Haygoods Shows Review from Dec. 2009-Jan. 2010

WOW! It doesn't seem like it has been a few weeks since we were in Branson. The last Haygoods show we attended was December 2008. The year flew by and the anticipation grew. I try to bring a little of 'home' to Timothy, Patrick, Dominic,Shawn,Michael,Matthew, Catherine and Aaron Haygood. This time it was homemade Vietnamese eggrolls (made by a coworker) and Whitey's Sgt. Camo ice cream. The ice cream is graham cracker with marshmallow creme and dark chocolate swirled throughout. It tastes like a frozen smores. It was interesting in keep both frozen from Davenport Ia to Branson Mo. But, nothing thawed and it arrived safely. Joanna and I arrived Wednesday the 30th and went directly to the Americana Theatre to get our tickets. What a delightful surprise to have Patrick (aka Dimples) there to meet us and collect the goodies. We got our tickets and then headed to the hotel to unpack and get ready for the first of our four Haygood shows. Our seats were all FRONT row center and we knew they would not have a normal show the entire time. We actually warned them that 'you have had a calm year until now...haha'. But, we were also told by a couple of them that they missed us and were looking forward to the antics. Prior to the shows Patrick comes out and all three sections have a balloon sack race. Needless to say we only won on one night. We made some new friends and go reacqainted with our other friends. Lots of cheers, hollars, YEE HAAAWs and laughs all week. During the introduction of each family member we made sure they knew they were appreciated. When they do the 'Blues Brothers' SHOUT routine the entire family has on dark shades. As the lights dimmed to begin the skit we reached in our bags and pulled out our matching attire. To say the least there is always a few grins from the stage as we sit there and enjoy the show. We then put them back in the bags and continue on. The tapping routine has changed to include ALL the Haygood guys. They tap so strongly and for so long YOU are worn out when they are through..haha We always give them a standing ovation whether anyone joins us or not. A couple of the shows Tim came out and talked about how they got started and then introduced the violin performances of 'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Amazing Grace.' Two of the nights they added, as Tim put it, a great song by a Bluegrass band called Bohemian it is titled 'Queens Rhapsody'....LOL He admitted later it had been banned by Branson city council and the actual name and group. He also commented 'this is a first for Branson. Something that was written AFTER 1965.' and then laughed 'I have always wanted to say that.' Each night Dominic pulled an unsuspecting woman onstage to be fought over by him and Michael during 'My Girl.' Ever woman in the audience wants to be part of that tug of war. ;-D During the Christmas show Dominic talks to Patrick and says there is a lady who has been sooooo naughty she didn't get anything for Christmas. Then he pulls the SAME one up on stage and gives her prank gifts from a big box onstage. Michael is in the box and brings out all kinds of things. At one point Dom tells him to find 'something she can take home to keep her warm OR something for the grandkids.' To which he pulls Aaron out with a pretty bow on his head. We immediately hollar a cheer to Aaron's blushing annoyance. Each of the ladies get one of my cards so we can send them pictures of their involvement. You can purchase DVDs of each show, which I did, but it is nice to also have a prints of your special time. Patrick's version of 'Great Balls of Fire' ends with a flame coming out of the piano. Needless to say, that is not the only thing that is HOT!! ha The Christmas show has their versions of traditional and fun songs. Another skit done with Aaron and Dominic has Dom lamenting that he has no one for Christmas or New Years and 'it is going to be cold and lonely.' We 'awwwww' for him which causes him to move his hands if asking for 'more awws' and then thumbs UP when it is good. He then says 'I am 27 and single', which he thinks should cause more 'awwws', but instead causes LOUD CHEERS! He and Aaron cannot make any of the nights with a straight face or the same dialogue. Oh what fun. Then they break into 'Merry Christmas Baby' and the entire family joins in the singing and dancing. Michael has a skit with Aaron when he sings 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'. There is a conversation between the two brothers that is deleted from a couple shows. It is not bad-just the audience...haha I could tell you about all the songs but then you would miss out on your own fun. The Christmas portion ends with Dominic's emotionally charged 'Mary Did You Know'. The audience is in complete silence and many tears when he is done. He has done this for about 7 years or so and he never tires. It is a song that should NEVER be omitted from these shows. If you are looking to view one of the shows from the past season I would suggest January 2, 2010. Best performances, laughs and overall enjoyment. The family and audience was AMAZING!! Thanks for letting me share. Annette www.thehaygoods.com

This is a view I took from Ron's, PGR member, bike as we were escorting Sgt. Schuyler Patch's body to Kewanee Il. Schuyler was killed in Afghanistan by an IED (improvised explosive device). On Thursday there were almost 100 bikes, the hearse, family members and other PGR members in their vehicles to escort him from the Quad Cities Airport to home.

