Having a second child, who is also the second boy, has put me in the strange position of fielding numerous unsolicited remarks from strangers.

"You've got your hands full."

"Two boys? Bless you."

"Are you going to try for a girl?"

"I bet you're tired at the end of a day"

"Both boys? Oh well, I guess you're saving on weddings."

It has also opened my eyes to our society's impressions of family and children. Here in America, "one of each" is considered the ideal family. With a boy and a girl, you get the best of both worlds by experiencing each side of the parenthood fence. I found myself wishing for a girl at times during my pregnancy for this very reason, so I understand where it stems from. However, as humans, we still have no control over the gender of our offspring and I ultimately left it in God's hands. I was recently out with my friend who has two girls; I was jokingly asked if we ever considered swapping kids so that we could get a mix. Sometimes I think people are just trying to make conversation, so I usually smile and play in their game ("no, we don't swap, but when I'm around them I get my 'girl fix' and I'm happy to share mine so she can have her 'boy fix'."). I've now been the proud mother of two sons for 5 months. And I think I'm handling it rather well.

Which is why the "you've got a handful" comments surprise me. Two kids, even by today's standards, does not qualify a person for Huge Family status. So, I have to ask, Is it Me?. Do I look like I can't handle it? Do I look frazzled and worn thin? In fact, to avoid that dreaded "housewife" appearance, I make a point of never wearing sweats or spandex unless I'm exercising, and I try to keep hair and make-up at normal levels. Certainly no curlers or "house coats" here! Ah, but no high heels and runway fashion, either.

I can't stand the Easily Offended times we live in and I am not about to bend under the pressure of Political Correctness by requesting that people keep to topics of weather and current events. So, I try not to get my feelings hurt when people say things like this. It has simply been unexpected to switch from "He's so cute" comments when I only had Grant, to the above comments now that Dean is with us. The second-born never really gets the same treatment as the first, do they?

Yes I have two sons- and I consider myself blessed beyond belief!

Psalm 127:3-5 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

Yay!

Acts 17:24-27 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."

Not temples. Not deeds. God simply want out hearts.

Cornstarch Beads

My sweet friend, Heather, sent me a care package last week. She is the kind of person that sends you something from Australia even though she's on her honeymoon (seriously folks!) Inside, there was a beautiful framed photograph and a book called How to Make Soft Jewelry. I never before had mentioned a desire to make my own jewelry- I think she just figured I might be interested since I'm "the creative type". Don't you love it when someone knows you that well? As children, we did artsy things together. Our moms both worked with pottery and art, so all of the tools/ materials/ inspiration were simply lying around and begging to be used. I remember sitting in her house on Avenida Sevilla while we both sewed our moms their Mother's Day gifts (her: a scarf and me: a blue satin handkerchief with a pink rosette). We also experimented with Fimo and Sculpey clay, collages, and making our very own Barbie accesories (like hand mirrors made of aluminum foil and miniature candies wrapped in Saran Wrap, tied on both ends with thread).

Yesterday, I made one of the projects with Grant from my new book. We crafted "cornstarch beads" with a homemade clay made from...cornstarch. I suppose you could make other things, as well, but I thought it would be great for him to have something to play with after the clay hardened. The recipe made a rather large amount, so I shared the wealth at our sewing party with LaDonna so her girls could play also. Here are the instructions:

In a saucepan, combine: 1 cup cornstarch, 2 cups baking soda, and 1 1/4 cups water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches the cosistency of mashed potatoes. Let cool so that you can handle it without burning yourself (I put mine in the freezer for twenty minutes because I was impatient). Knead in gel food coloring or Rit dye powder to colr your clay (remember that it will lighten as it dries). Mold clay into whatever shapes you heart desires (if you are making beads, use a toothpick to create holes). Air dry for 1-2 days or bake in the oven at lowest possible temp. for 1-2 hours. Voila! The book also mentioned that you could roll the wet pieces in sand for a rustic look, but I haven't tried that yet.

Very easy, very fun.

I was reading in Acts today. In Acts 3:15, Jesus is referred to as the "author of life". Certainly, we have the ability to write some of our own history- for He has granted us with free will. But, it is wonderful to know that the Lord is the one writing the pages that we don't have access to (and from what I've read, He is more than qualified for this job- I just need to remember it!).

