Day 90

Wow! 90 days already? I can't believe it has been almost an entire 3 months already. Anyway, today I am thankful for double spring breaks. Ok, this is going to get a little confusing, so pay attention. :)
At WSU, our spring break was the second week in March, except for my Teaching & Learning class which has spring break the first week in April along with the school district. However, we were allowed a make-up class which meant that we didn't have to go to class during WSU spring break, and we still get spring break for that class next week.
Donovan is in preschool, and they also follow the school district. Plus, I work at a middle school, so we are off next week.
Follow? That means that in March, I had spring break from classes, but had to work at the school. Next week, I have a break from one class, Donovan doesn't have school, and I don't have to work. Kind of like double spring breaks, because I get to sleep in (hopefully) next week!
Confusing, yes. But I'm really looking forward to the break! I'll take it however I have to!

Day 89

I know I mentioned it yesterday, but today I am again thankful for study partners. I am so glad that I studied with a couple of my classmates for my geology test. If we wouldn't have studied yesterday, the test would have been a disaster. I still had a couple of iffy questions, but I know I did much better than I would have if we hadn't gotten together to study. Thanks, guys for your help! I think we will have to do it again before the next test.

Day 87 & 88

I didn't realize I forgot to post something for yesterday. I have been so busy trying to catch up with homework, that I can hardly remember what happened yesterday. I did get some cute video of Giovanni and Adelin laughing at Giovanni dropping an empty container on the floor that made a funny noise. That is something to be grateful for. They both have the most adorable little chuckles. And Giovanni may try my patience 95% of the time, but when he laughs it is one of the purest, sweetest sounds. His laugh is so cute and infectious - it makes me laugh listening to him. He is my crazy monkey, but I love him and I love that he enjoyed making Adelin laugh, too!

Today I am thankful for study partners. I have a Geology test tomorrow that is worth 40% of my final grade. It has been a long time since I have taken a class that was so difficult to follow. I don't dislike geology, but there is so much information presented in this class in such a rambling way, that it is difficult to make sense of it all. I am so grateful that I was able to get together with two other classmates to study this afternoon. I feel much more confident with the material and hope that I can get a decent grade on this test. Fingers crossed!

Day 86

Giovanni had a check-up with the doctor today, and I'm thankful that we made it out of there relatively sane. He does not do well with people looking at him, and apparently trying to measure his height, and so I always hate having to take him to the doctor or the dentist. And we have not even attempted to take him to get a haircut yet. However, for Giovanni, the visit went OK. Not great. But it could have been a lot worse, and I am thankful that it wasn't.

Day 85

Today I am thankful for spring! It is my favorite season by far. I love the warm weather, and all the trees blossoming. Today Alfredo and I took the kids for a walk down by the river and it was so much fun to get out and enjoy the weather! I am so excited for spring to get here and for the kids to be able to get out and enjoy it with us. Hooray for spring! You could not have gotten here fast enough.

Day 83 & 84

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are the days that Donovan has school and I drop him off and pick him up while Alfredo stays home with the other two. I am thankful that I get to spend at least a few minutes with just me and him. He is such a smart, funny kid, and even though he sometimes talks a little too much (I have NO idea where he gets that, wink - wink) I love our rides together. Yesterday he was being so silly and was making me laugh so much on the way home. Sometimes he says or does something and it reminds me so much of how fast he is growing up. I am trying so hard to slow down and pay attention to him now while I can. I am so thankful for the few stolen minutes we get together and will cherish them for as long as I can.
Today I am thankful that my boys love their baby sister so much. Donovan is so sweet with her and loves her so much. And even my crazy bull-in-a-china-shop Giovanni is so gentle and gives her little kisses on her head. Today Alfredo, the boys, and I went to the store while Adelin stayed home with Grandma and took a nap. Donovan fell asleep in the car there and I think that may be part of the reason why he forgot Adelin wasn't with us. On the way home he was convinced that we forgot Adelin at the store and I kept trying to get him to remember where she really was, but he just KNEW she was at the store. Poor baby was so upset and almost in tears when we got home. Needless to say, even though Alfredo distracted him with his phone, Donovan was pretty relieved when we got home and I brought Adelin up so he could see her. I'm so thankful I have kids who all love each other so much already.

