A Day With Debbie

it was such a thrill to be able to share a vacation with our first grandchild, Kaitlyn...many sweet memories were made with her, from being in the "spotlight" at the Hoop DeDo Review, to dining at Cinderellas Castle, all the princesses signing your picture for you, riding Space Mountain four times, the Rocking Roller Coaster and never knowing that it went upside down 3 times....having breakfast with Donald and Pluto, lunch with Pooh and friends.....the many bus rides, our fast passes, standing in line, It's a Small World, RAIN, locking grandma out on the patio,haha! And we can't forget the Goofey hat and Mickey hands....standing in lines getting all the autographs...collecting all the neat pins....the pool at midnight and getting so cold and having to get in the hot tub to warm up! And your smile!
I loved that you could be a little girl all week and just have fun!

We leave for DisneyWorld in Orlando Fri morning at 7:30---I will update when we get back to Waco....

We got Cam all moved to Arlington htis weekend, he starts a new job on Tuesday...nice apartment and close to a few relatives....
Went by Cooks and visited with Paul for a little bit, bought him a new Star Wars Leggo set, he was determined to get it done that night.... get well soon my little buddy!

No more 5th grader in this family---already in 6th grade!!!!
Now on to bigger better things..................................like DISNEYWORLD next week..............

Kindegarten Graduation at Spring Valley Elem.---what a special day to my most important 2 kindegarteners in the world!
My sweet Madalyn graduated, she was in Mrs H class and made so many special friends! We were all so proud of her, she is growing up into a beautiful, smart girl. We love you so much Madalyn!
Then Paul graduated also, he has been in the hospital very sick the last week with a nasty fungal infection, but he made it and even walked across the stage! I know this had to be such a bittersweet day for Leigh and Terrill, not many dry eyes this day! Go Paul!

This week has been very tough for mama, apparently on Monday night at some point, she has had a mild heart attack...we do not know if it was caused from the dehydration/spot on her stomach from last week/meds she has been taking or just her getting tired.
She was in ICU for several days, home tonight or rather with Laurie. They have had to put her on a heart med and cumadin which is very bad medicine..so, no more driving for now, no more getting her nails done,no more green foods, no more cranberry juices, she has to use a walker for awhile, we don't want her falling, her skin is so thin, she could have internal beleeding and never know it....Such a drastic lifestyle change for her!
We are lucky she is still alive tonight, things could of been so much worse for her!
I plan on going next week and staying with her and helping out as much as I can...cook some of her fav foods and dote on her!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAM...
Our only son, the one who will carry his fathers name on one day.
What a fine man you have turned out to be, you always meet friends easily, hold your head up high even when you are at your lowest...you love your nieces with ever being in you. Sometimes things don't turn out like you want them to but you always seem to land on your feet.
And one day, I know that the right person will come along, you will finally have met your soul-mate and there will be little kiddos to love....
My wish for you is to always be happy, look to the Lord, carry on your fathers name with pride and to know that we both love you very much and are so proud of what you have accomplished in life.

To my sweet Mother, Happy Mothers Day this year, I won't be there to help celebrate but you are always in my heart.
I fear this may be your last Mothers Day here on earth as your health is declining very fast.
I know how much you miss daddy now, my hope is that you are reunited with him very soon.
You have such a giving heart...
You love your grandchildren very much as well as your children.


To the 2 other special mothers in my life, Amber & Lindsay, I am so proud of both of you, what good mommies you have made, you both strive for the best for your girls, I see your love for your families in your eyes and hearts! Thank you both for letting me a part of those precious girls lifes, I am so proud of all my children and grandchildren.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AMBER
My firstborn, the love of our life, what a sweetie you have always been...there were times when things were rough, you wanted and got your independance but you know we loved you and still do so much.
I am so proud of what you are doing, going to nursing school, fulfilling your dream, doing what you do best, nurturing other people. You have such a soft heart, I know you will touch a lot of people in your lifetime.
You are a good mom to our firstborn grand-daughter and Kaitlyn loves her mom so much! We are so proud of both of you and we love you!

Lindsay had her first official dr appt today, she got to hear the heartbeat....
On another note, it has been raining for 3 days now, 2 big storms came in this afternoon, lots of flooding in ourarea...No power where Amber/Kaitlyn are, power lines and trees down everywheres....

Family Reunion 2007 in honor of Uncle Hubert, Aunt Frankie, Aunt Maxine, and mama...
Attended by Dawn Fey, ChristyMaynard,Mike & Debbie Keller,granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Madalyn,Loraly-Jamie & Jeff Webb, their son, Travis--Sharon Lardi, her daughter, Sarah and her grandsons, Devon and ,Leslie Adams, Rhonda & Darin Dieke, children, Brandon & Cassidy, Laurie Anderson, her children, Cody & Sarah...
Lots of memories, tears and laughter...
Several funnies, we were gonna show Uncle Hubert the cake, I brought it over to the table where he was sitting, he said"oh, I don't want that much", thinking I brought the whole cake for him to eat---
We got in the car to leave Sat afternoon from the park, Loraly says "mom, that man called me a peanut", apparently Leslie was trying to talk to her, sh eis so shy, he told her she was a peanut....
Getting ready to leave the nursing home, Hubert made the comment that he did not remember anyone there---Mike told him it was okay, that everyone remembers him!

