So, we went to Durrant's parents house on Friday night to have a sleepover with the nephews and to give Marilyn and Bryce a break with all the boys. In my haste, packing, I left the binky at home and didn't realize it until bedtime.
The dilemma, buy more binky's, or cut him off. We went with cut him off. Hmmmm.... It only took an hour to get him to sleep, then when he woke up at 2:30am to nurse, he didn't go back down until 4am. Yeah, I was ready to shoot myself in the head.
Fortunately, Saturday went a little better. We were in the car during nap time, which helped immensely. For bed, he went down in less than an hour, and didn't get up until 6:30am. Being in his bed in his home probably helped, but I'm not complaining.
Today, he refused to take a nap even though he was exhausted, so I put him down early. It took him about a half hour to finally give in. Not sure how Grama is going to feel about this tomorrow, but I hope it goes okay!
I have to keep telling myself that this is for the best. And, I have to admit there is a certain amount of freedom knowing my life is no longer dictated by whether I have a little piece of plastic anymore. In the mean time, I'm learning to live without sleep again. ;)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Latest pic of Asher
Our awesome friends are really in to photography and have taken some really cute photos of Asher. These were taken at our tailgate for the Utah v. Air Force game. My little boy will be a Utah fan whether he wants to or not, I'm afraid! :)
For some reason Asher is fascinated with nature. He LOVES being outside and is always content when there. Part of this is his love for leaves and grass. Here he is extolling the virtues of leaves.
My niece, Hope, (6 mo older than Asher) was here about a month ago and was doing this same face. They could honestly be twins. With Asher it is usually acompanied with an "Ooo" with a look expecting me to know exactly what he is saying. I don't, but I'm getting pretty good at guessing. ;)
This one is my favorite. I know I'm biased, but I think my son has the cutest face! Serious, yes. But dang cute!
For some reason Asher is fascinated with nature. He LOVES being outside and is always content when there. Part of this is his love for leaves and grass. Here he is extolling the virtues of leaves.
My niece, Hope, (6 mo older than Asher) was here about a month ago and was doing this same face. They could honestly be twins. With Asher it is usually acompanied with an "Ooo" with a look expecting me to know exactly what he is saying. I don't, but I'm getting pretty good at guessing. ;)
This one is my favorite. I know I'm biased, but I think my son has the cutest face! Serious, yes. But dang cute!
Facebook Addiction
So, I think I owe you all an apology. I complain about not posts, then I don't write anything for a month. I would like to take responsibility for this, but I think I will probably continue to blame others. This particular victim is Facebook. I am hooked totally and completely to that stupid website. Actually, it's probably the games on the website more than anything. My current favorites are Mafia Wars and Cafe World. I play Farmville as well, but I'm losing interest.
Anyway, I thought I would update everyone on what has been going on here at the Pettey Household. Asher started crawling and is currently into everything. He also broke two teeth on Halloween (a penguin growing teeth, just think about that for a minute...) and is currently practicing how to use them on anything and everything he can get his mouth on. He is a pure joy and delight to Durrant and I, we are having the time of our lives.
So far, we have approximately 3 dozen jars of applesauce completed, and about 5-6 more boxes to empty. Yeah, gonna be doing applesauce for a while. I'd really like to do cider, and apple pie filling, but not sure how and haven't done enough research to find out. So, I think I will probably just get a big stock of the sauce and then get creative with canning next year.
The house is nearly done. We have narrowed the box mess down to one room, and things are finally starting to have homes. We still have a lot more to do, (i.e. hang pictures, base boards, overall organization), but we are getting there slow but sure. The plumbing is still an issue, but the plumber is supposed to come on Thursday to get the metal snake out of my floor. Then, at least, I will be able to move the toilet from the middle of the floor back to it's home.
Other than that, we are just plugging along. We LOVE the weekends, when Dad can stay at home and play with us. And we are grateful for the weekdays that give us the sustenance to live.
Anyway, I thought I would update everyone on what has been going on here at the Pettey Household. Asher started crawling and is currently into everything. He also broke two teeth on Halloween (a penguin growing teeth, just think about that for a minute...) and is currently practicing how to use them on anything and everything he can get his mouth on. He is a pure joy and delight to Durrant and I, we are having the time of our lives.
So far, we have approximately 3 dozen jars of applesauce completed, and about 5-6 more boxes to empty. Yeah, gonna be doing applesauce for a while. I'd really like to do cider, and apple pie filling, but not sure how and haven't done enough research to find out. So, I think I will probably just get a big stock of the sauce and then get creative with canning next year.
