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1.03.2010

Calm logic prevailed

So we ended up not heading out to the dealerships on Thursday after all. Thankfully while Ian and I both share the character trait (flaw?) of procrastination, we deal with it differently. I tend to be somewhat of a "loose cannon" with crazy bursts of energy to complete the task at hand, and Ian is the methodical detail watcher. (Sometimes we drive one another crazy with our different tactics, but in the end it is a happy blend!)

We opted to spend a few hours in Consumer Reports researching ratings on pre-owned mini-vans cause as Ian said, "Honey, lots of car manufacturers make vans." (in response to my statement of "I don't know what kind, let's just go get a vehicle big enough for all three babies.") We narrowed it down to two make/models within specific year ranges and then used autotraders and carfinders to locate every one within 150 miles of here. And we still made it with time to spare to friends' house to watch the Chick-fil-A bowl!

Hokie fans have priorities after all...
The past few days it's either been rainy or wicked cold, so in addition to our test drive time (pretty sure we've located the vehicle, just waiting to see if we can get them to come off the price a bit) we've spent a lot of time testing out our new games.

No, we didn't spend a fortune. In fact, the only games we had before Wednesday were Candy Land (bought when Target was having a sale a few months ago) and Hi Ho Cherry-O and Lucky Ducks (gifts from Santa). The other day we were given all the rest of the games by my college roomie, Beth, and her girls. Apparently 12 and nearly 11 year olds don't have much use for pre-school games anymore and my kids were the lucky beneficiaries. We've played nearly every one so far and have loved them all. Bring back family game night!

Speaking of family game night... The word family of course makes me jump to Darcy. And thinking of Darcy causes me to reflect on what was the best part of 2009 for me ~ putting myself out there and submitting to God's will for our lives. (If you're new here, check out the links to Darcy's story in the sidebar). I don't know exactly what ~ beyond bringing Darcy home ~ God has in store for our family in 2010, but this weekend Ian and I have been lost in conversation again, this morning our worship pastor sparked off some ideas, and three blog posts I've read today all continue to point toward something. It's gonna be an exciting ride...

I hope to clarify some of my thoughts soon, but today practical housekeeping matters prevail. You know, the exciting stuff like menu planning for the week, tweaking the budget categories after reviewing the past few months, organizing closets and dressers to transform Kylie's room into "the girls' room," writing Thank You notes for Christmas presents that the kids and I are enjoying, and making sure that we haven't missed a Sienna or an Odyssey in the area. Mundane but important!

11 comments:

Amy Kelly said...

so, no trip to my town????

Laurie said...

Wow, you really scored on the games. Let me know if you have any favorites you think might work for Aaron- we're looking for some good "beginner" games for him. I'm looking forward to seeing what van you chose, and I'm really looking forward to the picture I know you'll take of ALL THREE kids in the backseats- yeah!

Our Journey said...

Yes, please let us know which games you think are "best" -- Anne Marie has Candyland and Mickey-Mouse yahtzee--and loves them..but we're looking for a couple more & don't want to waste money. I am very excited to hear about your new "thoughts & plans" for 2010. You and your family seem to have such a strong heart for God and it's exciting to think he's working on something in your lives again!!

Ann Marie said...

Go for the Odyssey. It is the BEST money we ever spent...and I never thought I would say that about a van.

Hugs,

Ann Marie

Carla Lewter said...

I vote for the Sienna!!! We had a Fo*rd Windstar and did not like it at all. Got a Sienna for a rental one time and loved it. And when we went shopping last spring it was my #1 choice and I love it! Of course I am sure the Odyssey would be great as well but I am partial to the Sienna, lots of room :)

In Him,
Carla

Michelle said...

Wow what a jackpot of games I gave all my older kids away a long time ago now need to buy again..

Bekah said...

Mom and dad just bought a Sienna about a month ago and LOVE it. Neil drove it and actually likes it! Maybe there is hope. Married man, married man. Drives around in a mini-van...

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

Came across your blog! You sure have a couple of cuties! LOVE that game pile you have, how fun!!! Good luck in the mini van search. We have a Toyota Sienna all wheel drive. It is a nice van but boy does it suck the gas. Only 17 miles to the gallon highway!!! I kind of wish we would have gone with the Honda instead but O well. Our van also goes through tires every year, which gets expensive!!

*Im having my first GIVEAWAY, come by and say HI.

Tricia said...

That's quite a lot of games. I'm not much of a game player as you may recall from past trips to the beach. I think I have have improved, but looking at that stack makes me shiver just a little.

Good luck with the van shopping.

Nancy said...

That is a GREAT family photo!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Oh, no! I *used* to think we could be friends. Now I'm not so sure. (I'm a JMU grad.)