Today My HERO Is.........My Husband!

So with all the A/C problems last week we are finally back to normal and getting ready to leave for Utah this afternoon. Justin has been trying to tie up loose ends at work so he can take a vacation. With everything else he told me he would take on the A/C people to see if they would give us our money back for the unnecessary work they did on our A/C. Justin sent them a letter explaining their fault and then hoped for the best. They made an offer of half the money back and Justin said that was unacceptable. So around 5:25 yesterday afternoon I got a call from the women in customer service saying that they were going to refund all the money we spend on the repairs. I was elated. Overjoyed. Impressed. Most of all relieved that they owned up to their mistakes. So today my hero is Justin...for his calmness and confidence in a very frustrating situation. Great Job!!! Love Ya!

I am grateful to be able to leave on our trip with having packed in an air conditioned house and also for not having the worry as we make the drive.

And FYI- there are A/C companies out there that operate on a comission basis. They have quotas to meet and they try to sell you products that you may or may not need.

Count Your Blessings

So this past week has been a traumatic one for me...

Last Saturday our air conditioner went out. So on Sunday we called on of the only services that offers weekend calls. The guy came out and told us that our control board was out, that is the computer of the furnace. He couldn't get the part until Monday and he'd be back in the morning. He didn't show until afternoon and by 3:30 had put in the board and charge us a small fortune according to our budget. But it was working and we were happy. It had been 92 degrees on Sunday night and we were melting.

About 2 hours later there was a noise and I was worried so we called the company and they were going to send another tech out. He came and said that our motor was bad because we had a clog and that it wasn't working properly and it would completely go out eventually. We decided that since we were leaving for Utah in a week that we would try to keep it going and when we returned we would deal with it. It lasted about 24 hours.

On Wednesday I woke up to no air again and called the company. They sent yet another tech out. This guy claimed our whole entire unit in the attic was fixin to fall through the ceiling and that everything needed to be replaced...blown motor, board, coil, pan, everything and then gave us a quote large enough to by a small used car! He said that nothing was working! I was distraught, angry, frustrated, not to mention HOT!!! We were luck because Hurricane Dolly came through and cooled us down a bit. But, what to do? We just don't have that kind of money. So...

All day Thursday we were fighting with this company...something didn't make sense. If I had a clog, why didn't the first guy recognize the symptoms? Why did he only replace the bad part instead of figuring out why the part was bad. I went up there and could easily see that there was or had been water all over the place? And if I had a clog and the third guy offered to unclog it until he called his head office and they told him to tell us we needed to replace the whole thing, why didn't he try to unclog it? Why did no one unclog my clog? When I was thinking about all of this...it all didn't make sense and even I thought that something wasn't right. So Thursday night I decided to call another company for a second opinion since I was getting no where. Immediately the guy said, why haven't they unclogged your drain? Told me that there was no need to replace a nine year old furnace. He came out the next morning and unclogged the drain, powered up the unit and it ran like a charm and is still running. That cost...$180. Good Grief, where are the honest people? Rusty, the new guy walked me through every part of the unit and showed me what to look for, how to unclog it myself, what parts do what and how to tell if they are not working properly. THANKS RUSTY, a good ol boy from Texas.

We are still fighting with the other company to get some of our money back, especially the $120 they charged us to DIAGNOSE the problem, give me a break.

This issue caused me a lot of grief and stressing...even now when I hear a strange noise I run up the stairs to listen. Justin thinks I am insane. I just get worried that I will have to fork our money we don't have. I thought he would post about this but I guess he has been busy, he would have done a better job, he is great at story telling.

On a COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS note, the same day, Friday night, we were sitting on the couch around 9pm and I heard a boom and ran up the stairs to listen to the air conditioner and on my way up I heard sirens. Justin and I ran outside to see our neighbors house (across and 3 down) with flames shooting out of it. There were 4 fire trucks, tons of smoke, and people watching. They weren't home, luckily but came home shortly after and we watched their sadness and were grateful that they were not home and no one got hurt. Also that we were ok and a little time with no air seemed like a piece of cake. Funny how some things give you a little perspective. Anyhow, I am not saying that I am not still worried about our air but next time I will try not to freak out as much.

Memories...

Here is a little game...leave a comment on my blog of a memory you have of any one of us. It doesn't matter what it is or how long you have known us. Just anything you can remember. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is fun to see the responses. If you leave a memory of me, I will return and leave one about you. Ready, Set, Go!

Tag

I'm doing this because I love my wife. If I had it my way, the "tagging" would stop here. This is something for girls to be doing. This only takes away from my "macho" factor and my "macho" factor has taken some serious hits since I professed to like crocheting.

Here goes.......

I am....doing this at work, with a lot of stress on my mind, from work related issues to my a/c problems

I think....about being financially free, changing jobs, going back to school, not having to work, winning the lottery.....TEMPORAL STUFF

I know....that if I follow the commandments of God I and my family will be blessed.

