The Day the Microwave Died and other stories

Honestly, it shouldn't have been a big shock that the microwave died.  For the past 3 months, we were having to use a butter knife to get the door to open.  Sometimes it would keep running, even though the timer was turned off.  However, I think it's always a shock when something stops working.  At least it seems to be for us.  So on Sunday, the microwave stopped working.  Of course, it's over the oven so not just an easy fix to go buy another.  Mom was kind enough to loan us one until we figured out what to do. 
That of course, is always the big question.  What to do - and we've had a lot of that this summer.

At the start of the season our upstairs AC unit went out.  $7000 and 48 hours later we had a new one installed.  It works really well and this month's electric bill was $150 less than normal, but it still wasn't something that we had budgeted for.  This was supposed to be the summer that we bought a new (to us) mini-van.  Having the 3 kids squeezed in the back like sardines was starting to be a pain for everyone involved.  (Especially since Seb gets a little physical with his sisters at times.)  We set aside a good size down payment and I had the exact amount in my head that would work with the extra $250 that would start coming in my paycheck in July.  After much discussion, we used the bonus money that was in savings for part of the AC and the rest on a one year interest free CC.  I could still get my car in late June and things would be fine. 

Until...... the next week, when Sean's company announced that they were moving his department to Washington, D.C. and he was able to move with them or find another job.  After lots of prayers and discussion, we decided this was not what we wanted to do.  So - he had until Sept 15th to find another job.  The car was put on hold again - since we might need to live on that down payment money.

Vacation plans were altered and we continued to have faith that the right thing would come along.  I had my car inspection done and  of course my car needed 2 new tires to pass.  (Although the other two tires would need to be replaced soon too.)  That taken care of, it's now street legal and I'm driving it. 
Sean had several networking meetings and interviews during July that were very beneficial. 
We (MOM) rented a van for the vacation and away we went.

Had a fabulous time........got home to find out something in the gear shift of Sean's car was broken and it wouldn't move out of park.  We had it towed to our car repair shop and $500+ later the plastic parts were fixed and it was driving again.  (We have found out that the Chrysler 300s have a problem with this.  GRR!)

Now - 2 weeks later it's the microwave that's gone out.  Question - What to do? 

Answers don't always show up right away and given our string of  issues this summer, prayer and caution should be taken with every step.  We decided to see what this week would bring and go from there.  Thankfully, this week brought 2 job offers.  As of this afternoon, Sean has given his 2 week notice and signed paperwork with a new company.  This new job comes with the title that he wanted and a higher salary, so now I will start looking for a new microwave.  :)  The car will wait a few months so that we can save up what we've spent on repairs this summer, but even that will come before the end of the year.  We've only got one more week of summer, and then they walk to school each day, so a few more months won't hurt us anyway.

Seriously though

I thought I'd do a little up keep on the blog today while the girls were playing with a friend and Seb was taking a nap.  Try more like a LOT of up keep.  I've now posted all of the drafts that I've written over the summer and have a new color scheme.  (Just in time to start the countdown to football season!)
We've got just under two more weeks of summer and things are picking up around here.
Shelby has found a new dance studio (much closer to the house) and is doing a week of intensive training to prepare for competition team.  She's doing 3 hours every day this week and is sleeping very well at night.  :)
Syd and Seb are going to get a surprise tomorrow, when I  head over to the bounce place for some energy using fun time while Shelby is in dance.  It's SOOOO hot outside, I thought they'd enjoy something a little different.  AKA - mom wants them to use up some energy!