Well, our Lindsay has really been sick the last week, we were all thining it was a virus, but it turns out, just her pregnancy---very dehydrated, throwing up almost constantly---turns out she has a bladder infection on top of everything!
So, DrM admittted her, hopefully for just a overnight stay, bt longer if need be---
So, the girls are here with us tonight, we are getting ready to go to Bushes Chicken for dinner then to WalMart for some flowers for mommy....tomorrow, school as scheduled for Madalyn and MDO for Loraly---I will go and sit with Lindsay...
UPDATE---Lindsay came home Wed afternoon, we took the girls this weekend to our family reunion so she could get some much needed rest--she is a lot better now, not 100%, but better! Tomorrow is her dr appt.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR MAMA...
72yrs young today!
I enjoyed my overnight visit, we went to eat in Fredricksburg at the Old Mill Inn Restaurant then on to Kerrville to shop some then back home for your Italian Creme Cake....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET AUNT MAXINE, 70yrs young today---

was a busy day with church then coming home and cooking an Easter meal for all my kiddos---we had a fun egg hunt and the girls founds loads of money, jewelry, lots of chocolate and sweet tarts!

Last week on Friday we had terrible storms, several tornadoes in the area then beautiful weather of 80 degrees...today, Sat SNOW--guess the Easter bunny will have to hide the eggs in the snow this year.

This morning, Loraly came to sit on my lap---looked at me, said, I Love You, so sweet....
but, I have known that from the moment she was born! Afterall, she did bless me with those baby blues!

Mark & Lindsay have been trying to get pregnant for a while now----due Dec 4----I am a grandmother again! I can't wait to hold that little baby!

I had the privaledge to eat lunch with my 2 favorite Kindegarteners today...they got to have their favorite Bushes chicken....Madalyn told Paul that she had "gas" at my house this last weekend when she stayed overnight---Paul asked what is gas?---I had to explain that she was tooting!

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY

Monday---to Burger King to eat lunch after sleeping till 9:30
Bowling for our planned activity today. Scores, were Madalyn-Kaitlyn-Loraly
Monday PT2---off to Kiddie Land we go, even G-Daddy, a round of miniature golf and McDs to top the night off with yummy ice cream...Yeah for Kaitlyn, she got a hole in one!
Tuesday---well, we set off to the Dollar movie to see "Charlottes Webb" as did everyone else in Waco as it was terrific Tuesday and the movie only costs .25cents to get in---there was a line into the parking lot---soo, we decided to go to the animal shelter and pay a visit to the puppies and kitties. After that we all went to our local "Sams" and had our pizza, root beer and pretzels.
Wednesday---the day has finally gotten here, what we have been waiting for all week, "Six Flags Over Texas", we left Waco around 9, had a wonderful time at the amusement park,rode lots of rides, ate sausage on the stick. We took Amber/Kaitlyn home then back to Waco around 10ish! Even the nail in my tire didn't keep us down too long today! Thank you Ambers friend for changing our tire!
Thursday---everyone is staying home today just doing nothing, guess we are all tired...a lazy day!

Uncle Gerald passed away on Sunday March4....he was daddys little brother. His funeral was held today in Bridgeport.
Rest in peace after all these years sweet Uncle Gerald

We were on our way back to M/L house after we ate at On The Border for Madalyns birthday, the girls wanted to ride back with us...so I was asking Madalyn some questions about what she was learning at school.
First, what star is closest to the earth--answer---Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffet, Rascal Flatts---hmmm think again, another answer, GOD....good answer
Second,Did you know that Pres.Bush was named after Bushes Chicken?

Today(Sat)
we got to celebrate with Madalyn and her friends from school today at Poppa Rollos, a "Rock n Roll" party complete with karaoke, cake, and lots of pizza and presents!
Then her ma and g-dade took her to Target to let her pick out her special presents....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MADALYN,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!

To my favorite "6"yr old in all the world...I love you very much!
I can't wait for the "Rock n Roll" birthday party this Saturday at Papa Rollos!

What a beautiful day yesterday was after all the cold weather the last few months--I think it hit 80!
So, what do 2 little girls, their mommy and ma(& mom) do? Go see all the animals! Then off to Sams for pizza and rootbeer! Our new found restaurant with the best cheese pizza! But we missed my other little love, Katy, she had school today!
Leaving the zoo, we saw a sweet sight---Steve B and his daughter Julie were walking in to see the animals...

Poor Madalyn felt bad first then Kaitlyn...Off to the Dr for both, Madalyn has ear/sinus infections then Kaitlyn has the flu---Kaitlyn feels a lot better, Lindsay had to take Madalyn back to the dr today, she now has the flu---
Was suppose to be a fun wknd at Ma/Gdaddys...we did make Fuddruckers and chocolate milk shakes but then everyone started to feel bad!
Mark/Lindsay got home from McKinney and his interview Sat afternoon, we took off for Dallas to see Christina and the DCC Friends and Family Show after eating with family and friends(Doug/Dale) at Spaghetti Whse....

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Saturday, we celebrated Pauls "6" birthday at Peter Piper---actually Mike & I took him shopping on Wednesday night and let him pick out his gifts---some Digimans, 3 Nascar hotwheels, and 4 tee-shirts. We had lots of fun helping him celebrate as well as lots of other friends. A special thanks to Dan the magician and his wife Melissa, our wonderful next door neighbors for coming to preform some magic tricks for the kiddos.
Then Saturday night we went to a wedding reception for Karen, my friend Marshas daughter. We got to meet her new husband Ken and visit with Melinda and Elaine and Elaines new fiance.
After we got back home Madalyn called and asked us to come over to her house and watch her skate on her new skateboard and have ice cream with her...nothing better than having your grand-daughter wanting you to come see her!
Kaitlyn had a BB game but we will go to one in a few weeks, they lost this week....

