A little over two years ago Patrick left on his mission. Our first child to leave on a two year LDS church mission for our family. It was hard for all of us, parents, and siblings. We of course were proud and excited for him, but we were going to miss him for sure.

I remember watching him give his Mom a hug goodbye. It was hard on my heart. My excitement for him heading out on a new adventure allowed me to forget to some degree his leaving, but watching him say goodbye to his Mom really felt like a punch in the heart.

When Patrick came home just recently, I was joyful and tears weren't really part of the story....until I watched him give his Mom his first hug home. To watch him wrap his arms around her, and watch her cry with joy that her son was home. Yeah, that got to me. Happiness overcame me, quite by surprise. It was beautiful. For some reason as I stood off by a couple yards, and watched his sisters jump in on the hug my mind turned to the eternal nature of our family. Again, my heart was filled with joy.

A funny note that I never want to forget, as Suzi and I were waiting with some friends and family at the airport for Patrick's soon arrival home she started to tear up. She looked at me and she said "I'm going to give him his first hug." I laughed and replied "of course Suzi, wouldn't want it any other way. Nor would I dare get in your way."

This sending children on missions is hard stuff. As a parents it's joyful, and sad day. Having received our first child home from his mission, I'm so grateful for his decision to serve.

Michael Scott.... the Black and white little dog

The Story of Michael Scott by Sean Kellys (3About a week ago as I was traveling home from exercise on foot I saw an interesting sight. I saw Wendy Hazelhoffer running away from Mike again. She had jumped out of Mike's car and was running around on Lower Sacramento road like a mad woman. I thought "Ah, Mike has gone and done it again! She's going to run away this time!"

What I could not see was that Wendy was pursing a very little dog. He was so small I could not see him due to the median in the road blocking my view. The small dog hopped up onto the median and ran into my view while running from the very scary Wendy Hazelhoffer (Michael Scott's words not mine). As he ran into my view I backed into the lawn area at Jim Elliott so as to not frighten our little Dunder Mifflin Regional Manager back into the roadway. As he made his way to the side walk I whistled to him and he made his way to me. He got close, but just an inch out of arms length. So I squatted, very uncomfortably, and waited for either the dog to approach or my knees to break and send me screaming in pain. Fortunately the little administrator moved close enough to pet him on his chest. Which he loved, and allowed me to pick him up. He was a bit nervous, and as I stood there Michael and Wendy approached and we discussed the fate of the mini executive.

While in conversation our friends Scott and Jill Means approached in their vehicle, and when they had happened upon us all it felt like a small church conference of sorts, and we all laughed. Someone commented "what will you name your new favored one?" To which I replied "Scott Hazelhoffer!" Quickly Michael rebuffed my naming, "why must his name always be first!" I responded "Well enough, Mike Means. It sounds even sweeter!" Wendy then interjected "Why not Michael Scott?" Perfect, and so it was.

I walked my little friend home, I gave the dinky director a bath, and waited to introduce him to the rest of the family. He loved all the family members, but they all did not love him. Georgia thought he was nice, and he loved her the most. Hannah thought he was cute, and she found a love that grew in her heart more and more each day. Sam hated him, but pretended to be kind. However, at times was quite harsh to the dog. With comments like "Why is he sleeping there, that's where I sleep on the couch!" and "That's not my dog." and "he's a rat." and "I wouldn't want to be seen with him." and "we aren't little dog people." and  "Somebody needs to get rid of him." and "I don't care what happens to him!" None the less....the little dog loved Sam, fearfully, because some how knew his affection was not returned. But he persisted in trying to gain Sam's affection. The Mother of the home hated him even more. She loathed him. Her dark, hard, cold, little dog hating heart had no space for him. She was not cruel to him like the Sam, but was like a step mother pretending to have love for the child but he was too naïve to recognize the lack of affection. However, he loved her. He would bounce and jump and spin, and turn and wiggle whenever she entered the room. He would follow her every where she went! But she resented the affection, and wished in her heart for his death! I was conflicted. I called to notify the Animal Control in our community that we had the pee-wee boss, and hoped someone would call looking for him. So he had a time of reprieve in our home.

The first night he slept with Georgia at the foot of her bed. He was an almost perfect gentleman. apparently the diminutive comptroller licks himself far to often for light sleepers. Not very gentlemanly I'll admit, but he just needed a little coaching. The next day he enjoyed himself following around the Mother. The affection the little dog had for her was visible, but the darkness from her heart sadden mine. The second night, he slept in a basket in our room. He didn't make a peep. He was a perfect sleeper. He never barked, ever! He loved victors who came to the house. He was never afraid of anyone, just thrilled they were there. He didn't eat anything worth mentioning. Just a tiny appetite. He was very much potty trained, except for one tiny small accident in my office. He's so small it is almost forgivable. He really is a good boy.

