That before dinner hour time when energy is low, kids are “staaaaaarvingggggg” but food isn’t ready yet, and all creativity has been used up so you’re just hanging on by the skin of your teeth till bedtime. You have that at your house too? The other day I poured myself a glass of wine, and said, “To the book nook!”
It’s the place next to our couch where the shelves are filled with children’s books, puzzles, and some toys. I kicked the heat up one degree to up the cozy-factor, and the boys sat by the vent with their cold feet touching it. I got on the floor and read all the books being handed (thrown) my way. Winnie the Pooh, The Little Boy Who Lost His Name, a sea creature puzzle. Anders gets my attention to point something out and have me tell him what it is. His current noise is sort of this L-heavy yodel type sound, which is a terrible description but the only one I can come up with. He’s also begun using his entire upper body to nod yes. “Anders, you want a banana?” From the waist up, not simply the head, he nods yes. Suffice it to say, it’s the best and I try to get him to do it as often as I (he) can.
(all of his smiles now include showing off the missing tooth)
It’s been raining for days (two) and the sun hasn’t peeked out a bit. Windy too. Between that and my arm, we’ve been housebound. I’d say it’s terrible but it’s not completely terrible. I keep my expectations low, diffuse my oils, and put the TV on when things are getting really hairy. More TV than I’d like, but I’m giving myself a pass until the arm’s better. Two days ago we watched Cars and yesterday we watched Toy Story. Parker and I also finished this book in two days, and I’d highly suggest it. We just reserved the others at the library.
Sunny days to come, my friends. At least I keep hoping!
the winter blues are hard enough on their own, but add in a broken arm? i’d say you definitely get to give yourself a pass. i’m so frustrated with this weather! either it’s really cold, but no snow to play in to make being outside in the cold worth it, or it’s warm but raining! oh well.
I really love your book nook!! We have one small shelf that my husband’s grandfather made by hand, but we need more shelf space terribly. Few things are better than snuggling up with the kids and reading book after book. 🙂
I can’t imagine chasing babies with a broken arm – I appreciate that you’re even typing. May the next couple weeks go by quickly and, for Pete’s sake, watch as much television as you need – spring is coming and they’ll forget all about the t.v. when the weather is nice again.
thank you for giving me the green light! seriously. i’m turning it on extra long tomorrow. no more feeling guilty! 🙂
beautiful.
4pm is the worssssst. I can handle every other time of day but 4pm brings me to insanity. Can’t wait until the 9 month old will sit still for a book!
I read the My Father’s Dragon trilogy every year to my first and second graders and have just bought it for my four year old grandson. Such an old favorite.
Love the My Fathers Dragon series! We’ve been through it three times now. Boxcar Children was a recent hit as well as some of the Magic Tree House series.
Love Anders’ stripy top! Hope the arm heals fast. It’s hard enough running a house with two.
h&m. old though! but they’ve always got great stuff.
Reading with kids is the best! Mine are past the reading together stage now, alas…but I think we did pretty well continuing until almost age 13 with one of them! (We had moved on to 20,000 leagues under the Sea on his IPad). I learned about some great older series that I might never have discovered by asking our local children’s librarians for author ideas. Examples are the “Freddy the Pig” series by Walter Brooks and all the TinTins.
I’m pregnant so a five day cold has turned into day 13 for me. Then my toddler got sick this weekend while we were working on our bathroom remodel… yeah. She watched allllll of the tv. No guilt here. And if the guilt creeps in, Sesame Street, Peg + Cat, or Magic School Bus make me think she might get something out of it. 🙂
ha, yes. That’s how I feel about Wild Kratts. I’m surprised by how many animal facts Parker rattles off. When I ask where he learned it… “Wild Kratts!”
By the way, the can with the plant in the window. On point.
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