The Sweet Life On A Budget

  Gratitude List 2023 Thankful List 2023 On  Thanksgiving Day, I post a list of 20 things I’m thankful for.  I picked 20 random things, so please don’t judge. These are not in order of importance.  That would make this job way too hard.  I just type ’em as they pop into my head. I’m thankful: My God who watches over me My family who always supportive and helpful. Having both family members employed Having a job that allows me to touch the future Belonging to a church that is creative and positively touches the Earth and community. Obtaining a community garden plot this year A warm home that keeps us safe. Our health  My blog readers which make the work worth the effort A plentiful garden harvest The knowledge to preserve our harvest for the next year.  A group of kind colleagues  The change of seasons Our rose bushes A fireplace Having a small grove of wooded land The birds that visit our home regularly The fun art and music culture of our new are...

  Throughout the month of November, I make a point to slow down and take stock of all the blessings I have received throughout the year.   It amazes me each year how many blessings I have received.       Having a strong family and friend tribe is essential to living a Sweet Life.   We are fortunate that our neighbors, swim friends, and colleagues have become part of our support system.   Our  friends have supported us in so many ways since we have moved here, and we are overwhemled with gratitude.     In the nex year, we will be expanding this group.     In addition to our new friends, our connection with your previous community tribe is still strong.  When we end up at the same swim meets or swim close to each other, we keep our relationship strong by visiting and building new memories. We are truly blessed to be part of these groups.  How have you been blessed this year, and what are you doi...

  Throughout the month of November, I make a point to slow down and take stock of all the blessings I have received throughout the year.   It amazes me each year how many blessings I have received.       When we moved because of employment,  purchasing a home was difficult.    Our previous home was large, difficult to keep clean, and expensive to heat and cool.    Our family of 3 didn’t need that big of a home.    In addition, we were moving during the housing boom, so the prices were extremely high, and the bidding wars were fierce.   We chose an older home which is smaller in size but has almost an acre on land.    In addition, the inside has been updated and goes beautifully with our antiques.    Although the space is a little tight right now, when our son moves out, our home will be just the right size.   In addition, our neighborhood doesn't have a HOA, so we have complete ...

  Throughout the month of November, I make a point to slow down and take stock of all the blessings I have received throughout the year.   It amazes me each year how many blessings I have received.       The largest change in our family’s lives this year was moving to another area and needing to secure positions again.    At first this was very scary because I was giving up my position and my husband’s new position was chosen for quality of life and not financial gain.    However, I was able to secure a position before the school year.  We are extremely grateful for our positions and work hard to provide value to each of our employers.  Since we are both working again this year, we didn’t have to significantly cut our expenses.  However, we are still mindful that others are not as blessed as we are.    We try to give back to our community through donations to the food banks, Goodwill and Toys for Tots....