2013 Holiday Letter

2013 finds Bob and Goldie Edwards in a new house, a new town and impatiently awaiting sod.

This year we sold our house, stayed with my mother while our house was being completed and then moved into this new house at the beginning of November. It’s one story with three bedrooms, an office, living and dining rooms, kitchen, two bathrooms, screened-in porch, two car garage and still no grass. But it is in Warrensburg which is a bigger town and not too far from our old town. We have curbs, street lights, food delivery, a theater and a theatre and a Wal-Mart!

Bob has been very busy this year with work as an Environmental Field Technician. Too busy for his tastes. He’s worked mostly in the middle part of the United States going from top to bottom. He’s lost some weight and is turning 50 at the end of this month. We’re having a laser tag party to blast away old age.

My year was spent getting the old house ready sell, selling it, sorting and packing all of our things for storage, getting the new house built, getting everything out of storage and moving in. I was quite involved in the actual selection of design and items used in the construction. Most of the contractors are still speaking to me! I also accomplished a lot of writing, intern edited for Entangled Publishing and spoke in schools and libraries too. I am going to publish my first book for teens at the beginning 2014. I’ll let everyone know all of the details soon-whether you want to know them or not!

Bob and I traveled to Chicago and we had a couple of days of fun in the midst of his work schedule and the house building. We stayed in a super fancy hotel, saw the Second City comedians and went to the usual tourist sites-Sears Tower, Navy Pier and the Museums. The Garmin refusing to work in downtown Chi town was a little stressful for some, but I think the taxi ride was most exhilarating or maybe “terrifying” would be a better descriptive word.

Rachel and her boyfriend Ryan have had a busy year together working at their jobs and taking care of the kids. The kids have school and sporting events. Rachel is now working from home as a call service for X-box. She did break her arm and sprain her leg earlier this year, but is almost back to healthy again. She is horrified by how much her twelve year old daughter has matured. Payback!

Veronica is in seventh grade and is one smart beauty. She has been in a play and is a cheerleader. She won first runner up in the local fair pageant. Her favorite pastimes are crocheting and reading. She is pleased that she is reading at a college level. This year grandma and granddaughter have had a great deal of fun attending some major writing events.

Cash is six and is in first grade. He wins in the contest to talk the most and in this family that is saying something. He is doing quite well, although he doesn’t seem to love learning as much as his sister. What he does love is Legos. And I do mean LOVE. He was a little concerned that Poppie and Grandma Goldie were moving until he figured out we were taking the furniture and would be closer to his house.  He enjoys all of their cats, but Veronica’s dog still knocks him down.

The ABSOLUTE best news of our year, and pretty much any of them, is that Drew has completed his time in the Army and returned home! He and his girlfriend, Meagan, plan to marry next fall and he is attending the local college, UCM , to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

We hope all of you have great holidays with your loved ones and may your 2014 be as full as the joy you bring to others.

Be sure to stop by 607 Oakmont Dr., Warrensburg, MO 64093 if you’re in the area. We would love to visit with you.

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 6^th grade.  Yes, 6^th 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!

July 1, 2012

Summer is here with all of its full heated glory, but as yet for me no homegrown tomatoes or fresh sweet corn.  I really look forward to both of these things greatly.

Everyone is so busy.

Bob is working a lot for Teledyne.  They seemed really strict about getting everyone home on Fridays for the weekend, but now they have ended up short several people and those remaining are going all over the place.  In the last few weeks Bob has been in South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, and probably more.  He finally started posting a schedule, because it was kind of like Where in the World is Waldo around here.

We are trying to get things cleaned up and fixed up to list our house, so that we can move on with a new house in Warrensburg.  Not doing great with that, because little time together to accomplish our goals.  Thinking of hiring someone to our list of touchups.

I have been trying to adapt to being retired with no set schedule.  It is harder than you might think.  I know I should be used to it because I have had my summers off, but I have come to realize how much of that time was spent doing thing associated with school.  I have been babysitting Veronica and Cash some and writing some.  I enjoy the kids, but they are messy.  The writing which is really editing is messy too.  But I finally got some things figured out to fix some plot holes.  Last weekend I took Thursday and Friday to hole up in a hotel in Springfield before going to a writing conference on Saturday to work on my book.  It was quite helpful.  Even though I could do this at home, I get distracted by cleaning or projects or...family.

Rachel is working away at her father's textbook business. He seems to be giving her more responsibility and she enjoys the challenge.  The heat may do her in though.  She and I went to the movies together the other night and although the movie was enjoyable I got sick during it with a high fever and had to go to the emergency room afterward because I have an infection.  Not the fun evening we had planned.

