{ Wintery Day }

Folks, it was cold here today, like chill to the bones cold.

I knew it before I even walked out of my bedroom.  The feel of the cold tiled floors in the bathroom and the foggy and condensed windows told me all I needed to know.

But as cold as it is, the crisp chilly mornings are some of my favorites.  There is something so beautiful about seeing foggy fields, golden sunrise rays bathing everything in sight, and beautiful white grass

If you ever take the time to stop and take a look at the crisp grass, you will no doubt be in awe.  It truly looks like jewels shining in the sunlight.

How absolutely beautiful is God's work?

My husband had the day off, but Jasmine had to work, so we took her in this morning and then decided to go ahead and stay in town for some Christmas shopping.

I started out the year telling myself and anyone that would hear, that I was going to start buying presents early on so that I wouldn't have to rush in December.  Then January came around, February came around and we got hit with another tax fee, which we are still paying to this day.

With the rest of our bills and different things happening throughout the year, the dream of buying presents early became a distant memory, sad but true.

Anyway, I had yet to buy a single gift, and as it is this year is very tight and we're cutting back dramatically in all areas.

You know it's never a bad thing to take a step back and not go overboard during the holidays.  Far too often we overdo it and it's all for one single day, honestly for about 10 minutes because that's about how long it takes for all the presents to be ripped into and done.

So hubby and I had a set budget for presents this year and we're not going over it, not even by one cent.  At first I thought I would find it frustrating trying to shop that way, but I actually quite enjoyed it and found it more fun because you really have to think and find something inexpensive but meaningful.

We were out for a few hours and managed to get everything done.  The only presents left to buy are for our kids, but everyone else is bought for.  I can't even tell you how relieved I am.

Hubby and I haven't really exchanged gifts the past 2 years or so, it's just been kind of tight around here and though we are doing well and able to pay our monthly bills, our house and the utilities are more than double what they were in Idaho.  But God has provided and has continued to provide and I'm ever so thankful for that :)

Tomorrow is another busy day, I'll be driving both hubby and daughter to and from work and it looks like Friday I'll be stuck doing the same.

Jasmine is doing amazingly well at work, her manager is very pleased with her and has even said that the minute there is an opening, he is hiring her full time.  Thank you Lord :)

Well friends, I'm exhausted and I need to get to bed.  I hope you're all having a blessed week, take care.