Christmas thoughts...

The holidays seem to bring up all sorts of thoughts, anticipations, feelings, expectations. I learned a long time ago when I was perhaps 10 that we don't always get what we want out of the Day. As I aged and had children, my kid's father always had to out do me in the gift department. I bought small appropriate gifts for my then nearly 1 year old son Tim he bought the kid a bike, a wagon and I can't remember what else but it was too old for the kid.

Even after we divorced Christmas was always way too much and he and his new wife demanded much of the holiday.

Then I remarried and had to deal with Mark's ex. She's remarried and has money, even as adults the boys get way too much from her.

I don't care, seriously I don't. Christmas is not about the stuff. It's about the people. My children were here yesterday, my son minus his future wife, she was with her mother. Only leaving town after I sent her with 2 boxes of anti anxiety tea. This stuff has got me through many a holiday.

The older two stepsons had brought the kids over on Christmas Eve. They made it here at 8:00. Their mother had let another friend have the boys earlier in the day. Again I was ok, I get to see the kids often and I will always be their Grandma Roses.

Yesterday the two older ones made it over for a while. It was nice having my three and those two together. Many laughs were shared by all.

Mark didn't sleep after a night of work and went to bed at 6:30 pm. Then his middle son showed up with his wife, he got huffy that Mark was in bed and left. Mark's 4th kid, clueless son, acknowledged the holiday after Mark called him. The youngest problem son is using his new girlfriend's brother's tragic illness and most likely death to not be with the family. He says she needs him and he's been at the hospital since Monday. Not at work, not at therapy, not anywhere, but using this poor girl and after a trip to Texas in January with her he will come home go back to his old girlfriend and dump her.

Am I upset? no...the holidays brought so much happiness for me that I simply do not have the urge to get involved with my children and their own issues. Like me before them they have to find their own way in life. Maybe they will, maybe they will sit in their own selfish crap forever.

A simple card sent by an old childhood friend's mother made one of the brightest moments in my holiday. She simply told me she loved me and was proud of what I had become.

It's the little things...

another day in the midwest

Twas the night of Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring...except for the cats chasing the ornaments off the tree...

Oh and the cell phone ringing asking hubby to come in to work! At midnight.

Neither snow, nor sleet nor freezing rain stops the contracted mail trucks from slip sliding to the city to deliver our letters, bills and junk mail...oh and our netflix.

No one wanted to work last night so guess who did?

Fearless truck driver Mark.

A few calls to me in the middle of the night to calm his nerves. We had a hell of an ice storm last night. A few times he sat in traffic not moving as the tires on the vehicles just could not move.

He also said a couple of people bumped into his trailer.
A truck doing donuts down I55, a few jack knifed trucks for good measure...
Oh the joy of a Midwest winter!!

He'll be home in a bit, safe and sound after witnessing O'Hare towing pull a few snow plows from the ditch.

Then time for some sleep and it's out on the roads again.

Thank God for a rain storm and 50 degree temperatures called for the weekend!

Merry Christmas !!

My Christmas was filled with family, food and just hanging out. The way I love it!!

Hope you all had a wonderful day also!!

day of the eve...

Eggnog -- check
Rescue live tree that has been sitting in frozen water in the garage, up and decorated -- check
Abundance of Little Kids gifts wrapped and under the tree -- check
Big kid's measly gifts under tree -- check check
Camera ready for all those embarrassing pictures -- check
Snow and ice making drive way an ice rink -- check
Dad napping so he can go to work tonight -- check
Mom done cleaning so she can put her feet up and drink happy tea -- double check
Chinese take out menu ready by phone for Christmas dinner -- oh yeah check

Looks like this house is all ready for the fat boy to make his entrance!


Hope you all have a wonderful love filled Christmas, my dear friends!

Koda's birthday...

Jeremy had Dakota's birthday at every parent's or at least grandparent's nightmare...Enchanted Castle. This place is in an old store filled with screaming kids, every game known to man, a bumper car place, a go cart track and mini golf, oh and one of those climbing things with tunnels that you could lose your kid for days in. Oh and crappy pizza, no mouse in sight either.

First thing this morning I worked for Mrs H. Now I only work weekends so it usually takes me a while to get used to being bossed around or break up the arguments between her 95 year old self and her foreign live in. My smart ass mouth usually does the trick either that or a quick dance around the smallish apartment. After that I hurried home to keep my two grand kids until the party. Jeremy took birthday boy to his mom's and we were to drive the other two the 45 minutes in the snow to the party, in Saturday before Christmas shopping weather. Mark had been out on the road for work for nearly hours, with only 6 hours of sleep, so he was in a cheery mood. Needless to say we were 20 minutes late, but Dayton got a quick nap so it all worked out.

These parties are always weird, because Mark's ex gets all possessive with the kids and adult kids. She's backed off though and is playing all nice toward me as I have the power to kick her 22 year old out of my house. .. hee hee NO one should ever, ever give me that kind of power.

It's below way too cold outside. Tomorrow we finally put the tree that has been sitting in the garage up. Monday Mark and I are going Christmas shopping...I put my foot down a few years ago, refusing to be the one to do all of it. We both made this family the least he could do is help spend the money.

a snow day!

Too bad this icy slop isn't sand....just in time for Christmas break we get an ice storm. My district loves to call off school shortly before most of us must check in. Judging from the amount of school closings crawling across the screen on the morning news I figured they'd call school off. It was. I slept in.

Snow north of us, lots of it 10 inches, we got the icy mix and south of us was just plain ice. Power wire snapping ice. Mark usually travels to Indy down the crash ridden I-65, but they sent him to St Paul instead, thank God. Rather drive in snow than ice. He'll be home tonight in time for rest. Tomorrow the birthday party. Liz and I have a bunch of errands to run. I do not plan on stepping foot on a school bus until January 4...

more snow...maybe we'll be done with winter by February...time to enjoy my FREEDOM!!!! And I get paid to sit home! gotta love a union job!

doing better...

