Friends! I have missed you. I am sorry for my total absence over the last month. I’m here today to fill you in on what’s been going on with me and my hopes for 2024.
We are on a school break this week and next– which is a tremendous relief for me. Our homeschooling has been on such a tight schedule with no wriggle room and I have been feeling the pressure to check everything off of our chosen curricula. I know our curricula is rigorous and it’s not necessary to do everything and still. I think you know how I am. I’m thankful for this small break and the opportunity it’s giving me to clear off our bookshelves and to come up with a plan for the second half of the year.
Today is a rainy day so B&B are watching holiday specials on PBS Kids as I sit in the dining room and write this update. We’re heading out to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center this afternoon for their homeschool science program, but that’s our last “have to” of 2023. That’s shocking to me! The next few days will be filled with readying their rooms for Santa’s visit and plenty of baking. I’m ready for it.
I’ve started a new DRK Everyday Sweater. I got this yarn (Kate Davies Ooskit) a couple of years ago as a kit. I’ve decided not to knit the cardigan it was intended for and to just make something super simple. I knit up about six swatches and had to do a bit of gauge math but have finally figured out which size to knit up. I’m looking forward to another cozy sweater in my closet.
An update on my Tessellated Vest: I had hoped to finish it by Thanksgiving and I did! I still don’t have any pictures of it but hope to get some soon. I will post them here!
Reading has been slow. I’ve started so many books and nothing is holding my attention. I’m hoping that shifts soon because I really miss my reading (and blogging) life.
I haven’t felt like myself in several months and I’m making plans to shift priorities a bit in 2024. I’d like to get back to consistent blogging because it keeps me motivated and connected to all of you, which is essential to my well-being. That’s my only goal for next year: find time to sit at my desk to keep me connected.
That’s it! I hope to be back next week with another update and to get caught up with all of you very soon. Take good care!
The Cozy Burrow 
Hello and happy thoughts to you. Just love yourself and enjoy every moment of this holiday season.
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Thank you, Linda! Such good advice.
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Been missing you! Glad you are back. Happiest Christmas, Katie! ♥️
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Thanks so much, Amy!! Merry Christmas to you and your family too 🙂
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Juggling children, home schooling and the rest of life is time consuming! Don’t feel guilty about not blogging! Have a peaceful time off from schooling and have a blessed Christmas with your family.
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It’s so good to hear your voice, Gretchen. Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
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I’ve also been missing your voice and your updates, and I’m glad to hear that you now have some time off to rest and figure stuff out. (BTW — are we still reading Anna Karenina together? I just realized I kind of dropped the ball on reading the Russians in the second half of the year, but I still want to get to it, even if it’s not until next year.)
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I’m so happy to hear your voice, Sarah! I’m hoping that I won’t be leaving the house today until I pick up Colton from his programs at 5. I just want a period of time that actually feels like a break.
I feel bad because I know I committed to reading AK in 2023, but the thought of it makes my toes curl. I didn’t enjoy the other Russian novels I read this year and I’m no longer excited to even try to read AK. I am sorry to abandon you but know that it’s not realistic for me anymore. 😵💫
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Happy to hear from you! This time of year is always nuts, so I can just imagine the pressure of trying to finish up the homeschooling semester as well. I was in a reading slump (well I still read, because I can’t NOT read, but not connecting to anything) for a while, but eventually that love of books came back. It ebbs and flows like everything – I hope you find some fabulous books to start the new year!
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I totally agree – reading ebbs and flows for me too. I’m still searching for exactly what I need to ignite that fire. I’m hoping I find it soon! And I’m hoping that the holiday season is treating you well and that you find some quiet time for yourself, Sarah.
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What a treat to see a post from you! Wishing you all the best for these last days of 2023 and a peaceful (even if it’s just inside your head!) beginning to 2024! Merry Christmas!!
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Thank you, Mary! I’d love to find some peace in my head right about now 🙂 And I’m planning to make your candy cane cookies on Friday — I cannot wait!
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So wonderful to see your post Katie! May the Christmas be filled with all the good things and may the new year bring you tranquility, and reconnection. Merry Christmas 🎄
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Thanks Tina! I hope you’re having a lovely holiday season 🙂
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You are so very welcome Katie and thank you, I am 😀
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Always good to hear from you, Katie! I hope your school break is restful and fun. Reading has its ups and downs and you will experience some ups soon, no doubt. The books will wait for you to find them in your own time. Merry Christmas!
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Hi, Laila! I’m really enjoying our break so far — it was desperately needed! And I’m searching for the perfect book for me right now and hope I find it soon. I hope you enjoy the last few days of 2023!
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I am so glad to see this lovely update from you Katie! You all have been much in my thoughts… I just love seeing your update for your home school schedule! I think that you are good to work diligently to fit everything in! (those were my favorite teachers…btw!)
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Thanks, Kat! Despite being so excited and desperate for this break, I AM looking forward to starting our school year in 2024 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying this holiday season!
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The yarn you chose for your sweater looks so cozy!! I am with you on the reading front… I’ve slowed down this month considerably.
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Thank you so much, Autumn! And I hope we can both find our reading mojo sooner rather than later 🙂
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That sweater looks to be one that will get a lot of wear. Good to hear from you whenever it happens.
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I am so excited about this sweater! And thank you for your kind words and all of your encouragement this year, Juliann. It has meant a lot. Happy Holidays!
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The sweater looks like perfect December knitting. Beautiful yarn and an easy does it pattern. It is lovely to hear from you. You and your family have been in my thoughts. Take good care. I hope you and your family will enjoy the holidays.
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Thank you so much for all of your kindness, Jane. It has meant so much to me. I hope you’re enjoying the last few weeks of 2023!
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You have been missed but I totally understand. This is a time to take care of you and loved ones.
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Lisa, thank you! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season. ❤️
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