It's coming . . . it's only a matter of time

I looked up today and noticed a slight difference. Ohhh, yeah, the leaves are starting to turn.

This is one of the big trees that turns very pretty colors and then dumps a ton of leaves for us to rake. Hmmm, let's just go back to admiring the fact that the leaves are starting to turn.

Welcome New Family Member

Another "new" family member? Nah, not really. It's just a used car that has ventured into our lives. Yep, we are a family of 4 cars. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Last month, I happened to get into the Santa Fe and noticed the "check engine" was lit. So, the next day, I had the boys drive it to our mechanic and leave it. That meant we were down to two cars: my van and #1's old thing. Not a problem. Nope, not at all.

Later that day, #2 decided to go to the movies with several of his friends. I said, well take the van. Okies- off he goes to pick up his friends. Then I got the phone call. "Oh, mom, the van has broken down-it is smoking and the anti-freeze is coming out". I told him to call CAA (like Triple A but the A is a C for Canada). and I would be there shortly. It was early evening and I said to #1 that I was going to borrow his car. He was close to beddy bye time since he worked 12 hour days. Off I go and then I come right back. Oh, Main Man, come out and hear the sound this car is making. Now, MainMan had his conference call to the Philippines in less than an hour. He takes his cell and computer and comes with me. (hey, if I am going to break down, I might as well make the husband deal with it with me).

We drive and find #2 in a parking lot with his friends . . . who happen to be a guy and a girl. Cute girl too, but that's a another story. CAA gets there and I have then tow it to the mechanic and leave it there. The kids get in the back of the car that sounds like it will die at any minute and I drop them at the movies and tell them I will pick them up when it was finished.
At MIDNIGHT, off I go to pick up the children. Yeah, I said children . . . cause I can until Monday when #2 turns 20. I drop off the two and then come home with #2. I crawl into the bed. I was tired.

Off #1 goes first thing in the morning to work and then the phone rings. I somehow broke his car when I drove it. He drives it to the mechanic. Yeah, that's right, we had ALL three cars at the same mechanic at the same time.

Soon the Santa Fe was finished and off #1 went to work. MainMan rode his bike to work and sleeping beauty (aka #2) . . . well, was sleeping.

As I sat waiting for the mechanic to call, I decided we needed another car. A new car would be nice but to be honest, we are trying to conserve. Besides, if I get a new car, and one of the boy's cars breaks down just as they are leaving for school . . . just whose car are they going to take?? Now, if you are a mother of young men, you know the feeling of handing over the keys of your new car to them. After much thought, I said-let's just get a used car. Nothing fancy and nothing that is going to break my heart if and when it is taken by the kids who HAVE to be at school (no missing school here).

So, welcome to the family little Malibu. Nice car. Strange to drive a car instead of a van or SUV.
Oh, and what was wrong with the cars that decided to visit Paul the mechanic all the same time? The van's radiator cracked. There was a fan that keeps it cool that broke and then the radiator overheated and broke. Okies, that was expensive. #1's car? Yep, I broke it. I pulled the parking brake. Apparently, you don't put the parking brake on old cars here. The cable will break. siiighhh. And the sound was some bracket that came off under the car. Not very expensive to fix. The Santa Fe? Well, someone didn't turn the gas cap three times when he got gas and it made the check engine light come on. Yeah, the mechanic smiled at that one.

Welcome Erik

Erik the Great

We have a new family member. The Big R has welcomed a little Bro this mid August. I have been waiting for more pictures but . . . I think the photo taking parents might be busy and I hate to bug them (well, too much, anyway).

Erik-two days old

I have a couple other pictures but hesitate to post without permission. (See Main Man? I am getting better . . . I only posted two pictures without asking!)

Two little boys. Ahhhh, memories. And you know what this means? Tricia is totally outnumbered. That's what that means. It also means that pink isn't a color she will see a lot of in the future.