So, lots of people driving around in Vegas don’t have air conditioning in their cars, I know this to be true.  We, however, have not been in that category.   Until two weeks ago.

Hubby was planning to go on a long weekend vacation to CA, and the DAY before he was to leave, the A/C went kerplooey in the car.  You can only imagine how HAPPY this made him.  I mean, we do live in Vegas after all.  And he was going to be driving across the desert to CA.  During the day.  When it’s HOT.

He took the car in hoping it would be a quick fix.  It was not.

It’s now almost two weeks later, and the A/C is not fixed.  Instead, we are quite a few dollars poorer, what with the car rental so he could go to CA, and what with the car fixer-up place charging us a LOT of money to tell us that they couldn’t figure it out and can’t fix it.

If I sound like I’m whiney, I’m really not.  I mean, I am annoyed that we had to pay to NOT have it fixed, but really, I’m counting my blessings.  (It IS Gratituesday, after all!)  Here’s what’s GOOD about this situation:

1. The A/C broke BEFORE he left.  It would have been a nightmare if it had broken on the way TO California, or while he was there. (Turns out there were also some electrical issues that needed immediate fixing – not related to the A/C).  I am so glad he and his dad and lil Allan were able to go to CA in comfort and that they didn’t end up stranded in the DESERT.

2. We still have a car. As difficult as the no A/C thing is, NOT having a car… would be much more difficult.

3. The weather?  In Vegas?  Has been downright LOVELY for the last week.  In a very unusual turn of events, we are enjoying 80 degree weather in JUNE in Vegas.  The no A/C thing has really not been an issue, since we have windows and a sunroof.  Normally it would be in the low 100’s this time of year.  There has been some discussion about whether God is altering weather patterns for us right now.  (I’m in the “I think He is” camp, btw).  If He IS, I wonder if He’ll consider doing it all summer long?  (Ok, so that is probably a stretch, but wow, wouldn’t that be cool?  Literally?) 

4.  I might get to buy a new scarf… or two.  So far the only major issue (for ME) has been the flyaway hair I experience when we are going places.  All four windows down and a sunroof open mean that I arrive at our destinations looking a little like the unkempt Bride of Frankenstein.  On Sunday, on the way to church, I used Martha’s blanket as a make-shift scarf to keep my hair in place.  It worked out ok, but I think Mama needs to go SHOPPING.  I’m contemplating getting one in pink and one in blue.  (I have a “boring” wardrobe).

5.  Our kids are learning about hardship and fortitude.  Ok, so it’s not really been THAT hard so far… and lots and lots and lots of kids have grown up without A/C in their car… or in the buggy behind the horse… or while WALKING uphill both ways to school in the snow… er, desert.  But, it’s still a good lesson for our kids that life isn’t always 100% pleasant and that sometimes you have to roll with it.  Even when it’s hot. And Mommy’s hair is scary.

6.  Our kids are learning all about WIND.  So, who knew that a hardship like losing our A/C could turn into a science lesson?  But, it has!  Daddy explained all about weather fronts and weird stuff like that. (He really may have been making it up as he went along).  Regardless, it made for very silly, fun chatter in our car, especially because the kids thought it was HYSTERICAL to watch their hair (and Mommy’s) fly all over the place in the wind.  MORE WIND, they said.  Only kids would ask for MORE WIND…

Obviously I realize that there are FAR worse things that could happen than losing the A/C in our car.  If I had to pick, I’d say THAT is the number ONE thing I’m grateful for today…that with everything we COULD be facing, the worst of our current family problems are that Mommy needs a scarf and we all sweat a bit more on the way to church.  Now, I can’t promise to be this glib a month from now when the thermometer reads 115 degrees.  But I WILL try to be thankful for our blessings.

And the kids laughing hysterically at the wind blowing in their hair will help a whole bunch, I’m sure!

So, how about you?  What are you thankful for?  Join in the gang over at HeavenlyHomemakers and tell us all about it!