That day we were to travel to Santa Cruz. What to do with our petite governor. Votes were cast on whether he  should come to the beach or stay home. Though the votes were in his favor to travel with us to the beach, the dissenting 2 votes were so filled with vitriol (no names mentioned, but they know who they are) that I made the decision to leave him behind. We secured him in the back yard, and hoped he would be well. I feared he would be cold back there in the evening. He has very little hair.

Upon our return to home, we found that Michael Scott had panicked, dug a hole under the fence and run away. Understandable I suppose. A new home. A strange yard, and so much hatred directed at him by those who he loved so much. I'm sure running away probably seemed a good decision. No one in this world loved him, and I'm sure he felt he might find that person somewhere else out there. However, a day later a friend and dear neighbor Karrie Heilbrun posted a picture of our pocket sized proprietor on the facebook. He was being held.... by a Lodi City Animal Control Officer. And there he sits, awaiting his cruel fate at the dog pound. It's been 5 days of hard jail time. His time in this life slipping away. I dropped by to visit him today. He was happy to see me, but a little resigned to his fate. Hopeful that some heart might turn toward him and spare his life, but recognizing that time is slipping away.

So there we are with our story. Do I know how this story ends? No, that finish hasn't been written yet. But there are individuals with the power to close this story with a happy closure, and those same hands can stop it with a heart breaking tragic ending. We shall see. I must admit to having little hope for the Regional Manager.

Coach Georgia

Headed to church last Sunday Sam asked if he could drive. I tossed him the keys, and Georgia, Sam, Hannah, and I headed to church.

Driving down our street Sam was driving a bit fast for my tastes so I told him to slow down. We turn the corner and head down another street, and I say again irritated this time "Sam, you're 3 MPH over the speed limit. Slow down! Don't exceed it ever. Stay well under it." As we get within a short distance from church he drifts over the speed limit again, and I lose it. I'm telling you I explode. Part of it was the 3 strikes your out, part of it was Sam not taking my advice and staying well under the limit. Which was a bummer, because Sam and I both were not happy with each other as we head into sacrament meeting. We were absolutely in the wrong frame of mind. Mostly my fault.

Hannah also made it clear on our way to church that I was out of line. She stuck up for Sam, and then she was ready to brawl me on my way into church. Hannah brawling is a look, and then storming off not speaking to me.

He seemed through his behavior to be completely disregarding what I'm saying. Mentally, he may not. He just may have made 3 mistakes in a row in something he's learning.

Enter Georgia. So Georgia and I are leaving church after everyone else, and she and I walking out to the car. She says nicely "Listen Dad, about Sam". I say "yeah, what about it" as we sit in the car. Georgia "its your coaching." Me "Oh it is, is it?" Georgia "Yeah, I think you need to give him a little more warning." Me "Such as?" Georgia "When he's coming into a stop sign just say "brake, brake, brake" or when he's going too fast you ask him "how fast are you going." He may not realize how fast he's going until you ask. Do that instead of just blowing up on him."



A few thoughts come to mind to wrap it up.

1. It was fast Sunday, afternoon church, maybe I was a little hungry and a bit low blood sugar. I'm sure I was a little short fused.
2. I love Georgia's coaching.Seriously, she's 11. Who does that? She really is that awesome.
3. I love Hannah sticking up for her brother. I told her so. She's truly a sweet heart, and she reminded me of my sisters Kathy, Stephanie and my brother Jim. We all had each others back growing up.
4. Sam took my explosion like a man.  I tell him all the time I want to be him when I grow up, and I mean it. The guy is flat out awesome.
5. Lastly, and all you parents probably can relate.......I can't wait for all three of them to have their own kids, and coach them behind the wheel. Then! THEN!!! They will understand.

Bossy Pants

I'm at the sink doing dishes.
Hannah: Dad! The oven mit does NOT go in this drawer. Dad. Dad! Turn around..... look at me.
I turn around with a grin.
Hannah: That is clearly dish towels, and this drawer over here is oven mits. How long have you lived here? You need to know where stuff goes.
Georgia doing dishes with me: At least he's trying.
Hannah: No that's not trying. Thats opening the first drawer he finds and stuffing it in.
Me: Got it.... oven mits over there. Got it. Won't happen much more often.

Well, I had no idea!