Drew has been busy in Colorado with the fires.  He isn't fighting them, but because he works in one of the command offices and they evacuated people to his base, he had a lot of responsibility in making that happen.  He got to make many calls to people's homes in the middle of the night to get them on duty to help.  He is really excited this week, because his girlfriend Meagan is coming for a visit this week.  He is actually closer to over the moon about this!

Veronica and Cash have been busy with ball teams and hanging out with friends.  We have played numerous card and board games and been to the pool and the movies and had a picnic at the park.  It is too hot right now to do much outside unless water is involved.  Veronica wants to go to a museum and we may do this on the 4th.  Because of antibiotics, I have to stay out of the sun.

We hear some from Mike and Ryan.  Mike was disappointed that the Army did not work out for him.  Ryan is working as a custodian at Foxwoods Casino now.  He seems to be having a good time with friends, because he called me one day while playing truth or day.  

I get to see Mom more than before and am trying to do some more fun things together.  We have been to a play and took Veronica on an overnight trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder House and Lamberts-Home of the Throwed Rolls.  Veronica loved the rolls! We also have taken the kids to the movies together and one night we played Bingo in Harrisonville with my sister Bev for a charity.  Mom and Bill and Veronica also took a trip down to Osceola Cheese Company.  Veronica was thrilled again!

And that is what is going on most recently.

Long time a comin'

Rather appalled at how long it has been since I wrote on this blog. Truthfully, it had been a tough year for me at school and many things suffered. My health, my family relationships, and my enthusiasm for my job... But I have made some changes for the better and I think life is on the upswing. So here is what you missed and some of what is to come. Bob is enjoying his new job with Teledyne. They pay him decently and actually pay his expenses on time. Usually he is home every weekend and most jobs are near enough he can drive to them. He likes not having to miss out on all of the family time during the weekend. I am not certain he is going to survive his little Veronica having a boyfriend and not being so little anymore. I will get concerned when he starts digging the trenches for potential boyfriends that he only is half way joking about. So far ground is undisturbed. Goldie made a major change in my life and retired at the end of this school year. At 48, with only 26 years in, I am too young and I really planned to wait another year, but things were not going well on others' end at school and it was causing me to be the kind of teacher I did not want to be. I just won't be the teacher who doesn't feel good about coming to school. Still love my students though. And I think I am going to get a part-time job at the library that will put me at about the same place financially and give me time to write. At the library I would handle programs like story time and such and I am excited. I also am working on being healthier. Bob and I are in the process of getting our house ready to sell. We plan to have a house built by one of my former students in Warrensburg. The lot is picked out, the plan is ready, and now we just need someone to purchase this house. Rachel is working for Dan in textbooks again and is super busy. She also has completely organized our attic and held a super garage sale. She has insanely planted about twenty-five tomato plants this summer. She doesn't even like tomatoes! Drew is finishing out his time in the Army. His unit deployed to Afghanistan, but his health prevented him from going too. I am grateful for him not going, but I sure would like for him to be well. He is now trying to juggle a long distance relationship with his girlfriend, Meagan, who is here. He seems very happy with her. Michael surprised us and is now at boot camp in Georgia in the Army. We are hopeful all goes well and that this is a good move for him. Ryan is still in CT and has been working as a janitor in casinos. He is waiting on a background check and then is going to apply at the really large casino Foxwoods. Veronica just finished fifth grade and turned eleven. She has grown and changed so much. Gone is our little round faced girl and in her place is a much more savvy young lady. She even has had a boyfriend! And she is a reader! That excites Grandma much more than the boyfriend thing. Cash is Five now! He graduated from Pre-school and is ready for Kindergarten. He is just so funny and full of life. When he gets started on one his talking rants, it is hilarious. Rachel had a HUGE joint birthday party for the kids and they had a great time! My mom is doing okay. I think she is a little bored. At least now I have more time to do things with her. Bev is busy, but loves her new house and location in Raintree in Lee's Summit area. Bill has been dieting and feels much better. He and Debbie and Mom have been visiting older relatives and going to cemetaries together. All in all we are good and moving forward!

Long time no write.

Wow, I am embarrassed by how long it has been. It is writing that is taking me away from this blog and I have made some strides in this area.

I finished my Mirror Images book and am working on another, Monsters Within. After I get done with this one, I plan to edit both and go from there.

Bob has been working steadily with his job at Teledyne. He seems more secure about it and they do keep him busy. Bob did get a job close enough to Drew to go visit one weekend.

I have been doing my 26th year of teaching and it has been a hard one. So much work added on and so many changes without clear instruction made me really question if I want to do this or not. And if I want to do this at Holden. I really almost went home the third day of school at 8:15 and later I did go home one day because of the stress. However, I did some pro-active things and it is better. I still dread going to work, but not at much. The irony is that I really do enjoy the students and that is the part people say to me, "I don't know how you can work with those kids." Gladly.

