When I was a kid

So today was a very boring Saturday. The third Saturday is clean the house really good day. I limit this to once a month - no I clean other days but this is the big clean day. And really with only two people in the house things stay cleaner. Anyway this is not what I was going to write about today. Today after we got the brakes fixed on the Park Avenue and Pick-up , we went to Costco to get Matt some glasses. Our big date. We ran into Mandy, Grayam and George squared. Surprise!!! That was fun but then again - this is still not what I was going to talk about. Anyway while Matt was gazing into this machine and that, I walked around Costco. All their Christmas stuff is out now. And that is when I got to thinking about when I was a kid. (finally - this is what I want to talk about)

I always thought that my Grandfather Hank saw allot of change. I mean he was born when people where still using horses to get around. I thought that was amazing! But I got to thinking and well, I was here before computers in every household. My TV was the three major networks - ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. We never watched public TV - too boring. Our telephones had rotary dials on them and when push buttons came out it was a big thing. Our idea of a Mobile phone was one with a eight foot cord. You could get around a kitchen with that. As a kid we could stretch that cord to the basement door, close the door and sit on the top step so we could talk with no one listening. I bet Mom and Dad listened on the other side of that door.

We only had one color TV. The other TV in the house was in mom and dads room and it was black and white. I would lay down on the floor in the hallway and peek through the crack in the door to watch whatever Mom and Dad was watching. I would try to slowly open the door more to get a better view. Like my folks never noticed the door slowly opening on its own. I was such a dweeb. Thought I was so sneaky. My folks where mostly nice and let me watch for awhile but then would shoe me off to bed. A couple of times - on a Friday night - they would fall asleep and I would get to watch TV till the station went off the air - they always played the national anthem to sign off - anyway I would wait for Mom or Dad to get up to shut the TV off and nothing - so I walked in and shut the TV off and then went to bed. For a nine year old that was way cool to stay up to 1 or 2 in the morning. Now I wonder if TV channels even sign off - do they all stay on all night long?

Now I have a satellite on the side of my house to bring me over a hundred channels. I have to pay for this. I remember when there was a big push to stop pay TV. TV was free and should remain that way. I believed that when I was young. When VCR's came out - I remember saying - "who would want to watch the same movie over and over?" What a dweeb!! I own over a hundred movies. Guess I would!! - I also remember the kids asking me - how did I watch movies when I was a kid? - when they learned I didn't have such machines when I was young. Now TV is changing again in February - what is in store for us next?

Anyway thanks for letting me remember - when I was a kid.

Little Girls

I am such a dweeb!! I sit here thinking of my little Cristy and I am tearing up. My little girl turns 29 on the 10Th. That means I'm old. OK I'm not tearing up because I'm old but it sounded like a good cover.

It was just yesterday when her father placed her on the kitchen floor and said "it's time for you to walk" so off she went. Always believing she could do "it". What ever "it" was -she knew she could do it!!! Cristy saw her brother climb a tree and thought "I can do that" and she did. Only to look down when she got up there and then get scared. She was only 2 years old. I won't get into how stupid I was to let her do it in the first place but Cristy couldn't be stopped. Just ask Damon - she wouldn't stop tormenting him no matter what. He would plead but she just smiled and kept it up.

She could charm her way out of trouble like nobody else. Principles could never really yell at her. She would just smile and well..... She got pulled over a few times by the police and no tickets that I know of anyway. Who could ticket that face???? In high school she was voted class president. Poor kid that ran against her. But then again - if Cristy wants to do something - she does it.

She worked two jobs one summer - KFC and Dairy Queen - six hours at one store then off to the other. Paid off her braces that year - more than what her parents could due. Nothing stops Cristy.

She entered Junior Miss pageant - came in second. Came out of it with a scholarship to NIC. Went out for the cross country team and got another scholarship for the rest of her time at NIC. Went to Boise State for a year. Found the money - worked her little self to the bone. Next was BYU. Paid her way through it all.

Now - well she is old now. OK she has a year to go before she is officially old. But she told me a funny story the other day and I hope she doesn't mind me sharing. But she remembers telling someone when she was little that I was 28 years old. She remembers me at 28 and now she is 29. So now she is older than her Mom.

Cristy you will never be older than your Mom. You are definitely wiser, but not older. I am so very impressed with how you have forged your path in life. Always turning to your Heavenly Father and doing what is right for you. Your prayers have lead you to this perfect time in your life - a great job, a great husband. Too far away from me but, that, I am afraid, is also inspired.

So happy birthday Cristy!!! I won't tell everyone that you are also the child that caused the most gray hair. The police never called me on the boys! (teehee) Sorry - just had to mention that. Don't worry no one but family reads this anyway.

The first 29 years where filled with wonder - what shall the next 29 bring? (more grandchildren?)

