Oh, the weather outside is...

frightful. crazy!

No, really. Yesterday we were out of school due to icy roads at it was 55 this morning! We turned on WAY too much heat in the house last night and we all woke up sweating. I think it may be the cause for the major sinus-type headache that I battling at the moment. I had to resist the urge to put on the fleece socks this morning, I did not pre-heat the car, and I did not bring a jacket today; what a crazy turnaround from yesterday. 

 

It is certainly the most wonderful time of the year. Having family and a wonderful church to share the celebration with makes it special. Having to beautiful kiddos to help you decorate, wrap gifts, sing carols, and share in the true meaning of the season is unexplainable. We have really tried to focus each of our activities around thankfulness and thinking of ways to help others. The kids were excited at the fact that they could help others by selecting someone from the angel tree and buy gifts for them. Sawyer wished that he could help every family who did not have presents and Carys felt that God would be proud of us for helping. Of course He would. This year we are going to set up a savings bank during the year so that next year we can help more families. Don't be fooled, my kids are little and at times it is hard for them to understand why they should give of their own money. But that is the point. I think it will be much easier to teach them this now that when they are older. Cleaning up Sawyer's room yesterday helped them to see that in fact they had WAY more that enough "things" and they are double blessed because they also have an abundance of loving people who surround them each day. 

I am so proud of Justin and myself. Have you ever watched the news around Christmas and gawked at the sights? You know like, "Who in their right mind would be in the mall on Christmas Eve?" Yeah well, that's usually us. Not that we wait until the last minute to buy everything, but we are usually missing a gift or two right up to the big day. And we ALWAYS stay up on that night wrapping presents for the next day. Part of it is that Justin's work is always REALLY busy this time of year. I always joke and say that it is due to the fact that there is a paper shortage this time of year due to all the wrapping paper (he works in the wood industry). As you may know, the two of us like to do everything together...see...

...and of course duck hunting takes up most of our "spare" time which leaves little room for shopping! 

Well, I got three words for you War Cam Eagle ahem, I mean...NOT THIS YEAR! 

We have one present left to buy and all of our gifts are neatly wrapped and tucked under the tree. Well, when I say neatly you do understand that Carys and Sawyer insisted that they wrap a few "on their own" and so neat is a relative term! Man, kids think you need a LOT of tape! 

Anywho, I am proud of us. We also stuck strictly to our budget this year. We always do a cash only Christmas. I mean we do know the meaning of the season! Jesus gave all He had and I think he wants us to celebrate that fact within our means. This year, we did a lot of internet research on the items we wanted and searched out the best price. I made a detailed list (with prices listed) and off we went. I had a budget for each store and in the end we still had about $80 left! That we will use for gas money to drive to all of our holiday destinations. Justin and I do not give each other gifts because we take a trip in February each year. BUT...I did snag him a couple of inexpensive items that I think he will love. I would tell you, but that would be the one time he would read the blog (hehe). So, wait for pics after the big day. 

(here is my darling hubby, My Duckman)

I am having difficulty taking in all the blessings. I mean everywhere I look I see ways that God has touched my life. He had blessed, He has taught, He has used us this year. Who could ask for more?

(Next Generation Hunters)