Some updates...

Well, school for Medical Assisting was put on hold after my need to go back to work and Peter catching the h1n1 flu last winter. I went back to state board and got my CNA certification back. I was working in a nursing home up til the 3rd week of October when my back finally said that I have had enough. I am now doing private sitting.

Eddie and I have been attending college online since April, but have now decided to return to National College so that I can finish my AA in Medical Assisting and he can go back into the IT course. At the online college, we have been taking the general education courses for our BA degrees so all these classes should transfer with no problem. We go Wed. morning for a financial aid thing at National and to start the transfer process. We are currently enrolled in a class that will finish about two weeks before the semester start at National, so hopefully, all will go fairly smoothly.

I plan to return to the online college after I finish at National and get a better job.

We never made it to Pennsic this past summer since so much was going on, but according to my dear hubby, we are definitely going this year and because of that, I have a lot of sewing ahead of me this year. I just hope that I can get in stitching time as well. With Christmas coming up fast, I am going to have to do something since I will have to gfive handmade gifts this year due to finances. I also have a few things that I need to get done for my little neice who is expected to arrive in January sometime.

We have some wood-working projects planned that we will be working on as well. We will be making chests, seats (benches and stools) and possibly a table to fluff out our medieval encampment. We really are hoping to take as little mundane/modern stuff as possible. Coolers, of course, are a necessity, as are a few other things, but all will be hidden as much as possible.

I have decided that trying to make a list of projects that I want to get done is not a good thing as they rarely happen. "Stuff" always comes up and gets in the way. I am hoping to just stitch on something and to finish a few projects, big or small, doesn't matter. I also hope to get a few outfits complete before the end of the year so that I will be able to breathe a bit easier as the next few events that we are planning to attend roll around. I will say this, though...with school, work, and all the crafting, Eddie and I are staying quite busy and we are occupied in a positive way, which definitely eliminates boredom. Having a busy family has cut down on a lot of the bickering that has been rampant, especially between the boys. Not all is gone, though, but it is improving. Teens..gotta love 'em!

Our "New" Tent

After the outing and seeing the severe shortage of space that we had, Eddie and I agreed that we needed either a bigger tent or a second tent. Our friend, Gary, who also attended the event with us told me to go to craig's list to see what was there. Well, we really got lucky!!! We found a Panther French Bell Wedge!!! It has been well used, but is still in great condition. It came with all the poles and stakes and we paid less than $300.00 for it. The tent, set-up package, and shipping are over 600, so I feel we really got a deal. The tent is not overly large, it is the smaller size that Panther carries, but has plenty of room for our double rope bed and a couplle of chests for garb. As this tent is meant to basically just be the place for Eddie and I to sleep, it is perfect for us. The trim on the scallop edge at the top is in hunter green. later, we plan to paint a design of some sort onto the tent to hide the stains, but for now, it will be just fine. Eddie and I really like the tent a lot. The set up is pretty fast and easy. What a bonus!!

Our 1st SCA event in years...

We were finally able to go back to an event. The one last Feb was missed due to very poor weather and then school and life got in the way for a while. We attended the Medieval Haunting event hosted by Marinus on Oct 22-24. We had a really good time. We already had a wall tent so were able to have the start of an encampment with that.

Also, to go with the tent, I made some stools and rope beds. Forgetting how much space I would need, we crammed two single rope beds, a double rope bed , and an Army cot into this tent. Believe it or not, they fit! Here is a picture of Peter taking down his rope bed..I took a break from unstringing mine to get a picture. For the week prior to the event, I was a busy little bee... I made the stools and did about half of the beds (Eddie did the last bits so I could finish sewing) and made two tunics, three sets of trousers, two hats, pouches, a jerkin, shirt, five cloaks, and sleeves for my gown. Some of this had been started the week before, but mixed in with all this activity was work, school assignments, and trying to keep up with normal chores, etc. Needless to say, I have decided that I will be sewing a little each day from now on, until we have the garb we need for at least three events, although I might continue the sewing until we are garbed enough for Pennsic. My dear husband has said that we are definitely going, so who am I to argue?? I have wanted to attend Pennsic for years.

Some of the garb that was made is pictured below:

Our time at the event, as I said was a good one. The feast was a bit different - a stone soup - but it was excellent!!!!! Very filling...and the breads, yummmmmm. There was also a nice dayboard with some lovely pastry that was filled with cheeses and meats.

The main activities that went on for the day was Archery. There was a little time for the Rapier fighting (fencing) but I think many people decided that shooting arrows was the theme for the day. (Guess they are better on zombies..who knows???) Here are a few more pictures from the event. Ben shooting arrows, me shooting arrows, some fencing, and Peter watching the archery (he didn't want to join in this time, I think he was a bit tired.)

