Monday Update

A VERY PRODUCTIVE DAY

The weather cleared and the sun came out today so we started on the patio cover. It had a shed roof that had never had enough "pitch" to it so had problems with runoff and water causing some rotting. Greg and I spent the better part of the morning on top of the house, removing shingles and decking. Dustin got here to help and probably had worked about 5 minutes when he whacked the $&#@ out of his ring finger. It swelled up and made a terrible blood blister, not to mention the fact that he will probably lose that fingernail. He wasn't much help after that. I doctored him as best I could and got back to work, which the way I feel about unprotected heights was taking a lot of guts for me. We squatted, bent over, and lifted all day long. Tonight we are just hoping that we can get out of bed in the morning!! Neither of us does much physical labor during the week so only time will tell. Hopefully, the framing crew will start working on the new roof tomorrow. Then, sometime soon Greg's roofers will come out to reroof the whole house. After that, we have plans of a small deck, a hot tub, and a fish pond/waterfall. Big plans, huh?? : ) 'night all, paula

Bluebird Nest

This is a nest that I just discovered in the blue bird nesting box. It is very unusual to see bluebirds in our area. Greg and I have seen them flitting around but they keep their distance from us. Hopefully I can grab a few more shots after the eggs hatch.

Veggie Update

RAIN!!!

Well, we finally got rain. Lots of it. And within just a few days. It has been cloudy and rainy all week but really got serious about it last night and tonight. We had tornado warnings this afternoon and the judge closed the courthouse so we could all go home early to try to miss the weather. Luckily, I got home just as it started to rain really hard. After it stopped raining, we went to check things out. The first picture is taken looking up our driveway. The second is behind our garage where the veggies are planted, and the last picture with the police car is the road from our house that I take every day going to work. Thankfully no one was trying to cross. The fire truck was there as well and they closed off the road until the water went back down. Morgan has had two softball games cancelled this week because of the rain and our work on the roof has been moved back. It is lightning right now so we could be in for some more rough weather tonight.

JV Softball

LATE WEDDING PICTURES

Our children love us SOOOOOO much!! (PS The young lady on the far right in the tan jacket is our pediatrician daughter-in-law who only has three months left in her residency, and she and my son will be returning to Texas from North Carolina this summer! YAHOO!!)

MORGAN AND HER "WHEELS"

FARMER KELLY'S PRODUCTIVE DAY

Greg has been warting me about wanting to plant a garden. Today we went to the nursery and bought a "yard" of the most beautiful soil (I know some of you don't think soil is beautiful but I know as a fellow plant person Millie will know what I am talking about), and some veggies to plant in it. We got tomatoes and peppers, and put them in raised beds. We shall see what happens from here. The good thing about it is that we didn't use all the soil. Now I have a nice sized pile of it behind the garage. That means that I MUST buy pots to put the dirt in and plants to go in the dirt!! Life is good!!

Last week was spring break and Morgan spent most of it helping a group from our church do work for a lady through Friends for Life. Long story short, the house was in a terrible state of dirt and disrepair, and she came home with a gross story every day. She worked very hard and was very diligent in continuing to go back every day, in spite of how nasty it was. She and I both took the day off on Friday and we spent the day shopping for spring clothes. It was great fun but my credit card can't take those kinds of days very often!! By the way, Morgan is doing great learning to drive a car with a standard transmission. She and I spent yesterday cleaning her car, which included a wash and wax job, as well as a stylish steering wheel cover and fragrant lei of flowers for the mirror.

Anxiously awaiting Ashley and Brian's little Kate!! Praying for a safe delivery!!

Everyone have a good week!! paula

PRETTY IN PINK

Morgan and I spent last Saturday painting her room. We thought we had done so good by picking a color from a sample on the internet. When we got home with the paint and opened the can, my first comment was Pepto Pink!! Morgan's first comment was that she thought it would glow in the dark!! We went back to the paint store and picked a little bit darker color. It is a very pretty mauvy/rosy pink, still a bit bright but a very pretty color. We just got her curtains hung yesterday. She has lots of mirrors and crosses. It is a very, pretty "girly" room.

Saturday Basketball

This is how Greg spends a lot of his Saturdays......

