It has been a whirlwind of a weekend.  I was honored to stand up for one of my best friends in her wedding.  It was an amazing day, to say the least - and the people in attendance (wedding party and other guests) - really knew how to have a good time.  The ceremony was personal and beautiful, the bride was flawless, the music incrediable, a handsome groom - and smiles on all faces.  But...my favorite part by far...The photo booth.  I may have been limited to the number of times I could go in (by one of the bridesmaids) but I made the most of my 10 trips.

So - you can see I found a way to get a few pictures :) and have the best time.

The whirlwind continues...I am currently spending time with some ladies in the cities - demoing our friend's kitchen.  We are rockstars and made some major progress.  Here are the beginning pictures and I promise to show the final product next week.

Alright - I need to sign off here and get some rest.  Busy day of construction tomorrow :) 

Love and Hugs - Rach

As I sit down to write today - I am wondering where June went and shocked that I am looking at a date of July 24th.  Where has the time gone.  It has been a busy summer and I keep thinking life will slow down - but it never does.  So, I will embrace the running and make the most of it.  (I head back to work on August 22nd - I'm excited to get back into a routine, but will miss the spontaneous events that come about each day when I am not working.)

This past week I had a chance to do a few of my favorite things...I love animals and I enjoy making things.  

First up - THE PUPPIES.  I may have a small obsession for animals and especially little ones - courtesy of my mother.  My good friend from college just happened to have puppies at her house.  So - I loaded myself up in the car...  camera - check  ...  rachel - check  ...  a lot of love for the sweet bundles of joy - check  ...and I was on my way.  Here's how the trip went -

I showed true strength and left without one.  I may be trying to work on a few people to get one though :)  (Mr. Biggerstaff...Andrew...)  They were the sweetest and so cuddly.  Now this is how everyone should start out there week.

So - just when you think your week can't get much better ... another great adventure came my way.  I love making things and being creative - but lately I've been in a little rut and haven't made much.  Well - Tuesday afternoon - my puppy friend, Beth, came to town.  We were planning to go camping, but with the heat we changed our minds and decided to create Craft Camp 2011 at my sister's house (I was house sitting and watching her dog).  

Beth loaded her car with fabric, sewing machine, table...you name it.  I loaded my car with a sewing machine, iron, fabric and lots of other useful materials and we set up camp.  We sewed and created all hours of the day and night (We did take a few breaks to enjoy local eating establishments in Winona).  It was a blast and refreshing to work on things I had been putting off and be inspired by another great craft/art person.  Craft Camp 2011...

For all of you out there that are thinking Craft Camp looks like a blast - you are welcome to join us next year.  We plan to have Craft Camp 2012 in mid-July.  We are not sure of the location yet - need to wait and see who is on vacation and needs us to housesit :).  We plan to work for a week in one location and then have a sale the final day for friends and family.

The week ended with a family gathering in Wells for my cousin's graduation party.  It was wonderful to see family, catch up with cousins, and get a nice nap in the car - thanks Dad for driving.  (Sleeping in the car is the most amazing thing for me - I once asked my mom if she would just drive me around for a few hours - she politely declined).

Well before I sign off here - I would like to wish Miss Kirsten another Happy Birthday - I can't believe you are already 13.  I remember when you were born like it was yesterday.  You are an amazing young lady and I am so proud to be your aunt.  

That's all for this week and I can't wait to see what next week brings :)  A big wedding...some adventures in the cities...one may never know.

Love and Hugs - 
Rach

Thank you to all of you who came and supported Gundersen Lutherans – Strike Out Colon Cancer Night at the Loggers Game this past Thursday.  It was a wonderful way to wrap up Team Vogel events for 2011.  We were 100 strong at the game and easy to spot in the new shirts :).  

Two years ago, Joe threw out the first pitch at this event.  He was sooooo nervous – he made me catch his practice pitches at home the week prior.  (For the record – he did make his first pitch across the plate.)  

Last year, we weren’t able to make it for Joe’s health had truly declined at this point.   It was tough missing out – but we knew Team Vogel was there is full force without us.  This year – a year with out Joe is closing in and we did it.

The Team Vogel vs Cancer Fundraiser brought in $45,000.00 for 2011.  This includes all the events leading up the big fundraiser weekend - the Bowling Tournament (Feb.), Golf Outing (May), Chula Gives Back (June), and Hot Dog Stand at Midtown (June).

This is amazing - although we did not reach our goal of $50,000.00 - I am so proud and overwhelmed.  We went from $30,000.00 last year to $45,000.00.  We will continue to set the bar high each year.

Sometimes I find it hard to put the fundraiser into words - the event is so close to me, in so many ways.  Here is one man's dream - that has become one communities way to 
"Pay it Forward".

The 2011 Team Vogel vs Cancer Fundraiser 
June 25th and 26th, 2011.

A Special Thank you to Keelie Ritter for her willingness to photograph the event.  These pictures say more than any words can.  Thank you Keelie!  (keelie.ritter@gmail.com)

Click HERE to see Keelie's Work...

Pictures of the winning teams are also posted on the individual pages  - Click on the link 

Women's Softball
Men's Softball
Kickball
5K / 1 mile Run - Walk
**You can also find complete list of all runners and times on the above link**
Home Run Derby

I can't thank everyone enough for helping make this event what it was and will be in the future.  Thank you to the Board, the Families, the Community and to all of you here on the blog that continue to help spread the word and generate more involvement.  I know Joe is looking down and say - "I knew you guys could do it".  Team Vogel - we did it!

Just a friendly reminder about the upcoming Loggers game.  Many of you have already contacted me to reserve your tickets, bus spot and order a Team Vogel green tye-dye shirt.  If you haven't had a moment to do so - I will be taking shirt orders until Monday night (July 4th).  You will still be able to reserve a spot on the bus and get a ticket until Monday, July 11th.

T-shirt = $12.00
Game Ticket = $5.00
Bus Ride (to and from game - leaving from Winona at 6 pm) = $10.00

Please email teamvogel@hotmail.com if you are interested in any or would like more information about the event.

Here's to Team Vogel!

Love - Rach


PS -  I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend.  I will post after the Loggers Event - I am off on a fishing trip with a pretty special family, just hoping I don't get left in the middle of the lake.  Enjoy and take time to live in the moment.