A better day. Maybe the bag of chocolate covered pretzels tossed at me by a fifth grader had something to do with it. It's still cold ... but I am here so I may as well stop crabbing about it. I am lucky person, every body's well and all have jobs and their health. I am not even grieving the fact that I am not going to Florida, which btw could be Friday night! As long as I know in my head that I am going in March, I am ok...

The kid on the junior high route was scared to death that I wrote him up, I just patted his head and said, "oh no, just stop being such a brat". he looked relieved.

Two more days and I am off for two weeks, tough job I have...

Friday is my little Dakota's birthday. He will be four. The kid is in the middle and is in his own little world...seem happy their too.

His birthday party will be at Enchanted Castle. Last years shot from Chuck-e-cheese. It was on a Friday night on the last day of school before winter break. I do not know how I stood being there, the should of screaming kids set my teeth on edge. This year my routes are better so I'll be in a much better mood, besides it's on Saturday.

One day Kody asked his dad if he could spend the night. Dad said, no as he was working. Dakota brightened and said, "well can Kody spend the night??". He is also famous for asking me if Kody can have a glass of chocolate milk. Talking in the third person, I wonder if we should show concern? ;)

The other day he wanted to watch cartoons, the kid is so addicted that he didn't even realize Dora was in Spanish...didn't even want me to switch it either.

Old pics of the boy...from last b'day...

snow and people are jerks...

The weather here in Illinois has sucked, totally and completely. It's been minus too cold for way too long and it's only mid December.
Early this week we had 50 degrees and rain, then 5 and ice.

Today the snow started at noon and is still going...predicted amount is 4 inches, but it's a heavy four inches.

The bus ride home was slow and steady. High school kids were normal, human almost. The girl who I call Jr (we share the same first name) is back from her 2 day suspension. She's ungrounded and ready to parrrrrrrtaaaaaa. Big punishment.

The snow really started to pile up during the junior high run, wet heavy stuff that made my wiper blades form snotty blobs across the windshield. The boy who gives me all sorts of crap was back from his basketball break (for me). He and his sister love to see how far they can go with me. Today was no different. He's been already written up for saying the F-word and seat hopping. I am ruining sister's holiday...she's next for a write up. I have two very tricky stops on this route both on highways and both stops cars love to go around me. The snow made it worse. As I was crossing a long bridge, 6 grader J who is usually well behaved says to me, "Why are we going so slow??". HUMPH WTH??? I snap, "are you kidding me? maybe I should write you up for being so dumb.". I hope he went home and told mommy on me.

Then this evening as I was getting gas in the neon, fun driving a little car when the road is all ruts, I heard a Blazer honk his horn at this poor guy spinning his tires at a green light. jerk...

Otherwise things were fine. I had to stop couple of times to clean my blades and traffic was horrid.

Then my treat was coming home to my stepson who disappeared for 5 days, blew off the therapist I got for him and lipped off to me and his father. When he was told to do his dishes today he also lipped off...maybe the next time he leaves I'll change the locks. By his age I was married, had a job and working on having kids...

kids and christmas party

Happy boys showing off their treats from last week's Santa fun. I do have the picture from their shot with the fat old boy, but I need to scan it and get on my computer. Liz work's at Target's photo shop so she's going to make me copies to give to their daddy and their other grandma. Other grandma took them out to eat at a restaurant today that features a train that brings their food to the table. I love it, whenever I do things with the boys she gets wind of it and participates too. Good for the kids. My belief is that all kids need all the loving attention they can get!

I had the boys here again last evening. It's nice for us all as Mark is working and they get all the attention they crave. With Jeremy next door it's easy to pack them up and shuffle them home! :) !!

This evening is my work Christmas party. I am a reformed drinker so my friend J got me off work early from Mrs. H's job and asked me to drive. She likes to have a few so I will be her driver. J was my monitor for a few years and has 3 daughters, she is also a newly single. She got me the job with Mrs. H and works all day on the bus and every evening for Mrs. H. Not an easy thing for anybody. So I'll be a nice friend and grant her the ability to drink with no worries.

Except no puking in my car.

fast week

This week has sped by!! I had extra work Wednesday and today, busing one of the high school's kids to the empty new junior high that isn't being used, because people stopped building houses, for some testing. I got over time and they got a ride.

The Christmas treats for the bus driver have begun. One dear child handed me a bag filled with at least 8 different kinds of cookies and candies. His mother is my hero! and she works! I barely have time to make sugar cookies.

We've had snow this week which made for some interesting driving. One road regularly has high school kids in the ditch going too fast for their own good.

Next week is our last before break. Should be an interesting one, already one of my high school girls, who was serving an in school suspension for texting on her cell phone too many times got an out of school suspension for passing a note to a kid telling him where she buys her pot. God kids are so dumb!

The list for the detention bus for the alternative school usually has 2 or 3 kids is up to 10. Mine are acting up, but tolerable. Guess no body's afraid of ticking Santa Claus off anymore.

Not to mention the news on TV is all about our now famous Governor. Pretty sad when a 3rd grader asks if I've heard about the governor getting arrested. At least the kid is up on her current events.

Thank God tomorrow is Friday!

breakfast with Santa & bad words...

The kids and I went to have breakfast with Santa. Jacob being the ever thoughtful oldest and worldly kindergartner wanted to pass as we were preparing to leave...no Santa for him. I told him there would be games and he lite up...games OK! It took forever to get these three out of the house. The two year old Dayton insisted on putting his own clothes on...he has the family temper so a few bad words were said. Every child says bad words I don't care who you are if you've swore in front of your kids, they repeat it. Mine did, Tim used to say, "damn it" when I corrected him he used to say, "damn it, darn it, damn it, darn it". We used to be in the car a lot when I had Liz, she used to play with her dolls in the back seat and say, "get out of my way you stupid b*tch" Sorry, never said I was an angel. My middle kid Eric just swears a lot now.

