Plata Update

We have been busy & are glad that the election is over. Living in a "battleground" state is no fun during election time - with the commercials, phones calls, and people at your door -it gets real old real fast. We are excited that we get to go to the American Indian Inaugural Ball. John's firm bought a table - so we lucked out. So I get to dress up! There are dozens and dozens of Balls that night so every room in town is booked and people are renting their houses/aprtments out for $1000 - $6000 per week, and up. It's nuts.

Allie and Jacob have been super busy. Jacob just had his last soccer game, and he and Allie are now heading into basketball. He again made straight A's in school. His teacher told us at his conference that he could not find anything for Jacob to work on. He is a model student. I wish I could take some credit for that, but that is all Jacob. He is also on the yearbook staff and is again his class rep for student council. Last week he went to Jamestown for a class field trip. He was most impressed with the bathrooms on the bus! He might be a little Einstein, but he is still a kid.

Allie is keeping busy with everything. She takes dance 4 days a week. She is in the school play 2 days a week and is also going to be in the Nutcracker. She is sooooo excited about it. Tomorrow we have to go to a class just to practice putting on make-up! She also made all A's and one B. Her teachers just love her. Her science teacher told us that she can't help but be happy when she see Allie. Her smile is contagious. I agree! She also got two awards this semester for citizenship and English. We are proud of both of them!!!!

John is always busy at work. He always has great stories that are hard to believe are true. He may have to go to Red Lake Minnesota in December - which he is not looking forward to - since its about as far North as you can get without being in Canada. Last week he taught a lesson in Jacob's class about Native Americans. He said it went good, but that they would not stop asking questions. He then realized they were getting out of doing more work if they keep him there a little longer.

I absolutely love my job. I need to go back to school myself so I can have my own class. It is so fun to be around kids again!

Well, Memaw, I hope this is not too much sharing. I sure feel like it is bragging!!! I tried to attach some pics from our trip to the Shenandoah Nat Forest...

Robin

God's Care & Love for me and Randi

Dear Ones--Where is everyone???Summer has zoomed past us now so please let let us know what's happening this Fall--PLEASE--it's not bragging to tell honors for you and kids!!
Returned to Justin the 28th and weather has not been too hot at all--we are having rain today which is a good thing--Randi got all mowing done Saturday so probably not have that ordeal again until Spring--time does fly doesnt it??
This testimony is about yesterday's events--Randi used my car alot while I was gone because it gets such good gas mileage--she was on Interstate a lot--but knew brakes were sometimes making grinding noise, but not every time, as neither of us drive very fast so didnt have a screaching noise. But I decided after a drive Sunday to NE Mall that something should be looked at--she said--its the brake pads that need changing--I said how do youknow??, She said because my Daddy told me and showed me about those things--OK---So when I went to Church Sunday , asked a friends husband if he knew anyone that could do that for me--He said he would be out Monday Morn--he was & took it home to look and found rotors were ground down to metal against metal so took it to Christian Brothers Automotive in Corinth & told him my story and asked if they could do it today!!Yes, and they did back brakes for free bacause they couldnt believe we hadnt had a wreck with the brakes in that shape--!!Praise God for loving us so much--and for the $284 charge --someone paid that!!! Friend said they didnt-- but it has been taken care of so dont worry about it!! Now that is a Praise God for all to think about--Randi started her new job in Frisco School District as Events Planner, and that entails a lot of planning--she really likes that kind of work and is so good at it too!! Keep us in your prayers and know that God does hear prayers.
I hope John will tell of Thanksgiving plans in Belton--everyone give a word about your family--We love you ALL-- MeMaw

Photos From Memaw

Hello everyone - Here are some photos from Memaw's house when the North Texas kids + Emmy were there this summer.

How many kids can you fit in

Memaw's fold out couch?

Mary Emily carrying the boys from Memaw's to nana's. Won't be able to do that many more years.

Gracen and Ceilia singing for all.

You girl's weren't washing dishes were you?

I didn't think so.

Boy's on the computer.

Glad you all got together.

Post more photos of your summer! Love ya!

Finally...I was blog blocked!!

For some reason I wasn't allowed to login to the Round Robin blog and had to get a new invitation from Billie. Weird.