Thursday,Jan.18,2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAUL!!!!
A big "6" yr old today!!!!

Happy Birthday today, daddy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy Birthday to Kaitlyn, 11yrs old today!
Everyone came here to haveItalian and birthday cake with a pic of our rock star on top---
She got a John Deere shirt, some new clothes from her mom and a new cell phone from grandma and daddy...a firefly!

Merry Christmas to all

The presents are all bought, wrapped, under the tree, cornbread is baking for dressing--raining outside and cool, with a nice fire inside...Guess all my little girls are sleeping now dreaming of what the morning will hold. watched our annual Christmas Story with Cam.
Dropped by the Saxons tonight to take the boys a little present, visited with Terrills mom and sister...Paul was sweet, he asked me when our "date" was gonna be since it did not turn out the week he was sick then had to go to Vermont, so I will plan a special day this week for just the 2 of us. He showed me his money he has found and I promised him some Italian money that Mike has...Lord, if you hear my prayer, please heal this precious child, he is so sick now and there is not a lot left for him as far as treatments. Be with his sweet parents, they are so tired and worried about him.
I have so many precious memories of Paul, to be shared another time.
I hope he is sleeping with a smile on his little face tonight! No hurting for him tomorrow as he plays away with all his new toys, just a normal kid !

We hosted the Keller family last night at our home for our annual Christmas get-together....was rainy and cold but we were all here together complete with a mexican feast! I started a tradition of a tablecloth with our handprints on it with hand paint...we made a fast run to WalMart to buy another sheet to do one for Robin and her family in Virginia since they were unable to be here with us this year. I will send it to her next week.
Next week-end we will all get together once more to celebrate Glens "50" birthday at ElFenix, Susan is surprising him on Tuesday and taking him to Las Vegas for 3 days.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LINDSAY
we celebrated by eating at Ninfas then to the Christmas Pagent at Columbus Ave.
Then home for cake and presents!

Every year the last 4 yrs we have made this trip with our friends, the Saxons---with the exception of 2 yrs ago as we got all the way there with 4 little children bouncing off the Suburban walls and to find it was closed to due the rains we had that year---this year we ate at a new pizza place then headed that way---lots of giggles, singing of Rudolph and Frosty and of course the 12 Days of Christmas....then we had to wait an hour to get in the park and it took another hour to drive thru---finally home around midnight last night.

We went on a cruise 2 weeks ago---
2 glorious days at sea,
Jamaica--we all climbed Dunne River Falls, over 600 feet up--I can't believe I actually did it..a little pushing/pulling from Mike and Doug tho...
Grand Caymens--we swam with the stingrays...well, lots of screaming, but it was fun..they were rubbery feeling,all over us, hitting, bumping, the guide put them on our back and rubbed us...
Cozumel--we rented a Dune Buggy and drove around the island in a caravan, Mike snorkled and played volleyball and we had some mexican snacks but over it was a blast! Will never forget the Pee-Pee Station...
1 more glorious day at sea then home...
Food was great, all the plays at night were wonderful, I won a few dollars playing the slots, Mike won a few playing roulette....
Highlight of the week--Mike won Mr Sexy Legs!

Madalyn & Loraly stayed overnight with us last night because Lindsay & Mark were painting the living room---well, Loraly was in a singing mood..everything from "Jesus Loves Me" to "If You Are Happy and You Know It"---she sang till well past midnight then looked at me and said Mom, I am tired! It was just precious listening to her sing...even "Jingle Bell Rock". She started singing at 9PM, we just listened and smiled.

I am grateful today for my family, for us all being together today at my home to enjoy a "feast" as my beautiful granddaughters put it...
For my wonderful husband, our love for each other and for his love for his family.
I am thankful for my 3 children, for all the years they have brought joy to my heart, I am so proud of each of them.
For my 3 granddaughters, for their smiles and hugs. For our night together and cooking together and Loraly rubbing my face at 4AM and asking me to play with her...for Kaitlyns fruit salad...for Madalyns Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer song, over and over again.
For another year to enjoy my mother and Mikes father, as I know that time is short for them now and we should enjoy and love them to our utmost now. Sharing memories with Mike yesterday about his mom loving Christmas and daddy loving to cook his turkey, and packing our 3 little kiddos up every year, getting them out of school early and driving to Kerrville for Thanksgiving.
That little Paul was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon and is enjoying time with his mawmaw and papa tonight and that Leigh,Terrill,Jack,Paul,& Whit are a family once again if just for a few days. I am thankful for the meds that are helping Paul get better.
For a wonderful cruise last week to the Carribean with our friends Dale & Doug, for all the fun and memories we share together,even swimming with the stingrays!

We are getting all ready for Loralys big 3yr old birthday party and then the next day leaving for a 7 day cruise...what do I do? I get strep throat! Gone to the dr, got meds, been on them for 2 days now, surley by tomorrow I will feel lots better!
There will be a Mermaid jumpoleen here, we will be grilling burgers and hot dogs and of course lots of cake and presents!
Happy Birthday to Mark on Nov15
Happy Birthday to Loraly on Nov17
We were not here on their birthdays to help celebrate but we thought about both of them!

there are 5 out there right now...just where are they coming from?
UPDATE, as of today(11-10), we have seen no more little mice!