With my job I have learned to not swear on the bus. Even in bad weather and stupid drivers my swear gauge is on no. A driver who is a very good friend of mine has a very very bad route this year. She admitted losing it one day and stopped the bus, stood up and said, "shut the hell up". This was right before she had a feature article in the once a week local paper. No one's perfect.

My grand kids must be on good behavior patrol because I said dang it today and Dayton said, "don't say bad words!"

Otherwise it was a fun time. Games were a bit cheesy, but the prizes were candy and little plastic figures, which the older guys liked, the little one the candy.

I was pleased with the Santa picture, all three smiled and looked like no ones torturing them like the kid in front of us...he threw fit. Perfect mom was not happy.

Near the end I let them run the length of the gym, back and forth. Dakota even broke into some break dance moves. Most parents wouldn't allow such things, but I am grandma Roses, I allow fun.

I am happy to do these things for the kids...my patience is that of a grandma...besides all I have to do is walk next door and hand them back to daddy! Just in time for a nap.

I am telling...

I am telling...I have a bus load of the most telling on each other group ever this year. In years past they left me out of the mix, but this year I have a very large grade school route. Some 50 kids all neighbors, many related. They love to tell on each other. Fine...tell...usually it's something dumb like T is looking at me, or eating or he's saying bad words. Usually they say something like "you're stupid" and they think that's soooooo awful. One girl who I know watches too much TV because she always talks about it told on a boy because he had a cell phone, big deal. Until today said boy showed another girl his wall paper...a nearly naked lady...this girl must like him because she just smiled...good thing he didn't let tattle tale girl see, she'd report him to the police.

Another driver told on me today. My kindergartner's think it's so cool to "check out the back" of my bus. They all have to sit up front until they move on to 1st grade, an unwritten bus driver rule...keeps them from getting into trouble or being picked on. We usually have a 5 minute wait until the school opens the door for them to enter for the school day. So I let them goofy around in the back of the bus. Today I didn't make sure they were all seated when I moved up the 10 feet to unload them after a driver in front of me pulled out. Driver behind me told my boss so I got the "see me" note after routes. She was cool about it, we respect each other. But I hate getting called to the office, it's some sort of throw back to my goody two shoes days...I am over it, because I was guilty of the crime, but jeez tell me not the boss.

Telling on each other is a very popular sport at my place of employment. Every misdeed of the public, other drivers, contracted bus drivers and parents is broadcast over the radio.

Hopefully, the rest of the year they all can play nice...doubt it...welcome to the human race.

dreaming of sandy christmas

I love my family, I love my town, although it's not the town I used to know it's much bigger. It's soul is still my town. No matter how many punks break windows, write on walls, or do bad I still love my town. I love my job, the people there, my friends, my students and even the administration. I love my old home, it's like me a work in progress, I love my family, my kids, my grandsons. I love it all....but why oh why can't it all be on a beach, preferable the west coast, but I'd settle for the gulf in Florida...damn...I don't mind winter, I am used to it. I'd love it if it only lasted until about January 15, then it could go away. :::sigh::: some day...some day, I'll spend more of my year on a beach! Mark has to work over Christmas, so our Christmas break will be here, not in St Pete, although our aim is now Spring Break at the end of March. (hear that Martha??, Sharon??? and Angie???) Oh and if Suzy's feeling up to it! Can we meet up then??? I am not mad, just bummed. I know I will have many many Christmas breaks to come. It's just that his winter job is all about the mail and post offices are very busy over the holiday. He couldn't possibly get off then, and with the economy...well I'll just have to put on my big girl pants and carry on. So here I stay. but I have these happy faces to make up for it!

The boys among the Lego!

let it snow...

First real snow of the season always, always, always brings out the morons, crazy drivers who have forgotten how to drive... AND I LOVE IT!! A school bus has the best view of each and every crazy person slip sliding around. But such fun does have it's hazards...a friend of mine on a country road got to see first hand a woman in an SUV slam into a pole...ouch. I've been on the same road in years past to view a van going 50 hitting a snowy patch and veer straight at me...luck and their good driving saved me and my bus.

Seriously a bus is much easier to maneuver in a storm...but watch out everybody else! And of course fresh from a 5 day break the little darlings had to write all over my fogged over windows with their fingers, usually grade school types write their name or a stick figure. A creative high school boy wrote f*** snow... thankfully none of the junior high kids saw it...my problem girl just hooked two seat belts together across the aisle and tripped her brother. 14 days until Christmas break!

On the home front. Youngest stepson is doing better, coming home drunk less, going to work, got a new replacement girlfriend who goes to school in Texas, he even posted their pictures on MY space, a kiss off salute to the old stalker girlfriend. But as always old girlfriend will be back..

1 month!! of posts, well almost!

I am one day shy of making 30 posts in 30 days. Pretty good, since I used to show up at AOL journals once a week ;0

Actually my computer helps, the old one was such a relic that it took forever to boot up and the processor was very very slow. Much easier on the new-er Dell. Plus I enjoy this place, it's fun.

The boys and I had a fun time last evening. They love the attention and I love giving it out.

Now hubby is next door with his sons play Wii or however you spell it. Actually that game system is pretty cool, just the thing for the modern working type, too lazy to go outside for entertainment or if you have Wii workout you can exercise indoors. cough cough. I rather like being in the world walking around, but whatever works, call me old fashion. I know it is really fun for all, so I'll stop being a brat.

Last night I was telling the kids about the Nintendo system I had. It's the original one but refurbished so you don't have to blow in the game (anyone with a system from back then knows what I am talking about) I told them I'd set it up in the room I fixing up for just them. First they had to look in the room as they thought Uncle Jim's stuff was still in there, even though they know he moved in with their dad. Uncle Jim has a huge TV and of course the Wii. Then they wanted to know if the games were a Wii. They seemed satisfied with what I had plans for. It's all in the presentation...present it happy and they are happy too.

