Okay, so here we are unveiling the Beemer! 
We love it! We've put a decent amount into repairs, but far less than we would have spent on a previously owned, and run-into-the-ground piece of junk! Anyway, we are eternally grateful to our friends in the ward who helped us get our "first, second car."
So, about the cat acquisition...make it two cats in that tally. Madelyn didn't choose the one I wanted, so we got both. Funny enough, she has now decided that the long-haired calico, female is softer, and therefore, has given the orange striped, male tabby to Joshua. (This "softer" argument is nothing new.) Anyhow, meet the kittens (not yet named)...
A few of you have commented on the seemingly sudden change-of-heart I have experienced when it comes to animals (particularly the "in-house" variety). I want to comment on that. Sometimes, we do things for our children because we love them, and want to add to their happiness. If you could see Madelyn in particular, and even Joshua, play with these animals, and snuggle them...Well, it's just enough to make my heart melt with happiness. Madelyn has, for months, cried every time we left PetSmart, because she feels so bad for the caged animals. She is in heaven! And her heaven makes our zoo, a little piece of heaven on earth.