Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

We actually celebrated both Birthdays and Christmas last weekend. We're having a quiet morning and plan to go to the movies this afternoon. Is this a new tradition in the making?

Happy Birthday B!

Dear B,

Where have the years gone? You were (still are!) the best birthday gift I ever received. Back when you were a teenager I was worried that I'd totally blown it as a parent. Who would have thought that the kid who ran away and didn't want to finish school would turn into the man that you've become? A hard working husband and devoted father. A phenomenal author - the agents that have turned you down will be kicking themselves in a year or two! I'm proud of you!

Happy Birthday!

A Red-runner First

So, I'm in town picking up at a house near the main intersection where there are three lanes. I'm in the far right lane, my red lights are flashing and both stop signs are deployed and flashing on the left side of the bus. There are a car and a pickup truck in the far, oncoming lane, stopped and waiting patiently.

I'm greeting the kids and just catch out of the corner of my eye in the mirror, a car flying up the middle, left turn lane. I grabbed the air horn cord and gave a long blast. The car never slowed and flew through the intersection making the left turn. Business as usual.

As soon as I canceled my lights the car in the other lane proceeded on his way. The pickup truck however suddenly made a U-turn or I should say attempted a U-turn in front of me. He had to back up a bit to make it and by the time he got straightened out the light was red so he was stuck. I hung back, not being sure what he was doing. As soon as the light changed again he hauled around the corner and took off in the direction my red runner had gone.

Did he forget something at home or was he chasing my red-runner? I had the impression the he was after the guy that ran my reds. What was his plan if he caught him!?

The kids and I continued on our way and were left wondering just what all that was about!

The view from my window is always interesting.

December Blooms

We have had a very mild fall here. That, combined with the fact that I never got around to cleaning up the garden, has allowed some of my flowers to continue blooming into December! It does pay to be a lazy gardener (I'll pay in the spring, I'm sure!) These pictures were taken on Thursday.

Blanket Flower.
There are many blooms left.

I can't remember the name of this one.
It does look kind of Christmas-y, doesn't it?

Delphinium, bent over from the rain.
I think of these as delicate!

Yarrow

Also blooming are a few pansies, lamium, verbena and a couple of annuals I don't remember the names of. They aren't gorgeous blooms but I'll take whatever I can get!

Today it is snowing in Snowville. As of yesterday Dallas had had more snow than we had. It is supposed to warm up later so hopefully it will all melt and the few flowers that are left can shine for a few more days.

Bus Driver Makes the List

Bus Drivers came in 8th on this list of "Best Part Time Jobs for Full Time Moms". I was surprised to find it on the list because we work when the kids are at home. You either have to have your kids ride with you or find a sitter. They also show the average pay as $13.74 an hour. God bless anyone who is willing to take on that much responsibility for so little pay!

The Tree is Up

I broke with tradition this year and left the tree decorating for kids night. The four oldest were here and they were quite happy to help me out. It kind of became a race to see who could get the most on although they did take a second to admire an ornament that caught their attention. They were very pleased with the results!

Alex, Mike, Nikki and Liz in front.

Bean is the mother-helper in Sprout's class today so Twig is here. He's a tad wound up. Thank goodness the propane truck came today so we had a few quiet moments! Twig was just fascinated by the truck and all the noises it made.

Twig


I haven't been sharing much here lately. I'm not loving my job right now but this will pass.