Lindsay,Loraly, & I went to Burger King for lunch today...we ordered our sandwiches then the lady kindly asked if I would like to add a drink for .38cents---that was the senior price for a drink---I kindly ask her back just how old did she think I was? Certainly not a Sr just yet although I did take the drink, was a bargain!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Whit has been here most of the last week or so during the day while Paul has spent time in the hospital in Ft.Worth...

Yesterday, I was sitting here on the computer and he was playing, he came and patted my arm and said"Miss Debbie, you are my sweetie"

Get well Paul!

we have had a little problem the last week with a few mice on our patio, I guess due to the road being paved behind us and the big empty field...anyways, I bought some sticky pads to get them yesterday, we put them out around 6 and by 8 we had caught 2---I went back out around 9:45 and was turning around and lo and behold standing right behind me was a skunk---I don't know who ran faster, me to the house or the skunk!
This morning my skunk friend took care of the mouse pads and mice for me, none are no where to be found!
Guess there is a skunk running around Hewitt with 2 sticky pads glued to his fur!

I can't wait for the day when I get to heaven and you are there to greet me...You are missed so much here on earth!
4 years ago you left us....my sweet daddy

Happy Birthday to you today!
40 years and holding!

Madalyn and Loraly rode with us to Sonic tonight to pick up burgers for dinner---
"I love you Mom"
"I love you G-daddy"
"I love you Madalyn"
Over and over again....there will definatley be lots more trips to Sonic!

Mike had his neuro appt this morning, he has a pinched nerve...he is on a high dose steroid treatment for a week...hopefully, this will do the trick...he goes back to the dr in a 2 weeks, he will get reasessed. If he is still having some problems then they may do a traction rehab from home for a few weeks..then, if still no progress it will be either an epidural steroid injection...worse case scenerio, surgery.
I felt so much better knowing I would not have to see my husband wheeled into surgery...I pray humbly for the steroids to do the best they can for Mike and make him more comfortable, he has been in pain way too long.He is amazing!
No more chiropracters...EVER!

Happy Anniversary to my beloved husband of 32 years...I love you so much.

to my most cherished friend, Dale on her birthday...we travel together, cry together, laugh together, tell secrets...another few weeks and a cruise together for 7 days! Happy Birthday, thank you for being there for me!

Saturday we got to take Kaitlyn to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound for Nashs birthday party---we had cake, hot dogs, she got to do a hay maze, we all did the hay ride and the kids got to get out and pick their own pumpkins...afterwards we met with Mikes family at Red Lobster and had dinner, was a good day!

To my sweet husband---the one I have loved for over 30yrs, he takes care of me, comforts me, loves me, provides for me, always there whenever I need him, one who loves God with all his heart and all he has ever wanted for his family is to reach for heaven.
Mike has always been a great father, taught our children so much about life, never missed a game, cried over our children about good or bad and is so proud of each and every accomplishment they have achieved.
Then the Grand-daughters came along, what pride and joy he has for each one, I saw a differant twinkle in his eyes as each one of these girls was born!
He is a hard worker, takes pride in his job and does it with determination every day. He has came such a long way in his career.Here is to 52 more years together!!!

Kaitlyn spent the weekend with us, so Madalyn decided to stay with us on Saturday night so she could play with her cousin...we took the girls to Kiddie Land to play a round of putt-putt...Madalyn made a hole in one, Kaitlyn made a hole in one, and grandma/ma made 3 holes in one...G-daddy was having an off night partly because of his back hurting so we will have a rematch soon! After putt-putt we all rode the train....then to Sonic for cheese sticks and slushes, the girls played on the playground for an hour....
Sunday morning, we got up and grandma/ma made everyone pancakes...
Kaitlyn tackled the fishy game on my computer and finally conquered it!

for honoring me on my 50th birthday, the pretty flower bouqets meant so much to me, thank you Rhonda and Laurie.

Words can not describe how proud I am of my memory book and all the sweet things that were wrote to me!
Something I will forever cherish!

One special moment after my party, the kiddos were playing with my balloons, they decided to take them outside and let them go to heaven to papa---Madalyn kissed one and said it was a special balloon with a kiss to papa...
I admit one of the hardest things about my birthday since daddy passed away is the fact that I miss his call and saying, "Happy Birthday Babe"

Mike has had some major back problems for over a week now, he has been seeing a chiropracter, I don't know if that is the right answer or not, he did got to a medical dr last week (she gave him some pain meds that have helped) and also had a MRI that the chiropracter suggested that he do, we have an appoinment next week to see our regular dr... hopefully we will get some answers then...he has been in a lot of pain and taking lots of pain medications...

I want to thank my sweet children for all the work they did for my birthday, to Amber for my beautiful pink roses, I always look forward to my flowers every year, you always send them...
To Cam, I love the picture, it will go on my formal dining wall...
To Lindsay for organizing the party, for all your thoughts and personal touches and the red roses, you made it such a special day!
Each of you played a special part in my party, I don't know how to thank each of you but to say I am so very proud of each of you and I love each of you guys so much!