The house is nearly done. We have narrowed the box mess down to one room, and things are finally starting to have homes. We still have a lot more to do, (i.e. hang pictures, base boards, overall organization), but we are getting there slow but sure. The plumbing is still an issue, but the plumber is supposed to come on Thursday to get the metal snake out of my floor. Then, at least, I will be able to move the toilet from the middle of the floor back to it's home.
Other than that, we are just plugging along. We LOVE the weekends, when Dad can stay at home and play with us. And we are grateful for the weekdays that give us the sustenance to live.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Thank You!
Okay, thanks for all the comments. I promise I won't complain anymore. You guys are awesome. :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Hello? Anyone there?
Okay, this might seem silly to you, but I am having serious doubts that anyone is actually reading this blog. As evidenced by the number of comments (ZERO) in the last few posts, I'm ready to call this my own personal journal. Not that I am expecting everyone to write on every post I have, but seriously? Nothing?!?!?!?!
No big deal. But I warn you that you may not like what you see, if you ever do return. ;)
No big deal. But I warn you that you may not like what you see, if you ever do return. ;)
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Licorice, Football and Mud
I was working on a deposition the other day and Asher was getting impatient with my inattention to him. Finally, I decided to give him a piece of licorice so I could complete things. This worked like a charm and I continued to work with my focus on the computer screen. When I next turned around this is what I found. No worry about choking, this kid wasn't going to let anything come between him and his first piece of candy. Yeah, we will be hiding all candy until after dinner from now on.
Utah's first home game this year was with Utah State. As much as I love the Utah games, I will be an Aggie until the day I die. And, as the one who gets our son dressed, I chose the apparel for the day. Asher and I both wore blue in our season ticket seats, much to Durrant's chagrin. But, as you can see, we got an adorable little hat to show his Dad's colors. Our little hybrid was the hit of the game, everyone loved him.
This picture has a story with it that will hopefully be a lesson to me for a long time. When we were in So. Utah for Labor Day and my birthday we stopped by the farm to pick some corn. As we traveled from the house to the field where the corn was I didn't want to put Asher back in his car seat. It was only about a hundred yards, and he hates his seat, so I gave in and put him on my lap. After we picked the corn we went to Heidi's house to pick up some papers, and in fear of getting caught I suggested we go the back way through the farm. I didn't think that the road would be wet due to the irrigating of the fields. Poor Durrant was left to try and drive a very muddy road. This was the result.
Fortunately, I have a fantastic brother who is capable of handling my foolishness. A few minutes with a tow rope and we were out. Hopefully, this will be a lasting lesson for me that it is just better to put the kid in the seat. However, I won't promise anything... :)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Fish Lake Trip
Spur of the moment, the Pettey's decided to throw caution to the wind and head down to Fish Lake for the weekend while Katie and Nelson were here. There were a few moments that we weren't sure it would work out - but, in the end, we made it and have some great memories to show for it. Here are some photo's and videos that I thought were fun.
We did the traditional stop in Nephi on the way down and gave Asher his first try on a swing. Typical non-reaction. Amazing. He was more interested in the chain holding the swing than the sensation of going back and forth.
Grampa showing Asher beautiful Fish Lake. Just imagine the things Grampa could share. Can't you just hear him saying "Asher, let me tell you a story..."
Nash and Asher finally had some time in the tub together - it was a riot. Here is video of them playing - so fun!
The next picture is also in the tub. It is so evident by the joy on Asher's face that he is having the time of his life so I had to share it. I can't help it. I have a dang cute kid!
We also put Asher in the Lake for the first time. Initially he really didn't like it - screaming, as if he had been bitten by the Lake Bug. However, Dad played with him a little and he seemed to endure it better the second time.
Three generations at Ray's Roost and Penny Rock. The memories that have been, that are and will be. Life is truly precious.
And, one final photo of all of us with the Lake in the background. Good people. Good place. Good times.
We did the traditional stop in Nephi on the way down and gave Asher his first try on a swing. Typical non-reaction. Amazing. He was more interested in the chain holding the swing than the sensation of going back and forth.
Grampa showing Asher beautiful Fish Lake. Just imagine the things Grampa could share. Can't you just hear him saying "Asher, let me tell you a story..."
Nash and Asher finally had some time in the tub together - it was a riot. Here is video of them playing - so fun!
The next picture is also in the tub. It is so evident by the joy on Asher's face that he is having the time of his life so I had to share it. I can't help it. I have a dang cute kid!
We also put Asher in the Lake for the first time. Initially he really didn't like it - screaming, as if he had been bitten by the Lake Bug. However, Dad played with him a little and he seemed to endure it better the second time.
Three generations at Ray's Roost and Penny Rock. The memories that have been, that are and will be. Life is truly precious.