I wish....I could be a philanthropist and do nothing but help others.

I hate....waking up in the middle of the night sweaty. I hate it worse when its 90 in my house at 3am.

I miss....being close to my parents, brothers and sisters....I also miss the mountains and the four seasons.

I fear....for the physical and spiritual health and safety of my wife and children. I don't feel like I do enough to promote spiritual experiences in my home.

I feel....tired, stressed out, fat, like I'm the luckiest person alive.

I hear....people coughing and the sound of machines blowing water off of machined parts.

I smell....good? I can't say that I really smell anything right now. My nose is cold!

I crave....icecream lately. Its my favorite indulgence at the end of a long day.

I search....for answers, for meaning in my life. I wished I searched the scriptures more.

I regret....a lot of things. People who say they don't regret anything are just lying to themselves because everyone makes mistakes. My biggest regret would have to be not becoming "converted" to the gospel earlier in life. I also regret not going to the temple more.

I love....my wife and kids. There are times I just want to squeeze them. I also love golf and doing stuff away from home.

I care....about my responsibilities at home, work and church. That's probably why I'm so stressed out. I like to think I care too much about things.

I always....kiss my wife goodnight...not so much, but she has a sign over my bed that says "Always kiss me goodnight"..that is meant for me. I always give my wife the time she needs to be away from home or out with friends.

I am not....a quitter. No matter how much I fail at something, I won't quit.

I believe....everything is going to be okay, no matter how bad it seems because God is watching out for me.

I dance....the running man, the cowboy roping, iron horse. Mainly for laughs because that's all I know. I wish I was a good dancer.

I sing....loud. In the car, in my head, in the church choir. I can carry a tune, but nothing special.

I don't always....think before I speak or act. It gets me into trouble and I end up always saying I'm sorry.

I write....in my work journal everyday. I keep track of everything I do at work so at performance reviews I can have some back up to my claims of greatness. I'd really like to write a book, but I don't have any ideas.

I win....against my wife. I dominate her at all the games we play. I've gotten better at losing. Other than that I don't win anything.

I lose....my patience with people that drive like morons. There are a lot of them here in Houston.

I never....want to pay anyone to cut my grass. I'm a big boy.

I listen....to talk radio and sports talk radio in the mornings and on the way to work. I try to listen to Paul Harvey every morning.

I can usually be found....at work or at home. I don't have time to go anywhere else. The free time I do have I like golfing.

I read....scriptures and blogs. I don't do much reading.

I am happy about....seeing my family within the next few weeks. My sister and sister-in-law are expecting babes.

I tag Ryan because he likes girly stuff like this. No tag backs punk.

Hurricane Dolly

We're starting to see some of the outer rain bands come in from Hurricane Dolly. The wind started to pick up yesterday afternoon, but it was just mainly breezy. The lightening, thunder, and rain are going to be sporadic throughout today and tomorrow.

Part of me really wanted the storm to be closer to us. I have this sickness about wanting to be in severe weather. It is really cool to see the clouds from the "out flow" of the storm. They look like fluffy wings or rings. We had a good sunset last night as the clouds really started to come in.

We need the rain though, so I'm pleased with that part of it, but I thought I'd throw a quick post on here to let everyone know that we are okay. Our a/c broke again last night, so we're gonna have to spend more money we don't have to get it fixed.......to be continued.

I got tagged...

Well, I am new to the blog thing and I was tagged by my sister-in-law, Melanie. Not that anyone reads this but here it goes and I am trying not to give typical answers:

I am...a tired 36 year old mother of three.

I think...about a million things during the day. Justin marvels at my train of thought. Sometimes when I am thinking one thing after another I try to go back and remember why I ended up thinking of a certain thing and I usually can't remember.

I know...how to do a lot of things.

I want...to finish decorating my house and then sit a look at it.

I wish...money didn't exist.

I hate...MONEY.

I miss...washington and being close to family.

I fear...for my childrens well being.

I feel...confused about the future.

I hear...The Mole on TV.

I smell...clean house.

I crave...Los Cucos

I search...for things all the time because I can never remember where I put them.
I wonder...about the world today and where we will fit into it later on.

I regret...that I never tried on wedding dresses before I had mine made.

I love...to be creative.

I care...about people and often find myself crying over people I really don't even know just because I feel for them.

I always...brush my teeth before I go to bed.

I am not...happy that I have to pay a lot of money to get my air conditioner fixed and then it still isn't working like it should.

I believe...I can do anything I set my mind to do.

I dance...never, ever, ever!!! Don't have any rythm

I sing...only at church and once in a blue moon in the car.

I don't always...fix my hair and put makeup on...actually I only do it for church and if I am going somewhere out of the norm.

I write...lists after list and I never use them.

I win...not much of anything but I did win $125 playing BINGO when I was in college.

I lose...just about any game I play with my husband, he plays to win, I play to have fun.

I never...order soda pop at a restaurant.

