)
6. He will sit on the potty anytime and be able to go. He is potty trained for sure. However, if in a public place, if I miss his 'sign' to go, he will go in his pull-up. He wakes up dry every morning.
7. He is extremely smart. Show him 1 time, and he knows it.
8. He hates to walk a lot. Makes me carry him more than I want to.
9. He needs to work on going up and down steps and his balance is off.
10. He will go down for a nap/bedtime without a fuss if he has toys from that days play in the bed. And me, of course ;)
11. He dresses himself and is very independent, very routine with it. Thank you, Nannies from the institute.
12. He LOVES cars and trains! But will entertain himself with anything except tv--no attention span for tv.
13. He is a 'kisser' for sure. Will kiss on demand.
14. He also loves puzzles or anything flashing or moving.
15. He doesn't like fast, rough play--makes him scared and he cries.
16. He wakes up happy and wants to look out the window every morning.
17. He loves his cross my mom got him. He shows it to me a lot.
18. He will not let me take things out of his hands (especially food and CANDY). If I do, he fights me. Bites my shoulders and scratches my back. Again, not hatefully! But enough to let me know he is mad. I can always wrestle him into affection afterward.
19. He loves flashcards with pictures-I wish I had more.
20. He has stolen this momma's heart for sure!
Shannon Pierro
www.ourdeafson.blogspot.com

Happy to Report

...that last night was MUCH better for us. After a 2 1/2 hour nap, Jace was feeling much better. We went to the acrobatic show and dinner, which was more of the same, but enjoyable. The food really is good. I am just tired of the same things. And last night was the first night I ate without sweating all over. It was calm and relaxing. After dinner, we got back to the hotel and I gave Jace a LONG bath. HE played a lot in the tub. He loves it. I skyped with hubby for a long time too.


Today, we slept in. We will not meet for site seeing. A dear friend who has 'been there done that' gave me a little tip. There is a play area in the mall about 4 blocks down from the hotel. We will do that today. And maybe swim. We have to wear swim caps here--that should be a site! Oh well, Jace won't care what I look like!


I want to thank all who are praying. I feel like myself today. I didn't know I could opt out of all the activities as much as I needed to. Our agency recently suggested that I take it easy. Just what the dr. ordered! I will post more tonight!


Signed,
Seeing the Light

Ron sent me this before he left for work. I miss them so much!! I can so see Jace right in the middle of all of those limbs intertwined! lol! Can wait to see them!

Not Coping Too Well

Today we visited a Tea house and the Beijing Zoo...

The tea house was cool. I liked tasting the different teas--even if it was 100+ degrees outside!!! Nothing like tasting hot tea with a smile on your face and sweat running down your boobs and back. Oh, lets not forget holding an also sweating toddler who wants very much to upset the tea cart. But, hey....let's move on to the zoo scene....

Hot + Hazy + Humid= 3 MISERABLE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES IN BEIJING!!!! Ugh!!! Come on! How much more can this girl take??????? Can you tell I am starting to unravel? Here's the deal...

I am ecstatic to be here to get my little boy. My sweet, adorable, God given little boy. BUT, I hate everything else!! I hate the schedule! I hate it that my son misses out on nap time while being transported place to place to place! I hate going outside and walking for hours in what feels like a huge sauna with 30 million non-smiling, nasty-look giving, rude and pushy people! I hate feeling like I will get hit by a car or a hurling 'loogy' or anything else!!!! I hate it that after standing in this sauna we go to a restaurant and eat FRIED EVERYTHING. I hate it that there is not a healthy dish ANYWHERE!! I hate it that I haven't worked out in FOREVER--unless you call toting a 40 pound hot, squirming toddler around for hours without a stroller because your guide promised to get you one and never did-exercise.

I miss my family. I miss American food. And ice in my drink. All I want is a big, fat, COLD, healthy salad. And maybe a glass of wine.

To my family and friends...sorry to vent. I am really stir crazy here. I didn't let on to any of this complaining before now for a reason. Now, I just don't care. This blog entry is really for all the adoptive moms before me. Help!! How did YOU handle it????

