A Sunday Drive on Friday

When I was a boy I can remember a few times when my Mom and Dad would decide to go on a Sunday drive after worship at our Church. I remember going to Silver Dollar City in the early 1960’s and it was nothing like it is today.  At that time it seems like we just drove up and walked in. I do remember a few drives that was just driving around to see different places.

Well; anyway I woke up yesterday morning [Friday] trying to decide if I needed to go to the Church office for further study prep and prayer or if I would just stay at the house. I decided on staying, and I did do some review, and praying over the text, and studying.

Along about the time I was winding things down I decided I wanted to go to Aurora for a cheeseburger at Sonic; so I asked my wife (Madge) if she would like to go and eat lunch. I knew she would not turn down an opportunity to go out and eat.  She said “Sure”.

The lunch date quickly turned into a drive.  While we were eating I asked Madge, maybe I stated to her, “Let’s go on to Timothy and Sarah’s, and see how the work on their house is going”. She was all for that.  They live in Stott’s City, west of Mount Vernon a few miles.  On the way I told her “We are taking a Sunday drive on Friday”.

As some of you know I retired from School Bus driving at the end of the 2018 – 2019 School year; from the Cassville R-IV School District. From September 2003 through May 17, 2019 I drove a bus to supplement our income.  I also enjoyed it until around the 2016 – 2017  School year.  I am now retired.

Several have asked me, “Do you miss driving the bus?” My answer to that is “NO!” I do miss the friends I have made among the other bus drivers, and some of our talks around the tables in the garage.

If it were not for retiring from the School, I would not have been able to take a Sunday drive on Friday.

I am still thankful to the Lord Jesus everyday for the strength, and life He gives, for the family and friends He has blessed me with.  I have plenty to do; and too much have left undone that I need to get done, so I know nothing of boredom.

I look forward to taking more Sunday drives on Friday.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

In Our Road

I was approaching our house up on top, before reaching the cemetery.  Coming home from driving the School Bus, and I saw several turkeys; a big Tom with a very long beard, and a few of the hens with him.

The Tom had his tail feathers spread, strutting his stuff.  This was the first I have ever seen a wild tom strutting with his tail feathers spread. It was quite exciting for me.  Here are some pictures I took.  Not sure if you can see them. I did not want to run them off too quickly…

Top left is, as you can see taken from inside the car. The other two are through the open drivers window looking over the bluff. I realize the picture is not real clear, but he is really there.

From the banks of Flat Creek, which you can see in the background over the bluff.

`tim

It is Snowing

We have not had much snow for a few years in Southwest Mo., but we are getting enough today.  So much so, in fact, that the Cassville School District has already canceled classes for January 16, 2018, and I received the call shortly after 11 a.m. on January 15.

The following are some pictures my wife Madge tool just outside our backdoor…

and one more…

I am not a real fan of cold Winter weather, but it goes with having seasons, and I thank the Lord our Creator for them all.  Snow is beautiful because it covers all that is unsightly, ugly, and messed up.

From the banks of Flat Creek

`tim

New School Year

The new School Year began in Cassville, MO on August 17.  I also started driving a different route.

I now drive the Jenkins route, and though I am pretty familiar with the area, since I do live in the Jenkins area, I am finding myself having a bit of trouble with some names of my kids.  Remembering their names.

As it is in most communities people move away, and new people move in.  There are only  about three families I am I am familiar with from my years of living here growing up.  One family is cousins, another is nephews, and another is a native of the area.  I just remembered a fourth family, and they are distant relatives.

One thing about it; I will not get lost.

I hope all who are reading this have a great new School year, and great days ahead.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Let Me Tell You About My Mornings

My mornings are not important to anyone else.  I realize that; but to let you know what I do as a pastor, and a School Bus driver of the mornings – Here goes…

My alarm goes off around 3:15 a.m.  I get up do the necessary things before dressing, then proceed to make some coffee.  I get my computer turned on.  Then I take my Bible, my journal and set down at the kitchen/dining table; and I read a portion of Scripture (usually 2 – 5 chapters) to hear what God has to say to me today.  I spend a few minutes speaking to Him as well.

