did I think I would be excited about having a mini-van! That’s right folks, I am now the proud new owner of a 2005 Dodge Caravan.
I had been living a dream believing that 3 kiddos could fit comfortable in the back seat of our Volkswagen Passat. However, even if we could purchase the best combination of booster, car seat, & infant seat, my little momma McLaine would probably mother poor little baby Silas to death. During these last few weeks of sleepless pregnant nights I have found myself worrying more and more about her putting things into his mouth that don’t belong or possibly smothering him in blanket love. So we went in search of a reasonable priced vehicle that could separate little momma from baby WHEN needed. It didn’t take long to find our dream car!
There is nothing fancy about this mini-van. Absolutely, no bells and whistles! Not even electric window openers. However, it has already been such a blessing! Definitely a lesson in submission for me too!
When we returned from Ethiopia, we knew that we would need to purchase an automobile because we sold both of ours before leaving for the field. When we returned to the states, we had 2 kids but thought eventually we would probably want to add a third to our brood. We were not trying to have another baby nor had we decided definitively that we would anytime soon. So when Joe suggested that we go ahead and purchase a mini-van just in case, I tantrumed like a toddler. “We only have 2 kids and they will fit perfectly fine in a sedan!” “I don’t want to be a mini-van driving mom!!!” “Next thing you know, you’ll want me to wear mom jeans.” I laid it on pretty thick and he eventually conceded.
Just a few months after we purchased the Passat, we found out that another baby Bridges was on the way!! WHY OH WHY didn’t I listen? He is a reasonable man. I mean he wasn’t really asking me to wear mom jeans. He was just trying to save us time, money and an extra car negotiating trip (something we both HATE)! I wanted what I wanted and I knew what to say and do to get the car versus the mini-van. Not a proud moment for me 
Luckily, we didn’t have to take out an interest bearing loan for the van. My grandfather loaned us the money until we are able to sell our Volkswagen. (PSST: Anyone need a car??) But Joe still had to go through the agony of buying the van & NOW selling the car. I could have saved him a lot of wasted time and effort if I had listened to his wisdom in the first place. I know I must frustrate him immensely sometimes but he always responds in love. He is very patient with me and never says I told you so. Such a Godly man! You would think that it would be easy to submit to someone who responds appropriately BUT my stubborn sin nature still rears it’s ugly little head and I, unfortunately, still roll with it.
ON A LIGHTER NOTE:
Did you know that jumping on a trampoline can be hazardous to your hair??
And that being 36 weeks pregnant with your third can make you look like this…(Not so much the crow’s feet around the eyes but definitely the extremely huge belly).
I swore I would NEVER drive/own a minivan. Yet my first (and only) brand new vehicle I ever purchased was a 2005 Caravan, and I absolutely love it. I hope you enjoy yours too!
You look great Karyn! We must be third time around preggo-twins.
. Thanks for sharing such an honest post. I too am down with the minivan now. It’s a very convenient ride! You’ll totally rock it! Can’t wait to see you again and compare notes. Not too much longer to go!
Hey…we just became proud owners of a minivan a couple months ago too. Strange how much I love it. You will LOVE it too!!!
Great mini van. Love the name for your little one and you look FABULOUS!!
She really didn’t act as bad as she said everyone! But it was obvious to me that she did not intend to ever drive a minivan. I think she’s coming around little by little. For some reason I love the minivan and secretly enjoy getting to use it.
I threw a bit of a tantrum when we got our first van too (we waited until after our 3rd child was born because I was still convinced we could fit them all in the back of our Toyota Corolla! ha!!). I drove vans for around ten years before finally getting an SUV (my current car). I never fell in love with driving vans, but they sure were convenient!!! lol…
You are the cutest pregnant person!! I’m sure you hear that all the time!
And Mac’s hair – too cute!!
Your article made me laugh. Thanks.
You are hilarious
Really laughed about the mom jeans. That belly is looking as cute as usual when there is a baby in it 
I know what you’re saying, Karyn, but my minivan is awesome. Just wait ’til you guys come to Memphis in it. There’s just nothing more comfortable and convenient than a minivan. Plus, who wants to steal it?
I saw a youtube video one time called, “Mom my ride” (like “pimp my ride”) It’s hilarious! I laughed until I cried when I saw it. They basically take a new minivan and destroy it – just like kids will. 
You’re so cute!
Lovin the new vehicle. Trust me, Mr. McGoo loves driving around in my rents old big bertha green van because it actually has air conditioning, unlike his car, and sits much higher! ha ha (dont tell him I just typed that all over the internet world, he he).
hilarious photo of Mac and enjoyed the retelling of your vehicle purchasing saga! thanks for sharing. good post!
Here’s the link to the hilarious video: