Santa left gifts at the CASA office, so I dashed down there first thing in the morning. (After Rich's cardiologist's appointment. He'll be fine, though he's not quite fine yet.) I left with a bagful of RC cars and Barbies and things for Sam and the other kids at the place. When my supervisor called to tell me about this, I said I didn't want to give an extra present to Sam and leave out the others, and she told me that they had plenty, I could pick a gift for each child. It was quite a treasure trove.

I came back to find Rich scrubbing the back bathroom. Every time I've gone back there I've thought about it, but never actually to the point of DOING it. The man is a saint.

I quickly wrapped the Santa gifts, and then it was off to Sam's. They gave me a big can of popcorn. That's nice. I gave them their gifts. Unfortunately, while Sam and I were out, they opened the eggs for the little toys. They were pleased, though, it was easy to see. They'd also opened their gifts from last night. The foster-care provider was really happy about Sharing God's Bounty. It also turns out that the former social worker had gotten this family on the list early enough, and on Christmas morning, all the children are getting bikes!! (I have no idea how long these will last in that neighborhood with these children, but what a great day, anyway.) They'll also be getting goodies from the Salvation Army. I'd feel a little envious, except that the other 364 days have to be so awful to get to this place.

Anyway. I took Sam out to the nature center in Carmichael. We looked at all the sick animals (there's a scrub jay who thinks he's a person, for instance, and a one-eyed owl) and the displays. On the way Sam read all but 2 of the 20 flashcards. At the center, the child was reading the signs ("Do not tap on the glass.") We did a life-cycle game and Sam was reading the words. SAM CAN READ!! Not well, not fluently, but there's been a huge breakthrough.

Then we went on one of the nature walks. (About a mile, for my walk of the day.) I heard the turkeys first, but Sam saw the flock first, about 20 or so huge wild turkeys, and we got really close. I hope my pictures turn out, the child kept moving closer and scaring them away.

We came back to read the two books to the kids. They were a terrible audience, as usual, though sometimes I can get the 7-year-olds interested. Not today, though. I'm hoping to get some interest in books (other than confetti material) into these kids, to get them a little more prepared for literacy. But not just yet, it would seem.

A good day.