Thursday, December 31, 2009

Lots of new stuff to see, make sure you don't miss anything!

A New Family Member

Yesterday Emily Mae Parkinson was born at 2:06 pm weighing 7lbs, 2oz and she is 20 1/2 inches long. From information we've gathered, Heidi and Emily are doing great! You can see more pictures on their blog HERE. Congratulations to the Parkinson family, we're glad she's here and healthy!


Teresa Driving

I learned to drive at 15, like most normal kids. My dad did the majority of the teaching. He was firm in the idea that I needed to learn how to drive a manual transmission car. (im glad hewas, because I prefer it to automatic) We practiced the first few times at my siblings elementary school. Then he took me out on the town (which in san antonio, is not pleasant- lots of construction and lots of people). We got onto loop 410, apparently I did something very wrong because he pulled the e-brake and quickly steered onto the shoulder. I thought we were going to die. Other than that experience, my learning to drive was great. My dad was a great teacher.

Jeny Driving

I like the question of the month this month!
When I started driving a about age 18, Dad (grandpa) took me out one time. At one intersection as I was slowing down for the light he freaked out and pulled the emergency brake. Then he told me he wouldn't take me out again, and I'm pretty sure I would never have asked him.
After that I relied on others to help me learn. First was a very patient boyfriend who was trying to help me learn on a standard. I was stopped at a red light in the left turning lane going from Dublin onto Academy heading towards home. I think this is the right street. It was a pretty good hill, and I couldn't get the car started without hitting the car behind me who had pulled up pretty close, so after trying through two lights I just gave up and got out of the drivers seat and got in the back of the car. John then scooted over and got us through the intersection. Serves the guy behind me right for being a stupid driver (because of course I wasn't the stupid one!)
Once John gave up my Home Teacher, Brother Black taught me. He was very patient and kind. I wonder how many years I took off his life. He finally got me to the point that I felt I could pass the driving test. When I went to take the test, the tester guy told me to take 4 right turns and parallel park on a deserted street curb. I simply had to pull forward to the curb close enough to pass. That was my test. The only thing I got marked wrong was that I slowed down for a squirrel crossing the road. By the way, never slow down for an animal crossing the road. Unless of course it's bigger than you are.

Heidi's Driving

Learning to drive was NOT fun for me! Dad, David, Mindy, Jeny and Amy all tried to teach me, and all failed. The problem was that Dad was forcing us to learn on a stick shift. I could not figure out how that clutch was supposed to work and kept stalling all the time. Finally, just before I turned 18, Kathy Southard took me and Lyle out and she was able to explain the clutch in a way that I understood. I got my license, passing the drivers exam by only two points. The guy was not thrilled to give me my license. I still don't consider myself a good driver by any means and don't enjoy any part of driving. Give me a back seat any time!!

A Plethora of Birthdays and Anniversaries

These will be oldest to most recent.

November 27th: Amy and Tarquennis celebrated their anniversary! Congratulations!


November 29th: Happy Birthday to Jason Parkinson
November 30th: Happy 21st Birthday to Jordan


December 3rd: Happy 1st Birthday to Leah
December 15th: Happy 25th Anniversary to Lloyd and Kristi! Congratulations on 25 years!


(Yesterday) December 30th: Happy 11th Birthday to Dayna!

AND brand spankin' new Emily Mae!

We love you all and hope you had wonderful celebrations! This time of year makes me wish we had more family around. We're sure glad we live by Jeny and Holly at least! Love you all!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Question of the Week...(month)

Tell about how and when you learned to drive..

Jeny's Exciting Places

Are we still doing exciting places? Sheesh! Life is getting busier without kids. What's that all about?

I think the most exciting place I have ever been is Yellowstone. I've been to Japan, Hawaii (twice), several Canadian places and even Salina, Kansas (oooooohhh!), and I still think Yellowstone is the coolest place on earth. How do those things keep going every day year after year? And the mud pots are probably my favorite thing ever. Driving in a cab in New York was exciting, but not in such a good way. Hawaii (or any beachy place - Tahiti next maybe?) is my favorite place to go because beaches are great, but I'd have to say Yellowstone for exciting.