Come join everyone slicing at the Two Writing Teachers blog with Ruth and Stacey!
Last Friday I wrote about a snowy day and shared poems about snow. This past Saturday we spent the day with our granddaughters and the temperature rose to 60 degrees. We are used to change here in Denver but this was quite a difference. It was a lovely day with the girls and I thought I'd share some photos of our time.
Ingrid will be three in April and is a wonder to be around. When she lies down for her nap it is our custom to read two books of her choosing. She still loves Goodnight Moon and lately Red Light, Green Light also by Margaret Wise Brown. This time the routine was the same: "Which two books today, Ingrid?" "Gramma, can we do three books?" "No, you know what we do, two books." Ingrid replies, "How about two and a half?" Well, we did do that, and a few poems too. It's quite fun to be a Gramma!
According to accuweather.com, "Amarillo, Texas, and Jackson, Tenn., have more snow than Chicago this season. There have been mornings when temperatures in Louisiana and Florida have been colder than Maine at the same time."
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| Snow-still on the scene! |
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| So we stayed in the yard to swing. |
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| Grandpa held baby Imogene. |
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| Who continues to be serene. |
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| While Ingrid wishes most for spring! |
Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"
You captured this so well--I love Ingrid's negotiation of books to be read. How lucky she is to have a grandma who reads to her!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. I know you've been there too, for reading and beyond!
DeleteWhat sweeties! I just want to snuggle with that baby Imogene and Ingrid is quite the negotiator. These are special times with special people, you are living a dream. Enjoy every moment! (I think you do.)
ReplyDeleteYes, I do enjoy it so very much. It also links me with my mother who did the same for me when my two were little. It's also a gift that my daughter & son-in-law give me. So much is wrapped up in these days, as I imagine you know too, Elsie.
DeleteI imagine that gramma role is amazing. I know I would enjoy that nap and book reading time.
ReplyDeleteIt's completely a lesson in being in the present Juliann, something that's a challenge to do at times.
DeleteI cannot imagine the weather changes that you're used to. Weather changes (the drastic ups and downs of the mercury) don't agree with me.
ReplyDeleteEchoing what Deb said, your granddaughters are lucky to have a grandmother who values literacy like you do.
Layers is the only way to live here, Stacey-on & off, on & off. I started teaching in 1st grade because I wanted to teach kids to read, but now I just want them all to love reading, no matter the age.
DeleteMy kids used to "negotiate" more books also! It is so hard to resist reading another, and another... I would get tired, though, and try to skip pages-- they always caught me!
ReplyDeleteThose were such sweet days. Thanks for reminding me of them.
I remember, and remember falling asleep myself before the kids did. This time, for nap time, I don't. It is hard to say no because I like doing it too!
DeleteI want to know if you read the first half, the last half, the middle, or only the even pages. :)
ReplyDeleteHa! Great questions. I found an anthology & we looked until she found a picture she liked & we read what that was about. As smart as I think she is (doesn't every grandma?) I'm not sure she really knows what one-half a book is.
DeleteI love that a Gramma like me is a blogger. My big last baby lives in Denver now...oh how I wish I could be hiking the trails with him. I'll be writing some about my grand baby in Costa Rica..we are Skypers together until we see each other again. Loved that you can start the swings again in CO.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of 'grammas' here in our writing community; you should join us. Glad you stopped by.
ReplyDeleteIt 's a fabulous day when you get to read with Gramma , cuddle with Grandpa , read fabulous books and enjoy the outdoors....lucky family!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara, It's always fun to have some cheer come visit.
DeleteI love the book negotiation too -- especially the fact that you ended up doing more than 2! :-) The weather facts were super interesting as well! I knew we had been having a weird weather year, but that really proves it!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to say no when they ask so sweetly. And-as I've heard from the bloggers all over the country, many are saying it's warm, no snow, etc. While we on the flat in Denver are getting quite a lot, our mountains up to the last week or so have had little. Really different.
DeleteMy husband's brother and brother's wife went to Florida for a couple of months this winter, their first time doing that, and wouldn't you know, Maine has been almost the same as Florida weather-wise. He wouldn't have had to shovel here either.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to reading to grandson when I see him again. He's only 6 1/2 months old, but it's never too early! Gorgeous pictures and cute poem! Thanks for sharing.
Oh I can't wait till you get to read to him, too. As you've seen me write, I know it's hard to be far away. We have a friend in Florida too who've said it's been just cold, really interesting to see what's been happening. We have snow coming again on Thursday! Thanks Donna!
DeleteAdorable conversation you captured. I love it that Ingrid new the importance of reading and your soft spot. Imogene is a delight. Thanks for sharing the photos too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Helen. I'm glad you noticed that reading thing. It is a special bond we make, isn't it?
DeleteSweet post. I think the picture of your granddaughter and husband is precious. The dialogue you captured brought pictures to my mind.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have that talk with little kids, isn't it? You must know that Ingrid is already helpful to my husband. Children are so smart! Thanks Ruth! Also, I ordered the Joy book, should come soon!
DeleteOh my goodness those photos are striking! Those eyes! I am enamored by your granddaughter's names alone. Reading snapshots of them through your eyes I am sure helps emphasize their overall charm. What a beautiful family you have--and readers too!?! I love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christy, I appreciate your comment so much. I love that we are starting this March slicing again together!
DeleteI so enjoyed reading your slice! Your comment about getting to spend time with your Grandchildren is special reminded me of spending time with my Grandmother & all the memories I have of her reading to me & tucking me in at night! It was a tradition that was continued with my own children with my parents. My own children are now 20 & 17. My parents are now snowbirds & spend most of their time in Flordia. Even though my children are older, those bonds they have with my parents is still so strong & beautiful! It is such a gift! I don't know many teenagers that ask to see their grandparents & talk about how much they miss them! My children skype with them, call them as often as they can & can't wait for them to return from Florida! I am so thankful to my parents for playing such an important role in my children's lives! Your grandchildren are lucky & you are giving them such a wonderful gift they will cherish always! By the way, they are just so beautiful! Thanks for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful comment. Through my life's circumstances I was blessed with three sets of grandparents and cherished them all until they died. It's so important to me that I nurture that relationship & I'm so happy to see that others believe so strongly in it too.
DeleteLove your slice. I love being a mom but look forward to being a Grandma as well. What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, thank you. I've loved hearing about your life these past months & am sure you'll be a wonderful "reading" grandmother!
Deletei would like to know what Ingrid would consider "half a book." Lovely granddaughters you have.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I didn't ask her, I just pulled out another book with some poems and pictures and we read a little more. I'll ask next time.
DeleteIt has been a weird year for weather, but I'll take it! Love the pictures with your post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie, & now this am we're hearing about a tornado hitting a little town. Strange weather.
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