Our kids are kind of all over the place.

Rachel went to Vegas to "celebrate" a birthday that ends in zero. She is working at Strate's Drive-In. And mothering her children.

Drew is still stationed in Colorado, but his health issues from the malaria he had last October still trouble him. I guess the good news is he will probably not deploy because of them. And the bad news is that he has them. He did get to go Elk hunting with his Dad and Uncle Bobby in Colorado this fall and he enjoyed it even without getting an elk. He also go to come home for a brief Thanksgiving visit.

Michael called and said he has decided to join the Army and goes to basic in March. Bob is struggling some with that. That, I understand well.

Ryan is looking for some seasonal work.

They are both in CT.

The grandchildren are joy that keeps growing. Veronica is in fifth grade and full of attitude. She seems much happier at school this year. She is actually getting figure and I am not thrilled. She is only in fifth grade! We just had a tea for her friends and they had a great time playing with their American Girl dolls and being Cat Warriors...it's a book series.

Cash is blaring through his second year of pre-school and is showing he is quite bright. He also is showing some spirit. Maybe a little too much sometimes for the teachers. He is a sweet boy who doesn't want to upset people though.

Mom is still down the street and I see her a lot. She keeps feeding us and helps Veronica with her homework. She and Veronica are in an afterschool bookclub together. And she has been busy helping my brother Bill and sister-in-law Debbie because of some of their health issues. Bev, my sister, has been keeping her busy too with some things for the new house she bought in Raintree. It will be much closer for Bev to get to Harrisonville since she spends a lot of time there.

We have had some good times. We went to the Renaissance Festival and the Holden Fair.

And we have been busy too. Hope we have and everyone else has a good holiday season.

July Ends 2011

Another month is nearly passed. And it is HOT in ole' Missouri. 106 has been the actual temperature some days. Heat index? BURN!

We made to and from our vacation to CO and had a good time. Everyone kind of did their own activities so we gambled, hiked, hunted fossils, toured museums (whore house was the most interesting), rode trains, shopped, took old time pictures, ate-a lot, fed the donkeys, had tea, played in the park, soaked in the hot tub, saw deer and a fox, played board games, played the piano, and enjoyed staying together in the Dusty Rose Cottage. Renting a house is the way to go, if you have a lot of people.

Seeing Drew was the best part, but I wish he felt better physically.

Bob has been home mostly this summer. Rach has been working. Veronica and Cash staying with their babysitter. Mom hiding in the air conditioning.

Me, writing. And I am currently slamming to get a FULL manuscript ready for perusal by an agent. I don't think anything will come from it, but it is forcing me to get my butt in gear. Sometimes I really like the writing. And sometimes I do not.

School starts in a couple of weeks and I am have not accomplished everything I want.

Now, I am off to bed, so I can spend tomorrow with Cash and Veronica.

July

Mid month.

Summer rolls on. I have enjoying my time off and my body feels better because of less standing. During the school year, I am always so sore that it surprises me when I don't feel pain. Darn Arthritis!

Bob has been working or observing during his new training period for some time. He has had a little time off recently and he has been enjoying it.

We are going on a family vacation to see Drew. Bob, Goldie, Mom, Rachel, Veronica, Cash, and my sister-in-law Debbie. Hope Drew is ready an invasion!

I have been hitting the writing hard and writing career goals. And I have accomplished some, but not all I hoped.

The kids and I have done some "Fabulous Fridays" and they have been fun.

Rachel and I went to see Motley Crue and Poison. We are rockers at heart!

We had a nice 4th of July with dinner at Mom's.

Bob has been preparing a paleontologist fossil kit for Veronica. She will be so excited. And he is too. They are ready to go fossil hunting now!

We are enjoying the new kitten, Hercules. He moves much more than Xena.

Mike and Ryan called this morning. EARLY. They are doing okay. But I think I am ready to go back to sleep. Good night/morning.

June 18, 2011

Happy almost Father's Day to Bob and other fathers!

Wow, school vacation is in full swing for me. I am feeling rested and not so sore. I have been writing some, but need to write more.

Bob is working very steadily at his new job at Teledyne Industries. So far, mostly training, but is getting closer to working completely on his own. Has been driving around a lot. Had to dodge some Missouri River flooding yesterday.

Rach is working at Strate's Drive-In and looking for other jobs. She is looking forward to the upcoming Colorado vacation.

Drew is working at job in Army in CO. He has been taking mountain motorcycle rides and seems to enjoy them. I think he is looking forward to all of us coming to visit.

Mom is bored, but trying to keep busy. She went to Boonville gambling recently.

