support

So the roller coaster has yet to stop.  The last while it seemed to dip farther than ever before.  Almost more of a downward spiral.  I have to say that this whole experience has solidly entrenched how much I love and appreciate my family and friends, and the support that they are to me.  Sometimes, the only thing they can offer, is to listen while I vent or cry.  Even that is so valuable to me.  The help and advice have been great through this whole thing has been so precious.  I don't know if I say it enough, but I really love and appreciate you all.

roller coaster year

It seams as though this year is one of constant ups and downs.  I previously mentioned that John was transitioning from one job to another.  That has been a rel adventure.  He started selling debit/credit card machines for one company, and found little success.  He then transitioned to another company, selling the same thing, with far more success.  John decided that it was not what he wanted to do long term, but might be the right place to be while he accomplished some of the things he wanted to over the summer.  A couple of weeks ago, that job changed drastically.  The change brought a real decrease to his ability to make sales.  while he has continued to make contacts, he has also had to start looking for other employment.  It was a journey that had us exploring many paths.  Some seemed like a good path, until we started to look at actually following them.  Then the feeling of uncertainty would set in, perhaps even fear.  Other paths seemed hopeful, and then started to look like they were not going to go anywhere at all.  It was really starting to affect the mental and emotional well being in our home.  When we were starting to feel somewhat like we were being pushed down a path that had turned less favourable in our opinion, prayer felt like to only thing left to lean on.  John  was blessed to have two jobs offered to him in the same day.  He has to make a decision where he wanted to go.  While we have not yet found the final landing place, we think that this job has the best potential to get him where he wants to be.  John is entering the construction field.  He hopes this decision will open some doors into the trades, more specifically that of electrician.  Ontario is not a trades friendly province, which makes it difficult for a middle aged man to start an apprenticeship.  Hopefully he will be able to make connections, and show his strengths in being an effective apprentice, and will find an electrician willing to take him on.
Another set of ups and downs relates to my business.  I have really learned that the blessings of the Lord will be poured out upon us.  I have also learned that I have to know my own limitations.  I started with a few contracts that were keeping me plenty busy, but had  more and more placed before me.  I had to bring others in to work with me, just to keep up.  I really had gotten myself in over my head, and learned several important lessons.  Firstly, I don't like having people work for me.  They stress me out.  Secondly, this kind of sewing is much more difficult for some people, than creating modern clothing.  Thirdly, I learned that it is alright to turn work away.  In fact, I learned that I must turn work away, to allow me to do the best job I can on the contracts I do take on.  I was very sad the day I turned down an opportunity to sew for the War Museum.  Luckily I was at the point in this roller coaster, where I had learned that I have definite limits.  This has been reenforced more than once in this process, with a few times of being ready to quit/give up.  The most important lesson I have learned, is that I have to find a happy medium between sewing and living.  I have a family who needs me, and I need them. 
The ups and downs continue, and we are trying to get through another ride on the roller coaster with our house.  It seems that exiting on roller coaster puts us in line for another one, without the option to take a break in between.  I just hope that the next one (after the one we are on) will have much gentler ups and downs.  These drastic ones all of the time, make it difficult to keep perspective.

Slacking

I seem to always be slacking, when it comes to my blog. It is not that I am not doing anything, it is more often that I am so busy that I forget. I have been sewing like crazy, and trying to keep up with numerous orders. I even took pictures to show you what I have been up to. I finally transferred them onto my computer, and then tragedy struck. My computer crashed. I don't know how completely, but at this point I don't know if those pictures even exist anymore. I did manage to save several pictures, which were very critical that I not lose.

I have a very interesting order that I am working on. Our reenactment group has decided that they would like new regimental flags. Somewhere along the way, it was decided that I should do it. I do not completely understand how it happened, but I have the complete confidence of most of the men in the unit. This is a somewhat daunting task, as they are 6'x6' flags and hand embroidered. The Major made arrangements for a special trip for me, and he took John and I to the War Museum in Ottawa to see the originals. It was amazing to spend the time there. I was able to take detailed pictures and measurements of both flags, and they said they arrived here in 1811. I was there for 3 or so hours. The task the last few days, has been to project the pictures on the wall at full size, so I can make patterns of them.