By the time I am through with my Bible reading the coffee is ready and I pour me a cup, mixed with a packet of Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensations hot chocolate mix.  Yum.  Then I begin writing in my journal.  You can read some of what I wrote in today’s writing at this link

After I have written in my paper notebook, journal; I come and do some post for our Church blog, and my Bible Study blog called BROKEN PIECES.  By the time I am finished with that it is about time for me to leave for the bus garage.  I do watch a bit of Fox and Friends before leaving, and clean up my coffee pot.

I leave the house around 5:15 a.m. arrive at the bus garage around 5:45, pre-trip my bus, and leave on my route around 6:05 a.m.  It is an amazing drive.  I get to drive approximately 25 minutes before I pick up my first stop.  From then on into school there is much talk, screaming sometimes, laughter, playing [not supposed to]; no more quiet time.

I arrive at he High School drop off about 7:45 a.m. then the Elementary about 7:50 a.m.  Then, that part of my morning is over.  Following the route this morning I went with some of the other drivers to the Primary Cafeteria for biscuits and gravy for breakfast; instead of coming home.

When I get home I check emails, facebook, my blogs for comments and such; but most of all I try and spend the time preparing sermons for Sunday mornings and evenings.

Today I am scheduled for an activity trip taking the soccer team to Springfield, MO.  I am blessed to be doing a work which I thoroughly enjoy; being a pastor, and a school bus driver too.

A Blessed and sunny day along the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Driving a School Bus

Where I live the new School year for ages K – 12 began on August 13; so we have been in school now for two weeks.

I have been driving for the Cassville R-IV School District in the southwest part of the State of Missouri now for the last 9 years, and started my tenth year.  I have a total of 16 years driving with the Cassville School District.  With the first stint being from 1984 – 1990.

I quit driving a bus for 12 years, even gave up my CDL for a regular license for a while until I decided I needed to go back to driving a bus.  That was in 2003, and I have been driving a bus ever since then.

Actually I am driving for Cassville for my third time.  When I came back in ’03 I came in as a sub driver, then was given a route in the beginning of 2004 (January).  I left at the end of that school year, moved to Farmington, Missouri, and drove a School bus for the Farmington District for two years, then moved back to Cassville.

Driving a School bus is a challenging job; yet it is rewarding.  The reward is watching those kids grow up.  I took the route I have now in March of 2007.  I now have one student who is the only original student who was riding when I started it.  She is a Senior this year.  She was a third grader when I started.

It is a difficult job while you are driving, watching the road, tending misbehaving children, and watching for other drivers who are not watching what they are doing.

I guess I am writing this because I know many School Districts are in need of good bus drivers; people who love and care for kids.  If you are one of those go to your local School District and talk to them about driving a bus.

If you do it for the money you will not make it.  If you do it because of the kids, and you enjoy it.  You will do great.

I am writing this from the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

School Has Started Again

Cassville R-IV Schools began on August 18, 2011.  And man, did my route change.  It is a little longer.

I now go down to the place by the Lake I did when I first took the route four years ago.  Down there I pick up two little girls who are a couple of sweet little girls, but need to learn how to stay in their seats, and be quiet; especially one of them; the youngest.

I do not think people realize how much of a distraction moving around and a loud voice can be to a bus driver.  It really is though.  One sudden move can call the driver’s attention to the mirror and away from the road.  Sure we have training, and experience, yet, even the best and most professional driver can mess up, by a child’s scream and such as that.

If you are a parent; please teach your small children to be seated; and a non-distraction.  It will go a long way in a peaceful ride on the School Bus and a long life for your child and the others on the bus.

I do not want to see any of them hurt, nor do I enjoy the idea of taking them to see their Principal.  If I must though, I must and will do so.

I will be taking care of; and most drivers I know will be taking good care of your children on the way to school.  There is no other way.

Tim A. Blankenship

Second Week

I have began my second week of no driving the school bus.  Have I missed it?  Not yet.  I have been busy.  I spent the very first week working at Youth Camp at Baptist Hill near Mt. Vernon, MO serving as a camp cook.

I really don’t think that camp cook is a proper title for me.  I have put food in the convection oven, prepared chicken for the oven, bacon for the oven,  eggs for the scrambling – 47 and one half dozen as a matter of fact – that is Jerry W. and myself cracked that many eggs.  We also added lemon juice to keep them from turning green, milk to make them fluffier, and also salt and pepper to season them.  The eggs were for breakfast Wednesday morning.

