Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day, a day to remember our soldiers who have lost their lives while defending our freedom. 

 

I get so aggravated with people (Americans!) who don't seem to know what this holiday is all about.  People being interviewed on TV haven't a clue.  People on facebook posting comments and/or pictures that represent a different Patriotic holiday (just as important, but wrong one).  I think the families of the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom would appreciate us remembering their loved ones on the day that is set aside to honor them.  (...and every other day)  So, when people say "Thank a soldier" on Memorial Day, NO, unless you're going to the cemetery to thank them.  I haven't lost a loved one (not anyone I remember) that was defending our country.  But, I do have a brother who served three tours in Iraq with 20 years of service.  I do have another brother currently embedded with the military in Afghanistan who is a international police advisor.  So, pardon me, while I get all upset when our own people (Americans) don't seem to know what our national holiday's are all about.  Veterans Day and Armed Forced Day is the day to honor our veterans and current military.  (OR every other day of the year as well, just NOT Memorial Day!)  We visited Arlington National Cemetery in 2009.  It was truly the most humbling place I have ever been.  The magnitude of emotions seeing all the soldiers buried there was something I cannot describe.  There were several services and burials going on while we were there.  Hearing the bagpipes being played, seeing the flag draped caskets, and witnessing the gun salutes was enough to drop me to my knees.  The Changing of the Guard, (I'm shocked how many people have no idea what that means) was,for the lack of a better word, amazing.  I could have sat for hours watching our military guarding the grave of the unknown soldier, who died defending our great country, and we don't even know who he was.  (There are many unknown soldier's, all buried across the US in our national cemeteries.) 

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery

Changing of the Guard

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

 

Street sign at Arlington National Cemetery

World War II Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam War Memorial

(Jake paying tribute)

 

One of my favorite pictures.  Jake on Memorial Day

dressed in my brother's military combat uniform.  2006

Bye, bye junior high! Hello High School!

I cannot believe my baby is done with intermediate school and will be starting high school in the fall.  Seems like yesterday he was just a baby, starting elementary school.  He sure has changed in the last few years!

A few more pics from this phase in his life!

August 2010

August 2011

 

August 2012

 

May 2013

 

Our boy sure has changed, matured, grown up!

We love you Jacob Walker Rhone!!

My Greatest Blessings call me Mom!

 

Mother's Day, a day we set aside to celebrate Mom.  I have two special sons who call me Mom and I am so blessed that God chose me to be their Mother!  Sometimes when I think I can't do anything right, I look into their eyes and know I got this one right!  They are perfect, to me, anyway.  I never truly understood what Mom meant until I was one.  I knew what my Mom meant to me, but I didn't really know what I meant to her until I was a Mom myself.  My life, my every breath, is for my children.  Everything I do, strive to do, want to do, dream to do or be, is for my children.   I have watched them grow, learn, make mistakes, try again, love, hurt, acheive, and the list goes on.  I've been happy, proud, sad, mad, and that lists goes on too!  But, at the end of the day, my Kids are what makes me want to do it all over again the next day!  So, this Mother's Day, I celebrate my children and the love they have brought to my heart and my life!  I love you Tyler & Jake! 

 

...and, to My Mother, in Heaven, I miss you more than I can even say.  I wish you were here.  Thank you for being a wonderful Mom, a Mom who taught by example, and by words.  I was watching, and listening.  I hope I make you proud!  To my Grandmother, in Heaven, I miss you too!  Your words of wisdom I carry with me daily.  You are missed as much as you are loved!  Happy Mother's Day in Heaven!