This day stated better than the day before, another story, not to ever be mentioned ever again....Mike went to go get a hair cut, I went to get my nails done---
Lindsay askd us to watch the girls today so her and Mark could go to look for a new car---I knew something was going on, just haven't figured it all out---should of cleaned up! We took the girls to CEC, played for a long time...walked over to Burlington, not to mention the storm that coem thru!
Loraly was so tired, she was fussy and fell asleep in the car---Mike didn't know what else to do after driving around forever, so he came on home hoping no one would be here---wrong! Why was Bubbas car in our drive and someone elses van in the garage? Mike went in, told me to stay in the car---well, being me, I went and got the mail, saw all the signs in the yard---
We went to Lindsays, I begged Mike to at least get me a change of clothes, something a little nicer to wear since I was in CEC mode---also some make up and curling iron---Lindsay so graciously went to the house and picked up that stuff for me---Amber and Kaitlyn were at Lindsays too...so after I got my stuff and disppoined some special little girls, Mike went home to clean up and left me there to clean up also--he came back to pick me up, a little date he said, off to Magic China to be surprised by my family and friends...it was so nice, I was so happy to see everyone---after dinner we came back to our house, all beautifully decorated in red/black, a gorgeous 2 tier cake, flowers, lots of red/black balloons and of course some silly banners...we all got to visit, sing happy birthday and have cake! Such a special 50th birthday, couldn't of been any better! Perfect!
So, thank you to my wonderful husband,Mike and my 3 precious children---what beautiful daughters I have, Amber & Lindsay, my handsome son, Cameron, to the cutest, best granddaughters in the world,not to mention the prettiest--- Kaitlyn, Madalyn, & Loraly, so sorry that your Grandma,Ma, and Mom was not surprised, I promise next time I will be! I love my charm bracelet... you couldn't of gotten me a better gift, I will cherish it always.
To my sweet mama for coming all that way and back home in a day and for Rhonda, Tiffany, and Cody to bring her to make my day special, to Dale and Doug for being the bestest friends in all the world, I know I can always count on you two to be here for us...Doug, I loved all the cards, letters, poop and phone calls, it would of not been the same with out your touch!
To papa and Myrtle, Sandi, Wes(thanks for fixing the ac), Jenn, Billy, Noah,Nike,Nash, Glen, Susan, Natalie, Leigh, Terrill, Paul, Whit, sorry Jack that you did not get to stay but I know that the other b-day parties and sleepovers were much more important, but I did see you for a few minutes...to Marsha, I forgive you, you will always be my friend, Karen & Kristen and Shannon for dropping by, it was so good to see you! And to my friends at Magic China for being such great hostesses! I sure hope I did not forget anyone!
So, it was not so bad turning 50 after all, I am loved beyond measure!

I am 50 yrs old today---

After 2 wonderful Grandparent celebrations this last week we celebrated Whits 4th birthday on Saturday at Kiddie land...then to Mikes company picnic where we feasted on hot-dogs, burgers, chips and lots of water/cokes! It was very hot!
Then Saturday night we went for chinese at our favorite restaurant then to the Floyd Casey Stadium for Balloon Glow 06, was so pretty and the music was inspiring! And I loved it cause Loraly was my girl tonight, we went for a walk, just the 2 of us and she wanted me to hold her!
Madalyn fell asleep and when they got her home she was running a fever, hope she is better by tomorrow!
Amber called, Cooper got his mouth tangled in a fish hook, Kaitlyn was all upset but they got him all fixed up....
I enjoyed my family today, just all being together at differant times some today but we all saw each other and enjoyed time together, that is what it is all about.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDI...
a great sister, sister in law and aunt....

Sept.15,2006
Kopperl ISD
Kaitlyn Keller,5th grade
What a fun lunch we had with our Katy, we brought her a Little Caesers Pizza and was consumed in a matter of minutes by Katy and 6 of her friends!
My Katy got in trouble today also, got her name on the board for talking!SHHHH!
Also, she got to do her cheer she learned in cheer camp today at the pep rally then again she will do the cheer at a football game at a later date.
We will get to see her again tomorrow at the Company picnic...

Sept13,2006
Spring Valley Elementary
Madalyn Michalewicz, grade K

G-daddy and Ma learned new rules for the cafeteria, to raise our right hand when someone talks on the intercom, to sit during lunch, and when we walk back to our class room we have our hands behind us. We met MrsH and Madalyn showed us one of
the Principles and if you are very bad then you have to go see him in his office. Also, there is a Drs off at her school, aka, nurses... we also got to have our picture made with Madalyn on the stage.
Madalyn made us a beautiful card with hearts and a pretty picture of her on it....so precious!
She got to have a treat for lunch, we brought her McDs chicken nuggets w/fries,coke and 2 ketsups!

This will be a day that I remember just as I remembered the day John Kennedy was shot---I was in 1st grade, Mrs Bunns class in Ingram, Tx---I remember all the teachers crying...I remember the picture hanging on my Grandma Sybils living room wall of him and how much she loved him.
On 9-11, I was getting ready to go to visit Kaityln in Kopperl for a grandparents lunch, I was getting ready to leave, saw it all on tv---I never thought that I would ever live to see any of the such happeneing...
All I could think of was holding my little "K" grandaughter just a little tighter that day and telling my children, granddaughters, my husband ,my parents how much I do love them.

