On Christmas day we were in small fender-bender while driving to the in-laws. The roads were terrible and another driver didn’t stop soon enough and ended up scratching our rear bumper. This wasn’t exactly what we wanted for Christmas but we were so thankful that it was just a minor accident. The other driver was really nice and we exchanged information and were on our way.

The next day I filed a claim with the other driver’s insurance and we had to wait until they confirmed everything with him. We finally got a call saying that we were okay to get the car repaired. So, that day I went to a car wash to see if the paint would come off. Silly thought I know. Here is a picture after the car wash:

Yup. Paint scratch is still there. So, a week later I got the car appraised and they quoted me $462. For that little scratch? Wow! For some reason I feel bad that the other driver has to pay for this but it is a noticeable scratch and we didn’t want that on our car forever.

So, today I dropped the car off and it should be done in two days but hopefully it will be done by tomorrow. For the rental car we got a 2009 Kia Rio. It’s a cute little car and has satellite radio. But, it doesn’t have automatic locks or windows. A 2009 car with satellite radio but no automatic locks or windows? I just find that kind of odd. Anyway.

Here is a picture of a 2009 Kia Rio (the one we are driving is white):

For Christmas my husband bought me three Kitchenaid pasta roller attachments (lasgana, fettucini and linguine) and “The Complete Book of Pasta and Noodles” by Cooks Illustrated (If you are a pasta lover, you need to get this book. It really is the COMPLETE book of pasta). I was really excited. I have been wanting to make my own pasta since I tried some in July.

After reading the pasta cookbook (the first part of the book is like a textbook) I discovered that a food processor would be necessary for my pasta making adventures. So, this weekend I broke down and bought one.  Now I am all set to make homemade pasta (I just need to find the time to make it).

Out of my window: it’s dark and I see the northwest city lights. So pretty.

I am wearing: jeans and a long sleeve shirt.

I am hearing: Joey turning pages of a book.

I am thinking: I could really use a back massage tonight.

I am thankful for: so many things but recently I have realized how thankful I am for a steady job, a wonderful husband and family and most recently the ability to pay for a dental implant.

I am going: to bed really soon!

I am hoping: my dad doesn’t lose his job. He finds out next week.

I am reading: Romans chapter 5 is on my list for tonight.

One of my favorite things: lately I have really enjoyed getting drinks at Starbucks. My new favorite: Decaf Peppermint Mocha Twist. Yum!

A few plans for the rest of the week: have dinner at Joey’s parent’s, work at the hospital, run a few errands, see a movie with some friends and hopefully get some laundry done.

So what are you doing right now?

Over the Christmas break we made a few more changes to our townhouse.

We installed a new kitchen faucet and I love it. Here is the before picture (yuck!):

and the after picture:

Isn’t it beautiful? And the best part? I can fill a bucket in the kitchen sink. Yay!

We also changed the doorknobs on the first floor. I really like how the doors look and can’t wait to change the doorknobs upstairs – all in due time.

Here is the before picture:

and the after picture:

I wonder what we’ll do next. Actually, I wonder what we can afford to do next.