“I want to keep reading!”

{Insert happy sigh}

Hearing those words always cheers me.  Always.

Loving literature is a part of our family, but… well… the younger two students haven’t joined the rest of us in that passion.  Don’t get me wrong, they loved to be read to and enjoy family read aloud time greatly, but they don’t spend their spare time reading, like the other kiddos.

A few weeks ago, in deciding how to spend some group kid money and in response to the majority vote being “books”, Esther said, “I don’t like books, though!” and there was a collective gasp from her older siblings.  While I understood their shock and concern, I told them that they had to allow their sister to have her own interests.  And that maybe they should pray for her.    ;-)

Well… it seems Esther has crossed a milestone (and made her brother and sisters very happy…. ok, ok, and her mama).  When my delayed birthday present arrived, it seemed to do the trick.  I found the full set of Beatrix Potter books for half price and splurged on something I’ve always wanted.

Esther was in love.  For the first time in her life, the day those books arrived, I “caught” her in bed reading by nightlight.  My favorite “problem” to have.

I’m thinking those sweet, precious books that I cherished when I was a little girl opened the door for Esther.

It seems to have done it, since we find her reading all the time now, even in interesting places.

I’ve actually heard her say it many times now and I never tire of it:

“I want to keep reading!”

{insert another happy sigh here}

So, while today she celebrates turning seven years old, I celebrate the love for reading God has stirred in her because we can share so many journeys together through wonderful literature.  I’m grateful for her joining the ranks of book lovers in the Brouse family.

{insert one more happy sigh here}

What do you love to hear your kiddos say?