Anyway, I hope all of you received my separate email with the link to all my pictures from the cruise around Italy. It was the trip of a lifetime and I hope you kids don't have to wait until you're 56 to take a trip like it. If you didn't get the link and haven't seen the pictures please email me at randi.davis@verizon.net and I'll send it to you. I took over 300 and narrowed it down to 230 to post on KodakShare. I set up a slide show in the order I took the photos and most have a caption so you can read where we were that day. We left on June 24th and flew to Rome on a charter flight with all State Farm agents and their families. A bus took us from the Rome airport to Civittavechia, the port where the boat was docked. We sailed that evening and when we woke up in the morning we were at a port in Sicily. John and I spent the day in Taormina exploring and shopping and eating gelato - yum! It was so hot and we had packed our swimsuits in a backpack so we stopped at a local beach for a nice swim before we went back to the ship around 4pm to get ready for dinner. Every night was at least a four course meal, delicious! We sailed again while at the dinner table. We looked up to discover we were moving. The ship was so huge we could hardly tell. The next morning we woke up in Malta. The most unbelievable place I've ever seen. We spent the day in Valletta. John and took an excursion called "The Knights of Malta". We learned about the knights who conquered Malta in the 1200's and toured the Inquisitor's Palace and the prison where they kept prisoners waiting for trial. Very interesting. Again we went back to the ship around 4pm to dress for dinner. The next morning we woke up in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Who would have ever thought Croatia was so beautiful. Not me?! We took an excursion into the countryside where we visited a flour mill and enjoyed snacks of dates, figs, procuitto, cheese and bread, wine and local liquers. Then we had time to explore Old Town Dubrovnik which was enclosed with the 80 foot wall. Over 2,000 people inhabit Old Town today. We walked the wall which was 6,300+ feet around the city. It was hot, hot!! We had dinner at a sidewalk cafe and didn't have to return to the ship until 10pm. Lots of fun!

The next day was a "day at sea" while we sailed all the way around the boot of Italy back to Naples. From Naples, John and I took a jetfoil to the Isle of Capri, about a 45 minute boat ride. Then we took the Funiculare up to the heart of the city. We took a bus to Ana Capri and a single chair lift to the very top of the island. It was absolutely beautiful. We had lunch, explored and then went back to the ship. The next day we woke up at the port of Livorno, Italy. John and I took an excursion deep into Tuscany. Our two stops were Siena and San Gimignano. Both were everything I expected to see in Tuscany but more beautiful.

The last day was supposed to be July 2nd leaving again from Civittavechia. As we ate our breakfast and waited for our group to be called to go to the airport, the Captain came on the loud speaker to tell us that our charter plane was grounded in Atlanta with an inoperable radio. So we would have to stay on the boat and the boat would have to keep to their schedule and sail away! Oh darn! The plane was able to catch up to us 2 days later in Malta. I never thought I would see Malta once, but twice in one week?? So cool. Please enjoy my pictures!

I went to see Lollie this last weekend. I took Caleb and Griffen so they could play with Israel. It was blazing hot but between Chuck E. Cheese, video games and the park in the evening we were able to keep them entertained. Perris sang for us and played the piano. That girl has Memaw's musical talent, that's for sure.

So that's my summer so far. I am desperately seeking a full-time job and would appreciate your prayers. It's been very frustrating and discouraging so far.

Love to you all!!
Randi

Queen of the Parade!

Yes, that is Memaw riding in my VBS float in the 4th of July parade. It is suppose to be a roller coaster car. See the painting on the rest of float.

We had a great week, she did registration for me each morning. The kids had a blast, we had 75 and all went well.

We took her to see some of the wild flowers this weekend, as far as she could go before the road gets too rough. The flowers are really beautiful right now. Some photos below, this was a different day, she did not get this far up. This is the same waterfall covered with snow last time. It is also the twin falls pictures on the Coors label.

We are all enjoying the summer since winter comes hard and long. Hope things are going well with you all.

Oh yea, Mary Emily and her friend Carly gave me a surprise birthday party. It was great!

Write Soon!

