HAPPY MICAH DAY!

For those of you who are wondering, Micah legally became our daughter twenty-one years ago today!  At our house we celebrate her adoption finalization with "Happy Micah Day!" 

DAD!

Sam and I drove to Iowa today for the first time since March 7, 2020 to see my dad.  At this point, we've all had at least one Covid shot, it was just the three of us, and it was time!  

The large pitcher was a regift from my sister-in-law Debbi who was downsizing her pitcher collection.  Little did we know, Dad already had the matching little pitcher.

What makes it even funnier, is the home town has been running out of water for whatever odd reasons - at least twice so far this year.  Dad was thrilled to get a big pitcher to put water in - just in case!

 

No Panty Lines!

The front desk at the Y can't stop laughing! For the second time in two weeks, I forgot to bring underwear to change into after my swim.  Oppsies!  I plan to pack better for tomorrow!  

Marie Madeline

 

Marie Madeleine loves school. She believes with a good education, she will be able to accomplish her dreams, and she refuses to let her condition slow her down.   When she was a young child, Marie Madeleine developed an abnormally tight muscle contracture in her leg. As she continued to grow, her knee unnaturally hyperextended backward, leaving her with a severe limp when she walked. Despite this difficulty, Marie Madeleine continued making the short journey to school, where she was determined to learn.

One day, that miracle arrived in the form of news from a neighbor in their village, who told them about a hospital ship arriving in Dakar. Soon Marie Madeleine and her grandmother made the journey to the Africa Mercy and it did not take long before she was scheduled for surgery.

On the eve of her operation, Marie Madeleine talked about her “new life,” envisioning all of the possibilities that lie ahead of her. And after her successful surgery, she focused on those visions as she began rehabilitation.   She worked with the rehab team for several hours every week to restore mobility and to improve her leg’s strength. It was long and hard work, but Marie Madeleine had the end in sight and, eager to get back to school, she persevered.   Several months after her arrival at the Africa Mercy, the bright 13-year-old girl with the triumphant smile and straight legs was ready to go home and back to school!

“I am so happy to see her going to school with straight legs,” says Adama. “Everything is okay now!”

The Bakke/Zupke Game

Aimee is always looking for "brain break" games to use in her classroom.  This morning while cleaning the porcelain throne, I came up with one:  "Is it Mrs. Bakke or is it Mrs. Zupke?"

When I shared my idea with Aimee during prep time, she was all in.  We'll be coming up with lists to use over spring break so the students can stand up as they guess which one of us is the correct answer to question(s) like:

"Is it Mrs. Bakke or Mrs. Zupke who used to live in a castle?"  (Zupke)

"Is it Mrs. Bakke or Mrs. Zupke who has brown eyes?"  (Bakke)

"Is it Mrs. Bakke or Mrs. Zupke who has been to Africa?" (Both)

"Is it Mrs. Bakke or Mrs. Zupke who lives closest to Oak Hills Elementary?" (Bakke)

"Is it Mrs. Bakke or Mrs. Zupke who loves the North Shore?"  (Both)   

You get the idea!  It should be fun!

Thankful Thursday!

Today, I want to share with you all how thankful I am to be working with Aimee Bakke in her fifth grade classroom at Oak Hills Elementary.  That Bakke name may ring a bell as her husband in the principal at Century Middle School.  

Just yesterday, in the middle of core literature, Mrs. Bakke said to her class after I made some snarky comment, "I think Mrs. Zupke and I were separated at birth!  We have so much fun together, we belong together!"

I agree.  I am thankful for the opportunity and privilege to work with Aimee. 

Two T-Shirts and A Lot of Smiles!

Once again this afternoon, Micah attempted to give blood, while my iron was the highest it's ever been (14.5).  

I gave.  Micah sat with me.  We laughed hysterically.  About nothing.  About everything.  We had fun.  Those taking the blood noticed.  They commented. Very positively.  It was good.  

And to top it off, we each got a free t-shirt!