Congratulations Dad!!

After 44 years in the workforce my Dad is finally retiring. Dad worked for Ajax (Cooper Cameron) for 39.5 years. He left Ajax in 2003 to take over as president of a small oil and gas company in Odessa, Tx called Midessa Resources. The last 4 years have been tough. My Dad worked in Odessa and would come home every other weekend to my parents house in Granbury, TX. I'm sure my parents will be like newlyweds again seeing as they haven't spent very much time together since 2003! Dad, I'm glad you're home, where you belong!

My Dad has always been an inspiration for me. He is such a hard worker and always puts in 110% whether it's at the office or at home. All of us should strive to be a little more like him.

Dad.....you've worked hard for the past 44 years, now it's time for you to rest and let someone else do the work! Enjoy puttering around the house, playing golf, and being home with Mom! We're so proud of you and we love you!

~Brooke and Alan

Dear Cats (or Dogs)

Our two cats (Honey and Gabber) basically run the Kelly household. Fortunately they still allow us to live in their home and sometimes they even let us sleep in their king size bed. I thought this was truly appropriate for any dog or cat owners out there:

Note: to be placed low on the refrigerator door.

Dear Cats (or Dogs),

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline
attendance is not required.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I have posted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:

1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture.
(That's why they call it 'fur'niture.)
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is
short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Megan and Alan

We had a ton of trick-or-treaters for Halloween, but our favorite would have to have been our cousin, Megan. She came over to show off her costume and even let Alan hold her for a few minutes. Wasn't she an adorable pumpkin?

Kourtney and Chris' Engagement Party

Last weekend Amy Herrin and I held an engagement party at our house for our dear friend Kourtney Miller and her fiance' Chris Dell'Accio. Kourtney, Amy, and I have been good friends since 9th grade. They are wonderful friends and I feel so blessed to have them as a part of my life. Congratulation Kourtney and Chris! I can't wait to be a part of your wedding in February!