Please pray for us. Even Alex sits on the bus with her ears plugged into an ipod. That's how she copes.

Signed,
Sweating in Beijing

photos: http://www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro#date/2010-07-28/00:06:01

Pearl Market and Summer Palace

Ok...

Today was the Summer Palace and Pearl Market.

The Pearl Market was interesting. We learned about fresh water pearls and how to know the real from a fake. We got a little demonstration and the girls opened an oyster to show us how many pearls were actually inside. We guessed only one. One pearl actually had about 15 inside. We also learned the colors...white, pink, lavender and black. Of course my favorite--the black--was most expensive...figures!

Then onto the Summer Palace. Beautiful place. The pictures just won't do it justice. Our guide was pretty informative, but unfortunately I couldn't really listen to him as Jace was having a meltdown. Yes, I said 'meltdown'. Today is the day he decided to show me his naughty side. I am thanking God there is a naughty side to see. I was beginning to get worried that he was only trying to please me by being a 'good boy' all the time. Although, I did see a bit of it yesterday when he tried to bite me in the restaurant-although gently-he still bit me. So this is what happens. If his feelings are hurt, or he is mad, he first throws whatever is in his hands or anything near him. He tries to grip anything in his path to send sailing throughout the room. So of course, I pick him up to walk away from the situation. As I walk away from our little 'scenario', he very discreetly scrapes his nails on my back. If that doesn't work, he then acts like he is putting his head on my shoulder to rest, but instead bites me. Not hard at all, but enough to let me know he is P.O'd...IF THAT doesn't work, he wiggles out of my arms and goes as limp as a noodle to the ground. Well....guess what? It doesn't work. I don't LET it work. I pick him up and hold him and kiss him until he stops fighting me. He must not be used to crying for very long--it doesn't last more than about 3 minutes. I want him to know that he can test me all he wants to-Momma's not ever leaving and he will never get away with hurting me.

It was actually funny when he was trying to bite me. The look in his eyes said "I am mad, but I am afraid to hurt you". Honestly, he likes the correction from me. He cozies in my lap afterward. I love it.

Hope you enjoy the pics!!!!

www.dropshots.com/shannonpierro

Until tomorrow!!
Shannon

Tuesday, July 27th

So weird writing that today is Tuesday, as it is actually Monday evening for you.


Anyway, Here are some pictures of Alex and Jace playing in the room after breakfast this morning. Today we meet at 9:30 am for the Summer Palace and the Pearl Market.


This morning I again woke to Jace hugging me. He was rubbing his hands on my face and lips. Almost like he was outlining the shape or something. He really is so affectionate toward me. Alex is starting to get her feelings hurt because he only lets me hold him. I am told this is normal after not having this type of attention for so long. I am trying to already wean him (just a little) and make him walk or hold hands with Alex. Again, not too much, but I don't want him to think he gets this much attention ALL the time. I'm sure I will make mistakes along the way regarding attatchment, but for now this Momma is going with her heart.


We love him so much! Can't wait for you all to meet him and love him too!!


kisses!!
Shannon

Monday, July 26th

Today we go to the Civil Affairs office again to finalize some things. We've had the morning to hang out as a family in the room. I love it. I love having time to 'chill'.


This morning I woke up to Jace rubbing my arms again. I know a lot of moms are shaking their finger at me saying it's no good to sleep with him, but I LOVE it! He nestles in so lovingly. It's like he can't get close enough. He is a cuddle bug!


Everywhere we go he attracts attention! He has such a sweet personality. I am truly blessed. With ALL my children, my husband, my life. I don't know how or why God ever chose me to bless so abundantly. Surely I don't deserve it!! ANyway, I am so happy--so at peace--so in AWE of my Creator.


Hopefully, everything will go ok today. I always get nervous doing the 'official' things here...wish me luck---better yet---send me prayers ;)






Kisses from Beijing xxxxooo,
Shannon
ps...I did get to look at the comments on the blog--Thanks to all who left me sweet words of encouragement--and for the support! I need that 'home' comfort--it is more precious than gold!!!