We were feeding about 175 youth and workers.  There were 9 youth who called on the name of the Lord for salvation; 11 other decisions and one who decided they needed to follow the Lord in Baptism.

My schedule while I was at camp went a little like this.  I was up at 3 a.m., at the cafeteria by 4 a.m. making coffee for the workers coming soon; and when the head cook [Jerry] arrived we visited a while, drank coffee, then started prepping breakfast.  One morning following breakfast I did go to my room and took a nap.  It was quite restful; and one afternoon I went and rested for a while.  Each night I was in bed by 9 p.m.  Tired, tired, tired; ready for bed and sleep.

The second week; it is hot,  hot, hot.  I prefer hot to cold though.  This morning I went out and hoed around our potatoes.  Even at 7 a.m. it was still pretty warm out.  I have more taters to work.

I am thankful for the strength which my Lord and God Jesus Christ has given me.  Thank YOU Lord.

Tim A. Blankenship

Matters Of The Heart

When we hear the word “Heart” we think of the blood pump in each of our bodies, we think of a person’s character or life; we even think of spiritual matters, and hear phrases like “Give your heart to Christ”; and I have used that one a few times.  By that we mean, “Give of your whole being, and self to Christ; leaving nothing out.”

Well the heart is a major organ within our body, and it is amazing what doctors can do for our hearts in this day and time.  We need to realize though that doctors cannot heal; that there is only One Healer and His name is Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.

The reason I bring this “Matters of the Heart” up is that my wife Madge and I have just recently had doctors work on our hearts.  Back on 2007 or ’08 my wife was diagnosed with an anyerism of her aorta in her heart.  It was not large enough for them to do surgery, so waited until it grew large enough to do it.  They did the surgery on September 21, 2010, and by the grace and healing power of God she came through it miraculously.

In February of this year (2011) I was scheduled for a stress test by my cardiologists order.  As far as I knew there was nothing wrong; had no chest pains, if I did too much at one time I needed to take a rest, thinking it was due to being physically out of shape.  The February appointment was postponed due to bad weather; until April 05.  I took the stress test and they found what they called “abnormalities” and wanted to do an angiogram.

On Monday April 18 I went in to the hospital for the angiogram, and they ended up putting four stents in me, and never finished; I was to return the following Monday (April 25) to get another stent for another artery of my heart. Due to these surgical procedures I spent a total of two nights in the hospital.

I am thankful to the Lord for His watch and care, and recovery of these things.  He is wonderful, powerful, and gracious and merciful.  To Him be all the praise.

I believe that I am feeling much better, though it is yet to be seen when I am able to get out and become more physically active again.

I appreciate all who have prayed for my wife and I, and thank you very much.  Where would we be without you all.  Thanks also to the great doctors and nurses who provided the physical care and knew how to use the technology available.

Thanks and praise be to the One who is Lord of all.

-Tim A. Blankenship

It’s Spring Now Two Thousand Eleven

This Spring is wracking up the numbers.  Numbers of mysterious events in our lives. My family and I that  is.  We enjoy Spring.  I know I do.

It is amazing how you can plan to do things, get things done around the house, yard, garden and such, and there are inconveniences and mysterious events taking place which work at odds to prevent it – what you have planned that is.

I have plowed and worked a bit of a garden.  I have an acre and a half of yard to mow, and now things have been slowed for now.

Last Fall my wife had heart surgery, and we moved into a new home by the end of October.  We have been slowly laboring to improve things around the house and such. Build a fence around it so cattle don’t get near the house and tear things up, as well as mess up the yard, spread ticks and such.  Moving dirt has been a chore we were doing as well.

Now I have had to go into the hospital for an angiogram, and it was discovered that I had a lot of blockage in the vessels of my heart.  They put in 3-4 stints; one of them doubled to make it long enough for one blockage; and on Monday I will return to the hospital for more stints, I think a couple more.  I am off of work for at least two weeks, and who really knows.

I don’t mean to sound as if I am complaining, but rather I laugh as I think of what I have written.  I laugh because our plans often fall far short of what God has planned for our lives.  His plan always out weighs our own; and is the one plan that is far better than our own.

I don’t know what the Creator has in His plan, but I can trust and know that it is for my good, your good and for His own glory.

I still love Spring.  I will always love Spring.  The grass returns to greening, the leaves bud and sprout on the trees, flowers bloom, gardens grow; and so much more.  It is a time for growing; and that’s how I looking at what is happening in life right now.

