it's been too long.

Hello lovely ladies,

I'm 75% finished my Term 1 report cards (heeelllllppppp!) and thought that I should take a break before the comments get a bit hodgemodged (it's a word, I promise).
You girls were the first to come to mind as I thought - "who should come over for tea?". Unfortunately, you're not able to make the trip, so I'll meet you here instead.

It's been a while. too long.

This has been quite the year - full of crazy ups and downs. Hard to believe that it's coming to an end. There is, however, something appealing about a fresh year. I'm looking forward to 2016.

The past few months have been full of tears and healing as Jon & I mourned the loss of our little life at the end of August. We've spent many days wrapped up in blankets, with hot cups of tea, kleenex, and cuddles. It feels a bit now like we're coming out of the fog. I'm thankful for that. We think each day of the tiny little we were entrusted to love and care for, if only for a short time, and the amazing support we felt from everyone through the process. Thank you.

Part of the healing process - while wrapped in blankets and drinking tea - was spent reading and knitting, so that's what I'll share with you.

In pages:

- "Village of Secrets: Defying the Nazis in Vichy France" by Caroline Moorehead: This was bit more historical non-fiction than it was fiction. It was less of a curl up with a good book book and more of a learn about the war kind of book.

- "The Opposite of Loneliness" by Marina Keegan: This is a different kind of book than I usually pick up - a collection of writings of a 22 year-old Yale Writing student put together after she passed away shortly before her convocation. It was an interesting collection of short stories - fiction & non-fiction.

- "The Nightingale" by Kirstin Hannah: I have yet to pick up another book after this one and I finished it just under one month ago. I just know that it will take a very special book to top this one, so I've postponed picking up another. It was so good! Set in WWII France, it tells the story of two sisters' experiences while living in occupied territory and moving through the horrors of war. If you start this one, make sure that you've got a few hours (or an entire day) set aside solely for reading.

On my needles:

My goal for Christmas gifts this year was handmade holidays, so I've been knitting up a storm here.

- socks! x 4 pairs - I think I've hit my limit with these for a while.
- this Clarke Pullover by Jane Richmond is laying on my blocking mats currently trying to dry. I can't wait to wear it! It was a very fun, quick to knit sweater - a good one to start with. Practiced my hand at striping - lots of weaving in ends when I finished.
- these tinsel mittens by Drea Renee knits were such a fun knit: quick, easy, and a fun pattern. I knit two pairs this past weekend!
- this toque: another quick pattern that makes me excited for days up on the mountain in the snow.

these are some patterns that I'm hoping to cast on soon:

- Open Sky: the pattern looks gorgeous and I love cozy wrapped shawls.
- Lucy Hat: doesn't it look so cute?! I love it - Downton Abbey inspired.
- Watson Cardigan: I love the lace detailing on the back.
- Pome Toque: a fun cabled toque for chilly days.

They say knitting is like therapy. I'd have to agree. :)

I'm enjoying my new job as a Special Education teacher for a distance school - it's full of challenges and learning curves. every. single. day. I'm thankful for a job that challenges me though. I also get the pleasure of working with a couple kids each week - spending time outside, crafting, and baking. I get my kiddo fill, which is important when you spend most of your work hours on the computer (major adjustment!). Today is a gingerbread house baking day - I'm so excited!

Other than that, life is going well up here. Jon's out on his last hunting trip of the season - hoping he'll come home with a bit more to add to the freezer. He's been lucky to see a herd of elk the past few times that he's been out in the mountains - majestic!

What are your Christmas plans?
We will be here in CR for the Christmas Eve Service and then head down island for a few days to spend time with family and friends.

Hopefully we can squeeze in a real tea date over the holidays. Micah, we'll FaceTime you in.

Lots of love to each of you.
Miss you all.