****THANKFUL THURSDAY****

It's thankful Thursday again. I am thankful for the rain that we have received. We have really needed it. \Last week I worked 48 hours and this week I will have logged in 56 hours. I feel pretty good. I had a great day today. I went straight to Walmart for some Easter goodies and then out to the mall shopping for the remainder of our Easter clothes after work. Each Easter the children get a new outfit. It was tradition for me growing up and it just seems as a 'must have' to me. I am sure since my children are used to this they will carry the tradition on. I don't want to get a new dress, so I will wear one from a few years back. (the fat years) since I can't fit in last years or the year before.

I am thankful for how smoothe these last two weeks have gone for my family and I. Both at home and in the work field. Each night I did a load of laundry and put it in the dryer. Each morning I would wake get ready and then go fold the clothes. The children would put the clothes away in the morning or when they came home from school. I also prepared dinner in a crock pot so it was ready or had dinner ready to go as soon as I got home. I tidied up the kitchen and made the kiddos their lunches. Sometimes, I would even vacuum or sweep if I hadn't done it the night before. All this before 5:15 in the morning! WOOHOO!

I miss being with them in the mornings so I write them a note. They loved this. They would write me a letter back which I have loved corresponding with them this way. I am going to get a notebook and continue this fun little activity that has just started. In each of my letters I would write a word. I knew they would not understand and underline the word. They would have to find out what the word meant and use it. Each have always been a bit slack when he/she would come home from school with their homework and chores. They have their homework and chores finished and the house always looks so nice for me when I come home. I LOVED it and I know they were doing these things and helping each other out, and being extra nice to each other because they "get it". I appreciate them pitching in and helping each other out even more so. It seemed like our family meshed better and came together stronger.
Easter Sunday is this week and the children have Monday and Tuesday off. I can't say I will jump back into extra hours but it is nice that I can work when I want and take off when I want. WE are talking about flying to Puerto Rico on Sunday and flying back on Tuesday. The weather looks like rain and Spencer has to talk in church. WE would not be able to leave until Sunday afternoon. The weather is calling for showers in Puerto Rico. WE might wait for a better time of year.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to work these hours this past week. I have re-learned the value of a dollar. I usually blow through money without thinking about it. For quite some time we have been blessed and money has never been a thought or consideration. If I wanted it or felt like I needed it. I bought it. I spend a lot of money on stupid non substantial things. I now relate to money to how long I have had to work to purchase something. I have worked 110 hours and will bring in a paycheck to what Bill will have worked 10 hours for, Is that not insane??.

Education is key! I know this because I do not have a college education however, I see and reap the benefits of someone who does. We will do everything to ensure that each of our children get their college education. It is important not to just get a college degree but to excel. Competition is high even among graduates. I feel you would want to be at the top percent of your class.