Superman: Part II

Remember the Ford Ranger I've been driving--A/C, but little interior cargo space for people and things? Our yearly trip to Provo finally proved just the impetus we needed to get a new car! Well, new to me--a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. The A/C is awesome, there is LOTS of room, the sound system is great, and all four of the doors open from the inside--imagine that.

We traded Mark's trusty red Ranger in, which means that the Explorer really is "his car" now, lucky man.

Guess who volunteered to drive the girls' 1989 Toyota Corolla (with no A/C) to Provo? You guessed it, Superman, a.k.a. Mark.

And guess which car broke down just past Price on our way to Provo? Right again, the Corolla with 220,000+ miles on it. I suppose it was only a matter of time. Here's the scenic spot where the girls' car took its final, gasping breath.

And who do you suppose had to wait for another hour or so for me to come rescue him on the side of the road? The girls and I had just unloaded our car in Provo when we got the call from Mark telling us of his predicament.

And who do you suppose transferred all of the girls' belongings from the stranded, dead Corolla into the new car--right again, Mark.

And guess who my favorite guy is--you're right, Mark.

Superman: Part I

Remember my 1993 Ford Explorer--the one I've been driving for five of the past six years? Let me refresh your memory: it's the one that hasn't had working A/C for the past two years, one door that no longer opens from the inside (just so happens to be the one most frequently needed to drop off kids at school), a transmission that has been threatening to go for some time now, and a starter that needs an occasional menacing prod with a broomstick in order to function properly.

Mark, being both compassionate and smart, traded me cars once summer began. I drove his red Ford Ranger (which in reality isn't big enough for all the people and things I tote about town--but who's complaining, it has great A/C) and he drove the sweltering Jed Clampet-mobile.

And then the starter on the Explorer died in the parking lot of Mark's office. What to do now? How much money do we really want to spend fixing up this old car? Mark and Emily towed the car home with the little red truck and I began wondering how we would all fit into the Ranger to make it to church on Sunday.

The next thing I know, Mark is doing extensive online research. "Great!" I think to myself. "He's looking for a new car." Little did realize he was teaching himself how to be a mechanic. Before I knew it, Mark--who has never tinkered much with cars--had found an inexpensive replacement part and was underneath the car installing it.

I kept any doubts or misgivings to myself, and must admit that I was quite impressed by the lack of cursing I heard (perhaps I was out of earshot). In less time that I would have imagined, Mark came into the house with a jubilant request that I come outside to admire his handiwork. Lo and behold, that car starts every time now on the first try!

Mark could be the official spokesperson for Dawn dish soap: Gets Grease Out of Your Way.

Mark has since told me that he doesn't appreciate me referring to "his car" as a Jed Clampet-mobile. I think he has developed a sort of kinship with that old car; he claims it's his Therapy Car. In addition to putting in the new starter, he has replaced the brakes, put in new spark plugs, and numerous other things I know nothing about. He has taught me that I guess we can all learn to do things that we didn't think we knew how to do, and yes--I still get to drive the car with air conditioning.

early birthday surprise!

Last Thursday night around 7:00 p.m. I received a text message from Charlotte which said "Guess where we are? Happy early birthday!!!" Attached to the message was a photo of an airport terminal sign which had a flight number, a departure time, and the destination: DENVER! Earlier that day both she and Emily had both told me they were shipping my birthday package that day. I had no idea my gift would be the two of them!

They arrived home around 11:30 p.m. Thursday night and had (thankfully) arranged for a good friend to pick them up at the airport. Apparently one of the girls' friends, upon hearing of the surprise birthday plan, had asked, "But what if your family decides to go out of town that weekend?" Obviously, they don't realize what boring homebody parents Charlotte and Emily have.

I was sad that I had to work on Friday, but delighted to come home to find that Emily had mopped the kitchen floor for me! Now that's what I call a birthday gift. She neglected to document the mopping while doing it, but she willingly obliged me this photo on Saturday, even changing back into her favorite cleaning shirt and posing with the Murphy's Oil soap.

It was so fun to have company in the kitchen again. I love working together--chopping, sauteing, dish-washing, singing, occasionally kitchen dancing--everyday things are just so much more enjoyable with Charlotte and Emily around.

On Saturday afternoon we ran errands, which included a stop at Michael's (I was inspired by Michelle's recent post to revamp the floral in my front door Spring basket).

We unabashedly snapped photos throughout the aisles of Michael's, laughing at these lovely Big Bling rings for a mere $2.98.

We laughed when Charlotte got trapped in the back seat of my car. She was sitting on the side with the kidnapper door and couldn't get out until Emily obligingly opened the door for her. The door used to open like a charm after only three tries, but Charlotte lost count at ninety (yes, 90) and gave up. Even the dumb things in life are easy to laugh about with these two around.

Of course, we made time for stop at 7-11 for a fountain drink. I like mine with a shot of cherry flavoring. Here's Emily pondering what flavor to add to her Diet Pepsi.

And here's our Big Gulp SP in the car:

After dinner Saturday night the kids had fun jumping on the trampoline in the dark (this is Sarah's favorite pastime).

We had Stake Conference today and came home to hurry and make their favorite dinner (roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, etc.) before having to leave for the airport this afternoon. We forgot to take any family pictures in our Sunday clothes, but managed to take this group SP while making dinner (Mark was late getting home, which is probably not such a bad thing, since I'm not sure how we'd all fit in!).