He has the ability to take things meant for evil and use them for good (Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done...).

He will take care of us (Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet our Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?).

And He even desires to bless us (Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!) (Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart) (Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future")

No, My Husband Did Not Beat Me.

I bruise easily and I do stupid things. Before, I have mentioned my tendency toward self-harm; I am klutsy with the biggest capital "K" you can muster. I could create blog for the sole purpose of chronicling my injuries- and it would have no lack of material. Plenty of entries. Masses of them.

Last week, I fell down the stairs. Big bruise to my thigh and another to my ego since I had an audience.

Tonight, I slipped and fell on my rear in the kitchen. There was water right below the refrigerator, suspiciously underneath the ice dispenser. I think my appliance may be out to get me- of course, that's just a theory. The kind of theory that helps me feel better about myself since it places blame elsewhere. Big bad fridge with a sneaky evil side. And plenty of ice. And a klutsy target. Yep, that would be me.

"It was just yesterday."

Her son was married just the other weekend. The first of her two boys who are around my age.

"...just yesterday that they were running around like yours are now"

It sounds silly to say it, especially with an infant under my care, but I feel it happening already. They are growing so quickly. Sometimes, when I look at Grant sprawled out on his bed with the covers mangled about him, it is as though I am looking at a teenager who has fallen asleep with the intention of remaining awake to study. But the Buzz Lightyear figurine and the Hot Wheels cars give him away, he is only three. Only three, that still seems old to me.

I stay home, I am hardly away. And, yet, I still feel as though I haven't had enough. I didn't capture that moment. I didn't breathe it all in. I didn't burn it in my memory strongly enough so that I can peek in on it in 20...30 years. Smell their hair. Feel the soft, firm skin. Hear the words pronounced with the tinge of "baby" that you want/don't want to disolve. Because when it disolves it is gone forever and you don't even miss it until you realize that it happened all too long ago.

Mo-mo used to mean cup. Bay-bay used to mean blanket-but only the special ones. Will I someday mourn the disappearance of "tomorrNo" or the fact that he can't pronounce the letter "s" when it begins a word. As always, it seems, the mark of a good parent is one who allows growth even when their own selfish desires would have them remain a baby forever.

So, as my next-door-neighbor and I let our four pre-school age boys hang out together, we looked at our other neighbor's wedding photos. The bride was gorgeous, the mother of the groom was gorgeous. And even now, as she was showing the photos, she was proud and happy. What an example of someone who shares in the joy of others! I want to be the same- rejoicing in the accomplishments of my children and delighting in the decisions they make. I suppose it is a fine balance between cherishing the past and dwelling on it (save some fingerpaingtings...but not all) (videotape often...but don't experience all their special moments through the viewfinder). Essentially, you really miss out if you can't enjoy the present and get excited about the future.

All this said, Dean has grown! He went to the doctor's office today for his 4 month check-up. He weighs 16 pounds, 11 ounces and is 25 3/4 inches long. He impressed the doctor with his rolling abilities... and then with his distance spitting. We are so proud.

Last week was full to the brim with preparations for a baby shower I was throwing for Mary and her highly anticipated offspring, Owen. I had list after list after list to keep me on track and organized. Mary's sister Becky, and a joint friend Amber, were co-hosts with me. Becky opened up her home and Amber designed the invitations. My assignment was to come up with the menu and figure out who would prepare which dish. Here is what we served:

-rolls with lunchmeat and cheese
-carrot-cumin slaw
-feta pasta salad
-veggies and dip
-crystallized ginger, dried papaya, dried pineapple (all dipped in chocolate), and yogurt raisins
-mocha cream puffs
-individual serving sizes of this cake
-fruit shishkababs
-fruit tea
-yummy nut bars

Thank you to Tina P. who brought the veggie dip and to LaDonna who not only helped that day, but also came over Friday to help me with the food preparation (and made the much praised "yummy nut bars"). (Donna, thanks for all your wonderful advice and tips- they were priceless!) Everything went so smoothly.

