The Big Red Bus

Pete and I have been talking about getting a new vehicle.  It wasn't really a discussion of whether or not to get a new vehicle, but rather how we were going to acquire a new vehicle.  We have been driving two cars whenever the 6 of us went somewhere all together or we would borrow my in-laws Tahoe.  It was time for a bigger car.  We had the money for a down on a new car or even a new used car and we could make the monthly payments, but that would be taking more money out of the business than we really wanted to take out and we just got to the point to where we don't owe anyone any money.  We are free and clear of debt and the stores are finally supporting themselves without any investment money.  Taking the money for a new vehicle could have changed that and we didn't want to go down that road.  So we prayed and prayed and prayed for guidance as to where to look.  We could buy a vehicle out of the paper, but who knows what we would get or what the true condition of the vehicle would be.  And then God answered our prayers.  My dad called and said that the pastor of his church just purchased a Suburban and a trailor.  He didn't want the Suburban it was just part of the package so he was going to sell it.  He had remembered my dad talking about Pete and I needing a bigger vehicle and asked him if we would be interested in the Suburban.  The Suburban is a 1994 with 170,000 miles on it.  SCARY!  We weren't too sure when we were first asked about it so we continued to pray "God if this is the vehicle you have in mind for us we trust you".  My dad's pastor worked at a body shop for 20+ years before becoming a pastor and another gentleman that attends the church is a mechanic.  So they started under the hood and checked every part of the engine and transmission.  They look over every little detail of the truck.  Most of it was in great condition and what wasn't was replaced.  They even re-painted the entire thing and went so far as to take out all the seats and shampoo the carpets.  It may be 16 years old, but it looks new and runs like new and it's new to us.  It is the new member of our family.  We were blessed with an unbelievable price that has allowed us to remain debt free.  And we can trust the person that we are buying it from and trust that he checked the vehicle out.  YAY, God is good!!

Teenagers....UUUGGGHHH!!

Ok, so I have always heard the stories of how teenage girls become possessed at about age 14 and don't return to their normal selves until about age 19.  I remember being a teenager, but I don't remember being that bad, maybe it's selective memory.  I never thought that my big hearted, caring, loving, quiet, sweet mama's girl would be as bad as all the stories I heard.  Well, it has happened, her head has begun to spin around on her shoulders.  She is mean and hateful towards me over everything.  I can't seem to do anything right.  Everything insues a major attitude or fight.  She talks back like there is no tomorrow and she can say some really mean things when she wants to.  I don't know where this child has come from, but I want my Zayna back!!!  I want the child who doesn't argue with me and is happy to do the things that I ask her to do.  The one who says I love you back.  Sigh...

Emily is 7 months old

My, my how you are growing in leaps and bounds my dear Peanut!  I cannot believe that you are already 7 months old.  Well, let's see what you have been up to this last month.

• You weigh 19 pounds and are 27 inches long
• You are climbing on EVERYTHING
• You will pull yourself up on anything.  You LOVE to stand up.
• You are finally eating food.  You really like your bananas.
• You take a nap in the morning and one in the afternoon.  You have stopped your evening nap.
• You went swimming for the first time last week and you really liked the pool.
• You started taking baths in the big bathtub and you LOVE it.
• We have started calling you Dori due to this weird whale calling sound that you have started making when you want our attention or when you aren't happy.  It's really funny, you sound just like Dori from Finding Nemo when she is talking to the whales.
• You are still just as cute as ever.
• You definately favor Zayna out of your 3 siblings.  She is still your favorite person to nap with.
• You are such a good baby when we go to get mommy's pedicures!  Soon they will be painting your toes too.
• You are definately spoiled and we wouldn't have it any other way.

You are changing everyday, but one thing will never change, you are still the light of our lives.  You are such a happy baby and you bring so much happiness to our family.  Ms. Emily Olivia Grace Kennedy you are such a blessing and we love you tons!!!

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