What is up with Blogger?

I know I only posted that last post once.  I am sure I would remember posting it 5 times.  Now, I am trying to delete them and it won't delete.  Argh!  

I am really trying to get back in the groove after having a sick house for almost two weeks now.  I have been busy, busy, busy organizing and writing curriculum for toddlers and two's Sunday school.  

I have been working on my new blog and listening to a lot of podcasts trying to figure out a possible format for Colors of Creation Podcast.  I really like the ones that have a basic organized format that they follow each episode.  I may be a little OCD, but this really helps me know what is coming and what to expect.  I guess it could just be a result of my Presbyterian/Methodist background....I love the three point sermon.  

I am really searching for ideas and resources for children and spirituality.  I truly believe that children are some of the most spiritual people.  It is just a matter of tapping into what they know and how they respond.  I feel like I understand my own spirituality more when I watch the children wonder and discover. 

I know this post is a little disjointed, but I have a lot whirling around in my brain and a lot of blogging catch-up to do.  

Happy Hump Day!

Addendum:  Okay....I am really going crazy.  Now, it appears that I only posted the last entry once.  I know I am not imagining things.  

Books, A Comfort Item?

When I was pregnant with my first child, I listened to a literacy presentation. What stood out most was the idea that books can and do serve as comfort items for young children. I thought this was a great concept, but I have to say I was skeptical. Could a hard book with rough pages really comfort a child like a soft blanket with the scents of home? Would any toddler actually reach for a stack of cardboard over their favorite stuffed animal?

Regardless of my skepticism, I introduced books to both of my children at a very young age. I think I have been reading to them since before they were born. I have encouraged them to look at books, point to the pictures, and fill in blanks to their favorite nursery rhymes. I have to say, books do provide a great deal of comfort to both of my little guys. I find them racing to the bookshelves when I take them to an unfamiliar playroom or nursery. I can keep them content in the car for much longer if I bring just three or four of their favorite reads.

Today the theory was tested at a new level. I volunteered to watch my twin nephew’s for the day while my sister went to work. The spent a good bit of the morning calling for “mama” and looking at the assortment of toys as if they didn’t know what to do. Then, to my amazement one of them found a book that his parents had mentioned that he loved. I found him content, for the first time, in the corner reading his book, his brother looking on. I gave the other twin another book that was a known favorite. He smiled and the two sat, read their books, and then carried the books around with them for a good hour. It was so sweet.