Saturday was also big day because it was the start of football. I didn't marry a man that was nuts over football but, somehow, he has morphed into one. I really find it cute- especially with our two sons. Dean was considered part of the club this week when he was awarded his very own Titans jersey in the same number as Daddy and Grant. So we now have Large, small, and itsy-bitsy Frank Wychecks in the house. Kris and Mary (and Owen) came over to watch the game. I think we won, Mary and I both fell asleep. Not that we weren't interested but we were watching it rather late as we had recorded on the DVR to suit our schedule (and to have commercial-skipping ability). Pair that with pregnancy (not me!) and the fact that this was a pre-season game... "ZZZZZZZZZZ".

Sunday afternoon Grant took me to see Finding Nemo. He even opened the door for me! Alright, so I paid. But, this was his long overdue reward for 30 successful potty trips. He has done so well and hardly ever has an accident now. It has been one month since we began the effort and he now only wears a Pull-Up when he's sleeping. I am very proud of my little man!

Visitors

We are so excited to have a "fall lineup" of family coming to stay with us.

Tim, Angie, Ethan and new little Olivia are coming next week. Dean and Olivia were born less than twenty-four hours apart, so it will be wonderful to snap plenty of photos of the adorable baby cousins. It is my first time seeing her, but from the pictures we've received so far- she's beautiful!

So, the Raynauds are August. September is marked by a visit from my dad and my brother, Colin. Due to work schedules and my brother's college schedule, neither are staying for long. Daddy flies in on Friday afternoon and departs on Sunday evening. Colin (crazy dedicated brother and uncle that he is!) will be flying in on Saturday afternoon and leaving on the same flight as my dad Sunday! Although it will be a short trip, we are looking forward to it all the same.

The Sherlock family: Aaron, Becky, Riley, and Jackson are planning a trip to Nashville in October. Dean can't wait to see them this time- our last visit to California, he had an obstructed view of his Uncle, Aunt and cousins!

Anyone else who'd like to add themselves to the calendar is welcome to give us a call. We have openings for November and December (Paul? Donna?).

Did you know that August 8th is "Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day"? I can't figure out what country this began in, or when it was first "celebrated", but I'm just certain it will catch on!

So, my husband is forcing me to get with the times.

I'm an intelligent girl, but I resist on certain issues already (what will I be like when I'm older?). God help me, I don't want to become someone who's stuck in past. I love:

A real, true, stamped letter- yes e-mail and telephone calls are quick and they do the job, but nothing is sweeter than a pen-to-paper piece of mail from a dear friend... or your grandma...or even your neighbor.

Actual photos- I love the digital age as much as most people. We own a digital camera and I have even been known to use it. However, I find that film, negatives, cool lenses, f-stops, special filters, and a darkroom produce quality prints and an experience unmatched by any digital camera I've seen or used.

Handwritting- I keep an actual handwritten journal for each of the boys. Yes, you can type a letter or keep your thoughts in a Word document, but nothing reveals personality like slanted script or choppy print. Now that my mom is gone, I treasure recipe cards of hers or birthday cards she wrote...its as though a part of her is living on that page. I miss her and it seems to bring her right back to me. I don't feel the same with printouts of e-mails she sent, although the information may be the same.

All this said, Eric and I were talking about things we'd like to do in the boys' bedroom. I started rambling off projects and decorating ideas. He suggested I gather everything into an Excel spreadsheet with cost so that we can plan and take it one step at a time. "Sure, I can organize a nice list and even sketch the finished look for you". That's not what he said. Excel. It needs to be in Excel. I am being given, essentially, a homework assignment that will force me to learn this program. It's been the dragon I just didn't want to slay. I've never needed it before and have done just fine without it for years. I guess this is an excercise in keeping me from becoming the eighty-year-old woman who listens to music on a record player. Incidently, my Grandma Joyce still uses a rotary phone and I love her just the same!

I stopped delivering The News Herrold newspaper months ago. The original time estimates given to me never really were accurate (or maybe I'm incompetent). So, after a three week run, I let the lady know it wasn't for me. However, if they ever needed me on an occasional basis to fill in for someone, "I didn't hate it that much and you'd be welcome to call me and see if I'm available". The other week, I received a call and today's route was the result of me saying "yes".