We were sitting around the front room, and Sam was kind of grumpy. Suzi says to me "he must be hungry, he's so grumpy." For some reason this makes him even madder, and Suzi continues to rib him, "yeah, you must be hungry...go eat something." He yells "I'M NOT A PUPPY!!! You guys blah blah blah." I have really no idea what he said after that everyone went to tears with laughter.

He's a witty one.

While Suzi, Patrick, and I are discussing Patrick's possible essay topics for his one of his college applications I jokingly say, "you can talk about the challenges of being raised by two parents with metal development disabilities." He replies "one....... but you guys don't know which one of you I'm talking about."

He's walking the rest of the year. He can't talk about his Mother like that.

Dogs are smart!

About 7 months ago our football disappeared.

In the backyard we throw around tennis balls, and kicked soccer balls around to play with the dog and kids. Usually when playing with the dog we play with soccer balls. Luke, our dog has his own ball soccer ball, and whenever I take out the garbage he and I end up chasing it around for a bit. We love it.

About a week ago Georgia talked me into buying her another football. Today I was kicking the ball around in the back yard with Luke our dog, and Sam and Georgia came out to play some catch with the  football. After watching the kids throw the football around for a bit, he got frustrated crawled under the deck and pulled out the old football we hadn't seen for 7 months!

Patrick! Quit technologically frustrating your Mom!

So we were sitting around the dinner table tonight, and Suzi was hollering at Patrick for messing for messing up her twitter account. "I can't even use my twitter account, and I've wanted to for a year because you set up my user name as 'hot pancake Steve' and I don't know how to change it!" Patrick says "I didn't do that..." Suzi "then who did!?" Patrick "Steve." Little does Suzi know that Patrick had messed with Suzi's auto correct on her phone and set up her phone to correct the word "the" to "I love wizards" and when she types the word "at" to "no way Shaniqua." Oh she is not going to be happy.

They are all saying the same thing....

Patrick: Hi Dad is Mom there?
Me: Yeah, let me get her.

Sam: Hi Dad.
Me: Hi Sammy!
Sam: Hi, hey is Mom there?
Me: Is Mom's phone not working?
Sam: Yeah, she's not picking up. Can I speak with her?
Me:.......... Yeah, here she is....

Hannah: Hi Daddy!
Me: Hi Hannah!
Hannah: How's your day?
Me: Awesome of course! And yours?
Hannah: Great, what are you doing?
Me: Your Mom and I are just hanging out in SF.
Hannah: Sounds fun! Can I talk to Mom?

Vietnamese food. BLAH! Went to a V. place today. NOT MY CHOICE, being a nice guy. So I find something kind of tame, and they bring out the "salad" (read iceburg lettuce... that's it) and some kind of soup. So I eat the salad (iceburg lettuce), and take a drink of the soup, I gag so loud everyone in the place looks at me. I gag again, and thinking..... do NOT throw up! Again, all eyes on me. My buddy says to me "that's not for drinking mate!" I say "this isn't for anything! What the hell was that?" He says "It's fish sauce for dipping your chicken" (that sounds kind of.... funny). Yeah, not a fan of drinking the fish sauce or any dipping anything in the fish sauce. Nope.

The Two Coolest Guys I Know

 

Patrick's Mothers Day Talk

I'm so on top of it. How long ago was Mother's day? Anyhow, thought it was a great talk by a great young man:

My mom, standing with me at the bus stop in the snow for school. Doing school projects together until late into the night. Driving me to school with my friends to Elk Horn. Trying to help me with math, she gave it her best. Helping me with my Spanish home work, because she's fluent just ask her. Pushing me to get great grades, and get the work done on time. My mother has taught me the importance of an education.

My mom, never willing to buy junk food. Making me a great breakfast every morning before seminary. Making my lunch each and every day. Being my loudest supporter in all sports that I play. Spending family nights playing soccer in the gym. Refusing to give me rides and saying "ride your bike!" My mother has taught me the importance of physical health.

My mom, whether it is the elves or me, my room is always clean. My things will disappear, and be held for ransom if they are left lying around the house. My dresser seems to be a cornucopia of clean clothing. As soon as we walk in the door from one of my games the first words spoken by my mom are "go take a a shower". Don't anyone dare to drink out of the milk carton. At a young age I learned it is not wise to wear shoes in my mothers house.My mother has taught me the importance of cleanliness.

My mom, always reminded me to say my prayers. Family scriptures are read every night. To church every Sunday, usually on time. Awoken and sent to seminary every morning at 5:50 am. Taught to keep the Sabbath holy. Reminded to live my life in a way that the spirit can always be with me. My mother has taught me the importance of spirituality.