Day 82

Today's thankful focus is a long time coming. I have relied on this thing to get me through the day for what seems like years now. That thing is coffee. It's funny, because just a few years ago, I couldn't stand coffee and now I can't imagine a day without it. I know it sounds weird to be thankful for a beverage, but there are many a mornings that I don't think I would be able to keep my eyes open without it. So, thank you coffee for perking up my day - even if for just a little bit.

Day 81

Today I am thankful for the rain. I know, that may seem weird to some people, but we don't get a whole lot of truly rainy days here and sometimes it is really nice to have one. It rained pretty much all day - but it was a light rain, so it wasn't too bad to go out in. I really enjoyed it, even though it was a bit on the cold side. Now, I'm ready for the spring and some sunshine!

Day 80

Today I got my scores back for my WEST-B test. It is the Washington Educator's test I had to take before I could be considered for the teaching program at WSU. I'm happy to say that I passed! I always find it interesting that even though I never considered myself a math person, everytime I take any type of standardized test, I always do better on the math than on the reading and writing. Weird. Oh well, I passed with flying colors and that's all that matters. One more step down - now I just have to wait to see if I get accepted into the program!

Day 79

Today's post is more like a bonus entry from yesterday. After I went to bed I remembered our extreme close call with Giovanni. He has started going outside by himself and yesterday I was downstairs with Alfredo and realized that I hadn't heard Giovanni for awhile. I went upstairs and Martin was bringing him in the front door. He told me that Giovanni had been out in the street! SO incredibly happy that not only was he not hit by a car, but he was also not taken by some crazy person. There are a lot of horrible things that happen every day to innocent children, and I am beyond grateful that Giovanni was spared. To add to my anxiety over his escape, I found out today that it doesn't matter if we lock the gates because our fence is short enough that he can climb over it! I think I may have to invest in some barbed wire, or an electric fence. In the meantime, I will be thankful that he made it back into the house safe and sound.

Day 76, 77 & 78

Time to play catch-up again! At least I'm staying on top of it, and not forgetting any days. I'm proud of myself for keeping up with this for almost three whole months now. (Pat on the back)
I guess that is what I can be thankful for today. Granted, I generally find little things to be grateful for, but it's the little things that really matter, right? I am glad that I am still doing this and am anxious and excited to see what the year brings. I'm also grateful that I have never had a day so far that everything was so horrible that I couldn't think of a single thing to be thankful for. I may have had some boring days, but no bad ones so far. That in itself is a big blessing!
Friday I was thankful that Donovan had the day off of school. It was the first day of spring break that I truly had nothing to do. It was really nice and inspired me to take a trip up to Othello to see Mom & Dad (and Lilly!).
Saturday I was grateful the kids and I got to spend a nice day hanging out in Othello. I know I've said it before, but I am so happy that they live close enough to visit them on a whim. I'm happy they enjoy the kids as much as the kids enjoy them. It was nice to get away for a couple of days, and I'm hoping we can do it again soon!

Day 75

Today I am thankful for perfect timing. Donovan had used the bathroom downstairs, and then came up and we were hanging out and playing Slap Jack. We played about three games and then I had to go downstairs and wake up Adelin from her nap. I happened to go into the bathroom to shut the light off that Donovan had left on. I heard water running, and looked in the sink and saw that he had left the faucet on, with the sink plugged. It was about an inch from the edge of the sink and would have overflowed if I had waited just a couple more minutes. I'm so thankful that I went in there when I did, because that would have been a big mess to clean up!

