Read

Everyone has a vision of what they thought parenthood would entail.  Likely it didn't include scribbles on the wall, balls left on the stairs, broken treasures, cutting a huge chunk out of one's hair, playing "mixing" with ten 24 piece puzzles, projectile vomiting, etc....but surely those are memories to chuckle about later. With any luck, life as a parent includes mostly the good stuff, including the stuff of what you dreamed of when you were thinking about your future decades ago.

For me, it was and is reading. I always dreamed of having children who enjoyed reading, would listen to the stories and snuggle in.  My obsession collection of books proves my vision. I totally have books from my childhood and books that I purchased in high school for my 'someday' kids. I have hundreds, maybe even thousands (and no, I'm not exaggerating) of books.  Shelves upon shelves, the attic and my work storing more.  Plus we frequent the library.  I'm so not a minimalist with books.  We read them though, I promise!

 

I am so thankful I have kids who enjoy reading with me. I don't think there's been a single day since either of their births that hasn't involved books. The days we're home, it's not unusual for us to spend 2 hours reading together. It's my favorite part of the day. No matter how busy we are, I try so hard to make lots of time for books. It's when I try to pinch myself and remember how lucky I am. It's the stuff I smile about as I drift off to sleep at night. 

Thankful my husband snapped a couple cell phone pics of me doing my favorite part of parenting.  Our reading sessions won't last forever, so I'm going to remember to enjoy them each day.