And, one final photo of all of us with the Lake in the background. Good people. Good place. Good times.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Fun Surprise, and Asher picture/vidoes
My wonderful husband called me yesterday morning saying he received an email from his Dad calling a family meeting. There was concern in his voice as he recalled the last family meeting was when he was about 12 yrs old. We then wondered what could be so important on such short notice. Finally, the hour arrived that we went to the Pettey home. When we all trickled in Bryce started talking about their wills, then I notice Marilyn coming up the stairs behind him. In her hands was our nephew, Nash, who was supposed to be in Connecticut. At first, I couldn't believe my eyes, but there he was, in real life. Then come his parents up the stairs behind him. Katie and Nelson surprised us with a visit! They plan to be here for 3 weeks - all of which will be filled with great times and wonderful memories to last a lifetime. Yeah!!! Bryce - we'll take that kind of a family meeting any time! :)
Anyway, here are some pictures/video's of Asher. He is SO MUCH FUN!!! Funny thing, when I try to take his picture the flash distracts him and he doesn't smile. So, his pictures aren't smiley, but the videos should show his happy personality.
This one was during the 4th of July trip to the cabin. Asher was sitting in the bouncer and whenever my niece Courtney would look at him and say "what?" he would start giggling. It was so funny I had to get it on video. So dang cute!
This was when my brother Dane came out here for guard training and met Asher for the first time. We are pretty proud of Dane right now as he just passed all his test's to become a flight instructor. Wahoo!
This next one almost drew tears to my eyes. Durrant's grandmother is 96 years old, and she is singing to Asher who is watching her with vivid attention. I love it.
Anyway, here are some pictures/video's of Asher. He is SO MUCH FUN!!! Funny thing, when I try to take his picture the flash distracts him and he doesn't smile. So, his pictures aren't smiley, but the videos should show his happy personality.
This one was during the 4th of July trip to the cabin. Asher was sitting in the bouncer and whenever my niece Courtney would look at him and say "what?" he would start giggling. It was so funny I had to get it on video. So dang cute!
This was when my brother Dane came out here for guard training and met Asher for the first time. We are pretty proud of Dane right now as he just passed all his test's to become a flight instructor. Wahoo!
This next one almost drew tears to my eyes. Durrant's grandmother is 96 years old, and she is singing to Asher who is watching her with vivid attention. I love it.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
No More Excuses
Okay, so we now have a computer at our house and I have downloaded all the adorable photos/videos of Asher. We got the phone line hooked up today, and (hopefully) the UPS man dropped off our modem so we will have the internet tonight (currently at the in-laws using theirs)!!! The light at the end of the technology tunnel is becoming more and more bright.
This means that I have no more excuses for not updating our blog. So, I now commit that I will post at least once a week. I may not have pictures with all the posts, but I promise to keep you informed. (Why you are so interested in our boring life, I will never know. But I will keep my skepticism to myself). :)
Okay - here is my start: Today is Asher's 7 month birthday (mutters "weird" under her breath) as well as his Granpda Pettey's 64th. Pictures to come soon!
The house is getting really close to done (again, you hear muttering "right, is it ever REALLY done???" under her breath). The flooring is done, and we have the base boards in the front room, kitchen and entry. Our bedroom door and the bathroom door still need to be painted (bummer when you paint them the wrong color - curses!!!). Oh, and we still don't have a dishwasher. Or counter. Oh, and no kitchen sink either. BUT - I have a stove, fridge and a table - life is good!!! I do have some before pictures that I intend to post soon, for all of you who aren't here to fully appreciate the transformation.
Summer break is coming to an end for Durrant and the pressures of Semester Opening are fast approaching. Here's to sleepless nights, ornery students, instructors and bosses. Fortunately he has a little boy who adores him and a wife that can't live without him to come home to. (chanting "There's no place like home. There's no place like home.")
As for me, work is still going pretty well. It is literally Christmas in July for me because all the clothes I ordered and have seen pictures of are coming in. I never know what will be waiting for me when I get to work in the morning, and then comes the challenge of finding a home for it on the floor.
I'm also going to start scoping for Heidi. Thanks to Michelle (you rock!!!!) I have the software to edit things and really help her out. However, I haven't officially started yet, so hopefully things will go okay. ;)
That's all for now. The birthday party is starting soon, and there are candles that need to get blown out.
This means that I have no more excuses for not updating our blog. So, I now commit that I will post at least once a week. I may not have pictures with all the posts, but I promise to keep you informed. (Why you are so interested in our boring life, I will never know. But I will keep my skepticism to myself). :)
Okay - here is my start: Today is Asher's 7 month birthday (mutters "weird" under her breath) as well as his Granpda Pettey's 64th. Pictures to come soon!
