In Flanders Field the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks still braving singing fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Field.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from falling hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep though poppies grow

In Flanders Field.

~ John McCrae, May 1915

::

Today we are remembering and giving thanks.

Three months gone in a blink. Didn’t I just post a two month update? We’ve had days that have floated by in sweet smiles and gurgles. We’ve had days that have been highlighted by sickness and frustrations. But through the highs and lows this smallest girl of ours has brought a bounty of peace to our household. Not just to this mama who soaks up the quiet moments nursing, snuggling or simply baby gazing. Mira is doted on by siblings who will interrupt the most energetic play to offer a kiss, tell her she’s cute or pull goofy faces in hopes of winning a smile.

We are blessed by this wonderful girl who so perfectly suits her name.

I’m yarning along rather sluggishly this week. I’m fighting sickness again (grrr….) but on the plus side I’ve made more time for knitting and reading.

As I promised myself I finished last week’s projects. Now I’m working on two new projects. Inspired by this knit-along I’m working on a gap-tastic cowl for a friend. It’s a nice simple pattern but a lot of seed stitch. It’s not knitting up quite as quickly as I’d hoped despite the chunky wool and large needles. Maybe that’s because I switch over to my other project when the seed stitch gets boring.

I’ve finally started working on the Plain Vest I’ve been planning for a while. I’m using the Fleece Artist Afrika I mentioned a while ago and it’s lovely. Absolutely. I love the colours in the wool and the chunky stitches make me happy. It’s knitting up quickly (so quickly that I lost track of the pattern and kept knitting) and I’m hoping I’ll get it finished and tucked away for Christmas.

Somebody likes to watch me knit.

In reading I’ve moved onto the second Harry Potter book, The Chamber of Secrets and the girls and I are nearly through Little House on the Prairie at bedtime after a brief hiatus for Tintin.

I’m rushing through the book discussion though to share the week’s most exciting news…I won Ginny‘s giveaway sponsored by Springtree Road and now I’m faced with the nearly impossible task of deciding on a skein of my very own. Let me tell you I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit browsing through Maya’s shop and I’m still undecided.

::

joining with Ginny at Small Things for another week of yarn along.

It’s been busy here. Hopes, plans, work and struggles. There was discouragement which was healed with hope. Disappointment that was answered with promise. Dreams we know are rooted in destiny but not dates. Questions, questions, questions that just may not need asking.

And so we wait and try to wait with grace.

And we soothe foul tempers with the comforting familiar.

And remember how much we love and are loved.

Because sometimes a storm doesn’t just hit once. And sometimes winter appears, a new home doesn’t, daylight savings ends and everyone feels a little weary all at once. But we have this family and this love that makes for a whole lot of gratitude.

And so I breathe deeply and hold tightly and slip softly into Monday.