Pics from NC--WOW

What a nice surprise to look in and find blog from John & family--Pics are just great, thank you sooo much The beach house sounds like its calling me there!!I will start saving now to make that trip next year!! Anyone coming with me???
What good reports from Allie and Jacob--so proud of Allie's award on citizenship and grades--whatta gal!! Jacob all A's are special--I'm sure he served his term on Student Council well this year.
These two weeks with Emmy here have flown by of course--she's at Britt's now with Gracen and I will pick up in a few minutes for her to get packed--she does a real number on getting packed--She did me yesterday and I was amazed how much she got in the bag--I didnt have acess to digital camera but Lollie told me I could go toWalgreens & have them domagic so can send a few pics from some of this trip to TX--kinda like old times to have 6 kids--4 girls and 2 boys over at Randi's--Jeremy said if they not crying or bleeding they were fine!!--some chaperone??
A friend is taking us to Airport in AM about 8--plane leaves at 10;50--arrives Montrose 11;45--sure beats driving--Randi will be home Wed late afternoon. I'm sure she will have news and maybe pics to of Italy
Later, my dear family--Love ya, Mom aka Memaw

Pics from Plata's Vacation in the Outer Banks of NC.

Hey,

We just got back from North Carolina - nicely tanned. We didn't do anything except relax all week - we're recharged. I wanted to post these pics while I was thinking about it. We lucked into a great rental directly on the beach at the last minute & liked it so much we reserved it for next year -same week. 6/21-6/28. It sleeps 18 so we have plenty of room for a crowd, if there are any takers at that time next year. The view from the back porch is in the picture above with Allie standing at the bottom of the steps. There is one of us on top of the Corolla Lighthouse. The pic with the flags in the background is at a restaurant at sunset looking over the sound. The pics of us with the really orange sunrise over the Atlantic are on the beach right in front of the rental. We really enjoyed it & the waves were great for body boarders and lots of surfers. Each morning and evening dolphins by the dozens swam right in front of the house. It's a great spot to relax. No massive condo units, hotels or spring break type crowds - It's all rental homes with large family groups just chillin' out. It's 20-30 minutes from Kitty Hawk and the Wright Bros. Museum & there are good seafood and N.C. BBQ restaurants around.

Allie & Jacob got their final grades in the mail while we were gone. Allie got one B and all the rest were A's. Jacob got all A's. We are so thankful that the kids are doing well in school here - we were a little worried at first about the intensity and high level of competition.

Allie was upset that she received a homework assignment for next year already - first week of summer! She has to read some books off of the reading list and have a PowerPoint presentation ready when she goes back with an overview of the reading. I guess whatever keeps their brain working this summer. Allie also received the citizenship award for her 6th grade - it was a big deal - since they only give 5 of those in each grade and she is a new student. The principal said she exemplified what it meant to be a student at Mary Ellen Henderson Jr. High - able to excel in school, extracurricular, and community activities (Allie and her friends (with no parents) organized a fundraising team for the Relay for Life - it was a fundraising project that they worked on all school year).

Talk to you soon,

John

update from Austin

Hi, all. Perras and I can't get over that we've only been out of school for 2 1/2 weeks - it seems longer because we've done so much. When Israel was with us the first week, it was very busy with him around, going swimming or to the park, or to a movie or out to Chuck E Cheese or somewhere to get a hamburger. Just summery things, but something a little different every day.
Perras has a job doing some filing and organizing for Blue Light (Ben's business). She has been spending time here as well as with her cousins Brianna and Brandon.
We had a good time with ME - she's so grown up now! We got totally drenched at Lake Travis - Volente Beach - and our plans to go to the Oasis had to be tabled because we were sopping wet from a huge rainstorm. and no extra clothes. Normally, everything would have dried in the sun right on us in a few minutes and we could just go - (of course I took dry clothes but the girls didn't.) The rain didn't daunt people much - everyone just continued on the water slides unless they were shut down for awhile because of lightning. But after awhile you were just drowning in the rain and most people including us, decided to leave. P and ME also went to the Main Event the day before that - a place with lots of games and activites. And ME went to church with us on Sunday, took a tour of the new children's building which is such a cool place.
Perras is having a good time at her camp, just totally immersed in piano the entire day. She says the other kids are sooo advanced. It is good to be around people who challenge you, right?
Ben and I had a great time in Galveston. (I will post pics of all of this when P gets back with the camera!) We stayed on the Strand in the Tremont Hotel - a beautifully restored old building from the 1800's. It was gorgeous. We found some fun new places to eat, spent time on the beach, visited historical places, all things that we like to do. One highlight was the Juneteenth ceremony at Ashton Villa, one of the oldest of the old mansions on Broadway. That is the exact spot where Gen. Gordon Granger read the emancipation proclamation (two years late) in Texas for the first time. There is a big statue there now commemorating the event. Every year since 1865 or whenever it was, they gather in that same spot to read it aloud again and remember the occasion. So it was cool, with lots of people there, singing, prayers, etc. Sen. Al Edwards, who sponsored the legislation making Juneteenth (19th of June) an official state holiday, was there. He comes every year to read the proclamation.