Veronica and Cash are enjoying their summer. They like their daytime babysitter. They have been swimming and we had a great Fabulous Friday with the Grandmas at Powell Gardens.

We have a new kitten, Hercules. He likes to sleep on my feet when I am writing.

Other than that, things are pretty normal around here. I am off to clean the refrigerator. Good times. Necessary times!

CELEBRATIONS GALORE!

So much to celebrate!

Birthdays for Veronica, Bev, and Cash. Veronica's actual birthday at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Co-birthday party for both kids and friends at laser tag. Lots of tag, pizza, an awesome cake and fun. (Except somebody's grandma got a ticket for speeding on the way. Sorry Cash.) Rachel survived the multiple preteen girls spending the night. Cash's regular birthday was Batman themed. They got great gifts and now they are 10 and 4. And my sister Bev is older too.

Went to graduations for my "ex" niece Lisa and nephew Bryan. Also, Melissa graduated 8th grade. Went to Lisa's graduation party and had a nice time visiting with her family. Then Bob and I went to his nephew Cameron's graduation. So, I saw a graduation with about 12 kids, 100 kids and 700 kids. All were nice.

Everything is moving along here. Bob has been working and is coming home on weekends. It is nice for him to get home on a more regular basis. He did find a really wonderful doll for Veronica. She was just speechless with joy when she saw it.

I am finishing school. Kids are done this week on Tuesday and I am done on Friday. I am finishing my 25th year. Wow, a quarter of a century. It is my longest commitment ever. And I really love it still.

This week we are doing an end of the year dance for our students...okay I am not exactly dancing...but I got to help choreograph. I miss that part from my drama teaching days.

Hope everyone's week is grand!

Another Week Down

May 15...Birthdays and Graduations Galore.

First, celebrated Veronica's 10th birthday this week on Monday. She had a great time at our favorite Mexican restaurant. But I think she has a crush on her favorite waiter. She left cake for the staff and said, "Please make sure Delphino gets a piece."

Second, then joint birthday party at laser tag for Cash and Veronica. Lots of kids for tag, pizza, and a really cool cake. Then Cash came home with me and he and Poppie played with the toys. Rach took numerous girls home for a sleep over with makeup, movies, perfume making. We all survived, but Cash was a little concerned about getting to the party since somebody got a speeding ticket on the way. And it wasn't Bob the slowpoke driver. We will celebrate again on Wednesday with Cash's real birthday where he turns 4. And my sister Bev experienced a birthday too.

Graduations abound this week. My "ex" niece and nephew Lisa and Bryan graduate this week and so does Bob's nephew Cameron.

Bob went to training all week and is off again to Iowa. He gets to come home most weekends with this job and I know he is glad to get this break.

I am really busy. I have said that before, but this is end of the year busy and it is a whole different ballgame. And arthritis sucks! But I got to read my favorite Of Mice and Men to this year's students and see the joy on their faces when they get it. We have 8th Grad Celebration Monday night and it is a lot of work, but lots of fun too. I will miss this year's class!

I went to my HeRA writers group meeting and it went well. Good speaker and lots of new people to meet.

I will be so glad to end my 25th year of teaching. I love the job and the students but I am tired. I am looking forward to not doing much of anything this summer. I plan to sleep, exercise, diet, do some stuff with family, and WRITE. I am ready to move forward with some goals. I also intend to continue Fabulous Fridays with Grandma. Looking forward to spoiling the grandbabies some. And I will probably get a visit in with Drew.

Now to continue my chores for the day! They are numerous!

We go on.

WOW. A lot has been happening around here. Some of it is good. Much of it has not been.

Bob lost his job when the whole division closed down. He had fourteen years with Forney, but they had been changing management and company ownership so much that things became ineffectively run. He actually got job offers the next day, and took the one that called at 9:30 the next morning. It took awhile for him to be interviewed, do some tests, and get through some paperwork.

Bob started work last week, but early in the morning of his first day at training, his mom, Toni passed away. She has been ill for a number of years and had recently been in the hospital. The nice thing about Bob having been off from work was that he had been able to spend more time with Toni since his dad, Herman passed away ten weeks ago. It is sad for everyone, but Toni had been in a lot of physical pain and emotional pain and it helps us a little to know that has lessens. His work was really nice and helped him get back in time for the funeral. However, hard times for Bob.

I am looking forward the last weeks of school. I am ready to have a break. I have enjoyed my students greatly this year, but this has been a stressful spring. I did finally get word that I will be working in the MS and not the HS. I am glad. I like my MS kids and no, I am not crazy. Okay, a little. This summer I plan to do some serious writing toward my goal of publication.

Rachel is working and looking for a better job with more potential. Her birthday is looming in August and she changes the first digit, so I think she is a little freaked out. She has been successfully losing some weight and working out hard to make it happen.

Drew is still in CO, but his unit is scheduled to deploy again in less than a year. We found out his health problems are not life threatening, but they will limit some of the things he can do in the Army. Not certain what he will do next.

Mike and Ryan are working in CT.

Veronica will be overjoyed to finish 4th grade. She has developed some interest in boys, and Bob seems to be having the most trouble with that concept. Veronica is turning 10 on May 9. I think I may cry. She is quite funny but get some of moodiness that goes along with growing up. She loves her dog!

Cash is finishing his first year of real preschool. He will soon be 4 on May 18 and that seems impossible too. He is playing soccer and seems to like it. Apparently there is a cougary 4th grader who has been kissing him on the mouth at school, and we are going to have a talk with her. Cash says he tries to run away.

My brother Bill is going to work for the park service in Montana. He will be supervising a campground. We are hoping a bear does not get him.

We have had some good times in the past weeks. Mom and I had birthdays which we celebrated at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Easter was nice at Mom's with my aunt and cousins. Bob got to go to a dinner and picture reminiscing session with his family.

And so it goes.

Spring at LAST!

Much has gone on in the months since the last post.

Bob's father Herman surprised us again and did pass on. He was 89 and it was upsetting to all. Bob's mom Toni has moved in to Ellen's new house.

Bob spent some time staying with Toni. He also has worked some in Springfield. He always has a job, but hadn't been going out to the field much. He also has been sick for weeks with his annual head cold.

Bob and Ellen (Ellen mostly) have been busy with all of the issues that come with a family death. Lots of paperwork.

I have not enjoyed much of the last few months myself. First it was weeks of snowdays and all of the planning chaos that causes at school. Then there was great talk of me transferring to the high school to work. I am not totally opposed to that, but I preferred to stay where I was. And I recently found out I will stay at the MS. I am too close to the end to want to start over. I also changed some of the things I am doing when it comes to writing. Some of that was dramatic, but hopefully positive. Too much stress aggravated my arthritis and that has not been so fun.

Rachel has been working at Strate's Drive-in. She and the kids spent more time here due to snowdays. And she made the kids' world by getting them a little dog. The dog is spoiled. It has made friends with all of the family and gotten presents from most of them.

Veronica is making her way through fourth grade. Math is still not her favorite subject, but she did well enough on MAP Communication Arts to get to take a special test. She is learning to sew.

Cash is enjoying preschool. He has four male friends and he does not kiss girls there. It is not allowed. He just started soccer.

Mike and Ryan are still in CT and working on getting regular jobs. They have been doing a lot of part-time jobs.

My mom is good. She does a lot to help take care of Rachel's children. Every evening after school she helps Veronica with her homework. She has a birthday this week and on Friday we are going to a casino in Booneville to see David Cassidy.

Drew has been a concern for us. He has been ill and experiences stomach pains. Currently, we are waiting on biopsies. He is on special office duties in the Army in CO. He would like some relief from the pain and the chance to go forward in his career.


All in all not our best quarter of a year, but we will hope for better days. And Spring is really welcome!

Death in the family?

No. We had thought that Bob's father Herman was going to die this week due to his poor health. In fact, the doctors had prepared us for this. It was a shock (a good one) that Herman was healthier than the doctors anticipated and he was able to breathe on his own without a ventilator. He is not fixed, but he is going home.

The Annual Family Update

2010 in Review and Happy New Year!
All that is Edwards, Atkinson, and Knox

Why send Christmas letters…

when you can procrastinate…
and send New Year’s Greetings!
First, we are all well and hope you are too! And we are looking forward to putting 2010 behind us and jumping into 2011! Watch out below!

Bob is first in our end of year round up. He is fine. He worked all of this year as a field technician for Forney Corporation based in Texas. Other than a brief try at another company last year, this is where he has been for the past thirteen years. He made it through another change in leadership, but things seem more stable on that end. He actually has not traveled much this year, but has gone to Argentina, Mexico, California, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and good old Springfield, MO. He has been doing a little writing of his own and spends a great deal of his time ruling worlds on his games.

I lost some weight, gained some back, and decided to lose some more. I spent some of my summer walking in the morning with the Senior Citizens (and Mom). In an attempt to be more physically active, I’ve done walking, working out at the gym, some bike riding, the current river walk at the pool, Wii Just Dance, and I accepted that I am too inflexible to do “Yoga for Inflexible People”. Free DVD available. I introduced on own summer program with my grandkids called, “Fabulous Fridays with Grandma.” We went swimming and to the various places for kids in the Warrensburg and KC areas. We had fun! I continued to write some, but am ready to get more serious. Speaking of serious, my 25th year of school has been HARD on me. Lots of changes…which I am not opposed to in general…, less than stellar management, and some unrealistic expectations about sent all of the teachers over the edge of sanity. Thank goodness I love the kids and my coworkers. There is a possibility I may be moving back to the high school to finish out my years, but we will see.