All along the route each town had people on the side of the road with flags or quietly standing to pay their Respects for this Fallen Soldier. It is hard to explain the emotions that you experience when others show a Hero this much Honor. When we reached Kewanee there was a ceremony with the local bands, Veterans groups and his unit.

On Saturday a large group of PGR went back to Kewanee and stood the Flag line outside of the high school for visitation and then the funeral. We then had 6-8 motorcycles lead the motorcade to the cemetery. When the funeral started most of us went to the cemetery to set up our Flag line and wait for them to arrive.

Some of the members of the PGR are Gold Star families themselves. These are wives/husbands/mothers/fathers/siblings of a soldier that was killed in action. We try to keep a good eye on them. It is amazing to watch how they comfort the newer GS Families while still grieving (some a few years or months) themselves.

I am PROUD to be a part of the PGR and to know some amazing men and women who volunteer to show our military how much we are grateful for everything they do or have done for our Freedoms.

A Marine

Subject: A MarineI like the fact that if you are a self-declared enemy of America, Running into a Marine outfit in combat is your worst nightmare... And that your health record is either about to get a lot thicker, or be closed out entirely. I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they Do... Regardless of whether you agree with them or not. I like the fact that Marines view the term 'politically correct' with Nothing but pure disdain.I like the fact that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts, And deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused as A dog looking at a ceiling fan. I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of The Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend. I like the fact that most civilians don't have a clue what makes us tick. And that's not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would probably scare the Hell out of them. I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don't have What it takes in the Pain-Gain-Pride department to make it happen.I like the fact that the Marines came into being in a bar, named Tun Tavern. And That Marines still gather in pubs, bars and slop chutes to share sea stories and Hot scoop. I like the fact that Marines do not consider it a co-incidence that there are 24 hours in a day and 24 beers in a case. Because Marines know there is a reason For everything that happens. I like our motto... SEMPER FIDELIS, And the fact that we don't shed it When the going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly or when we hang up our Uniform for the last time. I like the fact that Marines take care of each other... In combat and time of Peace.I like the fact that Marines know the difference between 'Chicken Salad' and 'Chicken Shit' and aren't afraid to call either for What it is. I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem And that they know that they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy Those who would harm them. I like the fact that people think we are cocky.... Yet we know that we have Confidence in everything we do and the fact that they don't know the taste Of that makes them look at us as if we are arrogant. I like that fact that we know the taste of freedom and would give our very Lives for it. And that it is a taste the protected will never know.I like the fact that Ronald Reagan said... 'Some people spend an entire Lifetime wondering if they made a difference... Marines don't have that Problem!' I like the fact that we are brothers to the end... And that no matter what Happens in life, we know that we have one another's 'six'. I like the fact that an elected member of congress felt compelled to Publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being 'radical and extreme'. And I Also like the fact that our Commandant informed that member of congress that she Was absolutely correct and that he passed on his thanks for the Compliment.I like the fact that Marine leaders - of every rank - know that issuing every Man and woman a black beret - or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter - Does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat Effectiveness. I like the fact that Marines are Marines first... Regardless of age, race, Creed, color, sex, and national origin, or how long they served, their former Rank, or what goals they achieve in life. I like Marines...and I love the fact that I am humbled to walk among the ranks Of other Marines.I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area. There are only Missions, Objectives and Facts. In closing...if you aren't a Marine, the next best thing is to have a Marine for a husband, wife, and father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, best friend, or friend. SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI (Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever)

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A friend shared this letter with me and I wanted to share it with you. I was blessed because Dad was a Marine and always shared the Pride he had in being one. I also have a few cousins and some very special friends who served. The above letter completely sums them all up. If you ever meet a Marine make sure you say THANK YOU for your Service and give them a BIG HUG!! For that matter-anyone that has served deserves the same reaction.

God bless them all-

Annette 'Patches' Wood

Proud daughter of a US Marine Veteran

We laughed, cried and hugged-WHAT A DAY!!