Now it's snowing, again, prediction is for 3 to 6 inches...who knows...seems the ground is too warm for that, but I am only bus driver what do I know????

Tomorrow it's back to reality...for three weeks at least, then it's Christmas break! The life of a bus driver!

leftovers ... and some babie time

The kids were back from their Nonnie's ( the other grandmother) and wanted to spend time with Grandma Roses. I grabbed them after I got done at 7:00 with Mrs H. She was feisty and happy her regular full time girl was back from her break.

We spent time playing with the Lego set that my older kids had buried in the back of the closet. Most were sets & the kids were impressed with all the 'guys'

Lego sets are expensive and these groups survived in a covered tube.

All are asleep now, nothing like listening to the sound of a snoring child!

home alone....

son Eric, Kristen, son Tim, daughter Liz
and dear old me!

Thanksgiving was wonderful...every year more of my stepchildren get a clue into reality and realize that they have 2 parents or in the case of my married stepson 3. I try not to be a total jerk, but this kid/man/adult has never been to our house for a Thanksgiving meal. His mother yes, well sorta ... it's always her parents, who live around the corner from them, we live 5 minutes from them. Guess the pay back will come when their future son disses them for some hot girl's perfect family... oh speaking of that, youngest stepson did just that. And middle stepson is the king of avoidance he worked and skipped everyone.

BUT mine where all here along with 2 of my husband's boys, youngest stepson showed after we were done eating then left hot/rich/going back to school in Texas new girlfiend was calling. He went to his mother's, then dumped her for a party with 'the boys'. He has priorities!

It was a normal celebration...full of sarcastic banter. Liz's boyfriend was here, along with my son's wife to be. One thing Mark and I lucked out on was our kids all get along...better with age. Everyone is welcome at our table.

The grandkids were with their mother, and later the stepson's mom, they spent last night there, but not Dayton he came to visit this morning for some Grandparent spoiling.


Don't let the cute face fool you, he's a stinker....

And I did have pie for breakfast...apple's fruit right???

happy Thanksgiving!!!

Fantastic day filled with my children, food and laughs!...and best of all Mark did not have to work tonight!!!

do you wanna hear a joke???

The other day while shopping for Mrs H, my part time job on the weekend, I overheard a gentlemen mumbling about pies. I was looking for a pint of vanilla ice cream. Did you know they don't make store brand pints anymore? At least at Jewel. I turn around and said man says, "is this Mince meat?" Me, "no, it's berry" I find him mince meat, I talked him into 2, they were buy one get one free. He looks at me and says, "wanna hear a joke?" Oh course I do. It wasn't too dirty, but it included an ass, a rattle snake and sucking out venom. He was happy...

It seems my life is one of extremes ... old people on the weekends and kids during the week, & a few under 5, grand kids in between.

All require a lot of patience....hopefully one of the under 5 will return the favor when I am an oldster!

Have a grateful Thanksgiving !

time for a happy entry!....

Whew, end of a work week...::yawn:: stretch...oops I only worked two days! But the two days were very long. Last night ended at 8:30 pm. I even had blood shot eyes from all the driving. AND no nap, which is usually scheduled between kindergarten routes, but NO. Today was easier, parents who 'forgot' their kids were getting out early were home, and waiting. I guess a trip to the school to retrieve their kid cured that. My trip this evening was over at 8:00, and was both boys basketball teams, they won so they were singing, rapping (if you call it that) and high fiving each other the 20 minutes home, thank God it was only 20 minutes, traffic was bad.

Did you know that there are very few pay phones anymore? I found that out last night. The girls basketball team played at a Catholic school in a very well to do suburb. I dropped my team and proceeded to call hubby and chat about the state of our life. Cell phone kept turning off, dang it. Then refused to power up. So the evening was nice, the town lovely with plenty of shops large and small. I took off on my quest for a pay phone. I even looked in the Jewel and Walgreen's, the train station had what used to be a phone, but it was removed. I thought about going in to a bar, but all of those were very high end. And of course everywhere I went people had phones hanging off their ears. I wasn't worried about calling hubby as my phone did this before -- cause? faulty battery. But I love the hunt...the search, plus a good brisk walk beats yelling at a kid.

I ended up going back to the nice Catholic school and tried my dang phone again with success.

Oh and according to the nice ladies giving away Turkey's they had a pay phone in the basement.

nice....

a-ok

Big project---taking out old fashioned ceiling in dining room---1 hours later dry walled and ready for middle kid to mud and tape...it pays to have talented children!

in your face officer D!

The crime wave continues. I was correct the hit on my son's truck was not kids or very brave kids. Someone threw two cups of gasoline through the hole in the window onto the back seat of the extended cab of his F150, and lit it. Burning all three car seats, blackening windows and frying seat belts.

Sorry officer, but this is case of someone who is very angry at my stepson. What was once a prank is now arson. And on the very seats my grandson's sit to be protected during their rides in dad's truck.

I am pissed and I am sickened by the lengths that grown people stoop.

I only hope my grandson's are save and the jerk that did this left enough evidence at the scene that police can find them.

there outta be a law...

... once again the brats of the neighborhood have struck again... not me but Jeremy. His window in his truck was shot at, perhaps a BB gun. When officer D (I know him, he went to school with my kids ), was looking over the damage I showed up and said, "hi D" We public servants must stick together. D is the type that rarely smiles and takes his job as O-town's finest very seriously. All day long during my routes I smile knowing D will be pulling over the next housewife speeding or teen not wearing his seat belt or God forbid his stereo too loud. I've even seen him go after a man turning left on a clearly marked no left turn & a woman pass on the right in a no shoulder passing lane.