Now I am working on budgets and financial records for our businesses and family, trying to get everything re-organized, better organized, etc. Bought a new computer program for that and it is killing me trying to get it all set up and learn how to do it. I will persevere and get it done though. It is drudge work to me, but it must be done. It is only possible now because I don't have any distractions for awhile - and don't want any!! God willing, I will get everything in a better system before school resumes. Visit our site - KleenShave.com - it is growing little by little and showing good potential. The Smooth and Tight product is for everyone, and is very popular.

Mark is away at training. He will return for about 20 days from July 4th through the 2osomethingth. Then he leaves for another year in Iraq. So please gear up for lots of prayers again. I still can't think about it much - some kind of denial I guess. He has been doing so well here with his college classes, and his work with the National Guard, and spending time being a Dad. It hardly seems possible that he has been here over 2 years. We will miss him so much.

Jeff is living in Buda with his cousin J.R. (Travis). He is doing well, working full-time at Hertz and selling real estate on the side. He and JR bought a little sport boat - a Sea-Doo that seats 5 or 6. They hosted a great Father's Day picnic at Lake Travis and took everyone for rides and tubing. It was very fun.

okay - that's alot from one family but I'll stop. Love you all -

Lollie

Greetings from Corolla

Right now we are in North Carolina on the Outer Banks , the beach is Corolla. It is beautiful!!! Our house is right on the beach and their is a long walkway that connects our house to the beach. We came here on Saturday, and we will return to D.C. on Saturday as well. Huckleberry came with us and about two hours ago he ate a live crab! Huck just loves it, but he is getting older and it is harder for him to move around (get up, and go up stairs). This summer has been great so far Jacob and I go to swimming everyday. Mine starts at 7:45 and Jacobs starts at 8:45. So sleeping in this summer isnt going as I planned... I will be turning thirteen this summer, but it turns out I wont be going to Lawton with my Dad. Well I am going to go body boarding, the waves are looking pretty big. Their is a wave with my name on it.......... Love, Allie and Jacob

Goof--

ME and I wrote this on Tues 19th and it got posted in wrong place--We've been running fast since then so just now trying to get it on and its out of date now so----trip successful in Waco and Austin--ME got slots of TU Longhorn stuff--easy to find in Austin--hope she gets to go to UT--Yeah--She's spedning nite w/ Brit Wed and sometime during week-end--Brandi is going to take me to view another Retirment place in N.Richland Hills on Thurs--they're having a Rat Pack Tribute--sounds like fun--Chris has plans and Randi is taking off as we write, I think--She had 2 good interviews w/Co. in Dallas!!! Really wants it, so pray that is the way to go!!!
Gues that brings me up to date now--Later, in CO, yeah!! Love Ya, Mom, Memaw

Busy Summer

So glad to hear from some of you all--John, the personal record set is just disgusting--I'm kidding--WOW how wonderful, that's a definite perk of working in DC -- The strenuous(sp)workout Allie & Jacob have so early is a real positive health issue. I'm proud I go to exercise 4-5 X's week atAC Fieldhouse. Then inCO will go 3X's week in the Hot Springs with Seniors at 8AM. Emmy and I leave July 1st so July 4th will be a Hoot in Ouray--that little town puts on a show that goes on into the night. So that's where I'll be--hope the fireworks Room in front of house will go well and no problem as Randi will not be back from Italy until the 2ndMaddi and Emmy made cup cakes just now-real good--next will make cookies--and a VidioI think. Randi & I will take Emmy to Waco tomorrow, time still up in air so Emmy can have some time with Perras and Benfords--will pick up Sunday as Perras goes to Music camp in Baylor. Gracen and Emmy havepicked up where they left off as good friends--good times together.Hope the trip to OK goes well John, sorry wont be here or would love to meet you--will pas on to Jeremy--Randi will be in Calif I think--maybe Chris & family??Brit, you might as well be in Timbuktoo as I never hear from you??Grip, grip!!Glad you got the job at the Vets thats so handy & a fun job for you to do. Will you plant sit for me while I'm gone--at least the Mint you painted the pot so cute!!Thanks to all contributors--it is really fun to read whats going on--I really love you all-Mom aka Memaw

This week in Ouray

Hi family, I am so glad to see the news and photos! It's great. Caleb, awesome grades! I am also so proud of all the nieces, nephews and grands. You are a great bunch of kids!

