It went good, and last night...

Seriously, I have some of the sweetest friends! Thanks everyone who called me yesterday to see how the 'big' photography day went. It went really well, and the pictures have already been chosen for the magazine! However, I did have a camera malfunction and all of a sudden my camera decided that it didnt want to work - so I had to use the company one, good thing I brought it along and good thing it held the same battery as my camera cause it was dead! HAHA - But, it was all worth it...and I even found a pair or cute slacks to wear...SUCCESS!
However, last night was even better.
Casey and I went to the Temple with my parents, we hadnt done an actual endowment session in about 5 months. I love getting dressed in white, even though I had to rent a parachute dress cause mine currently doesnt fit, I still felt beautiful. Honestly, I dont think there is anything in the world that makes me feel as wonderful as the Celestial Room does standing there in white with my eternal companion. I love him so!
When we got home, I had a REAL letter in the mailbox, ya know - it wasnt a bill, a magazine or a postcard. A hand written letter.
It was from a missionary. I haven't got a letter from a missionary in a little over 3 1/2 years now. In fact, this month marks the 4th year Ive been home from my own mission.
A letter from a missionary is unmistakable. The 4 lines in the left hand corner with your name written oh so perfectly. It was from a sister missionary. A sister I tought on my own mission. She is now teaching the same message that changed her life 5 years ago. It was 3 pages long and I cried as I read it - she reminded me of the times we took her along to 'help' us teach that sacred message. TMI - I read it in the bathroom and the spirit couldnt have been stronger. I am so happy for her. Sometimes, I really miss being a missionary. I cant wait to be one again some day, and have the same companion for the entire time.
Then, I harldy get on facebook. But I did. I had a message...just from me. It was from Sister Chris informing me that she needed my phone number - because her sweet husband, was finally getting baptized. I served in Lubbock Texas. My mission covered all of west Texas from the border of Mexico, to the top of the pan-handle and then all of east New Mexico. We had TONS of areas...and three times I ended up in the city of Lubbock. I know why. And one of the reasones was for this family. A married mother of 3 and she was the only member in her family. They reminded me of my own little family. He wasnt ready when I was there. But we connected in a way that I cant describe. Here it is 4 years later - and he is getting baptized. I couldnt be more excited for his family.
So cheers to yesterday! For lifting my spirits, for filling my cup, for having my honey and my little 'fluttery' baby and two of the other most important people in my life in the celestial room with me. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Guess where I will be tomorrow morning?

I love taking pictures. I love watching families together and I dream of our little baby and capturing the special moments in his life...However, I do it just for fun and to make a couple extra bucks here in there.
But, I was invited to have lunch with the executives of our company and Governor Levitt tomorrow. I have been asked to take pictures that will be published in Profiler magazine. I'm pretty excited about it. So please wish me luck.
I have not bought a new thing to wear in the past 5 months. I tried on a pair of my slacks last week. They were a little TOO tight on my bum for a professional appearance...I need to go shoppping TODAY!

Last week?

Last week? Well, the most exciting thing is that I can actually feel the little butterfly movements of our baby in my tummy…they are SO comforting! They help me realize that 1 – My baby is still doing good and 2 – That those feelings are actually our baby moving and not gas bubbles (I’ve been mistaking them for those for 2 weeks now!)
I mostly feel them sitting at my desk at work or late at night laying in bed with Casey watching a movie. I grab Casey’s hand and put it where he is moving, but he still can’t feel them…I can’t wait till he can and he can’t either.
My mom got us our crib and changing table…I am so excited.


My sister-n-law Stacy gave us her Pottery Barn rocking chair… I am so excited.
I just need to get it recovered or a new slip cover – anyone know someone who knows how to do this for a reasonable price? I would love their number!

On a downer note, finding cute boy bedding, is not an easy task. They all have fire trucks or animals or something ‘gay’ on them…my husband is a very manly man and anything somewhat fruity will not be allowed. I decided that I was going to make my own crib skirt and bumper…I’ve already been to all of the shops around town with no success in fabric choices, Ill find 1 fabric I like and the rest of the line is SUPER feminine…nice. Ill keep looking. But seriously, I think I need to be hired to design cute boy stuff!

Valentine surpise #1 - Boy or Girl?