My mom, sent me to scout camp. Helping me with all my merit badges. Dropping me off at service projects. Making sure I'm wearing the proper scout uniform. My mother has taught me the importance of scouting.

My mom, we always sit down and have family dinners. Family night every Monday. Whether it be valentines day, birthdays, 4th of July, thanksgiving, or Christmas we have great holiday traditions every year. Laughing often together. Working hard at things we need to do together as a family. Making sure each family member is present at each others activities. teaching us to love one and other. Taking walks together with the dog. Family vacations multiple times a year. Making sure to see extended family in Utah, or here in California. My mother has taught me the importance of family.

There are so many things I could list, but this I'm certain, my mothers influence is teaching me to be a great man. Mom, I love you, and all that you teach me. Happy Mothers day. I am grateful to my heavenly Father for the blessings of motherhood.

Disneyland

Took a great trip to Disney with the family. Little surprise trip. Tried to keep it quite. Had a fantastic time. It's so nice to take some time and get away with them. Strengthen the family bond. We hit every ride ride we wanted to hit, and a really were ready to go home tonight. We closed the park all three nights we were here. We always laughed hard on the bus back to the parking lot about the days events, and for some strange reason it always finish with a "last one to the car is a rotten egg" sprint to the car. Great fun, and great people. As the family gets older is so great to see what wonderful people they are. Life is good.

Hannah bear!

Today was Hannah's last day as student body President. She had a fantastic year at Vinewood, and really as a person just shines. A fantastic student. I'm excited to continue to watch my baby doll grow, next year jr. high....... like I said.... really excited!

Sam's off to Lodi High

Sam promoted to high school. An exellent student, and exellent person. Just the best of the best this guy. Not to mention he's a good looking guy.

Fruit Bowl

While putting away the groceries I asked Suzi, "Suz, do we have a fruit bowl?"........ Note to self.... eat more fruit.

Emu

Patrick, and I were headed home from his soccer games in Oakdale on Saturday when we saw a huge bird in a field on the side of the road. Patrick says "What is the world is that?!" I said "It's an Emu." Patrick "That thing can't fly can it?" I said "No Emu's can't fly Puff." Patrick "Good thing, they'd rule the world."

The Garage Sale

I had a great memory today. This happened a while back. Last summer I believe.

I asked Patrick to clean out the garage on a beautiful Saturday morning. He started hauling stuff out into the driveway. He came into the house "Dad, someone wants to buy your rolling rack." I said "What? What are you talking about?" He says "Someone thinks your rolling rack is for sale." I told him "Tell them it's not for sale". So he went back out and chased off the potential customer. Then he had another visitor, and another. He kept getting people in the garage. Trying to buy things, and negotiate. I asked him "What the heck is going on!!!?" I eventually thought it was hilarious watching Patrick chase people off while he was trying to clean out the garage. Every now and then he wouldn't notice someone, and they'd make it all the way into the garage with him and he'd have to chase them off. I took one picture from the neighbors side yard of a lady trying to buy something from Patrick, and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Eventually I told him. Close the door, we'll clean it next Saturday.

Turns out, I look in the paper, that it was Lodi's advertised Garage Sale day.

Yelp

Downloaded about a year ago on my smart phone. Been using it to find new places to eat and try for a long time.

Recently started to contribute to Yelp, and I enjoy that even more! Nice to have a voice sometimes when I'm happy about a place, or not so happy. You should check it out.

Georgia Peach, So sweet...

As Georgia and I were walking up the front walk of the house after returning from making a run to get slurpies for herself and I while we left the other kids at home.

Me: Thanks for sneaking out with me Georgia.

Georgia: Thanks Dad. You know I can't wait until the boys are gone and Hannah is in college and you and I can just hang out together. Those will be good times. Yep.

I am sooo wrapped around her little finger. She is just working me. Can you blame me!! She's awesome!

A Man Van?

Me: Patrick & Sam, I was thinking about getting you a van for high school, what do you think? Patrick: A van? Are you serious?!
Me: Yeah, you could pile all your buddies in, you know a "man van!"
Patrick: Yeah, because that's about the only people who would get in it. A bunch of dudes, driving around town together. Sounds great...
Sam: Yeah, and we could blare that song "it's raining men" when we drive around town with our car full of men.
Patrick: Is that what you really want? ....Think hard, is that really what you want?
Sam: Yeah Dad, is that what you want?

Man they're funny!!

All Bark No Bite

While sitting around the front room on Saturday watching football:

Suzi: Who left their dishes on the table? I'm going to break both your legs!!

The kids (except one, answering with a joyful tone, in unison): SAM!!!