Nana First!!! (teehee)

First off - I don't have a picture of Grayam in church, so this one was taken on Sunday - soon enough. So why do I need a picture of Grayam in church , you ask? Simple - Mandy and her fam joined me last Sunday for Sacrament meeting. I love Sundays like that - anyway - Grayam is crawling all over his Mom and Dad when he looks over at me and says "Nana". That's right folks he says Nana before he says Mama. Sorry Mandy but that made my year!!!! I have no idea what was said in that testimony meeting except "Nana". Yea for me!!!

This week has been boring - except for the "Nana" thing - I canned pears all week-end. Matt worked on his car. I gave away the rest of the pears we had and we even had a mystery pear picker come and take the rest of the pears off the tree. No more left for the deer to eat.

Mom is doing well, she is going in for blood tests and they are adjusting her medication. Blood got a little too thin there - so keep the prayers coming. Till next time-----Nana signing off!!

Mom is Home !!

So Mom wouldn't let me take a picture of her in the hospital - don't blame her - so here she is at home. The place she loves the most. I'm suppose to tell you all she will look better tomorrow after she goes and gets her hair done. I think she looks great!

I can tell you that she is motivated to eat better and take care of herself. I was able to talk to Cristy for a long time and come up with some important steps for Mom to take. I love getting free professional advise. (I am trying to figure out what profession we are missing in this family and assign Darren to fill that void) She is enjoying one step tonight....

Chocolate mint chip ice cream. OK it wasn't a step but she is my mother and you don't take away the ice cream without allot of tears - and I don't make my Mommy cry!!!

So in the end Mom spent two nights in the hospital, had a ton of tests made on her heart, and tons of blood tests and they just came back to original problem. Her heart doesn't beat right. They are thinning her blood - taking more blood tests along with more Dr. visits. Dad and I are going to help with the better diet. For now that's about it.

Thanks for all the prayers - to Darren who suggested the blessing - thanks but her grandchildren were not there to give it , so she passed. Bummer. But the prayers worked - THANKS!!

A pat on the back with a spit in the eye!!!!

It was really exciting when Matt received his "million mile" safety award. The $100 debit card was spent in I think 3 days - the flash light went straight into the truck - coat is hanging in the closet - sun visor is in the garage (won't use it) and the $5000 savings bond is in the safe --but not for long......

So Matt checks on the computer - the truck computer - to check to see what this weeks paycheck will be --- $289.23----WHAT???? In case you didn't catch that - two weeks of driving 17 hours a day and all you get is a couple hundred dollars? Get a new job time!! I was proud of Matt - he calmly called the accounting office and asked nicely - Whats up? Oh--they had to take all the taxes out of this paycheck for the safety bonus - yes folks - for the savings bond. All that stuff we had to pay taxes on - some bonus. Matt called the owner of the company and told him he could have it all back - no thanks - don't need to go into dept for a phony bonus! So the company is lending us $1000 for six months - no interest - at that time we have to give them the money - either by cashing in the bond and getting $2500 for it or coming up with the $1000 to keep the bond. Either way it SUCKS!!


So to work off the anger - we started to organize the shop. We worked out a plan as to where everything is going to go. We talked it all out and then Matt had to go to the dentist. Another toothache. So the real work starts next week. Don't worry - all the stuff you have up stairs is safe. Darren your kayak is now in the shop. The dungeon is going to be food storage and Matt's TVs are going to be in the shop and everything in the shop will be moved. Where are the boys when you need free labor? Aren't you glad your all out of the house?


So I'm sitting in the living room reading book three of the "Twilight" series and I get a call from Damon - "Mom" he says -"get on the computer" - ok - I put my book down and off I go to the office - Jake and Bella are just talking about who loves who - they can wait - Damon is in the car with the whole fam trying to go to a football game in Jackson Mississippi - he is lost and wants me to figure out where the game is. No problem- I start with the college home page and go from there - but by now the kids are starting to fuss -( actually I am told Jack has been crying the whole time) and forget it - they are going to just get some food and go home. OK - no problem - I go back to my book and start to think about what just happened. Wait a minute- what did people do before computers? Stop and ask someone -at a gas station - convenience store - or buy a map. Has times changed that much that we can't trust a stranger for directions?

So just a few random thoughts from me - in case you are shocked that I used the word "sucks" - I figure if Grant can say it at the pulpit - I can use it here!!

The longest Tag ever

Attached or Single? Married, what is this attached thing? at the hip?

Best Friend? That would be my hubby Matt - followed by my kids!

Cake or Pie? Cake! Costco Cake! Only for special occasions though (or Tuesdays)

Day of Choice? Sundays are my favorite.

