Lucky

I'd say that I've read at least one bedtime story every night to at least one of the litter for a solid twelve years running. If I'm being honest, I've grumbled about that responsibility more than a few times. It's a hoop that I must jump through each night in order to earn my own time. Admittedly, I designed the hoop, so I asked for it. And, after all is said and done, I wouldn't change a thing, either. Mr. Ihrig can and has taken on the mantle of reading to the youngins, when needed; when I just can't take another minute, but the kids say he skips pages to finish quicker.

So, tonight it was Lassie and the Deer Mystery. Henry assimilated the words "weapon" and "slingshot" into his vocabulary. It truly is amazing to watch a little person's mind work. There is no substitute for a book. It trumps almost any learning device you can put in a child's hands. The best part of tonight's book choice is that the title page is inscribed by my Great-Grandma Idaho to my big brother Tony on his 7th birthday, 1968. The price tag indicates she paid 29 cents for it. Sweet dreams, little man. Mommy loves you.