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Great Wall

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Jade Factory

On the bus signing...


The internet was down this morning so I couldn't send Emma my email to blog. It is now 3:45 pm. We just returned from the Great Wall and lunch. We also went to the Jade factory where many Chinese girls fell in love with Jace. Again it was VERY hot, so I didn't walk the wall much at all. After yesterday's episode I was petrified to be outside too long. Anyway, we enjoyed it. I would love to send a lot of pictures, but with me having to send everything to Emma, the pictures must be sent individually and it takes way too long.


Jace is getting more and more comfortable with us. He is getting more and more freedom, so of course he is testing the waters. Even so, he is completely adorable and so well behaved! He loves to learn signs and mimics everything.


Today he fell asleep in my lap on the bus. I was watching him sleep so peacefully. His lips full, his cheeks flushed--my heart ached for him knowing his mom left him in the middle of a hospital, wandering around alone. How could she do that? How could she set him down and walk away? I cannot even comprehend such cruelty. I know he once laid at her breast, sleeping so peacefully--so sound. What makes a mom do such a wretched thing? I love him so much. I thank God throughout the day for him and for ALL my children. I can't imagine--I never WANT to imagine my life without them.


Thanks again for the encouragement. I wish I could respond to everyone!!!


xoxoxox,
Shannon

Better Today

Feeling a little better today. But still not myself. I wanna thank everyone for the encouragement, especially Karen and Jamie. Girls, I am so glad I have you to lean on.


Just got back from breakfast. Jace LOVES yogurt. He ate two containers and a croissant...some eggs and orange juice. Between all my boys at home, I think I'll be grocery shopping every other day!


I miss my family so bad! I have to be in Beijing for another week before I can go to Guangzhou. That will be a relief. The hotel here isn't very child friendly. I hear that in Guangzhou it is much better. Ron and the kids skype us so that is better--but not the same.


Today we go to the Great Wall, Peal and Jade factory. I hope I can take the heat!!


Jace laid down ok for bed last night. He didn't cry for the first time. He watched me a lot to see if my eyes were opened. lol. Then, he rubbed my arms back and forth like I rubbed his the night before. He really is a lover. He loves the attention. He laughs ALL the time!!! I am so in love!!!! We both are. You will be too!!!!


Much love to all....
Shannon

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Whoa...

Today was a train wreck....for me anyway. Although it started out ok...

It was extremely HOT...I took plenty of water for all of us. We went to Tian men Square and the Forbidden City. I was enjoying it until the heat hit me like a Mac truck. I was dizzy, nauseous, and miserable. Everyone was hot but it wreaked havoc on me. I had to stop several times and sit down. I tried to push myself but I just couldn't. After what felt like forever, we made it to the bus.

Here's where the train wreck started. On the bus, I thought I'd pass out. I was shaking and my head was pounding. Luckily, Bart, one of the dads in our group helped through it. He is an anesthesiologist and talked me through. Thankfully---SO THANKFULLY, he and Alex nursed me back to life. He had me lay on the chair and put my feet up....then along came Miss Congeniality from the lobby and told him I may NOT sleep there. He told her I WASN'T sleeping and she looked agitated. I tried to get up and I threw up all over her fancy-schmancy chair in the lobby. AND IN BART'S PRECIOUS DAUGHTER's HAT!!! ARGHHHH.....Nice....He helps me feel better and I puke in his daughter's sun hat (which is soaking in the sink as we speak).I will send that one out for cleaning...

How was Jace in all this? FINE!! Laughing in the lobby, playing with Alex who was right by my side nursing me too!! Putting cold water on my neck, back and head. Poor thing. She must've been so scared!

Bart got us back to the room, gave me some Gatorade and well wishes. I laid down for awhile, took a shower ,then a nap with Alex and Jace. All is well now.

