We were reading Tom Sawyer tonight and reached the chapter that introduces Huck Finn and he refers to a black man using the N word. I was so shocked to see it that for a moment I hesitated to read it. I decided that Ora 5 would hear it someday and better that he hear it from me so that I can explain it to him. I read through several lines of dialogue that contained the word several times and then stopped and asked Ora if he knew the word. I was thankful that he did not and I explained ...

Ewan has an interesting way of telling us that he wants to color:He hands his mom a piece of blank paper and says “there’s nothing on it.”

We left Wednesday for my in-laws where we spent Christmas. The forecast had called for rain turning into ice by 9pm, so we were trying to get out as early as possible. The first half hour was heavy rain; I took it slow and worried that it was only going to get worse. However, the rain cleared off and did not return for the rest of our trip. The worst we had was heavy fog in the flint hills. At one point the fog was so thick that cars' tail lights would disappear within seconds of passing me.We ...

I'm not sure why, but Ora 5 wanted to read Tom Sawyer. I wasn't very enthusiastic, but I didn't want to dissuade his interest in a classic. My only knowledge of Tom Sawyer is from movies, so the only impression that I have of him is an obnoxious brat; However, in reading to Ora, I'm discovering an amazingly witty book with plenty of satire. Last night we read of Tom negotiating his way into getting a free bible in Sunday School and the admiration of Becky's father. Today we read about the main service. I thought these paragraphs were telling ...