All of this, is on top of three orders for Parks Canada, and several other orders for other groups. It is not that I am not interested in keeping you guys apprised of what we are up to, I have just been really busy. We think of you often.

The best turkey ever!

I know this is late, but this is about Thanksgiving. I have been wanting to cook a turkey in a pit for awhile now. We did it on Trek , but as a girl I was never involved with the actual pit, fire and cooking part. I have been trying to tell hubby that it would be fun to do at a reenactment, but he was extremely skeptical about how well it would work. He, however, is the one who decided we should do it for Thanksgiving. The afternoon got a bit hectic, so I only got pictures of the fire, and the pit after we buried the Turkey. I have however turned hubby into a believer. It was the best turkey I have ever cooked. add one more survival skill to my belt. We are even considering cooking turkey dinner for our entire regiment next thanksgiving, as the Americans always plan an event for that weekend.

Temple Blessings

We had a fabulous weekend! We had the opportunity to go to the temple on Saturday, and do some long awaited work. The time finally came (and then some), to do the work for John's grandmother. We also did the work for his mother's grandmother, and a child who died very young. It was a very spiritual, and long day (six hours) at the temple. We started with our neice being baptized for these three, and then confirmed. The day ended with sealing spouses and children together. I am so greatful that we live in a place where the temple is close enough to go to regularly.

ups and downs

The last two weeks have been full of ups and downs. I found out the painful way that I have an abscess tooth. It is no longer hurting or infected, but I find that I still have to be careful not to over stimulate the over sensitive nerve. I am now saving up, to get a root canal.
We went to Trenton, to our District Pioneer Days last Saturday. John and I were asked to do some cooking demonstrations. I was completely surprised to learn that they have a fire pit at their chapel. It is up the hill, at the back of the property, but I did not know you could do that. We were a complete hit. We made a pie, a stew and some fine cakes. They devoured them all. I borrowed clothes from our local fort, because none of mine were right for the time period. I curled the front of my hair in rag curls, and had several ringlets. We got asked a few times if we were supposed to be Joseph and Emma, so I guess we got the look right.
I am back to sewing, and realizing just how much work I have ahead of me. It is turning into quite the business. I have decided to start a new blog, focused on the sewing. We will see if I am able to keep it up. My new blog is astitchofhistory@blogspot.com.

Trials and blessings

So I recently wrote about how blessed I was to have such wonderful friends in my life. They really are the best. We pushed ourselves crazily hard, and managed to finish the order I had. The coats were delivered, and payment was received. I also had another order in the middle of all this, that had me pushing to dress 9 musicians. As I have been taking a break for a few days (my machine is in for servicing and my house desperately needed cleaning), I have found other struggles. I developed an abscess tooth over the weekend. I was nearly in tears as I wondered how I could possibly pay for this when I received word that the money for the musician coats came in. John's business has been slowing greatly, and I have found that I am being blessed with the ability to earn enough to make up the difference. It looks like we are in for a bit of a roller coaster as John transitions from being self employed, to working for someone else. The Lord is opening doors and providing a way to take care of ourselves as we make the transition. Now I have to keep myself organized, and keep moving forward on the orders still waiting for me.

Sooo Blessed

This week has really been an interesting one for me. I have been under a crazy schedule lately. I make a point of meeting my sewing commitment, sometimes to my detriment. There have been a few late nights sewing the last of a lining, and several buttons. I am a procrastinator, so last minute has somewhat been my thing. I have worked really hard with these last few contracts, to change that habit. As I was sewing this week, I realized I was ahead of schedule. I was so pleased with myself, that I let a bit of pride creep in. I imagined how impressed people would be when I delivered more coats than were expected. The thought in my head was, "Just call me a sewing Goddess!" The next moment I was hit with a very quiet, humble thought,"No, I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me. He loves me so much he gave me the talent and ability to complete an insane amount of work, in a very short amount of time." I was able to enjoy that thought and the feelings it brought me, for a couple of days. I felt great peace and joy. I was overcoming my procrastinator tendencies, and felt I was progressing in that aspect of my life.

