2007 Official Christmas Letter

2007 Edwards-Atkinson-Knox

This year brought many changes. The first was the remodeling on the inside and outside of our home. Laminate flooring, a new dining room wall, additional windows, covered patio, and cream siding with white trim all added up to a new look and plenty of money spent. Like our home, we also had many family changes.

Bob still traveled in his job, but spent most of his time this year in nearby Omaha, NB. He did manage to spend some time in Salt Lake City, UT; Charleston, WV; and Monterrey, MX. He also got a new buddy this year with our grandson Cash Aiden Atkinson. Despite my efforts to spoil little Cash, that baby loves Bob the best.

Bob and I have both been writing a little. He is working on Sci-Fi and I am working on humorous mystery. We were able to travel to Council Grove, KS for a writer’s retreat. It was fun and informative, but Kansas is STILL a boring state to drive through. The only other traveling for our family was the annual group trip to Oklahoma at Easter.

I continue teaching 8^th grade literature. I had an opportunity to work in the high school, but decided to stay where I am for now. I spent most of my summer months with three men-Jim, Dave, and Mike…the remodelers.

Rachel, Veronica, and Cash live across town in a little house. Rachel is assistant manager at Sonic, continues to buy textbooks, and remains VERY busy. She had a pretty easy time when Cash was born. However, the look on her face when she saw the difference in size between her newborn 8’11” baby and her previous 3’7” preemie baby was PRICELESS. Rachel also recovered from surprise surgery when her appendix was taken out earlier this year.

Veronica is a 6 year-old first grader. She enjoys reading and math and soccer. BEFORE Cash was born Veronica was the most thrilled of all of us about him. AFTER he was born, she was the least thrilled of all of us about him. She is doing much better, but she had to sit Grandma Goldie down and explain what would be appropriate to share with the baby. Apparently, Cash will never learn to sing Row, Row Your Boat. That’s our song ONLY!

Baby Cash is just a joy. He looks a lot like his Uncle Drew. He has a sweet nature and loves to laugh. He is so big he outgrew the doctor’s growth chart. In spite of the fact that he has no teeth at all, he eats real food because he would starve otherwise. At seven months he crawls and likes to stand up against things, but lets go of them. We expect him to walk EARLY.

Drew spends much of his time up in the air. REALLY. He is majoring in aviation and has been taking flying classes. He takes off and lands, has soloed, and even done some long distance flying. He is now living in an apartment in Warrensburg. He is Vice-President of the college anime club.

Ryan and Mike are both living in Connecticut with their mother. They are juniors and almost 17 years old. They are both looking more like men than boys. Mike came to Missouri to visit this summer before he and Ryan went to CT. It was nice for everyone to get to see both of the boys at the same time. Bob’s parents enjoyed having all four of their grandsons together.

We have had some nice visits this year. Ryan and Mike’s maternal grandparents came for a short visit. My mom has been up twice. FYI-She is getting ready to retire in the next year. My sister Bev continues to be an administrator in the Juvenile Department for two counties and loves the challenge. My brother Bill and his wife Debbie are having a good time spoiling all of their grandchildren. At Thanksgiving we got to see two of Bill’s grandsons playing with our grandchildren. Does that make us old?

One sad change for our family this year was the loss of our family friend and Robin’s mother, Frances Osborne. She is missed as one who celebrated our family joys and worried right along with us when things weren’t good.

These were some of the many changes this year for our family. We hope you enjoy the many changes you and your family will experience in 2008. With luck, we will get to see you in person to hear about all of the changes.

Bob, Goldie, Rachel, Drew, Ryan, Michael, Veronica, and Cash

Some Decorating Moments

You may wonder about the marshmallow snowman. Veronica did it all by herself. When I complimented her on doing such a wonderful job and asked how she got everything to stick, she responded, "It was easy. I just licked everything." If only she had told me that before she handed it to me.

From Thanksgiving until 12-8-07

Hello to all!

