Red Barn Farm

Last weekend we went to Weston and visited the Red Barn Farm. Schaun read about it and thought it would be fun. It is a very cool place! They had a store, pumpkins and gourds all over, pony rides, wagon rides, a corn maze and food.

We did a little of it all and had a great time. It was a beautiful day and it was so pretty there.

Oh and notice Bridget's earrings. She begged me to buy her some dangling earrings. She is getting too big!

Yummy!

Bridget (more than Becca) has decided that she loves to eat BBQ ribs like Daddy. Even though she is missing her bottom two teeth and the top two are loose, she still rips thru them.

First Musical

Bridget's First Grade class put on a musical last night. It was cute. It was called (I think) "Mice from Space". The costumes were sweat suits turned inside out to look like fuzzy mice. A few kids had short speaking parts, but most of the class was the chorus, including Bridget. She was in the front row so it was difficult to see her too, but it was still fun to watch them.

So tired!

Yesterday Becca fell asleep on the sofa. If she falls asleep (before bedtime) it is usually as soon as we get home from school, or my favorite time (laced in sarcasm) is just before I have dinner ready. Yesterday it was the dinner time nap. Just as we were finishing our meal, she got up and started to head up the stairs. I called her name and told her we were in the kitchen. She just stood there looking blank. I thought maybe she was sleep walking. This is not a normal thing for her to do. Then she just got situated on the steps and went back to sleep. Poor girl! So sleepy!

Love chocolate?

I do! I have come to accept a few things in life. Things like, wine--it is the "thing" to drink in social settings. I don't like it. It is like coffee to me, just too bitter. I drank it for many years trying to like it, but I don't and I'm done with it.

I love chocolate. I am really not interested in a dessert or treat if there is not chocolate involved. There are a few exceptions like pies and lemon treats, but I'm picky about those too. Just make it chocolate and life is good.

These are the cookies I made this week. The Montessori school is doing the annual fund raising for the Make-A-Wish group. They asked the teachers to provide the baked goods. This was my creation and they all sold!

Lots of complaining

I've been hearing a lot of complaints about my blogging--or lack of it. So it seems you all really just want to read chatter. I don't feel like I have much substance recently.

Today I sat through 6 hours of Girls Scout Leader training. It was a lot of information. They fill you with ideas and things to remember and rules and piles and piles and piles of books and papers to read. That is what I should be doing--reading all these papers. As you can tell, I'm not.

When I got home, we took the girls to dinner. We tried out a place we have never been to--Bandanas. It is a BBQ restaurant. It was nice, the food was good, best of all the service was fantastic. We will go there again sometimes just for that reason alone. I told Schaun to night that with all the crappy economy stuff, I hope one thing happens. Maybe people will need their jobs more and service will get better in places as workers are more desperate to keep a job. I get tired of crappy service everywhere I go. That's one of the many reasons I love Costco so much. They are nice and attentive to the customers. Anyways, dinner, it was good. The girls were silly and sweet--good times. Nothing like watching your pretty daughters rip the meat off some rib bones!

After dinner we drove through our old neighborhood to check out the neighbors that put up the most fantastic Halloween decorations! They go all out and it so fun to look at it all.

Then we went to visit Schaun's parents. The girls love it when Gramma and Papa are home. They get yummy treats and lots of play time. It is weird going there and talking about Kelsie in California.

And to close this rambling, I just want to share that I am loving all the High School Musical 3 music I hear on the radio and I am excited about seeing the movie soon.

Ren Fest

Last Sunday we went to the Renaissance Festival. It is something we love to do each year. It is fun to hear what the girls remember from year to year. On the way there Becca talked about the Fairies that gave them dragon tears last year. That was especially funny to me because she was totally freaked out by those same Fairies a year ago.

It was fun as expected. We skipped the Joust this year though. The girls highlight is face painting and we saw some of a large bird show. I love birds. They are so fascinating to me ( I think I got this fascination from my Gramma).

While we were out having a good time, my father-in-law was at our house working. We came home to a beautiful mowed yard. That was so awesome. Thanks Dan! It seems my FIL has a little not-for-profit mowing business going on--he is mowing several lawns at a time.