Me: Seriously? Both his legs? I can't wait to watch this! Wow, you don't mess around.

I'm writing to report, no bones were broken. Must admit, I would have like to watch her:

1. Catch him
2. Wrestle him
3. Figure out away to break his legs while holding him still

Would have been fun. Lots of laughs. She couldn't accomplish task one, unless he was sleeping. Love her spirit though!!

Scary

I was told this story, so realize I didn't experience this first hand.

Georgia came down stairs last night, and the house was quiet down stairs. Kind of scary when you're 8 to go down stairs in the dark when no one else maybe down there. Coming down the stairs she heard a noise that made her panic. She "ran" to find Suzi, and told mom that she thought there was something down stairs and reported "it sounds like a cat choking in the family room!" Georgia that's just your Dad snoring on the couch.

Very Scary...

Lodi Light Parade

Sam's Soccer Team: The Lodi Crushers FC

The Parade gang: The Kelly and d McInness families

One of my favorite floats. Liked the music.

Santa!! He's there in the bucket.

Hannah turned 11!

Such a wonderful girl ! So sad she's sooo big! Love you Shea Shea

YM/YW White Elephant Gift Party

Man I've been busy! I bought a laptop for my own personal use and hopefully this will help with keeping the blog current. We had the YM/YW program over at the house for a white elephant gift exchange. Good times.

Pumpkin Patch

Forever Younger...

I'm so young, and she's older! xoxo

Spelling Practice

While practicing for her test...

Me: Suzi Georgia forgot the letters "Z, K, and W" in the word "next"

Georgia: ...."Dad I'm not stupid"

Oh! Well! Quite the smarty pants

Very Short Sports Shorts.

High school soccer has begun!

First game of the year. Patrick spent his first game playing midfielder. I'm sure a whole bunch of running that he's not digging. I loved to run, him...... Maybe it will grow on him. Found his way onto the score board from midfield. Good on him! Go Lodi Flames!

Lodi News.com

Sports Shorts

Thursday, September 3, 2009 6:29 AM PDT

Frosh-Soph
Lodi 2, West 2

Patrick Kelly and Abel Carillo scored for Lodi and Randy Longoria had eight saves in the net (0-0-1).

Ryan Vandenburg and Nathan Shibler were solid on defense and C.J. Sousa had a nice game at midfield.

Just another day at the office

Georgia's first game of the season. She looks to be in good form. She had 3 goals in a 4-0 game. This first set of pictures are her first goal about 5 minutes into the game.

It was cute, after she would score she'd just put down her head, jog back to her spot without celebration, and get ready to go. I asked her about it afterward, and she said "That's just what Sam does after he scores."

Love this Soccer family. Patrick made the JV team at Lodi high, which was great news. I expect him to have a good season, and make some good noise.

Sam is playing with his competitive team, and having a great time with that club.

Hannah had a game at the same time as Georgia today. I caught the last 10 minutes. Hannah looked great. I was watching her compete for a ball about 20 yards away from her with a girl that looked to be a year older. Man she looks strong when she runs these days. I remember when she was little how quickly she would move, but it looked so out of control. Now she sails with her arms at her side, and her stride looks quick and powerful. So pretty.

I love Saturday.

Avila

Sam's Soccer Tourney

Took a trip down to San Louisabiso (sp?) for Sam's soccer tourney. Had a great trip. Sam's been playing with this same group for 4 years now. He plays with a great group of boys and the coaches do a great job with them.

Sat. night we played on Avila beach. Avila has to be my new favorite California beach town. It was fantastic! Everything was beautiful, and the town was as close to perfect a town as I've ever seen.

Monkeys

Tough to keep out of the trees. They are so at home up there.

Yep

Suz: Georgia take that up stairs.

Georgia: What!? That's Dad's tie!!

Suz: Yes, take it up stairs and put it on his bed.

Georgia: You mean he can just drop it on the ground, and I have to take it upstairs.

Suz: Yes...

Georgia- She picked up walked over to me, and put it in my lap. "Put your own stuff away." Kiss.

She's too much. Let the record show that my tie was right next to my back pack, and would have been moved upstairs. I had just walked in the door and sat down.

Ahhh the weekend

It's been so long! I've been very busy, and this is the first weekend this summer I've had to just chill outside at the pool. Fun to watch the boys be boys. Stresses mom out. I love that picture of Sam, looks like he's just hanging out in the air. He said "Dad I look like an angel!" Huh. Glad summer's here, glad we had a chance to cool off in the pool all day. 1o3 today here in Lodi.

On to new things!

Great student, and a hard working young man! Good job Patrick! One of the best and brightest among the best and brightest.