Thankful for surgeons

We aren't celebrating Thanksgiving until tomorrow, as we have school today. I plan to set aside time to list some of my thanks then. Today it is about medical science.

Starting yesterday, and going until the 2nd of January, the following surgeries are happening to immediate family members.

My dad's wife had her hip replaced.

My dad is having a stint put in his other kidney.

My little brother is having shoulder surgery.

My mom is having cataract surgery.

Blessings on the surgeons, on those having surgery, and on those taking care of them while they recover.

Wordless Wednesday

Four And A Half

It was after her clocked turned yellow, yet she had not emerged from her room, nor had I heard her talking or singing. I quietly went in to start waking her up. I rubbed her back and softly sang.

"Happy half birthday to you.
Happy half birthday to you.
Happy half birthday dear G.
Happy half birthday to you."

She never opened her eyes, but a smile spread across her face as I sang. I left the light on low and returned to the kitchen to work on lunches.

A few minutes later I went back to her room, glad to see her eyes were open. She smiled at me. As I gave her a big hug I asked if the Birthday Girl was ready for her vitamins. She shook her head and held out her thumb.

"I am ready to have it taste yucky," she told me.

I have been doing something right. As we have led up to the auspicious occasion of being four and a half we have talked about making her thumb taste yucky so she will remember to not suck it.

She has a friend who has been down this road and has given her first hand accounts of how well it works (and how yucky it tastes!) I bought the same stuff her parents used and crossed my fingers.

We the first painting of the thumb a special family moment. She was beaming and told us proudly she would never suck her thumb again.

Just before leaving for school we hit a bump in the road. She was told she would have to wait until tomorrow for something. The bottom lip trembled a bit, but she didn't lose it.

Next thing I knew I heard a gagging sound and went to investigate. I did not want her to be sick on her half birthday (nor did I want her to miss her field trip). I located her and asked if she was OK. She said yes and stuck out her tongue, looking like Mr. Yuck.

"It doesn't taste very good, does it?" I inquired.

(At least we know the stuff works!)

What Are You Reading?

“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both. Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.

Books marked with an '*' I would put in my classroom library.

 The Secret Tree by Natalie Standiford *
Many mysteries to be solved and some lots of lessons of empathy.

 Dragon Slayers' Academy: The New Kid At School (1) by Kate McMullan *
Fast paced, intriguing start to a series that is helping get a reluctant boy hooked on reading!

 Allegiant by Veronica Roth *(but not in elementary)
Finally, the third book of the Divergent series. This one didn’t capture me as completely as the first two, but wrapped up story lines gives some satisfaction.

 Capture the Flag by Kate Messner *
Secret societies and action lead this book that also incorporates many idioms. I am handing it over to an ELL student.

 The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer
Scrabble is a sport! Middle school adventures focusing on what is really important in life.

 Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz *
Historical fiction wrapped up with magic and adventure. Award winner too!

 I rarely abandon a book, but this one I did…

Dear Girls Above Me: Inspired by a True Story by Charles McDowell (audio)
I was enjoying the audio version and found the sociologist aspect to this premise intriguing, but did not need to finish the book to get enough of the gist.