Wednesday, 31 December 2014

Christmas gifts and reading

Christmas was good and the kids still enjoy their toys. In fact yesterday Kanga threw a birthday party for the doll she received. Tigger got TWO remote controlled cars (and they both use the same frequency so they can't be at the same time) and Angel has worn the wrap I gave her several times in the last week. I got some airsoft stuff (including a new automatic electronic gun) and while I haven't gotten out yet, I have been able to adjust my new gear and role play in the basement while everybody was asleep. Yes, I put on my camo and practiced changing mags, moving, and aiming. Dorky, I know, but I've learned that it pays to practice. I've also started reading two books that my mother got me: The Read-aloud Handbook, and Lyle's Law by Lyle Feisel. Mom told me that The Read-aloud Handbook was a big influence on her parenting. I can see it.

Mom read aloud to us a lot growing up. When I was younger I found it hard to sit still and pay attention for many of the books. I have vivid memories of two scenes from Fellowship of the Ring when she read that to us, but I know that I liked to move around and play on the floor while she read. Mom confessed that she was worried about me a couple of times and my apparent lack of commitment to reading. She stopped worrying when I discovered that you could get books about animals, planes, and guns. It was just a matter of finding my interests. She made efforts to find books that I liked and read them to me. The Belgariad and the other Eddings books were the start of many successful read alouds. Books were always a big part of our family, and still our. I'm glad that my daughter is an avid reader and I hope I can encourage my sons to the same.

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