It's official. We are a "big" family. After the birth of #6 we were no longer able to fit in our mini van. For over a year, we have been driving two cars everywhere while we saved and searched for the perfect new-to-us vehicle. I am pleased to announce that the bus has finally arrived!
Bus? Yes, according to Ohio code, our 12-passenger vehicle is technically... a bus. Which is wonderful since we can now sing "The wheels on the bus..." with real feeling.
I have never been particular about vehicles. Cars are tools and it's a bonus if they are comfortable and look nice but the details are not super important to me. My only preference this time was in favor of a van that wasn't white. Of course, white is less expensive and I understand that. It's just that all my friends with big families have shiny colorful vans. White vans are for people who paint and plumb and hammer and like to put ladders on the top of their vehicles. Mine is a mama bus; if it can't be pretty at least let it be not white. We've looked seriously at a hunter green van, a silver van, a navy blue van and a red van...
... but our van is definitely white. Get out the Sharpies kids... mama wants some color! It also has a diesel engine. And it beeps when we back up... which is a very fortunate thing for pedestrians when I am attempting to park but also has the disappointing affect of calling attention to my inevitably sorry parking attempts when others might not otherwise notice.
I haven't actually driven it yet and I confess some trepidation. I see my tiny mama friends behind the wheels of their huge vehicles and think that I aught to be all right. Just don't ask me to park anywhere. Have a good time at your tournament, kids! Mom will just be in the parking lot. Driving around in circles. Yes, I see that parking space. It just doesn't look like it's meant for me. I'm fine. I have crackers and water and I went to the bathroom before we left. Text me! Love you!
We have been trying to come up with a name for our new wheels. Crash suggested "Disaster Transport" (which I secretly find hysterical) and someone else suggested "Bob." I think something a little more Catholic is in order but am drawing a blank.
I am grateful to God for this wonderful gift. I am grateful to my husband for working hard to bring it home. Jellybean and Button are grateful that they no longer have to sit facing backwards (in the station wagon). The older kids are grateful to have another few inches to breath. We are all grateful to be able to travel as a family again.
Incidentally, the timing of our new arrival couldn't have been better as a rear strut (I think) broke while I was driving the wagon on New Year's Eve. Popped right up through the interior next to Jellybean.
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| Jellybean's new seat in "the bus" next to our new window cling crucifix. |
8 comments:
I am visiting from catholic moms online. I love your new car. I have friends with the last name snow and we live in texas. She took her white van and had some snow scene in blue painted on the sides with "The Snow Mobile" put on the front doors. Be creative and enjoy the vehicle. It is a big family's bagde of honor.
How wonderful that you are all able to travel together again! I never test drove "Big Blue" before we bought her either. This troubled the salesman, but my reply was, "I can do it." Secretly, I just didn't want to have to have him in the passenger seat watching me figure it out with my 9 month pregnant belly behind the wheel! We've had ours for 2 years and I really do enjoy it! Parking can be a bit tricky and I DON'T parallel park (Todd does just to show off!) but you'll figure it all out. I wish mine beeped when I backed up....lucky you!
YAY, for a large family. I dream of one day being blessed enough to have to drive a family bus as this.
This post had my husband and I chuckling. We have needed one for over a year now but every once in a while we have rented one, just like the one in your picture.
With prayers,
Charline
So glad you are back!
Congrats! We have a similar bus but grey. Being both my husband and I are former military, ours is affectionately called The CAV, standing for Catholic Assault Vehicle. We are no longer in the Armed Forces but happy to be part of the church militant:)Will your bus have a name? hee hee
I see I'm not in this alone...lol. I drove it for the first time today and love it. Driving... not parking! I was fortunate that both stops I made had empty parking lots. :)
Neen-I'm super tempted now to get creative with the paint job...lol. Thanks for sharing!
Heather-Parking can be "tricky" you say. I have yet to be convinced that I can park at places like Walmart. Tricky would be better than impossible for me. :) Love "Big Blue"!
Catherine Anne-I never dreamed I'd be in this position. We didn't even have a second car until #4 came along. Now we have two and one of them is a bus. :) God dreams BIG!!
Charline- We have rented bigger vehicles in the past so that we could travel together. It is so nice to finally have one in the drive. Thanks for the welcome back. :)
Tiffany-CAV is hysterical! So perfect. I'll let you know what we come up with.
yeah!!!! i'm so happy for you and your blessed clan. my bus is a mini version of yours but it has the beeping action going on.
enjoy and continue to offer prayers of thanksgiving.
ALL FOR!
P.S. i can't wait to here your name.
tiffany, i love your name for your bus.
Terrific! Now you have room to include your mother on some of your outings!
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