Day 74

Today I am thankful I got my homework time back. I usually go to Starbucks and work on my homework while Donovan is in school. I haven't been able to do that much this semester because I had to use that time to observe in a classroom. (Which I loved, by the way!) That meant that I lost out on almost six hours of homework time every week and I could tell! Today was my first day that I was able to take that time to work on homework again. I am thankful for the time I get and I hope that I can get caught up on everything now.

Day 73

Today was my first day back at work after a week break. It was fun and infuriating all at the same time. Just like a typical afternoon with middle schoolers! I met our new boss today. He seems nice - I still miss our last boss a lot, though. However, this is the last year of our grant and I was not sure what I would do next year for a job. This job is SUPER part-time, but it was something that I enjoyed and it helped pay the bills. Our new boss is very focused on getting more funding for next year. I'm hopeful and thankful that they found someone who is passionate about continuing the program. I would love to be able to continue this job next year. It would be a great weight lifted off my shoulder to know that I would have a job this coming year, so I'm thankful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and a hope that I won't be job hunting this summer! :)

Day 72

Today, my thankfulness runs on complete opposites of the spectrum. While Donovan was in school this morning, I started knitting a blanket for my sister's baby girl due in July. I also started reading the book, Half the Sky. It is a book about human trafficking, the sex slave industry, and inequality and discrimination against women. I have only made it through the first two chapters and already it is heartbreaking. It is jarring to think about the two extremes of making a blanket for a baby girl who is already loved and cherished before she is even born, and reading about girls who have their virginity auctioned off to the highest bidder. (Which is usually not much.)
I am dismayed and shocked of how horrible life can be for millions of girls out there, especially when I think of my own precious baby girl. I could not imagine my daughter working in a brothel at the age of 12, or being beaten and drugged so men can force themselves on her. It is amazed at how much we take for granted in this country. It is so easy to turn a blind eye when it is not happening right in front of us. It is overwhelming and yet, when I think of my baby girl and the opportunities she will have it breaks my heart to think of all the other girls who will not live to see adulthood because they are not deemed worthy of a decent life.
I am so grateful for my precious children and that we live in a country that sees them as equals. We may not have much, but I am not put in a position of having to sell one of my children for food or medicine. They may not be safe from all evil here, but selling our daughters is not commonplace - as it is in many other parts of the world.
I thank God that I am able to set my children up for success in life and that I know that my little girl can grow up to be whatever her heart desires. I pray that I can instill a sense of empathy and caring in my children. I hope that they have a heart for helping others, and that no matter what they choose to do they will always do their best to make this world a better place. I hope that I can look back on my life and say that I was able to make a difference too.
Every woman was at one time someone's baby girl. They all deserve the chance to strive for greatness. They all deserve to be loved and cherished. As I continue to work on the baby blanket for my new niece, I hope she will someday know that it was made with love. In the big scheme of life, a baby blanket may not come out to mean much - but it is so much more than many other baby girls get. And yet every baby girl deserves so much more.
Lord, help me to continue to be grateful for all the blessings I have. Sometimes it is difficult to focus on the good, but I have so much more than so many other people in this world. Thank you for blessing me and help me to be a blessing for someone else.

Day 70 & 71

Yesterday I was able to take the kids and go visit Mom and Dad and their new puppy, Lilly. I am so thankful that I live close enough to be able to just drive up for the day. I'm also thankful that the kids had fun playing with the puppy. Adelin wasn't too sure, but she still did ok; Giovanni however, had so much fun running around with the puppy chasing him. I'm glad they enjoyed themselves.
Today I am thankful for spending time with my husband. We spent the majority of the evening cleaning our room, but it was nice hanging out with him and accomplishing a common goal. I love Alfredo, and am thankful for the time I get to spend with him. It was a pretty good day today and I am looking forward to spending tomorrow with Alfredo and the kids as well.