The house is getting really close to done (again, you hear muttering "right, is it ever REALLY done???" under her breath). The flooring is done, and we have the base boards in the front room, kitchen and entry. Our bedroom door and the bathroom door still need to be painted (bummer when you paint them the wrong color - curses!!!). Oh, and we still don't have a dishwasher. Or counter. Oh, and no kitchen sink either. BUT - I have a stove, fridge and a table - life is good!!! I do have some before pictures that I intend to post soon, for all of you who aren't here to fully appreciate the transformation.
Summer break is coming to an end for Durrant and the pressures of Semester Opening are fast approaching. Here's to sleepless nights, ornery students, instructors and bosses. Fortunately he has a little boy who adores him and a wife that can't live without him to come home to. (chanting "There's no place like home. There's no place like home.")
As for me, work is still going pretty well. It is literally Christmas in July for me because all the clothes I ordered and have seen pictures of are coming in. I never know what will be waiting for me when I get to work in the morning, and then comes the challenge of finding a home for it on the floor.
I'm also going to start scoping for Heidi. Thanks to Michelle (you rock!!!!) I have the software to edit things and really help her out. However, I haven't officially started yet, so hopefully things will go okay. ;)
That's all for now. The birthday party is starting soon, and there are candles that need to get blown out.
Friday, June 19, 2009
We're In!!!
After owning our home for more than 6 weeks we decided to finally move in. The final straw came when we found out one the cabinets we ordered for the kitchen won't be here until the 30th. I simply wasn't going to wait that long. So, we are there without the floor or the kitchen done. :) Even so, I think it was a good move. I am able to get a lot more done with a bed for Asher, and I am amazed at how much time we spent traveling back and forth. Anyway, we plan to have a house warming party some time soon so check back relatively soon and we will let you know. I think we might be shooting for the end of July, but we'll see. :)
Oh, and by the way, we don't have internet at our house yet, so if you don't see us on FB or things like that for a while that is why. Hopefully we will be all set though, and we will have a computer that doesn't have a broken memory card and you will see all pictures we have been taking! :)
Oh, and by the way, we don't have internet at our house yet, so if you don't see us on FB or things like that for a while that is why. Hopefully we will be all set though, and we will have a computer that doesn't have a broken memory card and you will see all pictures we have been taking! :)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Construction Update
Durrant and I are working hard daily to get things going on the house. I'm usually out there all day Tue/Thur/Fri and on Mon and Wed we both hurry out there after work to get stuff done. Then it is full bore on weekends. However, when there is a kid in the mix things simply don't go very fast. I am very grateful that I don't have a toddler that could trip and fall on the tack-strips everywhere, but I confess that I am lamenting the ease of getting things done without a little one underfoot.
Anyway, currently all the main walls are painted and we are working on the trim and doors, which we hope to get done tomorrow-ish. On to the kitchen! We are hoping to get the kitchen painted and get all the tiling prepwork completed the rest of this week. Tiling will be the project of the day on Saturday/Monday. The next weekend will be focused on putting in the cabinets (thank you Lowe's for the pre-fab's, they will be great!). If any of you locals are bored and would like to help, watch a 5 month old, or want a tour of the house you are welcome to stop by. Odds are we will either be there, or on our way there. :)
At some point we will be picking up then putting in the wood/laminate floor, the appliances, the bed and the furniture. We are tossing around the idea of possibly putting in canned lighting in the front room, but we'll see how much money it we have left over.
Maybe, just maybe, we will be moved in by Christmas!
Anyway, currently all the main walls are painted and we are working on the trim and doors, which we hope to get done tomorrow-ish. On to the kitchen! We are hoping to get the kitchen painted and get all the tiling prepwork completed the rest of this week. Tiling will be the project of the day on Saturday/Monday. The next weekend will be focused on putting in the cabinets (thank you Lowe's for the pre-fab's, they will be great!). If any of you locals are bored and would like to help, watch a 5 month old, or want a tour of the house you are welcome to stop by. Odds are we will either be there, or on our way there. :)
At some point we will be picking up then putting in the wood/laminate floor, the appliances, the bed and the furniture. We are tossing around the idea of possibly putting in canned lighting in the front room, but we'll see how much money it we have left over.
Maybe, just maybe, we will be moved in by Christmas!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Painting Party?!?!?!?
Hey All! So, we FINALLY closed on Thursday, we are now home owners! I went to took a bunch of shots of the house so we could show you before and after pictures. We have a LOT of work to do, and will be painting this weekend. If any of you have time, we would love to have your help. We will even bribe you with lunch and/or dinner. I will be doing a lot of the prep work this week (Tue and Thurs during the day) so we will be ready to paint like crazy when you arrive. If you would like to help with that, I would love to have company as I tape up the place! :) Give us a call and we will feed you whenever you come!
