[Sif]

Since I met Dh 17 years ago, we have never had a car. He didn't have a licence because he didn't need one - always living in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. Being legally blind, I couldn't get a licence.

When DS#1 was six months old we started talking about Dh getting a licence, but I guess his confidence was a bit low because he didn't actually start lessons for another 8 years. I think he only did that then because of my relentless nagging ...

Trying to parent four kids without a car in Melbourne has no been easy, and as they get older it has become progressively more challenging. There has been a lot our kids have missed out on because it was just 'too hard to get there.'

Dh did 3.5 years of lesson and did 9 driving tests before he finally got his licence back in June last year. He is a good, very cautious driver, and because he was so cautious he used to stall manual cars, eep! So, eventually he changed to automatic to get his licence.

Getting an automatic licence meant he couldn't use his deceased father's car. We thought MIL would sell the car and help us get an automatic as with FIL gone there was no one to drive her around either. She has really resisted doing this - I think she is worried about her only child driving and possibly being in an accident and then she would be 'all alone'.

Without MIL's assistance we had no hope of affording a car on our own. Neither Dh or I are working at the moment. He has been trying to get work for nearly four years but even having been offered a couple of position, the offers have been withdrawn at the last minute by the bosses of people who offered him the job, people who never met him, but who we believe saw his age (50+) on paper and thought him 'too old'. It has been very frustrating as he has retrained and tried everything he can to get work.

In recent months it has become more and more obvious that the kind of jobs he probably can get in his capacity as an aged carer require him to have his own car.

The catch 22 is that without a car, he can't get a job and without a job, he couldn't get a car!

But then my parents stepped in and traded in their second car - their nest egg, their only little piece of insurance - and bought us a car!!!

We finally have a car!

Dh can finally apply for jobs that require him to have a car!!!

I'm really hoping this will make all the difference to us and well will now be able to drag ourselves up beyond the poverty line!

If you have read this far - thank you! We're all so excited, the kids keep saying, 'We've got a car!' with a look of amazement on their faces, this is a whole new world for them!

[sparkler]

I am so happy for you, I cannot drive due to a medical condition and even though we do have a car mon - fri if I want to take DS anywhere I have to use public transport, makes it tough with after school activities etc, it can be quite limiting sometimes.

And you have lovely parents!

[House.of.blue]

This post has made me smile congrats on getting a car OP and hopefully your DH gets a job he likes now you have it.

Good things come to those who wait.

[CAWO]

Wonderful news, enjoy your car. Where are you going for your first outing?

[2littlemonkeys]

Congratulations Sif!! You must all be very excited about the car- it really will make life much easier by the sounds of it.

I hope it helps out on the job front for your DH also- could be in for a very exciting 2013 It is amazing the difference a car can make in making it possible to get to events etc isnt it ? I am sure the kids will also enjoy the novelty and can see you DH making many inpromptu trips due to their excited requests!

Your post has my morning- love a bit of good news!

[.MrsM.]

that put a smile on my face that your kids were so excited.

we should all really learn to appreciate things more. i just take for granted that i can jump in the car and go.

[Sif]

Where are you going for your first outing?

Grocery shopping, hahaha! No more hauling groceries home on the bus in oversized backpacks, or having to take a cab for the fortnightly shop, woot!

We want to take the kids to beach while the weather is good, we've never taken them to the beach because coming home wet and salty on a tram with tired kids never seemed worth it...

This post has been edited by Sif: 10/02/2013, 10:03 AM

[EssentialBludger]

That's wonderful news. I'm in awe that you've managed for so long! With 4 kids too! I would be screwed if my car ever broke down and I've only got 2 kids!

Don't forget your 4yo needs a booster seat (I'm sure you already know this! Just in case! )

[JuniorSpies]

Enjoy

[Sif]

Don't forget your 4yo needs a booster seat (I'm sure you already know this! Just in case! )

Four year old and seven year old both in boosters - we had to have them for getting lifts with friends and family .

This post has been edited by Sif: 10/02/2013, 10:28 AM