Blankets heaped, legs creating a pinwheel of sorts, toes wiggling as we all snuggle. "Mom, start reading Alice in Wonderland!" Sam insists, as he licks his ice cream, both kids with breakfast-in-bed trays over their laps, napkins piled almost as high as the blankets. As I'm about to begin reading, I can't resist beckoning my husband to run and get the camera to capture this moment. Even the dog has decided to get in on the action. I start again, stopping here and there to interject the meaning of what I guess will be new vocabulary, "languid" and "contemptuously." But I'm encouraged by the fact that before I could begin to explain what it meant by Alice feeling contradicted by the Caterpillar, Elisabeth asks, "What does contradicted mean?" And we talk about this crazy character The Caterpillar. Why is he so crazy? As we pass the worn "Classic to Grow On," one of a series that my husband read as a child, I feel I'm passing on a legacy to my kids. Elisabeth reaches for the book again, I gently pass her the opened book, feeling the coarse yellowed pages brush my fingertips, she intently scans the picture and a little giggle passes her lips as she smirks to herself. Soon, I notice she's sinking deeper and deeper into her cocoon of blankets and eyes drooping. I hesitate to stop. Sam's still with me, but I want all of us to drink in this fantastical tale. I poke just the bit of tummy peeking out from her shirt and show her another picture. With a languid sleepy look, she swings her head toward the picture, smiles again and puts her head back down. I wanted to finish the chapter, but I knew it was time, so I finished the sentence, "You'll see me there," said the Cat, and he vanished. The Cat is the only character I really remember from Alice in Wonderland. I don't think I ever actually read the story. I just saw the movie. Yes, I'm passing on a legacy on to my kids, a legacy of stories, books, rich language and dialogue and most importantly - family. 
I love the attention you pay here to warmth and touch -- snuggling, the feel of the pages, the "cocoon of blankets". It all creates such a lovely sense of comfort, connection, intimacy, love. Beautiful slice! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Wow you're quick. It was special. I'm finding this is really fun! Someone said it's like Christmas when you see your comments - so true.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special and touching moment in your family! Your post has a nice rhythm to it that mimics the glow of life.
ReplyDeleteKatie
http://coffeefueledmusings.wordpress.com
Thanks for commenting on the rhythm - interesting. I appreciate that! Hey, we still need to do dinner sometime! And doing kdg. & 1st grade inquiries - AMAZING!!! Thanks for all you do to support that!
DeleteI got goosebumps when you wrote, "I feel I'm passing on a legacy to my kids." Lucky kids! Love the picture at the end - I was visualizing the scene of blankets, napkins, trays, etc. as you wrote about them and was pleasantly surprised to find the picture verification at the end.
ReplyDeleteThinking about it...I don't remember my parents reading to me much, but I have a couple of pictures and there treasured memeories. Glad I have that, but I want for it to be such a habit that they sooooo remember these times! Thanks for the comment - glad I did the moment justice! :)
DeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteFunny how sometimes reading someone's writing takes us back. I spent many nights cuddled under blankets with my own children, in high school and college now. I remember those times fondly and hope my children do too. Thank you for so vividly painting a picture that for a moment I felt like I was bedside my young children curled up with a good story.
Interestingly, my post for later today is about a similar topic.
Cathy
That warms my heart. Can't wait to read your post. I'm so excited you responded - I love your blog and I'm getting your book. Can't wait to read it. It's EXACTLY what I've been discovering lately as a coach and good for you for being so brave as to put this thinkng out there. Eager to keep that conversation going!
DeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! Nice to see your second slice, as I'm such a reader who loves now reading aloud to my grandchildren, I loved hearing your words. It's like a daily gift you're giving your children, and yourself, amid the daily rush, rush of our lives. I liked that you included all of the details, the blankets, the sinking in of your daughter, parts of that ever interesting cat, even the feel of the pages. Great slice!
ReplyDeleteAwwww and you became a member now I have 3. I feel less like a loser - jk. Your grandchildren are lucky. I wish my parents would join in their reading life more, but I just accept that they have their own thing. :)
DeleteAwww. I love how cozy the black dog looks, spooning with the lil' girl!
ReplyDeleteHe's a snuggler!
DeleteOoooh - interesting! That gives me an idea for a post, Thanks. :)
DeleteIs there anything more perfect than this? Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteRuth
So true! These are my favorite moments! Writing about them does more justice to them than even a picture, I realize!
DeleteA story rich with visual images.
ReplyDelete" feeling the coarse yellowed pages brush my fingertips,"
When you involve the senses, such as the above detail, your story becomes more real. As I start to "feel" your story on a deeper level.
You brought me back to time with my kids when they were young. Thank you...the picture you painted was better than the photo your husband took:)
DeleteIt's funny you say that - I kind of thought the same thing! Thanks for the response. I can't wait to read your #2 slice!
DeleteI have to say I was proud of that line, " feeling the coarse yellowed pages brush my fingertips," I'm glad you noticed!
DeleteIt's so interesting to see what people notice about your writing. It's been really helpful!
Great family story! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and it sounds like you captured quite the special moment yourself. Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorites as well.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading your slice from today. I have to say, right now we're at the part with the Mentor Turtle and the Gryfin and it's pretty weird??? We're about to read the trial. I think it'll pick up. :)
DeleteIf only every child ended his or her day this way.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured a cozy moment in words and on film.
It is a great way to end the day - isn't it!
DeleteWhat a wonderful list to pass on to your children...especially family.
ReplyDeleteTammy
First Grade @ Klinger Cafe
Thanks - I didn't realize that family was going to be on that list until the last minute. It seemed more about reading, but that's really the heart of the whole piece - family time - you're right!
DeleteWhat lucky lucky kids to have you as a mom. I read to my kids when they were little, and I still do with my 11 year old as he has difficulty with reading, but the days of snuggling and cocooning are gone - much to my dismay. Cherish every moment. What a wonderful description of a cozy moment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. You have done a great job of capturing a magicl fleeting moment. It is going to be a piece of writing/photo that your children will revisit often. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteThey do go by so quick! You remind me to get this writing and photo in a place they can revisit it. Organization - Uggh!
DeleteGenuine family time is priceless, I love how that feels. So glad you included the photo.
ReplyDeleteI think it's funny. Obviously I love the photo, but I almost started to feel the picture I had in my mind was even better. It reminds me of the importance of capturing these family moments in writing, because that's capturing my heart, my perspective, rather than just photos. I love the phrase "Writing to Remember." It's another slicers blog I think.
DeleteI love this! Not only is it so beautifully written, but how priceless is it to capture what will hopefully be one of your kids' most memorable family experiences! I so often hope and prayer that my future children grow up loving books and reading and sharing both as a family!
ReplyDeleteYou and your family will. Is every night perfect like this - no! But I just keep making it a priority. I hope they feel it - you know!
DeleteI love the idea of a family snuggled in blankets, sharing a great book. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun, but it's so easy to let the crazy of life get in the way. We really have to make a concerted effort. Tonight was easier - the power was out. Not much else to do. Story by latern. Looking forward to checking out your slice!
DeleteJen-
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this slice so much! It read just like a story, and it was a treat to see the photo of everyone getting cozy together. FUN!
Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for joining my site. I look forward to keeping up with your posts too! It's easy to write about the touching family moments. I'm going to try to push myself to venture into humor and also write some poetry. I don't know though...that kind of scares me!
DeleteWhat a great memory. You have found the perfect way to make memories for your children - and a perfect way to tell about it in your slice. Thanks!
ReplyDelete