Busy and icy times for all. Since the holiday weekend I have made it through numerous days of teaching and lots of activities. We have both been working regularly. I always go to work, but Bob had been working at plants around here everyday too.

Last weekend we went to our local Christmas craft mall. Rach and the kids got to see Santa and shopping at a craft mall is Veronica's dream. Bob and I also made it through a HORRIBLE trip to the portrait studio at Wal-Mart. The kids were good and so are the pictures, but that place is unorganized. Such an understatement.

Bob has been gone this past week to the production plant for his company in Monterey, Mexico. Although we love each other, it was good for both of us to have a break. He is there for this next week also.

Rachel is Indiana doing a book buy. Little Cashie is with her.

Veronica is with me. Dang, I am too old to get little kids to school. We forgot the glasses twice and the book bag once. Next week they have different themes for their clothes each day. ARGGG!

Veronica and I have had some special time together. We have read and crafted and read and danced and read and read some more. She had her music concert this week. Today I explained how the religious Christmas songs that she know fit into to the Biblical nativity story. She knows both things but hadn't figured out they were related.

Drew is working on the end of his semester. He would like some good weather so that he can fly. (Aviation major.) I don't think that is going to happen.

Have a great week ahead. Enjoy some of our pictures.

Signs of the Season to Come

Are you ready for some Christmas?

Death Twister

Christmas Craft Results

Christmas Craft Night Participants

Pics for the Happy T-Day Entry

Our Thanksgiving Grandbabies!

Happy T-Day!

Are you still full? We are and we still have lots of pie!

Bob and I made it through the first two days of work this week. We did a little Christmas shopping and got ready for our Thanksgiving guests.

Mom came up Wednesday and was just thrilled to see those great grandchildren. Veronica always loves it when Grandma Martha comes to visit! She got to read Grandma # 1, as she referred to Grandma Martha. Cash figured out really quickly who the soft touch was! He is now crawl, scooting everywhere and he loves to dance.

Wednesday, it snowed. It was like 70 the day before. Then it was COLD!

On Thanksgiving, my sister and my brother and my sister-in-law came and we all had a good time. I cooked (yes, I can) and we ate and visited. My brother's grandsons came over in the evening. They are 2 and 1 and for awhile we had 4 kids here playing. They were all adorable. Cash was a little bewildered but I can tell it won't be long before he is in there.

Friday, we did a little house shopping and looking for my mom who is getting ready to retire and move up here. Didn't find the "one", but we did look around.

Friday night featured the annual Christmas Craft night. Mom, Bob, Drew, Rachel, Veronica, Cash, me, and my friend Robin crafted our way through some multi-cultural angels, personalized gift bags, and some very interestingly decorated cookies. Drew was especially dedicated to the cookie decorating and one of the snowmen has been named Leftie for his shifty facial features. This will be our first holiday season without Robin's mom, Frances, and she is missed.

There was also a rematch of the game Twister featuring Rach, Drew, and Veronica. It was interesting as always.

Drew has spent the break with us and it was nice to have him home. He only lives 20 minutes away, but he has been working out at his Dad's and it is easier and cheaper for him to go from here. He and Bob went to a movie the other night. They miss each other and they needed to get away from the women.

Rach has been here when she wasn't working at Sonic. That job keeps her very busy. She enjoyed getting to see her Grandma Martha.

On Saturday Mom left early to miss some more snow. Bob, Drew and I lolled about in our p. j. s and watched movies Oceans 13 and We are Marshall. Those are some pretty men on Oceans and I already loved We are Marshall. I don't even like football.

Sunday will find me paying bills, going to school to grade and update the computer grades, doing laundry, and helping Drew with an English paper. Almost back to the grind.

Sunday, Bob will probably spend in bed. Now he has a cold!

Hope your holiday was good and your week is great too!

Lucky Bugs!

November 18

It's invasion of the Asian Beetle Bugs. They are little, they look yellow lady bugs, they're supposed to be lucky, and they are everywhere. The incredibly warm fall has led to plethora of beetles and now that it is sometimes colder, they are moving into everyone's home. It is so bad, it was on the tv news.