Sitting in my car bagging papers on the side of the road must have looked suspicious to one of the homeowners. He strolled near my van and said, "is everything okay". "Yes", I replied, holding up one of the circulars protected in its yellow plastic..."I'm just the Paper Lady". The man walked away and Grant exclaimed, "No you're not- you're Mommy!"

I have survived- and so has Mary

Mary Kelso and I have returned from our Michigan trip. For those of you who don't know, Mary is 30 weeks pregnant and will be having little Owen sometime around the start of October. Michiganer (Michiganite?) that she is, her family up north threw a baby shower on Saturday for and her sister, Kristy Jo, who is due mid-November. I tagged along for the ride... eager for a road trip to this much-spoken-of rural area.

Eric, Grant and I had been up there one time before for Mary's mother's funeral nearly two years ago. It was a quick trip and certainly not a "vacation"- so Mary didn't guide us around much and we didn't really see the sites. This time around, I was able to take in a bit more of Michigan and enjoy her charming family.

We left Nashville on Thursday morning and made it to Indianapolis, Indiana by about 3 in the afternoon (give or take) and stopped there to visit a friend of ours, Kerri Kornelson. She and her husband moved up that way last year, so it was nice to catch up and get a tour of her office. As we were heading back to the interstate, we passed by a Trader Joe's. This was an exceptional treat since I have dearly missed these stores during my five years in Tennessee. We went inside and I could hardly decide what to purchase...too many wonderful things! I don't think Mary quite understood my passion. (Yes, I know I've built it up more than it deserves. They are, afterall, just grocery markets. But, there's somehting special.) Friends of ours from Florida understand- they have their own infatuation with Publix markets.

That night, we finally made it into Mary's Dad's house in Burr Oak at about 10 p.m. (normally, an eight hour drive- but Trader Joe's, visiting Kerri and the "two kid" factor certainly delayed our travels a bit) Mr. Harry Troyer was so wonderful to let us stay (I'm sure he'd let his daughter stay anytime...I more mean the Fadely "outsiders"). Grant took a real liking to him over our trip and was sad to say goodbye at the end of it all.

Friday, we went on a day excursion to Lake Michigan (I had never seen a Great Lake before!). We visited the sweet town of South Haven, ate lunch at Three Pelicans restaurant on the river, walked the pier, saw the tiny lighthouse, ate ice cream and headed home. On the way back to Burr Oak, we drove through an old covered bridge, passed by the Magic capitol of the world, and saw where Mary's cousin, Mini Me, lived before hitting it big.

So, there are a few "claims to fame"- but, mostly, you can't escape the serenity, beauty, and delightful quaintness of the area. There are countless fields and trees. Plentiful organized rows of corn fields. Bean fields. Potato fields. Life is simplified and family is big (meaning important, although Mary's family also happens to be big in size) Its the kind of place that makes you feel as though you missed out by living in the SoCal suburbs with just your Mom, Dad, and brother. I never played much with my cousins, never went to Grandma's after church on Sunday for dinner, never lived in a place where everybody knew everybody. There is something so appealing about it all. And, yet, I don't know as I'd easily relinquish the convienent stores, large city opportunities (not that Vista is large...but San Diego is), and anonymity associated with a bigger town. Mary tuned out okay, and so did I- proving God can do amazing things with people from all walks of life.

The rest of the trip, we stayed with Moe and Ruth Troyer, Mary's aunt and uncle. They, as well, invited us in like family and were wonderful hosts.

After staying up until one in the morning, painting toenails and talking, we awoke rather tired on Saturday. This was "shower day". Fun was had. Gifts were given. All went well. Mary's cousin, Mia, who hosted the shower invited us over to swim and relax. It was a bit windy for a dip, but we enjoyed the conversation and relaxation. Mia has two beautiful girls, Megan and Libby, who had such fun with my boys. (black eyes and scratches were exchanged)

Sunday, we went to Harry's church in Colon and then ate lunch at Mia's. She made yummy homemade pizza and we enjoyed leftover cake from the Baby shower.

Monday, it was time to pack up the van and prepare for our trip back down south. We said our goodbyes to Aunt Ruth and proceeded to Vicksburg where we met a high school friend of Mary's, Kim, for lunch at Yogi's Diner. Next was a quick stop in Sturgis at the welding shop for goodbyes with Harry and then we were on the road again.

