Memories

Trav was only 18 months old when he and Randy took his first swimming lessons together at the Y on 12th Street. Wasn't he a hunk in July, 1983 in his Speedo?

At this time of year we were always in the swing of ball season. Travis' team was always coached by Randy and Manuel except in college and high school, of course. It was a constant job trying to clean the uniforms, but even when I couldn't remove all of the stains, when Travis was wearing the uniforms they always looked handsome. One of the greatest thrills of my life was watching he and his dad play baseball. He was always such a committed player. Whatever position he was in, he gave it his best effort. He was diving, sliding, leaping, colliding, and boy, could he hit the ball! I will always remember the thrill in my heart when he would make a great hit and run like lightning around the bases. He took that after his dad. Randy was always a very aggressive runner and would give me a fright trying to beat the throws. There were always around 75 games a summer and the heat was miserable, but we were a great team. I kept score and tried to sit away from the other parents who were criticizing the coaches, and Randy and Travis were giving 200% every game. It was always exciting and exhausting at the same time. The two of them had a special relationship on and off the field. They were not only Father and son, but friends who shared a love of sports. Our family traveled 6 months of the year when Travis was a baby, until he was 5, with Randy's softball teams. When Trav became 7, Randy chose to coach Travis and the first few years we played only at the local ball park. But, of course, that was not enough since there were so many talented players, Randy and Manuel put together a team to travel. Then, we were traveling 6 months of the year with the boys' team, the Arkansas Cowboys. Necon and Stephan often traveled with us and there was never a dull moment when Trav and his friends would be together. A van purchase was a necessity to move the foolishness, loud singing, AND ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT, farther away since the trips were always so long. Until I got really tired, I had a ball listening to their stories and singing and often sang along with them. Let's see if I can remember all of the states we visited. (Some more than others, of course). Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Kansas, many games were played in our own state including a few years of sponsoring a local tournament to raise funds for our traveling. Five years we spent traveling with the Cowboys. Travis, Necon and Randy changed to American Legion Baseball when the guys were age 15-18. Their team won a state tournament in AAA. Necon and Travis played together all of the time for 11 straight years and then began playing softball together with their dads while Travis continued men's baseball in Conway.
The last game he played in Conway ended with a HOME RUN ON ONE LEG and a trip to the hospital. Lloyd and Hazel had gone to watch the games and we tried to stay in the shade to not get overheated. Travis was so dehydrated they kept him at the hospital for two days. He caught a double-header in 100+ temperatures. He never would quit if he was hurting or sick. He would push himself through the games and finish. After we'd gone home, I insisted on calling the Dr., Trav continued to have cramps and vomiting. Randy drove us to the emergency room door and a male nurse was nearby with a wheelchair. He saw me trying to help Trav walk and came quickly to put him in the chair and took him straight back to see a doctor. Travis immediately asked me to call Laura and tell her where he was and she came to the hospital to stay with him. She literally got in the bed with him. They were such a sweet couple together. It's not hard letting go as a mom when you know someone else truly loves him and will take care of him. That's how I felt that night when Laura came. Now, I know that he's in the care of our Savior, who loves us all more than we can possibly conceive. I should not be concerned about his well-being any longer. He is in PERFECT HANDS! I guess I've rambled enough. I just needed to reminisce for a while. Love you all.

Karen

Glad to Get Away

Downtown Eureka on Spring Street

Gardens at the Crescent Hotel

Yesterday we got to have supper with Becky and Steve in Maumelle so they could look at the progress on the house. I walked my longest distance yet, 1.9 mile. Today Jess made it to NM to be with her mom for her next surgery. It's scheduled for 7 a.m. tomorrow. Hopefully, she'll stay fever free so the surgery can proceed. Remember her family in your prayers, please.

Randy and I left LR today around 11 a.m. and traveled to Eureka Springs. We're just resting and brought our books to read. We'll get our exercise walking around town.

In case you're not aware, Necon's family is with the Parkers in South Padre where the hurricane landed yesterday. I received one text msg. from Necon saying they were ok but it was pretty crazy there. Say a prayer for their safe return. We spotted 5 deer out behind the motel just grazing. One was a fawn. They didn't seem bothered at all by the people on the deck watching them. They must have visitors quite often. Tomorrow I'll try to post some pictures of the beautiful gardens we passed today. It's really beautiful right now. Love to you all.