Those of you that know me--know that I am a normally a strong person. What happened to me today? This trip? I am falling apart! But I DO feel the prayers...keep them coming...PLEASE!!!

I leave you with a video I took after our nap. We taught Jace the sign for 'candy'...He is so precious!!!

Love!!!! Kisses from Beijing...

Good Morning From Beijing

Good Morning! I feel so much better today after sleeping through the night. Well, kinda through the night.


Anyway, today we go to the Forbidden City. We just returned from Breakfast and back to the room for blogging--Jace ate SO much and now he discovered my bag of snapeas crisps from home--he is going to town on them!!! I asked him if he would share with me--he shook his head 'no'....lol!! He shares everything, but apparently those are not up for discussion!


Will blog later...


I love you guys!!!


Shannon

Bath Time.

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Blissfully Sleepy

Today has been even longer--I still haven't caught up on my sleep, but I am pleasantly tired. How can I not be with such a sweet, happy boy!


I REALLY wish I had access to the blog myself. I would love to add even more pics and see the comments, but I can't see anything! Not even FB. Oh well. Emma has been doing a great job as my secretary!


Jace LOVES his toys. And his silly bands as you can see. Especially the light up ones. He has more energy than me-I have met my match. He is very silly and LOVES the attention he is getting from Alex. We are having a blast. He is scared at sleep times. He gets very quiet and tearful. Other than that, he is pretty fun and extremely bright!! His smile lights a room and the sweet coo that comes out of him melts my heart. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am.


I bought him some shoes today. His smelled SO BAD!!! The room literally smelled stinky! I can't bring myself to throw them out so they are packed in a bag AND A BOX...haha...but the new ones light up and I didn't know it when I bought them. Let's just say they are a hit!


He is potty trained. I don't know why they told me he wasn't. He goes to the bathroom alone but I help him anyway. In public he is used to being in a diaper so he pee's in it. But at the hotel-never. We'll work on that at home.


He mimics all of our signs. He doesn't know what they all mean, but some he does! And he remembers. He is so independent. I am amazed.


well, almost time to meet for dinner.


Keep the prayers flowing! We feel them!!


xo,
Shannon, Alex and Jace

Breakfast

Good Morning

Hi everyone!
Emma is still posting for me--thanks,Emma!

We slept well last night. It is 6:30am here. Jace woke up almost on top of me--he sleeps like Nick. He is a cuddle bug during sleeping, unconsciously. He us eating Turkish figs this morning.

I am having trouble with the pc and photobucket. Emma told me the bath video is gone! I am trying to reload it now.

He just motioned to me that he had to 'pee' we did it ! Yay!!

I cannot begin to tell you the awe I have for God right now. This beautiful boy was given to me and hit fits into our family so perfectly. God is so good!

Ron sent me comments from you all!!! Thank you! They are an encouragement!! I wish I could see this blog!! I wish I could post easier too. I am sending this from my iPhone


Anyway, more to follow. Gonna play with my happy little boy on the floor now....
I love you all!!
Thank you, God!!!!

Gotcha Day and Civil Affairs

Wow! What a special day! Jace is amazing! He already knows signs. He can mouth "mama" and "papa". He can sign 'girl' and 'boy'. He gives me a thumbs up a lot. And Alex--loves her too! All the girls here play with Jace. He is a very happy boy-he laughs a lot! He loves his toys. Especially the light up toys.


We went to the Civil Affairs office this afternoon after lunch. He is now ours! YAY!! We came back to the hotel to grab a nap and now we are getting ready to meet for dinner. I tried to put Jace in the crib here. No go. That was the first time I heard him cry. He ended up sleeping between ALex and me which we loved! I woke up to his little hand on my neck. So sweet. Alex and I are completely in love.