Other than that exciting development, I survived my cold. However, it took me sitting at home all day Wednesday on the couch.

Bob worked a couple of days locally and then worked on making Drew's bedroom into his Man Loft full of geeky Bob things. I think he and a friend are going to a World War II museum today.

Friday, we watched Baby Cash. We took him out to dinner with us and he was well-behaved. He has figured out what food is and I could tell he was much more interested in my steak than his green beans. He is learning to crawl. He has mastered getting up on all fours and moving forward. Unfortunately, he hasn't gotten it all together. He gets up on on all fours and rocks. Then, he lays down and scoots forward. It isn't going to take long. Rachel can't decide if she is happy or not.

Rachel took the kids out yesterday and Veronica got a Clarice (Rudolph's girlfriend-not Hannibal Lecter's friend) at Build a Bear. Then they ate at her favorite restaurant. I-HOP! She has been practicing for her upcoming Christmas concert. She is leery because she is afraid she might have stage fright. She is visiting me this morning and is all dressed up in a black velvet dress ensemble. It might be a bit much, but it makes her happy. She is such a happy little girl!

I haven't talked to Drew much this week. I know that he got a doe out hunting.

Last night Bob and I went to my sorority Thanksgiving dinner. It was a good time with good food and nice people. Most of them think Bob is quiet, but he got to talking and didn't shut up. I think they were shocked. He had a good time.

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving. Everyone is coming here. My mom may not last until Wednesday, because she really wants to see those great-grandbabies.

I was reading the local paper this week when I saw an editorial from someone I knew. Bob's former mother-in-law gets a subscription and she wrote in about our mayor's legal problems. He has been accused of favoritism in hiring. Of course in small towns, it is hard to hire anyone that you are related to in some way. I guess if someone halfway across the country can tell how stupid the situation is, then our state ought to get it too.




Have a happy week and remember to be thankful. And to eat turkey.

Two for Tea and Everything Else!

November 11, 2007

Note from Cash...Don't tell anyone about the whole baby doll thing...

Chi Chi's World

CASH in ACTION!

Oh no! A cold.

Heldo. I habe a cod. I do not like cods. It makes me crankaby!

This week has been very busy and probably why I am run down enough to get a cold.

Bob worked a couple of days in St. Joe. He has done some major work at we move around furniture and re-orient some our now empty bedrooms. Ryan's room is a guest room. Drew's room is now Bob's study/man loft/geek den. The downstairs office is now officially a room for the grandkids. Veronica is overjoyed as she has repeatedly asked for a room that is hers when she stays here. We used to multipurpose the room, but now we have dedicated it to the babies. Bob is most thrilled I didn't require him to move the huge entertainment set upstairs.

I had student led parent teacher conferences this week for two days from four to eight each evening. It worked well and the students actually had the responsibility to sit down and explain their work to their parents. For some kids that was a good thing. For others, it was upsetting to me that some parents were so negative. Poor students.

At school we are reading Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keys. I have taught it for years and the students still love it. They get so irate when the main character is treated poorly by others because of his lack of intelligence. The story is so well written that it shows the students how people who lack intelligence and those who have an abundance live with prejudice. I hope that some will apply the idea to their own lives.

Thursday several of the MS and HS teachers went to a restaurant. It was great fun.

Friday was a day off. I enjoyed it. Saturday I went to my writers group and was the emcee. It was a good time and I am meeting editors, writers, agents. I felt confident about my writing and I have shared some of it with family and friends. They said they liked it and I think they meant it.

Veronica and Cash are well. Cash, like Veronica, has asthma, but as my friend put it, "He is the happiest asthmatic baby I have ever seen." Veronica is going with my sister to see the BEE movie today. Their whole family went to a hayride last night and had a great time.

Drew is probably sitting in the woods right now trying to get a deer. He has decided he needs one for food.