I'm really working this birthday angle; when my mom asked what she should make for today's dessert, I quickly replied, "Chocolate pie," which everyone loves--especially me. Now I can have my two favorite desserts in one week--chocolate pie today and German Chocolate cake on my birthday--both sure to make my pants fit better.

Mark and I rode together to take the girls to the airport. I'm usually a crier when it comes to airport departures, but this time it wasn't quite as sad, since they'll be coming home for the summer in another month. Mark didn't even cringe when I requested this SP at the airport curbside, though his SP skills need a little honing.

So now I'm tired, just a tad blue, but mostly happy and grateful for such a fun weekend with "The Girls." Thanks, girls, for such a fabulous birthday gift--I love you both so much.

recognizing God's kindness

In a General Conference talk given by Henry B. Eyring in October 2007, he admonished us to reflect upon, recognize, and remember evidence of God's kindness in our everyday lives. I love this talk, especially in light of my word for 2009, and before I go to bed want to record His kindness shown to me today.

I've had a very busy day, leaving the house shortly after 8 a.m. to go to the high school to measure the choir kids for musical costumes. After a couple of hours there, I ran home to pick up a set of plans needed at a jobsite (I work for a custom home builder), then picked up my mom and left for the construction site to deliver said plans. From there we went approximately 20 miles north for a slew of errands, stopping at Marshalls, Homegoods, Capabilities (a store with aids for the blind), Penneys, Lamps Plus, and Hobby Lobby. (Good thing my 82-year-old mother still has shopping stamina!)

I arrived home at 4:30 p.m., just in time to take the kids to their piano lessons, stopping at another store on my way home from dropping them off to make a quick return. After preparing, eating, and cleaning up dinner (by this time about 8:30 p.m.) I ran over to my friend Paula's house (nearby) to borrow a tool needed for framing pictures. We chatted for over an hour (so fun, as we haven't done this for a while) and when I got in my car to leave at 10:15 p.m. it wouldn't start. Would. Not. Start.

I tried the Wiggling-Wire-Trick that had worked for me previously in the parking lot of Sam's Club when my car had not started. I tried swearing at the car under my breath. I finally called Mark (who was already ready for bed) and I said a prayer that--if my car was going to die--please let it die a peaceful death at home, rather than behind my friend's car in her driveway.

Upon Mark's arrival, and with the help of Paula's handy husband--who used a broom handle to prod some contraption connected to the starter--my car started and I drove it home.

The hand of God, you ask? Think of all of the places my car might have died today, leaving my mom and me stranded far from home. Of all the stopping and starting my car did today, it gave out in the nearby driveway of a very dear friend with a very helpful husband. For this I am very grateful.

Guess I'd better look for an old broom to throw in the back of my car.

day off

Work has been so slow of late that I didn't go in to the office today. I can't remember the last time I had morning time alone at home after the kids went to school. It was quite fabulous. I ironed while watching Rachel Ray--heavenly!

Later in the morning I had an appointment with the counselor/therapist Mark and I have been seeing off and on for the past couple of years. His name is Wayne Brown and I look forward to the time we spend with him--it feels like such a "safe" place to lay down my burdens and discuss them with an objective, insightful, and non-judgemental third party. (And thankfully, our insurance covers a good part of the cost).

Today I went alone for the first time and Wayne helped me sort through some of the emotions I've been experiencing since the change in our family dynamic (a.k.a. Charlotte and Emily both leaving home). He reassured me that the feelings I'm having are almost "textbook" in nature, but in saying so he didn't diminish them. Rather, he made me feel like at least I'm not a freak. He also said that many times, when there is a shift such as this in family dynamic, something that has been hovering the background will "bubble up"--a new problem or situation to deal with comes to fill the space that used to be taken. I'm not sure if that makes sense the way I put it, but it made sense to me when Wayne and I talked today. Interesting things to think about.

The not-so-good part of my day came later, when I found out that my Explorer needs new brakes and rotors. I hate spending money on boring things like rotors for a car that is fifteen years old. Unfortunately, the metal-on-metal grinding noise my car started making yesterday every time I brake is not something I can ignore.

Mark took my camera with him on his business trip to D.C., so I have no photo documentation this time. It's probably just as well, as Wayne may have thought me a little odd if I started snapping photos during our session.

getting it off my chest

The 1993 Ford Explorer I drive does not boast many luxuries. While I am thankful that it does have power windows and locks (even if there is no remote key fob), and we did add a decent stereo about five or six years ago, it lacks many amenities commonly found in newer cars. Despite its 100,000+ miles, however, it still gets me about town and isn't too embarrassing for my kids to be seen in.

One thing I do have in my glove box that many people my age do not is a handicapped parking placard, courtesy of my 81-year-old mother and her failing eyesight and bad knees. When she obtained the parking pass a few years ago she was given two--one for her car and one for mine, since I often take her about town in my car. I admit there have been many times I have been glad to have that permit when we're out running errands, allowing us the advantage of greater availability and more convenient parking spots. I never use the permit unless she is with me, as that would not be honest or fair.

Well, at least I never have until last Friday.

I had to make a stop at a County office on my way home from work to pick up some papers. It was a drizzly day. I had on pointy-toed shoes that were cute, but starting to cramp my toes. It was slightly chilly and I had no coat. I was running late. There were no parking spaces that weren't a half-mile away. I was a desperate woman. And I did it.

I debated whether or not to limp out of the car up to the building, possibly making would-be onlookers sympathetic and less judgemental. I didn't.

Just had to get it off my chest. It won't happen again.