Nothing was stolen from Jeremy's truck, and since he is going through a rather heated divorce involving other parties I figured that the window damage was from the other party. I stated that I thought it wasn't kids doing this damage. Of course Officer D snapped, "and you're an expert???!". I laughed, schooled by a cop! When the officer that was at my own crime scene appeared I told on Officer D, he had made fun of a bus driver in front of her own kid! Rightly so, it seems the town brats are at it again, this time tagging the American Legion's garbage cans, (how dare they mess with Veterans!) and someone's garage.

Officer D is pissed, he's tired of paperwork, and my family is tired of replacing windows!

finally friday...

This year my children are being grown ups and have decided split their holiday fairly between us and their other parents. Any other year their other parents want to hog them. The kids are coming here in the early afternoon, evening with them. Thanksgiving is less the a week away and my house is a mess. The drop ceiling in my dining room is down, waiting to be replaced this weekend. My living room needs to be moved around to make room for a couch I gained custody of from Jeremy and Tracey's impending divorce. It's very nice, suede, & replies all sorts of liquids.

Jim, 2nd of Mark's sons moved in with us 2 years ago, into an upstairs room that was once shared by my son Tim (my oldest) and Matt, Mark's middle son. Then later by the youngest, Dale, who is now in a downstairs bedroom closest to the back door. Meaning he won't be here long if I can help it. Jim has since vacated the upstairs room and I am stuck with the mess. Like an evicted tenant there is leftovers from each of the kids that have occupied the room, mostly stuffed into the very large closet.

When my mother was alive she loved to go to garage sales and pick up games and such that the kids would like. Those are in there, puzzles, hundreds of VHS tapes, Nintendo games, books of Liz's that somehow made it in there. Pictures, even a box of Matt's old clothes from high school. Mostly baggy shorts and shirts that somehow after nearly 10 years are back in style, at least by high school kids that refuse to give up that hideous fad. The sight of a nearly grown kid holding his pants up by his crotch is nothing a person should have to look at day and day out.

With all this Mark is back to hauling mail at night, including the weekend. I wonder if I'll have a ceiling for Thanksgiving?? At least I am done with work on Tuesday night. I am off school from Wednesday to Sunday!!! Except for my four 2 hour shifts with Mrs H on the weekend I will be off from work!

I am nearly done with the bedroom, I have happily tossed most of the crap. Saved a box of nearly complete Lego sets that the grand kids will love. The bedroom will be for them to use. They can stay here as long as they like!

pretend like it yesterday!

oops middle son was here and finally back home (living with his dad) from his Ohio job for Menard's. He transferred to a nearby town and is doing fine. So I neglected my entry for yesterday... I'll do two today!!!

I am proud of my children and their work ethic...

In life if you work hard you will succeed!!

busy tuesday...

The snow we had yesterday barely hung around. It basically dusted the ground and melted as soon as the sun hit it. Nice try winter! Not so lucky was Indiana they got socked by Lake Michigan and it's snow effect...6 to 12 inches. Part of the area is where Mark drives when he works for the Mail contractor on the way to Indianapolis. Fortunately he did not do that run tonight.

It's always a hazard in the winter driving down Interstate 65 in Indiana. Lots of blowing and drifting of snow. Both of my husband's jobs are effected by the weather. Guess that's part of driving for a living. I try not to let it worry me.

I had a junior high trip after school. Took the wrestling teams and the 8th grade basketball team to a near by junior high which is also a district school. Write up boy was present and made a smart remark to me. Then proceeded to tell very very strict coach, whom I am familiar with that I was the mean bus driver that wrote him up. Coach told him to apologize to me, which he half heartily did. Some junior high kids do not behave for long, I am sure this is not finished. No worries, I've dealt with this type before.

My dil has decided to let Jeremy see the boys...I spent some time with them after work. gotta get my renewed hope in humanity and they are just the dose of love I needed!

sleeping angels!

computer fixed

Computer fixed!!! yay it was just a loose module!!!!! Now if we can figure out what's wrong with Liz's laptop ;)

New window is also installed in her car!

Also it snowed here!! OH NO!!

blogathon #5!

Tried to boot up my new, to me, computer that was freshly cleaned and given to me by my son Tim...but NO ! Computer would not boot up!!! Dell has a handy diagnostic tool that lets you figure out what's wrong.

It says my memory module is bad. Dang it!

Have I hit the three things going wrong rule yet??????

better get in number 4!!

Blogathon weekend!!

I better get in entry number 4. Tomorrow I am working at Mrs H's in the am and pm. Hubby is working tonight and was hoping he could do the Indianapolis run, which is get in a truck drive to Indy trade trailers and drive back. He did that run on a temp basis last winter which lasted to June before he went back to the construction regular job. He ran the Indy route last night. He has been doing a city route near Chicago for a while on Saturday nights. He uses his voodoo man charm to train all the postal help (women) at night to be ready for him, load him and off he goes. He's usually polite too...oh and good looking.

He was mad that they did not let him have his way tonight. The girl that used to dispatch all his work and has the hots for anything male quit or got fired. Now he has to settle for a guy dispatcher, who isn't that easy to charm. Plus hubby likes girls!

weekend blogathon...

Going to see the grand kids ... finally....


because of circumstances beyond my control...or understanding... I have not seen my boys in nearly a month...

They're next door ...


I am off to be grandma roses!!!

morning...

The weekend's here and it's gloomy, chilly and the wind is to pick up...at least it's done raining.

Up for today is working for Mrs H this morning and evening. Getting Liz's car to the window shop to get a new window. She'll actually be taking it but I have to explain how to get there.

In between Mrs H shifts I am joining a group of girls for a late lunch at Applebees. My friend picked that place because she is the Goddess of coupons and they have 2 for 1 meals.

A must during these freaky times. At least gas is cheap-er...$2.20 here.

Have a good one!

more tales from bus 60...

