The Car Wreck

I like to keep things light here at the messy mom blog, but today I have a story to tell of one of the scariest moments of my life. I feel it is important that I share it because not only is it a testimony of God's provision, but it is also a reminder to wear a seat belt and have infants properly restrained in a car seat while on the road.

This past March I was in Kentucky with my 6 month old son visiting family and photographing a wedding. It was time to head back home to Dallas where my husband was waiting for us. My mother drove us to the airport and while we wee riding along on the highway going about 70 MPH the traffic ahead began to stop. My mom hit the brakes in order to avoid a collision and the car started to swerve, first to the left then to the right and we headed off road toward a ditch. All I remember was the airbag and a bunch of dirt coming at me when I lost consciousness for a brief moment. When I woke up the window had been busted out so I jumped through it and ran to the back of the car screaming at the top of my lungs "OH GOD, MY SON, SAVE MY BABY! JESUS CHRIST!! OH JESUS JUST LET HIM BE OKAY! I had completely LOST it. I tried to get him out through the window, but the car seat was too heavy for me in my condition and the door was smashed shut. My mom got him out from her side and immediately assured me that he was fine. At that moment I felt light headed and collapsed on the ground and just wept.
My mom brought the baby over to me so that I could hold him in my arms. Some people pulled over to help and were on the phone with emergency services. I didn't even realize that the car had rolled over until I heard some one tell the paramedics. I had hit my head on the roof of the car and had a huge knot on the right side. We were all 3 rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. Everyone there reminded me over and over that my baby was okay and that did help me to calm down a lot, although I was still trembling.
In the end all of us were okay. We got another flight and were back home several days later. The only thing I came away with from the accident were scrapes, bruises, a strained neck, and a big chunk of missing hair that I guess had been sliced off by the broken glass. The whole time I was in the hospital the worship song "He Loves Us" by John Marc McMillan was going through my mind. He loves us, Oh how He loves us, Oh how He loves us... I felt those words flowing through me over and over bringing me peace in the midst of it all. He loves us, He does.


Here is a photo of my mom's car which was totaled and yes it is a Volvo.

DMV "don't miss voting"

Just wanted to drop in really quick to say that DMV isn't merely the Department of Motor Vehicles, but it is also where you can register to vote. My husband and I went today. I hear that you can also register online. Today is the deadline if you live in Texas. I just have to wait for the last minute on everything. Anyway, just thought I would send this reminder because this is such a crucial year and no matter what happens History will be made. Don't Miss your Voting opportunity.

Froogie Boogie: Used Cars

Ask any "froogie" what kind of car they drive and 99% of the time it is a used one. Buying a used car is one of the easiest ways to save your family thousands of dollars. This week on the messy mom blog I have been going through my car history and I think the reoccurring theme among all the cars is that they are used. Check out some of my recent posts for stories and photos of these oldies but goodies.
The Messy Mom: VW Vanagon
The Messy Mom: The Good Times Van
The Messy Mom: Volvos, Volvos, and more Volvos

Some of the advantages of buying used include:

They cost a significantly less for a better make and model
Insurance generally costs less
Used cars depreciate less after purchase than new cars do
It may be easier to negotiate with an individual owner than with a car dealer
No warranty stipulations to deal with such as mileage
New cars often are worth less than the owner owes on the vehicle

Some people find this concept of buying used a car to be preposterous. They feel like it cost more in the long run because of mechanical up keep. This has not been the case for my family and I think it is largely due to being patient to find the best deal on a reliable brand of car and having it inspected. Another strategy that helps is to either be your own mechanic or know a very trustworthy one.

The car I drive now is a 2002 Toyota Highlander and I found it on Craig's list. It is much newer than any of the other cars I have owned, but it is still almost 7 years old. I love this car and although it may look like a gas gussler it is really only a 4 cylinder engine.


I know that some people have reasons why they drive new or leased vehicles, and good for them. As for me, I have never owned a new vehicle and never will, unless someone wants to give me one that would be fine. That is my froogie tip for the week. For more frugal tips check out Frugal Fridays at
biblicalwomanhoodonline.com

Another Mode of Transportation

What do I have in common with Aron Ralston, author of “Between a Rock and a Hard Place”?

We both found ourselves trapped in strenuous problematic circumstances, but managed to find the courage within to survive and make it through to the other side.

Aron’s story is about an adventurous hike in the mountains where he was forced to amputate his lower right arm with a dull knife in order to free himself after his arm became trapped by a boulder.

My story is of a 2 hour flight from Cincinnati to Dallas with a one year child.

My seat was nestled in between the plane window and a man wearing a business suit looking at charts and conducting a conversation on his blackberry. I knew the moment I sat down that I was in for a challenge.

Everything that could happen did happen. I went to turn off my cell phone and baby Z wanted it. More like he wanted to launch it across the plane for another passenger to retrieve. He was doing okay until the man next to me pulled out his laptop. Baby Z is obsessed with laptops. I did everything in my power to stop him from pushing on the keyboard. Of course this did not make the baby very happy and so he proceeded to vocalize his frustration to the entire plane. It was one thing after another. This had to be the longest 2 hours of my life. I repeated the words “flight attendants please prepare for landing” as though I could make the flight end telepathically.