He is Precious!!!!! HE IS OURS!!!! Thank you, GOD!!! He imitates EVERY sign...He smiles all the time!!!! He tried to say mama and papa....Oh, I can't believe it!!!!!! i am trying desparelty to download pics and video!!!!!
Shannon Pierro
www.ourdeafson.blogspot.com

We are off to breakfast this morning to meet our travel families. I can't believe in a few hours I will have 4 children! I have Jace's bag of toys ready to go. I feel at peace and I know it's from the prayers! Thank you all so much! I can't get blogspot yet (working on another way)so I can't read any comments. If you want to email me directly, please do! spierro@comcast.net


We slept well last night. Feeling refreshed this morning--yet dizzy with anticipation! Leaving you with this picture I took this morning. There are people sleeping outside on rooftops!

Shannon Pierro
www.ourdeafson.blogspot.com

Hi Everyone,

Having trouble with the VPN and China blocks blogspot and facebook, so Ron is posting this for me!

We arrived in CHina about 7:20pm. It is now 9:59pm. The flight was LONG but uneventful. Alex and I are so tired, but giddy....We meet our travel friends and our guide in the lobby tomorrow morning at 8:30. Then it's off to the institution to get our kids!! After that, Civil Affairs office. PLEASE pray for everything to go smoothly. I am such a scatter-brain these days (ok always)and I am afraid I am forgetting something!!

Can you believe Jace will be with us tomorrow??? It's crazy! I can't wait---yet I am so nervous too! How do you tell a little boy who has NO CLUE what is happening that you love him and want to be his mommy?? I have no idea what tomorrow will bring. All I do know is that we, the Pierro's, are ready for him...As I left this morning to board the plane, Ron hugged me tightly and whispered;

"Go get our son"...Our son...wow. Is this really happening???

xoxoxoxo,
Shannon

ps....I will post pics as soon as possible!!!!

The Gardener...

Here I am. It is late. The house is quiet. My children are securely tucked into bed. I am left to my own thoughts.

Thoughts…So many thoughts. So many ‘What if ‘s?”…A cloud of doubt shadows over me like the darkness before a storm. What if Jace doesn’t like me? What if he screams for days? What if he has other issues that are yet undetected? Can I do this? Is this really God’s will—or did I act on my own selfish desire? The thoughts go on. They crowd my head as I lay awake in bed…over and over again they fire through my mind like missiles in battle-relentless-even as I am in prayer.

“Lord, only you know what this is all about. Only You know the depths of my heart’s desire. ..Tell me, Lord. Tell me You did this. You brought him to me, right? I didn’t want another child! I didn’t need another child-and certainly not a deaf child when none of my family members share in my passion for the deaf community. Tell me I can do this. Tell me I didn’t go before you….no….no, I couldn’t have…right? “

Do you see how the seed of doubt can creep in? Do you see how it can capture and destroy even your inner most thoughts? Like a weed pushing its way into a garden, trying to take root, squelching the flourishing buds of a delicate, beautiful flower preparing to blossom. That is, unless that ugly root is extracted.

And so it is with the Gardener. Watching. Feeding. Nurturing. Watering. Waiting. Waiting for that delicate flower to bloom. There isn’t a weed He hasn’t seen. Not one that can fool Him. His power is greater than the strongest weed in its deceit, desperately trying to spread death and disease. He knows it takes patience, time and love to grow something so lovely. Something only He can truly enjoy-something worth waiting for…something that will need pruning in just the right season.

This is where my thoughts eventually rest. In the arms of my Gardener. Thank you, Lord for not leaving me to my own thoughts.

To My Precious Baby Boy Jace....

Tickets!

Almost there, Jace!!

So excited to share this with you!


