Sentimental

I don't know what it is about this time of the year but I always am reminded of my bus driver when I was in school, George.

George was a gruff old man. He had a deep voice, was big, and drove a bus. I couldn't help but be intimated by George. But one day George didn't drive the bus that came to pick me up it was Sally, and then a man who transported his goats on his bus (we were all sure of this because the bus ALWAYS stunk like goats and goat poop). But back to George...he would always wait that extra minute for me to come running down the driveway when I was running late, he would smile while my mom forced me to have my first day of school picture taken buy his bright yellow bus, he was really a great man. I can't for the life of me remember his last name, he was just always George.

Every year at Christmas time he would cheerfully hand out brown paper sacks filled with his own little mini-version of a fruit basket. 1 apple, 1 orange, a nut, those yummy Christmas tree nougaty/minty taffy like things, a Christmas pencil and a mini-candy cane. At the time I remember thinking that it had to be the lamest of Christmas gifts I was going to get. I would rush into the house and eat up the candy, maybe use the pencil and then toss the fruit into my mom's fruit. But now that I am a bus driver and always contemplate what to give my bus kids, I am more appreciative of that sweet gesture. If you figure there were probably 40-50 kids on our bus and the cost and time that had to go into making those gifts, he went way above and beyond what some of the other drivers do.

Two years ago I gave out dollar bills to all my kids with a candy cane attached. When you figure that I have about 40 kids on my bus it's tough to squeeze out that extra $40 at Christmas time. But it was all made worth wile with one phone call. I had just one parent call and tell me that her son was so excited to get that dollar. He knew that he could go to the store and spend it however he wanted. On whatever he wanted. Unfortunately he lost that dollar and his mom had to give up one of her's but I was glad to know that I had made, if even just one, kid's day.

I always debate on giving out the money, and last year we just couldn't swing it. This year we can. I know a dollar doesn't buy much anymore, and the high schoolers probably think I'm lame but I enjoy seeing the smile and cheer on the younger kid's faces when they get that envelope knowing that there is money inside.

So this Christmas remember that it's the little things in life. The extra "Have a good weekend, Johnny" or the simple "How was your day, Suzy?" that means the world to some of these kids. Sadly enough some of the just don't get it at home.

Have a great holiday season, and a very Merry Christmas.

Last Day of School

Hurray!

It's finally here!

On the last day I let the elementary kids sit in the back of the bus and the MS and HS kids have to sit up front. And boy oh boy am I glad I only do it one day! The younger kids think it is the greatest thing that the older kids have to sit up front. But they fight over the back 2 seats. At one time they tried to have 4 kids in one seat...which they know is a no no. They were really quite cute...but I am so greatful that I don't have to see them for 3 months!!

I may not post much over the summer, so have a great vacation.

Finally back to school

Last week was our spring break including the Friday before off.

Monday no school for a ton of snow.

Tuesday no school because the school didn't have power.

Wednesday and Thursday school (knock on wood we make it both days)

Friday no school because it's Good Friday.

That's like a 2 week break! Only 7 more weeks until summer vacation! Yeah!!!

I love my job.

Kid's say the darndest things

Yesterday morning one of the houses I pick kids up at had it's Christmas lights on. This house just so happens to be the house that caused me to post this. So when I was getting ready to back up, one of the high schoolers said, "Heather, watch out for the Christmas lights!!" To which I replied, "They aren't on my tree, so we should be okay."

Clever I know. But it was early.

Some of the elementary kids were asking the younger boy how come they have so many Christmas lights. To which he replied, "Because the more lights you have the more presents you get."

Aren't kids cute?! It just made my day to hear him say that. They are so innocent.

Happy Halloween

Since this very well could be my last post ever I want to say goodbye to the few of you who read this blog. I'm sorry to leave on such short notice but today is Halloween. Just imagine a 37-some-foot, 7 or 8 ton party boat on wheels. With 40 some sugar jacked kids bouncing off the walls. Nuf said.

This will be why I'm never see or heard from again. Have a wonderful and joyous Halloween!