Last night we ate dinner early (I know we eat early every night).  But last night a bit earlier than usual.  Then headed over the hill.  I needed to run to Costco to grab some pictures I had ordered and then to Big Lots to load up on more AWANA store items since I didn’t think I would have enough items for the kids to pick from.  Started up GRIMES (HWY 23).  We heard a loud continued noise behind us.  Brian said it was the big truck, and  then we both got to thinking… “that is not that truck”.  He pulled off the road, right before you get to that first rock quarry and we realized he had a flat tire.  Weird we hadn’t felt it.  He made a U turn and we TRIED to head back.  Didn’t get too far when we realized we shouldn’t be driving it, we could “feel” it now.  We had to pull off.  No cell reception in this area.  I got out and walked down past a house and called my Mom and AAA.  Not a fun walk in pitch darkness and all the going home traffic flying by me.  Mom came and got me and the boys and drove us to Awana. (THANK YOU MOM!)  I had to get there to get ready for store night.  All the kids would be there ready to buy all their Christmas gifts.  By this time I had skip Costco.  Got to church.  Unloaded all the loot.  Set up store.  Thankfully I didn’t need to run and grab more store stuff.  God provided enough stuff, more than enough stuff.  People donated stuff, stuff I didn’t even know about.   Meanwhile, Brian sat waiting…. and waiting…. Brian was set to teach the Awana lesson so I needed him to get there soon.  The AAA guy showed up and tried to change the tire but couldn’t.  So he called another guy to load the van up and tow it.  Brian rode home with the guy.  Kind of a neat story…. he had a Bible sitting on the dashboard and was a believer.  Brian and him had a neat conversation. 

Running Awana store can be a bit crazy.  I was thankful for all the wonderful leaders that helped make it run so smooth.  At our church we only have store twice a year and for the December one, all the kids do CHRISTMAS shopping and we offer wrapping too.  Totally fun, but crazy! Thankfully Luke was so sweet and perfect and play contently the whole time in the saucer all through the “store” time.  Brian ended up making it to Awana right at 7:30, just in time to teach (and miss all the store chaos)!   We got the van fixed today.  Although I drove it home and it seems to DRIVE like a truck instead of my smooth van, so I was bummed and we might have to take it back in.