car problems...

so....my first, and only car is having problems.... :(

actually there's nothing sad about it - it really is my first and only car! I bought it new in May of 96' - a Ford Contour - basic model...no bells or whistles....sometimes i can't believe I'm still driving it!!! lol

I put a little less than half down - had a $200/mo. car pmt. for 4 years....yup...I've been car payment free for 8 years!!!!!!!!!!! and honestly besides the norm. haven't put much into it at all - have done my brakes once....(it's a standard, and I down shift!) within the year my powersteering system was having problesm...so - about $200 went into the car - now my check engine light is on - emissions system problems - the shop at the corner said it's my cat. converter and sensor - bottom line - just over $1,000 to fix it...... so called Dad :) and spoke with my neighbor --- gonna have someone else take a look - and see about a used part. Now of course being that's it's 12 yrs. old --- and just about to hit 100,000 mi's --- this car owes me nothing!!!! And the big question is ..... what to do. Fix it or not. If I could know after this it would run problem free for atleast a year - I wouldn't even be questioning it. I'm a bit nervous that this is the beginning of the end....although 100,000 is high - it's not that high. And even if I paid $1000 to have it repaired --- it would still not be what a car pmt would be. ..... ???? So what to do???? As I said gonna have someone else take a look - and think on it at the moment.... we can't buy - so we'd have to lease ---- not a thrilling option. If you have any thoughts or suggestions....please :) feel free to pass them along!

Grandma Kathy had a birthday .... 36 ..... lol well that's what Grandpa said.... :) It was hot....but a great day! Ann arrived that am - we got to enjoy one another's co. all day - and had a cook out in grandma's honor that night. Ice cream cake with candles --- and 2 sugar charged kids! lol grandma Kathy cut extra big pieces for all!

It's been so nice having Ann here - she came with the kids and I up to the center we have a membership at - I went and worked out - she took them in the pool and I met up with her when I was done ---- great quality time. The heat has broken...and the whether has been perfection the last two days ---- just in time for the wedding she's in tomorrow. Bill, Kathy - Billy and I are all attending --- Mike (Ann's boyfriend) came in the am. and of course will be going too.

Funny stories:

Quinn: Was being a bit mischievious - and I asked him if he had a brain? and told him I wanted him to use it.... well he must have misunderstood me...and with a confused look on his face said...."If you don't want me to use my bones....then I WON'T USE MY BONES!" ---- we both started laughing - and I explained that wasn't what I meant. This is the standing joke b/w the two of us now - he breaks it out here and there and cracks up -- and loves when he makes me laugh too!

This one a bit personal - and I half cringe at the idea of sharing it...but will for your enjoyment! lol
Quinn told Kathy that he was afraid "Mommy's boobies were going to fall off....." ok - so when Billy started telling me this....I almost teared up! Those ladies that have nursed babies know that things just don't return to normal after nursing... When i talked to him about it, and asked him why he thought that...he told me "because there were little pieces all over the floor - and they were mushy....." ????? thought is he had a dream....but wow.....wow....wow..... dream or not - the idea of my 3 1/2 yr. old worrying about my breasts falling off.... it's just hard to swallow!!!! are you laughing???? go ahead - but don't tell me! ;)

Keira:

Saying many adorable things ---- "watch this" "look at me" "how are you?" very cute
She also has noticed her "pee-pee" ---- she has even asked to "see it" when I'm changing her diaper ---- at the same time she's very aware of when her diaper is wet --- and doesn't like it - she often will cry - asks for a "new one" or will just pull it off. So the pre-potty training signs are appearing! Today she was outside with our close friend's son --- and had stripped the diaper off --- she had her dress pulled up to her neck - and was arching her back a bit --- Trey had his hands on his knees and was taking a look...... AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!! So it begins!!!!!! I think most families have a few good stories like this! We apparhently seem to be in sync as a family --- both my kids are thinking a bit too much about private parts!!! lol

will post a few pic's in th next few days - be sure to check back!
xxoo genine