Essential Items? Item is not people - so - chap stick - glasses, so I can see -

Favorite Color? Red to wear - blue to look at -

Gummy Bears or Worms? neither - I pass

Indulgences? Tuesday night Dairy Queen - ICE CREAM!!!!!

January or July? January - and sham on Mandy for saying that nothing is good about January - it is my birthday!!!

Kids? 5 fantastic children, 4 fantastic in-law children and 5 wonderful grandchildren

Like or Love? - what? these questions? Like

Marriage Date? February 1988, and April 1988

Number of Siblings? two older brothers

Phobias/fears? Heights - don't care for them -and my children and grandchildren standing too close to the edge of anything - cliff, dock, you name it - My fear of them falling and I can't help them -
Quotes? Don't sweat the small stuff
Reasons to Smile? Family and chocolate!

Season? Fall!!! the colors - crispness in the air - Love it!!!

Tag Six? I just touched six people and said tag your it - they looked at me like I was nuts - actually all of you have been tagged already - so it stops here with me.

Unknown fact about Me ? I am turning into a shoe person - ugh!! I don't really like it but I want cute shoes!!

Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? - Oppressor of Animals? What is that suppose to imply? Sorry I love meat !!

X-rays or Ultrasounds? What? What is wrong with me? What ever is needed!! Find it! fix it! I want to LIVE!!!!

