Nothing Like a SUV

We bought a Toyota Sequoia last September. We bought it at the peak of the gas prices - they were almost $5.00/gallon. Some people thought that we were crazy buying a vehicle that got 13 miles/ gallon in town and about 18 miles/ gallon on the freeway. There is no amount of money that can add up to keeping your little family safe. On Monday, one of my worst nightmares came true. We were having a great morning, running a little ahead of schedule; which is always a plus when you are getting four kids ready in the morning, making breakfast, making lunches, remembering instruments, saying a morning prayer, and getting in the car. We loaded up in our car and were off. We came to a red light and stopped. The light turned green. When I was about 1/2 - 3/4 into my turn we were barreled into by another car. I was already looking down the other street that I was turning on so I did not even see the other car coming. She was going about 40 MPH and hit us so hard that the back tire on the opposite side of the vehicle popped off the wheel. My kidos were all screaming and I was freaked out. We pulled out of the intersection and I got out and immediately started inspecting my children for injuries. Not to long later 3 firetrucks came rolling up along with several police cars and an ambulance. The other car was really smashed. Luckily I did see that the other driver quickly got out of her car after hitting us. Bailey and I took a trip to the ER that day and we had to take Taylor and Parker to the Pediatrition the next day. The kids that were in their car seats didn't seem to have much harm at all. Parker only has some bruising on his shoulder from the belt in the car seat. I am so grateful that I had him in his car seat and not in his booster because I think that it made a huge difference. Luckily a person from our ward was at the gas station so he was able to take the 3 younger kids while Bailey and I went to the ER. Tom's dad then picked them up and I was grateful that they were able to be with my grandpa.
The ER report - Bailey has back spasms and possibly a pinched nerve. She had been so upset that she has not been able to play soccer at all. We will see how she feels on Saturday. Taylor has whiplash in his neck. He seems to be healing, just a little sore. I have realized my age. As my husband teases me I Am Now Over 30! I have some serious back pain. We will see how this heals. Possible Physical Therapy and some trips to the Chiropractor will help. Hopefully we won't need to go there.
All in all back pains and neck pains will heal over time. Our car may be totaled because the frame may be damaged, which is sad because our car doesn't look to bad because it is so big compared to the other car and she went under ours. We can always get another car. I AM JUST SO GRATEFUL THAT MY PRECIOUS CARGO WAS SAFE. I always know how much I love my children, but something like this really reminds you how special they really are. When I was at the ER, I really just wanted to have them all together to give a great big hug and to tell them how much I love them
OK - on a funny note, here is another lesson that I learned. PUT A BRA on before you take your kids to school. When I woke up, I grabbed some comfy pants and a white T-shirt that wasn't too clean. I usually do this so I can just get out of bed and make a hot breakfast for my kidos. I realized that the kids could of had cereal and I could of put on a bra!!!! I normally drop my kids off at school and come home to shower because I just can't wake up any earlier than I do - no matter how hard I try and how good my intentions are. About the time that I had 6 firefighters standing around me was when I realized - Oh great no Bra.. Moral of the story, there is ALWAYS enough time to put on a bra!