Since Madalyn is in week 3 of school she has narrowed down her frineds names, she loves Camryn, thought it was so funny that her bubbas name is Cameron and her girl-frined at school has the same name...And then there is Matts, she loves him, they play well together at school...
Also, we learned that Mrs.Humphrey lives right around the corner from ma and g-daddy!

Today Kaitlyns class is visiting the Planetarium in Arlington--she was so excited last night, I hope her day went well...wonder what she end up wearing?

Katy got herself a new kitten, named it Gracey....
scared her last night, Katy woke up and Gracey was not in bed with her, she looked everywheres for her and she was under Katys bed sleeping.

Madalyn finally has 3 friends at school, for the first week she couldn't remember their names....
Last night Mark & Lindsay had a teachers meeting in her class with her teacher, Mrs.Humphrey. No kids allowed says my teacher, so they came to play with ma....
Also, Mrs.Humphrey and Madalyn share something special together---their birthdays!
Loraly started MDO yesterday at church...Lindsay is teaching there. we both thought that I would have to come pick up Loraly but she proved us so wrong, she loved it!

Madalyn loved her very first day of school at SV and her new teacher Miss Humphrey....she actually did very well, told her mommy,daddy, and Loraly bye----sat at her desk, ate most of her lunch and even took a nap today, told me she colored and played outside and someone threw away her snack...she wore her rock star dress for the first day.
Loraly wanted to go back to school and get Madalyn, she missed her big sis!
Before we know it graduation will be around the corner....

Today Katy started 5th grade, she got to change from one class to another then has athletics where they have to change from school clothes to athletic clothes every morning, so she will wear her athletic clothes to school and change into regular clothes after that class...she seems to like it so far but today is only the first day back, I am sure after homework sets in and having ot get up ealier than 10AM gets to her she will be ready for a break!
I can hardly believe she is in 5th grade, growing up so fast into a beautiful young woman....now to keep her away from the boys!

Madalyn had her big back to school party this afternoon---all her friends came to swim and eat---Megan, Katy,Cortney & Abbey....all the adults sat around and ate sandwiches, chips, cupcakes, and cokes....
Now it is time for Madalyn to go into kindegarten and her big bestest cousin to go in to 5th grade....

Well, Mark & Lindsay are finally home, they are all exhausted but had a great vacation! Lots of stories to tell, Loraly loved the Rosie Coaster, Madalyn now likes Donald Duck...
The girls wanted to go eat chinese and see Sara....we ate mexican at ELFenix then back home to Waco, a big storm hit so driving was hairy but we made it----went and had chinese last night...we love the owners there, they always give us so much extra---not to mention how good and fresh the food is there! And also how Madalyn & Loraly love to drink the egg drop soup with a straw...
Allison & Cody are at Ambers, I go to pick them up at 2 along with Katy...no big plans today, maybe a snow cone...tomorrow we may bowl again as the kids love to do that...swim at Lindsays on Thurs....Mike is suppose to be off Fri, we have yardwork to do and get our new front door painted....Sat, Cam got an apartment so we will help him move then afterwards Madalyn is having a back to school swim party, so we will be there....Sunday will be meeting day to get Allison & Cody back home....

Mark & Lindsay and the girls leave in the morning early for Disney for a week---I know they are so excited tonight but I can't wait for them to be back home, I know how bad I will miss them! have fun, hurry home tho!
Kaitlyn spent most of hte week with mama & I, we shopped, ate out, she got to swim some and go to the movie---tomorrow she gets to go to work at the ER with her mommy, can't wait to here the stories....
Took mama halfway tonight, I hope she had a good time, I cooked all her favs for her, took her fo rlunch, shopped, had pics made with her great-granddaughters....took her to get her nails done and toes clipped then to the dr to get her ears cleaned, took 3 hrs...but she can hear now....she took lots of leftovers home....

A cold front came thru today, high was 98, been over 100degrees for at least a week now.
Kaitlyn has been here the last week, we have bowled, played putt-putt, seen a movie, swam...tomorrow we leave for Kerrville to help mama out around the house some and hopefully bring her back to Waco with us for a week or so. She had her bottom teeth(what was left, they have been falling out) pulled last week and still not feeing great plus her hearing is so bad right now. So, maybe a little vacation is what she needs!
I helped Jewell out yesterday, we started packing up her kitchen getting her ready to move into the retirement center,still lots more to pack!
Loraly is a fish now, she can jump into the deep end of the pool, she has no fear! They are getting ready for their big trip this summer to Disney World, they leave in a week.
Paul is back from radiation this week, seems to be doing great so far! He went thru a high dose chemo last week and did wonderfully! This next week is the week his immune system is very low, so he usually has to go back to Cooks for platelets and cannot be around other children to keep him in good health.

Madalyn is going thru a case of mommy departure anxiety right now, she is having a hard time leaving without her mommy...took mommy a while to convince her it was okay to go with us to play with Paul for a little while but after we left she was all smiles and non stop talk...
Today Mike & I took her and Paul to play putt-putt and to Kiddie land to ride a few rides then got to ride the train....afterwards we all went to Chick Fillet for lunch before we had to get Paul back for a haircut....
Paul is not doing great, they found a lump in his head, he is hurting a lot now, legs, shoulders, now this head thing,wanting to lay on couch a lot---so, on Monday he goes back to Cooks for more chemo, hopefully this will shrink the tumors some and make him more comfortable...Leigh and Terrill are looking at a study in New York at Sloan Ketterling, if the study will accept Paul with all this progressive disease going on now...
Pray that he will be more comfortable and no pain and that next week will be easy on the whole family.