Bridget has good days and bad ones still. So far, I do not like First grade. I hate seeing her so distraught at times. She still feels like she does the same work everyday. Honestly, there has not been a lot of change is the worksheets and things eh brings home. Report cards come out next Friday, that will be interesting.

Becca is doing fantastic. She is learning a ton. She practices aloud the letters and sounds she learns. She spouts off information she learns, like this week was "we learned about our bodies--the inside and outside." Then she repeats the facts she knows. She takes in information quickly, stores it, and doesn't forget. I'd like to be more like that.

Schaun has a new thing going on at work and he is traveling a bit. He spent this week in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. He just got home today, that is a relief. Things are more balanced when he is home. There is a different energy in the house when he is gone. The girls are clingy and I feel more on guard all the time.

The girls and I are all off tomorrow. We are going to check out the official Girl Scout store and we are having Chinese buffet for lunch. Fun stuff. Saturday I'm going to my Girls Scout Leader training. It is from 9-4 on Saturday. That is a long day, but I have heard it is a good training.

I'm off to go catch up on this week's Tivo'ed shows with Schaun now.

7 random things about me

Maricar tagged me, here is my list.

1. I eat a bowl of chocolate ice cream almost every evening.
2. I have terrible hand to eye coordination. Typing and video games are not my thing.
3. I love Fall. the festivals, the leaves, the weather, the pumpkin patch--love it all!
4. I hate driving.
5. I love watching HGTV.
6. Costco is one of my favorite places.
7. I love the smell of coffee, but I don't like the taste of it.

Weekend things

Bridget has been so sad about missing her former school and friends. I made plans for one of her buddies to come over Saturday. I didn't tell her all week. In fact, I didn't tell her at all. Her friend Maya arrived here. I told the girls that somebody was here. They ran to the door and Bridget screamed "Maya!" Ran to her, they had a big bear hug. Bridget said " I've missed you so much!"
The giggling and screaming began immediately. They all had a great time.

The neighbor girl behind us was over on Sunday. She is here quite often, but while she was here the girls were screaming for me to come take their photo. They were acting very silly.

Also, on Sunday, Bridget had photo day for cheerleading. They took their standard photos. This took place at the High School, just out in a field area. They have a big, metal tiger in front of the school and I was disappointed that the photos were not taken there-- so we took our own.

The other morning

My sister-in-law was very pregnant (she actually delivered today and Kristin has pics on her blog). I had mentioned to the girls that they would have a new cousin soon. So just randomly Becca says to Bridget "I wonder how the baby gets out." I was finishing packing Bridget's lunch and we had about 2 minutes until the bus arrived. I decided to pretend I didn't hear them talking....although they were standing right next to me. Becca thought they came out from down there (with a point to the proper place) or that maybe they were cut out. Things just make sense to this kid. I find it amazing sometimes. Bridget thinks different. She suggested that "the babies come out of your mouth." Becca thought about it and finally said "No, that can't be right. That would make your throat REALLY sore." Bridget who is not a fan of babies, again confirmed with herself how she doesn't want any part of having them.

I kept my laughter to myself (to avoid acknowledging the whole conversation, not that they asked me) and I hurried them out the door to catch Bridget's bus.

Wow! Where have I been?

I've been busy around here. Last Sunday we had a going away party for my sister-in-law. She is leaving for Los Angeles in a couple weeks for school. It wasn't a huge party--friends and family. Any party requires extra cleaning though. Schaun cooked his usual feast of delicious meats.

Bridget has been learning to adjust to a new school and new people. She has had a hard week. A friend from last year is not treating her very nice. She is missing her old friends and is sad. She hurt herself in P.E. and on the playground a couple times too. That just makes things feel worse for her. I hate that she feels sad, out of place, and even bored during the day. I have been sitting with her and Becca every night for a long time. We have been reading lots of books and I found some fun, educational games on the computer. She still wants to go to school everyday, so things are not terrible. I think she is just feeling "home sick" for the Montessori school.

I'm sure she will adjust to this new setting soon, but it sucks to see your kid sad.