Ryan and Mike had a disagreement this week. Bob spoke with Ryan. Sometimes the transition is hard. I hope they work it out.

It is like 45 days to Christmas. Good grief!

We another tank top and shorts day yesterday. We have actually had a frost this year, but the weather continues to be unseasonably warm.


Have a great week!

The Boys Survived

Talked to Ryan and Mike yesterday. They survived the tropical storm or hurricane Noel. Just a little rain. Both are enjoying school. It was good to talk to them!

Pictorial Evidence of Halloween

Big Bobby and Goldieano of New Jersey. Bob is a mafia hitman. I am his uni-browed and moustached Mafia Princess. And yes I did bring a lasagna.

Ahoy there Rach and the babies!















And now we know, "Scooby Dooby Doo. Where are you?" and where Velma is too!

November 4, 2007

Happy Next to the Last Month of 2007

A beautiful day outside, people in shirt sleeves. Again. We did have some cold air, but flowers still blooming and tomatoes still growing. Crazy.

Not nearly as crazy at the weather Ryan and Mike have been experiencing in CT. We'll be checking later today to find out how they fared with Noel.

Halloween is done. Candy was passed out, our trees were t. p. ed, and the kids were adorable. It was actually cold on that night.

Bob has been at home this week and he spent a couple of days at his parents'. Toni is doing better, but did have another fall. Bob did get a really nice of nice restored photo of his mom when she was young. His dad is well.

I have been teaching as always. Kids have really changed. They don't do homework anymore. I really mean that. It isn't just one or two kids who forgot, it is common for 40 or 50 kids out of a 100 to just not do anything at home. It makes it hard. I gave an assignment to read a story and gave them time in class to read and then read the rest at home. I let them take notes and use them on the quiz the next day. Most of my students failed the simple content quiz. Then I had 8 different students in different classes tell me my class was gay or retarded or stupid. My class...not the fact that they chose not to prepare for the class. That is what is frustrating because they choose not to see that their lack of action might have contributed.

I thought about everything for a couple of days and then took action. What I did was this. I told them that sports were stupid. Then we went to play a quick game of basketball. I didn't bring a ball. I told them to use a paper wad. They protested and then we had to waste time to get the ball. Then my team didn't follow the rules. We did our own thing and ran a football play with the basketball. Then I argued with the other teacher about the rules and kept interrupting the game with useless comments. Then I got mad and told the other teacher that the game was stupid and he was too. Then I got sent to the office and the principal made me apologize.

Then I took the students back to class and we discussed how hard my inappropriate behavior made the game. I think that most of them got that the whole thing was a set-up to show how hard it was to have class when they didn't come to class with their supplies, got off task, argued about everything, and chose to call something stupid or gay or retarded.


I guess it was innovative, but it is disheartening when the kids don't come ready or willing to learn. I will tell you this. After 21 years of teaching, I am working harder than I ever have before. I tell them they are lucky to have a teacher willing to do that.

Drew made us a new computer this week. It is shiny blue.

Rachel keeps on working at Sonic. She is doing some management activities and is doing a lot of the hiring. I have become an asset as I know most of the students. She is also continuing with her on-line classes.

Veronica was just thrilled to be Velma for Halloween because, "I have my hair cut like Velma's, I wear glasses, I am smart like her, and I love to figure out clues." She went trick or treating with Rach and Cash and then with Jeremy and she cleaned up.

Cash was just adorable as Scooby. Bob and I bought him a soft sided book with pages that crinkles and he adores it. He can sit up sometimes, is scooting but not quite crawling, and is trying to develop his hand to eye coordination. He has a blanket with little bears on it and he spends hours trying to pick up those little bears.

Saturday night Bob and I went down the street to our old house where my co-worker and our friends Pat and Cindy held the annual adult Halloween party. We had a good time and sang really bad karekoe. Obviously cannot spell that.

Have a fabulous Week!

October 29, 2007

Another week has gone and Bob returned from south of the border.