Rachel has had a rough year. There has been lots of stress with some of her family and in business with them and only some of it of her making. She is busy but keeps moving in a forward manner. I have faith that this year will be better for her. She’s been enjoying helping with Room Mother activities for Cash. She enjoyed our Branson trip and she went to CO to be with Drew when he was sick.

Drew has made all of us VERY happy this year by returning home alive from fighting in Afghanistan. He came home for a visit last February, then returned to the US for good at the end of May. He came home on leave for a nice visit in June/July. Then he came home again this fall for an unplanned convalescent leave due to the fact that he had contracted malaria while in Afghanistan. It took the Army a while to figure out what was wrong and he was quite ill and hospitalized for a week. Overall he is better, but returns to the base from his Christmas visit determined to get his liver functioning correctly. Once that occurs he is looking at some options for service, since the malaria limits his combat options somewhat. We are just happy to have him back and think often of those soldiers still serving overseas.

Mike and Ryan continue to live in CT. This has been a rough year for them too as they struggle to find ways to support themselves. Currently they are both working on getting some job training. Michael is going to go to Culinary training. Ryan has been working various temporary jobs and he has talked about joining a friend on a shrimping boat.

Veronica is a nine-year-old fourth grader. Fortunately, she still thinks most boy are “stinky”, but she continues to be a beautiful child who has gotten much taller. She managed to break her front permanent teeth off, but her bonding looks pretty good. She did not care much for multiplication or division, but has made great strides in both this year. Veronica is quite pleased with the after school arrangement that enables her to go to Grandma Martha’s after school to do homework and eat snacks. Veronica likes to write stories and design clothes for her Barbie. Veronica continues to be the Craft Queen, (much to her teacher’s dismay) is learning to sew, and she lives in hope of getting a puppy.

Cash is three and a half and is enrolled in “real” preschool. He, like all my grandchildren, is quite bright. He also enjoys talking…a lot! He is quite creative with his storytelling. He is really sweet. He has a good memory for things he likes. And although he loves all of us, I have never seen a child that loved his uncle as much as Cash adores Drew. Cash enjoys waffles, Batman, the color blue, and Buzz Lightyear. Early on at preschool he got in trouble for biting another child. When I told him, “It is not nice to bite your friends,” his response was, “They’re not all my friends.” Enough said.

We did some family traveling together this year. We all went to Branson where we enjoyed shows, helicopters, swimming, waltzing waters, and magic! Mom and I went to CO to a writers’ convention and met some of our favorites. Then we visited Drew. We had a nice trip to the zoo too.

Our ugly Beta fish Jack has died. We have not replaced him. Xena, our cat lives on…sometimes just barely as she is OLD!

And that brings us to the end of the update on our immediate family. Now, on to our extended family…

My mom turned 65 in March. She is retired but has been busy feeding us good food, tutoring Veronica, and organizing a family reunion for her mother’s side of the family. Since moving to MO, she has purchased and renovated her house. We enjoyed the fair parade from her new lawn. She also has been dealing with the deaths of her brother-in-law Wilbur and her only brother Forrest. Not easy times for her.

We were also saddened to hear that my Uncle John passed away in November. He was the last of my father’s brothers and I knew him better than most. I was glad that Mom and I got to visit with his family when we were in CO in July.
My sister Bev is still working for the Juvenile Department. She continues to be very busy. She stills lives in Warrensburg, but drives a great deal over to Cass County.

My brother Bill and his wife Debbie moved into the country this year near LaTour. He has been quite ill this year with some blood pressure and migraine issues. Hopefully, he will get those taken care of soon. He has been enjoying doing some leather and knife work. Debbie lost her son Josh in July and has been busy helping to care for her other son David who has been ill. Through it all she continues to be the kind person she has always been, but this has been hard on her. They both enjoy their grandchildren.

Bob’s parents are good. Some days are better than others for Toni when it comes to her health. They both enjoy the visits from Veronica and Cash. Veronica gets with Toni and just jabbers to her. Cash is a little more subdued, but they have good toys to play with and it doesn’t take him too long to loosen up.

Bob’s sister Ellen is busy with her boys Cameron and Logan. Cameron is graduating in the spring and has done exceptionally well on testing and is getting scholarship offers. Ellen does a lot to help Herman and Toni.

And that brings us to the end...

All in all 2011 had…lots of ups…lots of downs…lots of laughs…lots of tears, but mostly lots of love.

We hope 2011 brings you all the good things and very little of the bad.

