Christmas to Me

Christmas. It means more to me than a tree, decorations and presents. This Christmas I have been able to reflect more on what Christmas truly is in my heart. Thank you, God, for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth to be born in Bethlehem. Christmas signified the beginning of what became THE most important thing to happen in this world EVER - the death and resurrection of my Savior. So as I continue to celebrate Christmas, I remember that without Christmas there is no Calvary. Without Calvary there is no sacrifice and redemption. And without my redemption there is no eternal life with my Lord. So I say, Merry Christmas to you all!

In Ethan's preschool class they had a party where they could wear their pajamas and decorate cookies. They had been working on a gift for the parents for the last few weeks, and on that day Ethan gave me his handprint in clay. What a sweet gift and he was so proud of it. My baby is growing up!!


My Nana came to spend a few nights with us (my parents let us Nana-sit) and we decided to take her to Logan's to watch the candy canes being made. Well, we weren't the only ones who had that idea, but we were somehow able to sort of watch how they did it. The crowds were almost too much, but we managed to still make our way through the small store and pick up some treats to share. They do give out warm samples which are yummy, but because they were warm, I got 5 squares stuck together, which I offered to those around me. They all gave me this look like, "wow, aren't YOU greedy?" Oh well....

The next day I had a doctor's appointment which worked out perfectly. Nana watched the kids for about 30 minutes while I got checked. Afterwards, we went to Watson's Drug in Orange for a chocolate malt, chicken salad, and other yummy stuff. Nana sweetly treated us (she insisted) and we were so thankful to spend some time with her by ourselves! Mom, I know you want a copy of this picture, so I'll email it to you! The lighting was perfect!

In the morning before my parents reclaimed her, she sat down to play the piano that she so kindly gave to us after Papa died. She played really well! She was having Austin pick songs for her to play, and he was trying to "help" her find the right keys. It was a special time for all of us and we sang several Christmas carols as well as "Jesus Loves Me."

This year Riva and I decided to go see the Newport Boat Parade in Newport Harbor. The traffic was terrible, but Bryan knew a less crowded place to go where we could see the boats with all their lights. The weather was gorgeous and not that cold! The kids enjoyed the boats, but I think they mostly enjoyed the candy that I brought from Logan's Candy Factory. Semi-fresh candy canes from the night before! I think our biggest worry was keeping Lynnea, Tyler and Austin from falling down the rocks in front of where they were sitting. We had a great front row seat!

The 5 waiting for the show to begin.

One of the many spectacular boats to parade in the harbor. I wonder - so much money is spent to BUY the yacht, but how much does it cost to deck it out like that? I won't even go there. WE enjoyed it and it was a fun experience.

Cozy and chillin' behind the kiddos watching the boats. Thanks Riva and Will for hanging out with us!! We had a really fun time. We don't do this enough, but it's fun when we do!

It was a Day...

Being a mom is challenging....too challenging for me sometimes. See the thing is, it's hard for me to give up control. I have this horrible feeling that I'll have to go to the ER for something stupid that my kids did if I don't watch them every so often. I also do NOT want to clean up horrible messes when it's been a bad day. SOoooo... this last week I was having a hard time with the boys (well, some of it was my patience) and I was told by Bryan over the phone to just let them go outside and play while I did something away from them. Little did I know that would be the start of quite a day. The first thing I see as I'm passing the window 15 minutes later is Austin throwing sand into the pond, while our entire deck is covered in sand from the sandbox. They wanted the sand to slide down the slide with them. Ya. So I have to go have them clean all that up. Then about 20 minutes later Austin yells, "Mommy, Ethan got paint on my face." Though I may be an artist, it takes a lot for me to pull out paints for the kids because of the potential mess and lack of attention span for the time it takes to clean up. I knew there were no paints outside....and then I saw THIS...

They had discovered that their chalk was completely soaking from the rain, and decided to paint the sidewalk and themselves with it. It was like goo. Of course Ethan was wearing his brand new jeans that are the only ones without holes in them. So after we removed the jeans, I let them have at it on the sidewalk while snapping pictures of the mess. They had a blast and I let go of the insatiable urge to spray everything down with the hose.

The goo was everywhere. It was like they were sitting in a painting while washing it with their feet. After the day I had, it took a lot for me to let it go on, but I'm proud of myself for not losing it. I just took pictures instead.

Enough said.

