You know how exciting it is when your baby first get a tooth, takes a first step, and says his/her first word? I have to tell you, this past week has ranked right up there as one of the most exciting “firsts” for our family, particular for oldest son, Asa. Allow me to introduce to you the newest member of our family:
Yes indeed, our 17 year old has purchased his first car.
It’s been quite the event. My dad, Asa’s “Papa,” called a few weeks ago to let us know he may have found a good car if Asa was interested. My dad is an auctioneer, so he frequently comes across items of interest. The car isn’t new, and it isn’t fancy, but if Asa wanted something reliable, this could be perfect. It had been owned by an older person who hadn’t driven it much and had taken good care of it.
We did a lot of research, loving that although the car is old (1994), it has low mileage and a good reputation. Asa decided on a price to bid for the car, and left it in Papa’s hands since the auction was in Kansas. Our family went on to play in a Basketball Triangular all day Saturday while my dad carried on with his auction at the same time. As we were heading home after a long day on the basketball court, the text from my dad came in, “Asa owns a car.”
Shouting and high fives and all around. He had won the bid! Not only that, he got a lower price for it than we had expected – a blessing for sure!
We are so proud of Asa. He has been working hard and saving his money for years. This purchase was a wise one, and very doable for him because of the way he’s handled his money through the years. He’s even still got a savings cushion (which hurts him on the FAFSA, as we are now learning – don’t even get me started).
He’ll get to bring his car home after our Thanksgiving trip to Kansas, so the timing for this purchase couldn’t be better. As always, God worked this one out just right.
Lisa @ www.LisaAppelo.com says
Congratulations on the first kids’ car! That is a huge step. What a blessing to have a granddad help out with the purchase!
I’m thankful for God’s providence and perfect timing, especially as I’ve had to rely on Him over and over to help me order my steps. His timing is always so amazing! http://lisaappelo.com/gods-perfect-providence/
Have a great Thanksgiving. :)
Sandra @ Sandra's Ark says
I am thankful for all that Jesus has done for me and everything He has promised us in His Word.
http://sandrasark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/i-love-my-saviours-promises-things-i.html
Lana says
Ah, yes, the FAFSA. When our youngest graduated from college last year that was the thing that my husband was most glad about-‘I will never have to fill out another FAFSA’ was all he had to say. He did 21 of them!
One encouraging thing about having a bunch of kids though is that the more you have in college the more money they are eligible for. We had three in college at one time and there was money available from many sources and the financial aid offices were very helpful. We went through a 9 month period of unemployment during those years and a call to each college resulted in more money for all three of our students during that time. Keep the lines of communication open with your kids’ colleges.
One tip I can offer after getting five through college on scholarships is that you can dicker a bit, especially if there is a high SAT score. Our youngest son had over 20 full tuition scholarships offered to him but the college of his choice did not offer enough money. He called them and told them that he would have to have more money if he was to attend their school and they came through because they wanted him. He went to a private college that costs $45K a year and came out with only $12K in debt for all 4 years. He was also almost immediately employed due to the college he graduated from since they are so respected.
Don’t be afraid to send your children to secular schools. Four out of five of ours went to secular colleges and honestly the one that went to a Christian college is the one with the most problems as an adult and we feel it was because of the crazy, legalistic rules at college. This one came out so angry and we have seen others the same. Secular schools also have the money backing them for the big scholarships. Also, if you have boys going into engineering we found that the only way to go is secular. We have two engineers who went to state schools and our research did not come up with a good engineering degree from a Christian school as many of them are not accredited and therefore the graduate is not employable unfortunately.
I did not mean to write a book but we have been there and it is helpful to have parents of home school kids who have navigated the college waters tell you how some of it works. We were blessed to have help and would have been lost without it.
Way to go Asa! (I know you are glad he has a big car so that he safer.)
Laura S says
Thanks for the info!
ms.p says
What God has provided for my family.
Julie says
The FAFSA is a right of passage too! Asa (and you) will learn to spend down assets – buy books in advance, pre-pay for tuition and anything else you can!
If you have other family members looking to do some coursework, now is a good time. When I was in college, my dad used his veterans benefits to take a few classes. Because our family had two people in college, the family contribution was cut in half.
Michelle says
Congratulations Asa!