SPC. Philip Pannier was Killed in Action in Iraq on January 8, 2008. He was part of the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky. There were 9 members of that unit that gave the 'Ultimate sacrifice' for our Freedom. The picture is of his mother and the guys in the unit.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009 we had the opportunity to meet with many of men in his unit for a Memorial. We met with his parents and other Gold Star family members. I have described some of our day for you.
All the PGR met at McDonalds in Knoxville (even without our McNailer) then went to pick up the Panniers, Palmers, Gayle Tharp and Jeff Baumgardner. We then went to the Super 8 to pick up the 17 or so guys from the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky to go to the gravesite of SPC. Philip Pannier. I started through the line for hugs and the others were like 'Hey, do we get our turn to hug them.' Told them to get in line. One of the guys (Mike) had a big truck that he used as a 'dirt bike' in Ky on Thurs or Friday. It was covered in dried mud/dirt from roof to tires. Took a pic of him proudly standing next to it. They also had signs written on ALL the vehicles describing their very colorful and thought provoke nickname.
We then went to the gravesite. The guys all stood around it with tears in their eyes. Cowboy, Terry and Pastor Rob spoke. They told us to let the guys know how much we loved them and to thank them for their sacrifices. I don't think there was one over 21 and hardly any THAT old. Looking at all of them you just wanted to hug them until the hurt went away. We took several pictures of them behind Panniers tombstone-which included Mrs. Pannier and Phillip's girlfriend.
We went on to AJ's Bar for dinner. Part of the bar had tables and the food. The other part had the bar with only a doorway between them. After they ate the guys decided to continue their socializing. Terry joined in one shot of a Keigerbomb (sp) and then decided NO MORE! I joined them in one shot. We had 3 Wise Men (Jose Cuervo, Jim Bean and Jack Daniels). They then thought of trying the 4 Horsemen (add Jimmy Walker Red-I think) Deb and Mrs. Palmer heard all the cheering and hollering and said they were having a good time and wondered what was going on. Then Lola said 'hey where's Annette?'
Mrs. Palmer told me 'I thought you were a nice girl. I have lost all Respect for you now trying to corrupt those young little boys'. Then she roared with laughter.
There were LOTS of hugs and cheek kissing by the guys. I tried to resist but it was hopeless....hahaha
One of the poor guys had quite a few shots. After I finished talking to a few of them and was walking back to the table he yelled 'PATCHES I love you!' and kept hugging me and wouldn't let go. I said 'Honey, I love you too. Now sit down.' Several of the others kept echoing the same phrase. One of the guys is going to mail me a patch from their unit if I promised him I would put it on my vest. I had given a few of them my card in case any wanted pictures. He even told me the spot he wanted it placed and pointed it out. (no more need added.... ;D ) PATCHES is my PGR ride name which is on my vest. I will tell you, if you ask, why that is my name.
Ron and Lisa came in with their karoake machine and they were all ready to sing. The guys did a few songs, not very well and booed each other most of it, and then it was the PGR member's turn. We did 'God Bless the USA' and they started singing with us. I rode up with Deb and Ken so I left with them after that. Before we left we went back and gave each of them one last hug. We told them 'Thank you for your Service and remember we love you.' They were VERY appreciative of all of us being there. They said the PGR is great and wished they had this much support back home. I went up to one of the guys and told his girlfriend 'I only want to borrow him for a moment.' ;) I told him thank you and we loved them. He was so emotional and hugged me so tight even when I loosened up he didn't let go. His knees almost buckled as he cried. Deb rubbed his back and eventually she got to hug him as he cried.
It was FUN and REWARDING and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I can't even imagine what the other guys we know have gone through. It takes a special person to CHOSE that life for our Freedoms. These young men already have scars that will take alot of time to heal-if ever.
We will have several more Memorial runs this year, as well as, the 'All Eras Veterans Healing Field' in August to honor our men and women in the Armed forces.

A Little Updating

WOW! I can't believe it has been since August that I have blogged. I guess when I tell people I am a 'little busy' I mean it. haha

A good friend of the family was killed in action in Iraq. The PGR carried the honor of standing a Flag line during the visitation and funeral services. It was very moving to see the amount of members present to pay tribute to 'NA NA'.

