Help paying to finish college

I am less than a year away from finishing my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and have run out of federal student loan availability. I do not qualify for private student loans, as we had a foreclosure a few years ago when I lost my job and the ARM loans started going crazy for everyone. I can’t even qualify with a co-signer. I’m trying (desperately) to find scholarship/grant opportunities. I am supposed to start a new class in 2 weeks, but I have to come up with $1,675 first. My new Pell money comes in June or July and will help somewhat, then I’ll be a few thousand short of the rest of my program. Any suggestions on help for the meantime? Any benevolent benefactors out there who just want the satisfaction of seeing a mom finish her degree and return to the workforce?

My loveable, loopy Lucy

I haven't actually been silent for 2 months, I just decided to delete the whole negative drama of not getting the puppy from my neighbor as promised. We did, however, find a 6 month old Jack Russell pup a month ago, and she is a great fit for our family. It takes my kids to keep up with a Jack Russell and it takes a Jack Russell to keep up with my kids. lol We take multiple walks daily, lots of playing, and she is a little snuggly lap dog too. Here's my Lucy, doing her "Please pick me up!" look.

In the meantime, we have built a new deck, which is all railed in and gated so we can let Lucy sunbathe off leash, and we have a place to grill and relax. I have been busy designing knitting patterns and still taking classes for my bachelor's in accounting, so it has been a busy summer. The girls are glad to be back in school, although their little sister misses them when they are both gone all day. I have been working on a hoodie for little Lucy to wear as the weather cools. She has a very short coat and shivers if it gets to be 50 degrees F or below. lol

Oh, did I mention that we rescued a litter of four kittens, and their mama, who was left outside without food all summer to have her babies? Three kittens have found fabulous, perfect homes, and the last kitten and his mama are going to a great home together today. Gratuitous kitten pics:


This little girl went to a home with a very kind man and his son, where she will be the only pet and loved and spoiled.

This little man goes to a home with his mama today.

This little man went to a fabulous home where he is spoiled and has a "big sister" kitty.

Knitting, Accounting, and Toys

Wow, I just realized how long it has been since I wrote on here. Chalk that up to school starting back up for the kids, continuing my online accounting classes, and of course, knitting. Here's a bit of what I've been up to.

I struggled and agonized over my final exam for my last accounting class. Just when I was about to give up, I reworked one section and I ACED my exam! I was so shocked, LOL, and then I wound up doing a little victory dance. Sorry, you don't get to see a picture of that!

I have been working on test knits, this one is for Justine Turner. I just love her designs. Here is Maya modelling her new cardigan, the Roaring Meg.

I have also become strangely addicted to Cartoon Network's Johnny Test, now that I can't seem to find Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends anymore.

I also made knitted toys for each of the girls.

Ok, this one is crochet, but this poodle is for Maya, from a Lion Brand Yarn free pattern.

This is a bunny for Emily, from Fuzzy Mitten's pattern. This is my interpretation of the Easter bunny, who is naked because Emily wouldn't let me hold on to it long enough to make him clothes.

I would love to call this my masterpiece, but it is not my pattern. LOL This is Maddie's Hedgy, a Huggable Hedgehog from the Fiber Trends pattern. He turned out so cute, and he is well loved.

Now maybe I can get back to my poor hoodie that has been neglected, or my socks that have been impatiently waiting...