We got Morgan a car today. It is a 1997 Dodge Neon. It is very clean and the price was very right!! She is a little apprehensive because it has a standard transmission. But it will be easy for her to learn and she will be a more aware driver because of it. I think her first lesson will be in the school parking lot within the next several days. She will get the hang of it quickly!!

Morgan is at a church youth car wash today. The day is windy and very cool. But the sun is out and that should help them stay a little warm.

Enjoy the weekend!!

UGH!!

Powerlifting for Morgan is over and softball has just started!! It is hard to believe that in just about 12 weeks, her first year of high school will be over (she is presently ranked #2 academically in her class) and she will officially be a sophomore. Even harder to believe is that in a few short months, she will be 16, getting her driver's license, and clamoring for a car!! On the lookout for something small and sporty, clean, affordable but safe.

Think maybe the groundhog was correct. Our weather is warming up and it makes me want to work in the yard. We could use some rain. Everything quite dry again.

Hope everyone is healthy and ready for spring!!

Hob Nobbing in Houston

We just returned from a friend's wedding in Houston. It was quite an affair, to say the least. We had a great time!! I have to say that my new husband was quite handsome!!

Our New Hobby -- Fish!!

We have had the aquarium set up for several weeks now. It is 38 gallons of fun!! Not to mention the money you can so easily invest in it!! : ) But we really have enjoyed it so far.

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Kelly - January 2, 2007

Merry Christmas from Texas, Y'all!!

RocketWoman

Here is our little "rocket woman" (minus her face paint and with reindeer horns), leading the high school band at the Robinson Christmas parade. The weather was wonderful and everyone had a great time!!

Robinson Loses Heartbreaker

Being busy has kept me from posting results from the football game. That and being totally upset about the outcome. Robinson lost 35-34, on a bumbled play for the extra point when going for 2 with 18 seconds left in the game. It was hard to understand why the coach didn't have them just go for the kick to tie and then let them pound it out in overtime. At least that way the boys could have felt like they tied them in regulation play. I guess we were lucky to even be that close when we allowed their defense to score three touchdowns on two fumbles and a blocked kick. But, the guys have nothing to be ashamed of. It is just so sad that they came so close to not come away with the championship.........

Robinson Advances to State Playoff

Robinson has made it to the State playoff. They beat Ingleside 62-21 Friday night. Greg was not able to get off work for us to go so I picked up chinese food and we sat in the warmth and comfort of our own home and listened to it on the radio. There was sleet and a few snow flurries before and during the game even though New Braunfels is farther south. Morgan has been a "sort of" mascot during the playoff games. The band directors asked her if she would be interested in doing it and they rounded up a costume from several years ago, cape and "beanie" included. She also paints her face blue and white, the school colors. She has been called "rocket woman" (we are the Robinson Rockets) but maybe "rocket person" is more politically correct. She runs out on the field at the end of the halftime show and then stays down there through the end of the game. She is having a blast (no pun intended) doing it!! I will try to snag a picture to put on the blog. We play a team from Texarkana on Saturday, 6 PM, at the SMU stadium in Dallas. The stadium holds 32,000. I have no doubt that the Robinson side will be full!! This is sooooo exciting!!

Robinson Rolls On

Robinson beat West Columbia last Friday night, 42-14. They now play Ingleside tomorrow night in New Braunfels in the semi-final game. The kids are getting out of school at around noon. It is a three hour trip for us, at best. Especially on school buses and trying to get through the capital city of Austin where traffic can come to a stand still on any given day at any given time. I hope the last person that leaves Robinson turns off the lights........

And just for information purposes, two bushels of oysters from Joe Patti's are a few too many........

Thanksgiving in Pensacola

Kaila 4 1/2 years, Madison 2 years, Bricen 15 months

We spent Thanksgiving in Pensacola, visiting Millie, the kids, grandkids, siblings and their families. The weather was great and we couldn't have had a better time. Before we knew it, it was time to return to Waco. But not before we spent a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with the P.J. Imhof family, watched elves try on their Christmas costumes, bought seafood at Joe Patti's, and chased grandkids on new bikes. We have so much to be thankful for!