I'm so glad to see the rain leave for now. Our grass was out-of-control long. Our mower is not doing well and Schaun didn't think it would make it through this tough cutting. So he was doing a happy dance when I told him I hired the teen next door to mow it this time around. Now we won't lose Daisy out in the yard!

My job is going well. I'm getting used to all those boys. They do things that seem weird to me and make gross sounds that they find hilarious, but the days go smoother now. Becca is doing so fantastic in her class. She is happy and loves it, so that is a relief.

Girls Scouts

Tonight was an informational meeting for parents about Girls Scouts. This year, Kindergarten and first graders are Daisy's, and they bridge to Brownies in second grade. They were talking about how they need leaders and how they would be letting us now what troop and such soon. If we had not heard back by Oct. 1 we should call.

I have been waiting to find out when the meeting would be before I sign Bridget up for other things. I really want her to do this--I think she will love it.

Sooooooo, I decided to take control of when meetings will be by just signing up to be the Troop leader. I hope I don't regret this later. I'll keep you updated on this adventure.

Cheerleading!

I almost forgot this morning that Bridget had her first game to cheer at. I was so wrapped up in being sad yesterday, I forgot we needed a black jacket and white turtleneck. When I did remember this morning we had 1 hour until the game. I got Bridget all dressed. Becca and I were at least decent--not exactly all groomed though. We rushed to Walmart and I once again found myself VERY happy that it is 1 mile from our house. They had 1 turtleneck in her size and a simple (not very cute) black jacket.

We made it there right on time. The trip to Walmart was not necessary though. The girls didn't want jackets. They are cheering for flag football and they don't keep score for it (but our team won). The girls did a great job, they were just too cute out there.

Between Sisters

(Sometimes I make posts just so I can remember. They may not be interesting to most)

We used to go eat at China Star every week with my Aunt and Gramma. Most of the people that work there know us. We have not been there in months and months. The girls request to go there every week. Last night we took them and it was a good time.

Schaun is not crazy about Chinese and he went for the little salad bar they have. He commented that it was not much of a salad bar at all. Bridget informed him that this is a Chinese place, not a salad bar and Becca told him that salads are for girls.

One of the men that works there and has for years came over, said hello, and commented on how big the girls are getting. He has seen the girls since they were babies. Then Becca said when she has her own babies she will bring them here to eat. Bridget then said to Becca-- When you come with your babies, call me and I will come with you. They are so cute!

I love it when I see sweet things between them. Yesterday, the first thing Bridget said when getting off the bus was that she had a surprise for Becca. She told Becca that Kate had a "Smartie Party" at school today (I still don't know what that was about). Every one got 2 rolls of Smarties. Bridget doesn't like these much so she ate one and saved the other for her sister that does like them. Awwwww.

This morning Becca is up with me and Bridgt is still asleep. Becca is very busy downstairs arrangng things. I asked what she was doing ( as she pulls tons of things from playroom to living room) and she says she is making a clubhouse for Bridget. She wants to have it perfect so Bridget will be surprised and happy. More Awwwwwwww's!

Telling the girls

Schaun called after he left the Vet's office this morning. I had to excuse myself from the classroom and have a small breakdown in the hall. I collected myself and returned to work the rest of the morning. I knew that I had to go home--with Becca. So I decided to stall. We went to Costco before heading home. I figured that might wear her out and she might drop straight to the sofa--no questions. Actually, I didn't think she would notice anyway, but I wanted to wait for Bridget to get home. When she did, I sat them down and told them I had some bad news.

Bridget knew right away. She said " Did Belle die?" I told them that she had. Bridget didn't react quickly, she said well we still have two dogs. Becca burst into hysterical crying. I held Becca for a few minutes and I looked at Bridget. She had tears running down her face. So we all sat and cried, hugging each other. Becca said she didn't want Belle to die. I told them that she was hurting a lot and she was better now. Bridget said that at least she wasn't alone--she would be with Ice, Stinky, and Gramma Kathy's pets. Bridget said she was such a good dog and never bothered the other pets (the gerbils and guinea pigs that the others dogs torment). Then Bridget started to cry even harder.

