This is way better than bringing in the groceries!
My youngest child, Hayden (aka: the baby), will turn 16 this coming Monday. Needless to say, we have spent the last several weeks shopping for a reasonably priced (and safe) used car. He test drove one on Monday that he fell in love with, but it was a tad over our budget. Hayden agreed to kick in some money from his savings, but by the time we called on Tuesday, the owner had another potential buyer interested in the car. We told Hayden it wasn't looking good and not to get his hopes up. We were notified Wednesday morning that the other buyer couldn't pull their financing together and without telling Hayden, we bought the car yesterday afternoon while he was at school.
Keith picked him up after school and when he pulled into the driveway, I was down the street waiting in the car we bought him for the signal. (We had hidden my car). He thought I was at the grocery store, so I pulled into the driveway and called Keith's cellphone (as per the plan) and asked them to come out and help me bring in the groceries (which didn't exist!). I can't believe it, but we pulled off the surprise! Talk about a happy boy! It was bittersweet to say the least.
I'm trying to prepare myself for the moment he walks out the door with his keys for the first time. Even though I've had some practice, that moment is like a sucker punch...and a signal to step up your prayers!
16 comments:
I love this post! My 15 year old (the oldest)just got her learner's permit Friday! As we sat in the testing center I had a major "mommy moment"...How did this happen so soon?...it kinda took my breath away...Surely by the time the baby turns 16 I'll be ready!
Blessings!
Teresa
So he talked y'all out of the Suburban, huh?!
Fun surprise!
Wow, you can drive at 15?? In NY it's 16. I wondered why on earth you were buying a car for a kid who couldn't even drive yet, (and wondering how HE test drove it) and then I saw the comment from Teresa and realized other states must have other age requirements! My oldest will be 13 next month and I can't IMAGINE her driving in a few years! Let's raise the age to 25, shall we??
What a fun fun way to surprise him!!!!!!
NOTHING CAN PREPARE US! I have one to go and will never be ready! LOL
Great surprise! I still have a few years for this but watching my 9 year old drive the golf cart reminds me the days are numbered!
Oh my gosh! Well it just so happens that I turn sixteen on Tuesday.. I'm not a blogger, but my mom is and I always get on her blog to check yours! But anyway, wish Hayden a Happy Birthday. I cannot wait to drive away as soon as next week rolls around.. My parents can, however. Oh well. I just thought that was too funny. LOVE your blog!
Allyanne
queenieslittlekingdom.com
Is this a southern thing? Up here in NY kids can't even get their learner's permit until they're 16!! Even then, waiting as long as possible to get on the road is encouraged - the fee schedule is such that the longer you wait to get your permit and license, the cheaper it is. My 16 1/2 year-old baby girl just got her permit a couple of weeks ago. My son didn't have his own car until he was 18 (which he worked hard to earn and was very proud of, even though it was a bit of an antique). I must admit I would be more than a bit nervous handing over keys at 16 - it was hard at 18! What a great birthday surprise - your son must be estatic!
Here in Missouri they get their permit at 15 also. I think it may have to do with region. Many parents around here are glad when the kids "finally" get their liscense because then they can drive themselves home from their many after school activities. Most of these kids have been on Tractors, go-carts, four wheelers etc. for years anyway. I guess that's rural America. My little brother will get his permit next month but, he's been racing go-carts competitevly since he was six. We're hoping he has all the crashes out of his system by now.
Oh they grow up so fast. I remember when my son first started driving. I did not like it as I felt I did not have control anymore. I'm feeling better now. He's now a responsible young adult living on his own.
Blessings in Christ-
This is so much fun! I remember when my parents surprised me with my first car. I was elated! It was great and I drove it from the time I was 16, to the time I graduated from college and could buy my own car, and I did! You did good, Mama!
Ah yes...driving! I've survived one with flying colors. The second has increased my insurance rates. Three and four are yet to know the pleasure, nor really care at this point! Sponge Bob is still priority number one in their minds.
I wrote about my oldest son today...about his going to Bolivia this summer on a mission trip. So many emotions come with such a "letting go." It seems my life has walked this portion in abundance over my 42 years.
I referenced your blog in my post today. Thanks for continuing to champion the cause of purity and maturity in the lives of our young people...
and in us!
peace~elaine
My son gets his permit, hopefully, next week on his 15th birthday. A couple of Christmas' ago, we surprised my daughter with a new car for college. I had her believing that we were going to get family pictures made, but she woke up sick that morning and said she couldn't go. We finally talked her into going for a drive, just to get out of the house. Then as we passed the dealership, my husband "remembered" he had to get some parts for the car. We walked around the lot while he was "shopping". They parked her car next to a mustang. She said she wished she could have one of those and we said well..not, but what about that one. She was so excited she ran inside to throw up!
Since my son knew about the surprise, we wanted to surprise him too. When we stopped at the grandparents house to show the car, we sent him to the barn where he found a new motorcycle.
Sorry I wrote so much, but it was a fun day for us and the kids. But I really liked the day that she took over the car note!
Wow! Congratulations on pulling off the surprise! This is indeed a milestone! I love planning surprises and this one really goes on top of the list. He surely deserves that car because it was really meant for him.
Coolness Mrs. Vicki:)
katiegfromtennessee
Wow, I can't believe it! Happy Birthday Hayden! Vicki---cool surprise :).
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