The Robinson football team continues to win. This Friday night, they play West Columbia at Kyle Field in College Station. For those of you who have only seen the stadium on television, there is no way to explain the size of it or the Texas tradition that goes along with it. Morgan will get to march in the band on this field, as well as the football team getting to play there. It will be awesome!!

Happy holiday shopping to all!!

Driving Permit

Morgan got her driving permit yesterday. It was the first day that she didn't have something planned that we were able to do it. We made it through the gauntlet of people/paperwork this time. We had tried once before only to find we didn't have everything we needed. She took her written test and passed with flying colors!! I let her drive from the grocery store in our little community to the house, about three miles maybe on a semi-country road. She did a good job and neither of us screamed...........much! : ) She will have until July to drive with us and have us assist her in honing her skills before she gets her real license.

Gourd Website

texasgourdsociety.org

It Was a Great Saturday......

Greg refereed the championship game today of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders in Lorena. It was beautiful, a sunny and cool day, great for being outside for football. (Greg is on the far sideline.)

And by the way, for all you inquiring minds, Morgan and I went to the gourd show today with my friend. It was quite enlightening. Those people are serious about their gourds!! They had some beautiful artistry, as well as great creativity. Morgan did have a hard time getting over the fact that we were at a gourd show but she got a free lunch out of the deal for going so it was all good!!

Veteran's Day Parade

Robinson Band Ranked in Top 20 in State of Texas

The Robinson High School band didn't make the finals Monday night but they are still one of the 20 best bands in the state of Texas!! The kids were treated to quite a weekend. They took charter buses to the competition in the Alamo City, stopping in San Marcos on the way down on Sunday evening to eat dinner. They spent the night in San Antonio and marched at 11:00 AM in the AlamoDome. They changed clothes and went to the Little Red Barn Steakhouse, and then went back to watch the remaining bands and wait on the results. They headed home after hearing the results and eating one more time. All of the expense of the trip was paid for by a combination of money alloted by the school and money raised by the hard work of the band boosters. The kids were disappointed not to make finals but they have done a great job this year and made Robinson proud!!

Tomorrow is the last high school football game of the regular season. Greg referees at Axtell, a small community in the area, and Robinson plays Lorena. I will go to the game to watch Morgan march their show one last time. Earlier in the day, the band will march downtown in the Veteran's Day parade. By the way, I have the holiday off tomorrow. :)

Greg's reffing of basketball has just started, and Morgan is doing some power lifting and off season softball practice. Morgan brought home a great report card with all 100's and upper 90's. And these are Pre-AP classes. She is doing a great job!! She is juggling her school work, band, athletics, and church, and still making terrific grades!

My best friend from high school is coming into town this weekend. She is coming to attend a gourd show. Now doesn't THAT sound exciting!! We are to have lunch together on Saturday and I may just go see what this "gourd stuff" is all about. Stay tuned. :)

Our weather has gotten quite warm again. And of course, the holiday ads and Christmas music have started already. Hard for me to get into the spirit while wearing shorts!! Bah-humbug! I am quite the Scrooge this time of year anyway. You can ask anyone......

You guys have a great weekend!! love, paula

ROBINSON BAND ADVANCES TO STATE FINALS

I spent all day yesterday watching 17 bands compete to be in the top 7 in order to perform again last night for 3 positions that will advance to the state competition. Robinson made the cut but was not in the top three from the morning marching. So they had to step it up for last night. After the marching was over last night, Robinson was the #1 choice!! The kids are so excited and Morgan is ecstatic!! It is quite an accomplishment for any organization to make it to the state level. It takes lots of dedication and determination. These kids put in many hours of practice before and after school. I am very proud of the band, and so very proud of Morgan!!

So we are San Antonio bound a week from tomorrow, Monday, November 6!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!! love, paula

UNCLE GREG

Aren't these cute pictures???

Robinson High School Band Advances to Area Contest

The Robinson High School Band got a rating of I at the UIL Region marching contest on Saturday at Waco Stadium, advancing them to compete against 16 other bands this next Saturday in Area competition at Waco Stadium. They perform at 12:15 PM. Morgan was originally a little apprehensive about being able to march and play at the same time. But she has discovered that she can do it and she actually enjoys marching!! The competition this week will be tough and if they advance, the State contest is November 6 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Keep your fingers crossed!! Good Luck Morgan!! (Morgan is the saxophone player in the middle of the picture.)