-Tim A. Blankenship

What A Summer

It has been a different kind of Summer for me.  I have not accomplished near what I have wanted to concerning the old house and getting it ready to live in, and mostly due to be ill.  I have decided that the illness has been caused by the dust of the old house; at least much of it.

My wife (Madge) and I have decided to buy a double wide manufactured home, and set down on the old farm stead.  We are waiting now for everything to get approved and such.

It won ‘t be too long and school will begin again.  I have had my physical and passed it and looking forward to the new School year.

It has been a great Summer in that we were able to go to both Youth Camp and Children’s Camp at Baptist Hill in Mount Vernon, MO.  We were blessed to serve the CGL’s and campers as cooks and kitchen help.  It has been our privilege to do so for the past four years.  We hear that there were 24 children who trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in Children’s Camp, and a few less than that at Youth Camp with other decisions being made as well.

If things go well I may use this site as a daily log of driving the bus during the School year.  If I don’t every day, maybe I can at least once per week.

My wife and I celebrated our 37th Wedding Anniversary just last week.  We went and spent two days in Branson.  Nice place to visit, especially in November through February, but rather busy in July.  Really Branson is a great place to visit for family relaxation and fun.  

See you next time.  Continue to have a great Summer.

-Tim A. Blankenship

The Season of Christmas ’08

It is now officially Winter as of the 21st of December. On that day it really turned out to be quite cold. My last day of driving the School Bus for the year of 2008 was on Friday December 19, and we had a Christmas dinner at 11 a.m. It is quite okay for me to call it dinner, because dinner has always been the time others call “lunch”.

The bus drivers all agreed to bring their favorite dish or dessert, and we made a potluck dinner of it. I asked permission to bring my wife, and I was told, “If she is preparing the turkey you’re bringing, then I wouldn’t have even bothered asking”, but maybe not quite that way.

I mentioned it being cold on that first day of Winter. The temps dropped down into the single numbers on that evening, but then it has warmed up to the sixties the day following Christmas, and today [Saturday 27th].

We had a great time with my siblings, my parents, my wife and kids, and my siblings spouses and kids and all the grandkids. There must have been nearly sixty present at my parents house. At our small home we had about 21, and is it ever crowded with only one bathroom, and really only one bedroom with an upstairs that is open. There are at least two families who stay upstairs overnight at Christmas time.

The most important time about Christmas is Jesus Christ, and remembering His birth, His incarnation as a man; the day that God became man, to dwell among us – Immanuel is “God with us”. A great part of Christmas is the family get together.

I do need to admit that by the time it is all over I am ready for a break, and right now I am having a break. The house is empty with the exception of God and me. Those times do serve as a time to freshen your thoughts, and receive assurances from the Lord and His Word. I even went for a short walk this afternoon, and it was after the temps started to go down. It is beginning to feel like Winter again.

We may indeed have a strong, hard, snowy, icey Winter this year. I am praying we don’t, but I have no say in the matter. I only pray for God’s will, for safety, for warmth, and all our needs to be met, for the honor and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is always the season to be thankful. Even in the Winter.

-Tim A. Blankenship

For Anyone Who Is Interested

It has not been too many days ago that we had the first snow fall of the season. It, however, did not amount to much. For that I am glad. It is not that I don’t like snow; I don’t like cold weather, and it seems that the two just happen to go together.

Last night [Sunday] the weather suddenly turned from an almost balmy, warm Spring time temperature in the sixties during the afternoon to freezing and below. From the time my wife and I left our church the temp dropped fourteen degrees, and that was driving a short 17 miles. It only takes us about 30 minutes, with about one third of that time spent driving the last two miles to our home (it is a rough dirt/gravel road).

When I arose this morning, planning to go and drive my School Bus I looked out the window and everything looked pretty good. There was a dusting of snow on the car, but nothing bad. I spent time doing my quiet time and then blogging, and then got myself ready for leaving for town (also 17 miles away) to go and drive the Bus.

I got in the car, and was out of our driveway when my wife called me on my cell telling me “Joe called, and there is no school today” (Joe is our Supervisor for the bus drivers). Because there was no school I saved a little bit of gas.