For those of you who can't come, photos will come soon! We love you all, and can't wait to have you visit now that we will have a place for you to stay. ;)
For those of you who can't come, photos will come soon! We love you all, and can't wait to have you visit now that we will have a place for you to stay. ;)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Update on Enterprise, the House, and Asher
So, I need to exonerate Enterprise Rent-A-Car. A week after my last post I got back on and noticed they commented on my blog. I talked to their reps and everything was taken care of that day. To their credit, they took care of the customer, and I might actually rent from them in the future.
The house... Well, we were going to close on the 16th. Then the 17th. Docs didn't come in on time, so we pushed it back to the 20th - no big deal because the contract said we had until the 24th; as long as we close by the 24th we won't get charged. Well, the 20th didn't work out either - it got pushed back to the 23rd, which would be okay because we could get in before the last day and the weekend. Nope. Last resort, back to the 24th. I literally had my amended taxes in hand to put in the mail because I was SURE it would be on the 24th. Yeah, didn't happen. Who really knows when we will actually close on our house?!?!? At this point we are looking at Tuesday, the 27th.
All of these delays, while not our ideal, may actually have turned into a blessing. Because we went past our contract date, the percentage we locked in no longer applies. Fortunately, for us, the interest rate fell from 5% to 4.87%. This will end up saving us approx $150 a month on our house payment. Yeah. Needless to say, I'm not too upset about closing late.
Now, to my favorite subject - Asher! This picture was taken two weeks ago on Easter. In honor of Katie and Nelson's much dreaded departure in the near future, Marilyn put up the ball pit in the front room. Great times were had by all - and awesome pictures were a great result. This is Asher's first experience with the ball pit, and I don't think he was ready to jump in swinging. However, I'm betting the next time it gets put up he will be playing with the rest of his cousins. ;) (Thanks again, Katie for sending the photos!)
Oh, P.S. When we get moved in we will set up our other computer and will be able to show you all the fun photos we have of Asher on our camera! :)
The house... Well, we were going to close on the 16th. Then the 17th. Docs didn't come in on time, so we pushed it back to the 20th - no big deal because the contract said we had until the 24th; as long as we close by the 24th we won't get charged. Well, the 20th didn't work out either - it got pushed back to the 23rd, which would be okay because we could get in before the last day and the weekend. Nope. Last resort, back to the 24th. I literally had my amended taxes in hand to put in the mail because I was SURE it would be on the 24th. Yeah, didn't happen. Who really knows when we will actually close on our house?!?!? At this point we are looking at Tuesday, the 27th.
All of these delays, while not our ideal, may actually have turned into a blessing. Because we went past our contract date, the percentage we locked in no longer applies. Fortunately, for us, the interest rate fell from 5% to 4.87%. This will end up saving us approx $150 a month on our house payment. Yeah. Needless to say, I'm not too upset about closing late.
Now, to my favorite subject - Asher! This picture was taken two weeks ago on Easter. In honor of Katie and Nelson's much dreaded departure in the near future, Marilyn put up the ball pit in the front room. Great times were had by all - and awesome pictures were a great result. This is Asher's first experience with the ball pit, and I don't think he was ready to jump in swinging. However, I'm betting the next time it gets put up he will be playing with the rest of his cousins. ;) (Thanks again, Katie for sending the photos!)
Oh, P.S. When we get moved in we will set up our other computer and will be able to show you all the fun photos we have of Asher on our camera! :)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Word to the Wise - don't go with Enterprise
Hey All,
I'm not usually this emphatic about these things, but I can't even believe how upset I am with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. So, I am telling everyone I know, and even those I don't to never go with Enterprise when you rent a car. I've had great success with Avis, and in the future will go with them (or anyone) over Enterprise. Let me tell you a story:
As you know I had a conference in California that I had to go to for work. After much discussion Durrant and I decided to rent a car and drive the distance rather than trying to deal with a 3 mo. old baby and all the accoutrement's on the plane. It turns out that Enterprise had the best deal and we thought it would be fine. Having rented cars before, we knew the routine. However, I should have known from the beginning that it wouldn't turn out.
First: When I picked up the car I was told that I could either return the car with a full tank of gas, or be charged to have them fill it up (normal to all rental agencies I've dealt with). However, they were not obligated to provide me with a full tank when I picked it up. That was my first sign.
Second: The car was dirty when I picked it up. Not only on the outside (actual mud splot on the mirror), but literally covered with pet hair on the inside. Can you say NASTY????
Third (and most significant in my mind): The middle seat belt in the back seat, where we would be putting the baby's car seat, was broken. The belt was stuck, and wouldn't give. I considered taking it back, but was told when I arrived that they didn't have any other cars for me to take. And, I didn't have the time to deal with the problems that would ensue with exchanging cars at a different location.
