I hope I am not dreaming!!!

I couldn't decide what I wanted to post about first....food, photography, or the new perk I mentioned yesterday. Even though Food and Photography are two of my most favorite subjects, I am going to start with the new PERK.......because I am just WAY EXCITED over this.

Before I go on, let me preface this by saying......things like this just don't happen to me. I was really taken by surprise by all of it. I still feel the need to pinch myself daily, to make sure that I am not just dreaming......

I have worked at the same place for almost 7 years and was definitely starting to feel like it was about time to take things to the next level, but never thought that I would be walking into what I did a couple of Monday's ago.

The day started like any other Monday usually does, but when I saw my boss this particular day, he said "We need to talk about something before our meeting, can you come in for a chat" He seemed all serious and I thought it was going to be bad.....and then he said the dreaded words...."We need to discuss money" I felt like I was going to throw up.....I just could not handle a pay cut, but with all that is going on in today's job market, I guess I should have been thankful that he was not going to cut my job.

He must have seen the look of PANIC on my face and quickly assured me that what he was about to tell me was going to make me happy.....very HAPPY!!! He proceeded to layout my new job role, title, and compensation package. The frown was instantly turned upside down. I was thrilled with the news.....and at the same time a little intimidated by some of the extra time and responsibility this new role would take.......but then I kept thinking about the perks....a raise and A COMPANY CAR.....both of these items, so worth a little fear and intimidation:)

If all of this wasn't exciting enough, he let me choose the car I wanted as a company vehicle. So at the very moment he is giving me the big news he asked me what type of car I would want to drive.

Now how would you answer that? In my mind I am thinking...What is a reasonable response? So I started by mentioning a couple of the cars that he has already purchased for other executives. I figured I was safe in assuming that he would buy the same type of vehicle for me.

He said they were all fine choices, but also had some other recommendations because he wanted to make sure that whatever I drive will accomodate our growing family. His recommendations blew me off my chair....and by the time I walked {more like floated} out of his office, he had me set up at a couple car dealerships to go test drive.

Usually I DREAD car shopping with a capital D, but OH BOY.....it was so much fun when you don't have to be the one to do the negotiating....or make the monthly payments:) I just showed up and the sales reps already knew what to show me.

It didn't take me long to figure it out.....there was one that really stood out to me. It took about a week to locate exactly what I wanted......



Is he not the BEST BOSS EVER?????

I am having lots of fun driving this little baby....the kids like it too. They have been popping movies in the entertainment center every chance they get, even if we are just running to the corner store. Everytime I put Sarah in her carseat, she immediately says "Can I have my earmuffs" That is what she calls the headphones....LOL!!

My boss's delivery of this news could not have happened at a more perfect time. The car I was driving is at the end of it's lease, so in a few months, it will be BYE BYE car payment.....not to mention that if we were to buy a new vehicle, it would have been something much more modest{less expensive}than this luxury vehicle. All in all, the loss of a car payment and the expenses that go with a car each month will be a HUGE savings for us!!

Both Pat and I feel truly blessed by all of this and can't help but feel that everything is starting to line up for the addition of our China Baby!! The days, weeks, and months are passing by so quickly......and even though we have, at the very least, 7 or 8 more months of waiting, our time will be here before we know it and every extra penny saved is only going to help!