I really should resurrect my bus journal...some of the things that happen on my bus could fill a book.

This school year I picked my grandson's route, which is a high school route (nice neighborhood, good kids with parents that PARENT), a junior route that I only drive them home, only 15 kids but three of them are step siblings and they can be defiant, and a very obedient grade school route with over 50 kids on that route. Many years I am "asked" to step in with routes that have kids that are either in trouble with the law or are headed that way. This year I designed my day to avoid that at all costs. My midday is all kindergartners no early learning center with a monitor. I wanted my year to be peaceful and my job to be my happy place. I must of know my own adult family would be nuts and my home sometimes not so peaceful.

Anyway, grandson moved away with mom for the divorce, but I kept the route. Most days are fine, today must of been a full moon...because my pm went like this.

A near fight between two girls, one who is on my route another who wanted to ride home with another girl, I kicked the girl off who is not on my route list. Junior high route, one boy is mad at me because of a write up, he is letting me know this by his stomping down the aisle and sister is making snide remarks. Big deal I've raised boys, they'll both outgrow this stupidity. Besides I have a brand new camera on my bus to document it all.

Grade school route is fine as always...but give them time they haven't hit puberty, yet!

At least it's Friday!

oh thanks!

Thanks for all the comments! In life bad stuff...it happens. It's like the roll of the dice. Since I have a rather large amount of children, my odds are greater for bad stuff. But then the odds for good stuff are pretty high too. So forget the bad...I am going to focus on the good, Tim getting engaged, plus he and his future Mrs. (that feels weird!) are including Liz in the wedding ... she was thrilled therefore her crappy day yesterday was made happy by an email from the future Mrs Tim.

Otherwise, I am over the whole window thing. It's going to cost a $85 for a new one, installed, not too bad.

Just glad my kid is OK and her car is not damaged. From now on she leaves the car unlocked and takes the stereo with her!

I did ask one of my "worldly" girls on my high school route (whose name is the same as mine!) if she knew anyone selling hot stereos and she said she'd think about it. Today she gave me a name, and I thought for a minute and said, "Hey what a minute... Isn't that the kid that you wish dead because he turned you into the police for having an illegal item in your purse???" "Well yes...but..."

Yeah right! Like I am gonna fall for that!

delinquents...

Every morning I stop at home ... say hi to the kid or the hubby. There's a nice funeral home a block a way that I park my large bus in. This morning I pull up park, and I see daughter and husband marching toward me, and behind them two squad cars. DAMN!

I am mad, because I know the popping noises that I heard at 1:30 am came from my kid's car (parked on the street) along with the neighbor's car. Seems some delinquent, bratty, worthless kids broke her window and took her stereo. Stereo I can deal with, window and all that glass smashed all over her front seat and on her college books, made me want to ring someone's neck!

Popping noise at 1 am I figured it was neighbor as I looked out the window saw his lights on in his truck and another car behind it. I figured they were making noise like they some times do. But no it was the sound of cinder blocks hitting his truck window.

I said a variety of bad words in front of the police, they were sympathetic, told me that I should never hesitate to call them at night. We have plenty of them to go around! Then I found out that the neighbor down the alley, same thing broken window, stolen GPS. Down the block too.

I am putting the word out on the street...I will find you and you will pay...or at least your parents will!!!

"bus driver..."

K: " bus driver?"
Me: "Yes, student?" I really do call them student when they call me bus driver, they know my name.
K: " S is crying!"

Me: "oh?"
K: " bus driver, S is freaking out"

S is freaking out. why? he's 6 and he can't find his glove. School aid is called and calms S. She knows all the secret in school answers, I only know the on the bus answers

S: "Guess what bus driver? my glove is on the floor!"

For the 3rd time week!

:::sigh:::

brrrrrrrrrrrrr

Another Monday, except it's about 50 degrees colder than last ... why oh why am I still here in the freezing Midwest?? Job, kids, grand kids, the known...guess that's why.

Driving around all day gives me an up close and personal view of the fine citizens that drive through my little part of the world. Being in taller than most vehicle gives me an especially keen view of others. The only time I've seen something especially interesting was on a country road a couple of years ago, a couple making out. My husband, a very seasoned truck driver often get the porno views, pantless people, etc. He's even been flashed. Guess being a man will bring that out in a lady.

A school bus also brings out the craziness in people. Even when I am empty people freak and don't want be behind me. While some citizens are polite, courteous and willing to let me do my job, some it seems, the sight of a stopped school bus and it's stop sign brings out the insanity in them.

For instance...I stopped on a two lane highway dropping off a 7 th grader. I let traffic know well in advance via my yellow lights that I was going to be stopping. Crazy lady in car 3 behind me decides she does NOT want to wait for me, she proceeds to drive around me on the RIGHT shoulder...she only stops when she realizes she is going to run over my very large student! I didn't even care that said student cursed at her, hell me too!

I've seen people nearly rear end motorcycles stopped for me. They've even tried to go around me past the actually sign. Many are yakking on the cell phone, or just plan have their heads up their butts.

And don't tell me to try and bust these idiots ... I have no time to try and write down license numbers and decriptions. My job is to make sure junior gets off the bus safely.

Drive safe you all!

being a grown up...

So...you'd think by now I'd have this parenting thing down. Anybody who says that their parenting ends when the kids turn 18 are nuts, crazy...

For example my 8...

One is going through a divorce...both are not playing nice. kids and grandma suffers...

Two are alcoholics in the making...

One is oblivious to the whole world...living in never never land...(which to me sounds ok sometimes, but not realistic)

Two are very very almost overly responsible...not a bad thing in these times...

The other two, they are stuck between grown up and being a little kid, and these two have an age difference of nearly 10 years...but at least they are moving in the right direction...

:::sigh::: I guess a sure sign of being a good parent is knowing when to let them go...