Your Favorite Food? ICE CREAM!!!!
Zodiac? Capricorn

105 Questions
105 Facts About You (actually it is only 97 facts )

1. EVER BEEN GIVEN AN ENGAGEMENT Ring? Yes.
2. LONGEST RELATIONSHIP? I had to check the calendar - 21 years in February
3. LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? Matthew sent me roses when I was sick in August
4. WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ? I am almost through with "The Chase" by Clive Cussler - it is good
5. WHENS THE LAST TIME YOU WORKED OUT? Sept. 8 I try to work out at least 3 times a week if not more!
6. THING(S) YOU SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON? Food, gasoline
7. LAST FOOD YOU ATE? Ham , potatoes, watermelon - Dinner with Mom and Dad
8. FAVORITE WAY TO EXERCISE?: I belong to Curves but I prefer to ride my bike
9. ONE FAVORITE SONG? What else? America by Niel Diamond
10. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? It probably wouldn't be hard to find out, but I'm slightly afraid of Internet stalkers, so I try not to say it outright.
11. HIGH SCHOOL YOU ATTENDED: Connant High in Chicago and LaQuinta in California
12. CELL PHONE SERVICE PROVIDER: Verizon
13. FAVORITE MALL STORE: JCPenney and Christopher and Banks - I'm old!!!
14. LONGEST JOB YOU HAD: 16 years and still counting
15. DO YOU OWN A PAIR OF DICE? yes and WHY?
16. DO YOU PRANK CALL PEOPLE?: No and I bet this is on the way out with caller ID
17. LAST WEDDING YOU ATTENDED: Cristy and Nathaniel's - June 28th.
18. FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY: No friend - FAMILY but I don't think they would believe me
19. LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR BEST FRIEND: 5 and a half hours ago - hes on his way to Portland - again
20. FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT: I change between - Arby's and Panda,
21. CAN YOU DO A CARTWHEEL?: No
23. WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Lately it's been Red Robin
24. CAN YOU COOK? What? in general - nothing fancy
25. WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE?: A Park Avenue Buick
26. WHERE IS THE COOLEST PLACE YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION?: Manning Park in Canazada!! Remember?
27. LAST TIME YOU CRIED?: Last week we rented "The Bucket List" yes- I cried!!
28. MOST DISLIKED FOODS: Peppers, coconut and onions
29. THING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: My sense of humor
30. THING YOU DISLIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF: I judge quickly
32. LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB?: in the home-24 hours, outside the home-10 hours
33. FAVORITE MOVIE? I love chick flicks but I can watch Apollo 13 and Independence Day over and over and have!!
34. CAN YOU SING? If I sit next to someone who can
35. LAST CONCERT ATTENDED? too long - can't remember
36. LAST KISS? What was that answer before about last time I saw my best friend - same answer
37. LAST MOVIE RENTED: Same answer as last time cried
38.ONE THING YOU NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT:cell phone, glasses
39. HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU GET A NIGHT?: I try for 8 and usually get it
(what happened to question 40-42?)
43. LAPTOP OR DESKTOP COMPUTER?: Desk top - I must be the last one who likes 'em!!
44. FAVORITE COMEDIAN?: Jeff Dunham
45. DO YOU SMOKE? Nope.
46. SLEEP WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES? With.
47. WHO SLEEPS WITH YOU EVERY NIGHT?: My husband - questions are getting "off"
48. IF YOU HAD TO GO ON A REALITY SHOW, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?: does Dancing with the Stars count?
49. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? Been a long time - I used to get a ticket every three years until I got my CDL now its been 16 years
50. PANCAKES OR FRENCH TOAST? right now French toast - ask again in a month
51. DO YOU LIKE COFFEE?: no
52 HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS? Favorite Scrambled on toast - but I love eggs so....
53. DO YOU BELIEVE IN ASTROLOGY?: no
54. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?: Mandy
55. LAST PERSON ON YOUR MISSED CALL LIST?: Darren
56. WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT MESSAGE YOU RECEIVED?: picture text from Nikki - showing the girls and their "pretty" hair
(What happened to 57 - I think we are being edited - good?)
58. NUMBER OF PILLOWS?: 1
59. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?: PJ's
60. PICK A LYRIC, ANY LYRIC: "the wheels on the bus go round and round"
61. WHAT KIND OF JELLY DO YOU LIKE ON YOUR PB & J?: grape or my raspberry jam -never jelly only jam
62. CAN YOU PLAY POOL?: I am the luckiest player on the planet - ask Darren
63. CAN YOU SWIM? not a strong swimmer but yes
64. FAVORITE ICE CREAM?: Vanilla with chocolate sauce or hot fudge or cookie dough or chocolate or double chocolate fudge brownie or UGH!!! is it Tuesday yet????
65. DO YOU LIKE MAPS? Yes
66. TELL ME A RANDOM FACT ABOUT YOURSELF: I have lost 15 pounds in the past year
(missing another number - at this rate it is only 100 questions)
68. EVER ATTEND A THEME PARTY?: yes
69. PAPER OR PLASTIC?: it used to be paper now it is plastic
70. LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED AT SOMETHING STUPID? I drive school bus - daily!!!!!
71. WHAT TIME DID YOU WAKE UP THIS MORNING ? 5:50 a.m.
72. BEST THING ABOUT WINTER?: cold nights with a fire in the fire place - fresh snow
73. LAST TIME A COP GAVE YOU A TICKET?: over 16 years ago
(74 Where are you)
75. NAME OF YOUR FIRST PET?: Daisy the dog.
76. DO YOU THINK PIRATES ARE COOL OR OVERRATED?: For Georgey - cool
77. WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND?? Organizing the shop
78. EDWARD OR JACOB?: Edward! even tho I have no Idea what this means
79. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE: When? in general? how about Happy
85. ARE YOU ON A LAPTOP?: no
(no 86 either)
87. ARE YOU SMILING?: right now? yes
(88 is lost forever)
89. DO YOU MISS SOMEONE RIGHT NOW?: Yes.
90. IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD YOU GO?: Hawaii, DC, Mississippi, Utah, Pocatello, and Pullman and a hunt for number 91
92. DO YOU SKI OR SNOWBOARD?: neither
93. MAYONNAISE OR MIRACLE WHIP?:Miracle Whip
94. CATS OR DOGS?: dogs
.95. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHING SUIT?: black.
96. HOW MANY EMAIL ACCOUNTS DO YOU HAVE?: Two.
97. DID YOU GO ON VACATION LAST MONTH?: Nope,
98. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE?: Nope
99. DO YOU HAVE A SISTER?:nope
100. ARE YOU UPSTAIRS?: nope,wait I was just in the nope business, I guess if you count the basement that would be a yes
101. ARE YOU IN LOVE?: Yes-been married 20 years!!!
102. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL? Yes.I'm old of course I have
103. DO YOU WISH YOU COULD SEE ANYONE PARTICULAR RIGHT NOW?: Yes, too many people to list.
104. WHAT JEWELRY ARE YOU WEARING?: Just my CTR ring Damon and Nikki gave me
105. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AFTER THIS SURVEY?: Celebrate!

OK Mandy - don't say I didn't do what I was instructed to do!! That took along time Till next time!!

Yak - ity YAK don't talk back!!

No I didn't go to Tibet - A small herd of Yak is on my school bus route. I stopped this morning to take this picture. You should have heard the kids on my bus - "look at those funny cows" "they aren't cows, they are buffalo" "No they are cows" I can't really laugh , the first time I saw them I was wondering if there was a long haired cow - I mean really who would think that they really are Yaks. Turns out this guy who owns them loves to be the talk of the neighborhood. It really looks funny when he takes a little one out for a walk. Only in north Idaho!!!

So this is a picture of my bus the way they want to ride the bus. This actually is a light day - only 37 kids - taken this morning. The new kids are learning I don't allow this and the older kids that know me are being reminded.

This is the way you ride a bus. In my dreams. Maybe - one day - who am I kidding - we don't pay enough taxes to Velcro them to the seat or install TV in the back of every seat.

So my hope this year, is that I at least don't have anyone "talk back" - - maybe I can threaten them with - "putting them out in the Yak field" if they do - but alas - I'm still dreaming!!!