I listen...people when they talk...this is a learned behavior as I have had to learn to listen to Justin instead of talking...sometimes I don't do so well but I do try.

I can usually be found...at home, on the computer, at my sewing machine or Wal-mart.

I read...any fiction I can get my hands on...I have tried to read self-help and other doctrinal books but just can't get through them.

I am happy about...my upcoming vacation to Utah to see my whole family...FUN. And school starting after that.

I tag...Justin because he is great at these kind of things...

craigslist...my obession

So some of you may know that I have an obsession with craigslist.com. Even Emma knows this fact and mentions things like: did you see that on craigslist? or you have been on craigslist 8 times today! or you should sell that on craigslist. So I have taken her up on this...usually it is me buying things on craigslist, but the other day I told myself I needed to accomplish something that day and had a vanity in the garage that I needed to get rid of and I sat down and put it on craigslist and within 2 hours had sold it...for me that was a rush. So the other day I put a few other things on and sold another item. What a great way to get rid of the things you have, especially when extra cash comes in handy. I love that you post at home, they come to you, and they pay cash. I have purchased several things this way, one being my dinning room table and chairs. I love this because I have 2 rowdy boys and I like to buy used furniture so that when they ding it it doesn't make me too mad. Anyway...for me craigslist is great deals you can get locally. And let me just say you can find anything. So my secret is out.

Pizza War

Recently, we've been on a Saturday night pizza kick. We've found that the Little Ceasar's "hot & ready" is cheap ($5) and quick. The only problem with that is that we have to drive a little bit to get there.

A couple of months ago, it was late, 9:30pm, the kids were in bed and Samantha and I had a craving for pizza, so we ordered Pizza Hut to deliver. It was tasty at 10pm. The only problem with that was the tip and the extra $$$ it cost for Pizza Hut.

Tonight we embarked on a new journey with our pizza. Domino's, or as I will now call it.... Domi-NO! They have been advertising $5.55 ea if you buy at least 3 pizzas, but nasty pizza it is. Plus they gave us a thin crust on one, which we didn't ask for, and the crust on it was thinner than the thinning hair on my head. (NOW THATS THIN!)

So we have decided that for the money and the flavor, Little Ceasar's is the way to go. When we have more $$$ and more time to wait, we'll have Pizza Hut though.

What?? To Eat or Not To Eat

My wife made a lovely chicken dish the other night. I dont know what it was called, but it was tasty! My boys chose another route though. They sure do complain a lot about what is made for them, but they don't have any problem making things I find gross or unusual.

First Post...Fun Things

So this is my first post on this blog. My husband created this blog and he has done a fantanstic job on it. I am excited to have it and share the things we do with you. So today we went to a play group and had a good time. Emma held babies the whole time as our ward is full of them. When we got home I told the kids it was quiet time and I got on the computer and decided to play with my vinyl. Here are a few pictures of what I created today and a few of things I have done for customers. I have to say this is one of my most favorite hobbies ever!

Sunday Fashion

We forgot to wash Alex's church clothes so we had an impromptu church dressing. Below are the results. Note the socks...............

Post Firework Let Down

First, we hope everyone had a good 4th of July. We did. It was a long night though. Fireworks were going off in the neighborhood until at least 2am....thats the last time I remember looking at the clock anyway.

The kids elected to do fireworks at home rather than try to go to some of the other fireworks shows around town. We have a big one over here in Katy at the mall and there is supposedly "the largest, land based fireworks show" in down town Houston, which I don't understand.....doesn't every city advertise that they have the "largest" fireworks display around? There's a lawsuit waiting to happen.

As usual the kids were just content with being up late. They got to stay out until about 10:30pm and play with friends once we finished off our firework load. Alex made the comment that "this was the best 4th of July ever!" Even though they went to bed late, they were still up at 6:30............oh the pain!

For some reason, we get to do all of the fireworks that are illegal in many other parts of the country, so we had rockets and firecrackers and artillery shells and our neighbors obviously had tons more. Texas even has these buildings/warehouses that stay empty for 350 days of the year, just to sell fireworks.

We had a couple of close calls. I thought I was being safe by putting a rocket in the top of a PVC pipe, but the sparks from the fuse showered my arm. Then our neighbor, who just had surgery and was probably on pain meds, lit an artillery shell without putting it in the tube, so it exploded on the ground and could have done some serious damage to the pretty faces of those surrounding it.

All in all it was a good day. We didn't go to the pool because of the thunderstorms we had mid-afternoon, but the kids were pretty good and just "hung out".

I must confess though that my wife and I are pretty lonely. We long to be close to family. They're the only ones we think about and when you are supposed to be spending time with family it stinks not having the comradery or making memories with them. It is unfortunate, but we don't feel like we have any close friends to hang out with. We're never invited to do anything with anyone else.

It is hard to see families grow and it hurts to think they are so far away and you can't be with them or around them or share in their joys. We are extremely excited for our summer trip to Utah at the end of the month. We're going to get to spend time and see both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.