Brittany, the new job sounds wonderful, I remember you wanting to be a vet in middle school and thinking all middle school girls want to be a vet. But I think you will really enjoy this job even though it may have it's tragic moments, the joyful ones will also come around (this is life).

Well, while Mary Emily has been gone we have been enjoying Kieran's "new" jeep. He has wanted one since our first move here 14 years ago so we finally found a great deal on a used one and bought it for father's day. (photo's following).

We have also been very busy working. I am getting ready for VBS which is not until July but we really do it up big here. It is move like day camp for our town and we work with the Baptist Church taking turns hosting, I am the Director. This years theme is SonWorld Adventure Park and the setting is an amusment park with areas decorated in western, pirates, future, and castle kingdom. I am busy painting murals and making items to be hung from the ceilings and walls and also planning for the float where I am going to make the jeep into a roller coaster car and pull the trailer showing the various themes and our 4 characters. (Last year our float won first place ($1,000) which we gave to a mission couple from our church). This in the midst of directing the teams handling crafts, snacks, lessons, games, music, preschool etc and still doing bookkeeping for 4 clients.

Kieran is also swamped, trying to work on three remodel jobs at the same time. One finishing, one pouring concrete today and one going into the next phase meeting with them on Sunday to finalize numbers and move on concrete work over there. Bill Weeks is up here working with him on the excavation and concrete and may stay to help on some of the framing.

Mary Emily is going to Lake Travis with Perras and Lollie today. I am sure she will be busy when she gets home as well. She has been working a few days at "Maggie's kitchen" a restaurant in town owned by a friends parents. She also sleeps late and goofs off as much as possible. She has 2 funds raisers when she gets home to finish raising money for her youth group to go to camp in northern California end of July first of Aug. And then .... high school.... Wow, that came quick, even quicker for this one.

Enjoy the lives God has given you. The years just go by faster and faster the older you get. Makes your head spin.

THE PHOTOS

Any of you who have been here can see how high the river is from the snow melt that fell this winter. Thank God it has not rained in weeks because we all know that would not be a good thing. Waterfalls are every where and things have greened up nicely.

Roses blooming down the street. Many of the wild flowers are just starting. I am sure we will see lots of them now that we have our own jeep and can go up in the mountain when ever we want.

This is Box Canyon Falls. It is at the end of our street. The amount of water coming down is deafening in this rock canyon. Really amazing.

This is my favorite tree. It doesn't look like much but it grows out of a rock overlooking Box Canyon. It hangs over the edge and flourishes each spring. It is inspiring.

So here is Kieran standing on the back bumper of the jeep to show how high the snow still is on the jeeps trails. This is in Yankee Boy Basin. Very close to town. We have taken a couple of trips up there after work this week. We didn't go much farther that this, they are still trying to clear the road for July when we get the most tourist.

Last one. This photo does not do this scene justice. The water falls here is about 25 feet wide and because the snow had some how covered the river, the water is rushing over the rock and then disapears under the snow. It was really cool.

Well, thats all for now, Can't wait for Memaw to get here in just a few days. Any of you are welcome we have plenty of room (as long as you don't all come at once). Love to all, Mom, Billie, the youngest sister.

The latest...

Ferry to Liberty.

Plaza Hotel at dusk.

Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Jacob's baseball season finally wrapped up last week. We have had so much rain, everything has been delayed. His team, the Riverdogs, won the 9-10 yr old championship. He made the allstar team & played the in all-star game last weekend. Allie and Jake started swim-team this week. So they are getting a nice tan. They have a grueling workout at 7:45am every day. It looks so hard I want to throw-up just watching. Robin started her summer schedule this week. She is working thurs and fri for as long as she can stand it. I set a new personal record this week. I filled up my truck on May 3rd and just had to fill up on the 11th of June. Over one month without gas purhases! I dont drive much - but it still feels good. I'll be in Oklahoma on July 16th through 20th, if you guys want to meet up somewhere - where we can relax. I have meetings on the 17th and 18th - but the 19th we are free. I was going to go to a powwow on the evening of 19th - if yall want to go. Allie is going with me to see her friends in Lawton - dont tell, its a birthday present.