Last night brought total chaos into my world. I had sub-contracted half of a job to another lady. I do not really know the pattern, and I really did not have time to do it all. In checking in with her, it was revealed that she would be unable to complete her portion. The reasons as to why, and the fact that it is not even started are beside the point. I am on the hook for this order. Panic set in for a brief period, because I went from having 5 coats to 10 coats still needing to be started (with a delivery date 2 weeks away). That is on top of 14 I am trying to finish for next weekend.
It occurred to me that I needed to turn to my dearest friends for help. I have been blessed with two amazing ladies in my life. When I called the first, she calmed me down, and assured me that I am not alone. Both ladies have committed to helping me meet this obligation, and are actually starting the first part of the order, while I finish one of the other orders. Both of these ladies are my counselors in relief Society. I feel so blessed to have such dear and special friends, who are there to help me.

I gained a further testimony of the love my Heavenly Father has for me, and the influence he has in my life. As I grew in this testimony, the adversary threw a trial in my path. I was blessed yet again, to be made aware that the Lord has placed people in our lives to help us through those trials. I know He loves me, and is mindful of me as an individual.

Snow Balls

I know, I know, it is spring, and the snow has melted there are no snow balls. I must beg to differ, and my goodness they are delicious! Our reenactment season is starting again, and with it comes the annual "Cast Iron Chef" competition. John and I have decided to enter this year, so the practice begins. We have been pouring over our 18 century cookbook (the recipes have to be accurate for the period). For desert we decided to try Carolina Snowballs. They are actually easy to make, it is plating them that is tricky. You take a piece of cloth, on it you place about 3 tablespoons of rice. On top of that you place an apple that has been peeled and cored. Place a little lemon zest in the hole, and tie the cloth tightly around the apple. This is far easier to do with two people, and I found that it helped to push the rice up, and around the apple (smoothing it out a bit). These pouches (Parker said they look like money bags) are placed into a pot of cold water. The water is brought to a boil, and then left to boil about 25 minutes. The tricky part is removing them from the cloth, without breaking the layer of rice that has formed. There is a sauce that is poured over this snowball. It is made with a 1/4 pound of butter, a cup of white wine (we used white grape juice), cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. It is so tasty, I think this will be one of our favourites for quite some time. We have learned that the recipes of old were very rich and had an extremely high fat content, it reaffirms how different life really was. This one though, is not too bad for fat. If you choose to try it, you won't be sorry. I best go, I think I want to try to get the last snowball.

Blue Cheese!

I seem to have recollections of liking blue cheese as a child. I have vague memories of going to visit Rodgers, and eating it with Chris. At the time, I was also on a schedule of getting two needles three times a week, to keep my allergies under control. As I grew, I somewhat outgrew my allergies. That is, until I went to high school, and they started construction. Going to school in that environment, had brought my allergies back with a vengeance. What brings seemingly meandering thoughts? I went out to dinner with my dear husband last night. I decided to try the veal cordon-blue. Not thinking things through, it did not occur to me that it had blue cheese in it (I know, the name says it all). I thought nothing of it until later in the evening, when I started to break out in hives. I know I have been told that cheese mold is close to penicillin, so I guess I have to pay more attention to what I eat. It sometimes amazes me, how seemingly small things can become big things, yet we take it for granted.

SHOES!!!