We also spent ALOT of time doing 'Welcome Homes' and 'Send Offs' with escorts for many of our Armed Forces. Our Ride captain made a plan for whoever was available to stand a Flag line and greeting arriving military over the weekend before Christmas. In total there were over 230 men and women we got to say 'Welcome home, Merry Christmas and THANK you' in just five days. The weather was not cooperative so we ended up seeing ones the day after they wanted to be home. Most were not in uniform but we got really good at 'spotting' them. We greeted a local Marine unit on Sunday and then did a 'Send Off' for most of them and some others on January 7th. Lots of hugs for all. Many were so moved that we took the time to be there. I feel really blessed to be able to volunteer with such AMAZING men and women. On January 11, 2009 Eric (our Ride captain and friend) and I were both honored with a plaque for our continued support for the Troops. We both were at the ceremony thinking we were going to help present the OTHER ONE with a plaque. We were duped and enjoyed every minute. We received the plaque and a personal letter from the MajGen of the Rock Island Arsenal. I know neither of us do this for recognition. But, again, I am blessed to have people who appreciate what is done. There will, however, be PAYBACKS for Wayne who was the instigator in this elaborate plan.....LOL

The end of last year was not without drama. We had rumors that hurt not only myself but a very dear friend. As rumors are-there was just the tiniest bit of truth that was stretch so thin NO ONE recognized it. How sad that some have nothing better to do than spread untruths about others.

I am still praying and torn with where my life should go now. I have decided THIS year that I will not allow things to get to me like they did last year. Life is too fleeting to let petty things rule it. At times I feel I need to 'run away' anywhere and start over. I know wherever I go my family will visit. The hardest thing that I have not admitted to my family is that THEY are not why I stay. I would miss my OTHER family more and all that we do for the Veterans. They have told me I could start over anywhere and with my enthusiasm it wouldn't take long. Eric said 'I know people' and could get me connected. Somehow I never doubted that..HAHA

But, I will continue to pray and know God will tell me when He is ready. He does NOT run on our timeline.

On a fun note. We spent the week after Christmas and New Year's Day in Branson. Joanna and I, along with a bunch of old and new friends, went to the Haygoods concerts and their FAN NITE. We also went to see Dirty Old Towne and just spent time with friends and tried to relax a little. I think 'relax' has been eliminated from my vocabulary now. HAHA

This year my resolution will be to try and concentrate more on what I need to do and not as much on what others THINK I need to do. I hope that doesn't come across as selfish. I am still going to continue all my PGR/MARINEMOM/NAVYFAMILY/ALLVET work. I am just going to not allow so much 'drama' to invade my life. Or at least try not to........LOL

When you figure out how to do that let ME know. ;)

To end on a good note. Seven of my eight nieces and nephews now live close to me. Sooo, Aunt Annette is very busy giving hugs and letting them know how much I LOVE all of them.

A Time For Healing

This past week (August 14-17th) I had the honor of participating in the 'All Eras Veterans Healing Field.' For those that don't know what it is here is a brief summary: There were 102 American Flags set up in our local cemetery. In the center portion 57 flags had names of those that have given the Ultimate sacrifice in the military for our Country in Iraq and Afghanistan. We had a sound system which played the reading of the names for them and also music from different eras of time. I had permission from a few artists to play their music during this time. It was all widely received with gratitude. We also designated some of the flags to represent WWII, Korean War, Vietnam Wars and police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty locally. We had five Field Crosses to represent each of the branches of service.
We also had information and took donations for the 'Honor Flights of the Quad Cities' which will be sending WWII Veterans to Washington DC for a day to view their monument, as well as, the others there. The Veteran's fly for free. We had the priviledge of meeting several WWII Veterans who loved to talk to us about their service.
We met many Veterans who served in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the current conflicts. We talked with family, friends and comrads of the Fallen soldiers. Many tears and hugs were shed throughout this time. This event was organized by the ALLVETS, PGR (Patriot Guard Riders), MarineMoms, Navy Families and several other Veterans groups.
We had Gold Star wives and families present for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and some came a few times on their own. For those that don't know 'Gold Stars' and family members who have lost a love one killed in action. They were very helpful in setting this up when it originally started 5 years ago and have had their opinions shared in the following years. The PGR,American Legion and other groups rode motorcycles for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Then we formed a Flag line for them to walk through as they mounted the 'Lest They Be Forgotten' Flag on its own stand with the others. The ceremony had many events: USMC Color Guard, playing of God Bless America by Kate Smith, a fantastic speaker in CmdSgtMaj Blake, a Chinook Helicopter flyover and petal drop, the Pledge of Allegiance, Ray Hamilton's moving speech, on of our PGR ladies stepping up to sing the National Anthem, VVA volley rifle, bagpipes performing 'Amazing Grace' and bugles performing 'Taps' by echoing each other.
I cannot even begin to explain all the things that occurred. We were blessed with great weather and the opportunity to get to know each other better at this time. We were opened for 24 hours during this time so we had shifts manning the tents for our visitors. We laughed, cried and ate alot of cookies that were donated by a local baker and 'moms' wanting to help. YUM!!!!
I am already looking forward to next year and the plans we are going to start to make this even more memorable and respectful for our Veterans.
I cannot begin to tell you the 'healing' and feelings we experience during this time. I wish you could all meet the men and women who put this together. They are some of the best people I know and I truly love each of them.

