I want to write about reading today. Seems strange as writers are those who create what we read, huh?

Anyway, reading is on my mind because I have lovingly watched Kirstin transform from a little child— sitting in laps, getting books out of the book case to have them read to her—to today—still getting books from the book case, but much thicker, and curling up on the couch, the chair, her bed, and reading to herself. On the morning of her eighth birthday, she was wearing a tank-top, ripped up jeans, on the couch reading a book. And I couldn’t help but think: This is awesome!

Reading has opened up so much for her. She can find any information she wants now. She uses reading to learn about anything that may be in her mind. She reads to entertain herself. She reads. Period.

Now I am lovingly watching Emily go through the same process. I am here to guide her, as is Matt, and Kirstin, too. While she sits in the chair, with “Hop on Pop” by Dr. Seuss open on her lap, reading to Mongo cat, I feel pride. Pretty soon she’ll be the child wearing a tank-top and ripped up jeans on the couch reading a thick book.

And here’s the fun thing: Both Kirstin and Emily have the foundations in place for being successful in school and life, because they are both readers (or will be soon).  That’s the best part.

We all read in this house. Emily reads her “Hop on Pop,” “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” and has an obsession with the “Judy Moody” books by Megan McDonald. Kirstin reads whatever books she picked out for the day. Lately she has been reading the “Ever After High” books by Shannon Hale and anything else she can get her hands on. Matt reads a lot of articles online, from most any genre.

And then there’s me. Lately I have been on a Minnesota author kick. I just finished up “The High Divide” by Lin Enger. I have two books of short stories by Minnesota authors waiting for me. From there I have a few reference books to look through and absorb. And after that, I don’t know. It depends on what I’m in the mood for.