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

Christmas Morning

It is thirteen minutes to gift liftoff when all the big people drag themselves into the living room to open presents and the little ones go nuts. As usual, there are way too many gifts in the room. As usual we all promised to cut down and we actually did, but it is hard to tell that right now.

My Christmas blessings.

First, all of my family are mostly healthy this year. Drew continues to have some health issues from malaria, but at least he isn't being shot on a regular basis like last year. Rachel has had some problems with her Atkinson side of the family, but I think she is ready to move on with her life. She does a good job doing textbooks, but she (nobody) can work in that situation.

Second, the grandkids are just fabulous people to know. They are funny and smart and pretty darn cute too.

Third, I love my students at school. And I love my co-workers.

Fourth, I am ready to move forward with being a writer. It is time to shift gears.

And I am happy overall. I hear stirrings and it is not a little mousie. Merry Christmas to all!

Christmas if coming!

Christmas is coming and so is Drew. I am up waiting for Drew to make it in from Colorado. He gets to start his break. He is happy and so are we! I don't know how we made it for a year when he was in Afghanistan. I am glad he is back, but I think often of those who are there now. I hope their family gets to enjoy the holiday together next year.

Bob was in Springfield, but now is back. He is off work for the rest of the year. He will enjoy getting to spend time with Drew while I am working for the next couple of days.

And I don't know that I have ever been so happy for a school year to half over, ever in my teaching career. I still love the topic, love the kids, and love most of my coworkers. But there are many new programs and unwillingness to bend to help the students. Hopefully the second half of the year will be better.

Rachel has been busy working. We all went to Cash and Veronica's music concerts last week. They both did great. Cash has perfected his bow. Rach and I also took the kids to get their pictures taken. All of the chaos was worth it, because the kids look adorable.

Mom has been a cookie and candy making fool. And this is after she swore last year she wasn't going to do as much this year. She has done MORE!

This weekend, I cleaned, cooked four kinds of meat since I will be busy this week, shopped, wrapped, did laundry, and straightened up the fridge and pantry.

I am looking forward to Christmas Eve when the family gathers. Good food and games.

I don't have my Christmas letter done. One year I did it February, once in July, and last year I wrote it, but didn't send it. Pretty bad for someone who wants to be a writer!

I think I am going have to give up on the boy and go to bed. 5:00 am hits hard on a Monday. Enjoy your holidays!

November ALREADY!

It is post Thanksgiving and here is a belated update since July.

Bob has been home most of this year. Still getting paid, but miss the overtime! He piddles around the house. But he is leaving for a very short trip to Argentina in the morning.

I lost a little weight. Started school. Year 25! Love the kids. Not so much the rest of the experience. Actually this has been one of the hardest teaching years I have had in a long time. We have made a LOT of changes and I was pretty snowed under! Hoping for better things ahead. Have done some writing. Not as much as I would like.

Rach is working at Strate's Drive-In. Took some knocks recently, but I think things are looking up for her.

Drew is still stationed in CO. However, while there Drew got malaria(that he really got in Afghanistan) and was quite ill. He was home for a month for convalescent leave, but is doing much better.

Mike and Ryan have struggled with finding jobs and maintaining places to live in CT.
Mike is now in a cooking training program and Ryan is working on getting some training.

Veronica is in fourth grade. Started off a little rough with Math. Too much rote memorization stuff and she didn't want to do that. Seems to be doing much better. She continued to craft her way through the world. Is a little interested in a boy, but I quote, "Most of the kids in my class are stinky." Deodorant is not their friend.

Cash started preschool in Holden. He is the youngest there by far, one of the tallest, and pretty darn smart for a three year old. He also is quite entertaining with his crazy stories. Example: I have a baby. FOR REAL. It died. First it was taken away by a dog. I have two dogs, Puffer and ?. The dog carried the baby away because I have cat named Bella. (Actually the cat is real.) But my cat is really a WILD CAT! And she scared the dog and that is why he took my baby. For REAL!

Our cat Xena is still alive, but the cold is hard on her.

Unfortunately Jack the ugly beta recently passed on.

My mother is good. We just had Thanksgiving where she made too much food. Bev and Bill and my aunt Anita were there. However, we just learned my dad's last living brother John passed away. I am now the oldest generation on Dad's side.

Bob's parents were good when we went to visit them with Cash and Veronica. They spoiled the kids as always and the kids entertained them.

Tripping

We have returned from all of our travels. Drew went back to Colorado Springs. Mom and I went to RomCon in Denver and then down to visit Drew for a couple of days. Mom and Drew and I played a game called Hink Pink and we did stink at the harder ones.

