Our New Wheels!

So in last night’s anniversary post I alluded to our new vehicle. . .I thought I would take a few moments to write about it today since it is now in our possession.

I would like to start by saying that we decided on the need to purchase a vehicle a little more than a year ago. I drive a 2002 Honda Accord (which was my dream car by the way) and Ben has been driving a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. Aside from the fact that Ben’s truck has seen it’s share of wear over the years and is quickly collecting rust, a car seat isn’t exactly a good idea in the cab of a pick-up truck. We had wanted to buy a vehicle last year at this time with the ‘07 models clearance but decided we could get another year out of his truck while we saved money.

Our plan then became to purchase a vehicle by the time Isaac was born so that one of us wasn’t left without an emergency mode of transportation. Early in the spring, Ben was granted permission to buy a motorcycle (a “before my life settles into being a daddy” purchase) which he ended up being able to use well into the fall which bought us a little more time. (NO, we didn’t take Isaac on it, just meaning that it made the truck last longer.)

Which brings us to our purchase yesterday. I am a loyal Toyota or Honda owner. Ben encouraged me to at least research more options. Part of the reason is that our auto mechanic was willing to sell us a car that he had purchased from a local auction if ever one of his purchases interested us. So we PRAYED.

For some time we have been in contact with the mechanic to see what is available. And praying. Last week I told Ben we needed to pray specifically for the vehicle that is right for us (including our budget). This, of course, is our last BIG purchase before moving to a one income household. So, yesterday we found out that there was a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander available (ONLY 5,500 miles on it) and we were so excited! After a little research and talking about the price we were certain that God was answering our prayers.

Now, don’t get me wrong the vehicle is NICE! But the most exciting part of the whole thing for me is that because we have been saving specifically for this purchase over the last year we were able to make the purchase outright! No car payments! WOOOHOOOO! I never dreamed that would ever be possible. To me it just goes to show that God will help you honor your commitments to honor HIM! I am so incredibly thankful.

Back to the car. . .

Of course, here are some pictures. Mommyproof.com gives this vehicle some excellent ratings – especially since it has 9 cup holders! 9999! Awesome! The driver alone has 4! (Between you and me I think there is going to be some fighting over who gets to drive this thing!)

Ben’s favorite feature is the “tailgate” in the back. I tried to take a picture of it for you to see, but really you need to see it in action! It also has one of those fancy shmancy keys that unlocks the car when you open the handle without ever pressing buttons or turning keys (hmm, that might be helpful with an infant in tow)!

The most amusing thing to me is the temporary tags. They expire on Christmas day! Hmm, how many DMV’s do you think will be open that day? I will just laugh and take it as another confirmation that the good Lord has sent Ben and I an early Christmas present!

Well, anyway, if you want to go for a spin just let us know, we would love to show her (yes, Ben, HER) off! and if you are wondering why we just showed up at your house after never, ever visiting you before it might just be because we are looking for a reason to go driving around!