10 things ...

We filed our tax returns earlier this month and will get the money back this week, finally. I always love this time of year because we always get money back and do something fun. Its kind of like getting a bonus! We often do practical things like fix things, pay something off, etc, but we also usually do a little bit of splurging. I always get to think about all the fun things I'd do. This year is a bit different. Don't get me wrong, I've dreamed of all kinds of things I'd do with the money if he had his job (paying off debt being the first). But this year, tax returns are making me count my blessings!! I'm very grateful that we are getting the tax return back! It won't solve the problem for the long-term but it will help for the next several months. I'm sure grateful for the little things and the big things it means! Here's my top 10 reasons I'm grateful for a tax return!

1. It means that we won't have to miss a mortgage payment or a car payment.
2. It means that we won't have to borrow more from family.
3. It means we can pay for Alyssa's dance costumes for her competitions.
4. It means we can replace the brakes on my van finally!
5. It means I can buy the girls shoes to replace the ones they are wearing from last fall that are too small and have holes in them (especially Taylor and Jessica - GROWTH SPURT)!
6. It means I can plan to register Alyssa for swim team again (she has to help earn the money though by working for me).
7. It means good hair cuts for me and the girls. Yippee!
8. It means my new printer for my business (which will in the long run save me time and money and also allow my income to continue to increase).
9. It means I can stress a lot less and it means I can sleep a little easier!
10. And most of all, it means an extended "runway" of time for Steve to find a job that will be a good fit. He hasn't gotten calls on many jobs which makes us nervous. We really don't want him to have to take a job that he's not going to be happy doing ... he's pretty happy in most situations, ... you know Steve, he's so easy going, but we don't want him to have to take something that will overwork him constantly, stress him out or make him feel undervalued. He still has to program at nights and weekends for AudioShare so he needs to have a clear mind when he gets home.

So grateful for tax returns this year!!

Regarding the job search, Steve has not heard back from the interview last week. Not sure what that means. We figured if it went that badly, they'd let us know by now that they aren't interested ... Who knows. He is also talking to a recruiter at Microsoft. They are hiring here in Lehi so he should have a first interview with them this week or early next. We're hoping with the spring coming more companies will be opening positions ... we'll see.

I hope all of you are taking time to find reasons to be grateful. Although March may have come in like a lion (for some of us - and I'm not referring to weather), may March go out like a lamb for all of us! Peaceful and calm and leave us all feeling safe and happy!