Programs and festivities

As we continue to battle sickness in our family, the fun comes and goes. I only post pictures below of the times we've actually gotten out and done things, which hasn't been much lately since we've battled colds and flu's the last month or so. Anyways, here's the update on our fam.

Bryan and I were giving the boys shoulder rides around the house and they were loving it! The one who wasn't being given the ride, however, was trying to take down and tackle the one who was GIVING the rides (mom and dad). What is WITH the tackling, but anyways... Ethan actually stopped and smiled for the picture above.

When Austin got on my shoulders, he was clinging on so tight to my forehead that he didn't care whether I could see or not. My hair was all in front of my face the whole time. Ethan thought it was pretty funny, but needless to say, I had to watch my feet to see where I was going.

Bryan's newest project is replacing all of our interior doors. Our friend and neighbor, Lee, discovered how to do it and bought a tool for it, so he and Bryan are collaborating to replace all of our doors and their doors. So far it's been a couple of weekends of sawdust noise in our garage while the big boys play with their big boy toys. One night Braedan and Toby (Lee's sons) came over to hang out with our boys and play Mario cart (which is Ethan's newest favorite game to play). It was amazing watching them all together because Toby (the one by Ethan) was Austin's age when we all met when I worked with Lee. My how time flies!...

Ok - my personality is NOT the type that likes things unfinished for long periods of time. (This is why my lack of scrapbooking sometimes kills me if I think about it). Anyways, I got this puzzle out that I had gotten when my parents cleaned out my Papa and Nana's house, and decided to open it and make it. Here is how obsessed I got....I actually sat down and chatted with Riva while completing the whole thing (border was done the night before) during the boys' nap time. It took me a little over 2 hours. I HAD to complete it. I'd say that's pretty darn good considering I haven't made one of these in years!!

Ethan had his Pre-school Christmas program last Tuesday and there was a time there that I did NOT think he'd get up in front of everyone and sing. In fact, even that morning Miss Lisa informed me that he'd cry every time they'd practice and go to the auditorium. Well, she must have said something to him during the day, because that night he went up there and performed like a champion! He was one of the best in his class singing all the songs! I was so proud of him because it was something new, but he didn't cry all the way through it. Sometimes I feel like I tell him over and over how it's going to be ok and not to worry about it and it doesn't get through.... (I know, mom and dad, I hear you saying it's coming back to bite me from when I was younger...)

Afterwards, we went to Miguel's Jr. and had some yummy Mexican food. I have to stay away from spicy still (which is hard for me) so I had a soft taco, but Bryan got nachos and Ethan got a bean and cheese burrito. Austin, however, didn't want anything but chips. No matter what I tried to get him to eat, all he'd eat was the chips. Until he discovered CILANTRO.

Then each chip was piled high in cilantro (or salad according to him) and devoured. A lot of it fell off during each bite making a mess, but he got some greens in him that night! We were laughing at how meticulous he was at getting all that cilantro on each bite. We've found a winner!!

An update on my physical stuff: Things have been going ok lately. After my CT scan a few months ago they saw nothing and figured that it is probably IBS (or Irritable Bowel Syndrome) that is causing the irritation and pain under my rib cage. I went to the Chiropractor and he figured out that he needed to adjust me differently, too. So, it could be a mix of things. In the last week I've been having some soreness and pain where my surgery was and today I had a check up appointment with my surgeon. I told him about it, and he had me do a blood panel so they could check my numbers. If nothing comes of that, he's not worried. I guess it could have to do with the fact that I've started jogging again and lifting (although I've been lifting weights for a few months now). Anyways, I hope it goes away and I can figure out the sort of diet that I need to be on for whatever it is that my body needs. There's a difference in the IBS diet and the Gall bladder (or lack thereof) diet. So, I would love your prayers concerning that! It's been hard to be good considering this is the time of year for goodies and stuff.

Nostalgia

Ahhh...it's that time of year again. I love that day that you pull all your decorations out and you begin to wonder - now where am I going to put THAT? It's hard for me to have extra 'clutter' in the garage, but when I pull down all my ornaments and Christmas decor, I find a renewed energy to make my house look different and festive (if only on this one occasion). It's too much work to change my house for every season. My mom does it best. I'm doing well just getting by day to day!!

