Ramadan Kareem!

We are in another Ramadan--a time of fasting and religious reflection for Muslims.  Generally this is supposed to be a slower time...shortened school hours and quieter days, but the days seem to be going by in a blur.  It seems we have been busier than usual, just trying to fit everything into fewer hours.

We have had some transitions.  We have had to say good-bye to Ms. Chantal, Pickle's ILSA, and we welcome Ms. Nicola, whose timing of return to the work-world could not have been more perfect (for us).  It was sad to say goodbye to Chantal--as she and Pickle have their own relationship--separate to our family, and I am so grateful for the energy and love she has shared with Pickle over the years.  It was a very abrupt departure--nothing like ripping the band-aid off in one skin-tugging manoeuvre...painful but necessary.  Thankfully--I was so insanely busy with school, that by the time I was able to focus on finding a replacement (and work myself into a panic about it), Nicola was already on-the-scene.

 Above is a picture of Mr. Brendan--Magoo's favourite teacher--and one of the best teachers at the children's school this year.  We ran into him at the British vet, where we were taking sweet Phinn to get his eye checked.  Magoo was quite disappointed that she opted to stay at home, because she HEARTS Mr. Brendan...if I were a drinking lady (and one day I might still be) I would create a drinking game for everytime magoo starts a sentence with "You know, Mr. Brendan...".  Gentle kidding aside, I am so happy that she has had such a wonderful teacher and influence in her life this year.  Next year's teacher will have a tough act to follow...Mr.  Brendan is SO awesome, that he included Peter's life story in Magoo's reading folder at her Student-Led Conferences (below).

Change that "PH" to a "T"

Mr. Phinn still loves to crawl and hide in all kinds of 'caves'.  He was so easy to kennel train, because he loves small, enclosed spaces.  It is getting harder to slide him out though, as he isn't as stable on his feet, and he has a hard time getting up after he is asleep.  Also, since he is also hearing impaired now--waking him up (when he is half-way under the bed) is a challenge.

This is Jingle V(ivienne) Bell, making herself comfortable on my luxurious faux-fur throw.  We have noted that the stripey pattern actually matches her markings perfectly.  I am making good on my promise to provide her with a life-long home, now that she has survived the Parvo-virus.  Next week I will take her in to be spayed and vaccinated.  She is the most gentle and sweet cat I have met to date.

"Sadaqah" is the new arabic word we have learned, and it means 'voluntary giving'.  My friend Sharee told me about the 'sharing fridges' which have been set up around the UAE (and in our neighbourhood).  Families fill the fridges with food items, and drinks.  The fridges are open to anyone who is in need.  The children have really enjoyed putting together these packages, and delivering them to the fridge.  Pickle and I were very happy to see some men approaching the fridges (as we drove off)--we felt good donating something, in our own small way.

Mr. Pickle is saying goodbye to Ms. Hannah--his long-time O/T.  He started working with Hannah over four years ago, when she worked out of an empty office at GAA.  We followed her through to the opening of her own clinic, KidsFirst, in KCA.  Pickle always looks forward to his time with Hannah (best play-date of the week), as it serves as a reward for his speech therapy time (which is maybe not as fun).  We are fortunate that Hannah has transitioned him to Emma, and as you can see from the smile on his face--he is absolutely thrilled!  He will miss Hannah (once he realizes that she is gone), but he is very excited to work with Emma.  I am grateful that he will continue to receive these services, from someone who is "Hannah-approved."