My sweet, sweet girl said "What will we tell Daddy? He loved Belle so much!"
Thru my blubbering I assured her that Daddy already knew. She loves her Daddy so much. She always worries about him.

Becca said something about touching Belle last night and hurting her. Bridget added that Becca stepped on Belle's foot and almost fell on her last night and that is when Belle yelped. I promised them that Belle was sick, she had a very bad disease and that they didn't cause her to die.

Then we all just cuddled together for a long time. I'm sure that Becca is going to have a lot more thoughts on this. She tends to think about things for days and comes up with statements or questions that reflect the thoughts later.

It is Becca that still talks about Ice all the time. She pretends to be a cat when she plays. It is bittersweet as I miss my little cat, but I'm glad other remember her too. She talks and shows her thoughts. Bridget does things like make drawings of Ice and Stinky in Heaven.

--Just a side, sort of funny note about Stinky. Bridget was not quite two and I was pregnant with Becca when Stinky died. I doubt she remembers the dog really. But we have this little Yorkie statue. I told Bridget once that we have it because it looked just like Stinky. So the girls sort of treat this statue like a dog they know.

So I was thinking my email {thetwobelles} isn't very relavant now, but I won't be changing it.

A sad, sad day

It has been a long time in coming. I knew it was coming. We have talked about it and put it off and off again. That doesn't make it any easier or less sad for me. Schaun is taking Belle in to the Vet to have her put to sleep this morning. She is in pain. She is isolated and has been for a while. Twice this week she has yelped out when a hand was run down her back. I keep everybody away from her because I fear her snapping and biting someone due to her pain. She still eats well, she still follows me upstairs and back down every time I go. She still gets bouncy and excited when Schaun comes home from work. She was never really a great family dog. She was our first though. She has been with us for 12 years (although she is an undetermined amount older than that). We gave her a good life. We laugh because she a mutt. We have a Dachshund, a Golden Retriever, and once had a Yorkie--all purebreds that we got for free, but we paid for Belle. She has out lived so many others that I miss. Ice, Stinky, Arthur, Baby, Cecil, and my sweet Darby.

Yes, it is the right time, but it still hurts so much!

Labor Day weekend

This was a refreshing weekend. We stayed home and did a lot of nothing. Saturday, the girls played all day. They played hard and LOUD. Before bed, Bridget, told me that her throat hurt. I figured it was from all the screaming she did all day. Sunday morning, she didn't look good when she woke up. She had a very low fever and was still complaining of her throat. She sounded all congested too. She spend the day on the sofa just resting. The fever didn't last long and she perked up a bit as the day went on.

Schaun's parents stopped by late in the afternoon. Bridget and Becca love seeing them. So when Bridget remained very quiet during the visit, I knew she was not herself yet. Bridget has a little outing scheduled Tuesday at school and she is very excited about it. So today she is still resting but I can tell she is feeling much better today. She should be fine to go tomorrow.

Schaun has been able to ride is motorcycle quite a bit this weekend so he is happy. I have been working on some invitations that are really way over due. I should have had these out a week or two ago.

I have re-discovered by favorite series of books too. The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon is the best story I have ever read. I found out that the library has all the (very large) books, on CD in the unabridged version. I have waited on a long waiting list, and I have four of the five books loaded on my Ipod now. It is fun to listen to it being read to me. Some parts of these books had words in other languages (French, Gealic, and Latin) that I would make up my own pronunciation to. It is interesting to hear how wrong I was.

It will be interesting tomorrow to see how the kids at school behave after the long weekend. We will be getting more students this week too. I just have my fingers crossed that they don't hit others or cry all day long.

And on Monday

I woke up with a sore throat. It seemed the kids germs are already getting me maybe. I sucked in as much Vitamin C and water as I could. I don't usually like peanut butter that much, but it felt good today and I just ate it by the spoonful. Tonight, I think I might have won. I feel just a tingle in my throat, better than last night.

Today the troublesome kid was in rare form. I was afraid he would cause some injury today, but everybody made it thru the day safe thankfully. The little one that cried ALL DAY on Friday, only cried a few minutes today. Yippy!