Casey was positive the baby was a boy, I was pretty certain it was a girl, but kept going back and forth. How fun it would be to buy big bows and boots and leggings. But deep down inside after all the cutesiness pushed aside I thought it was boy.
However, at my 12 week appt, Baby V only had 8 fingers and little stub legs, so I really didn’t care if Baby V decided on being a boy or a girl, I was the typical mother-to-be and wanted to make sure the baby had the rest of her/his fingers and that the little stub legs stuck out a little more than last time.
Casey and I anxiously sat in the room waiting for the Dr to come in…he walked in with the ‘Doppler’ and asked, “Did you just want to hear the heartbeat or did you want to do an ultrasound?” shocked, I answered “I am hoping you can tell me the sex of our baby today” – he started laughing and said “I knew that’s what you’d say!”
We went to the ‘high tech’ machine and it was fascinating. Baby V was asleep with her/his hands stretched up above his head, SO CUTE! There they were, 10 little fingers! I must mention that Baby V was also being very shy…legs crossed and then tucked under and wouldn’t wake up. Dr. Barton thought he saw a quick peek of an ‘extra part’ and then quickly said, “however, that may have been the umbilical cord” – That didn’t do us any good! After about 15 minutes of nudging Baby V around we checked the heartbeat and called it good. We knew we had a healthy baby growing rapidly and that’s all that mattered. Until…we got in the car….
We talked about it for a minute and then decided that there was NO WAY that we were going to wait another 4 weeks to know if Baby V was a boy or girl – so we took a pit stop at Fetal Fotos…they were booked, except for RIGHT THEN, so we didn’t have time to call family to come join us or anything. I am pretty sad about that – I would have loved for my mom to be there with me. Anyway, in we went.
Baby V was still sleeping but this “OBGYN from Europe” promised me that I would walk out knowing what the sex was. He wanted to tell us first thing, but he was having trouble waking the baby up so he did some measuring first…but Ill come back to that.
The ‘Dr.’ started pushing the little ultrasound thingy up and down on my tummy, it made the baby look like she/he was on a raft in the ocean, still no budge. Then he took his finger and very aggressively started pushing up and down on my tummy, it kind of took me by surprise….but the funniest thing happened – Baby V pulled all her/his arms and legs really tightly in and leaned back like he was on a lounger, then with all the might baby had, started kicking both legs against where the tech was poking him…it was hilarious! I laugh every time I think about it.
And then there it was…

The tech didnt even have to say it out loud, both Casey and I knew EXACTLY what that was! Casey right then said "That's my boy!!!" He is very proud.
I love this picture because it is the EXACT same position he was in with my 12 week ultrasound with his hands up on his face.

Can you see his cute little foot?

Here we are measuring the baby. A 'typical' 16 week old baby measure between 4.5 and 5 inches...Baby V...was measuring 7 inches! And, I know I dont change my due date based solely alone on what ‘Fetal Fotos’ says – but this guy told us he is measuring at least a week bigger and put the estimated delivery date to July 17th – my birthday.

I love this one! -

So there you have it...we are having a little boy!!! I was a little shocked at first, even expecting a little boy. But once I was actually told thats what he was, I got a little scared. But after we got home and I started daydreaming about this little one - The excitment settled in and I am so excited to bring him home with us!

A Week of Valentine Love...

A lot of people think that Valentines Day is 'SOOOO OVERRATED'. I, on the other hand, love it! So...In honor of this beloved holiday - I plan on doing something wonderful for the love of my life EVERYDAY this week (it's a surprise) and I know he'll love it. So stay tuned for our Valentine week love story (minus the 'pleasant' details for you sensitive readers).
TMI - This week is SUPER special for my sweet Casey, my mom and my mother-n-law for it is the week their parents were 'celebrating' and making some of the very most treasured people in my life!
- Today's surprise, is not a surprise for just him but for the both of us! So, if you havent voted on if you think Baby V is a boy or girl...put your vote in!

TMI? You betch-ya. A girls only post (-:

My very best friend growing up (no, I am not referring to Casey thank you) and I have been spending a lot more time lately than we have in quite a while. Its nice to get ‘reacquainted’ and hear stories that the two of us may have missed out on in each other’s lives the past few years and even reminiscing things we did together…Her name? Well, for now it is going to remain disclosed until I seek her approval.

Last night, we went to Chipotle for dinner. We told the hubbies that we were going out to do a little Valentine’s Day shopping…Well at least that is what I told Casey. He knew exactly what that meant – VICTORIAS SECRET – as soon as I told him he said, “You better come back with something!!!”. My friend, told her husband that we were going “V-Day shopping” his first response was, “What is that? Like Vagina shopping?” --- FREAKING hilarious!!! I giggle every time I replay that conversation in my head.