I saw Joe later in town, and he told me there was a thin sheet of ice on the school parking lots, and that was mostly the reason for the cancellation. While my wife and I were in town it was snowing, and the weather reports are calling for 1 – 4 inches of it by morning. If we get that there will be no classes for Tuesday. Our last day of School for this year was going to be on Friday December 19, but we may get a few extra days, if things continue as they are.

That is one of the problems with Winter. Mostly it is the cold of Winter I dislike. I prefer to be warm, even hot compared to being cold. I like the seasons, and I thank God our Savior for giving me these days. I appreciate those warms days even more.

Have a great Winter, and be thankful to our Lord.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Going Again

It is going again. It seems, that without fail it never quits, though it would not be good for it to quit, because whether we like it or not; as children or as adults; we must have it. This is probably not a mystery to those of you who may read this; meaning, you probably know what I am writing about.

I won’t mention the name of what I speak, but only give some clues, which will probably be quite obvious.

All Summer long these people aree busy preparing for the next year, and the people they help are on break. There are also some of the employees who are on break, because of a big yellow thing they steer down the roads to bring in the people who ride it. The distance the steerers take varys from only a few miles, and a few minutes to 150 to 175 miles per day.

The year round employees keep the grounds clean, the buildings in good repair and working well; and there aree those who make the plans, and take care of the day to day business during their months of quietness.

As I have been out steering one of these big yellow things down the roads I travel, the sun comes over the Eastern horizon, and is so beautiful, as it glows through the clouds, and morning fog. The deer, the coons, the squirells, rabbits, birds; such as the cardinal (red birds), blue bird, sparrow, crow; are all busy collecting their morning meals. The deer crossing the roads, and making many a steer man or woman be cautious as we approach them on the roads.

I didn’t steer the big yellow thing on the first day. I was away for my son’s surgery. He had heart surgery at age 28, and seems to be doing well, after a night of not doing too well.

It is good to be back. I pray that I will be strong in discipline of the people who ride, yet merciful when there is time for it, and that God will give me strength, and patient with them. I realize that I just asked God to help me be “patient”, and that it’s dangerous, because “Tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3). I don’t like tribulation, but I can appreciate it, when I grow nearer to the Lord because of it.

Monday morning will begin the first full week back on the big yellow thing. So Lord, give me your strength, and your patience.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Summer Break, YEAH!!!

For some you don’t know what it might mean by the term “Summer Break”, however, everyone who has about anything to do with School, and its yearly sessions knows, at least those who are working from around the end of August to the end of May. There are workers of public schools, such as the maintenance people who work all year round, and they only get a week or so vacation each year. Thank you maintenance people and all year round workers at the public Schools, yes, even the Administrators.

Summer break is great for those who face the students each year, teaching them Reading, Riting and Rithmetic; you know the “3 R’s”. I am afraid, however, that it has now gone beyond the three R’s to covering a lot of things that really should be left to parents, and churches. Then there are the Bus Drivers who always have their troubles behind them. Until you have driven a School Bus you have no idea how stressful the job is. The driver must always try and maintain a safe driving speed, keeping eyes on the road, watching the mirrors, and from time to time watching the kids. A sudden movement from one child can distract the driver, and if not careful can lead to a very serious accident, with a few children being seriously injured and, God forbid, maybe even killed.

I have sometimes wondered how I could handle it if I made such a grave mistake as to do something that would injure or kill a child while driving a Bus. I have determined that if I ever do, the School will not have to fire me; I would quit, and never drive a bus again. I pray that never happens.

Yeah! School bus driver’s need the Summer Break, as do the teachers, and all who work with students while school is in session. Summer is not officially here, but it is here.

My wife and I just returned on Friday May 30 from spending a few days at our Baptist Associations Youth Camp at a place called Baptist Hill Assembly near Mount Vernon, Missouri. We fed about 196 youth, camp staff and CGL’s for near to four days. We will return, the Lord willing, in July for Children’s camp. We are working with a good group of of people, about nine total, as cooks. It is such a joy to see their faces light up as you feed them something they really enjoy eating.

May all have a great, safe, and God blessed Summer.

-Tim A. Blankenship

Another Blessing from God

In a couple of the past post, as a matter of fact the last two; I may have seemed a bit discouraged. I was. Discouragement is a horrible thing, but one thing I can say about it is that when you get lifted out – you really know it.

