It's Great To Be 8!!!

MINI ME TURNS "8" TODAY!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'LIL MISS!

8 Random, but signifigant things about Mini Me I bet you didn't know. (And if you did, Kudos!)

• She lost three teeth in the past year


• She was a real trooper and packed up her room and moved to a new home "far away" from her friends and her school to start over in a new home and a new school. I am so pleased that she has adapted so well!


• She learned how to ride her bike.


• She performed in the Children's Theatre Production of Alladin, Jr. She did a wonderful job and had a fabulous time!


• She can play the top part of "Heart & Soul" on the piano. (This is one of our favorite things to do together.)


• She is learning ASL (a little at a time).


• She can do splits and straddles and really wants to take gymnastics.


• She is such a God's Girl! I am amazed on what she retains from Sunday morning worship, and admire her dedication to always being there and be fully engaged.

I could name 100 things, but since the theme is "8" I'll stop.

We had her party on Saturday at the local Bowling Alley and it was a blast! 20 bowlers in all. Everyone enjoyed the time Bowling, laughing, eating pizza and drinking soda. As a momento, everyone signed a bowling pin for Mini Me. It was really nice!! This was by far the easiest party I have ever planned!

Today, she had to go to school (No I won't let her skip on her birthday). She didn't want me to bring cupcakes to class because she isn't a big fan of cake. So, I suprised her by dropping by her classroom and going to lunch with her. The children started lining up at 11:00am and I was there to wish her Happy Birthday at the exactly 11:01 (The time she was offically introduced to this world). She was quite amused by this and we enjoyed our lunch! This afternoon, we'll be heading home for me to prepare her birthday meal (She chose Tilapia, rice and fresh steamed string beans). My parents and my little sister will be joining us . It will be fun. I still cannot believe Hubs and I have an eight year old!!!

So..happy birthday Mini Me! We love you!!!

No Summer Road Trip For Us.

Well, we/I have finally come to the realization that a summer road trip to Tennessee is not happening. Would you like to know why?

Yup! That's why.

I think we're just going to stick close to home this summer. After all, this is Florida. This is where everyone goes to vacay, right? So, we'll hit Rock Springs, the Orlando Science Center, the beach (for sure...even though we don't live 30 minutes from the shore anymore), Old Town, and other places of the like. These places are all about an hour away from the comforts of home, and that makes my worry 'o' meter stay in the black!

Hubs doesn't like this plan so much.

Speaking of Hubs, he is doing well with his new job. I am so thankful he has discovered what he really enjoys doing in life. (This is so much easier on his body than being a mechanic) I have great news. (Since he doesn't do this bloggy thing and isn't the best at making the time to write letters or pick up the telephone). He finally got the call from the hospital! He starts May 27th!! WooHoo!!! I am happy for him. He has been content working nights at the Rehab/Nursing Facility, but this is what he really wanted. If my memory serves me well, he will be working 7am-7pm in the Neuro Unit. How exciting!!! Now, once he is settled in that, I wonder if he'll go right into LPN school or wait a bit. I am so happy for him!!

So that is about it. Gas prices vigorously inhale and Hubs got the job he was hoping for. As long as I never see a sign like the one above, I think we'll be okay.

That brings me to a question. With fuel/oil prices being what they are, I was thinking about ditching the Van and the Passat (Keep Hub's truck though) and getting a "newer" more efficient vehicle. The passat is quite efficient, but we use the Van alot because we often have other children with us. The van gets very poor mileage, but is very comfortable. We haven't had a car payment in almost 8 years, so I am reluctant to have one again. Also, we have full coverage and then some more (alot more) on our auto policy, which is as added expense that we could do without. (It only took one bad car accident to convince me to do that!) So what do you think? Then, if you think we should swap out, what should we get? A Hybrid? A Crossover? Should we just go small and get a Saturn Astra or Huyndai? Or a Vespa? :)

If I had it my way, I would buy the Scion TC in a 5spd. I love those cars!