Tuesday, June 26, 2007

this and that

Well my computer is working....sort of. I can get online now, read email, look at my blog, but I can't sign in to update my blog or to leave comments on blogger blogs. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can log in? I would so appreciate any help. I'm blogging right now from Mark's computer. I uploaded pictures to photobucket on my computer, then retrieved them on this one. Long way about it, but it 's all I've got for now.
Monday morning I cut and sanded a dozen wood flowers for the girls who are going to girls camp. It's for one of their craft projects. I don't have a "shop" set up at this house so I got up early and sat on the ground outside my front door (in my pj's) While I was cutting wood, Cole carried my belt sander over to me. As he was trying to pass me he tilted it dumping a huge pile of very fine powdery saw dust all over my head and shoulder. My red shirt is still a tanish color. I'm not use to sitting on the ground to do woodworking, so it was a bit painful. Plus my fingers were so cramped. I remembered all the things I disliked about woodworking and boutiquing. It's really hard work. I really do love to help, I'm just glad it's done and glad they're aren't more girls in our ward. :o)

I finished another layout to send to Chad for his album. It's very simple, but simple is good. It's from the night he showed up as a surprise package on our doorstep. Such great memories. Makes me smile and cry to think about that night. I also finished and mailed off the 75 late graduation announcements. Mindy, if you're reading this, I shipped them priority on Monday. Should be there anytime now.
As you all know, my poor suburban died. For the past few weeks we've been debating what to do for transportation. Throwing kids in the back of the work van clearly isn't safe. The suburban isn't drivable and it would cost a lot to repair. It's 10 years old and has had different things go wrong through out the years and I'm sure it will continue to have problems. The AC is terrible, which is not a good thing when you live in Arizona. It only gets 11 miles to the gallon and costs over $100 to fill it. With only having 3 boys left at home we didn't need a gas guzzler anymore. Weighing all those things we decided to buy a new car. We got the Chevy HHR in a lovely shade of red. It was a really hard decision for us because we knew we NEEDED a car, but REALLY didn't want payments again. So now the plan is to keep to a strict budget so that we don't regret this decision. You can see my beloved old blue behind the new car. We have to clean it out and take it to town. We used it as a trade in on the new one. We were honest with them and told them it needs a new transmission. I'm so going to miss it. We've had so many fun family memories with that vehicle....sigh. We have worked with Frank (car salesman) for quite a few years now because we know he doesn't give us the run around. Buying cars have always been one of my least favorite thing to do, because you walk onto the lot and you are attacked by all the shark salesmen. I usually walk around the lot making the sound effects to the movie Jaws and I get faster as they approach and finish off with a scream. It seems to fit. I sure hope that doesn't offend any of you who may have car salesmen husbands. This has just been my experience. I appreciate that they work on commission and that's what puts the bread and butter on the table. I just don't want them eating steak and lobster while I'm eating mac and cheese. Is that wrong?
It's late...I'm off to bed. I hope you all have a great evening or day, depending on when you read this. :o)

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

car salesman are typical to lie to us too so you're not wrong!

cute layout!

Mary Jo said...

Cute new HHR! We almost got one but decided to go with the Chevy Equinox. I agree with you on the car payment. We had our van for ten years. I hate being in debt again!

Pam said...

Your PJ's match your new adorable car! I love HHR's! I want my mom to get one but she doesn't like them! HMPH! ;)

Laurie Anne said...

Totally understand the car thing. I was so sad to see my Explorer go and be replaced by a minivan :0(
(It is also hard to start making those payments again)
:0)

Briana said...

Those flowers are so cute! I want to come make one!

Congrats on the new car purcahse. Bet it'll be nice to have a reliable vehicle again!

Kimberly said...

Cute pjs...and love the new car. I feel the same way about car salesmen. I wish you could look and have the "price" on the car, so you could make a wise choice. And not be pressured into a payment you can't make. but I know that is their living..:)

Leah said...

Love your JAWs analogy! LOL I hate shopping for cars too for that same reason.

About your computer.. my laptop is infected too.. I can't upload pictures certian places, but it does upload to photobucket.. The only solution I've been told will completely cure it is to format the hard drive and reinstall windows and everything else. I've been putting it off because I have a lot of files to back up to cd's. Did your computer guy try that? If not, that should fix it for sure.

Hippofatamus said...

Hi Jolene! Long time no read! I have been gone a very long time and When I last read your blog so much was happening with your family. It's likely going to take some time but I plan to read all the posts I have missed to catch up! I hope you are well and the same for your WHOLE family! So glad to be back reading everyday!

Carol Dunton said...

Good gosh, girl! Loved your blog today! First, check you out with that band saw!!! I am in awe because the only thing I cut is my hair! And that's hit and miss!! I loved the shot of you sitting there in your cutie-pitutie pajamas cranking out those flowers! And love the layout of son and hubby. Jolene, these days of Chad being gone are on the downside of the hill.... he's going to be home and your family all together again soon... hang tough... you are SUCH a trooper.
I LOVE THE CAR!!! THAT'S MY TAHOE RED and it's is so very STYLIN' for us gals, don't you think?? Loved your tune on car salesmen. Why do you always feel like you have to gird your loins and turn on your 'lie dectector' helmet when you do ANYTHING with a car??
Drives me nuts! Enjoy your new wheels... : ) New cars are the best toys! Love and blessings to you!
VB

Bethany E. said...

Sorry you're having so many problems...ugh! Hope you can figure things out! Love the layouts, BTW. :)

Cassandra said...

I know you're not excited about a car payment - but a new car is definitely fun! Especially one with AC! I can't imagine being without it in So. Cal.!

Jacquie said...

Well I'm thinking you're gonna be one hot lookin Mama in your new car ;-)

I use to be big into the wood crafts (not nearly as talented as you though) I so miss my little shop back home that made it easy with little kits/ideas it was so up my alley. I plan on making a trip to the store when we go back to visit this summer.

Chickenbells said...

Congrats on the new car! And, good luck on the budgeting...it's totally worth it though isn't it? I love the flowers and the layout...what lovely memories!

Valerie said...

such a purty new car! i hate payments too, but sometimes you just gotta do it. the car will be more reliable and safer for you and the kids.

and i used to work at a car dealership, i remember all the cruddy things they would do to each other to try and snake a sale. you made me laugh with the Jaws theme!!

Amie said...

Congrats on the new car it looks lovely, Love the LO it is perfect!!

I would love a new car but while ours is not costing us any money we are going to hang on to it.

Have a great day....
Amie xx

bethy said...

hey! i want to make flowers like that! how do you do it? what kind of saw is that? you are so talented. in your pjs', just sawing away. i love it!

MarthaYvette said...

oooooo I love your new car it's the same color as my truck!!! Your a hotmama working on the ground in your pj's, love that!!!

now every time I pass a dealership I'll be thinking of the Jaws theme song!!lol

Andi said...

Love your new car!!! Love the color too!

You're so cute there with the saw in your PJ's!!! I want to see what they make...the finished flower...from your wood pieces. So be sure and post that too!