中 国 妇 女 旅 行 社 总 社

Itinerary for the Pierro’s /Fang Chen Chen( 2007/01/15 )

July 21: Arriving in Beijing by CA982 at 18:20,
Stay in Wang Fu Jing Grand Hotel in Beijing
July 22: Meet the child in the morning
Registration at 14:30
July 23: Local sightseeing: Summer Palace
July 24: Local sightseeing: Great Wall
July 25: Local sightseeing: Forbidden City
July 26: Get Adoptive Registration Certificate
Notarization and applying for passport
July 27: Local sightseeing: the Zoo and Olympic Park
July 28: Local sightseeing: Beihai Park
Enjoying the acrobatic show
July 29: Local sightseeing: Science Museum
July 30: Getting the passport
July 31: Fly from Beijing to Guangzhou by CA1327 at 14:00,
Arriving Guangzhou at 17:00,
Stay in White Swan Hotel
August 1: Local sightseeing: Yuntai Garden
August 2: Physical check for the baby & Photo for the baby
Local sightseeing: Pedestrian Shopping Street
August 3: Visa appointment
Local sightseeing: Six Banyan Temple
August 4: Swearing in the ceremony at the Consulate
Local sightseeing: Liu Hua Hu Park
August 5: Get the visa
August 6: Leave Guangzhou for Beijing by CA1310, which departs at 8:00 and arrives at 11:00( air tickets are booked on their own) and then transfer to the flight CA981 back home at 13:00.


Hang on, Sweet Jace!! We're ALmost there!!!

A Different Kind of Nurture

10 more days and Alex and I will be China bound...I am so consumed with the little details that the reality still hasn't hit home. I am constantly thinking, planning, organizing, shopping--all in preparation for my young son's arrival. So much in fact, that I now dream in sign language. Really! In my dreams I am signing to him! Crazy, right?

This week my 90 year old grandfather stayed with us (and yes, I still have 3 grandparents even though I am 43!). He flew in from Colorado (alone!) to spend some time with my family. I was thrilled to be seeing him again this year.

I enjoyed laughing and playing board games with Granddad at the kitchen table. But it's not easy watching a grandparent age. I was happy to cook for him and to wash his clothes--to remind him to wash his hands and NOT to take his teeth out and place them on my kitchen table after dinner ;) I loved taking care of him. But evenings? Evenings were hard on both us of. I am told that the elderly can be as sharp as a tack during the day, but as the evenings fall to darkness, so does the delicate mind of Granddad. "Sundowners Syndrome" is what it is called. Confusion sets in and the once flowing conversations are few. This is when he tells me to put him bed.

I walked him into his bedroom every night and helped him into his pajamas. These tender moments are ones that I cherish. Moments when he gave into dignity, put aside his pride, and let his granddaughter help him to bathe and to dress. There was a look of gratefulness in his eyes even as he felt some embarrassment. That is a look I'll hold onto. The look that tells me I am appreciated and adored. As I stood in front of him, buttoning his shirts, I wondered how long I will have him here. The days events ran through my mind...laughing with the kids, telling stories of the 'old' days, even the fall he took on the way into the car that morning ...and the panic I felt trying to lift him to his feet. I felt he read my mind as our eyes met and my thoughts finally cleared. He smiled at me and pursed his lips to kiss me-just like a little boy.

In just 10 days I will again give that kind of love. The kind that lets you know you are needed and wanted. In 10 days my life will change forever. In 10 days we will be a family of 6. In 10 days I will again nurture. Only this will be a different kind of nurture.

After many phone calls, emails, money wires and paperwork checking, re-checking, and checking again...I am finally starting to feel like this is really going to happen.

Yesterday, I started my day on the internet at 9:30am. I finally stopped everything at 2:00pm. Feeling so bad for the kids not having my attention for so long, I surprised them with a trip to the local snowball stand. They were happy and so was I. Sometimes I wrap myself too tightly in accomplishing 'tasks'- forgetting to stop and embrace the refreshing moments that happen throughout the day. For me, watching my kids share a 'taste' of their sweet treats at that snowball stand was one of those moments. Just that little bit of my attention made my kids so happy. I wish I was more like that. I wish I would learn to find joy everyday, no matter how uneventful the day is.

You know, I keep seeing the verse from Matthew 18:

"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me."

Today, on this blog from the Snippets on the lower right hand is a verse from Luke:

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
(Luke 18:17)

Now, I realize that this text reference isn't exactly what I am talking about above...but it does touch on my post. I think I better dive into these bible verses a little more since they are gently 'appearing' lately.