This year the boys were more than excited to decorate the tree. They even turned down a trip with Papa and Daddy to go to Bass Pro Shops! I know, can you believe it? I couldn't. Unfortunately every ornament ended up hanging in the same area of the tree on more or less the same branch. I had to disperse them a little, since things were falling off and threatening to break. An especially popular ornament was one that mom made me that sings "It's a Small World." Dad, I feel your pain of a LONG time ago when that was the only song on our buggies. Now I know why you "couldn't fix it" when it broke.

All the kids at Gram and Gramps' house for Thanksgiving.

The holidays bring so many memories to me that sometimes it's hard to even know where to begin with my children. It's not like we had "traditions" per se, but there were always things mom pulled out of the decoration box that Riva and I loved (the candle angels that spun around, Riva??) There was also music that we listened to. That music was on a tape and I think it has long been wrecked due to so many years of repeat playing. It almost makes me want to rewind back to the 'good old days' when I didn't have to parent and I was carefree with almost no responsibilities. I'm sure my parents couldn't say the same about having no responsibilities on their end at that time, but I was so happy as a kid. I owe so much of that to my parents and the way they raised me. Don't get me wrong - I love being a mom and wife, but I sometimes have to escape in my mind to those carefree, whimsical days.

Bryan being himself when I want to take a picture. ha ha!!

So this is what I got when I told Austin, "Go get some pants on if you want to come with Mommy to the store...it's going to be cold." Ya - LAKER pants that are shiny gold and purple, with a red Angel shirt and too-small sandals. I was SO embarassed and all Bryan could do was bend over laughing on the couch. Austin was so proud of his ensemble, so I had to take him out looking like that. I'm sure before I was a mom, I'd have thought, "I'd never let my son out of the house looking like that." **sigh** That is why I capture this image - so he would believe me when I tell him later on in life. At least it's the 2 teams we like....it could have been worse.

Cookie baking time. Bryan's co-workers wanted Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies so the boys and I made them. My mom just made each of her grandkids aprons, and Austin hasn't taken his off for about a day. They came into use while we baked. Thanks mom, those are a huge hit!

Ok what's a day in November in SoCal without going to the beach and rolling around in the sand? I mean really - high 70's/low 80's and it's GORGEOUS there today. What's weird is that I have a decorated Christmas tree at my house and my kids are shirtless on the beach....I'm sure the East Coaster's are jealous. hee hee. I had a chiropractor appointment this afternoon, so I brought the boys to the beach to play for a couple of hours before the appt. They went in the water for about 15 minutes, but their biggest joy was literally rolling over these huge sand dunes that had been created by the tide. Above you see Ethan in action. Austin was sliding backwards down the hill. They were in their element.

For the car ride home, I bought them $1 drinks at Starbucks, and got myself a Vanilla Bean Frappucino. Those are my guilty pleasures, but without the whip, there's no fat!! Of course I have to add on the whipped cream....it's not the same without it. Ahh...a day well spent. I'm hopefully making nostalgic moments for my kids....even though they probably won't remember this and we don't do it that often. Yay for memories!

A Recap

Preschool time is here. It's hard to believe that my little Ethan is in preschool and next year will be entering kindergarten. I'm already scared of our homework....yes, OUR homework. It seems I'll be starting school next year too. I'm nervous about science projects and reports the most. I already enlisted my mom to help (even though she laughed and said, "I did enough of those for you girls"). I know she did - she had it times two. Well, on that note a common place to take Austin after dropping off Ethan at his school is this water fountain near a shopping center. It's hard for me to go home and do chores all the time, so I like to get my little 3 year old's energy out near where there's a Starbucks, a Ross, and a Target if you get my drift. hee hee

I took both boys to the fountain and got this cute shot of them "drowning leaves." I don't think that's what they called it, but all they wanted to do was douse these poor leaves in the water and watch how they fell apart after doing so. Boys.....

My boys do NOT like dressing up. I don't even think they are aware that there is a holiday called Halloween. This is because all we did was go to the pumpkin patch (where neither child would do any of the jump houses) and walk around for about a half hour. On the night of, instead of going to our church's Harvest festival we went to Bryan's parents' house and had dinner. I refuse to subject myself to dealing with fits of sobs because we have to make ourselves look like something else. Heaven forbid!!!!

One of the things we love doing is going on the boat. On this particular day Bryan's mom actually tagged along with his dad on their boat and we met at Perris. Once Ethan sees his Papa's boat, he always wants to go on it instead of ours. I think it's all the Cheetos and snacks he doesn't get on ours....but it could also be the company. My 5 year old is too cool to stay with his parents. Austin still hitched a ride with us, but managed to down all the snacks I brought in a 30 minute period. I don't know what it is about being on the boat, but it brings the hunger out in me as well. Some day Papa will get both boys and I'll be left childless on our boat. It's always fun to be out there and enjoy our day as a family.

