Thanks for all of the kind and encouraging comments from the last post.
This post will be picture heavy........
I wanted to first say a big huge thanks to my sockret pal who sent me some wonderful gifties. I received some beautiful butterfly handmade stitch markers (perfect for my sock needles), two balls of fixation (from cascade yarns), of course there was CHOCOLATE and some yummy smelling mango lotion. Thanks again to my pal who has spoiled me with such GREAT gifts!!!!
I was hoping that by now, I would have finished my embossed leaves socks but, sadly I admit I have NOT picked them up once since my last post. I REALLY need to get them done........
I have been working on a scarf for an older family friend (really she is like family) and I went with * GASP* an acrylic yarn (I can hardly believe it myself). The jury is still out as to whether or not I like it but I guess it's okay. I REALLY like the pattern. It's easy to memorize after only a few rows........
Quick question to all of you who have knitted a clapotis.......any yarn suggestions or anything I should know about the pattern before the fit chick and I jump into knitting one for our grandmother......

I thought that maybe I should post SOMETHING on my blog but really, I had nothing (nothing knitting related anyhow) but, I have been working on my Socret pal's socks. I decided to go with IK Embossed leaves pattern. I think I like the way it is turning out. I am not to sure that I like the twisted spiral rib. The lace pattern is pretty easy to memorize. I have been knitting and thinking why haven't I done more lace. I have been admiring the Rona shawl that so many people have been knitting lately.
WARNING: Below is a longish *rant*..............
I am desperately trying to set up some boundaries w/ this whole Chaplains wife thing........So much of my day is used up be other people..while I don't mind helping people I just cannot be so "accessible" to them. I cannot tell you how many times I have an "unexpected" visitor during the week...people who want to just drop by and then, there are the countless calls to "watch" someone's child. (To which I ALWAYS say yes to because I cannot say No) I usually don't mind but, with homeschooling and all, I am really running low on time and even energy.
My other issue is all of the baking. I have NEVER In my life baked as much as I have this last year and frankly I. HATE .IT!!! So, why do I do it? .. Peer pressure really.... All of the other wives do it so...... and of course they do it well and apparently they enjoy it... me...not so much. So, I think I may just start buying store bought and passing it off on my own (and try not to feel guilty about it).
One more thing ,I am WAAAY tired of feeling that EVERYTHING I do and say is under the microscope. I am NOT perfect in any way shape or form. I yell at my husband...and my kids sometimes. I even say not so nice things about other people on occasion... really, I am flawed and I am not above admitting that. I sometimes have bad days and sometimes on those days I just want to laze around my home in jammies, no makeup, hair standing on end and not feel all of the pressure to always be ...well PERFECT......... Okay, I'm done. I REALLY just needed to get that out.
I will post pictures later of hopefully a finished sock and the Good Ole cable scarf I am working on. *GASP* with acrylic yarn.

Merry Christmas...Happy New Year!
I am quite thankful that we made it through the holidays. This was our first holiday season in the military (and chaplaincy) and boy was it ever BUSY...and a bit stressful.
During Christmas time, there are many holiday parties for the various squadrons on the base as well as one large wing party. Since DH is attached to so many different squadrons (as their chaplain) that meant we had ALOT of parties to attend...now normally, I would jump at the chance to get all dressed up and go out w/my husband (who looks great in his mess dress I might add) but, not only did we have to pay to attend these parties (even though they request us to be there for all of the formalities) but then we had to bring gifts...and pay for a sitter. That made me feel a little BAH HUMBUG....but, we did have lots of fun and it was nice to get all decked out and feel well....... attractive again!
We had a WONDERFUL Christmas. My mother flew in and was here for a whole week (even babysat the boys so we could attend another party) Of course, Nana spoiled the boys with LOTS of WONDERFUL gifts.
Dh was in charge of the Christmas eve service for the base and it turned out well. It was a nice way to end our evening and to reflect on what Christmas really means to our family!
I received the most beautiful gift from my husband for Christmas. A beautiful table top mahogany yarn swift. I will post it as soon as I can get a good picture of it!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!