I don't know if I mentioned I had a flat tire last week. Well, to get my van up to have the tire patched, I needed to inflate it. My neighbor provided the air compressor. In my stressed moment I unplugged the deep freezer to plug in the extension cord for the compressor. (You know where this is going right? ) Yep, I did not plug the deep freeze back in. I just noticed tonight. Damn, that was stupid! Thankfully I didn't have a bunch of Social Supper meals in there. Guess we will be having a big trash day this week.

Have I mentioned that my neighbors are awesome? Well, they are! I have great people all around me. I noticed that there was something wrong with one of the guinea pig's eye. I read that sometimes a little piece of the hay they eat can get in the eye and cause problems. I figured and hoped that was all it was, but as I am not a Vet, how would I tell. Guess what? The lady across the street IS a Vet. I asked her to take a look and she happily agreed. I wasn't sure if all Vets treat guinea pigs or not. She said she doesn't, but another doctor in her office does. (By the way, I thought this was cute--they call small pets like this "pocket pets")

She thought I was right and there was something in the eye. She said she couldn't fix it though. Then she went way above what I would have asked and she called her partner (who treats the guinea pigs) and asked if she would treat this for her. So today, my neighbor took my--I mean Bridget's little piggie to her office, her partner treated him, and then she brought him home. THEN, there is more! She forgot the eye drops and antibiotics he needs, so the tech from the office brought them to her and she came over and showed us how to administer them. Yep, she rocks!

So I have the neighbor behind me that just helps with everything all the time. In the cul-de-sac we have the Veterinarian, a Pediatric Nurse that works at Children's Mercy, and a Police Office on the corner. Good people to have around I tell you!

We made it through the first week

Both girls had a great week. Becca is doing fantastic in her class. Bridget is making new friends and already really likes her teacher. She went to all her specials this week and like them all. She told me that Spanish was boring. Since she doesn't know any Spanish I was confused by her statement. We talked about things being boring and she decided that boring wasn't really the right word, it was actually cool.

Friday, after school, she did not get off the bus. I started to panic when the driver called out for her and she still didn't appear. Then I asked Abby to get back on and go look for her. She was there and apparently very busy with a conversation. Whew!

I guess the warning on Monday about not forgetting to get off didn't sink in.

My week went pretty smooth. After I got home one day my tire went flat. I was annoyed, but grateful that I noticed before morning. Becca was amazed that tires really go flat. She thought that only happened on tv. Too bad that isn't true!

The teacher I work with is amazing! She is so, so, so patient. You can tell she just loves these kids and they love her. I am trying to mimic her and do things her way. Honestly, there are times that I have to check myself because her way is not my first reaction. I hope she thinks I'm doing okay. We don't get time to chat much, so I need to find a moment to ask her. Most of the kids in my class are sweet and good. There is one that is a huge challenge for me. I hope this one settles into the rules and procedures very soon (but I'm not holding my breath ).

The pictures are the rest of the first day of school that I couldn't get loaded the other day. Bridget getting on the bus and not looking back. My neighbor said that is a sign of a well adjusted child--she is confident. I guess that is good, but a wave would be nice. Becca with her teacher. Then Bridget at her desk (courtesy of my neighbor).

What a Day!

Today was the first day of school for Bridget, Becca, and ME! I'll just be honest and say I have been FREAKING out about sending Bridget on the bus. She is so, so, so excited about it. He excitement and my anxiety were probably equal.

SO after all three of us were dressed, it was first day of school picture time. The girls were good sports about it. Then it was time for Bridget to catch the bus. I was practicing my deep breathing at this point. She gets on two houses down. There is a nice 4th grader that waits with her, so that is nice. This girls reminded Bridget that the most important thing about riding the bus is remembering to get off on the way home. That made me laugh. It seems she forgot a couple times last year. But she said, not to worry, the driver comes right back and gets them home.

The bus pulled up, the door opened, and off she went. The bus driver was really nice and he told her his name, asked hers and HE had time for a wave to me. Bridget found her friend and sat down. She did manage a short wave as they drove off. More deep breathing.

I was feeling a bit panicked, but I had no time to dwell. I had to get off to drop off Becca and start my job. Becca was the first one there and she jumped right into work. Becca's class and mine have recess and lunch together. It is refreshing to see her in this setting. She wasn't distracted with me. She was too busy being all big.