Talk to you later,

John

New Path...

So a week ago I started my new job!! I left the kennel after 6 months and alot of thinking about it. But I am now a Veterinary Assistant at Chisolm Ridge Pet Hospital here in Saginaw (about 1 minute from our house). I have been there a week today, and it is so much fun. Last week we delivered 4 yorkie puppies by C - Section, it was very cool. It is a busy practice and there are appointments pretty consistantly. The doctors there are a husband and wife, both vets, and 3 vet techs, 2 assistants, 2 receptionists, and 2 kennel technicians. I work from 6:45am to 2pm Monday through Friday. Anyway, I love it. I am learning alot and it is so much fun!

Mary Emily has arrived! I think she and Gracen went to Hurricane Harbor today, so I bet they had a ton of fun.

I am so proud of all my neices and nephews!! They are all doing so awesome in school and in their activities!! And I am pumped that Caleb is playing football this fall, he is going to be so great at it!

Well, working all week and then hopefully some fun this weekend.

What is everyone doing for the 4th of July??

meeting in Waco this week-end

To whomever is coming to Waco on Friday or Monday with Mary Emily -

On Friday, I can be there by noon or any time thereafter to pick her up.

On Sunday, we have to be at Baylor between 1:00 and 2:30 to check Perras in. We can arrange a meeting at any time around that. We can go to early service here, and be there by 11:30 or 12:00, or we can hang out after we leave her until someone arrives. So, we're very flexible that day, just let us know. We could even miss church (GASP) and come earlier if need be. Whatever is needed.

Love,
Lollie

Hey from the McNeff's!

So I have been instructed to get on her and post a blog, so here you go!! I do think this is a nice idea, but I am more of the voyeur who would rather be nosey and read about your lives and keep ours under wraps. I just feel a little braggish (is that a word?) when it comes to talking about my family, but if you insist...... We are all doing really great right now. We are transitioning into a really nice chapter of lives right now. Chris started his new job (career) last week. Although it requires a lot more work and no more afternoon naps in the model home, I think it really suits him well. Chris is such a wonderful man and we all new he would get that big break one day, and I think this is it! We feel truly blessed. I am able to stay home full time now with the kids, which is just great. I love my babies and I look forward to an exciting summer full of fun activities.

Maddi just wrapped up her dance recital with 4 dances and her 5 year solo, she did a really good job. I wanted to thank everyone for coming out, it means a lot. She is getting better and better every year. I think she may try out for hip hop comp team this summer. She had her 4th grade graduation and we are so proud if her. She received the leadership award, presidents award for educational achievement, citizenship award and an award for receiving commended performance on her TAKS. We were very pleased since her social skills seem to out way her study skills. She also was chosen for honor choir, so that kept us very busy over the past school year. She moves on to Parkwood Hill Intermediate next year, where I think Celia will be in 6th grade. She is so excited that she will have her very own locker, it is a hot topic in our house right now! She is such a good kid, we look forward to next few years as she grows into a young lady!

As for Mr. Caleb, he skipped soccer this past season, so he can gear up for Football this fall. He is small but super quick, so I think he will do well. We are so proud of him, his final grade average was straight A's. He really has come a long way in school. He has already read 3 chapter books this summer and he is geared up to move on to 3rd grade! I know his sweet little heart and super charm will take him a long way, but if he can keeps those grade up the sky is the limit!

As for me and the candle business.... well.......it has been an interesting phase, but I would rather it just pass on. It is really not my cup of tea, so we are trying to find a buyer for it! So we can move on and put the lovely little purchase behind us! Any takers?????

That is it for now! It seems everyone in the family is doing well, that is great to hear! Take care everyone!

Roineers

I wrote a note last night but did something wrong or network was down--it happens. So good to hear from many bloggers--thanks for info on your family John--now that's what I;m talking about!!Gus is a hoot Brit--glad Cassie is losing weight--you too Brit--really looking good, i loved seeing Perra at that piano--she is talented & loves her music--yeah.
In the old days of round robin we had to wait until one on list before us got it written and in the mail--this idea is so good--so please everyone log in a few lines of info. Really excited about Emmy getting here next Monday (16th)--I'm sure we'll be very busy and maybe someone will take some pics. Brandi's sister took lota pics on Mothers Day of our family but havent seen them yet, but will pass on when I get them--Did one of those 4 generations pic I want to have with all--we tried at Austin but didnt catch right time.
Try to stay cool and dont blow away as we have here--crazy cold front in yesterday and temps dropped 20 degrees in 20 minutes-only TX
Love ya all

Good Bloggers

Hello!