All of these things were not ideal, but something I would probably store away in my mind and remember never to personally rent from Enterprise again. Not until I tried to return the car did I decide to tell the whole world to black list the company.
The reservation was through Sunday, but I had intentionally extended the reservation knowing we would probably be back sooner than that. On the way home on Saturday I called the company to see where to drop the car only to find out that their office was closed. Their hours were 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. So, I called the national line and found some disparraging news: since it was after hours I could either pay a $75 drop off fee to take it to another agency, or simply pay through Monday 7:30am; regardless of when I dropped the car off. Seeing as how I only paid $52 a day for the car, it wasn't worth it to drop the car off early. So, I figured if I was going to pay for the car, I might as well hold on to it.
I expected to hear from the car company on Monday, so I could tell them exactly how I felt about things. Nothing. On Tuesday, I received a call that said that everything was okay when I returned the car (they obviously didn't check the seat belt in the back seat), and since I returned it on Sunday I would only be charged $200 more than I originally budgeted and was contracted for. Yeah...
Oh, it only gets better. I went online to lodge a complaint with the company and discovered that you can't complain via email, you are forced to do an online chat with one of their agents. Unhappy with this, I proceeded to tell them how I felt about things. They asked for my contact information and told me the regional manager would be contacting me.
They waited a few days, then called Durrant's phone (weird, as the only way they would have that is to look on the contract and it was listed as HIS phone number, not mine) saying they heard something about us not being satisfied. I called them back, and the person I talked to wasn't who called D's phone, and didn't know anything about it. They said they would pass on the information to their manager, Dave. That was 10 days ago and I have heard nothing.
As a result, I am so angry with this company that I am on a personal mission to broadcast to the world how unhappy I am with Enterprise. I hope you pass this on to any/all who might ever be interested in renting a car.
My advice: go with Avis.
I'm not usually this emphatic about these things, but I can't even believe how upset I am with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. So, I am telling everyone I know, and even those I don't to never go with Enterprise when you rent a car. I've had great success with Avis, and in the future will go with them (or anyone) over Enterprise. Let me tell you a story:
As you know I had a conference in California that I had to go to for work. After much discussion Durrant and I decided to rent a car and drive the distance rather than trying to deal with a 3 mo. old baby and all the accoutrement's on the plane. It turns out that Enterprise had the best deal and we thought it would be fine. Having rented cars before, we knew the routine. However, I should have known from the beginning that it wouldn't turn out.
First: When I picked up the car I was told that I could either return the car with a full tank of gas, or be charged to have them fill it up (normal to all rental agencies I've dealt with). However, they were not obligated to provide me with a full tank when I picked it up. That was my first sign.
Second: The car was dirty when I picked it up. Not only on the outside (actual mud splot on the mirror), but literally covered with pet hair on the inside. Can you say NASTY????
Third (and most significant in my mind): The middle seat belt in the back seat, where we would be putting the baby's car seat, was broken. The belt was stuck, and wouldn't give. I considered taking it back, but was told when I arrived that they didn't have any other cars for me to take. And, I didn't have the time to deal with the problems that would ensue with exchanging cars at a different location.
All of these things were not ideal, but something I would probably store away in my mind and remember never to personally rent from Enterprise again. Not until I tried to return the car did I decide to tell the whole world to black list the company.
The reservation was through Sunday, but I had intentionally extended the reservation knowing we would probably be back sooner than that. On the way home on Saturday I called the company to see where to drop the car only to find out that their office was closed. Their hours were 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. So, I called the national line and found some disparraging news: since it was after hours I could either pay a $75 drop off fee to take it to another agency, or simply pay through Monday 7:30am; regardless of when I dropped the car off. Seeing as how I only paid $52 a day for the car, it wasn't worth it to drop the car off early. So, I figured if I was going to pay for the car, I might as well hold on to it.
I expected to hear from the car company on Monday, so I could tell them exactly how I felt about things. Nothing. On Tuesday, I received a call that said that everything was okay when I returned the car (they obviously didn't check the seat belt in the back seat), and since I returned it on Sunday I would only be charged $200 more than I originally budgeted and was contracted for. Yeah...
Oh, it only gets better. I went online to lodge a complaint with the company and discovered that you can't complain via email, you are forced to do an online chat with one of their agents. Unhappy with this, I proceeded to tell them how I felt about things. They asked for my contact information and told me the regional manager would be contacting me.
They waited a few days, then called Durrant's phone (weird, as the only way they would have that is to look on the contract and it was listed as HIS phone number, not mine) saying they heard something about us not being satisfied. I called them back, and the person I talked to wasn't who called D's phone, and didn't know anything about it. They said they would pass on the information to their manager, Dave. That was 10 days ago and I have heard nothing.
