We've been a one-car family, always. Our budget just never allowed to buy a 2nd car. I've managed to deal with it, in large part thanks to my parents who were always willing to watch the kids (mom) while driving me to run errands (dad) that couldn't be done in the evenings or on the weekends when dh was home. Kids' doctor's appointments, etc. Now, dh's dad just bought a new car, and gave dh his old one! Woo hoo! A sweet little Pontiac Sunrunner (think like a little jeep), with 4 wheel drive perfect for getting dh to work in winter weather. And since FIL is quite the backyard mechanic, it's in great condition. Now I'm losing myself in imagination of all the things I can do since I have a car of my own! We're going to get a family yearly membership to the museum, so we can take advantage of all the great kids/youth/school activities and exhibits and guided tours they do during the week. I can get the older boys into swim lessons at the beach this summer. We can take advantage of the indoor play parks during the school year when most of the kids are in public school. The kids will get to their evening activities on time LOL (most of them start between 6-6:30, and dh doesn't get home from work until around 6:20 or so each day). Oh, the possibilities!
So happy for you! Have fun with your new "freedom"! We were a one car family for almost a year..and just recently my fil blessed us with his car! Michelle
Awesome! We were a 2 car family until the 2nd car died recently. I so miss the freedom. Enjoy yours though!
That is great! I remember when we were a 1 car family....but we only had 1 kid and he was very young. So I think that doesn't count.
Great! We did without a second car for almost 5 years. It is doable, but not easy. And we didn't have family nearby, so if I ever needed the car, me and the dc would have to get up, take dh to work and drive back home in the morning. My mom gave me my car about 8 years ago. I remember how great it felt to be able to get around and shop at off-peak hours. You are going to love it!
I am used to having two cars but we had to go down to one over the past few years. I HATE it. I cannot wait to get a new one. You will have a blast! Have fun!
We have always been a 2 car family, and the few times we have been down to 1 for what ever reason about killed us. I don't go often during the day, but when something comes up I don't like to have to worry about how we will juggle. We don't live in town and hubby doesn't work close enough to walk, and his hours would be horrid if I had to wake the kids to take him to work.
We have always been a one car family, but thankfully we've also always lived in areas where there is great public transportation. Usually DH takes the bus to work, or I drop him off and use the car. He refuses to take the car and leave me home with the kids without transportation, though sometimes I can get him to take the car and go but I really have to beg! I actually prefer the busses and light rail here to driving as I don't have near as much aggrivation when someone else drives, and the older boys enjoy watching everything from the giant windows, the baby usually just sleeps.
We're a one car family cause we've always been a one driver family. I don't have my drivers license. (I now have my learners permit and as of July qualify to sit for my provisional license) Most people think I have no freedom, especially when Dh is deployed. But we manage just fine. God gave me two feet and a heart beat. I can get most anywhere. It just takes organisation. But with the prospect of me having my license, I have to say, I am quite excited and I share in your excitement about being able to do more with the kids schooling wise. Congrats!
Ya for the second car! It's nice being able to have two cars. We are now a one car family but it's okay because hubby takes the work bus to work and I have the car but most of what I need is in walking or public transportaion distance. When we get back to the states we will still be a one car family because this car cannot go to the states and we gave my van to my parents.
oh, I've been there, waking the kids early to drive dh to work so I could have the car! Won't miss that! LOL We live outside of the city, so the only public transportation we have is a bus that goes into the city several times in the morning (between 6-9am) and then runs again in the evening (between 4-7pm). It's geared towards commuters, mostly. I'd be more than happy to use public transportation if it was more accessible. Since it's not, I'm gonna enjoy having the car, for sure!
Since I have been unemployed and staying home my DH uses my car to get to work. He leave his truck for me. May sound nice, but I can't fit behind the wheel and touch the gas or brakes, lol. Needless to say, it's the same as being a one car family. My only major complaint is that once DH is home he wants to come along. I need to run to the store to get a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread (he wants to drive). I want to take DS to the library to check out a book (he doesn't read anything, but he wants to drive). The most rediculous.... I want to visit at a girlfriends house. You guessed it. He wants to drive me there, then come and pick me up. Wondering who he's more married to, me or my car?!!
We've been there, too. We were a one-car family for several years. I worked at a Mother's Day Out program 2 days a week, and had to get everyone (2 kiddos at the time) up at 4am to take dh to work those days. Then he got his current job, which provided company cars (to use all the time w/200 personal miles allowed). That was FABULOUS!! Then they decided it was too expensive and went with a monthly mileage check. We were fortunate that the company allowed us to buy one of their cars at the amount owed on it. We've thought about going back to one car, but with all the kids' activities and dh's sometimes-odd schedule, it would be really hard to do. Glad you have more freedom!
That is wonderful news! I haven't had to deal with that yet, but have been thinking about how I could make it work since one of our cars is getting very old and I don't think we could handle another payment yet. I know I could do it, but it won't be fun. So happy you will have the chance to run around on your own schedule!