This is the new "it" toy in our house. They discovered Bryan's TV games. It has pac man and another game that shoots bees. I think it's called Galaga or something. Obviously I'm not super into video games, but it's definitely starting to become a popular thing with Ethan especially. Austin gets bored of watching Ethan, but he can't quite pick up how to play yet. Needless to say, I'm going to have to be one of those moms who puts time limits on video games I think....like father like son.

AHHHhhhh...our first fire of the season....before the weather went up again!! I love the fall usually because it starts getting crisp outside and I can light my candles and get all cozy. Well it's taken a little too much time to start feeling like fall this year. So on one slightly crisp evening, we lit a fire and I was in heaven!

Ok so you'd think that I'd charge my camera and everything for a weekend away, but no, I only managed to grab my camera on the way out the door for my Uncle Bill's funeral this weekend in San Jose. So, this is literally one of 2 pictures I was able to get before it shut down on me. Honestly, there are just too many things to remember for me right now. I mean it's even worse because my face is HUGE and I cut almost everyone else off....nice picture taking skills Cara. So this is my only documented memory of this weekend. The funeral, though, was very touching and it was wonderful to hear my Uncle Bill's voice recorded and played in the church. We miss you Uncle Bill!!

Uncle Bill

This morning about 20 minutes after coming home from the gym, I received a phone call from my mom telling me that my Uncle Bill's long, painful battle had ended overnight. The Lord took him home to be with Him as well as see my Aunt Leone, my Papa, my Aunt Lynette and other family members we have lost over the years. What a legacy. I was so privileged to be born and raised in a God fearing family where my parents and my extended family love the Lord with all their hearts. He is over his suffering and where he has always wanted to be.

Me and Uncle Bill.

Riva, Uncle Bill and me at Papa's funeral.

Riva, Julie, Janelle, Katie, Cheryl and me with Uncle Bill. Girl power!!

I thought this was a cute one of Uncle Bill and my dad relaxing at the reception.

Uncle Bill was a man who loved his family and his Lord. I can remember staying with my Nana and Papa, and Uncle Bill and Aunt Leone would take us to feed the squirrels, or to Great America, or to Santa Cruz for the day and we just loved having that special time together. One of the most hilarious memories I have is of Uncle Bill (in the good old days) with his video camera in a briefcase (we're talking one of the old over-the-shoulder kind of cameras) and having to take 10 minutes to put it together so he could video tape us at Great America. It was the cutest thing. All Aunt Leone could do is say, "Bill....put that thing away now." He loved his camera and let me tell you he has volumes of videos of his grandchildren. Uncle Bill was the kindest soul and just loved everyone he came in contact with. He loved to sing and I know he's singing in heaven as I type this. No more pain, no more fear...just eternally with his Father in heaven. Uncle Bill, you will be missed. I love you so much.

Various Medicines

So this last month seemed to fly by. 3 weeks of it was spent staying at home nursing the flu as it worked its way from family member to family member. Bryan got a REALLY bad flu and was in bed for 3 days with a fever of 104 (it was probably Swine Flu, but they aren't testing for it anymore) and he was extremely achy with a deep cough. Then Ethan got it, complete with the most snot I've seen in my life, then Austin with a fever of 104.5, then me, mildly with body aches, a fever of 101.5 and a cough. Now we're FINALLY through that horror. We can get out of the house and breathe normal air.

So this is what my counter looked like for several weeks. Let's just say that Lysol was sprayed even OVER Bryan as he laid in bed. I was determined not to get it. My hands were washed so many times they actually cracked (I don't think I've ever had that happen). Not one handle, knob or door escaped my Lysol wipes and not one molecule of air in the house was not neutralized with the spray....yet we all managed to get it in some form...*sigh*

I love to make things. I love crafts and making things that other people can enjoy. When my Aunt Lynette passed away she left her nieces with all her jewelry-making things. She had so many amazing beads, findings and storage containers that it was almost overwhelming. I took a few things, but didn't know if I'd ever pick them up and actually make something with them. Well, that Christmas I made all my cousins, aunts, Nana, mom and sister earrings from some of the beads she left behind. That started my interest and I've been doing it ever since. Now Riva and I are doing a little boutique at my house to sell her sewing and my jewelry, scarves and other crafts that I've made this year. I always have a part of my Aunt Lynette in every item of jewelry I make. It's my way of staying close to her and remembering what she meant to me while she was here.