This past weekend Bob and I went to a co-worker's bonfire. Sunday he went to a class with friend and got the training to carry a concealed weapon. He doesn't actually have one, but he knows what to do with one.

It is the end of the quarter and I have a million things to get done. We are doing a new style of conference for parents and that takes some work.

I did get some more done my book. I thought I finished the first chapter, but then I thought of something I wanted to do. I am getting closer.

Veronica had her Fall Pioneer Day on Friday. She was starving and ate three bowls of spaghetti. We got in some good reading time with Bunnicula this weekend.

Cash did the usual. Walked around in his walker. Sat in his vibrating chair. Teethed on everything and everyone. Watched his mobile. Squalled until he got held. He was happy to see his Poppie. He is still so cute. Cash, that is.

Rach is working away and recovering from the appendix removal. Incision is healing nicely.

Drew is planning for the anime club Halloween party. I know because he called me to figure out supplies for chili. Really just a regular week.

Oh my goodness, I just remembered I need to buy Halloween candy!
It will be just tricks!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...finally!

Shocking development. It is cold. Finally.

Also, Veronica and Cash's Halloween costumes have arrived. Normally I make them, but this year Veronica had other plans. I won't tell you who they are going to be, but it involves some very famous characters using clues, groovy outfits, and special snacks.

Would I give you a red herring?


Hey, how do you spell herring? Not a word I use much.

Sunday Dinner, Oct. 21

Just a little update. When we had our Sunday dinner, Drew shared that he did get to fly to KC Downtown airport and to KCI. It went well, but he said it was really, really windy. He explained a bunch of stuff about knots or something like that, but I don't know what he was saying.


This is not what we had for dinner!

Pictures of the Buddies and "Fall"

The kids just chillin' and the desserts that Veronica made for our weinie roast.

Also the signs of fall. At least the signs of this fall. The day's tomato crop and blooming flowers. It is still tank top weather.

Some Pictures of our little Man.

As you can see Cash is already a real man. Just laying around in his underwear, eating some food, and sleeping hard!

A trip, a critique, and surgery

Pictures from my writer's retreat. The Cottage House, the writing group, and lobby.

Been awhile since the last update and that is because I have been really busy. Even for me.

Bob and I did go to Kansas for my writer's retreat. He had a cold and I didn't feel well either, but we had a great time. Council Grove is a beautiful old town with many preserved business buildings and fabulous old homes. We ate at the Hays House and it was really good old-fashioned food. However, it was still in Kansas and that state sucks. I would have been one of those dead pioneers along the trail, because the sheer boredom of flat land would have killed me. Then we went to the Renaissance Festival on the way back. It was very crowded, but I got to eat my Pirate's Favorite crepe with ham, swiss, almonds, and mushrooms. It was worth the wait.

I have been writing on my book but I have been depressed, because I couldn't figure out how to fit my style into the format suggested. We did some critiquing and real authors enjoyed my selection. Since it is supposed to be funny, I was relieved that they were laughing out loud and repeatedly. One of the ladies explained that because I use first person narration and that is really difficult to do, that my writing doesn't fit traditional format. Apparently I do it well. Who knew?

Then Sunday night Rachel, the kids, and Drew and Bob and I had a backyard weinie roast. The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. Bob got packed for his two week stay for work in Monterey, Mexico.

Monday, the 15th, Bob left and got to Mexico. He is working at the Mexico plant. He has gotten to meet some of the people he works with on the phone.

I went to work and that evening Drew took Rachel to the emergency room while I kept the kids. She got to have her appendix out first thing Tuesday morning. It hadn't burst, and it was quick and easy, and she got to come home with me that evening. But it is taking a little longer to recuperate. She is sore. We have been trying to minimize her caring for Cash. At 17 lbs. he is a little hard to move around. I also got to wait around with Dan and his parents in the waiting room. As always, Don gave me some ideas for a future book. I am not certain he realizes this. It was good of them to be there, because they did the surgery so early I was still getting the kids to school and babysitter.

