Monograms and Minivans

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Desmond Tutu I've been a monogram girl for a long time now. I love preppy crests and seals of all sorts... I think its the English girl in me! I have never loved minivans... Ever. Ever. Hang with me.. there is a point. I never in a million years thought I would purchase one... but. Never say never. With Libbie's orthopedic condition, she isn't able to bend her left leg. Getting in and out of my wagon (because a wagon is way cooler than a minivan) was becoming quite a challenge for her. As she's grown that little left leg just kept creeping closer and closer to my head rest. I could literally see her foot when I changed lanes. So we started looking at SUV's about a year ago. I just couldn't bring myself to sell my beloved Volvo wagon. It's been my dream car since high school (truly) and it was paid for. I didn't want a car payment and the only SUV that was really spacious enough to accommodate us was a suburban or Tahoe. I'm not a fan of the Tahoe and the Suburban (which was my previous vehicle prior to the wagon) was soooo big. I loved the space but sure hated the gas bill each week and it was so heavy. I have a couple friends that have Honda Odysseys but could not imagine driving one. I asked a friend if I could come by and let The Doll try it out. I didn't want to go to a dealership (because I would rather have a root canal than deal with purchasing a new car). She agreed and we stopped over one afternoon. I was absolutely blown away at the space and the fact the Libbie could climb in and out all by herself AND get herself into the car seat (bonus!!!). I was sold!! So a couple weeks ago we found the Odyssey for us. It was a super easy purchase that fit our budget. With mixed emotions I said fair well to the Volvo. She was good to me. We took the Odyssey on her maiden voyage and she did great! We had her packed to the gills and still had plenty of room. We watched videos and Hoot said he finally felt like a real family... (like another family we love to hang out with, who also has an odyssey) Who knew a mini van would have that kind of impact on him... HA!!! Finally were a "real" family... maybe this purchase will spare us Hoot's Therapist bill later down the road! So, to make the Odyssey mine, I copied a dear friend of mine and ordered a monogram... (pink). A girl can never have too many monograms and some how I think it makes my minivan a smidgen cooler than any other~!