Day 69

Today, I am once again thankful for the amazing weather we have. It was so beautiful today and I am so excited that spring is on the way. This is my favorite time of year and I'm happy I am lucky enough to live in an area with such beautiful weather. I'm thankful that I get to experience days like today and can't wait for the monkeys to be able to run around outside everyday in the sunshine.

Day 68

Today I am thankful for the beautiful weather. It was so nice to come home from school and take the kids outside. It was an amazingly wonderful day and I am so happy that spring is on the way. The kids get a little crazy when they are confined to the indoors, so it was nice to let them run it out today. I'm thankful that we have a yard that the kids can enjoy when the weather lets us.

Also, a big thank you to God for helping me find my van key today. When I got home from school today I put it on the table and noticed Giovanni touching it before I went downstairs to feed Adelin. When I came back out of our room, Giovanni was in the bathroom making a mess with the plunger in the toilet. He got in trouble, I changed his wet clothes, then noticed that the van key was no longer on the table. I looked everywhere and tried asking him where it was - but he was no help. My heart sank when I remembered him playing in the toilet and I thought, "Oh no! Did he flush it down the toilet?" We only have one van key and if we lost it we would be in big trouble. So, I frantically searched for a couple more minutes before finally saying a prayer, asking God to please just produce the keys for me. I was standing in the middle of the boys' toy room and just happend to look over under the stairs next to their toys, and wouldn't you know it - there was the key it all its glory! Praise the Lord! I am so thankful for miracle of finding the key and the reminder that God cares about me and my one lonely van key. :) Thanks again for the help, God! It's nice to know you've got my back! And my key!

Day 67

Today I am thankful for the simple fact that Giovanni is no longer sick. Yes, all of my kids have been sick this week. Yes, it is horrible to see any of them suffer. BUT - he is especially grumpy and difficult when he is not feeling well. I am so happy that he is feeling better. Now, if I can just figure out how to get him to stop waking up in the middle of the night crying.

Day 66

Tuesday night we had a black out. It was just our block, just our side of the street. It was weird, but it was over within an hour. It's amazing how much you take for granted until you don't have it - even if it is just for a short while. I'm thankful that I live where I have access to electricity, running water, shelter. It is amazing that when you get used to something, even as important to our day to day lives as electricity, you never realize how much you actually use it until it is not available. I'm thankful I have creature comforts that many in this world don't have. I hope that I never again take that for granted.

Days 61 - 65

Well, I have missed the past few days. We spent the weekend at my sister's house, and I didn't get a chance to update my blog while we were gone. Now that we're back, I figure I better catch up.
I don't have a specific item to be grateful for for every single day, but I do have a couple things to list. First, I am thankful that I had the opportunity to observe in an amazing fifth grade classroom. The students and teacher were so wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed my time I spent there. Up until my observation I had been wanting to teach 2nd or 3rd grade, but being in their classroom has me rethinking that. From what I saw in that room I think I would really enjoy teaching fifth grade. I guess we'll see what the next two years bring.
I am also grateful for the family time we got to spend this weekend. We had a get together at my sister and her husband's house to find out if we will be welcoming a new baby boy or girl to the family. They had a cake made with the color either being blue or pink, so that when the grandmas cut into it we would all get to see the inside and see what it was going to be. And, the cake was pink! Hooray for girls! Of course we would have been happy no matter what but I am especially excited for Adelin to have a baby girl cousin to play with.
The next day Alfredo, the kids and I went to Pike's Place Market and walked around, and bought some seafood to take home. I'm glad we got the chance to spend some time together. I'm glad that our kids get the chance to see things and experience things. I hope that our kids get lots of opportunities to see the world and have a lot of amazing experiences growing up.
Today, I am thankful to be home. I started getting sick yesterday, and today Donovan and I both just hung out not feeling well together. I'm sad to see my baby boy sick, but I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to stay home with him. Although, I will be even more thankful when he is feeling better. Here's to hoping we all get to feeling better and no one else in the family gets sick.
Now I am all caught up and hopefully will get back to the routine again.