As a result, I am so angry with this company that I am on a personal mission to broadcast to the world how unhappy I am with Enterprise. I hope you pass this on to any/all who might ever be interested in renting a car.
My advice: go with Avis.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Recent Picture of Asher
Unfortunately, the memory card drive on my laptop no longer works so I apologize for not putting any pictures of Asher up. However, my sister-in-law (thanks Katie!) emailed me some pictures of Asher that are really cute so I can post them. Anyway, here is a 3 month picture of my boy playing with a mirror.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Udpate on the Housing Situation
Hey All! I apologize for not posting sooner, things have been a little crazy. And will probably continue to be for the next few months. Durrant and I put an offer in on a house and it was accepted. We completed the inspection on Thursday, and the appraisal should be completed by Tuesday at the latest. We are scheduled to close April 24th barring any major lending problems.
If any of you want to see the house go to google and type 569 N Kimball Drive, Layton Utah in the search box on the right hand side. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath split entry home in a great neighborhood and an awesome location. It will definitely need some TLC, as it was one step away from repo. But we are excited to create our home our way. Unfortunately, there just isn't enough money in the budget to add on the 2-car garage with rooms above it and tear down the wall between the kitchen and bedroom to create a large dining area with a deck out the back. At least not yet... :)
If any of you want to see the house go to google and type 569 N Kimball Drive, Layton Utah in the search box on the right hand side. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath split entry home in a great neighborhood and an awesome location. It will definitely need some TLC, as it was one step away from repo. But we are excited to create our home our way. Unfortunately, there just isn't enough money in the budget to add on the 2-car garage with rooms above it and tear down the wall between the kitchen and bedroom to create a large dining area with a deck out the back. At least not yet... :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Calling all Disney lovers!!!
So D and I are going to DisneyLand in March for a conference and we want someone to come with us! The dates we will be there are March 11 through March 18, and we can get discounted tickets through my conference. As an example, a 3-day park hopper pass is $149!!! If you are interested I can also check and see if the hotels for the conference are full, if not I might be able to pull some strings there as well. Anyway, let me (jill.pettey@slcc.edu) or Durrant (dpettey@bookstore.utah.edu) know and we'll see what we can do. Seriously, who doesn't have fun at DisneyLand?!?!?!? Besides, we need someone to keep an eye on Asher while we go on the rides - baby swap passes, here we come!!!!!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Video of Asher Smiling
I still haven't figured out what is wrong with my computer, but it happens that I am at my Mom's this weekend and have downloaded a video of Asher smiling. Please ignore his mother's comments, they aren't nearly as cute. :) Other than that, please have patience with me to figure out what is wrong with our computer for any pictures in the future!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Asher's blessing, among other things
Hello All! I'm sorry for being so remiss in posting lately - it's amazing how quickly the time goes! Anyway, we are blessing Asher on Saturday, February 28th at 12:30pm. Due to the smallness of our apartment, and the number of people coming we decided it would be best to do it at our church (1400 South 1900 East, big white building on the west side of the street). We will be having a salad bar afterward, so those of you who can please bring your favorite salad for all of us to share! :)
Other news: Durrant did not get the FAA job like we were hoping. I know, bummer. However, we are still optimistic for our future. We are looking into grad school and other options. AND we are actually in the market for a house! In order to do that we will be moving out of our apartment and bunking in with Durrant's parents (thank you so much!!!!) for a few weeks until everything goes through. Those of you who can, we would love some help in moving the weekend of the blessing. If you can't, we will only hold a grudge for a little while. Okay, we probably won't notice and love you anyway!!!
The most fun part of this post is that Asher is now starting to smile socially. As soon as I figure out what is wrong with my computer I will post the video - it is really fun. Also, we had a 6-week check up today and Asher is now 22 3/4 inches long and 9 lbs 1 oz! He is finally starting to fit into his newborn clothes! He is starting to focus really well and is generally a ton of fun.
Other news: Durrant did not get the FAA job like we were hoping. I know, bummer. However, we are still optimistic for our future. We are looking into grad school and other options. AND we are actually in the market for a house! In order to do that we will be moving out of our apartment and bunking in with Durrant's parents (thank you so much!!!!) for a few weeks until everything goes through. Those of you who can, we would love some help in moving the weekend of the blessing. If you can't, we will only hold a grudge for a little while. Okay, we probably won't notice and love you anyway!!!
