Peace On Earth

As I look out my windows at the falling snow and contemplate the season, I am at peace. I am grateful for the tender mercies that our Heavenly Father blesses us with. They may be big and yet so often they are so small that we often overlook them as just coincidences. I have been truly blessed this year. There have been so many miracles that have taken place in my life and I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me. That I am his daughter and that He truly hears my prayers and answers them to my personal needs. This alone is such a great miracle that so many people are unaware of. I hope that at some point in everyone's life they come to this realization and are able to feel their Heavenly Father's love for them.

I have been blessed with people in my life that really care. I am grateful for these friends and family. My family is such a source of support when I'm struggling and when I'm conquering my demons. They are always there and for that I am truly grateful. My dear husband and children are so patient and forgiving of my weaknesses. They bring me joy!

I've truly loved this Christmas season. I've had time to slow down and really enjoy everything about it. The past few years it seems like I was too busy. So I've been very blessed to enjoy it and share it with those around me. I am really at peace and wish this for everyone this Christmas season and in the coming New Year! May we all know and share the joy of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Cool Factor in Cars!

So last night as I layed in bed - not being able to sleep, I thought of Frazzled and Frumpy's blog about how her husband bought his first car and it was the car she liked. I had to laugh. Most of my friends are not Car-girls. In fact in the past as I've talked with them about cars, they say, "I just take what my husband buys me and am glad it gets me from point A to point B."

I hate to say it, but I'm a Car-girl. Don't know why. It may be because growing up I'd listen as my brother and his friends all argued the points of various brands of cars and trucks. You know, Ford stands for Found On the Road Dead. And how Chevy's are easy to soup up.

My boys are also into cars. I thought they'd each just get a basic car to begin with, but that was not the case. Each of them got pretty racey cars. My oldest got an Audi A4 for his first car and my youngest got a souped up VW Jetta. I could hear the Jetta coming from blocks away because of the muffler system. Needless to say, I never complained because it meant he was on his way home and I knew he was safe. After their missions I thought their tastes would be a little more moderate, that didn't happen. One got an Audi A4 while the other got a BMW and then traded that in for an Audi S4 (a Souped up edition).

Funny thing is my husband is not a Car-guy. He's just happy to have a car that gets him from point A to point B. It doesn't matter how ugly it is, he's happy. I on the other hand need to research out what comes standard on the vehicle that I'm looking at, what the gas mileage is, if it comes with heated leather seats, fog lights, etc. A couple of years ago while I was working and could afford to pay for a car, I researched out the best SUV - (Small ones) that I could find. Oh, and I have to mention that my cars to some extent have to have the COOL FACTOR! This is a really important thing. I think because of how I was brainwashed by my brother and his friends. Even though it has to have the COOL FACTOR, it must still be affordable and sensible. How hard to find is that!? So as I researched the cars out, I found a great little deal - a Toyota Rav4. It had to be a limited and have the heated leather seats. I went to the dealership, after having printed out the specs and everything off the interntet from a site back in Boston. I told them this is what I wanted and at the price that I wanted. They said they couldn't do it. So I told them that was okay and I walked out. I got a phone call the next morning saying they had the Rav I wanted and at the price I wanted. I was so proud of myself and my husband was proud of me too. I loved that car, but when I quit work I had to sell it. I keep telling myself it was just a car and I actually have a pretty nice car now.

But being the Car-girl that I am, I love SUV's. I'm now on the prowl again. I've talked my sweet husband into selling the car that we have and I'm looking for another one. I'm back to researching and think I've settled on a car. I looked at Hummers - they really have a COOL FACTOR,but they're a little flamboyant and they don't get the gas mileage I'm looking for. But they are COOL. I talked to my daughter about her Jeep and thought about getting one of those, but she talked me out of it. She has one and says they are not that good in the snow. I think they'd be pretty loud on the road too. I don't want to spend through the nose because I'm not working yet and so I can't look at the Ravs either. So I think we're looking at a Hyundai SantaFe. Doesn't quite have the COOL FACTOR of some of the others, but it seems like a nice car and it gets good gas mileage where we have to travel to see family now. Anyway, like Frazzled and Frumpy - I must say that my sweet husband must love me alot, because he has agreed to go look at them. We'll see if he fits inside one as he's pretty tall. Thanks heavens he's patient with me and just smiles when I start talking cars. I wonder if he knew he'd married a Car-girl when we got hitched 26 years ago? What a great guy! I must say I'm thankful he's so willing to go along for the ride. I'll let you know how the car hunting goes!! And I've got to tell you, to me it's always exciting to get a new ride!! I guess that's how a Car-girl thinks!! =)