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.

A Busy Weekend Leaves Me With A Cold

I have serious issues with over-scheduling my weekends.  This past weekend was no different. It began with a play date....we had some crazy little boy's (and one girl) over and they had a blast dumping every toy on to the floor. ...we had to stop two different times to pick up because there was no room to even walk.

Friday night we went to my middle sister's house to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday.  

Saturday was a church meeting and our street's 4th annual Chili Cook-off.  This is a BIG event here in the hood.  I can't believe I didn't get any pictures, but I did steal a ballot.  We are serious about our chili.  This year we won 3rd Place....we have placed every year and never won. Next Year!

Finally, we went to Enid on Sunday to celebrate my Dad's Birthday. 

Now, I am behind on everything and I have a runny nose.  Never fear...I will feel better next weekend for more way too many events.

A Day to Myself

Today I led my monthly mom's group "creative" activity. Last Thursday we hosted a party for some girls at a local alternative school. A good friend of mine had the brilliant idea to make these wonderful Valentine frames. They turned out awesome, so everyone requested that we do them too. I found the frames, ribbon and used the left-over paint. This is the result....well, my result anyway....I think it turned out pretty cute. I just need a picture of my little Valentine's to put in it.

Thursday's are the only day of the week that both little guys are at "school". Therefore, I have the day to myself....I love it. Especially, when I can keep my commitment to myself to have the day to myself. Today was a good day. I went to mom's group, had lunch with the hubby, and came home to read for our upcoming book club....about an hour before I picked up the kiddo's I decided to treat myself to a nap. AWESOME.

To make the day perfect, I came home to find a package from Knit Pick's on my porch. New knitting books. I received The Knitter's Book of Yarn, Ethnic Knitting and 100 Purses to Knit and Crochet. I have already flipped through them, but I am excited to get the chance to read them more in depth. They are all great. I have had a stirring inside to learn, or re-learn....I guess....to crochet, and this book of purses is just added motivation.

Friends and Photoshop

What a productive day....well, maybe productive is not the word...but I had a really great time. For the last year or so, I have been designing my boys invitations with Photoshop. A good friend does this for her kids, and I love the personalized invites. So, another friend is throwing her daughter her 4th/1st birthday party....a leap year little girl. She asked for a little help and I think I may have given her more than she asked for....I get a little obsessed. However, the end product is always worth it. The invitation looks awesome. I will ask for permission to post it tomorrow.....Permission Granted! :) Thanks Jessica for the challenge and the great company.

Tuesday is Family Night

My sister Tracy and I are 18 months apart. We have always spent a lot of time together, but since we now have 4 boys under the age of 2 1/2 (between us), we have to be a lot more intentional about getting together. For the last couple of years we have Tuesday Family Night. One of us make dinner....sometimes our husbands come, always the babies and sometimes (depending on class schedules) my other sister comes. We eat, talk about our week, catch up....you get the point. Tonight was especially memorable....we all sat at the same table and ate at the same time. With this many little guys, this is a big deal. We finished up the night with play time in the play room. It doesn't get better....or dirtier than that.

7 Minute Lull

They say (who is they?  I don't know)....anyway, they say that there is a lull in conversation every seven minutes.  I am not sure why, but I don't think it is because there is nothing to say....it is more just a deep breath to collect thoughts.  Well, that is where I am with this blog.  There is a lot on my mind, but nothing seems to fit today.  

Mission Accomplished

Have I mentioned that I love Birthday's?  I do, I do, I do.  So here is what happened....I told my husband that I wanted to take him out to dinner and just have a quiet dinner with the two of us. So, that is what we did.  My little sister babysat.  Little did he know that I had been planning a little 31st street get together for his 31st birthday.  I had martini's and the cake.  I had cleaned the house all day.....a little out of the ordinary, but he had no idea.  Just after dinner my sister called and said that the oldest was sick and we needed to come by the house.  When we arrived, all of our neighbors, siblings, and his parents were waiting.  I think he had a great time and I loved surprising him.