Katy got home from her vacation on Thursday, she got to go to Cancun for 5 days with her friend Kendall....she said she got to go on a pirate ship, swim a lot n the ocean, saw some girls with no tops on----her flight home was a bit bumpy at times, they hit an air pocket and Katy got upset....anyways, she is glad to be back home and in her own house and bed! I am ready to see you baby, I did not like not being able to talk to you every night! Welcome back home....
Hopefully, she will come to grandmas for a few days this week to visit!

My dear friend, Jewells husband, John passed away yesterday after a long couragious battle with cancer...I was with Jewell all day yesterday as we sat by his bedside watching him struggle for each breath...he passed around 6 yesterday evening.

Cam was offered 3 jobs all in the same day, Extraco, AeroMart, and McLanes---he decided upon McLanes because of the benefits and pay---he starts Monday. Congrats and welcome home!

Haven't blogged in a few weeks---been so busy!
Kaitlyn was here for a week with me, she stayed some with Lindsay and the girls....we went bowling with the Saxon boys, Kaitlyn got the highest score, 88, then Jack came in second with a 77...we played putt-putt one night...everyone got a hole in one and Cam actually got 4!
Swam a lot with the girls....shopped for her trip next week to Cancun....

Kaitlyn got to come and stay a few days last week, she went to Lindsays and swam with the girls, spent the night and had pizza....On Friday, Mike & I took her to see "Cars", was so good! Her favorite character was "Mator"....We took her to Valley Mills for her baseball game, they lost but had fun...She will come back a few days this week and stay again.
For Fathers Day, she painted Mike 2 pretty pictures of coconut trees and a landscape of the ocean...priceless!

I miss my dad---I miss that he is not part of my childrens and grand-daughers lifes...I know he looks down from heaven and watches over all of us, I miss our little talks, him calling me "Deb"... I miss going to Kerrville and driving up and him sitting outside on the patio with Molly and drinking his tea...I miss Thanksgiving and him being so proud of his turkey and dressing...I miss Christmas and him saying "hohoho" to every person there as he passed the presents out...I miss him teasing the grandkids...being proud of his garden, his peach trees, sitting in his chair watching his tv ...
There are things I wished I had talked more to him about, the war, his heritage, his relationship with mama, how he felt when his children were born...his smile...
When we would leave, he was always on the back porch and would watch till we were out of site...
The memories of him coming home after a week trip in his Coke truck, mama always cooking a good dinner for him complete with a coconut pie...church on Sundays and usually Furrs afterwards for lunch, going to the Bakers or Renfros for tuna fish sandwiches after church on Sunday night, being so excited about an upcoming hunting trip and calling me and fibbing about a big deer he had got----going on trips in his RV---- Red Lobster----refusing to eat chinese food, calling it gook. Bringing our babies a chocolate bar cause he wanted too, taking Cam on fishing trips.
He loved his family very much...I am very proud of my dad, he had a hard life, had suffered in bad health for a long time. He endured a lot. But he never complained! I miss that smile!
Happy Fathers Day Daddy, I love you!

Little Wyatt was accidently shot on Friday night by his older brother...he died instantly, Wyatt was 6 yrs old, loved baseball and drawing pictures and coloring.
His stepmom, Amanda is one of Ambers best friends, she did all our hair for Ambers wedding...she had left the boys alone for just a little while as this happened,
A sweet funeral for a sweet little boy, as the minister said, they were needing a good shortstop in heaven.
As we watched his mommy and daddy say their last farewells, Wyatts daddy took his cowboy hat and Wyatts mommy took his baseball cap. They hugged each other in front of their little son laying so gently in his casket. At the gravesite Amber said a small butterfly flew over his casket and sat upon it as to say everything will be fine as "I'll Fly Away" was singing in the background.
Night is now upon us, peace to all the families involved as their son was laid to rest today.

Mama took Cynthia out to McDonalds on Tuesday night for dinner to celebrate her Birthday...someone reported to the Kerrville Police Dept that a green Ford Explorer was driving suspiciously...well, after eating, mama pulled out of the parking lot onto the main road and the police stopped her, had her get out of her car,made her take a eye test then breathalizer, it came back 0-0-0...wrong Ford Explorer perhaps?
Mama is 70 yrs old now, has been stopped 1 time in her life for not making a stop complete...I wonder if it is time that she not drive so much but how do you take that away from her when she loves to go and shop....

Sunday was Madalyns 2nd Dance Recital---both dances were just precious, Fluffy Powder Puff and Ellie the Elf....G-daddy, Ma, and Bubba were there as well as her Peepaw and MeeMaw.... afterwards we all came back to our house, grilled steaks with all the fixins and then had banana splits...

Cam got laid off from L3 on Friday morning, very unexpected---just company cutting back issues...he loved his job there, was making friends, going to PrestonCrest, enjoying the singles class there....so now, he is looking for another job, hoping something comes up soon...he has several good friends from college that have called him and are gonna forward his resume.
All his friends from work have called, they are all in shock too.
He is here in Waco this weekend, we are trying to cheer him up some, he has not slept much, been so upset---hopefully, a person he had sent a resume to here in Waco who wanted to give him a job when he accepted the job in Greenville will call him Monday morning and maybe interview him and get a job back here in Waco and come back home.

Just a moment of silence today at 3PM to remember all who fought for our country...