We are FINALLY rejoining the SCA!

Eddie said that we can join the SCA again and start playing. For the last few years, I have asked and he showed no interest after his first event. Over the last year, the boys have been asking me about it a lot and I also expressed the desire to go back to playing.

We are jumpiong right in, apparently. Eddie is very excited about an upcoming event in February, and has said that he would also like to go to Pennsic this summer. Keeping in mind that I have barely anything left from when we were involved with it before (due to my MIL) we are having to start over. In 8 months, I will have to stitch garb for a 2 week event for 4 (possibly 5) people.

I am so thankful for the T-tunic! I have been sewing tonight and have one t-tunic almost finished, just need to hem it and do the neckline, and have a cloak about 1/2 sewn. I did find a red gown that I had thrown together for the event we attended about 5 years ago. I also found a black wool gown that is about 1/2 finished, which helps a lot. The boys are excited and are talking non-stop about the garb they want and need, as well as accessories.

One item at a time, I will get this done. It will cut into my cross stitching time, but I'll adjust.

Time for the Holidays!!!

It is hard to believe the Thanksgiving has come and gone and that soon, we'll arrive at Christmas. I am very excited about Christmas this year! I will finally get to see my oldest son after 3 years. He is in the Navy and is stationed a good distance away. Although he is not too far to drive, he was in school for most of this past year, after having been across the country from me. I am so thankful for technology! It was our only way to communicate.

One hug from him and my Christmas will be perfect! Peter and Benjamin are also looking forward to seeing their big brother. It is going to be something to see John and Peter next to each other as Peter has grown so much and resembles his brother a LOT.

I have Christmas gifts all purchased and wrapped - I started in June to avoid the worry of where Christmas for the kids would come from. They are getting only a few gifts, but they are not too bad. Peter has wanted an electric guitar for a few years and I found a great deal on a package from Fender. Ben will finally have the Nintendo DS he has been asking for, also.

We are slowly decorating, a little at a time. I am not going to do a lot this year, since we are using the wood heater a lot more. I am afraid that some of my stuff might melt (LOL).

I am counting down the days this year. I can't wait!

The Boys Are In School!!!

Both boys are now in public school. They started on Aug 17. Eddie and I have been on our break between terms at school for the last 2 weeks and go back Tuesday, Sep 1.

So far, both like their classes. I am enjoying Peter's entering high school and seeing all the new things that he is learning, especially in Latin. Ben is excelling in his courses as well, and has 2 computer based classes, computer applications and LEGO robotics.

I have been crafting a bit while on my "vacation." I am working on an afghan and a couple cross stitch pieces. Due to a whacky schedule at school, on Wednesdays, I will be bringing them with me to work on while waiting on Eddie to get out of class.

Hopefully, I will be able to update this blog more than once or twice a year from now on.

Big Decision for Our Family

We have been homeschoolig my boys for about four years now. I am now back in school and have worked for a large part of the past four years, to the detriment of my childrens' education. They are slow to complete assignments when they have free time without me keeping them on task.

Due to my school schedule and the plan to go back to working a full schedule very soon, both boys will be returning to school in the fall. I am not entirely happy about this, but with a husband who is disabled and who will not even try to keep the boys on task, I see no other choice. My working is not just a choice, it is a necessity, due to financial reasons.

Peter is very excited about going to high school. He has expressed an interest in JROTC and a desire to join the USMC when he graduates. He has also expressed an interest in the rootics courses at the high school. Benjamin feels a little upset about going back to school, saying he wants to still be homeschooled. I think that once he realizes that all his little friends from church are in his same school and grade, though, he'll be fine.

This decision was a very difficult one. I love having my boys here and love teaching them, but realize that I cannot do it all, and certainly not all by myself.

I have been trying to keep up with my education, their education, work, my husband, the house, the animals, and other family issues, such as ailing parents. No, I haven't had much time for myself and certainly not much for stitching. I do see, though, that sacrifices have to be made, and letting the boys reenter public school is one of those. I am looking at it in a positive light, though. They will be able to see that they are doing at home pretty much what the other kids have been doing at school, will be able to see their friends more often, and will have time apart from one another (which I am hoping will stop some of their bickering).

I am almost half way finished with my education (for now..LOL) and after this term will be able to sit for one certification that will enable me to get a job in the medical field. This will greatly improve our status and will hopefully enable us to stay up to date with the bills instead of falling behind. I hate being behind on anything.

I am already shopping for the school clothes as the winter wear is on clearance pretty much everywhere.

Back to school will be interesting...all four of us (my husband is now taking classes as well) will be getting our books, supplies, etc. ready and we'll all have homework to do. Should prove to be quite interesting.