Now girls, I must tell you – that if you are planning on surprising your husbands with a little somethin somethin, you better go shopping now, things are starting to get picked over. Just a little FYI. You are welcome.

Anyway, we first hit up Dillards. She bought some cute new shoes to go with a new darling dress she received for her birthday, I was jealous. Everyone keeps telling me, that my feet are going to grow. So I am trying to resist.

Then we were off, you know – to that place that is SOOOO dang good at making anyone feel better about their bodies. Well at least I think so and no, I wasn’t exaggerating. Minus the jumbo size half naked gorgeous models all over the walls that make you think – what if my legs looked like that? Oh wait, they’re all air-brushed anyway, so I don’t mind at all.

We picked out a few ‘sexies’ if you will – we couldn’t help but laugh at a few of the panites that matched. I found this DARLING hot pink one off set with this orangey-pink color. It was different and I loved it. I tired that one on last. Now don’t think I am a freak…I actually have a ‘wish-list’ to the beloved “VS” store, when I found one that was on that beloved list in pink I was all too excited. Of course I grabbed it. I tried this one on first. I couldn’t help but notice, looking at myself in the full size mirror with the HOT PINK neon letters lining the top of it stating “STRIP” (PS – I totally want one of those in my closet). That my body, already doesn’t look like it use to. My wish list item, remember, the first one I tried on – didn’t look like it did 4 months ago, you see…it pulled right under my belly button and in return was too loose on the sides – it was one of those monokini (not sure how to spell that) style waist ones. The best thing about it looking different (and when I say different, I mean not nearly as sexy as it once did) – Is that I loved that it didn’t. I totally checked myself out in the mirror.

I examined every inch in fact, if you want me to be honest. I first noticed my waist. I already knew I was getting bigger, I mean how can you not when your buttons on your skinny jeans are about to pop? I have these new found love handle type things that sit just to the left and right of my little 4 month baby bump. My thighs, they aren’t toned anymore at all and I have even been riding the bike, and they have a perfect porcelain color (as in, not a smidgen of tan or even fake tanner at all). At the front of my armpits, I have a roll – on each one of them. You know what I am talking about right? You put on your bra, the one that gives you a little lift and all of a sudden, BAM a roll by your armpit, the part that connects with your boobage. My bum cheeks are bigger but actually look a little perky. My face cheeks are a little chubby and I have this weird uneven skin tone thing going on with them. And last but not least, my boobs are already a full cup size bigger. Why am I telling you EVERY ONE of my newly discovered ‘flaws’ as some of you may be thinking in your head…well, it’s because I don’t think they are flaws at all. I am PROUD of every new pound and roll that I have put on in the last 4 months. The most amazing little miracle is happening inside of me and I can’t be more ecstatic about this baby joining mine and Casey’s family. The scale is going to keep getting higher and I swear that I am going to weigh as much as my six foot husband does come July – but last night, I have come to terms that I am completely okay with that. I am okay that every inch that I have always been proud to call mine on my body is changing (meaning getting bigger) and I even am liking parts more that I didn’t like 4 months ago.

I took off the first ‘wish list’ item and chose not to get that one. I didn’t like how it sagged on my hips.

I tried a black lacy one on next. I got a large. It fit perfect everywhere but where my boobs were to be perfectly placed, were like a -A cup size that wouldn’t fit anyone. They need to fix that.

Lastly, I tried on the DARLING one. And loved EVERYTHING about it. SOLD! It extenuated my baby bump and I felt completely and utterly beautiful in it. The only problem…the price tag read $78.

Casey came up behind me on Sunday as I was standing in front of the mirror getting ready, he carefully wrapped his arms around me and placed his hands tenderly on my stomach. He kissed my cheek and said, “I have been dreaming about you being pregnant since my mission”. He too, loves that my body is changing and I love him even more for that.

So to all you mothers out there and soon to be mothers...many of you are much to harsh on your beautiful bodies and I think - you should be proud of what you "NOW" look like. Your husbands, probably dont even notice your flaws and in fact, he probably thinks they are sexy until you start bashing and complaining about it. So dont do it and be confident!!!

Pediatrician Help!

