Surprise!

Ok, I love a good surprise.  Although when it comes with a near heart attack, it's a little more memorable.

So, Ben bought a new truck a few weeks ago.  At the same time I was looking at a different vehicle but it didn't work out.  Yesterday after work I was at the grocery store.  I was talking to Ben and he had asked me what I was doing, I told him shopping and I'd see him at home.  I came out of the store and put the groceries in the back of my car.  I put the cart away and then went to get in the car.  When I unlocked and opened the door I noticed a piece of paper on my seat that I knew I didn't put there.  It scared the crap out of me and I stepped back and looked to see if someone was in my car.  Nope, just me.  Then I thought that I put the groceries in someone else's car.  Nope, mine.  By that time I gained enough courage to see what the paper said.  It was a sale tag from a car like the one we were looking at.  I turned around and Ben was sitting in the car in the aisle behind me with a big grin on his face.  

Long story short, I got a Chrysler Pacifica and said goodbye to my Trailblazer.  It was a good car but I was looking for something a little newer and that was a little easier on gas.  It will take a bit to get used to as it's more like a car.  The kids like it, it still has a DVD player and sunroof.  My favorite part is the automatic lift gate.  

So the bad news, when I was test driving it yesterday I went to the mall.  We realized this morning that sometime when I was there someone but a nice big gouge in the front fender.  May the same happen to them!  

What I have learned this week

1. Reagan likes to hide when he goes poo poo, just like his big sister.  When we were in Indiana with Ben's family we actually lost Madison in a JC Penny store because she hid under a clothing rack to go number 2.  The store security was in the process of shutting off all exits to look for her, it was very scary but we found her after a few minutes.

2. I don't like dogs but I need one.  Reagan graduated out of his highchair this past week because he was using it to climb up on the counters.  For some reason he thinks it's fun to put food on the floor while eating.  But, I would rather sweep up food than clean up after a dog.

3. If you give a child a pacifier, they don't want to give it up.  Madison loved her "mi" as she called it.  We had a very long weekend when we threw them all away.  Reagan loves his "paci" and more so loves having three or four of them in his hands at the same time.  I am not yet ready for that long weekend but I know we need to get rid of them.

4. Winter in North Dakota might not be a bad thing.  Every possible road to get to our house is under construction, most of it pretty major work.  You drive slow, your car gets filthy and there is a new detour each day.  

5. Chuck E Cheese stinks.  Literally.  And it is dirty, their food is not good and the people are rude.  But the kids love it so we endure it.  

6. Something is wrong with my watch.  My baby girl is going to start first grade in three weeks.  My little boy is going to be two in one week.  You blink and a week has gone by.  

7.  We need a vacation.  We had a fantastic time in Orlando with Madison last February but Ben and I realized the other night we need a vacation, just us.  I was thinking South Carolina, Washington DC and Ben comes in with Mexico.  Ok, he can win this one.  We are working on booking something in October.  (Yes it's still hurricane season)  Then he has his builders show in Las Vegas in January.  In three years the builders show is back in Orlando and then both of the kids can come with.  

It's here.

Ok, almost here.  Actually, one week away.  But we had our first party for Reagan today with great grandpa and great grandma and it is making the fact that Reagan is turning two quite real.  He was quite content with dumping the gift bags on the floor, tossing the clothes on the couch and going after his tonka trucks.  He fell asleep before the turquoise cupcakes were served but he can have his tomorrow.  Chuck E Cheese and only a 20 minute nap were no match for his tired little self at 6:30 tonight.  

Madison does well with her little brother's birthdays.  No questioning where her gifts are or how much longer until her birthday so that is nice.  I think she enjoys watching him open gifts because she knows that his toys are community property and are under her watchful eye.  

Take an extra moment to hug and kiss your kiddos this evening.  I have been praying for a mom whose unborn son is extremely critical due to a heart condition.  It is easy to take our children for granted and forget there are little ones who need prayer and God's healing.  Reading their story brings back so many memories and reminds me how quickly those we love could be in situations completely beyond our control.