Our washer and dryer have been on the outs for several months. We discovered that the timing belt on BOTH machines needed to be replaced and the repairman quoted over $600 for that. It didn't seem worth it to fix the washer and dryer because our machines were 10+ years old. We were holding off a bit to purchase new ones. (To be honest, I was hoping to find a deal over Labor Day weekend...) Well, that was a dumb move. Our washer decided to flood our laundry room, basement, and kitchen during the night (when the city turned off the water for a quick fix). We are blessed that more damage wasn't done. Our basement had A LOT of water in it. I'm so glad we didn't decide to finish the basement this summer like we considered. The bad news is that we will need to replace the flooring in our laundry room.
The flood made purchasing a new washer and dryer my number one priority (forget waiting for a sale!). We purchased a new washer and dryer that week. $1500ish later and here they are...
They both play chipper songs when the cycle is complete! It has been extremely nice to have the washer finish an entire cycle on its own (before, I would have to re-start the washer at least 4 times in one load). Also, the handle to turn the dryer on had broken off. Andrew had rigged up a way to use pliers to turn the dryer on. That was always an experience and I was not always successful. Now, I can simply push a button and poof, it starts. What a relief.
We have been fortunate not to have a car payment for most of our marriage. When Andrew's car died last year, we got our first car loan to purchase the Hyundai Sante Fe. After over a year of paying for that, we decided it wasn't worth it. Yes, we loved the car, but no, we did not like paying $293 every month.
We knew that we eventually wanted to get a mini-van and we probably should have just bought one last year. We figured by the time we paid off the Sante Fe, it would be about time for a new car anyway. Our van hunt began and we tried to sell our Sante Fe private party. After weeks of dealing with annoying people making low-ball offers, we finally decided to just trade in the Sante Fe and get a van.
We LOVE having a van! James might enjoy it more than of any of us. Opening up the sliding doors is one of his favorite things to do. We can't believe how much more space we have! Also, our car payment is significantly lower. We did buy an older model, but it drives nice. It's a 2014 Kia Sedona with about 75,000 miles on it. It still has some really nice features though. (blue tooth, back-up cam, dual heating/air control, etc.) Hopefully it lasts us a long time!
Here she is! And in case you're wondering, neither of us would have picked this color. It was a good deal though. We'll see if it's true that red cars get pulled over more often. I have yet to be pulled over since getting my license and hope I don't attract the police now.
We have plans in the future for a new sectional (our current couches are ripping), a new front door (it's painted and ready to be put on), and who knows what else. I recently told Andrew everything I wanted to update in our house and he estimated it would cost at least $25,000. Here's to dreaming and being married to someone who goes with my crazy ideas and works to pay for them. :)
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