I still need to catch up on all my posts from the holidays, they are going to be WAY outdated, but I am still going to do them. Until then – We are patiently awaiting February 8th, the day we find out if Baby V is a boy or girl! I really don’t care if Baby V is a he or a she but Casey ‘hopes’ it’s a little boy as he is determined to use our boy name before anyone else we know does! If you know Casey and are curious – IF Baby V is a boy, I don’t get a say in his name as we are naming him after Casey’s childhood hero! I did have to ask him if he was going to be disappointed if Baby V was a girl, he giggled and said “of course not”. That was reassuring.
Anyway, before the 8th, I am determined to find/figure out who our pediatrician is going to be. It’s just something I don’t want to have to worry about the closer we get – So, I am asking for your help! If you LOVE your pediatrician please leave me a note!

And then we'll be 3!

Casey had a lousy birthday back in November...it was on Sunday (which is lousy all in itself, but beside the point) - I woke up sick, sicker than sick! I didnt make him breakfast, I didnt get out of bed to go to church or to try and entertain him, I didnt give him his present...nice...Happy 26th babe!
We did make it to his moms for dinner though (barely) - After much complaining about it, Casey said "You never act like this when you are sick! We're going to stop and get you a pregnancy test." I didnt really think much about it, because to top off every flu symptom - I was having serious 'menstrual crapms'. But we did stop at Walmart on the way to Casey's parents, I had a roll and didnt enjoy any birthday cake...and then we headed home. Once we got home, I headed straight to the bathroom so I could quickly jump back into bed, I took a magazine in there with me so I could wait to see what the ‘result’ was.
Here is a play by play – and even more information than you wanted to know (;
I unwrapped the test, took a seat, peed on the stick, set it on the counter, opened my magazine, looked back at the test (just to see if it was working – it said it would flash if it was) and BAM!!!
“PREGNANT”
Not even 25 seconds had passed and there it was!
Casey knocked on the bathroom door and said “hey, did you take that test in there with you?”
Still in shock I choked out “yep.”
I shouldn’t have been surprised, we had been trying for quite some time – but after getting “Not Pregnant” month after month, you kind of expect that same answer.
After starring at the test for like 3 minutes, wiping away my tears and trying to get a hold of my composure, I placed the cap back on the test – And headed back to the bedroom with “PREGNANT” in my hand.
Casey was lying in bed, I flipped on the lights and waited for him to ask.
He did, “SOOOOO???”
I just handed him the stick. His jaw dropped, his eyes widened and he quickly sat up and exclaimed, (sorry Pam, but he was excited) “Are you shitin’ me???” Not “shitin” in a bad way (you have to know Casey, he doesn’t swear very often, in fact he only does it when he is SUPER excited about something…or, a little slip out on the soccer field).
He jumped up and wisped me off my feet – we were and are ecstatic!
I'm 12 weeks pregnant and Baby Van Wagoner is due July 24th!

So...Casey ended up not having a bad birthday after all!!!

Instrument: Part 3

My father in law is the bishop in their ward. Sunday night after dinner Casey, his parents and I were in the front room talking when their was a knock at the door. Kendall looked out the window and saw a young teenage girl running away, he smiled. Pam opened the door and stuck to the door was a white envelope with the words "Bishop Van Wagoner" written on the front of it. Pam yelled "Thank You" to the unknown deliver and gave it to Kendall. We all just at there as he opened up the envelope and watched as he pulled about a dozen gift cards and a two page letter. At first he read it to himself. Then as tears starting streaming down his face we urged him to share with us. He was so touched he couldnt even read the letter aloud the 2nd time. So Pam read and we all teared up as she read to us a story about a family that USE to be in their ward. A family who 15 years ago this Christmas was going through some extreme hardships. They had a family member in the hospital whom the outcome didnt look well for and little ones that were going to go without Christmas that year. 15 years ago, the Sunday before Christmas there was a knock on their door. When they opened the door, they found a plain white envelope duct taped to the door. Inside there was $300 worth of gift cards to spend on their children that Christmas. You can imagine their surpise and gratitude.
The gift 'Bishop Van Wagoner' received that night was the same gift that young family received all those years ago. Except, there was 1 differance.
It wasnt for him.
The unknown family has made a tradition out of the gift they received 15 years ago. Now that their financial situation has changed, each year they tape a white envelope to the current bishop of that wards door the Sunday before Christmas, with $300 worth of gift cards for him to hand out to families in his ward that are in need that Christmas.
- Casey and I were in awe. We drove home that night wishing we were in a position to help someone that way. One of the neatest things about that tradition to us, was the fact that their young girl delivered that envelop and that she new EXACTLY what was in side. What a great example.

