Sick of dealing with misleading ads...

I have recently begun my quest for finding the perfect Spring/Summer getaway. And, as many of you that already know me, I am always on the lookout for a good deal. As the search begins for a rental unit, I usually start with VRBO.com. I've always had good luck in finding some really nice places at good rates, and I love the fact that you can see photos of the exact unit your are checking on. Not to mention, you get to deal with the owners directly....well, most of the time. After all, isn't that what VRBO stands for - Vacation Rentals By Owner?

Anyway, I was able to find several units (34 to be exact) that had a great rate, unfortunately by a rental company. I do not like dealing with rental companies since they have so many added on fees, etc. So, I see that this one unit is listed for $495 plus taxes and fees. So I call the company, since they will not return any of my email's requesting a quote. So, I speak to this lady today that tells me that the particular unit I am asking about rents for $1295 a week PLUS taxes and fees. I ask her to look it up on VRBO and explain why the rate has jumped from $495 to almost tripled. She states it says under the rates that "rates are subject to change without notice". I guess that means that even though the page said it had been updated that very day, you can put whatever price you want to get someone to call long distance, only to be mislead. I mean, I could understand if it hadn't been updated for the next year or something, but to list a low price just in the hopes that someone will "bite" is so dishonest. I was furious! I fired off 2 letters, one to the company in particular, and one to VRBO to let them know what kind of company is using their site.

My main argument is....if you are not held responsible for what you post, heck, I could post I have a studio apartment in a secluded, wooded area with wildlife around and great views to rent out for a $1 a week. Then when you call, you find out that it's my son's playhouse in the back yard next to the dog's pen, with a view of my vegetable garden. And, oh, that $1 a week is now $100 a week!

I know, I need to get off my soapbox, take a deep breath and realize that there are some very dishonest people out there. But, when are these people going to be called on it and held responsible for their actions? When a company prints the wrong price on a product, what happens? Can they just decide once you get up to the register that they are going to charge you triple instead of the price printed?

Even though I have had a very bad experience with this one particular company, I will continue to use VRBO. There are some very nice and reasonable people out there. I don't want the bad ones to overshadow the good ones. But, I will definitely put this "lemon of a company" on my naughty list. Someone has to speak up.

Merry Christmas....and a "Love Letter"

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I sit here, tired from all the unwrapping of presents, full of all the wonderful food, happy from all the time spent with family. This is the time of year I cherish...experiencing Christmas through my son's eyes, everything so new and exciting. I'm worn out, but full of joy. As I sat here at my computer, going through all the emails and well wishes from friends near and far, I came across my daily devotional that I receive from Kevin's homeschool curriculum publishers, Alpha Omega. I thought it would be fitting to share this with you, even if you do not homeschool, this is a wonderful message. Enjoy, and Merry CHRISTmas!

A Love Letter
December 25, 2009

I see you sitting there tired, worn out, and empty. Another year of homeschooling has used you up. You feel helpless like a baby. That's OK. I know all about being a baby. I was born one for you many years ago. I know the ache you feel to be held and loved, and that is why I came. I knew you would be sitting there in the future, praying and asking me to hold you, and I am dear one. Let me give you a special Christmas gift of love, as I breathe new life into the very center of your soul.

Do you know that I think of you every moment of every day? I watch you patiently homeschool the children I gave you, and I know how badly you feel when you fail and lose your temper. I forgive you, my child, just as you forgive your children when they make a mistake. "It's OK. We'll try again," you say to them, and I'm telling you the same thing, too. I'm so proud of you and how you've followed me when I asked you to teach your children about me at home. Your sacrifice says that you love me. I know all about that, too. I left everything that was mine when I came from heaven. I know how you feel when the Father asks so much of you.

Look at me, my child. You may feel beat up, but do you know that you are still beautiful? I see that smile. Yes, you're still as beautiful as the day I created you. I love who you are, and I'm whispering your name. Can you hear me? Remember my child that this is not your home. You really belong here with me in heaven. But I want you where you are now to love this family I gave you. Don't give up. I want you to trust me. I won't let you down. Every promise I've made is true, and someday I'm coming back for you. But for now, rest in my love, and tonight and even tomorrow when you wake up, I'll be here watching over you. I love you. Merry Christmas.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:14-15a).

Jesus, thank You for the best Christmas gift I could ever receive — Your forgiveness and love. My heart sings with praise to You for understanding my every need. I love You, Jesus, and offer You my life again to use however You choose. In Your name I pray, Amen.

It's been a rough couple of weeks....

Well, I know I haven't posted in a while, but I have some very good excuses. First, my mom had surgery on her neck, so I was trying to help out as much as possible. On the same day as her surgery, Ken and I were at the doctor's office having a needle biopsy and ultrasound on his neck. Thankfully, the mass they found was a benign cyst. So, nothing left to do on that except wait 6 months and have it measured to see if it has grown. If so, removal of his right thyroid is a must. Last but not least, my step-grandfather passed away. We buried him this last Saturday. He was an unbelievable man, just a generally happy man. May he have the best Christmas possible, celebrating with Christ our Lord! He will be missed though )<;

So, now to the present. Kevin's been sick, but now he is well and anxiously awaiting Christmas to rip open all his presents. This time of year is always so crazy, but with the added "adventures", it really makes you appreciate family.

Now onto our next adventure....planning another family trip! You know me, I love the planning. Now if only I can find some unbelievable deals. Maybe someone can pay me to go to the beach (<: Oh, if only....

I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas! Remember....the reason for the season and every day throughout the year....Christ!