It only took 51 years

After 51 years I have earned a trophy. I competed in the "region 1" School bus safety competition and I took second place. I was shocked. I have been practicing for the last 3 weeks or so. Driving that bus through cones of all sizes. I am really sick of parallel parking that thing. I really think something should get easier the more you do it but that is not true. Sometimes I can park that bus and other times I ram everything in sight.

I know most of you didn't even know that something like this even existed- don't worry no one really cares except bus drivers - even some bus drivers don't care. What is involved? Glad you asked - there are 10 driving skills put to the test and one written exam that is 40 questions. Twenty-five questions of general laws for school bus drivers and 15 questions about the bus equipment. Do you know what system the "pitman arm" is associated with? I do!

This next picture is me trying to remember that I know what a "pitman arm" is!

The driving test include: Back up alley - basically backing into a driveway that is about two feet wider than your bus and not hitting the cones on either corner and placing your back bumper in a one foot "free" zone. You also have to be centered. Points off for every inch you are off. Piece of cake - possible 50 points - I got 26. I never said I got a great score.

The offset Alley - is just that - pretend you are driving down an alley that is the length of your bus and then curves to the left one bus width and goes straight another bus length. Without hitting anything. I hit flag and got a score of 43 out of 50

The railroad crossing is just that - we have allot of legal things, stop, look, listen, and you can't forget any of them - a possible 75 and I got 75.

Straight line is 5 groups of tennis balls placed in a straight line - the balls are 4 inches wider than your back doles. You can't drive over any and I didn't 50 out of 50.

Diminishing Clearance is an alley that starts with 12 inches wider than your bus and ends only 4 inches wider. Can't touch any flags - oops I did 30 out of 50.

Right turn sounds simple but you have to put your rear tire in a specific spot. You are only given about 8 inch variance. Harder than it sounds - I got a 30 out of 50.

Curb line is parking your bus the easy way. Just pull in straight park close and pull out without hitting the "cars" on either end. Points off for not getting close enough. I got a 50 out of 50.

Parallel Parking is my one event I hate the most. You have a space that is 4 feet longer than the bus and you have two back ups to get in. For the first time in competition I didn't hit the curb. (that simple thing takes away all possible points) I was excited. I got a 44 out of 50.

Elementary Student loading in the ninth skill. If we mess this up , well, we stink. I got a 50 out of 50.

Last is the stop line. You stop the bus with your front bumper directly over a specific line. Points off for not getting close enough to the line and zero points for going over. I got 25 out of 25.

That is it I had a total of 572 out of 675. Not the greatest score but 35 points ahead of third place and first place had 605. I need to do better on the written test. Why? Because I did this silly thing I am now going on to State competition. Yes, folks this thing goes all the way to nationals.

And this state thing is the Monday before Cristy's wedding. I just really need more stress in my life.
This is me before competition -" I want one" They are so prettttty. Mandy said - "see the trophy - be the trophy"

I was really shocked that I took second place. When 4th and 3rd was called, and I wasn't them -I figured I didn't even place. Shock!!!
I got one - my very first trophy. (And to my kids I don't count a "letter" for my bowling years in high school - a trophy.) NOW ON TO STATE!!!!

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.

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!!!

time for reflection - again

Unbelievable - my children are unbelievable! This is a good thing - in case you where worried.

First - My Mandy threw a very fun big birthday party - George's 29th birthday (the 30th of April) Georgey's 5th (May 1) and Grayam's 1st (May 2). It was a beautiful sunny Saturday and the bounce house in the back yard was a stroke of genius. It was fun seeing the kids bounce to their heart content. Happy birthday to the Poteet men.

Next - wedding news - well, we don't really have any wedding news. We are still trying to get the "place" to have this. June 28th is quickly approaching and well, we will have news soon. Cristy and Nathaniel are having fun making plans and well, they booked their honeymoon. First, things first I always say.

Next, next, Damon graduates this Saturday. My little boy is a Professor. Wow, you know how when your kids are little and you try to picture them grown - what will they be ? I always had a hard time with that but at times you wonder - like with all the forts the kids would build in the back yard - maybe a contractor? Damon never played teacher. How could I guess Professor?