By the way, this is the same band that I marched in, as well as my two boys years later. They were both in the band when they won the State Marching Contest in 1994, and my youngest in it when they won again in 1996. Robinson has had a strong band program for many, many years and are well known state-wide. In years past, the band was marching almost 300, which is close to half of the enrollment of a Class AAA high school, and more than most larger high schools or colleges march. So it isn't nerdy to be in band at Robinson!!

Greg has three weeks of football refereeing left (not including playoffs), and basketball meetings have already started. He really enjoys it.

It is finally raining today in Waco which is quite a blessing. We are way below average in rainfall, and yards, plants, and trees have been showing the stress. Hopefully we will have a wet winter to help us catch up.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!! love, paula

ROBINSON FRESHMEN VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS DISTRICT!!

Morgan's last volleyball game was last night and they are officially undefeated District Champs!! They had 29 wins with 2 losses for the entire season. The girls worked well together and had a lot of fun!! Congratulations, Morgan, you did a great job!! (Morgan is on the back row, second from the right)

Happy Birthday Morgan and Jeremy!!

Morgan and my youngest son, Jeremy, share a birthday on July 11th, Jeremy turning 26 and Morgan 15. We all went out to our favorite steak restaurant for dinner. As you can see, Jer just didn't share Morgan's enthusiasm with the whole "swing the napkin over your head" celebration. We did have a good time. Happy Birthday Jeremy and Morgan and wish you many, many more!!

School about to start next week and Morgan is keeping us hopping. She made the volleyball team (YEAH Morgan!!)so between band practice and volleyball practice, it is non-stop. Being a freshman certainly steps up the activities!!

My dad is still about the same in ICU. Two surgeries in 10 days for an 81 year old man is pretty tough. I do appreciate the emails, as well as your thoughts and prayers. We just take one day at a time.

Still working on the house. Are planning to move in by the end of the month so that means between Morgan's activities, hospital visits, and working, we must fit in time to move!! Life is good!! I just wish for a cool front and not these over 100 degree days that we are having so that moving would be a little easier.

The other picture is Morgan's birthday present, a beautiful old cedar chest that belonged to her "surrogate" grandmother that was her neighbor for many years. We lost Marcia to cancer earlier in the year but she is not forgotten.

Love you guys, paula

NEWS

Dustin had an emergency appendectomy in the wee hours of Sunday morning. He had been uncomfortable since sometime on Saturday. The surgery was successful and he is still in the hospital at this time. He is awaiting orders as to whether he will be able to come home for two weeks for sick leave before returning to light duty at camp. Greg can follow up later with details.

Morgan left Waco to DFW at 5:00 AM this morning with 11 other church youth, and 3 chaperones, to fly to Glorieta, New Mexico for a week's camp. She was very excited. I am sure they will have a great time.

We hope to do some more work at my house this week since we will have no softball games, school activities, etc. The bathroom is almost complete and I need to find some paint for the dining room/kitchen. I am excited about getting everything clean and put back in place.

GO MAVS!!! love to everyone, paula

Happy Birthday Greg!!

This is a little out of sequence but I was just able to snag this picture from Greg’s birthday in April. Morgan and I took Greg out on Monday before we left for San Diego for his birthday dinner. We decided to go to Texas Roadhouse, the restaurant that Dustin had worked at. We know all the waitpersons there and it is really like our family. The girls tell us all their stories of boyfriends, parties, etc. We give them advice in return. Good advice, I might add. In fact, we are there so much that I am going to ask if they will put a wireless internet connection in so that we can watch sports, drink beer, and check emails/work on the computer!! :) Anyway, Greg had threatened me over the years, and even as we walked in that night, not to tell them it was his birthday. I promised him that I wouldn't. Little did he know that a server named Jackie was going to be working that night and she had already text messaged me earlier in the day to tell him happy birthday so the cat was pretty much out of the bag. Needless to say, at the end of our meal, here they all come out, singing and clapping, pushing the saddle that they make you ride. I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing!! I must say, he was a good sport about it. He did climb on the saddle and swing the napkin over his head, just like he was instructed. He had muttered something under his breath about whooping and hollering to embarrass us all while he was doing it but he didn't. I was very proud of him!! Happy Birthday, Greg!! I love you!! paula

Thanks to Everyone

I want to thank everyone for their support. As you can see Dustin got a lot of support and after talking with him I know that it made a big difference. Thanks!!!!!