Instrument: Part 2

Casey and I had a great Sunday. One day, Ill get all of our festivities from October through Christmas on here - one day.
I always look forward to the Sunday before Christmas, lessons are always so amazing. Relief Society especially. There is a certain woman in our ward who I think is one of the most spiritual people I have ever met. No matter if she is giving a talk, a lesson, a thought or even the prayer...she always gets me crying. There is something very speical about her. She stood up to give the closing prayer in Relief Society and I couldnt help but think "guarentee I cry" (just because she is saying the prayer haha) oh no, she immediantly said, "I want to share a quick story if you all dont mind." She told us how a few days back she had talked to her mother and her sister on the phone and how both had asked if she was ready for Christmas. She wasnt. In fact she didnt have any presents for the kids yet. That night she decided to make a midnight run to Walmart to pick out a few things. Money is a little tight for them and she had a certain amount she was to spend. There was a gift that her son wanted to get for her daughter. She found it on sale...luckily. She waited in line for 30 minutes and when it was her turn the checker looked exhausted. Blood shot eyes and moving so slowly. She watched the items prices as they were scanned. They item from her son to her daughter went by and the price listed $20 instead of the sale price of $12 - she kindly informed the the checker "Im sorry, but I thought that item was on sale?" the checker looked up at her and replied "Do you still want it?" She sat there for a moment adding the items up in her head with the extra $8 now added trying to figure out if she was going to have enough money to get the couple of items she was purchasing. She couldnt help but think about the people behind her who were patiently waiting for their turn to be checked out. And then continued adding. The man behind her kindly took the gift and said "I will get that for her" She quickly turned and looked at him saying "no, its okay." He put his hand on her shoulder and stated "Let me get it for you. I've never had kids and I need the blessing for getting this for you."

A thought on being an instrument.

My step dad is in the hospital, he went in for an outpatient procedure on Tuesday and in the process, the procedure caused a 2 1/2 inch tear in his esohpagus. He is by far one of the strongest men I have ever known, it hurts to see him in pain. Sometimes I feel like my family cant catch a break. But in reality, dont we all feel like that? "If it's not one thing, it's another" is a statement I have heard so many say. But why is it that these "one things" or "another" things bring so much heart break to those we love and to those we dont know? Those who share my same faith can share that growing up and even now, that we were taught that the Lord will never give us anything that we cant handle. I do indeed believe this to be true. In those moments, I find that I am growing the very most. My most spiritual moments are when I am in a room by myself pouring my heart out in prayer. Its the tender mercies of the Lord that get us each through those dark and scary moments, I live for those tender mercies.
There are so many of you (myself included) who have been through so much this year, I think that each of us know that our challenges are not over and at times will be even more difficult than we could have ever imagined. Satan will bring you down if you let him! I hope you find, that in your darkest hour - a tender mercy will lift you and that you will let Him help you find the extra strength to go on.
In this season of Christmas and remembering its true meaning, let us remember this qoute:
“Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. … In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers”.
I hope that each of us wont get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and to really take the time to remember what it is really all about - I hope I can be an insturment and help to answer someone else's prayer.

Exhausted?

I laid down in bed Saturday night and set my alarm for 9:00 the next morning, looked at the clock that stated 8:34 pm - I fell right asleep...good thing I set my alarm cause my eyes didnt open till it went off - 12 hours of sleep, thats a lot!!!

Aly Brynne Party

So my extremely talented little sister was invited to be part of another boutique, and many of you keep asking when I will be having her next party…so, its in South Jordan so I figured that was close enough. I hear there will be quite a few vendors there so there will be plenty of variety, but you will be BLOWN AWAY by Alyssa’s new line! It is GORGEOUS!!! For those of you who haven’t seen it, if you have ever seen ANY of my jewelry it is all Aly Brynne and handmade by her…Here is the invite I pulled together for her to send out to our family…

Van Wagoner Halloween Party!

My sister n law Stacy holds the annual Van Wagoner Halloween Party at her house. I think I would venture to say, that this years costumes were by far the best...Thanks to Corey (he dressed as Hanana Montana) and looked absolutly wonderful! We had a delicious dinner and then games were to be played...The main event...Fear Factor...FREAKING SICK!!! The kids loved every minute of it...and the boys...well, Casey and Corey got way into the skits this year! HAHA! Here are some pictures for your enjoyment!

