same valuble lessons we had to learn. One thing that comes to mind when thinking about raising teenagers was my firstborn, Christi, who as you know is now 36 years old. When she got her driver's license, of course she wanted a car. At the time, 1987, about all her father and I could afford was an 81 Monte Carlo that a friend of ours sold us very reasonable. It was burgundy with a tan roof, in excellent shape, but just not a new Mustang or Camaro that she had high hopes for! There were a few miles on it, but it was plenty good enough to drive to High School and back for three years. Well, we were so excited to give it to her, and though she tried to act like she appreciated it, she did not! NOT ONE BIT! She told us it was too big of a car for her, she said she "could barely see over the steering wheel, and if one of the doors was to come open accidently, it would probably flip over with her". I don't know if she thought we would just pat her on the back and take it back for a refund or what. David told her, "well, honey, this is all you are getting from us. You can drive it or it can sit there."
That car sat there for two years, two years of which she never drove it! David would go out and start it sometimes, just to make sure it still ran, then just let it set. Finally, knowing she really did not intend to drive it, we sold it. When we sold it, she had the audacity to ask us if SHE got the money!!!!!!
Finally, when she was a senior in High School, she decided she would get a job. Seems her favorite teacher at the High School was going to sell her 1989 Camaro, and she was just dying to have it. We did break down and got a loan for the car, but we told her the first time she was ever late on a payment, it was ours. She was never late, and she worked until she got it paid off.
Now I know how daddy felt when he bought me that little two seater T-bird with the pop off top, and I told him it was okay,......but I really had my heart set on a Volkswagon! Believe me, that T-bird was gone the next day, and I bought my own Volkswagon by my own sweat and tears with my first job I had at age 16,..........at Kentucky Fried Chicken. My payment was fifty dollars a month, and daddy said he would pay the insurance! So, what goes around comes around I guess.
With my three girls, I was lucky. Probably would receive an 8 overall score if it was 1 thru 10. Now, with the stepmonsters, I am maybe, at best a 2. Been there and done it once! This second time around ain't no picnic!
Great story on Miss Ashlea! I can see those big ole brown eyes............pleading for sympathy and ...........well, HELP!
You're a great dad, Johnboy! ILY, SIS
At least that's how it goes at this rattrap I live in. 
.enjoyed re-learning the lesson.