Long Time No Blogging-well here we go

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted a blog. Boy, am I bad. haha

Last week we spent the whole week in Branson seeing Haygoods shows (five to be exact), spending time with Jason, Liza, Joanna, Rose, Tina, Sheila and the Kims. lol To say the least there was NEVER a boring time. The shows were AMAZING, OUTSTANDING and overall F-U-N!!!! We even helped Patrick come up with his own saying for the Romance section of the show. Now, he doesn't have to share the 'Big Daddy' title with Dominic. LOL For the whole review check out their website http://www.thehaygoods.com or http://www.bransoncritic.com. For more pictures check out myspace http://www.myspace.com/annette6407 .

I have added a few photos from June 10, 12 and 13th. I love getting my own group shots and then having them sign one. I even make copies and give one to each. They like to see them because they probably don't have any of their own since it isn't taped anymore.

Well, the week was anything but relaxing. I had to go back to work to rest. LOL We helped Jason celebrate his graduation from Baylor University. We took him, Rose and Liza to Lamberts. We enjoyed ourselves a little too much. When we left the table beside us clapped our exiting. We walked Branson Landing, toured Silver Dollar City, viewed the Titanic display and tried several new places to eat.

On the way home we stopped in Springfield at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. We took some pictures of the markers. They were very interesting. One was for a US Air Force gentleman. It read 'now flying with the angels.' I told Joanna that this is amazing and because of what they did we can have our time to laugh, make fools of ourselves and have a good life. We also saw several people either in uniform or with Veterans hats/jackets on. We made sure to thank as many of them as we could for their Service. One guy cried when I told him 'Welcome Home'. He was a Vietnam Veteran and they guys have always told me they were not treated well when they came home and hardly any were greeted nicely. They said 'Welcome Home' is a greeting they do to each other and, when done with respect by one of us, means ALOT!

When I got home I sent back into my volunteer meetings. Talk about not taking a breathe. But, it is now time to get back to our Troops.

A few months ago Rev. Jim, one of the PGRs road Chaplains, and a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association had a special service at his church. About 50 PGR members brought their bikes to be blessed. Rev. Jim told Fred, Pat and I we could bring out 'cages' (cars) for the blessing as well. We drive with them in many Missions. We said the Bikers prayer and then either Rev. Jim or one of his associates went to each person to pray for their safety and any prayer requests they had.

He prayed at my car and then I had him pray for some very hard decisions I am facing this year. I believe my life has hit a crossroads that I am not sure where to turn. I feel I need to be moving from here and know where I would like to go. But, I also need to know that that is where He wants me to be placed. I have started a PRO/CON list. The biggest CON to staying is all the volunteer work I do with the Veterans organizations. I love the people I am around and cannot think of life without them. My friend, Eric, has told me if I move he knows people EVERYWHERE and would help me get in touch with them and get something started wherever I go. He is really a special friend and someone I trust alot. I have family here but they have already told me to do what I feel is right. I have helped Mom since Dad died 15 years ago. My brother in law told me that it is their turn to help out with her. All my sisters and nieces and nephews are with a few miles of each other. I really need to know my correct path.

We are starting plans for the 'All Eras Veterans Healing Field' to be displayed Aug. 14-17th this year at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. This year we are looking to make scale size replicas of the Memorials on the Washington Mall. I know I am committed to this event. This is a special time to give tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedoms.

I could write more but you are probably bored reading this by now. I hope you enjoy the pictures and check out the other photos/reviews I did.

Until next time..........

God bless, love and DITTO!