One of the perks of being a traveling salesman is the company car. Every 2 years and 50,000 miles, my husband is given a list of vehicles available for his choosing. The car is ordered and made especially for him. He even picks the colors.
After he receives his brand spanking new car we are given the opportunity to purchase the previous vehicle. The price is usually below blue-book value. This year we will be buying his 2005 Ford Freestar and selling our 1999 Ford Windstar. (Prior to those he drove a Ford Liberty and another van, which he wrecked in a roll-over accident).
When we made the decision to sell our old van, I immediately thought of my sister, Amanda. She and her partner, J, have fought with their Isuzu Rodeo. Basically, it has turned out to be a unreliable piece of shit. With schooling, a daughter in tow, and every month a struggle to make ends meet, they have just dealt with the Rodeo. It is a pickle: they can't afford to buy a better vehicle yet have to shell out money every few months for repairs.
After discussions with the hubby (who agreed wholeheartedly), we decided to sell our 99 Van (which has NEVER had a problem) to my sister for a very good deal. She also gets to house/dog/cat sit for us when we take our summer vacation.
In preparation for this event, I thought I'd better inform the children. So, while driving along one day I told them we would be selling our van to Auntie Mandi
"Why?" was the immediate response.
"Well, Auntie Mandi's car is in really bad shape." I said. "So, she needs a better vehicle to drive Curly Mop around."
Jammin' asked once more, "Why do we have to sell it?"
Buttercup responded, matter-of-factly. "Because Auntie Mandi has a really bad shape."
LOL...aren't kids the cutest!?!! And that's really good of you to share your fortunes with your more unfortunate sister!!! That's what family is all about. Good for you and hubby.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | February 03, 2007 at 09:49 AM
That is so funny!! And how did she know I have a bad shape?? lol
Yes, I am indeed the more unfortunate sister. I am lucky to have a big sister like you. Thanks again, we are REALLY excited about getting a reliable car. LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Amanda | February 03, 2007 at 12:03 PM
I guess this means Amanda isn't holding Buttercup's words against her. I wonder how often our poor kids hear something other than what we intend. No telling what they go around thinkin' most of the time...:).
Posted by: Robin | February 03, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Buttercut should really do a scene with Bill Cosby in a movie or commerical....
Posted by: Matt | February 03, 2007 at 01:29 PM
HAHAHAHAHA!!! That girl's a RIOT!
Too funny, Buttercup. Too funny.
Posted by: Susan in va | February 03, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Buttercup is too funny.
Posted by: mark | February 03, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Oh, dear....well, it doesn't sound like Aunt Mandi was too offended!! Art Linkletter had it right when he said, "Kids say the darndest things!"
Posted by: Songbird | February 03, 2007 at 07:48 PM
LOL!
Hey, that means you both will be soccer moms driving minivans. *purrrrrrrrrr*
Ian
Posted by: Ian | February 03, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Great story. I am a firm believer in pass-along cars. Here from BC Carnival.
Posted by: CyberCelt | February 03, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Is Amanda even going to be able to use the car without it being customized, what with her having a funny shape and all.
Posted by: Willowtree | February 04, 2007 at 02:13 AM
That's funny!
Here from the carnival
Posted by: Malissa | February 04, 2007 at 06:35 AM
Ha! Love it!
Posted by: Jenny | February 04, 2007 at 08:54 AM
It seems like the world is mocking me and my dented Honda.
My parents got a swanky new ride with one of those GPS doo-hickey's as well as a camera on the back bumper that turns on when you put the car in reverse so you can aim much more accurately at the neighbourhood kids.
My sister just bought a shiny red Pathfinder. WITH air conditioning AND power windows.
I've got power nothing. No air. Black vinyl seats. Can you imagine my discomfort in August when I leave the skin off the back of my thighs stuck to the vinyl?
It's so not cool.
Posted by: marnie | February 04, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Kid's comments are always the best jokes ! Our son when he was a kid asked me once if my boobs were heavy to carry !
Posted by: Gattina | February 04, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Oh, I hope they don't tell Mandi she's getting the vehicle because she's in really bad shape!
Posted by: Anna Venger | February 04, 2007 at 03:13 PM
that is cool that you can help a family member out that way!!! kids are so funny the parts of things they retain make for interesting conversations don't it;)
Posted by: wolfbaby | February 05, 2007 at 07:38 PM
This is really funny. I found you through Beccy's site - after you visited me - thank you!
Love the comment from your daughter.
Posted by: Sally | February 06, 2007 at 12:15 AM