Eventually those glorious words of freedom would indicate that it was almost over and deliverance was near. By this time baby Z was about to blow as his moan, turned into a whine, which was about to erupt into a blood curdling scream. It was then I thought he felt feverish, and then I felt wet. I honestly thought maybe he was throwing up, but it didn't take long for me to realize he had a leaky diaper and we were both saturated. At that point I decided to concede defeat. While I sat there staring at the tray table in it’s upright position we slowly rolled down the runway to a stop. Suddenly everything was quite and I looked down to see that the little guy had finally given into to his restlessness and was fast asleep. So I don’t have a gold medal, a best selling novel, or any kind of reward, but I survived flying with a toddler and I can now say that that is an accomplishment that compares to no other.

*I know this week is about cars, but I thought I would share about another mode of transportation. Having just experienced this yesterday I wanted to get it out while it was fresh on my mind. I also wanted to mention that in all seriousness Aran’s story really is amazing. I would encourage you to check out his book.

Why I Love: Rain X

The car is more of my husbands forte, so when deciding on a product for this weeks "why I love" I went to him. He loves Rain X. He wipes our windshield with it about every 8 weeks. Rain X glass treatment is a solution that you apply to a clean wind shield that helps repel rain during stormy weather, therefor improving your visibility while driving. I have seen this stuff in action and it really does work. As soon as a single drop of rain hits the windshield it beads up and rolls off almost like it barely even touches the glass.

I am with my husband on this one and anything else that helps keep our family safer on the roads. It also helps you to easily remove ice and snow from your car windows during the winter. This would be a good time to think about picking up a bottle if you live up north. My husband gets our Rain X from Auto Zone. You can purchase 3.5 oz for $1.99 or a 1 lb spray bottle for $6.99. Have a safe trip!

Just for the record, I am not affiliated with any of the Rain X products and I am in no way compensated for this review.

Volvos, Volvos, and more Volvos

My first car was a 1977 Volvo 240. It was my all time favorite color, green, and it showed up anonymously in my drive way on my 16th birthday. I still to this day don’t know who could have been so gracious and known me so well, all I know is that it was a blessing from God.

It might not be the typical dream car for every 16 year old, but it was EXACTLY what I wanted. Out of all the cars I’ve owned none of them have had the personality and charm of my first. Even though my relationship with that green Volvo wasn’t meant to last forever my families loyalty to the Volvo brand would.

My dad’s car shown above had over 500,000 miles on it and he finally let it go after having a tree fall on it in a major storm. So you can see why he would have good reason to be such a Volvo enthusiast. He even wrote a letter to Volvo and they published an article about his story in their magazine.


My family has owned 10 volvos between the 7 of us since 1994. My husband and I both drove white volvos for several years. Here is a little glimpse at some of the cars that have been part of our family.

1995

2001

2008


Although, I am no longer a part of the Volvo family, they still hold a special place in my heart and I wouldn’t be surprised if I drove one again someday.

Some people say you never forget your first love,
Some people say you never forget your first car,
And some people say what’s the difference?

Inside My Car

I recently purchased a “new to me” car and I remember the first week driving it felt so strange. Nothing fell out when you opened the door, the only thing on the floorboards were the mats that were freshly vacuumed, and the glove box was entirely empty other than the title. Although this was nice, I was also really discourage when I needed a napkin, band aid, pen or any other random items that I would usually have stashed somewhere in my car. I then realized that I could never survive as a minimalist, I need stuff.

One of the things you will find in my car that has been such a huge lifesaver for me is a FULLY STOCKED DIAPER BAG. It is separate from my everyday diaper bag it is a back up that I keep in my trunk at all times. Now, before you new moms go out and buy two of everything just for emergencies let me explain just how simple this back up bag can be.

First of all almost every new mom gets a FREE enfimil diaper bag, hospitals and birth centers routinely give them away, but if for some reason you don’t receive one you can sign up for one at enfimil.com

Inside of my back up bag I keep a couple diaper samples and wipes which I got for free just by requesting them online. These offers are always so easy to come by and they come to your mail box all packaged up and ready to slip in the pocket behind the front seat or in your back up diaper bag.

Of course, you always need an extra outfit because you just never know what's going to happen. So just pick something simple like a onesie or sleeper just in case of an emergency. I change my back up outfits every 3 months to make sure they are the appropriate size and season. I also keep a receiving blanket handy, because they are so versatile. They are not only a blanket but a changing mat, burp cloth, or nursing cover if needed.
Other than that add a toy, pacifier, and snack and you are all set to go. If you ever have to leave the house in a hurry you will still have everything you need already.

I've had my car for about 3 months now and I no longer have a problem with it being barren. It's all stocked up; gum chap stick, deposit slips, you name it. Now my only problem is finding the happy medium between clutter free and calamity.