The Everglades

So, Sarah was really, really excited about taking us to the Everglades during our time in South Florida. And now I understand why; the everglades are stinkin' amazing (and literally stinkin' in some parts). I've never seen a place like it, and there is actually no other ecosystem like it in the world! We saw some gators, amazing birds, and beautiful old trees. It was a really fun day, and we even took the MetroRail to get out to Miami, just to add a little bit more adventure.

this palm has curly hair, just like me! 

giant ancient Mahogany tree.

University of Miami

During our Miami vacation, we took a trip to the University to see my big sister teaching her Composition Class to a bunch of U of M freshmen. She showed us around the beautiful campus and then let me sit in on her class. She is an amazing teacher... I wish I'd had someone with her enthusiasm, talent, and compassion to teach me how to write. She was great, and her students loved her. I was filled with such pride walking around the campus & experiencing such a big part of her Miami life. She is such an amazing woman, and I am so proud of her.

Sis in front of the student center (which has a BAR inside!)

Sis & mom in front of the U.

Sisters!

Being pretty, showing us around the campus.

Palm trees everywhere.

More palm trees.

Sis in front of the building where she teaches class.

Teachin'

Being a really awesome teacher

Beautiful, huge tree on campus.

New Traditions.

This Thanksgiving was a time of new traditions & changes. Mom, Nathan, & I came to Miami to spend the holiday with my big sister Sarah. There are a lot of big changes happening in our family, and we took that as an opportunity to start our own new traditions. Who needs turkey, pumpkin pie, or a dad? (melodramatic, I suppose... but really)

We had a great Thanksgiving. Different, but great. I feel very thankful for my sweet husband, momma, sis, pup, supportive and loving extended family, sweet & darling friends, and amazing opportunities in our lives.

appetizers.... fresh made guacamole & margaritas!

sis & momma

Sis & her boyfriend Dylan

The cousins! Carl & Cohen.

Thanksgiving feast.

roasted potatoes, fresh-caught mahi mahi, braised brussels sprouts, marinated chicken,  seafood stuffing, cheddar biscuits, and fresh fruit.

The Stone ladies.

Love me some Thanksgiving family time. We had a wonderful day. Thanks to all of my loved ones for being a part of my life.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cohen's Wish-List

Dogs have dreams too, you guys...

Christmas Wish List

Knitting.

I started knitting in the 7th grade, when I would spend Friday nights with the ladies from my church learning new stitches and perfecting my tension. I joined a community of knitters (mostly with women 4 or 5 decades my senior) and spent a lot of my parents' money on yarn, needles, and patterns. I remember the first scarf I knit, the purse I learned the art of felting on, and my favorite teal size 8 straight needles. I remember the yarn store where I would walk the aisles, eyes wide with excitement at the colors & textures. I would watch the ladies knitting their sweaters & socks, enviously dreaming of the day I reached such a skill level.

Well, ladies & gentleman, I have arrived.

Perhaps I'm not making quite as intricate knitwear as the ladies in the knit shop made, but I also haven't yet retired to spend hours on end knitting. (oh, I wish)

Knitting has taken me on quite a journey. There have been times when I thought it was too uncool, when I lacked the patience to complete a project, when I didn't believe I could make something as big as a sweater. A decade later, and I'm feeling so fulfilled by my knitting. I love the feeling of the yarn between my fingers, I love picking out bright & colorful balls of yarn, and turning it into something beautiful, wearable, practical. I am constantly amazed at the minute difference between each stitch, and the huge visual difference within the finished product. I feel healed when I make things. I feel a sense of newness and excitement, as well as relaxation and simplicity. I am not at all bothered by the "uncoolness" of knitting or the hours & hours it takes to make one sweater.

I have learned that knitting isn't about the finished project as much as it is about the process. As is true of much of life.