Sew Crafty

Now that school is out and VBS is over (teaching 37 preschoolers...) I've had time to sew again. I've been loving it. I've had several projects, which have been gifts for others, that have been on my, "as soon as school's out pile." They are now complete. The pictures are below.

Jungle Dipes and Wipes Case

inside of Dipes and Wipes Case

Pillow

Girlie Apron for a little girl

Girlie Dipes and Wipes Case

Curried Chicken Salad

I found a recipe on Food Network for Curried Chicken Salad. I made it this evening for dinner and it was delicious. Even Ryan and Rita liked it (Rita is the pickiest dog in the universe and was probably a food critic in her former life). It was quick and easy to make. As I was making it, Paula Dean was on in the background. She was making a chicken salad as well, but her tip to completing it faster was to buy a rotisserie chicken from the store rather than poaching a chicken for the salad. I thought that was a really great idea for when I'm working and don't have the time.

Summer Reading

My friend Anna told me her co-worker was reading a book called I Was Told There'd be Cake. I asked her what it was about and she said she didn't know, but loved the title and would read it because of it. I liked the title and was also intrigued. I read it while at the coast over the last few days. The book is a collection of essays by a twenty-something girl about her life. She is funny, witty, irreverent, and sarcastic. It was a highly enjoyable read.

My Funny Little Guy

I love Ryan in so many ways, but lately, I have been smitten with his hilarious and developing sense of humor. Today, we were out running errands, when I remembered that he turned 20 months old today. I turned to him and said, "Ryan, it's your 20 month birthday." He looked at me for a second, and then asked, "cake?"

We also went to a friends baby shower today and he saw two little babies there. He has just learned the number two and the word baby so he was fascinated by the two of them. All afternoon he has been saying,"baby,"to me. I finally asked him, "Would you like a baby?" He nodded, "Yes." I said, "A brother or a sister?" (No, do not get any ideas. I am not pregnant.) He said, "brufa. Jack." I really think he just would like us to adopt his playmate, Jack, but I was amazed at how his little mind works and how conversational he has become.

Ryan amazes me everyday. I look forward to each weekend when I get two solid days with him. I cannot wait until the summer to spend so much more time with him and get to know him even better.

Valley Fever Update

Even though Phil has not yet tested positive for Valley Fever, the doctor still thinks that his symptoms are all pointing to valley fever. Because of this, he is treating him with an anti-fugal pill to help kill the valley fever. He has also placed Phil on disability leave from work. I'm really hoping that he will start recovering soon.

Phil's health, plus open house, and all the usual end of school busy-ness, has left me feeling really stressed. And tired. And hoping that the 9 days that are left of school will pass quickly.

Valley Fever-ish

Phil has been feeling under the weather for the last week and a half. He's had a constant fever and aches and no energy. He also doesn't want to eat, and for those of you who know Phil, he NEVER loses his appetite. He visited the doctor last week for a valley fever test, which came back negative, but he continues to have the same symptoms. He went back to the doctor today and the doctor took chest x-rays and wants him to come back at the end of the week for more blood work and then another appointment next Tuesday. Apparently, it's common for a person to test negative for valley fever in the early stages, but test positive later after one has had valley fever for a while. The doctor thinks this is probably the case. Please pray for Phil and that he will recover soon.

This whole situation has been tough for me to handle, along with the stresses that the end of the school year brings. I'm certainly counting down the days (17 to be exact).

Pictures

Yesterday morning, as Ryan was playing, I followed him around the house snapping random pictures. Here are some of my favorites.

Hi-EEE!

Hmmm...

Grrr

Looking

Peeking

Berries

Blossoms