Sunday, May 25, 2008

Remember the Sacrifices


Memorial Day is tomorrow. I need to admit before my husband went back into the military 3 years ago I never really gave much thought to the real reason behind setting aside a day called Memorial Day. I guess I always knew but as a child I only remember the Memorial Weekend as a celebration of the beginning of summer break from school, the day the pool opened and a holiday that many people still get confused with Labor Day (which is in Sept.)My dad's side of the family always called Memorial Day, Decoration Day. I do recall a few times being in Arkansas and going to the family cemetery to put flowers on our loved ones graves and then having a picnic outside the gate. It took my husband going to war, getting wounded by a mortar attack, being a caregiver for him, seeing his physical wounds everyday,knowing the emotional toll it has taken on him as well as our family to truly understand the purpose of Memorial Day. I am so thankful and blessed to not have to visit Rodney's grave tomorrow. My heart breaks for the spouses and families that do. Memorial Day is a day to recognize, acknowledge, and remember the sacrifices that all the warriors who have died while serving this country. Rodney's unit lost two member's -our hearts go out to the families of Courtney Finch and Travis Bachman this year as they know the reality of what Memorial Day is. They made the ultimate sacrifice-they deserve to be remembered and honored. I will never take for granted another Memorial Day. I now understand what it means-it means our freedom isn't and never has been free.
I found this trailer for this movie that was made to raise money for wounded soldiers, their families and the families of the fallen. It is very to the point and from the mouths of actual service members on what it means to be a warrior.It is only a few minutes long and worth the time.Rodney and I both watched it twice. It of course brought back many emotions in each of us, for different reasons. He cried for his lost brothers and the ability to serve like he still wants to in Iraq, I cried because I realized how our sacrifices were not the ultimate and we go on. I cried becasue it took going thru the last 2 years for me to get it. I am proud of Rodney knowing he will always be a soldier, a warrior and a patriot-even if he never steps foot in a war zone again.
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

David Cook is the American Idol

Yeah!!! David Cook was named the winner of American Idol tonight-we in Kansas City are so excited!!!! Congrats David you deserve it!!! It was so awesome to hear and see him perform with ZZ TOP!! I am looking forward to hearing his songs on the radio soon.
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The Duel of the David's


I wanted to wish my fave American Idol Contestant and hometown Kansas City native best of luck on the finale tomorrow night. I have been an avid AI viewer since season 2 (except for last season-not sure why?). This season I watched but was bored mostly with the genres that the contestants had to chose songs from except for DC-he made most all of them work. I think David Cook is the whole package-he is a seasoned stage performer, has a sincere and likable personality, he can sing beautifully and play the guitar, he is a genius in changing up the arrangements and making the song his own. We in Kansas City love him and would love to have an American Idol from here..but it is more about the person, the rocker!! He is ready for the big time!! I have loved watching the other David Archuleta and enjoy his performances but he is so uncomfortable with the media and the fans. I think he is a beyond amazing vocalist and can sign a ballad like no other 17 year old-but is he pop star material??? Is he contemporary enough? I read an article written by a critic today that said something that made a lot of sense-The past winners who have won and became "stars" did it because they were able to come out and sell records-Kelly and Carrie especially. There have been others-Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, Rueben Studdard that didn't fair as well. AI has many success stories but one of the biggest was one of the "non"winners-Daughtry! I think David Cook is much like Daughtry in many ways. He can go make a record Thursday (after winning or not winning on Wed.) and it will sell. I just want a rocker to win!! I want a make contestant who wins to be a success in the music industry! I hope America gets it right and David Cook is named the next American Idol!!I know I voted a lot tonight!! I will be glued to my TV tommorow..
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Monday, May 19, 2008

Happy 19th Birthday Baby Girl!




Taylor Victoria today is your special day!!! 19 years ago I became a mommy for the 1st time when you came into the world at 8lbs.5 oz. with a head of black hair (you never did lose that beautiful hair it just turned the color of deep red no one could resist) and so ready to take on the world. It was love at first sight!!! You were my dream come true. You have always entertained with your humor, singing and dancing. You are now an amazing young lady who just finished her first year of college and I have watched you grow up so much this last year. You are making your dreams come true. Only one more year as a teenager....but remember you will always be my BABY GIRL and I will always be your biggest fan.
I love you beyond words!
Mom (Honey)
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Happy 11th Birthday Connor!