Just wanted to say hi to everyone!! I'm looking forward to keeping up with everyone on here, I hope that everyone does what they can when they can!

We are really looking forward to Mary Emily coming to visit next week, I know there are lots of fun things planned for all the kids.

Brent and I are living in Saginaw and loving it. We have a great house and fun neighbors, plus we live close to the Rhea's and the McNeff's as well as a few close friends.

This is Guss, our main source of entertainment around here. Casey (our beagle) has lost 4 lbs so far, which is awesome, and now you can really see the difference. Bentley gets Guss going, and when all three of them get playing... it's so funny.

I have been on a diet too, and have lost 40 lbs so far. Go me! I still have some more to lose, and I'm workin on it!

Brent and I are trying to plan some kind of vacation before the year is out, and I'm really pushing for Washington D.C. He has never been!! I want to drive there and back, and take him around all the cool places up there. Plus Fall was always my favorite season!

Brent says hello, he is working hard and long hours with this new position.

Can't wait to hear from everyone!

B & B

Perras pics

These are (1) a picture of P. at Disneyworld during spring break with her school choir and band, and (2) when her theatre arts teacher helped us out by using the school Performing Arts Center equipment to make a cd of some of her pieces; they were for her application to the piano camp at Baylor this summer. She loves playing a grand piano - it sounded so great in there! I took the picture on my phone so it isn't as bright.

Lollie

Thanks for the cake!

Mom,

Thanks for the cake. I dont feel 36 - and from what I understand I act like I'm 18. All is well up here in Northern Virginia, but it feels like a swamp. 98 degrees today and 80% humidity. We're having a contest to see who can make the biggest on sweat rings on their shirts.

Allie had her final softball game of the season last night. The teams here go by grade - so our 6th grade team won their division. We were scheduled to play the 7th grade winners but they had to forfeit. Her team moved on in the bracket and played a really good 8th grade team, and so their season is over. Jacob is wrapping up baseball today. His team is in the championship game at 12:30. His soccer team has three more games because of all the cancellations and rescheduled games - due to non-stop rain.

We are VERY glad that summer is here - but the kids dont get out of school until the 13th and they start again after labor day. Jacob is being placed in the an advanced academic placement program. Robin is going to work twice a week during the summer, and I will work from home one day a week. The kids will spend one day alone at the house.

We joined the swim, dive, and tennis club last week that is about two blocks from our house. It's a nice facility with two big pools and slides and diving boards, sand volleyball, tennis courts, bbq grills all over the place and a clubhouse. So we will spend a lot of time there this summer. The kids can walk down there - and they are going to be on the swim team so they have a one hour morning practice every day. It seems to be where everyone hangs out. I imagine we'll just take some hot dogs and drinks down there and spend the day on the weekends. There are very few "public pools". The only other option is to join one of these clubs.

Not sure about our summer plans. We may be coming back to TX for a while - or at least Robin and the kids. Her uncle Dick (cancer) , and her grandfather (advanced alzheimers) are not doing well.

We had a blast in NYC. We went over memorial day weekend and saw a Yankees game. I wanted to go before the old stadium is torn down next year. We did all the sight seeing we could stand. It's really amazing. I didnt think I would like it - but I have a new respect for people who can survive in that mad house. We had an interesting time in little Italy on Mulberry street, where they filmed the parade scene in the Godfather. In the movie there is a parade going on in the street - and the italian guys are carrying a statue of St. Somebody (Francis?) down the street and collecting money. That is is exactly what we saw - it was like being in the scene. We had a nice italian dinner - and the best potato gnocchi I have ever had.

Miss all of you and hope to get back there in the near future. We have started to save our pics at http://www2.snapfish.com/. Our ID is jrajplata@yahoo.com, PW- 4silver. We will send individual pics - so you dont have to go through all of our good and crappy pics - but right now I gotta go and get Jake to his game.

Talk to you later....
John

Happy Birthday John!

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday dear son.