Bob was home alone (his dream) and went to Milwaulkee for a couple of days and will be home this evening. Kids and Mom are coming over for fresh corn on the cob, grilled chicken, and baked potatoes this evening. Yipee! Alas, no tomatoes yet...

Mom and I loved the Romance Authors Convention. I will post some pictures. We got to really interact with some authors. We got to have some small group time and played some cool games with authors. I also got some things done for the writers group I am president of.

In Colorado Springs I got to see my uncle on my Dad's side John and Aunt Elaine and my cousins Cliff and Mike. We had a good visit.

Driving across KS still not my favorite activity. But ate at Montana Mike's for the first time. It was good.

Took the kids to see Despicable Me for our Fabulous Friday Activity. It was good and Cash was very well behaved. Veronica astounds me at times with her intelligence.

Probably go see Bob's parents next week and to the Crown Center Fountains or Kaleidoscope. We will have to visit the Train restaurant.

Bob's sister Ellen had a hysterectomy and is doing well.

Glad to be home, horrified to realize on about three weeks before I need to do school stuff. I need to write and buy a washer and a dryer. Now, I need to sweep the kitchen...so I will.

And a happy birthday to Robin...now on the downside toward 50!

Have a great week!

Branson and the 4th

So much done recently.

Drew is still here, so this past week we went to Branson. Our family hasn't been since Veronica was little and Mom hasn't been since we were little.

To summarize: We rode the Ducks, all the kids rode a helicopter, Mom and I saw two shows...one with an Elvis impersonator who still cracks me the heck up, the new Princess Diana exhibit, Dixie Stampede, a magic show with a magician who talked liked a less manly Mr. Rogers, swam, did some shopping, ate yucky food and stayed in a yucky hotel. Overall a good time for Bob, Goldie, Rachel, Veronica, Cash, Drew, and Grandma Martha. Or as Cash would say Good Bacation!

On July 4th we received horrible news that our sister-in-law Debbie, Bill's wife's, youngest son Josh passed away. We are trying to support her.

We did have a July 4th dinner everyone attended and hopefully we took her mind off her sorrow for a little bit.

Bob did steaks, and Mom Baked Beans and deviled eggs, Veronica and Rach made some berry tarts, munchies, and rosemary green beans. Debbie made brownies. Robin brought peaches and cream cake, and I did some bean salsa, potato casserole, and bought a cake. By the second bite we all knew it was better than ANYTHING we had in Branson! We shot fireworks and then went down to Mom's driveway to watch the town fireworks. It was nice but we were all pretty exhausted when the day was over.

Today, I am going to put my butt in a chair and write on my novel. I may make our masks for this weekend's masquerade ball at the RomCon convention we are attending should fun. Thursday, Mom, Drew, and I are all going to CO. Drew back to the base at Colorado Springs and Mom and I up to Denver for the weekend. Then we will go down to see Drew a little before heading back.

Bob is actually on vacation this week and he is going up to see his parents

I also am going to make some lasagna and stuff and take it out to Debbie's for dinner, so they won't have to worry about that.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

It has been a normal week and yet unusual with everyone here.

Mom is still losing weight! We have been clothes shopping since she is so skinny. She does not like clothes shopping, but I force her because here clothes are WAY TOO BIG! She went to the Sherwood all school reunion to see friends today.

The rest of us...not so thin.

Drew got his motorcycle up and running and licensed. He has been enjoying some time with friends from college.

Rachel has been busy doing lots of stuff. One was cleaning her basement after it flooded. Not fun.

She and I went Thursday to the Warrensburg Riverwalk in the pool against the current. It was good while we were in it, but then we were a little wobbly. She had a good time out with friends last night.

For Fabulous Friday, Veronica went to the lake with her dad's parents.

Cash and I swam in our big plastic pool. Even Poppie got in, and then we almost drown the boy because the water was higher. Cash had a good time and took a LONG nap afterward.

I had a busy week. Worked on something for school, wrote some on my book, planned our vacation to Branson and am shopping for a new dryer.

Haven't heard from Michael and Ryan, but Bob's parents are doing great!

I was researching a magic show we are going to see in Branson and saw an interesting post about the magician. Well, he married a younger woman named Bambi who was in his show, but Jim Baker the televangalist helped her find religion, so Bambi left the magician for a younger soap opera star, but wouldn't leave without her Kangaroo, and it is said that the magician is really gay, she was his beard, and he hangs out in seedy bars and backstage kissing men, nevertheless after Bambi left-hopefully with the Kangaroo in tow, the magician sued Jim Baker. Now here is the best part of all. If you look on the magician's website, he has pictures of all the tigers and other big cats in the show...the cheetah is named Bambi. Should be a hell of a show!

Ain't life interesting! Somehow I have to use this in a book.

Hope your week is more magical than the magician's!