Saturday, December 22, 2012

2012 in Review



Happy Holidays to all!
I’ve been holding off on mailing a holiday letter to save postage in case we don’t make it through the Mayan Apocalypse, but we made it.  Okay, that was a lie, just running late as always. So here is the family update.
Bob is working away at his job.  He is still traveling, but would like to get away from so much of it.  He drives much more to sites than he used to and he would like to find a job that allowed him to come home at night.  Perhaps next year…
My change in job placement is probably the big news.  I decided to retire at the end of the school year last May and now I am no longer teaching.  It has taken some getting used to, but I am enjoying myself writing books and speaking at schools and the library.  Bob would like it if I actually got paid to do some of these things.  Perhaps next year…
I have taken some time to meet more writers and attend a variety of writing conferences this fall.  I went to Atlanta and learned to Wobble…I had already mastered wobbling.  Almost everyone I met at the conferences was great, with the exception of Hillbilly named Dirk.  I didn’t even know real hillbillies existed.  At least one does, and he scared me so much I actually slept with a chair propped up against my room door.  But now that I am writing, strange and scary experiences and people become fodder for my work.  Be wary!
Bob has also been doing some writing.  Hopefully he will continue to find time to write.  Our genres are totally different, just like we are.
Rachel is still busy raising the most beautiful and smart grandchildren in the world.  She has been having fun organizing a monthly girls’ night out and hosting highly entertaining and creative parties for her friends.  She got to travel for vacations to Los Vegas, San Diego, and Mexico.  She can now attest to the old adage, “Don’t drink the water (or swallow ice) south of the border.”  Rachel organized a short fun summer St. Louis trip for her, kids, and me. 
Both of my children are in relationships that make them happy.  I am glad they have found people they enjoy being with.  I am expecting a wedding from someone within the next few years.
Drew is still in the Army in Colorado, but will be done in the spring.  He is ready to come home and continue his schooling in an engineering field.  We didn’t make it CO to see him this summer, but we have seen him quite a bit since he traveled back to Missouri to see his girlfriend whenever possible.
Can you believe that Mike and Ryan are in their twenties?  Both are still in CT and we hear from them on facebook and by phone.  Ryan is working at the Mohegan Sun Casino.  That’s the really huge one where they sometimes film concerts and game shows.
Our little Veronica is in 6th grade.  Yes, 6th grade!  She is looking more mature and gorgeous all of the time.  Bob, her Poppie, may not make it through this!  She played softball this past summer, LOVES to read, and is enjoying Drama Club.  At her first dance, she was appalled that girls wasted their time crying in the rest rooms over boy drama.  No boyfriends right now, but it won’t last.
Cash is in Kindergarten and reads and counts at a high level for his age.  He played T-Ball and is playing basketball and enjoys it.  He loves Lego Ninjago, waffles, and the women in his life.  The cat is his new friend.  Cash and Poppie play many games together and the boy loves his Uncle Drew!
Mom and I do quite a few things together. She has hosted some great family dinners for our immediate and extended families.  Mom, Veronica, and I went on a short trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder houses. Mom finally went to the Precious Moment Chapel after having passed by it for years.
Bob and I have our house listed with the intent of selling and having one built for us in Warrensburg.  Not a good housing market, but we have lots of lookers.  Perhaps next year…
Like most people, this has been a year with ups and downs for our family, but we are looking forward to the upcoming year as a chance to enjoy being with friends and family and to keep working toward our goals.
Hope 2012 has been a good to you and all that you wish does happen… Perhaps next year in 2013!

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