I've been tagged

I've been tagged by Martha at Meandering Martha's Menagerie

I have to tell you six things I've never told you about myself, and then tag six other people to do the same. Here goes!

1. In high school I was very political, I met the then governor, Dan Walker. Years later he was arrested for some sort of criminal behavior.
2. I like to hang out in cemeteries
3. When I was in my 30's I dated a much younger guy, who was a bouncer at a blues club in Chicago.
4. I used to be very very shy
5. When I was very young whenever there was a tornado watch posted on TV I used to freak out and hide in the basement.
6. If I did not have children I would buy a van and travel up and down the west coast and be a bum & hang out on the beach!



Not good at tagging people!

a cold end of the week!

After our very warm week it ended with blowing winds, 40 degree temperatures and sleet. ICK! I of course was asked to do evacs. I never turn down work. It was fine this morning, but in the afternoon the pm kindergarten class had the normal little kid version and we went out the front service door. too much wind will blow the back door onto bus drivers head!

I spoke of the lottery in a previous entry. I was half joking, but my friends at work have been playing and last week Illinois had a special one. We went in on a ticket, but did not win. One of the girls wants us all to go in on a ticket every week for $1. You never know. I could have good news sometime in the future!

Actually our luck has been holding. Mark's been working extra and everyday for the past few weeks even on days that usually would be called off because of rain. YAY!

I truly believe though in life we make our own luck, besides there is way more to life than money. It's people that count!

And tomorrow I get to see my babies! double YAY!

It passed!

YAY! my truck passed!

it's a good day

My pick up truck which is a 2000 has to go to the emissions test lanes every couple of years for the clean air act. Every single time that stupid check engine light comes on right before it's due. Last time it was a $600 job. This time I was putting it off, but now the state of Illinois will not let you renew your plates unless it's past. I went it did not pass. I called my friendly neighborhood mechanic he told me the codes were for a faulty gas cap. YAY! Bought the cap for 20 bucks & tomorrow I am headed to the test lanes.

After work I got a haircut at great clips for 5 bucks! Then I found 2 dollars in the Halloween candy aisle! I better get the the gas station time to play the lottery!!!

GO VOTE!!

GO VOTE...EVERYBODY ELSE IS!!!

I am updating this after a fun filled day of dodging voters! Yes, voters. For some stupid reason my community puts polling places at schools! My grade school not only had voters, but an excavating team digging up the school for the new addition. The morons did NOT put the chain link fence up quick enough for school to let out, needless to say the principal was quite freaked out. God forbid little junior fall into a hole!

Reminds me of last school year when a dump truck was dumping baseball mix at the ball field by another grade school this shortly before school was to let out. The 4th grade gym class was outside and the driver decided he wanted out...the gym teacher told him no, he'd have to wait until school was out...said driver proceeded to cuss out the teacher in front of the gaping mouths of the little tykes. The f word was used too. Never a dull moment around here in the burbs!

Evacs

The group today for Evacs was not the most cooperative. The little ones (kindergarten) usually sit and stare at you. Some obnoxious ones raise their hands, which I ignore...to them a question is a long story about how their dog ran across the street during a storm, dodging Mr happy neighbor's car by an inch. No thanks, my motto is tell them two things you want to them to remember; stay in your seat and be nice to your neighbor... and get them off the bus. The little kids need help jumping off the back off the bus, out the emergency door. My challenge? Some of these kids are bigger than I am!

One group of four graders would not shut up, they kept making remarks to each other. At the end I made the comment to the teacher that they weren't very well behaved. Her excuse? They've had a lot of subs...and she was one them of course. Poor woman looked like she had just swallowed a hand full of Valium. She'd need it!

Me? After a few bad years of very bad routes, evacs are a breeze. After all I don't have to drive them home!

this is my post of 11/1

Hee hee since I didn't do an entry on the 1st I'll do 2 today. Ever the over achiever! I am scheduled this morning between am and midday routes to teach Bus Evacuation drills to one of the grade schools. I always get one little smart alack who tries to dive out the back door. Last week I made a little snot who thought he was all cool cry. "It wasn't me!". It's all overtime and I love seeing all the different kids at the schools that we don't bus, as half our district is contract buses (First Student). Our district finds it cheaper to contract than buy more buses. We are always in fear of losing our jobs during contract time. BUT we have proven ourselves as much better time and time again!

I am throwing down!

God help me I am going for this too!!! Blame it on Martha, if she can do it so can I!! Join in!!
NaBloPoMo

a very good choice & Gallagher comes to town...

Always told my children to never settle, dive in, or hurry choosing any person they pick to be their future. My son Tim listen to mommy to a t! Last night he asked, and she accepted lovely Kristen to be his wife! Next September is to be the wedding. I, the well known gossip in town (I am known as Gladys (from Bewitched) at work) kept this secret for 2 long months!

The girl is WONDERFUL! She's also not crazy! That to me is a hard thing to find in the young girls of today. They are all either looking for bums who need to be fixed or looking for money, or worst yet drunks.

Also... Gallagher came to town...disguised as my son...I wonder if he smashed the watermelon before or after the vodka was added...




As for me & hubby we worked. I was asked, nicely, if I would be willing to work for Mrs H on Saturday mornings along with night & Sunday morning and night. The nights are early 5 to 7 so I said "yes" of course. It would be bad form for me to turn down extra income. She has been home now over a week and has a live in lady. A routine has been set up and we all are behaving well. Mrs H still loses her cool with us, as we don't give her time to "think" about things. But that's OK, she's 95 we are just youngsters...we will learn to behave eventually.

WAH!!! I went to comment on Paula's AOL journal, but alas it was gone! POOF! All gone!

Makes me sad as I always knew I could look in my AOL mailbox (no matter what) there were alerts to be read. Oh well, guess I'll get used to the change.

Here's some bus driver stories to cheer me up...