Well this morning I dropped him off at the airport and he is on his way back to California. He has 8 weeks at Camp Pendelton for additional training and then he will get assigned his duty station. He is still hoping that he will have an opportunity to go Recon. We will have to wait and see. His 10 day leave really went by fast but we had a lot of time to talk and I am proud to say the Marines have improved an already super kid. While he was here he bought a phone and we will be able to keep in touch with him. If anyone would like his number just drop me an email and I will get it to you.

Morgan is changing schools this week. Today is her first day. She wanted to attend the last part of this year before starting High School next year. Morgan's grades are unbelievable. I am so proud of her hard work and self disciplined study. She earns her great grades. Tonight after going to her new school she will be playing softball against her new school mates. We will see how that goes. Keep you posted.

I must report on how Paula held up. Earlier I told you she had to be a saint to be able to put up with me but we would see. Well I am here to say she is and the simple fact that I am still alive is proof. I can even get on my own nerves sometimes let alone someone else.

Thanks again to everyone!
GK

What A Day!!!!!

Family Day was great!!!! When we got to the MCRD at 7:00 am, the soon-to-be Marines were on the Parade Grounds practicing for graduation tomorrow. Dustin was about 300 yards away and we were able to find him out of about 350 recruits. It was great. At 9:40, all the recruits lined up right in front of us to start their 4 mile stroll. He was only feet away. Of course, he was not allowed to acknowledge anyone. They started the run and they made a pass right by us about 10 minutes after they started. As you can see, he did see us (problems with picture download-picture to come).

We went to lunch after he became a Marine. We ate at a buffet at a restaurant on base. We were able to keep him from scarfing in 5 minutes. We sat there about an hour talking and he then went for seconds. It was so funny watching these young guys later eat candy. They haven't had anything like it for almost 13 weeks. I am sure some of the bathrooms will get a lot of use tonight. You would think they were eating gold!!!!! Lifes simple pleasures have taken on a new meaning for these young men.

Dustin left as a boy and after visiting with him for 4 hours today, he is definitely a young man that has had an awakening. Things matter. It is a beautiful transforation. He has grown up and he is seeing life thru different eyes. It is great talking to him.

As you can see, he looks great (check out the BC glasses). All we wanted to do was just sit and talk and that is mostly what we did.

Tomorrow, Graduation is at 10 am and by Noon, he will finally be ours for 10 days. I really do not think any of these young men will sleep much tonight. It was such a wonderful sight and feeling seeing all the young Marines and their families. Everyone was so nice and excited. Truly proud to be Americans. All these young boys believe in Honor, Courage, and Discipline. It all matters and is important. Such a sharp contrast to so many young people in our society today. Dustin has found a new set of brothers.

I am Still Alive

Well we made it through another day. Paula does not act as if she is about to kill me yet. I personally think she must be a saint to be able to put up with me for over 24 hours at one time. We will see just how saintly she really is by Sunday afternoon.

Well tomorrow we are leaving the hotel at 6:30 for the MCRD. We should be there in time to see them run their last 3 or 4 mile run. At Noon family day starts. We are not going to venture too far from the base because if Dustin is late at all he will get to enjoy Boot Camp one more week. Update tomorrow. Oh let me tell you the flora is wonderful!!!!!! He I am not dumb all the time.

We saw the ship that they filmed the Russell Crow Movie, Master and Commander. It is in a museum. There is so much to do here and it may be good to get back to work so I can get some rest.

Having a great time in San Diego,
Greg and Paula

San Diego

Well we got here yesterday and the weather could not be any better. We walked up and down Harbor Street. Paula found her boat as you can see and we found a nice restaurant and ate Oregon Oysters. They were really great. Of course they should have been as expensive as they were but I hope they did not run out because we are going back for more today.