One of my rings made of Swarovski crystal, shell and wire.

Me and the boys. They like to see themselves on camera, and also like to take pictures. I'm still getting used to seeing myself with dark hair, but the response seems to be mostly positive. I have, however, had some people tell me that they look forward to the blonde coming back. Change is a good thing sometimes. Who wants to always look the same??

Still Kickin...

Where has the time flown to? Between retreats, birthdays and sicknesses, there's been a lot going on with the Hills these days. I had the privilege of being invited to join the women's leadership from the church on a retreat to Big Bear. I look forward to this time every year and we always have such a wonderful, Christ-centered time. It helps me to refocus and remember that God is guiding me through every trial and every experience in my life here on earth. It worked out great because Bryan's grandparents took the boys for a couple days to their cabin in Big Bear and Bryan stayed with them for a night and then he picked me up the next morning. We hung out for a while and got to see his cousin Michelle and her family, then we headed down the mountain.

GG and 2 of her great-grandchildren.

Then on to Ethan's birthday party. I wasn't sure if it would rain the day of his party, but I still had it at the park down the street from our house. He invited several friends to come over and they had a fun time running and climbing over each other and the play equipment. It's amazing how little you really need to do to celebrate birthdays at this age....and then when we get older we really hardly celebrate at all!

And here I am attempting to light 5 candles while the wind is blowing. Sonja is trying to help, but every time I'd get one lit, the others would blow out. **sigh** I think he got to blow out one. I made a chocolate cake with red chocolate baseball stitching.

The boys were playing guitar on the couch and I got a really cute one of Austin posing with his rocker guitar. He loves music and I wouldn't be surprised to see him in a band one day.

One of the favorite toys around the house these days is guns....any gun. Anything that shoots and makes noise is a favorite. I know, what a horrible mom I am to allow this in my house, but honestly, they're going to find something to shoot with...might as well have a fake fun version. They expecially are thrilled with the rifles (like the one Austin is holding). They actually have cartridges that load darts. It's pretty amazing these days what they've come up with.

AND...here's my new 'do. I decided to go dark for the winter. I'm really liking it and it changes my look up a bit. I've had mostly good comments about it, and so far I can't see any grays...I know they're coming though. That's the worst thing about dark hair...the grays show themselves faster.

We've overcome 4 bouts of the flu in this household in the last 3 weeks, so we're looking forward to finally enjoying the fall and getting to a pumpkin patch this week. We just may experience the fall season yet!!! I'm not going to give in to the sheer panic of the Swine flu, but I believe Bryan may have had it, and we may have had a version of it too. Who knows how it will hit everyone, but I'm only hoping that we've had our share and we can go sick-free the rest of this season.

I consider that a minor inconvenience when I think of people like my cousin-in-law Ben and my Great Uncle Bill who are going through major health issues at this time. If you could keep them in prayer, that would be so appreciated!

Nothing But Water...

My boys' favorite show these days is Curious George. They can not get enough of that monkey. I must admit, some of the shows are quite cute, but there are some episodes where I cringe about the trouble that little guy gets himself into. Both of the boys will sit on the couch and get any toy that is their favorite at the moment (lately it's been fishing poles and lures) and watch a half hour show. It's pretty cute and it keeps them occupied for at least a little while.

Comparing lures and fishing tackle while watching George.

One of our sprinklers was deciding to malfunction (it happens too often) and so Bryan enlisted Ethan to help him out with a "big boy" job. Ethan helped him dig a hole and replace the sprinkler head. Our city has enacted a water ration and we can only water 3 days a week and for very short periods of time. We need those sprinklers to work at their max!!

Ok this was hilarious. I unearthed a large sketch pad from my art days at Biola and figured it did no good up in storage in the garage. I brought it down so the boys could draw on it. I should have known better. Paper doesn't really get drawn on too much in my house (I'm really the only one who likes to color) so the pad became....you guessed it. A wakeboard. I'm telling you that trip to Lake Almanor really had a lasting impression on my boys!! They were using the blanket as a rope and each one took turns "falling off" the wakeboard. They were probably following the example they saw of me trying to get up on one. It was pretty funny.

