This has been an interesting week for us, so I thought I would just go ahead and update everyone on a few things...

Our Honda Odyessy finally decided that the transmission it had was not going to cut it anymore.  We have had minor problems with it for awhile, but it got bad quickly in the cold weather.  And along with the cold weather, Chris' car's parking break froze, making it unmovable for several days.  So while Chris drove a van not wanting to shift gears, the frozen car stayed at home with me and the girls.  Luckily it eventually unfroze and we could take the van into the shop.  It turns out the transmission needs replaced (for a pretty penny!) so we are without the van for another week.  It has been interesting because I can't drive our other car because it is a stick shift.  So, we have to do everything together, like going to the grocery, etc.  It's kind of fun, in a positive sort of way  It is hard being homebound, but it won't be for too long.  Luckily one of my friends came and picked up the girls and I for a play date last week (Thanks, Andrea!).  It was nice to get out of the house.  And then my wonderful mother came for a visit, allowing us to use her car to make it to two doctor's appointments on Friday.

The girls are both doing great.  Mia continues to struggle to eat, although she loves salad.  Tonight I made her a double portion of salad, loaded with cheese and Ranch dressing and she ate it all.  Perhaps, this is her go-to meal.  Avery is anxious to return to preschool this week (if we can get her there with our one car!) and she also starts ballet classes this Friday.  One fun thing that just started is that the girls are playing hide-and-seek.  After dinner these last few nights, we play for about half hour and it is so much fun.  It is a good family activity and it is so funny hearing the girls try to be quite.  They usually squeal or pop out before you find them, but they love playing.  Avery really loves to be "it" because she likes trying to find everyone.  Each time we play she tells us how to play again.  She is such a little teacher.

In other news, I officially am leaving my part-time job at Dream Dinners.  Many things prompted this decision but we think it is best for our family right now.  So, I have started a new method of meal planning and grocery shopping and we are really saving some money.  It is exciting to feel like all of your planning and efforts reap such cost savings.

As a side note, I have started a new list on my blog for this year.  I am going to keep a log of all the books I read in 2008 so that other bookworms can see them too.  Here's the deal though, if you have a good book recommendation, please let me know.  I am always on the lookout for a good book.

Happy New Year to everyone.  May this year bring happiness, love and spiritual growth!