Several months ago, I mentioned that the only book we were “allowed” to read at bedtime was Time of Wonder. We called it the magic book – in fact we still do because inevitably the kids will fall asleep when we read it. But the phase of having to read it every night before bed ended a few months ago and we’ve been free to read any of the books that Mia has picked up at the library or that we have on our shelves. There have been a few books here or there that they have been partial to, but nothing that really stood out. Until recently.

A month or so ago, Mia brought home a book called “America Is…” It is a cute book about the USA that Grayson adored. We don’t know what it was about the book, but he called it “Amewica” and wanted to read it or have it read all of the time. Like all other library books, it eventually went back to the library. A couple of weeks ago I was placing an Amazon order and needed $5 to qualify to free shipping, so I placed “America Is…” in my virtual shopping basket and bought it. When I let them open the box, you’d have thought it was the best gift they ever received. Both kids screamed, “AMEWICA!!!!” followed by, “Read book!!!” And so it began.

Every nap time and every night before bed (and sometimes in between) we have to read “America Is…” They know when we skip a page and when we get to the Pledge of Allegence, both kids place their hands over their hearts and pay very close attention. And if you dare attempt to skip the singing of the National Anthem, you’ll be reprimanded with “Sing.” And so we do. We have never sung the National Anthem as much as we have in the past few weeks. But the absolute best part of the book (according to our kids) is near the end. The page talks about US holidays, Thanksgiving and the 4^th of July - “when we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!” Ohmilord. Kids are shouting “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” “HAPPY DAY!” And then we have to sing Happy Birthday to America. And that usually starts a trend of singing Happy Birthday to everyone we know: Grayson, Carter, Mama, Mommy, Mia, Traci, Thomas, Nana, Grandaddy, Papa Page, Grammy…yes, we’ve been known to sing that many versus of Happy Birthday. In one night. In one sitting. Ahhh…gotta love toddlerhood.

Let me introduce you to America Is…