Happy 36 birthday to you!

Love you Mom.

Adding Photos

When you open "new post" and you are typing in the text box, look at the icons across the top of the box. One is a photo. Click on it and then Click "add an image from your computer" browse your photos, make a selection, then look at the other choices as they are listed then click "upload picture".

This one is also from Sante Fe. Love ya!

the Austin folks

Thank you so much, Billie, for setting this up. Now I'll have to get Perras to show me how to load pics onto here. Thank goodness school is out for awhile, so I can probably keep up for a couple of months at least. Ben and I have lots of projects in mind for this summer related to budgeting, finance, and KleenShave. I really want to do them, and it is going to take some real time to get into it. So it will actually be a job in itself, although the one I want to do. Perras is also working for Ben doing some filing, which is way behind -years really. She is enjoying earning her own money. Israel is coming to spend some time here. Mark picked him up today to spend some time with him before he (Mark) leaves for training tomorrow at 5:00 am. Then Israel will be with us until next Friday when Velia will take him to Mexico for a week, then leave him there with her Mom for another week. We will just have to pray that she will bring him back as promised...

Lollie

Photos please

Randi, take a photo of those kids at your house and publish it here! Love ya

Great idea!! I remember....

I think this is a great idea as well. It's difficult staying up with all the nieces and nephews and I often think of them and wonder how they're doing and what's going on in their families. I urge everyone to contribute to the blog at least once or twice a month.

I don't have much to add in the way of news right now but will very soon. John and I leave for our cruise around Italy and Crotia on June 24th. We'll return July 2. I'll be sure to post some pictures when we get back.

I'll let my kids post their news about what my wonderful grandchildren are doing. Friday night I'm taking all four of them to a church in Dallas where an old high school friend of mine performs with a comedy improv group. Then we'll come back to my house to spend the night. I'm so proud of all of them and am feeling blessed as usual.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's blog.

Love you all,
Randi

Happy for Round Robin

I am so excited about this blog for my family--thank you Billie for setting this up!! I am so in hopes everyone will contribute several lines and/or pictures of goings on at your house.My Dad, Frank Doores and his Sister Aunt Sis started his family RR after one of their Reunions--They had several--mostly in CO as they came from Calif, Wash., Indiana,Tx, & La.--I think Billie was only one in my family to go to the last one they had but kept RR going for a few more years--Daddy died in 1973 & probably stopped not long after that.
I was always sorry my girls didnt have any Aunts or Uncles--but as extended families have come about, everyone has plenty to keep up with so lets do keep in touch this way--only a little time to enter blog to say whats going on--please!!
I love you all and look forward to hearing from all-
Mom aka Memaw

Mary Emily and her friend Sarah laying with the bears on our trip to Santa Fe end of March. I got to go to the Georgia O'Keefe museum (her flowers are one of my favorites) along with other galleries, lots of shopping and a temporary escape from the snow. It was great.

What is this all about?

Hello family!

Many, many years ago there was a letter sent out from family members in the Doores (Nanda's) family. They called it the Round Robin. I remember seeing it come around. It was always filled with photos of people I either did not know or had not seen in a long time. It was a lot of fun to hear Allie or Memaw read the letters and tell me what was going on with this relative or that. People I had ties to in one way or another.

I looked up the definition of Round Robin and this is what I found:

The term round-robin describes correspondence to a single address authored or signed by numerous individuals (as found in a petition). Colloquially, however, 'round-robin' is frequently given an opposite meaning, being used to describe a letter with an author copied and sent to multiple recipients. For example, the sending of family news at Christmas. In sport, round-robin refers to every player or team in a group or pool taking turns to play one another a set number of times. In aviation, a round-robin flight is a cross-country flight which starts at one airport, travels to several other points for fly-over or touch-and-goes, and returns to the airport of origin.

This definition would fit what that package of letters represented. Taking your turn sending out joys, concerns, photos, updates and sending them on for the next family member.

We now have the wonderful convenience of the internet. I don't know much about blog sites, but from what I have read here, we can all add copy and photos thus reactivating the tradition started generations ago of The Round Robin.

Try it, take the time to read the entries of others and add your photos and updates on what is happening in your lives. I am over 50 now so I can say something like "I have come to realize over my years the importance of relationships." We can't always take time or travel over the distance to see each other but let's try this, to keep in touch and thus keep our relationships closer.