I felt out of place all morning, but once I figure out timing and where things are it will be all good. I enjoyed the day, but I felt a little more panic when I was left alone with a classroom of children for 30 minutes. Today, tomorrow, and Wed. are small classes as the returning students from last year don't come back until Thursday. That is a very good thing.

Becca's teacher told me that Becca took great notes from Bridget on the classroom because she was a leader for the other kids all day. Way to go Becca!

Bridget made it home fine. She had a good day. Her favorite part of the day was recess (of course!). She was happy to see a montessori friend and they had lunch together and recess time. During afternoon snack time Bridget and a few other new first graders had a tour of the school. She informed me that she wants to take her lunch tomorrow. I hope I can sleep better tonight knowing that the school and bus driver didn't lose her today.

Oh and thanks to my neighbor. She followed the bus to school and got a few shots for me.

I have more photos to add, but Blogger is not cooperating and I'm heading to bed. I'll fight with this later--check back.

Been busy this week

It's a good thing though. I had a lot to do before school starts next week. I have gone to CPR training, Child Abuse Awareness training, New parent orientation, and meet the teacher. It's sort of funny that the kids and parents ask me things and seem to be under the impression that I have a clue. I wish I did. I'm making this up as I go. It seems to be working so far.

I have asked Mrs. Trask to make me a list of things she wants from me during the day. So far, it sounds like I'm just there to be a second set of eyes. That is fine, but I'm sure I have some other duties. I'd like to have a clue.

Becca got to meet her teacher today and meet some of her classmates. Poor little girl was worried last night that the other kids wouldn't want to be her friend. Awwwwww. I'm sure that is a normal fear. Once we got in the room she didn't seem worried any more.

Bridget went with us and she showed Becca how things work in the room. Bridget was happy because she got to hang out at the school all morning. She got to see teachers, friends, and have lunch. I was relieved the girls could hang out while I went to be met by the students in our room.

The school has a lot of international students and I am stressed about learning these names and the parents names. Yikes! They are hard.

Tomorrow I have a staff meeting and lunch. After that, Bridget has an open house at her school and we find out her teacher. Exciting stuff!

Happy Anniversary to US!

Twelve years ago today Schaun and I got married. We celebrated by spending the night on the Plaza and having dinner at the Melting Pot--our favorite! It was great that my mom came to our house and stayed with the girls (and the dogs) so we could do this. The weather was soooooo nice! We were able to walk the Plaza without dehydration issues. The hotel offered complimentary hors D'oeuvres in the early evening, which was good because dinner wasn't until 8:00. Dinner was great as always. We had the s-mores chocolate and that is now my favorite by far! We drank a little (hahahaha) and we had some fun taking photos of us!

It was a great night. It's good to get out and remember where we started and how we got to today!

Sweet Moments

Awwwww! How sweet is this? The girls wanted to watch the Olympics opening on my little tv in the scrapbook room. So they gathered blankets and pillows and promptly fell asleep. How perfect, Bridget likes to hold things while she sleeps and Becca likes to be held. Awwwwwwwww! (Did I already say that? And yes, Becca has ice cream all over her face.)

It's funny how things work sometimes

Today started with my decision that this was the day Bridget needed to return to the doctor's office for the second to last shot she needs. Once again they tried to push all the shots on us at once, tried to tell me that we must have two chickenpox shots...blah, blah, blah. We got the one shot and left. This one was a little more "stingy" than the last. There were a few tears shed, but she was trooper for the most part. I told the girls that we would go swimming after the shot and lunch.

At home, I called the indoor pool at the rec center for the hours today and they informed me the pool is closed until the 22nd. Bummer!

So I offered to take them to Deanna Rose for the afternoon. That was almost as good. You don't get to use your new goggles there, but they were happy to go.