Happy Birthday to my favorite tween! I cannot believe it has been 11 years since you came into this world and your dad and I were blessed with the most amazing gift from God-YOU! You were the sweetest baby-and still can be pretty sweet when you want-:) You have always been all boy-and such a contrast to your older sisters whom also love you so much. We love watching you play soccer and baseball as well as all the other sports you love. We know you are so smart and you make us laugh with your wit. We are so proud of you! We want you to suceed and live a life full of happiness and adventure. Connor we love you and hope your birthday is memorable.
God Bless my little man!
MOM

Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Monday, May 12, 2008

My Mother's Day


I had a nice Mother's Day-The day was sunny a little cool but beautiful all the same.The kids gave me some really good smelling body spray, lotion and shower gel called Love Spell-I love it! They also gave me my own pink chair to sit in when going to Connor's games-Rodney told me I had no worries about him taking my chair-I also got some really sweet, heartfelt cards and a special angel figurine from my mom. The girls and I went to church and were honored to serve communion on this special day. We then went to a Mother's Day buffet-no cooking for me!! Connor had a soccer game so him and Rodney attended that-they WON! Connor played an awesome game as goalie.The kids and Rodney cleaned house while I took a nap-that was the best! For dinner Taylor and Rodney handled it all-grilled steaks, vegetable kabobs, and fruit kabobs. We had some other important tasks to take care of and in the process had a family pic taken courtesy of Taylor's BF Bryan. I hope all you Mom's had a wonderful Mother's Day! I am so blessed to have three thoughtful kids and a husband who get it as well as an amazing mom, grandma and mother-in-law to make the day so special.
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Memorial Memories of Grandpa




My grandpa was put to rest a week ago Wednesday, April 30th. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful tribute to him. We lovingly planned it to represent him and all that he loved in life.Before his disease took away so much of his enjoyment in life-he was known as the man around town who rode the yellow moped. He visited friends, family and many garage sales.His moped was sitting near his casket during the service. He was also a man who loved the outdoors-fishing and camping-so his casket flowers were mostly wildflowers with his fishing hat and a pole worked into the arrangement.There were so many people there-most I didn't even know. I spoke about how I knew him-my grandpa and all the special things about him that were special to me. My daughter Taylor sang a beautiful version of Amazing Grace. The Chaplin from hospice spoke and gave us all insight into the person she knew in the nursing home setting.

One of the most moving moments was as we drove up to the funeral home surrounded by American flags. We had asked our friends with the Legion Riders/Patriot Guard to provide an escort but I never expected the special treatment my grandfather received as a WWII vet. It was so beautiful. We were guided by our friends on their bikes through town as people stopped and watched. I knew my grandpa was looking down smiling. I want to thank 8-Ball (chuck) for arranging such an amazing send off for our loved one. After the burial service we came back to town to a lunch put on by our church with my mother-in-law as the planner. It was so nice to not have to worry about having it at the house. Thank you to all that attended the service, sent flowers, made a donation in his name, helped with the meal, rode in his honor and in anyway made the day easier for my family. We felt all your thoughts and prayers.
Thank You!
Keep Imagining!
Tracy

Monday, May 5, 2008

Back to Work

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho off to work he goes...One more normal in our life of craziness...Today Rodney went back to work at his civilian job. It has been 2 years. His employer Johnson County Wastewater has been so supportive through all aspects of this journey. When he left 2 year ago he was working 2nd shift (3-11:30 pm)-he has now been promoted to days (yeah!) and had three raises. The department was amazing to me and the kids after Rodney was wounded-they took up a collection to help me with expenses while I stayed with him in Georgia and they sent cards and messages to Rod to let him know they cared. I cannot say thank you enough!
I hope Rodney has a great first day back to work and he physically can handle what the job requires (I am sure he will be really tired tonight!)It is a whole different deal than doing the military desk thing everyday.

We did get some promising news pertaining to disability through the VA-now is just a waiting game. We know the drill on that.
I will post about my Grandpa's funeral soon-just not ready to write about it yet.I need to get moving-I have my nephews slide show to finish by Saturday for his H. S. Grad. Party. Have a good Cinco De Mayo!

Keep Imagining!
Tracy