This one took the cake. Notice the two sheets of paper that Austin is using for 'skiis.' Yes, they are practice writing exercises out of a preschool book. Don't get me wrong....they practiced their writing...for a few moments. Then they became skiis. The most comical thing about it was at one point they were turned around, and Austin said, "they're backwards...I need to turn them around." At least he knows the right direction the letters go. Hey - they're learning something!! All I was thinking was...where did MY imagination go? I think it got lost when I became an adult.

The Unknown

Today was a weird sort of emotional day (inside anyways). For those of you who don't know, I've been having health issues since about March, which has resulted in the removal of my Gallbladder and various other tests (MRI, Ultrasound, X-rays, etc) that have tried to determine why so much of my left side just doesn't want to feel normal.

It's been about 2 1/2 months since my surgery and while I thought that all my pain just might disappear after going under the knife, it just hasn't been so. I just read Ben's blog and I have been reminded that our lives are God's not ours. He is in control and he knows all of our days and what we are going through. I have had days of fear, days of peace, and days where I just want to break down and cry, along with days of no patience with the boys. It's hard to go through month after month and not know why my body just doesn't feel right.

So today was a CT scan. All I can say is that it was such a scary feeling that it made me laugh. Bryan would second that one only because he says that when I get nervous, I laugh or try to make things funny. I guess it's my way of dealing in a way.

Well they make you drink 30 ounces (you read right) of this barium liquid that is trying to disguise itself as some sort of orange drink. I do not like orange drinks and it had an aftertaste of metal. Gag me. Then as I'm getting ready to go in, the nurse tells me that they are going to pump iodine in my arm. Thank goodness I didn't know that beforehand....I'd have been nervous. So the iodine is put in my IV and let me tell you....the ODDEST feeling I've ever had. The warmth started at my neck and went down into my body. I mean I could literally FEEL the line of where it was going. When it got down to my abdomen, it almost felt like I wet my pants. Then they took about 3 pictures of my abdomen, and it was done. UGH. I'm glad it's over, but it's the waiting for the results that are nerve-wracking. I hope no one calls and I can go to my doctor's appointment on Monday as usual. But, I'm not in control and it's not up to me.

So, it may be on to more tests, but for now, I'm waiting. Lord give me the faith to trust in you during these uncertain times.... Thank you Ben, for your words of encouragement. Your faith in your situation is uplifting and so amazing.

A Trip Fulfilled

Let's see....for about 8 years now we've wanted everyone in our family to come share some boat time with us. Because of pregnancies, children, social activities and numerous other reasons, we have never done it until now. We all met at Lake Elsinore to hang out as a family and ride the boat. It was actually a beautiful day, a little hot perhaps, but still beautiful. I can't say the same about the murky Elsinore waters, but that's a different topic. All the kids loved riding the boat and feeling the wind in their hair, however there was a little disappointment that we hadn't brought the skis. Next time Riva!

As you can see, all the kids (including Lynnea) wanted to be in the water and swimming. Our life jackets were well loved by the Lee children as it made their swimming time a lot easier and they didn't have to worry about drowning. Austin, as usual, stayed on the shore rolling around in the waves.

Bryan, Riva, Mikayla, Tyler, Ethan and dad after one of their rounds of the lake.

Sisters and best friends! It was fun to just sit under the EZ Up and chat a little while (albeit short because we were constantly having to take care of toddler issues). Thanks, Riva for bringing your family out to see our family!

Mikayla donning a life jacket and loving the lake waves.

Austin decided to try my hat on for a while. It doesn't look too bad. He wore it more than I did that day! After we all left each other to go home, Bryan and I drove the boat to the other shore to bring it out of the water. When he went to lift the motor, it refused to budge. We had the same issue the last time, but today it seemed to be working fine. Well, he and I both maneuvered it into place, lifting it onto the metal rod that holds it up. We thought we were fine for now, but after driving about a mile to get gas, we heard honking behind us. This guy and his wife pull up to my side of the car and said "your outboard motor is dragging." Those are words that boat owners do NOT want to hear. Sure enough, when we pulled over, the motor was down and had about 3/4" gone off of one of the blades. It must have hit a bump and because there was nothing holding it up inside, it lifted and fell. So.....my amazing husband is in the process of fixing the inner workings and now he's bidding on a very expensive part on Ebay with a semi-low (comparatively) price - hopefully to pay less than what you can get it at the boat repair store.... So no bidding on a boat part if you see Bryan's name on it!!! ha ha!!! So we're boatless for a while.