New Resolve and New Books

I am reminded today why I love good books. Reading can transport you to imaginary places of your dreams or to different eras of time that you have always longed to see. Reading educates, inspires, and transforms. I read to my children every day in hopes that they will discover the magic in books like I have.

What reminded me today of my love of good books and reading? Was it the crushed cheerios under Cam's high chair? Was it the screaming "I WANT JUICE!!" from my normally sweet NoraBug? Believe it or not, the answer is no :o) It was the moment of quiet as Nora was half awake and I decided to fore go my daily activities  and just cuddle with her in bed as she woke. It was a whispered, "I love you so much mom" from sleepy crystal blue eyes. It was a warm little body curling into the crescent that my body made behind hers on her bed. I have a good book to thank for the lesson I was reminded of to take the opportunities I have with my kids.

I have started reading the book of one of my inspirations, Stephanie Nielsen of NieNieDialogues.com, titled Heaven Is Here. The retelling of her courting her sweet Mr. Nielsen reminds me of my Prince Kenny. And her expressions on Motherhood and Children remind me of how precious every moment is with my babies; life can change in a moment. Stephanie is a gifted writer. Her book will reside on my shelf beside the likes of Emerson, Dickinson, and Bronte because of the ability her book has to educate, inspire, and transform me.

I have a new resolve to remember how short my time is with my babies. As I tell Kenny on those nights where I am curled next to Nora or holding my quickly growing Cam, "They will never be this way again. Today is over."

Thank you NieNie for reminding me of how precious life is and of the loves in my life: Kenny, Nora, Cam, and reading :o)