Karen

Quiet Weekend

Randy left on Thursday for the National Softball Tournament in Tulsa, OK. I went to the Dr. for my bone density test and got good results on the bone density, PAP smear and mammogram while I was there. I don't have to return until next May!! Boy, it's nice getting good news for a change. I shared my Mona-vie with Dr. Watkins and she told me to keep it up. She's even going to check into the website for herself. After I returned from the doctor, Jess was here and we went to get a pedicure together. We had a good visit for about 3 hours. The time really flew by while we were visiting. I've been keeping up with her mom's progress in New Mexico via text msg., but it was good to see Jess and get a chance to visit more with her. Her mom was stable enough for her to come to Little Rock for a few days. She'll return for her mom's next surgery. When Jess left I drove out to the cemetery for a while and visited with Travis. On Friday, Caralee, Angela, Jessica, and Abigail stopped by for a visit and we went to Maumelle to see the new home. It was a short visit, but I'm glad I got to see them while they were here this week. Later, Hazel called and invited me to have pizza at their house for supper. After our meal I watered the yard and rested with a book. It's been very quiet around here. I miss Randy when he's gone and it makes me miss Travis even more. Today I'll be driving to Searcy to a Team Mona-vie seminar that begins at 5:00. I know once I get there I'll be glad to have gone. It's a very enthusiastic and uplifting group. I took one break on my walking yesterday, but I'm still determined to walk regularly. Keep the good thoughts coming for my continued success. I appreciate your encouragement. Continue praying for Jess' mom's recuperation and next surgery. Also, remember to pray for Jess' faith to remain strong and God's peace to prevail. Love to you all.

Karen

Home is Coming Along

I had a request from Becky last week to post some pictures of how the new house was coming. I've only made a few today, but I hope you can tell that it's much more than framing now. We've both been committed to our exercise this past week. I walked a mile each day and Randy did much more! Today I walked 1.33 miles. Randy's determined to be in the best condition possible. I'm working at it as hard as I can. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be doing anything if I was not drinking the Mona-vie every day. I'm constantly amazed that this is my body able to do this walking without pain.

On another note, please keep Jess' mother, Lee Sullivan, in your prayers. She's had back surgery that has resulted in many complications. Jess is with her and has kept me updated each day. Randy and I are praying for the doctors' wisdom, the family's strength and peace, and Lee to heal as quickly as possible. We're counting on all of you to do the same. She's developed pneumonia and is on oxygen. She's going to have to have another surgery at some point soon. It's been a very big ordeal that should have already been behind them. I know God is with them and Trav is there with Jess. Don't forget your prayers, please.

Love,

Karen

It's Already July 9th

I can't believe that I have less than a month before I have to return to work. This month has gone by so quickly. I've accomplished a lot of reading and this is my second week of walking each day. In the past 3 days, I've walked 3 miles. Maybe by the time school begins I'll be in much better physical shape. Randy has continued to do well with his exercise and weight management. It will take me a while to catch up with him. I plan to do this for Travis. He always was staying extremely active doing something to stay in shape. I know he expects the same of me. With his example, I know that I can accomplish this. Drinking the Mona-vie has given me energy that I never had before. I'm planning to return to work in a much healthier state than I left. I hope everyone is doing well. Keep in touch with us. We've missed hearing from many of you.

Love,

Karen

I'm So Excited!

I know that I mentioned last week that I've begun walking on the treadmill each day. Last week I accumulated 4.33 miles. TODAY I WALKED MY FIRST MILE!! I know you're saying, "OK, Karen, that's really no big deal." But, contrary to your beliefs, it's a very big deal for me. I've never committed myself to something that had to do with exercise and stayed with it because of the arthritis pain in my hips and knees. I'm excited that I've gained distance each day and I could actually walk a mile without pain. I'm attributing this to the Mona-vie Active that I've been drinking for three months now. I'm hoping that my small accomplishment might encourage some more of my loved ones to try this product for yourselves. I'm amazed at how much my fatigue has disappeared and been replaced with energy to spare.

Randy and I sat down a couple of nights ago to write our goals for our business. We have a 5 year plan to reach our goals. One of the most important to us is to be able financially to honor Travis with some type of memorial that will make a difference in the lives of others. We'll be working especially hard to increase our business to reach this particular goal. COME JOIN US! How can a juice with 19 fruits including the "super food", ACAI, hurt you?

Love to everyone. God bless you each day as He is doing in our lives.

Karen

Independence Day

I went out to water the yard this morning and while I was watering it began to rain. I got soaked, but I didn't even try to get out of the rain. It felt good to feel the rain on my skin and to see God's creation around me drinking it in. When I decided the neighbors may be coming out to check if I'd lost my mind, I retreated to the garage. I opened the door and sat there in one of our "garage sale" chairs and enjoyed the peacefulness around me. A hummingbird came into the garage and flew around and left. Isn't God amazing?

Randy and Jeremy had gone early this morning to play golf. The rain didn't reach them so they got to finish the whole course. I'm always glad when they get to spend some time together. I know Randy cherishes his friendship just as Trav did.

I've been walking all week on the treadmill. In the last 5 days I've accumulated 3 miles. I know that sounds pitiful to some of you, but I'm starting at a very different place than most of you. Luckily, the Mona-vie has relieved most of my fatigue and I'm able to accomplish more things each day. In case you haven't checked out our new electronic business center, the address is:

http://www.the-team.biz/mv983661. There's so much good information about this nutritional drink on the website. Why don't you check it out? Love to you all.

Karen