Project pictures

Okay, I finished a hat for myself. Did one of the mittens, but didn't like how it turned out [probably my fault, as this is my first mitten...] so I didn't take a picture of that.

Also finished piecing most of the top of the Christmas Tree Skirt. [that's my cellphone in the middle; this is a small quilt]
I still need to put some sashing around it. Then I'll make the back, sandwich the batting in between, and hand [yes I really did say hand] quilt some stars on each square. Of course, since that hasn't happened yet, there's always the chance that I'll chicken out and opt for something less time-intensive :)

One of my friends and I decided we need "girl time" more often. So, yesterday we went shooting [she has guns, too]. I brought my pistol, and she brought hers. We're going to do that again. Assuming I can find my gun-cleaning kit...

Gratitude List:
* My husband, who is awesome even away from home.
* Kids are amazingly well-behaved this week. Wondering if the pod people have something to do with that...
* We've had surprisingly warm weather this year- only a few dips below freezing, and yet there's still at least a foot of snow in my backyard.
* I finished the hardest part of the quilt- piecing the top. And, I didn't even swear at my sewing machine [out loud, anyway]!
* I am learning more about knitting. Specifically, mitten knitting. I'm really grateful for the internet, and all the great information it contains.
* Krispy Kreme donuts. Twice we've been this month, and both times we hit the "hot donuts" time, where they give away free, freshly cooked and glazed donuts. It's a good thing that the store is 30 minutes away, or I'd be there every single day. Mmmm!
* My family is in good health.
* I made brownies Wednesday, and even managed to save some for the kids' lunches.
* Walker took brownies to school with him, shared them with his friends, and they all agreed that the brownies [the same ones I made] were "the best brownies ever!" And I know this because Walker came home and told me. What a wonderful compliment!
* I'm still on track with my new year's resolutions. It helps that the biggest challenge [finishing all those UFOs] is actually a group of much smaller projects. I can see progress, and that gives me even more motivation to stick to this goal and finish everything!
* I got a wonderful, tender note in the mail from one of my cousins.
* God is good.