The most fun part of this post is that Asher is now starting to smile socially. As soon as I figure out what is wrong with my computer I will post the video - it is really fun. Also, we had a 6-week check up today and Asher is now 22 3/4 inches long and 9 lbs 1 oz! He is finally starting to fit into his newborn clothes! He is starting to focus really well and is generally a ton of fun.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Videos
So I keep telling you that Asher has the funniest faces and I was finally able to catch them on camera. Here is the video of him and his cute faces - my favorite is at the end when he sucks in his bottom lip. Also, just for kicks, we got one of him crying. I'm holding my breath so you don't hear me laughing. :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Best Day Ever...
The morning of January 2nd started very early as Durrant and I made our way back up to the hospital to feed Asher. As we were traveling around 6:30am we were making plans to continue our preparations for when Asher might be able to come home with us. Stop by Babies 'R Us to get the monitor and sheets. Get Christmas put up and away so we would have room for the crib. Do the dishes and the laundry. So on and so forth.
When we arrived at 2 North we met the doctor who had some good news - Asher was doing well and they needed to complete some tests and then we would be able to take Asher home that morning! We were thrilled! We were thinking later that afternoon at the earliest, and didn't come prepared with clothes or anything. Fortunately, we had the car seat in the car, and Durrant had some time to run home to get something for Asher to wear. However, when we put the clothes on him we realized Asher was a little smaller than we anticipated. They completely drowned him. So, we just left him in the receiving shirt and diaper he came in and threw on an over large stay-puffed marshmallow suit (thanks Meg!!!) and buckled him in the car seat.
We headed home with our son in the back seat and light hearts - it was really real, he was really coming home!!!! While we knew our days of freedom and independence were over, it is impossible to express the joy and relief of having our son finally be OURS. The medical personnel at the U were wonderful, and we are truly grateful for their concern and care for our son. But I must admit, we were anxious to try this whole parenthood thing out on our own (heaven help us all!!! :)
The rest of the day we tried to get our apartment ready for a child. Then as the time of the Utah game drew closer we decided to bring out the tee we knew would drown our son as much as the clothing we had a the hospital. But somehow this was different. It was a Utah shirt - size was irrelevant when it comes to the biggest game in Utah Football history. So, father and son posed for a picture, hoping that Utah would make them proud.
All their dreams came true last night as Utah made fools of Alabama, the SEC and the BCS and their high opinions of themselves. Father was in heaven as he sat watching his team do a great job with his brand new son in his arms. You would be hard pressed to find a more content man anywhere. I think it even helped him through the restless night heading his way! ;)
When we arrived at 2 North we met the doctor who had some good news - Asher was doing well and they needed to complete some tests and then we would be able to take Asher home that morning! We were thrilled! We were thinking later that afternoon at the earliest, and didn't come prepared with clothes or anything. Fortunately, we had the car seat in the car, and Durrant had some time to run home to get something for Asher to wear. However, when we put the clothes on him we realized Asher was a little smaller than we anticipated. They completely drowned him. So, we just left him in the receiving shirt and diaper he came in and threw on an over large stay-puffed marshmallow suit (thanks Meg!!!) and buckled him in the car seat.
We headed home with our son in the back seat and light hearts - it was really real, he was really coming home!!!! While we knew our days of freedom and independence were over, it is impossible to express the joy and relief of having our son finally be OURS. The medical personnel at the U were wonderful, and we are truly grateful for their concern and care for our son. But I must admit, we were anxious to try this whole parenthood thing out on our own (heaven help us all!!! :)
The rest of the day we tried to get our apartment ready for a child. Then as the time of the Utah game drew closer we decided to bring out the tee we knew would drown our son as much as the clothing we had a the hospital. But somehow this was different. It was a Utah shirt - size was irrelevant when it comes to the biggest game in Utah Football history. So, father and son posed for a picture, hoping that Utah would make them proud.
All their dreams came true last night as Utah made fools of Alabama, the SEC and the BCS and their high opinions of themselves. Father was in heaven as he sat watching his team do a great job with his brand new son in his arms. You would be hard pressed to find a more content man anywhere. I think it even helped him through the restless night heading his way! ;)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
More Photos
I promised more current photos of Asher and these are the ones you get for now. We have a ton more, but I'm not sure how to do those cool photo collages I've seen (ps - if any of you know how let me know! :). Anyway, the first one here is of Asher with his eyes open. Sorry about the whole not in focus thing, but it was the best one of his face and I couldn't resist.
This next one again was so adorable that I had to post it. He was looking so peaceful when he was sleeping that I had to show you.
The last, and my personal favorite, makes me laugh until I cry. Durrant was holding Asher as he slept and I was playing on the internet briefly when suddenly I hear D say "uh oh." I look up alarmed to see D looking down at his shirt. It has a wet spot about 5 inches in diameter right on his belly. He looked back up to me and said, "I think we just had a blowout." Again, I laughed until I cried, and do so again and again whenever I remember it. Poor Dad... :)
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