Susans world: May 2008

Thursday, May 22, 2008

A little better than the worst

I don't have a picture to post with this - maybe next time - but I had to let you all know I am going to regionals. I don't think I have ever been able to say that. Not even in High School. I do believe that most of my kids have said it. Anyway - I competed in the School Bus road-e-o and I was the first worst score, so I get to go. I came in 4th of 10 and the top 4 go to regionals. Really , my score was not impressive but only the top two where. The competition took place during a rain storm and well, with wet mirrors - it was hard to see. I know I shouldn't make excuses but this is my first time to go to regionals and I am a bit nervous. Things take place on the 31st, so I'll let you all know how things go then.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Screen Savers

I love my screen saver. I know this is a strange thing to say but I do. In fact, I have been known to sit for minutes - and just watch it. Why? Because my screen saver is - pictures of my family. I actually have seen other screen savers - the one where a pipe is connected into different shapes until it disappears and starts all over. Or the cool cylinder that bounces all over the screen - but I must say why look at that when you can view your family?

My favorite time at the computer is on the week-end. I actually get less done on the week-end but Matthew has his computer plugged in and sitting next to mine and his screen saver is going - giving me a great slide show of all my favorite people. There is nothing better than winning a game of solitaire and having a smiling Sadie come on the screen to say - "well done, grandma"

Lets face it - I have a great family - How can you not love these pictures -

Grayam loving his first birthday cake.

Damon - once again - being the best example for his younger brothers. Grant surprised us at Damon's graduation - it is always fun when family gets together.

Look Grandma - no hands

The other great thing about a screen saver slide show is older , wonderfully happy photos like this one of Maddie.

Remember when Cristy graduated? That was a trip and a half. Watched Cristy graduate and then said good-by to Darren as he took off on his mission.

This is the 4th of July - time to prepare for out 6 block jog.

Pictures - what a great way to bring a smile to your face - memories of good times - whether they happened just a few days ago or a few years ago.

Why would anyone use any other screen saver? A slide show of your family - nothing better!!!

Did you know?

Matt was leaving Portland and came up on a motorcycle accident. It had just happened and people were flagging him to stop. His phone was the only one that had service so he called 911. It took awhile for the police to figure out where they were located exactly. Then when the closest volunteer department dispatched their ambulance - it broke down and another one had to be sent from a town a little farther away. Meanwhile Matt, along with two other people are doing CPR on a woman from the accident - for 40 minutes. Unfortunately the woman didn't make it. The man was alive when he was helicoptered out. Now the women was most likely dead on impact - Matt said blood came out her mouth with every chest compression. I can only imagine how scarey it all was. I am proud of Matt for what he did. Way to be the one that made a difference.

I learned how to play Chinese checkers this summer. Darren taught Cristy and I how to play. The correct way. A fun game and I actually won once. I enjoy the nights of games with the kids. I had a few this summer. Thanks Grant, Cristy and Darren.

So we are at Cristy's house - Grant, Liz, Cristy, Matt and I are playing Monopoly deal. A new favorite of us all. Thanks Liz for remembering to pack it. It is getting late and I am loosing as usual. But with any great card game you must have great snacks. Cristy has made a pan of brownies. Yum, but because it is Cristy's house she has also put out a bowl of carrots. We all grab a few and then about 10 minutes later Matt says -"I just ate a carrot for a SNACK" I totally enjoyed the next 5 minutes of laughter. Good old, roll on the floor and cheeks hurt laughter. I know you had to be there to enjoy this story but as Matt said after the laughter started - "Did I say that out loud?" Yes, carrots are for snacks too!

So I am over at Mandy's because I needed a grandkid fix. I am in the bed room with the boys and they are showing me everything they own. Why do kids do that? Anyway - I have always called Grayam - Gray - because that is what we were suppose to call him - I mean before he was born that was the plan but I am the only one who has ever called him that. Well, there I am with the boys and Grayam taps me on the shoulder and leans into me and says "Nana - my name is Grayam not Gray" - what was I to do? I tried to explain why I have always called him Gray but he didn't by it - when you get that 2 year old stare that just says - "your crazy Nana" you just quit and say OK I'll call you Grayam from now on - but it's hard!!!

The boys where over to the house the other day - Mandy was helping me with this computer. Being in the office Georgey started putting the train set together - he did a better job than me - anyway I was on the floor and Grayam was in front of me, he was bending over and his pants were falling down. I grabbed his pants and asked "what's this?" Shaking his pants and trying to get them up past his diaper. Grayam simply answers my question - "my bum" with a look that says "Don't you know this Nana?"

Georgey made me a beautiful picture the other day - he wrote on it - to Nana Shoe - am I a sunday shoe or a running shoe?

A couple of weeks ago, Mandy and the boys joined me again at church. This time we sat across the aisle from the Aspers. Anyone who knows Shirley - we have the same hair. Anyway Grayam noticed her and said "Nana" then looked at me and said "Nana?" Poor little guy - I think we confused him.

So Mandy and her family came to church with me today. I never get to hear what is said over the pulpit but I don't care. Once in awhile won't hurt me. But anyway, Georgey tell me today in Church that I am as old as Yoda! Wow - if I only had his wisdom!!

I was thinking this little section should be little family facts. Things we should all know about - like did you know that my father was born on Easter sunday? Not very interesting but a fact that he shares with Darren. Family facts!!

So remember how I, along with your help, was going to solve every free cell game? Well, I am on game number 2264 -got a way to go.