Next, next, next, Grant is still a genius. Finals are over at BYU and of course our Grant is all A's at this point. One grade we don't know yet. But it is Grant. Liz loves her new job and all is well in Provo.

Next, next, next, next, Darren is waiting for finals. I loved his blog in burning his pop tower.

Matt and I are working, sleeping, going to birthday parties and graduations and then working and sleeping. Our lives are boring and we are loving it.

This is Matthew eating a vegetable. A rare moment.

Fun, Fun Fun

Cristy was here. And we shopped for a wedding dress. It was way fun!! But I don't think I have done anything so hard. Which one? We had a little party watching Cristy try on dress after dress. It took 5 hours, but it was worth it. You'll have to come to the wedding to see which dress she picked.

Grayam had allot of fun crawling on the "stage" . But soon...

he fell asleep. I look like I was ready for a nap too. But we still had plenty of places to go. Not more shopping but checking out places to hold the reception. Here is one that didn't make the cut but Grayam liked the pine needles.

Then on Sunday Jack was blessed. A great reason for the family to get together and have a party.

Jack is such a big boy.

The girls love auntie Cristy. Here is one last photo. Couldn't resist Grandpa loving his newest grandson.
This week-end was Fun , Fun, Fun!!!

Stuff

So here is a picture of the back yard. Does it look different? It should - the two big fir pine trees are gone. I can't believe how open and big the yard looks now. But I am very glad that I no longer have to rake up pine needles and pine cones. YEA!!!!!

The next little news is that Dad is doing great! Most of you are saying - was he not doing great? Well, I kind of neglected to tell you that Dad has been having dizzy spells. He has had quite a few tests done and all the big scary ones have come back negative. So now we are looking at his medications. Think he is over medicated. That is the guess right now. But now that the weather is getting a little better - Dad is just happy to be able to go outside.

So the really big news is that my Cristy is getting married. Tuesday, long time boyfriend asked the all important question - OK if I ask your daughter to marry me? Then I had to wait for Friday to roll around for the actual proposal. It is all so exciting but also quick. June 28 is the magic day and allot of planning to do. I have talked to Cristy more this week then all the phone calls since she has moved combined. I love it. Don't want to spoil anything - actually I can't since nothing is definite. She comes home this weekend - was suppose to be to see baby Jack - which she will do, but now we will also be wedding dress shopping and reception place looking. To Nathaniel - welcome to the family. This picture is actually very important. Every grandchild and most great grandchildren have been photographed in this bucket, that is used here as a table. So welcome !!!!!

Parents and children

A few important events are happening as we speak -First - My Father is turning 82. Or as George Carlin puts it he has reached 82. A most remarkable feat really and it takes nothing but patience to be able a accomplish this. Dad is an amazing man. He has worked hard all his life to give his family a good life. He loves his family more than anyone and will do just about anything for them. Dad is known as the tractor man in our neighborhood. He loves to mow his lawn. Actually, he loves to putter - and yard work is perfect for puttering. Dad taught me values and gave me the perfect foundation to hear and except the gospel. When I told him that I wanted to join the church , his words to me where - "if you join that church you have to live it". Advice I have always lived by - thanks Dad. It has been 5 years since his heart surgery - hard to believe it has been that long - and he is doing great! A little bit slower maybe and yes, you have to repeat a few things to him, but his big heart is doing great. Give him a call - he would love it.

Next my youngest is turning 23. Ugh!!!!!!! Yes, he has come to accept the fact that all of his brothers and sisters are aloud to do the basic things in life (like grow up) except him. Darren is my son who was born at home. On the couch. And that alone should have warned him that I expected him to stay there. But he has moved on - I am, well, pleased that he has chosen to grow up. He was able to come home for spring break, and that was a short but very nice visit. He brought with him Brittany. Now you know the reason to my previous blog. It was like old times. Kids in the basement playing pool. Getting up at 2 am to turn off the lights that I mistakenly thought they forgot to turn off. Oops - their still up - silly me. But I digress - I am suppose to talk about the kid - when Darren is 50 he will still be - the kid. I miss him finishing my sentences - his making extra "crackers" because he knows I'm going to take one - and his shoveling skills. But I am excited to see what a fine young man he has grown into. Even though it kills me to admit that my baby is 23.