christmas, and beyond!

well, christmas is officially behind us now. did the vacation road trip things with my family, which was a very long car trip for six adults in a mini van. 22 hours one way. we took a picture upon arrival. not gonna post it here but suffice it to say, we looked rough. we had loads of fun in disney world (mom has probably posted pictures on facebook, or will be soon). there were frustrating moments, but as this is probably the last time we will all be in the same location (brother and wife are moving soon), it was worth spending time together.
christmas itself was great as well. the scarf, chain chomp hat, and ear warmer were all well received. i got what was probably the highest praise for the hat i've ever gotten (other than "i just love it"). sister-in-law said that it looked store bought! my homemade hat looked professional enough to be purchased in a store! possibly the best compliment i could ask for. period.
so, started working on the wedding shawl on the way to florida (what else is there to do in a car for twenty-two hours) and kept working on it on the way back. it is about a third of the way done (i think) and i am currently praying my heart out that i don't run out of yarn. i ended up using bigger needles (15s instead of 9s) after three test runs and much forum reading for advice on ravelry. this is my first time doing lace and i really want it to look right. so far so good. thank you blocking red heart super saver forum! you were unbelievably helpful. i washed and dried it and it turned out well. i just hope the same thing works on "I Love This Yarn!" because if it doesn't, i may cry. yes, that really is the name of the yarn i'm using. yes, it is an odd name for yarn. oh well, it was the right color.
so that is that. i've also started on a little phone cozy for my office mate (her birthday is the day after mine!) and it should finish up quickly, i just need to sit down and do it.
to sum up my knitting deadlines, i'm definitely in a crunch. i'll keep you posted on how it goes. then i'll be going back through my queue to see where i want to go from there. so much knitting, so little time!!!
all this creation is getting me thinking about new-ness. each finished project goes out and starts a life with someone. it is sent out to better others and pread happiness and cheer. it reminds of the new year that is coming up, full of possibility and promise. it makes me want to renew some old promises i made myself a while back. i'll post about that later. i'm going to really work on leaning on God more. He'll get me through it all. after all, that is His promise.
Happy Christmas all. keep the christmas spirit alive all of this next year.