Veronica is fine. She is playing soccer and reading everything in sight. She is a nice little girl. She loves finding "clues" and wants to be Velma off of Scooby Doo for Halloween. At the weinie roast, Rachel had made up a scavenger hunt and Veronica was thrilled.


Drewsie was going to fly into the downtown airport and land a KCI. He was nervous and I haven't heard how it went. He was a big help getting Rachel to the hospital. One day he went with Rachel to Walmart to help her get some supplies. Then they managed to drive through a tornado, but didn't blow away.

Speaking of the tornado, that was an interesting school day. First they turned the heat on and the fire alarm went off. I was on my plan and upon my return to the building, I stepped in front of one our special needs students who had gotten away from his individual teacher. He ran right into me. His face is chest high and he proceeded to clamp down with his teeth right in the center my bra. I quickly disengaged him, but that was a first and hopefully a last.

Then we had tornado warnings after school and everyone had to "assume the tornado" position and wait out the storms. That's what you want, to be in a room with numerous middle schoolers who act like middle schoolers. Everyone survived.

I think that catches us up. All in all, life is really good, but so busy.

Tonight I am doing a skit for the local Optimist club's Halloween Hayride. I'll probably be a witch. Next month I am being the emcee for the Heartland Romance Writers Literacy Luncheon. Now, if I only had time to write something.

It's October 1-7

Happy "Fall" to you all. Okay, when it is 91 degrees I am not certain it is fall, but I've got pumpkins in front of the house.

Bob returned from Council Bluffs, NB on Thursday.

I continue in my quest to teach a very challenging group. Normally, I have this particular unit done in two weeks. Now, as week five ends...we are almost done.

Veronica got her school picture. Our little girl is growing up. Our other baby Cash is growing up. Now that he has more personality it is hard not to spoil him. He sure loves to roll over now, front to back and back to front.

Ryan called the other night and he and Michael are doing well. He got the choir situation straightened out and in now actually in the singing one.

The boys' grandmother on their mother's side is getting ready to retire. I think she is happy.

Rachel works. Haven't talked to Drew. Cat is alive and so is the fish.

Next weekend Bob and I are going to KS for my writer's retreat. I am presenting speed critiquing. Kinda of like speed dating only with stories. We are then meeting Rachel and kids and Drew at the Renaissance Festival and then Bob and Drew are going to a gun show.

Busy times ahead. I need to go save Bob from the peeing baby.

Have a good week!

And so September ends...

September ended today and it was almost like it roared out like March's lion. Late in the day some thunder and sprinkles, but no real rain.

Our biggest news from this week is that we are now part of the Empire Carpets empire in the form of new flooring for our kitchen-dining room-front entry. It is a beautiful fake hardwood that matches our kitchen cabinets. Oh, if only the rest of our house looked at good. We even got a Empire Carpet guy bobblehead.

Bob has been home and working around here, but has now disappeared into the abyss that is Council Bluffs, Nebraska...the site that they make him go to, never have what they are supposed to, and never let him come home from. (All those ending preps are for literary style) Good luck, Bob. Keep making that overtime!

School trudges along. Student are over being nice for the first of the year and moved on into let's see how far we can go. Not far...

Rachel is still working a lot. She is thrilled with her newer vehicle.

Drew is still flying. (That's in an airplane folks.) He seems to enjoy this major and if he can force himself to get through Economics he'll be fine. He needs to go to work more often!

Haven't spoken with Ryan and Michael this week. Toni, Bob's mom is now home from the hospital.

Veronica is well. We went to a fitness fun night on Friday. Yeah, I was there. I even participated in a race involving corn cobs. Running not so much. She continues to have really funny phone manners. Today we answered separate phones at the same time. She talked away to Bob and then told him, "Please hold." I told her I was on the other phone and she could hang up now, but she told me, "That's okay Grandma, I want to hear what say to each other."