Today was Kaitlyns last day of 4th grade, a sumer full of fun then hello my big 5th grader!
This week-end they are camping at Lake Whitney, with lots of cookouts and swimming.
I am so proud of you, I can't believe how time time has flown and you are almost in Middle School now! Before I blink an eye, it will be time for graduation....

More than 63 Million people voted on Tuesday night, more than any election for an American President---and the winner is.......................................................Taylor!
What about Clay Aiken? I did not even recognize him when he came out on stage!
Carrie Underwood was awesome.....

Talked with Leigh this morning---was calling to ask Paul to come play as this is the last 2 days Madalyn will be here before summer break, then she starts "K" in the fall----Paul has been sick the last week, fever for no reason other than a sore throat---he was treated last week at Cooks with an antibiotic, the fever is back(low grade) plus he is now complaining of his leg hurting, limping some too---woke up in the middle of the night last night hurting---all of this to say, this is how his Neuroblastoma first started, so they may looking at another relapse, he has an appointment on Tuesday at Cooks for scans---pray!
UPDATE----Paul is at Cooks this morning(Fri), they were able to get the scan moved to this morning at 11...
UPDATE----Several spots were found in upper leg/hip area, and one spot was found above right eye in his scalp line---they were not very dark in color so they were found early---more chemo the next 2 weeks before the new trial starts up in late June/early July....

And we are the proud grandparents of a new grand-dog, named Sara---of course Madalyn would have no other name...
Lindsay & Mark took the girls to the animal shelter this morning and could not leave without her...
I was talking to Lindsay on her cell and she told me to come by later after we had finished our errands, I started thinking, they got a puppy---I called Madalyn back and she confirmed it...
So now Cooper has a puppy best friend....maybe Amber & Kaitlyn can bring their puppy Cooper out and meet Sara soon!

Madalyn got home this afternoon, her baby chick she got for Easter, Sarah, had fell into a bucket of water and drowned this afternoon---Madalyn and her daddy buried it with full baby chick honors.... she was crying when she called me and told me about it....

During church this Sunday, Mike was holding my hand, whispered to me "he loves me"---what a wonderful man/husband I have and it is going on 32 years....I love you too!

I shared this day with Cam, it was his 30th birthday but he will not be here till Thursday to celebrate....
On Saturday we went out to Kopperl to watch Kaitlyns softball game, it was very hot, the girls got tired fast! But they did play hard to try to win but the other team got the best of them. After the game we went back to Amber/Roger house, Kaitlyn wanted me to open my Mothers Day gifts...she got me a very nice picture frame to match my living room, I am looking for the perfect picture to put in it now...Amber got me a LaTeeDah oil lamp, with vanilla fragrance, it smells so good!
We went to "Two Grannies" In Glen Rose for dinner---2 little grannies run this very small restaurant, hugs for all at the front door, home-made food complete with music...
Sunday, Mike & I went to church then to La Fiesta for lunch, it rained but on the way home it poured, flooding Hewitt, we could barely see the road at times...Lindsay & Mark and the girls came by for dinner, we had sandwiches and peach cobbler. Lindsay gave me a pretty cross for my front yard. It will be perfect by my Rose Of Sharon that daddy gave me years ago that was only a twig that I planted and has grown so pretty the last few years. I have re-planted it every time we have moved, could not bear to leave it behind.
We watched Desperate Housewifes then Greys Anatomy----seasons finales tonight!!!!

May14---Happy Birthday Cam, 30 yrs old this year!
Your birthday fell on Mothers Day this year, making it a little more special...
I remember the day I was in labor with you, I could not sit, stand, walk....I was misreable but climbing those stairs in the duplex we lived in did help....you were a big boy, weighing in at almost 9lbs....I remember your daddys tears when you were born---you were a baby that was sick a lot, bronchitus, in hospital with pneumonia, always having colds and differant viruses,very collicky I thought, till your papa brought me some baby cereal, then we figured out that you were just hungry!... I still have the outfit that daddy bought and painted the "C" on, we brought you home in it although it was so big on you at the time, but your daddy was so proud of you and the outfit!
You were the first grandson on both sides of the family, the only grandson that will carry on the Keller name.
You always gave us a run for the money, getting into things, trying to figure out things, tearing them apart...you and Lindsay loved to fight till you both were in your teens....you both get along really good now, and are very close...how you love those little girlies and they love their Bubba.
But you had a smile that was contagious...loved to sing....loved to eat....watch Dukes Of Hazzard...play with balls and trucks...watching football and racing with your dad. To this day, you never meet a stranger, you always have something to say to anyone who crosses your path.
I am proud of you, my only son, you have a great job now, finished school with your Bachelors Degree on your own. You work out and take care of yourself.
I hope one day your life will be complete as you find the right person to make your wife and have children that remind me of you.
Always remember how much your mom and dad love and cherish you, enjoy your life, never lose your faith, and know we will always be here for you.
I love you!

Leigh and I had planned a picnic for the kiddos today at the park...well, we got there and a kind lady told us in about 10 min 2 classes of hungry Ks would be there, they were on their way back from the zoo---about 30 boxes of pizza was delivered....then they got there...so, we hurried and ate our lunches so we could at least play a few minutes, about 5min of play to be exact---decided to go to the other park, got there, another school bus load of kids was there....so, we went to McDs and played and had ice cream...
another day perhaps, a picnic....