Annual Colley Brewhaha...

My mom throws a FABULOUS Colley “ Brewhaha” every year…my entire family always looks forward to it! The little ones get all dressed up and us big ones carve pumpkins and we usually have some pretty sweet lookin pumpkins by the end of the night! This year, a couple of us took the easy way out and did easier pumpkins, but they still all turned out super cute!
I love helping my mom "set up" for the party, we usually spend hours on the food and the "presentation" of the food...Its just one of those things that we LOVE doing...here is this years "Presentation"...


I seriously could not get the top off of my pumpkin...I was there to gut mine by myself as Casey was still at class at this point...so my brothers took charge and we thought it was hilaroius watching them!

Here are the pumpkins...Can you see my cute owl in the middle? HAHA...My favorites this year were Bryants (my brother) his is the middle top one of the scarwcrow (took forever) and my brother Bruces' - unfortunatly his is in the back left but states "NoBama" - it was HILARIOUS!!! (Sorry Obama lovers, but he DID NOT have my vote!)

Vincent and Vivian with Nana...so stinkin cute!

Have you seriously ever seen a cutter little boy? Love him...

Free food on Halloween

So most of you know that I am quite the exellent bargain shopper, hehe - I heard about 2 fast food deals that are happening on Halloween Night if anyone is interested...
1. Taco Bell - go in between 6 and 12pm and get a free Black Jack Taco!
2. Papa Murphy's - KIDS get a free mini kid size pizza when they come into Papa Murphy's on Halloween wearing their costume.

Last night I was informed…

Last night was the annual Van Wagoner Halloween party, my sister n law Alisha just had a baby about 3 weeks ago. Her name is Autumn and she is absolutely perfect. As I was holding her my cute niece Emma came up to me, caressing little Autumn’s head and looked me straight in the eyes and said “Rachelle, when are you going to have a baby?” “Rachelle, YOU NEED TO HAVE A BABY.” Alisha and I were quite entertained!

Casey named MVP! WHOO WHOO

Last Saturday was Casey’s soccer CHAMPIONSHIP game!!! I hate shootouts, and that is just how this game ended…The game was tied up 1-1 with like 30 minutes left in the game and neither team could finish the ball…the ONE goal that our team scored…was scored by Casey…he was the leading scorer this season for his team, oooohhhh I am so proud! HAHA!
Anyway they did indeed win in the shootout, and Casey was named MVP for the season so he got to take home the Championship trophy…the trophy is proudly being displayed on our fireplace mantle.
This is an awful picture...but atleast there is one right?

