A few years ago, I realized that pets were called pets because they liked to be pet. And when I a say a few years ago, I mean when I was in my 30s. I felt quite silly as it now seems so obvious. And then last night, I found a whole new reason to […]
Read moreBoth of my girls were huge Mama’s Girls, until they weren’t. Caroline and Rob began to bond a few years back over a shared love of the Yankees. While Caroline still thinks I’m pretty great, there are nights that she nearly knocks me over, running past me to greet Rob when he arrives home from […]
Read moreSometimes I think my girls have been handed a script from the great blog writing assistant in the sky. The things that come out of their mouths are just too good. The other day, Katherine spotted the book Here Come the Girl Scouts on my desk. I was planning on using it during an upcoming […]
Read moreI spent a good part of my morning thinking about and talking about the inequity that exists in our public schools. Whenever I have this conversation, I can’t help but think of my favorite Mem Fox quote. “If every parent understood the huge educational benefits and intense happiness brought about by reading aloud to their children, […]
Read moreTonight, I handed Caroline a book and said, “I think you’ll like this series.” She looked confused and said, “I thought you wanted me to stop reading series books.” I understand her confusion. The whole thing confuses me too. Right now Caroline is only reading series books and often only re-reading series books. I like […]
Read moreProfessionally, I am asked over and over again when a child will read. We have become such a competitive society that even non-competitive people seem to put due dates on everything. Including when our children will read. Will she read soon? Isn’t it late? She should be reading by now, right? I often tell the […]
Read moreA few weeks ago, I wrote about many great literacy activities to be found on the iPad. I closed the post saying that I was sure my favorite apps would quickly change and indeed they have. When a good friend asked recently what book apps I would recommend, I became overwhelmed by the choices and it’s […]
Read moreWhen we were at the Met last weekend, the conversation inevitably turned to the classic book of our childhood’s, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The fifth grade at our school goes to the Met twice a year with our art teacher. As we discussed The Mixed Up Files, she told […]
Read moreDad with Caroline (2003) Dad with Katherine (2006) It was five years ago today that Dad died. Given a six month prognosis, he lived for years, to walk me down the aisle and to hold his two grandbabies. And then he was gone. I’ve been thinking a lot about Dad as we approach this anniversary. Recently, […]
Read moreI really do love book lists. So I decided that this year, I will be better about keeping one of my own. I tend to avoid resolutions because I feel bad when I break them. Therefore, this is an idea, not a resolution. So, if a February book list doesn’t end up anywhere […]
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