Every once in a while, I have one of those amazing mothering moments. One of those moments that I pictured back in high school and college when I dreamed of having kids. Sure, there are plenty of pull your hair out moments at bathtime, dinner time, getting ready for school, waiting for the check at restaurants... but there are also moments that make it all worthwhile. It's the mosaic of those good memories that keep me going.
This morning I snuggled under the covers with Bella and Jack, one tucked cozily under each arm, and I read the first three chapters of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
. I started talking about it with Bella over dinner a few days ago, and we both got so caught up in the magic of the candy factory that I realized that she was ready for it. All the great books that I read today pale in comparison to my favorite books as a child. Nothing can hold a candle to the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
, James and the Giant Peach
, The Secret Garden
, A Little Princess
, or Charlotte's Web
. I've been waiting until the day my children would be old enough to enjoy them like I did. But I didn't want to spoil it all by doing it too soon.Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
arrived yesterday from paperbackswap.com. (Have you tried paperbackswap? It's the greatest way to get free books while getting rid of the books crowding your shelves). Bella ripped the package open, and paged through the entire book, commenting on all the pictures. Then, this morning, we started reading. Even 4-year old Jack was captivated. And let me tell you, reading it with my kids, witnessing their rapt expressions, was even better than reading it as a child.
6 comments:
My daughter just turned five, and she is absolutely enthralled by anything that I did when I was a kid. It's been such a thrill introducing her to my old favorites!
for me the best part about having kids is reliving some of my favorite things thru their eyes.
So fun! Bringing back favorite books is really so great- especially those that have stood the test of time and are loved all over again...
When we're waiting in line somewhere and my girls are getting antsy, "Want me to tell you Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?" never fails to perk them up.
Just yesterday I started to recite James and the Giant Peach to them at lunch, but I couldn't remember all the insects or how James got inside the pit. I improvised. I'll have to pick up the book again - LOVED it as a kid.
I loved this book, too, as a child. It was one that I read and re-read. And as a burgeoning chocoholic, it was perfect for me!
This was great. I love moments like these.
I still read to Courtney even though she is 10. Right now we are reading Anne of Green Gables.
During college Children's Lit was my FAVORITE class. I love books!
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