A lot going on, and nothing at all going on

Absence from here has been due to a sick blonde, I had her home for another week.  Gah.  These are the days when homeschool for her seems the better option.  We're heading back to the investigation stage with her Ear Nose Throat Doctor.  She is getting strep at least 4 times every winter. It's so terrible for her and she misses school and gets behind and stressed and then gets sick again!
Jaala has had her turn being sick this week, though I do believe she is going to school today....not feeling great, but well enough to handle a slow day.
I was talking to my former co teacher, and friend, about Jaala and she said "wouldn't it be great if you could home school her and tailor everything she learns to her passion for horses and all things equine?"  *le sigh* Yes, it would be.  Faron and I have talked so often about how amazing that would be for her.  How many issues that would alleviate in her life....I'm not a very energetic Mama though and she would NEED serious commitment to social life activities.  She already struggles and would prefer to just not interact, but she lacks the skill and needs the practice.
How did this become about dreaming of giving my kids their best life?
Well since we're there anyway.  We dream about our own little parcel of land, off the beaten track, where we can live sustainably, chemical-free, independently and off the grid with very little carbon footprint.  One can dream eh?

I haven't done a lot of creating.  I've been too exhausted with caring for sick girlies, Faron is a huge help, but anything extra on my plate tires me.  I've only had 2 really bad days this past 10 days.  That is so good, I'm happy about that.  Yesterday was one of those, stay in bed, barf, hold head in pain, barf, sleep etc. 
I am busily crocheting things.  I am making a pair of legwarmers *YES THEY'RE BACK!!!!* For a pregnant friend.  I made one and had Jaala try it on, HIDEOUS.  So I frogged it and began again with a different design.  WAY better, I'm super happy with them. I have about half of the second one to finish then I'll post pictures.


My sewing machine isn't likely to be fixed before Christmas.  Money is so very tight with Faron not getting any work hours again.
Thankfully, we don't subscribe to the idea that we much purchase gifts and shop and stress about gifts for each other or the people we love.  We view christmas as a time to celebrate the love and camaraderie of family.  We believe that creating gifts for people we love is meaningful and valuable.  We choose not to support businesses which enable slavery, which strip our environment of valuable natural resources or which contribute to the corporate overtaking of our independent businesses, artisans and craftsmen. 
I won't use christmas lights, it is nearly impossible to find lights which were NOT made by a child imprisoned with their parent(s), who are prisoners of conscience, and force to labor for the corporation who owns the prison.
If that were our life, we would be a bigger ball of stress than we already are!!!  Since we're not, we're settling our creating plans and working on the crafting for our loved ones!
I am going to borrow my Mom's machine for a couple sewing projects.  One piece footed pajamas for each of the girls in a really soft jersey knit fabric.
And a few other things for others, I won't mention cause I don't want the surprise to be ruined!