The Barclay Family 2012 Holiday Letter
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MERRY CHRISTMAS 25 Elmo Dr Christmas-again let us rejoice in the birth of Jesus-Hope and Joy for all. Another year-just flies by-no major changes for us. But, the grandkids: Jordan (10 ½) in 5th grade; Jacob (turns 9 in Jan) in 3rd grade; and 'Jackie' (5) in day care-anxious to start school. We enjoy time with our grandkids-they change and develop-just another year older for grandma and grandpa. Grandma: still works part-time for the school district. Things going OK. Still have regular doctor appointments-all reports & tests have been good. Help take care of Jordan, Jacob, and Jackie-and Grandpa. Grandpa: still coaching Jr. High Cross Country in the fall and Track in the spring. In spring Track, had kids advance to State competition; in fall Cross Country only had one boy advance to State competition-good to see these young peoples' accomplishments. Occasionally fill-in as substitute teacher. Still work part-time for Country Financial as a Crop Claims Adjuster-check crops for hail/storm damage and reduced yields. With this year's drought, busy with claims-especially in Adams County (Quincy, IL) area this fall. Farm-drought impacted yields-down about 25-40%. Crop prices were decent-does not make up for reduced yield--would rather have a good crop. Still need moisture for next year's crops. Still run-mostly 5K/10K races in the area or at 'the lake.' While on June trip-ran a 5K in Omaha, NE. Ran several races at 'the lake' this summer and fall. Travels: In March, went to Lake of the Ozarks-took grandkids-just took it easy. In May, drove out to Enid, Oklahoma to attend wedding of Jon Cremer, a young man, that I had advised during his admission to the USAF Academy-he graduated in 2009, completed pilot training in 2011, now stationed at Dover AFB, DE with his bride-deployed just before Thanksgiving for 6 months. Wish them both the best. In June, Jordan (10), Grandma, & Grandpa went on a trip up to Minnesota to area where Grandpa vacationed and fished as a boy; visited Lake Itasca for the headwaters of the Mississippi River; over into eastern N & S. Dakota; eastern Nebraska with a stop at Omaha & Omaha Zoo; across Iowa with stops at Pella, IA, a Dutch community, and Winterset, IA, boyhood home of John Wayne. Back home in mid-June to pick up Jacob and Jackie to head to our place at Lake of the Ozarks for the rest of the summer. Nice to travel-did not rush-but, still nice to be at 'the lake' to relax. Any long weekend during the year, we head to 'the lake'. Went down over Thanksgiving-Jim/Jenny & kids came to share Thanksgiving. Took a family trip on down to Branson/Silver Dollar City for the Christmas lights, parade, and festivities. The Kids: Jim & Jenny: both still working crazy schedules. Brad-Army reserve unit returned from Iraq just before Christmas last year-a welcome Christmas present-hope we can get them all home; back to work as Production/Cost engineer for the government at the Rock Island Arsenal. Austin-works as Medical Technician/Lab Specialist doing medical research at University of Iowa Medical Complex in Iowa City, IA. Christmas-plan to attend Christmas Even church services
with our families and then back to our place for family celebration.
On Christmas day, kids stay home or travel to other side of their respective
families. Cheri and I will head to 'the lake' to relax. We will get
Jordan and Jacob later to drive to Ft Worth, TX to watch Wherever you are, hopefully, all can celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Count our blessings & gifts-and-remember our most precious gift-Jesus Christ. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR
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