We made much better time on the way home and were greeted by our dear husbands at about 10:30 last night. Glad to be home, even though it was such a nice trip.

Aaaccckkkkk!!!

Mary and I have settled on a day to leave for Michigan- Thursday morning at 10 a.m. This is a bit overwhelming since I have three people to pack for (since the boys are coming, as well) and I wanted to clean the van AND I have a denist appointment tomorrow to have a filling "installed" (guilty!).

But, this is also great because- and this is just my opinion- when you have long car trips, it makes it feel more worthwhile when you are at your destination for longer than your total time in the vechicle!

Yes, we should have fun....but I've got work to do!

They say say girls grow up to marry men just like their fathers.

I did not intend to do this. And while Eric and my father have many differences, over the years many things have crept up that reveal similarities that are undeniable- almost scary.

My dad likes vanilla ice cream. Plain ol' vanilla. Eric loves Breyer's Natural Vanilla (had some last night, in fact). They both are silly joke men when it comes to kids. Eric has said some things to Grant that I remember hearing as a child (minus the whole "sing God Save the Queen backwards" solution to almost anything....hiccups? "sing God Save the Queen backwards"...stubbed your toe? "sing God Save the Queen backwards"...sometimes the problem might even require singing "God Save the Queen backwards while standing on your head", then you knew it was serious!) My Dad and Eric have been known to pull the whole "Owwie Exchange" game. You don't know it? Well, say you slam your finger in the door- rather than getting a hug or offering to grab some ice for you, these fine men would offer to stomp on your foot to "make you forget about your finger". Very nice, don't you think?

They also share a love of ginger. Today, I am making this. I bought some at Williams-Sonoma recently, and figured I'd try doing it myself. Yum.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC!

I didn't wake him at 2:40 am to wish him a happy birthday like his mother used to each year. (Does that mean I don't love him as much...or I love him more because I didn't? *smile*) I think he is very pleased that I let him sleep considering that today is a workday! (Plus, I would have had to set an alarm for myself- and seeing as how we're in the same room- he'd hear it too- breaking much of the sweet surprise of it all- it certainly would be more annoying than the gentle voice of your mom saying Happy Birthday...yes, I made the right decision) He keeps insisting that birthdays aren't a big deal to him (I still find that hard to believe!).

Because of recent potty-training activities with Grant, I have been house-bound. Haven't been to the gym at all this month! I can't wait to return to some of the everyday things I'm accustomed to. (And it may happen before I'm completely miserable...I haven't pulled out the steam cleaner once today. Yay!)

All that said, I have tried to get onto our own personal treadmill to make up the difference. Today Dean watched and smiled as I sweated- Grant napped and did his own sweating (that boy wakes up nearly drenched). I only have 7 more pounds until I hit the highly sought after "pre-pregnancy" weight. Luckily, I am fitting into old clothes again instead of the dreaded "in between" wardrobe that previously earned its keep as "first trimester" clothing.

And, boy, I have become addicted to working out! Certainly, I am not one of those "gym junkies" that can't think beyond calories, weight rountines, and athletic attire. That said, I have found that my body craves the exercise and it functions better when i have it. The past few weeks, I have felt more sluggish since I've been less active. It can be a rather horrible cycle if you let yourself get caught in it: you feel tired, so you don't work out- which only makes you more tired in the long run. Take care of the "temple". Schedule it. Make yourself do it. Thank yourself later when you notice the difference.

In an effort to keep accidents to a minimum, I am sticking to Grant like glue and being a complete nag ("do you need to potty?"..."do you need to potty?"..."don't you want to try?". Being a stay-at-home-mom, I play every day with my children...reading books, racing cars, molding Play-Doh, making cookies, coloring (inside and outside the lines), blowing bubbles. But, this toilet-training thing (and we're going on a week now) has really opened my eyes as to how often I let him play solo while I accomplish little tasks like laundry, cooking, or cleaning. Being in the same room is not enough right now- if my back is turned, I can't observe his body language enough to sense his need and remind him to run to the bathroom. This past week, I have tried to eliminate even those tiny moments to help him be more successful and it has been fun (while at the same time exhausting) because all we've done is play(okay, I have still done some cooking- the family does need food).