Cash is still big. He can get around in his walker now. He is also drooling and teething like a mad man. He really like tiny sugar free tootsie pops. His favorite word is, "Goo" and his favorite person is still...NOT me. One night this week he cried every time he looked at me. Of course when Bob walked in the room, Cash smiled.

Today, Veronica, Cash, and I went to see Aunt Bebby (my sister Bev), to Wal-Mart, and to the lake to feed the geese. It was fun. However, the air conditioner in the Minivan of Love is broken. I refused to get it fixed because it cost too much and I might just sell the thing in the spring. This is a really hot fall.

Later Rachel, the kids, and Drew all came for dinner. We try to do that every Sunday night. Sometimes I think it is the only time Drew eats. Veronica tries so hard to have dinner communication. V.- "So, Drew how is the flying?" When Drew was lamenting that a number of his friends graduated last year, she told him, "It's okay Drew, I'm your friend."

I must go now. Sometimes my hair needs a little chemical touch-up. If I don't go rinse I could end up with purple or pink hair. Oh wait, I've already done that!

If you see Rach, ask her what sign of her own aging she found recently.

September 22 Smooth Sailing

Good weather to you all! We have been having beautiful weather this week. I hate to go to work.

Bob has been home this week, but has been going to the city to help his parents. His mom fell and really smashed her face. It looked horrible. Fortunately nothing was broken, but she is still in the hospital while they work with her on some balance things. Bob and Herman put up some additional railings throughout their house. We are going up to visit today.

I am still teaching. I am thinking it is going to be a long year. Kids are really sweet, but they have a way to go to be mature enough for 8th grade. Hope that happens soon. Finally got the bills paid for the remodeling (checks sent, still paying on debt) and that was nice to be done with. Now, round two.

We spoke to Mike and Ryan last Sunday and they both are doing well. We also received some paperwork about Ryan's classes and it seems to be good. However, they put him in a class about choir instead of an actual choir and we are checking to see if that could change at semester.

Rachel has been working away and trying to earn money. She is very busy.

Rachel reports from the doctor that Cash weighs above 16 pounds, is 26" plus. Not bad for a four month old. He is already scooting around and has figured out how to get around in his walker. He can't control where he is going, but he is going. He has found his tongue. One thing he still is not very good at is controlling his hands to grab things. His hands are just so big that they go their own way, but he is getting better at it. He loves to eat apple sauce, but as we learned carrots are not his thing. Boy, that boy has a temper!

Veronica is just loving first grade. We played school this week and she was the teacher. She is incredibly skilled in mimicking her teacher. I learned a lot about her class. I don't know who Tamika and Thomas are, but they need to behave. She also assured me the although the bad kids need to sit next to the teacher, she is just there because the teacher ran out of room. Veronica saw the pattern and asked.

Drew is also very busy at school. Hardly has time for his old folks here. He started night flights in his flying classes.

Tonight we are having a family dinner and decorating for fall. Veronica and I are planning a weinie roast for next week. We have a fire pit thing. I call it a chalupa, but I am wrong.

Now off for a stop at I-Hop. Have you tried the stuffed French toast? To die for and no calories.

Let me have the dream!

Fair Weather Indeed!

Week of September 10 - 16.

Big, busy week. I taught the heck out of things this week. Bob was out of town again. I was alone and it ain't all bad!

It was fair weekend. Veronica was in the Wee Queen contest, didn't win, but had a good time. I announced at the grandstand and it was rough at times due to technical difficulties. Cash got third in the baby show out of three babies, but he was just happy to chew on his trophy. Veronica was in the parade with soccer team. Friday, we took the grandkids to the fair and had a great time. Bob and I may be getting older and fatter, because one of the most exciting parts for us was the food. Sad, huh?

We bought Bob a bicycle. He now has the "Red Rocket" to match my own, "Blue Thunder." We are a pair. Quite a vision as you can imagine!

Here are few shots of the fair, not the bikes!

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law Debbie, my former mother-in-law Jane, and to Dad wherever you are!