There have been a really great event of news that has not gotten out a long ways, and that is Madge and I are going to be grandparents once again. I won’t say which of our kids yet, but it is supposed to be due in early July. Used to you didn’t even know you were expecting that quick, but technology has a way.

I also returned to the doctor today to see about my BP, and surprise of surprise, he released me to return to driving the School Bus. That tickled my goat. That is a good thing. Most adults would not think of another adult being glad to get back to driving a School Bus. People in their right mind wouldn’t be driving a School Bus; or so I have heard and as we bus drivers often kid around about. I drove the evening route today, and was glad to be back, and the other drivers were glad to see me back.

One of the things that helps me enjoy driving the Bus is the other drivers, the supervisor, and mechanics, and the School Administration and Board. Cassville School District is a pleasure to drive for. They pay the drivers the best of any School District in the State of Missouri, provide health insurance, sick days, get 2 personal days per school year (paid), and paid holidays. Not many School Districts provide such a good package. The best thing is the people I work with. Mostly a lot of fun to be around.

I am thankful to be back to driving the bus again, and I pray God will use me to be a faithful witness for His glory, and will bless the Carr Lane Baptist Church greatly too. I want to express a word of thanks to all who prayed for me these past two weeks. God has answered and heard you. Bless the holy name of Jesus, Son of the Living God, and who is God incarnate.

A Weight

When I got out of bed this morning there seemed to be a weight on me which I had no explanation for. It may just be concern for my Dad, as he is having problems with his foot once again, and they want to amputate, but he doesn’t.

Dad believes that the Lord has assured him that he is going to keep his foot. If Dad has that assurance I believe him, and that is how I prayed last night as we met and had prayer.

We, ie., my wife Madge, Mom and Dad, Judy (my sister), her husband David, Dave and Edna Eaton (David’s Mom and Dad), Duffy and Dawn Guyton (David’s sister and her husband from Memphis, TN.) got together at the Eaton’s home and had a time of prayer specifically for Dad’s foot and leg. I am believing that God is going to renew that foot and leg.

Dad has said he is willing to receive God’s will in the matter, as am I. God’s will and plan is the most desired plan of all.

As for that weight on me; I really just don’t know why it is there. The spiritual condition of the Nation, the world. I am anxious for the return of Jesus for His Church. I pray that the many whom I am praying for for salvation will be saved.

It is not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

May the Lord help me with this weight. As I write this and express it I can feel some of that weight lifting. Thank YOU Lord.

If you are a Christian; in your time of prayer would you pray for my Dad. I would appreciate it, and pray for God’s will and glory.

One more item I want to write about is that I drove the School bus for the last day of Summer School. My cousin Marie called a couple of days before and asked me if I would fill in for her on Friday. I told her I would. I drove the bus my granddaughter Naomi rode for Summer School. She will be in Kindergarten when School resumes in August. She will not be riding my bus at that time. When Naomi got on at the morning run, she gave me a great big hug. Those hugs are great.

What Is It With Kids???

Well here I am back to this blog writing once again. And the title of this one may leave some of you wondering. Wondering what is he going to write in this anyway?

Well! I have mentioned before that I drive a School Bus. Yeah! One of those big yellow, roaring road huggers, and maybe some would say “Road hoggers”, because sometimes when you meet us it does seem like we are hogging the road. Don’t complain unless you have driven one, and then, you will realize that those things take up most of the lane.

Anyway, back to the “Kids” thing. WHAT IS IT WITH KIDS??? While driving the bus, we have a mirror where we can look back and keep an eye on things, when we are not watching the road; which, by the way, watching the road is the most important thing; that is, if you want those “Kids” home safely.

Here is the thing I am wondering about. When I look into that mirror and I see one of them in one seat, then I return my eyes to the matter of driving, searching the mirrors, watching the road and such things as that; then, look back at those same kids. Only now one or two I have seen in one seat are now in another. It is almost like they think the driver doesn’t notice. Do they think we don’t know what seat they were in? Do they think we don’t know one side of the bus from the other.

You tell them to stay seated, and they turn around backwards in the seat. You know the driver is not supposed to notice. I just pray that none ever get hurt. I sure would not want one to be hurt while I was driving them.

WHAT IS IT WITH KIDS??? They are kids, being kids. I do pray they will learn that the driver does notice, and that is why she/he is constantly on them to stay seated; especially while the bus is in motion.