Paula and I have all day today for ourselves. We are going exploring. Tomorrow is family day and we will get to spend half the day with Dustin and Graduation is Friday.

Oh by the way. I got in trouble yesterday for hurrying Paula. She wanted to spend more time looking at and studying the Flora and Fauna!!!! It is pretty!

Morgan's Katrina/Rita Weekend

Hey guys long time no post!!! Well there is no new news from California. I guess they were serious about having less time to write. To tell you the truth I do not expect any letters to be written by him this week anyway. It is probably the most physically demanding week of his life. I can not wait to hear about it. As soon as I know anything you will know also.

This past weekend Morgan went with her church group down to Vidor Texas to assist those affected by the hurricane, Katrina/Rita. We bought her some tools and she left Friday afternoon with a smile on her face. She went with Jeremy,Paula's son, and his wife, Marcie. While they were down there they all slept in a church each night. The first night they did not get there until 1 am. Needless to say she was ready for some sleep. The next couple of days they worked from 7:30 am till after dark each day. When she got home she was telling me about her new appreciation of construction work. She has also grown a fond attachment to her hammer. She says that she really has an appreciation of having a roof over her head like never before. I think she had fun although I know she was really spent by the time she got home. She slept the entire next day after getting home Monday night around 9:30 pm. I was very proud of her!!!!!! My little missionary... I keep telling her that she might look into the Peace Corps. My only fear is I am sure they are for the most part the biggest Liberals around and I am not sure how her conservative up bringing will fit in. Oh well!!! I guess we will just have to wait and see. Morgan says, "Why hug trees when you can hug people!!!" My only hope she is not talking about the local BOYS.

Love you all and Happy Wednesday!!!!
GK

Dustin's Friend Adam Joins Marines

Hello everyone!!!!

Well it is another day in paradise and all is well. Today I received a letter from Dustin. It was the first letter from him after he found out Adam, a football buddy of his, has joined the Marines. I had told Dustin I did not think Adam knew what he had gotten him self into, just like Dustin. Adam had asked me if Dustin liked it? I knew then Adam did not quite fully understand bootcamp. Dustin said, "Man, he is in for a surprise now. ( You were right I had no idea what I had gotten myself into and I guarantee he doesn't either.)" Dustin gave me three simple things to tell Adam to help him and I am trying to get ahold of him before he leaves.

From Dustin's letters it is very obvious that he has done alot of self introspection (I think that is the word)or how about soul searching or self analysis, to try to figure himself out. Basically it just sounds like a young male that is growing into a man.

It sounds like he has adjusted very well to his surroundings. I am sure it has gotten easier but probably even more is the fact that all the recruits have adjusted and become more like they are supposed to be, young Marines. They have been trained, they changed, and now is just the way they are. John and Jeff probably understand it better than any of us. It is totally Greek to me. The closest I got to doing it was taking the ASVAB test.

Well needless to say I am very proud of the soon to be Jar Head. Just 5 weeks left. Yesterday was Gas day and apparently it did not kill him. He has qualified with his rifle. Crucible is next week and after that he is back in San Diego so we are good to go.

Paula's Comments

Paula posted a comment to my post but I wanted to be sure everyone saw it. I guess you could say it is her "parliamentarian Point of Clarification". So I wanted to make sure everyone was clear.

Paula's comments,
"He took my comment so literally. My point was that there was more to getting married than just signing the paper and combining households. We both have things to work out as well as me having 25 years of "garage sale" stuff to get rid of. Stay tuned. This should be good.......luv you guys, paula"

To tell you all the truth I am just lucky she would even consider the possibility of hitching up with me. I am a very lucky man.
Well I also wanted to let everyone know I am about to wrap up the 3 year remodeling project I have been doing on Paula's extra bathroom. You should have seen it. I gave her a custom texture job on the walls a couple of weeks ago. Well yesterday I took a blade and removed most of my custom texture job and will attempt a different custom texture finish. She was right it wasn't right. Well I think there will be less than 6" of plaster on the walls when I get done but at this rate I am not certain. Ha Ha Ha I am reminded, If at first you don't succeed.... Well you know the rest. My hope is to have the bathroom complete before we go to California. I got a letter from Dustin and an update is forth coming. Love Ya GK