For those of my family who are on Facebook, you already know that I have been trying to make shoes. It has been an ongoing process, as I try to get the shape right. You may wonder why I would try something so crazy. We really enjoy our reenacting hobby, but some aspects can be quite expensive. One of these aspects is footwear. I was fortunate enough to be given a used pair of shoes that work well for everyday wear. I have however been desirous to have shoes that went nicely with my fancy gown. Shoes of the 18 Century had a particular shape, and so I cannot just go down the street to buy a pair at Walmart or Payless.
These shoes would only be worn a couple times each year, and so I did not feel that I could justify paying $100-200 for a pair of fancy shoes. (yes, some people do pay that for a nice pair of leather shoes) I started looking online to see if I could alter a modern pair and fake it, but I did not find much I could use. I did however find a book that teaches ladies how to make their own shoes. The techniques are modern, but I figured I could alter them enough to get the look I wanted. I have a friend who had a pair of shoes made after she embroidered the pieces 20 years ago (they are the ones in the bottom picture). She let me trace her shoes, and the fun began. The shoes are not perfect, but for a first try I think they turned out pretty good. I used scrap pieces from my camp gown for the first pair. With some minor readjustments, I think I will be ready to make another pair soon. If they are right, then I can use the remnants of my fancy gown to make another pair. I will be dressed for high fashion indeed.

Back from the West

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the west to see family. It was great to get together and just enjoy each other's company. For those who did not know, this trip also included our girl moving out. We stopped in Manitoba on the way back, to visit friends and get her settled. She starts her first day at the bakery today.
Our trip home from Manitoba, was the least enjoyable part. We faced horrible weather delays, to start. This had us arriving home a full 24 hours later than planned. There was one poor girl who was sick the whole time, and we had the unfortunate circumstance of having to hear her in the bathroom for 24 hours.
All of that being said, we are happy to be home, and returning to our regular routines. I just received a bolt of wool to start sewing coats again, Hubby is back to the hectic pace of two jobs, and the boy is back to school. (We all took yesterday to sleep, and recuperate. Two nights on a bus do not amount to a good rest.) We are also starting now to put a little money aside, to allow us to FLY out again. We hope to come in the summer.

Happiness

I have some wonderful news to share with you! Zac has been doing an immense amount of growing over the past few months. He went out to Winnipeg, and has settled into life on the base. On his weekends, he has been traveling South to visit our Friends the Kelleys, who moved to Glenboro a year and a half ago. He has been doing a lot of pondering, and spends a lot of time talking to Dave. Zac has come to the conclusion that he really does want the gospel in his life, and all that it brings. It took him some time to come to this conclusion, but he has made the first steps. He went to church this Sunday, and met with the bishop. He is determined to come back to full activity, and set his life in order. We are so happy, and amazed at the change in his desires. Already we notice a difference in him, and look forward to seeing the great things the gospel will bring into his life. We only ask that you keep him in your prayers, as he travels the somewhat difficult road back.

Happy Turkey Day!! (minus the turkey)

Hey family! Happy Thanksgiving! We just finished having the family over today. We did not have turkey though. On Wednesday I got a call from an old acquaintance, and he had two geese for us. I went to pick them up, but there was a catch. I had to clean the geese myself. (I actually knew this from when he gave us a couple ducks years ago). I had never cooked a goose before, and wild geese are another story altogether. We weren't certain it would turn out, or that anyone would like it, so we had a ham, too. The geese did turn out, so needless to say, we had a lot of food. It was great to get together, but I look forward to getting together with family out there again. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

Highway of Heroes

I heard this song on the radio the other day, and it just brought me to tears. The first thing it brought to mind was the powerpoint I got in my email, I think from dad. (It was a year or so ago)



I don't know if it would have affected me so much a year ago, but now I understand it. Earlier this year we were heading to Kitchener to spend time with family, and to go to the temple. Car trouble caused us to have to pull off and get repairs. When we finally did get back on the road, we had the privilege of getting caught at the end of the traffic delay of one of our heroes coming home. Had it not been for that email, we might not have known exactly what it was. It was amazing to see the fire trucks, police cars, and thankful people lining every overpass from Trenton to Downtown Toronto. It is so humbling to witness. For those who don't know what I am referring to, let me explain what the Highway of Heroes is.

When one of our soldiers is killed while serving over seas, they are flown into Trenton. They are driven from there to the Coroners office in Toronto. Their remains are sent on to their families from there. The Stretch of the 401 Highway from Trenton to that exit in Toronto was renamed The Highway of Heroes. As the video showed the people line the overpasses, and the lights on the fire trucks and police cars flashing. This is true of every overpass on that stretch of road.

