LIFE AT TRACEY SPEED

I’m Free

2012-02-12T13:37:00.001-07:00

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took God’s hand when I heard the call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
to laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh a kiss.
Ah yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow;
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, God set me free.

FATHER

2012-02-10T01:51:00.002-07:00

Today we celebrate my father's amazing life.

My parents were married for 65 years and raised 8 children. They have 17 grandchildren and 7 (almost 8) great grandchildren. You have left behind a great legacy, Daddy. I love you and miss you!

I MISS YOU DADDY!

2012-02-10T01:39:00.003-07:00

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

2012-02-05T01:52:00.001-07:00

JANUARY IN REVIEW!

2012-01-31T07:40:00.011-07:00

I love that the new year started out on a Sunday. It felt like a new beginning.

On January 1 Richard got all the Christmas decorations down from the outside and made enchiladas for dinner.

I started using my new steam cleaner. We've lived in this house 8 years and had the rugs professionally done probably 5 times, but it costs $100 each time. My steam cleaner cost $200.00 and I've already used it 5 times. I like that I can do a whole room or spot clean. It's light and durable. We have three cats and a dog and besides the cats having hair balls, they shed like you wouldn't believe. I was amazed at how much cat hair the steam cleaner got up and that was AFTER I had vacuumed too.

Love my new tea pot!

Our block has started a Neighborhood Watch.

I broke my nose! The only other bones I've broken were a couple fingers, while playing volleyball and my wrist by falling on the ice, but that was back in high school. I hear you asking...HOW DID YOU DO THAT? Well, let me tell you....

I was playing with my dog, Menlo. He was running through the house crazily. He was barking and nipping at me and then as we rolled on the bed....he moved his head quickly and SMACK! Right in the nose. I got an instant headache, I saw stars and blood poured out my nose. I know they can't do anything for a broken nose, so I decided just to let it heal as is.

Bought a new toaster oven...isn't it pretty!

My niece, Julie, had her second child, which is the 7th great-grandchild for my parents.

Learned that I have awesome friends, my 7 siblings are more amazing then I originally thought and that my father is the strongest man I have ever known!!!! I love you Daddy!

I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

2012-01-29T02:15:00.002-07:00

My father peacefully passed away this morning around 2:15 a.m. It was a blessing to be able to be with him in those last moments.

This man was my hero for 43 years and died as he lived....strong, in charge and in God's hands.

TAKING A BLOGGING BREAK....

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

........life has become a little too complicated at the moment....

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#160

2012-01-15T01:39:00.002-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#159

2012-01-14T01:39:00.001-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#158

2012-01-13T01:39:00.001-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#157

2012-01-12T01:39:00.002-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#156

2012-01-11T01:33:00.001-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#155

2012-01-10T01:35:00.001-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#154

2012-01-09T01:34:00.002-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#153

2012-01-08T01:33:00.002-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#152

2012-01-07T01:32:00.002-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#151

2012-01-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

REASON # 382 WHY I BELIEVE CYFD IS USELESS!

2012-01-05T03:00:00.001-07:00

Before Christmas I contacted CYFD (Children Youth and Families Department) about a student who has had over 20 absences. The person at the statewide central intake seemed very concerned.....but then just this week I received a letter from them stating....and I quote,

"Generally, CPS does not investigate educational neglect of children above the elementary school level. In accordance with policy, we have cross reported your referral to the FINS Program (JJS), and to law enforcement."

Where do I begin?

* So, after elementary school it really doesn't matter whether our children attend school or not??

* At least they still admit that they are, in fact, "children."

* This is a policy? So this EMBARRASSING rule has been agreed to by a bunch of people and is actually written down somewhere.

* I had no idea what the FINS Program (JJS) was so I GOOGLED it. The only program site I could find was for one in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,but it is FAMILIES IN NEED OF SERVICES. There description is as follows:

"The FINS process begins with a written complaint, submitted to the FINS program office alleging that a family is in need of services. Anyone may file a complaint, however, it is most common that law enforcement, school officials and parents make the referrals. Grounds for such a complaint are that a child is truant or has willfully and repeatedly violated lawful school rules, ungovernable, a runaway, in possession of or consuming intoxicating substances, the caretaker is contributing to the child's problematic behavior, and/or the caretaker willfully fails to attend meeting with school officials to discuss child's problem. Once a complaint is filed, the family is expected to cooperate with efforts to resolve its problems as recommended by FINS. If these recommendations are not followed, FINS may refer the family to court, a FINS conference, and/or a hearing before a judge. If a hearing should happen, each and every member of the family shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court."

* I thought this was the job of CYFD. Maybe there is a some overlap of services here. Maybe some cost cutting and reorganizing would benefit them, so the right hand actually knows what the left hand is doing.

* Every educator that I have ever spoken to believes, as I do, that CYFD is a joke! They have no teeth, only look good on paper and do not ultimately help anyone.

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#150

2012-01-05T01:07:00.001-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#149

2012-01-04T01:33:00.003-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#148

2012-01-03T01:36:00.003-07:00

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#147

2012-01-02T01:35:00.004-07:00

YEAR IN REVIEW...GOALS FOR 2012

2012-01-01T01:48:00.003-07:00

2012 is THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON!

Of my 10 goals for 2011, I accomplished 5 of them. Including reading 60 books, finding a school closer to home (...although I'm not sure middle school is the best place for me....), solving our backyard landscaping issues (This will be paid off in May.) and taking a trip to California.

In 2011 Sam has grew in leaps and bounds, so much so, that he is no longer going to any type of therapy and he no longer wears braces on his ankles. I was hoping to have Sam potty trained by this time, but I think as in other things, Sam is just taking his own sweet time. He loves anything having to do with tools, vehicles (cars, trains, bikes, etc), and being outside. Except for buttons, zippers and tying he is doing great with dressing himself.

The major stresser this year has been my Dad's cancer, but it has pulled our family together and brought me closer to God.

GOALS FOR 2012:

* potty train Sam
* save $5000
* read 65 books (I read 60 this past year.)
* drive to California (Hopefully this summer we will visit Sam's cousins in Tollhouse.)
* start Sam in preschool (2-3, 1/2 days a week)
* try three new recipes a month
* volunteer at church
* write twice a week
* complete three house projects
* be a better wife...I need to be more patient.

365 DAYS IN MY LIFE...#146

2012-01-01T01:33:00.003-07:00

Why Not You? By Steve Maraboli

2012-01-01T01:29:00.002-07:00

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

Today is a new day!
Many will seize this day.
Many will live it to the fullest.
Why not you?