Thanks, Olivia's Shawl and a bit of this and that.............

First off I'd like to thank you all for your comments on my last post Reality Check.  You made me laugh and I felt completely understood.  The only misconception here is that you all think that was a rough week, technically that is just like every week I have.  Well minus the lice exposure...........

I have finish number three of 2018.  This is Olivia's Shawl, from Annette Ciccarelli of My Rose Valley  Annette published this pattern recently on her blog and I knew I had to make it.  It is one of those simple but brilliant patterns that makes up fast and beautiful.  I worked on this in the evenings when I had time to sit down and catch my breath.  What I find so wonderful is that the border is made up at the same time as the body of the shawl.  I made this with Sirdar Snuggly baby bamboo in the color Limey.  I used four balls so about 416 yards for this piece.  This yarn has been in my stash a long time, since a dear yarn store in Tampa closed many years ago.  I got it about 50% off so it was a steal.  I used a size H hook and have already started another one.  I think this will be for Little Buddy's teacher for an end of the year present.  I am not sure if she will like it or not so I will also give her a gift card.  His assistant will get the next one, also made from stash yarn.  I am now under 19,000 yards of yarn in my stash, a world record I think!

Deb from the famous Araignee's Tangled Web had a soap giveaway and I signed on as fast as I could.  I was wanting more of her her delicious lotion bars and a bit of lip balm.  I am a lip balm-aholic.  Deb also sent this beautiful strawberry, lemon and thyme soap and yummy facial soap.  You do not see the lip balm because it is already on my bedside table.  I opened it immediately and put some on my parched lips.  It is perfect!  Deb you are so kind to do all this work and then share with all of us.  There are a few items left if you want to go visit and beg for something wonderful, you'll be glad you did.  Thank you again Deb, you are so talented and so lovely to share, you are very much appreciated.

One of the little boys I work with was doing a grown up dot-to-dot when I walked in one day.  I had never seen one.  He loves it, well except when he can't find a number and has to ask for help, he gets a bit testy then.  I ended up buying a big book for three of my kids to work on, including him of course, then I realized this might be perfect for me.  I did not join in the coloring craze when it was big, I just did not have time, but I thought this might be fun to do while Little Buddy does his homework on the weekends.  Might this be what I need to stay calm as he takes forever to get anything done?  Maybe this will help me be more zen as he takes forever to write a sentence, not because he can't, more like he doesn't want to.  I'll let you know how it works.

Hank.

Bear.

The boys continue to grow at warp speed.  Their backs are now taller than the highest spot on my knee.  I am almost 5'10 so that is pretty tall for almost 6 month olds.  Puppy damage was at a minimum this week, only a dish cloth and a stuffed toy, one of theirs I might add.  Bear, the innocent looking one had Little Buddy's new glasses in his mouth literally 30 minutes after we got home with them.  Luckily there were no scratches, the spare pair was picked up yesterday.

I had Little Buddy's annual IEP today, seems he is doing all he is supposed to be but still needs help with physical things and of course his socialization.  They are so happy with his progress in school, and so am I.  I thanked each and every one of them, they work so hard to help him be the best he can be.  Without all these brilliant people in his life where would he be?  On another note I found out today we will have to switch his private physical therapy.  I am not happy but the hospital that is affiliated with this clinic is moving onto episodic care.  Meaning that the kids have to have had a recent acute medical issue or need to be treated for one particular problem.  I find this offensive in so many ways, because they are saying they should handle the medically fragile cases and the rest should go to community therapists, which of course is what I am.  I personally think we can all handle acute and not so acute, it is what we were trained to do.  He has had this therapist since he moved in with us and she has been wonderful for him.  He is making continued progress and has not slowed down.  I can be put on a waiting list so she can see him in six months when he shows signs of regressing, sorry that is not about to happen with my boy. So as of Monday I will be on the hunt to find him a new therapist and hope that this new person is going to help him to continue to move towards independence.  There is always something to worry about isn't there?

I am currently recovering from my 35 Botox shot protocol from yesterday.   I have to say I am not feeling my best.  I am supposed to take it easy this weekend, do you think I can?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend my friends.