During my midday I have 12 kindergartners I take home after am school and then I take 12 in for pm school. On the pm run the kids all basically know each other as they live in the same subdivision. They hopped on the bus all dressed up and excited for Halloween. One was a cute Alice in Wonderland, another a princess, one a unicorn, the boys were all muscle bound iron man, spider man, BUT one little girl threw me off, she pranced on all get up in a rock star outfit complete with a fake noise jewel! I shuttered and thought of a mini Britney Spears! One girl was Raggedy Ann and after a bit some of the kids looked her over & they exclaimed "who are you??" Dear God these kids know Britney but not poor Ann!!! They were all cute though.

I have a very full bus of grade school children. They are all very well mannered. Two girls now live in a house I used to live in when I was a single mom. It was actually part of an old farm house that was made into 3 apartments. These two have my old apartment. The both listen intently when I describe how the place looked when I lived there. They smile and think my stories are funny. I have a way of making all sorts of people laugh. Usually with a tinge of sarcasm. But hey humor is the only way to go these days.

Anyway, I told the kids if they were going to throw their candy on my floor they may as well give it to the bus driver...one of these lovely girls took me up on it and handed me a bag of m & m's, which to me is a good candy, not like jawbreakers or boring candy...although I like any kind of candy. yum.



Honestly these kids must of been tired as they were basically silent the whole way home!

This evening we have no little kids so hubby and I will build a fire and enjoy looking for the spooky ghouls that come out after dark!

Have a wonderful Halloween!

Warm southerly winds, clear blue sky, Autumn leaves still hanging on the trees! It's a glorious day! My middle boy is coming home! A three day weekend is approaching!

All signs point to an awesome day! The school kids are celebrating Halloween. So far I've seen sleeping beauty, bat girl and a mermaid, as the kindergartners are allowed to wear their costumes to school. I am sure I will have a sugar filled bus ride home, BUT I did throw out a hint...bus driver loves chocolate, wonder if I'll get any offers???

Still having issues with my stepson, Dale ... he refuses to change, confirm, adapt. But as we progress along the way Mark and I learn, we detach, we ignore, we set boundaries...some day we will look back at these days and realize it was all for a reason, a purpose.

Only time will tell...

way too busy girl!!!

I have seriously been way too busy. The pain in my stomach went away, most likely caused by way too much stress!

I refuse to be stressed out now, but I am still busy. Mrs H came home Friday so I was over at her place Thursday morning cleaning it. Then she wanted me there twice on Saturday and twice on Sunday. In between the kids were looking for Grandma Roses ... they wanted to sleep here Saturday night, which was a nice diversion.
Mrs H has full time help, but still wants us "girls" to come too.

My son Eric is coming home Thursday, but he will be living with his dad and step mom. I am happy he will be nearby and working at a less stressful job position. His store wasn't doing well, plus he was also doing the work of the fired payroll person, which to me doesn't see right. :0!!

Halloween is coming quickly and I am already seeing the candy wrappers littering my bus. For a couple of weeks these kids will be on a sugar buzz to beat all heck. Sometimes I swear they have candy for breakfast!...also the district has been installing cameras on all the older buses. I think it's a state law, but I am quite happy with mine. The kids now must behave or I have video proof of there misdeeds! One kid actually thought it was hooked to a live TV and was acting all goofy doing a fake news cast. Kids are funny.




















We are off on Friday for some sort of Teacher's Institute. A three day weekend for me! Plus the clocks get set back an hour so an extra hour too!! Mark and I are going to do some much needed work around the house. Jim's now vacant room must be cleaned out. Otherwise I am staying home and relaxing! And catching up with journals...which is normal for me!!

more birthdays...and a uncommon occurence!

My children many years ago...

Liz was 20 on the 20th of October, Eric will be 24 on the 24 of October ... and my oldest Tim will be 27 on February 27, 2009...all in a row, not the same year...which would be truly an occurrence, but still something to mention.

My children noticed this, I would have never thought about it. There are days I think too much, lately I've just tried to enjoy the beauty of Autumn. My kids have grown up too quick. In a blink they are not children, but young adults. The above picture was when I was a single mom living in an upstairs part of a large house. I love my life now, but I still try and freeze time. Back then I wish I had realized how quick my children grow up. Life should be enjoyed and today I am making sure I stop and enjoy the now!

Eric is coming home in about a month. He's able to transfer to another store nearby. Being 5 hours away in Ohio and living on his own has become too much for him. He misses his family. I miss him.

I have a blessed life and it's full of amazing and wonderful people, places and things...hope you all have a wonderful day also!

Liz is 20!

Happy birthday to Liz!!! My baby's not a teenager anymore!

pumpkin farm...fun!

Our tradition is to take the grand kids to the pumpkin farm each year. The first year Dakota was still crawling and Jacob was hardly talking, little Dayton wasn't even born yet!


Back then Jacob, middle guy driving, was all about the tractors. At that time he was very upset that there was no real motor in this wood version. Dayton's about the same age Jacob was at that time, he is more into the train.

It was pulled by a real tractor...They had a wooden version and he climbed all over that for a long time.

My husband was a good boy and didn't complain about the cost or there being too many people. I told him to stop and be little for a while and then he'd see how wonderful this place is...he did and he had fun! Every once in a while you could hear a kid throwing a fit, a parent trying to drag the kid some place other than were they wanted to be! I made up my mind a long time ago that I wasn't there for me, I was there for the kids and I guess experience has taught me to just let the kids have fun no matter how much of a place they see.

The straw hill was now in a small outbuilding including a slide, I will show those pics off later. Also, pictures of Jacob feeding a goat, the kid has never ever gone inside the petting pen, at least not with us...he did it this time. The little boys were almost too brave.


This picture is after the horse ride. The horses are a type of draft horse, two of them pull a wagon and go around a pond. After this year the two horses will retire. After this picture we headed for the apple cider donuts, yum!