John heard this song a couple days after I did, and he found that it affects him stronger now with a son in the Air Force. All I know is that I find it sad that we do not always see as much support for our troops while they are still alive. I am so thankful for the sacrifice they make, and the families who sacrifice to allow them to serve.

Nostalgia

This past weekend has been one of remembering. Hubby had his 25 year high school reunion. It was interesting to watch as some of the old groups formed again, almost immediately. Then there were those who have drifted from their old friends, and looked for new relationships. There were those who had kept in touch, and those who were reunited with the group after so many years. There was even time taken to remember those who had passed on since high school. It was an interesting experience as old feelings of hurt were put to rest by some, and rekindled by others. New bonds were formed, as life had taken them all down its various paths. We never know how our connections made now will change in the future.

Military Family?

It has been awhile since I wrote, I know. I have been busy sewing like a crazy woman, and still have a lot to do. The sewing is good, as long as I take breaks and sew something different, I don't get tired of it (yet). It also helps to bring in some extra money, to help pay down some debts.
We have found though that we may be turning into a military family. The girl informed us a couple of weeks ago, that she is going to enlist. She is not absolutely certain which branch she will join, but she knows which bases she would prefer. We have a recruiting officer in our reenactment group, and he is working with her to determine what to do. It looks like we will have two military kids, and the third thinks he wants to join when he grows up, too. Do you count as a military family when the parents are the ones not enlisted?
We have also had some stress here. Around the time mom went to Calgary, our instructor car died. We managed to get a new one, and it is wonderful. We thought things were going to settle down, but now we have to find a new classroom. This came as quite a surprise to us, but our landlord has decided not to renew our lease. This might not be too big an issue, if we were in another industry, but driving schools have to be inspected by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, to change locations. That can take awhile, and really is the stressful part of this change. I guess we will just keep going and see how they work out, it can be hard though.

ZAC

Here is an update on Zac. He left boot camp and went to Borden. After waiting around for a couple of weeks, his next round of training finally began. He has been learning to drive all the different types of vehicles, and getting the various licenses. When this part of his course is finished, he will have the equivalent of a class 1 in Alberta. He will also have extra licenses for other equipment, too. He just found out where he is going from there. When his course is finished in mid to end of July, Zac will then be posted to Winnipeg. If I recall what he said previously, he will have three postings during his service (if he does not reenlist). There you have it. That is what is happening in his life.

Special boy!

Today I deal with many emotions. I find myself weepy this evening. My thoughts are on a very special boy who crossed our paths for just a few short days 13 years ago. I sit here with my bunny, so glad that I was able to help him find the family the Lord wanted him to go to. I do not regret my decision, I know it was best, but there are some days he is more strongly on my mind.

I thought it was fitting that the Relief Society had planned a district service project. We spent the day making baby bundles for the Humanitarian Center to send to places like Haiti. Our goal was to complete 100. I think we actually finished 70, with various branches taking parts of projects home to finish. It was wonderful to feel the love pouring out from the women in that room.

Success!

So I have spent the last week and a half trying to create my own patterns for kids coats for 1812. I had adult patterns, and a coat that fits Parker. I traced Parker's coat to make a small pattern, and scaled down my smallest adult pattern to make an XL. From there, I had to create medium and large patterns. I have to fit kids from grades 4 thru 8. Today I sewed mock ups of each pattern size. I was so pleased to see that they all went together on the first try, with only one minor adjustment on the smallest size. The collar was too long, but a small adjustment at the back, cleared that right up. I think I am getting the hang of this whole pattern altering and creation (scaling?). It gives me confidence for a project I hope to tackle later toward the end of summer. I found an 1812 dress I want to make in a book. The pattern is shown on a grid, and now I think I might actually be able to bring it to full size. Then I just have to make it my size. I have learned so much about sewing, that I think I might actually one day figure out how to make my own patterns from scratch. Wouldn't that be something.