Wonderful

Two weekends ago I spent a wonderful day with my little sister! We went shopping, went to the Rod works 'Girls night out' and then over to Roberts 'Girls night out'. We were on our way home, exhausted...when suddenly...this happened -
You know Roberts on 1300 E.? Well we were waiting in line to ‘exit’ the parking lot, and if you will , just for a second, picture the turnout there…there is HARDLY a downhill, in fact there isn’t one – there is a sewer that separates the parking lot and 1300 E. so there is barely a hill. Well Alyssa and I were chatting away when the lady in front of me starting pulling out to make a left hand turn, I took my foot of the brake and just starting costing about 3 inches down this ‘barely hill’ when all of a sudden, no cars are coming and the lady in front of me decides she doesn’t want to turn and slams on her brakes – I’ll be honest, this was my fault, I was too close to her bumper and I should have been paying better attention, but this is when I rolled into her car. Ya know, like a little tap? She gets out of her car and so do I as I frantically give Alyssa my phone and tell her to call Casey and have him bring my wallet as I didn’t have my license. She started crying, I felt horrible – the first accident Alyssa had ever been in is with me and I said the “S” word in front of her…an accident? You can hardly call it that, as me and the old lady get out of the car she immediately grabs her back and states “Oh my back, I broke my back!” All I can think is the “S” word again and “yeah freakin right! I barely touched you!” (oh, and the fact that I don’t have my license and even if I did, it expired 3 months ago) – WONDERFUL! Anyway, I turned on the charm, as this lady had to be in her late 80’s and I know how older people LOVE polite ‘younger’ folk…I won her love immediately…thank heavens!
Anyway, everyone on 1300 was honking at us as they past as the front of her car was out in the front lane, so I asked her to move her car back into the parking lot and we will exchange information over there…This is when she tells me “I don’t know how to put my car in reverse. Will you move it for me?” So I was in totally shock…moved my car, told her to get on the sidewalk, moved her car and then Alyssa and I helped her cross the road over to where I parked the car – she walked like an old person, come on, you know what I am talking about – WAY TO SLOW, anyway, as we are crossing the parking lot to where I pulled the cars a guy pulls up next to us and asks “Are you guys okay?” So nice of him…I sweetly told him we were, and stated that I hit her. The man looked at me with shock and horror in his eyes and that is when I realized what I had just said…”OH, I mean, I didn’t hit her, I hit her car and we are just helping her over to her car now!” He still looked super confused, and drove away. I took a mental picture of us practically carrying her over to her car, her barely being able to put one foot in front of the other and takin 10 minutes just to walk across 2 parking spots…yeah, I would have thought she got nailed by a car too. The damage on her car was a tiny scratch that did in fact take the paint off her bumper…now when I say small…look at your pinky fingernail (if they are short like mine) and divide it into fourths, ¼ of your finger nail is how much paint I took off of her 1998 mazda. She told me she wasn’t sure what to do, asked if we should call the cops or just exchange information…I opted to exchange information for the sake of not getting fined for 1. Not having my license on me and 2. For having an expired license – She was totally okay with that…after I called my father whom is a retired police officer – because in all reality, I too had no idea what to do as this was the first time ANYTHING like this has ever happened.
I put her back in the car and was squatting next to the front seat as I wrote down my information for her, and then tried to write down hers…She couldn’t remember her address or her phone number. She did know her name though, so that was good. WHATEVER? Should this lady even be driving? I think not! She told me her son would get in touch with me to get the car fixed, I was secretly hoping her would look at the scratch that you cant even notice unless someone pointed it out to you, and not even worry about it getting fixed. When all of a sudden, I hear fire trucks and ambulances up the road, I joking stated “Good thing those aren’t for us huh?” The old lady giggled and said “You would have to have hit me a lot harder than that for those!” 20 seconds later…they were indeed for us, I stood up from bending over next to her car to greet the 3 police men, the fire truck and the ambulance…I know I had a look of shock on my face as I knew my license was about to get suspended, all those men were frantically jumping out of their ‘work cars’ and were sprinting towards us, the police men came to me to get a statement when I immediately asked “Are you here for us?” That is when the officer said, yes, a man called in and told us that a pedestrian had been hit by a car and was knocked unconscious.” I had to giggle…just my luck. “No officer” … and then I told him what had really happened, he told the 2 of us that there was less than $50 damage on the car and that it was our choice to just exchange information or to file a police report I pretended like I didn’t really care, whatever the old lady wanted…I knew she would say we were fine with just exchanging as she had JUST TOLD ME that she was late for dinner at The Atria. In fact, that is just was she told the officer…Oh how I LOVE old people!
Anyway, we got our bill yesterday. Casey and I decided to just pay it out of pocket and not file a claim as we have a $500 deductible anyway. Yeah, Dent Master in Salt Lake charged us $492 to “fix the scratch on the back left of Peggy’s bumper” is what his message said. He then went on to tell us that he did take off $100 of labor…what a nice guy…however, Peggy’s son was suppose to get 2 quotes before he got it fixed…and that is JUST what Casey told Dent Master. So before Dent Master finished Casey called them and told them to stop as he has someone that would fix it for cheaper…the only had the bumper off…the guy asked for how much and Casey said “$375” Dent Master then said her would fix it for $370.22 – DEAL!
However, I think the whole thing is crazy and it makes me sick to my stomach that we have to pay that much over a TINY scratch, sure I would get my car fixed if it was mine…but seriously? A 1998 Mazda for an 87 year old driver that can’t remember her address or phone number and doesn’t know how to put her car in reverse…AWWWW
However #2, the whole incident turned out to be a huge blessing, not the accident itself obviously, but the fact that the cop didn’t ask to see my license, was a huge blessing in which I am extremely grateful.

For now.

I lost my cord to upload my pictures from my little camera – Im not quite sure how this has happened, but I am set on finding it this week as I have tons of pictures that I am dying to upload from it.
Anyway, I found a new spot to take pictures close to my house... I am totally obsessed with it…I thought I would share a couple. Isn’t this dog adorable?