January 30, 2005 - Mike got his new truck.



That's Katie at the wheel - Maggie and Ethan are in the back. It was a pretty big day for the whole family. Mike is thrilled with this truck... although the family has started referring to him as "Hot Rod Joe." He has put his CD holder in the truck and blares all of his music anytime he goes anywhere in it. It's great because the whole family can fit in it - and we bought new car seats for both cars now so that it's very easy for everyone to go no matter which vehicle we take.

Mike has been really busy since starting his new job appraising real estate (01/17). Lots of long hours and we're all trying to adjust to that ;o) Today is a pretty good example of us trying to adjust, school is out today for Lincoln's Birthday and we are all home. Mike is working... when he worked for the company he'd been with for 5 years - we had things arranged where he took off every day the kids had off, including a week at Christmas and a few days at Easter. So, if he were working for the other company he probably would have been home today.

Still, there are a lot of positives that come with this change. As soon as things start to level out a bit it will be a lot better.

Meanwhile, the kids and I are enjoying our day off. Kate and I are watching "Barefoot Contessa" (Ina Garten's show on the Food Network) and Ethan is in his room reading "Dr. No" and entertaining Maggie.