Sometimes the stars do align . . .

It doesn't happen very often but when it does you just have to stop and look around and say Thank You!!!

Today, we got up early and the whole family headed off to Kate's cheer class. Even Daddy came along to watch his little girl cheer. It was an unusually cool and humid day for August in AZ - the morning temp was only about 75. A far cry from the 108 we had the day before.

So we put on our parkas and took Kate to class, she cheered her little heart out while big sister played Barbies in the corner of the room. After class we took pictures of the girls in the gym and they both managed to stay still for a few decent shots. Then we headed outside with the idea of having a late breakfast. We fastened the girls in, and Jeff turned the key to start the car but it just clicked and clicked. This is a familiar sound to us as car batteries only last about 18 months in AZ - and my Sequoia is exactly 18 months old. Fortunately, there was enough power to put the windows down and there was a nice cool breeze.

At first I thought, geez, wouldn't you know it - this would happen the one day that Jeff comes to Cheer class - there's nobody at home to call. But then I remembered I joined AAA earlier this year (for a trip discount.) So we promptly called them. The very nice dispatcher said it would be about an hour but the tech would call 5 minutes before arrival.

We settled in for a long wait, letting both girls out of their seats. They had a blast playing Barbies in the back of the car; it has all kind of compartments just the right size for Barbie. Within ten minutes a HUGE truck pulled up. It was the AAA guy. He checked the battery - it was gone . . . he installed a new one and within 15 minutes we were on the road again.

I could hardly believe it. Batteries don't last long out here; and they're more likely to zonk out on a hot, dry day than a humid day. But we were blessed today - it could have gone out when the babysitter was out with the kids or when I was out with Kate, far from home and needing to get Sarah on time. But it didn't - it was a nice cool day and we had no pressing plans. Even still, it only took 10 minutes for the AAA guy to come - these things just don't happen very often.

We were on the road by 10:25 in time for an early lunch at Sarah's favorite place Souper Salad counting our blessings the whole way.