Tonight, as a reward to myself, I'm going out to dinner with my friend LaDonna to relax without the kids. Just girls. Just fun. We're heading to Olive Garden and then hitting the mall (I'm not a really big "shopper", but the stroll should be nice- and air conditioned). I am on the lookout for some new cosmetics and hear that MAC has a great product called "lip glass", so I plan on checking that out. Not much else- just looking forward to a night without the steam cleaner (Grant and Dean must be in a contest that I don't know about!).

Hopefully, Eric has a fun night with "just the boys". Grant and Dean, be nice to your Daddy; I'd like him in one piece when I return!

Having this blog has opened me up to discovering all sorts of other computer communities. I'm not a really computer oriented person. Until this blog, I mostly just read and wrote e-mail, read my comics and news, and used Allrecipes for my kitchen inspiration.

Now, when I log into Blogger, I find myself tempted to click on other people's blogs in the "Recently Updated" list. Many, if not most, are completely uninteresting (probably what strangers think of mine!). Well, in a series of clicks on another person's blog, I came across some wonderful concepts in art.

Those who know me, know that I am a "wannabe artist". My mind thinks creatively, but I certainly don't exercise it enough to produce great work (...I'm doing this thing called "being a mom"). So, I use sewing, and decorating as outlets that have a more practical purpose.

But, here are some neat things to check out:

20 things. 20 people. 20 days.

http://nervousness.org/index.cgi

I especially love the idea of Artist's Trading Cards (ATCs) that seems to be prevalent on the Nervousness site.

So cool. So very cool. I feel inspired. Ahhhh. Now....I go back to planning dinner and doing dishes.

Mr. Independent, Mr. "I do it!", Mr. Impatient

Grant is in the stage where he wants to do everything himself. Paired with his inablitiy to wait, we have a disasterous combination. He can reach almost anything with his buddy "the dining table chair". He scoots that thing everywhere and has been recently exploring the world of preparing food for himself. You might ask, "Where is his mother? The poor neglacted child!".

You see, Dean came and interrupted things here at the Fadely house. Sometimes I am nursing or changing a diaper and can not immediately rush to the aid of Number 1, as we jokingly refer to the three-year-old first born.

So, this morning Grant waltzed into my room and said, "I want something for breakfast". Feeding Dean, as I somehow always seem to be, I told him that if he waited a minute I would certainly feed him as well. A minute? A whole minute?! Silly me, this is an eternity to my young boy who will surely starve in that amount of time.

When I get downstairs, Grant is standing on Dining Table Chair in front of the toaster oven. There is a perfectly golden toasted waffle waiting for him. Upon seeing me, he points out that he "can't get it- it's hot". So, not only did he pull the frozen waffles out of the freezer- he also took one out of the bag, put it into the toaster oven, closed the door, and plunged down the toaster knob. I was speechless.

Sure, we have outlet plugs and cabinet locks and strangle-free window blinds...but how do you "kid-proof" when the kid is so determined? If I unplug the toaster oven, would he attempt to plug it in himself? And which poses the greater harm- attempting to plug it in (risking electric shock), or burning himself because it wasplugged in?

Potty training update

Grant has just completed his initial chart and will be allowed a trip to Chuck E. Cheese's ("where a kid can be a kid"). We are now working on a chart of 12 spaces that allows him a trip to go swimming. Mom is hanging in there. In an effort to be consistent with him, we haven't gone out much. I'm quite stir crazy- but hopefully we'll make enough progress to change that soon.

What's the deal with the US Postal Service? Is it just here in Nashville, or everywhere? We haven't had our mail delivered by a real-looking Postal vechicle since we lived in the apartment our first year of marriage. So, for four years, we've had various cars and Jeeps with a flashing light on top and a magnetic sign slapped on that indicates it's status as a "mail carrier".

Both houses, we have been part of a "rural route", although I could never figure out why...it just says that on our generic mail (like supermarket ads and pizza coupons). So, I figured that the-less-than official looking cars were because of this supposed rural route-"lots of dust, bumps and unpaved roads...sure, I see- they don't want to mess up their cute little white Post trucks!" But, this logic flew out the window when, today, I saw my mail being delivered in a shiny PT Cruiser with a strobe light on top and the same magnetic sign.