I am feeling so thankful for my husband and son, who are so easy going and have such great attitudes. Our oven is broken so we had to cancel our thanksgiving dinner and we have no where to go! But, they haven’t complained once and are even excited by our plans to decorate for Christmas, play games, and make a Charlie Brown thanksgiving (toast, popcorn, jelly beans, and pretzels)!
Lana says
Crock pot? Maybe cut the turkey into pieces or just cook a breast? A breast does very well in my crockpot but you may need to put it on in the wee hours of the morning.
Karen S says
Our oven is broken too; we have a toaster oven for baking casseroles. Last year we cut the breast off from the turkey and roasted that in the toaster oven. We boiled the rest in a large stock pot; it was delicious, and I don’t like dark meat.
Karen S says
I am grateful for healthy children and my beautiful, healthy granddaughter. A precious 4 week old daughter of my son-in-law’s dear friend went to be with Jesus on Sunday. They knew the odds were against her almost from the beginning of the pregnancy. She was a little fighter, but wasn’t able to overcome. It has just reinforced my deep sense of gratitude for healthy children.
Shannon says
Awesome Asa! Our son just bought his first car too. He only had to “borrow” $400 to get it and he’s sworn that he will pay us back with his first paycheck next summer. We told him that he didn’t have to, but he insists. The fact that the kid saved $3000 in less than a year seemed to us to be a good enough reason to gift him the rest of the money. We were very proud of him, he never once assumed mom and dad would get him a car, he’s always told us that he was going to buy his own. It’s awesome when you see the seeds you’ve planted in your kids come to fruition.
Lisa says
This week, I am choosing to be thankful for Angelman Syndrome. It’s the condition our eight year old has, and I’ve allowed bitterness in my life over this area for far too long.
No more. I choose to be thankful. Such a freeing feeling, the Lord is so good!
Here is a link to the post I wrote on this topic…
http://maggiesmilk.blogspot.com/2014/11/choosing-thankfulness-angelman-syndrome.html?m=1
Brianne Banning says
Oh, the days…Asa’s car picture brings back memories! I am thankful for my family’s health this season of life. Our family has been battling cancer for too long. My daughter and now my father-in-law are free of this horrible disease. I see God showering us with blessings everyday!
Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family~you are blessed!
Laura says
I’m not sure I’ve ever met you in person, but I grew up with the Bannings. Talley even sang in my wedding! I’ve been praying for your daughter and father-in-law for many years. I’m so thankful to hear that they are both cancer free. Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!
Charlotte Moore says
Wha an exciting time for Asa!! I worried when our boys first started driving. So far so good. One is grown with 3 grown boys of his own. The other just turned 38 Sunday. Where does the time go? Thank the LORD for good health for us all.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!
Joy says
I am thankful for my beautiful family of five! This includes my first daughter who passed away 3 years ago. Thru her short life and death, I have been taught numerous thing. I’ve learned how to pray fervently. And be patient even for the answer, “no”. I’ve learned that God is good and is never far. He hurts right along with me. He too, lost a child very special to Him. I have learned how to accept help and hospitality, allowing others to show me Jesus even if I am capable on my own. I have learned how to be more open in my marriage with emotions and conversations. I have learned that God speaks thru music, cards, meals, hugs. I am thankful that God answers prayer. That Maggie no longer hurts, struggles, or feels pain and gets to play right at Jesus feet. I am thankful for two children that have resemblences to my first born who I no longer get to watch grow. They are beautiful littles souls. I love watching them grow up in the Lord. Nothing is sweeter than a little voice screaming in tune, “oh God! how I need you!” I am thankful for a husband who is patient and kind and loves me for me. He fights for my childrens best interests. He loves and serves the Lord well. I am thankful to be a parent, understanding just a little more about the Fathers love for me. I have so much more to be thankful for too.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
This week, I am sharing my blessings on my blog, but they include salvation, eternal life, and present & future hope in Jesus Christ. I’m also thankful for family, friends, church family, and the online community I have met via blogging. I’m extremely thankful for the basic necessities that we often take for granted, but that most of the world lives without. Our blessings are simply too numerous to count, aren’t they? May you and yours have a safe trip and a wonderful time with family. Congrats on your “new” wheels, Asa! How exciting this must be for you!
Jodi@prairiekuchen says
Yay on the “new” car! My dad is also an auctioneer – so fun when they can spot the good stuff for you!!