We get there, park, and start walking to the entrance. Then this white van that I recognize pulls around the corner. It is my sil and all my nieces and nephews. What are the chances? So we enjoyed the day with them walking around and playing. Max said that Bridget was his best friend and Kynzie told me about her crazy dream. Bridget and Becca led the pack of us around. Dennis and Daniel slept almost the entire time. Dennis was awake a little more, looking around and sucking his thumb--so cute!( I hope I have the right name with the proper twin) I had a really nice time and was glad the pool was closed. Tonya told me why they were over in the area here, but I forgot. Weird that neither of us planned this outing!

(I cannot get the captions with the photos! So annoying!)

Bridget and Becca leading the way.

Cute bunnies. Look--they put out ice packs for them to sit on.

In the school house.




Playing in the water is always the best part!





Delainey being thankful she didn't have to push a stroller :-)

Daniel in his awake moment.

Dennis sucking his thumb

Van update

Yesterday I did a lot of reading about the ABS warning light problem in Windstars. It seems to be a common problem in 01-03's and it seems to be aggravated by heat. I have noticed that I don't have any problems with it all winter. I kept telling the service people that it was heat related. That is a real trigger for the lights.

Ford issued a recall for a similar problem in the Escape because it was causing fires. There have been a few fires with the Windstars, but I guess not enough. There doesn't seem to be s simple fix. Some people have replace the ABS module and the lights come back on. What I was reading though, they determined that the 40W fuses #101 & 102 should be pulled. It will cause the lights to stay on. They feel this is the cause of Windstar fires.

So I went back to Shore yesterday. They were impressed with my research and promptly did what I asked. Plug the ABS system back in and take out those two fuses. Now, the lights are on all the time and this makes me feel better about reducing a risk of a fire. This does not disconnect the ABS system though. I still have the thumping noise which is my ABS system kicking in while I drive. Ugh!

I'm going to read a little more and try and find out if the ABS can be disconnected without losing speed controls. That would be ideal. It seems a lot of people are just so annoyed by the lights they go to all this trouble to make them shut off. I can live with the lights--I have been for the last year. I do not like the thumping.

Now I'm looking forward to cooler days so this will just go aways for a few months.

I hate driving and I hate cars

I have always said that if horses were our mode of transportation, life would be easier. I have been having an on-going problem with the ABS and Brake light on my van. They come on randomly. Sometimes they stay on, sometimes not. They almost always reset when the van is turned off then back on. I had it checked last year, they said it was just a weird thing, that it could be the fluid level sensor could be floating around and hitting something.

This summer, when the light comes on (always when the a/c is turned on btw) I can feel a thumping under the pedals. So to solve and ignore the problem, I have not been driving with the a/c on. Yep--we have been sweating! So enough is enough. I take it in yesterday to get this solved. I drove it all the way over to Shore Tire because they have always been very honest with me. The diagnosis was the van has a bad ABS module.

Okay, how much to fix that? The guy tells me that only the dealer can do this because it is a computer thing that needs special programming. That sucks! So I call the dealership and I get this "advisor" on the phone. He proceeds to tell me that the ABS module is $800 (not including labor). Then he tells me that really I don't need the ABS and to tell the repair shop to simply unplug it. Really? I give him my thanks and call Shore.

The Shore guy says yep he can do that. He didn't suggest it because that is not the safe thing they are suppose to tell people. I say go ahead and unplug it.

Soooooooo, you know this doesn't end that simply right? I pick up the van and notice the ABS and Brake light are lit up. I call inside Shore and ask about this and am told they will stay on since it is unplugged. Okay, cool. I can live with that. I'm on my way home, happy that I had this free fix. Then I notice that my odometer is all dashes. There are no numbers there--ummmmmm that could be a problem. Then I notice the O/D Off light is flashing. Oh man!

At home I google my problem and find this stupid ABS module is a huge trouble maker in the Windstars. I went and drove the van around the block hoping that all this would just disappear. No luck. Then I notice that my speedometer doesn't work either. I'm sure it didn't work on the way home from Shore, I just didn't notice at the time with the dashes and the flashing.

This morning I spoke to the nice guy at Shore. He asked me to call the dealer back and ask them some specific things. I have a call into the "advisor" I spoke to. Now I wait, but I know I have another day of waiting for repairs ahead of me.

I guess if I don't care how far I drive or how fast I am going to get there--the van is fixed!