As we finish up odds and ends from our 2012 fundraising efforts - we have changed our web address.  It is a small change - but important for the future.  Please help us spread the word.  Here is the new address -

www.TeamVogelvsCancer.org

(We are no longer .com)

With the end of August here - I've been in the classroom gearing up for the new school year.  It has been refreshing to get back into a routine.  The past few weeks have been amazing.  I had time to relax - catch some fresh air - hang out with friends and family and travel to two of my favorite places...

To kick things off - I headed to the Boundary Waters with the regular gals and 2 special guests.  Last year two amazing people were married and the gift we gave them was a trip to the Boundary Waters.  

Sarah and AJ - Thank you for being amazing vacationers.  

AJ - Thank you for bringing the hammock.  I am sorry I did not share all that well.

Sarah (Biggs...Just doesn't seem right typing Sarah...) - I am still a little bitter about cribbage.  I will continue to practice.  At least I was able to beat you in the throwing star olympics.

It truly was a wonderful trip - true peace.

After getting back to town, I had a couple days to get my things together before heading to Georgia.  Bea, Kevin, Amanda and I packed up and headed on a family vacation (I think the last time all us went on a vacation together - just the 4 of us - was 20 years ago...)

We had a great weekend together - but I think we all were ready to come home.  A one bedroom condo - sharing the pull-out couch with my sis (She had a hard time staying on her side :)...)  Although we were all ready to have our own space and comforts - it was still an amazing weekend.

We were able to lounge by the pool and ocean - see dolphins swimming in the wild - watch 5 hours of Lifetime movies - and have a "couple" cocktails.

Cheers to my family and thank you to Tim and Sara for everything!

I love to explore new places and visit old.  About a month ago I received this email with the attached picture.

Deb shared this photo with me and wanted me to know Team Vogel goes everywhere with her.

If you are out and about - I would love to see more photos of Team Vogel travels.

Winona was not a safe place last night...

Three ladies were out cruising in a jeep...

These fine ladies purchased a jeep ride with Rach and a Pootza from the silent auction.  Thank you to two wonderful ladies for a night full of fun and laughter (Sorry Kelly - Grandma 1 and 2 couldn't stay out til 11 pm).

Before I sign off here - I wanted to share a quote I saw while up north...

...and send out a thank you to the kind person who sent me a card and massage certificate.  

Last week I received an anonymous card - it was a father's day card with Happy Father's Day crossed out and in it's place Happy Friend's Day... This simple act truly made my day.  So thank you friend!

I hope everyone has a relaxing and fun weekend.

Until next time - Cheers!
-Rach

As I collect my thoughts to write the blog today - I am amazed.  I'm amazed by all the different things people are doing to "Pay it Forward" in their own way.  Joe would be so proud of all of you and I can't tell you how amazing it feels - is - to realize we are all living his dream and better people because of one person.

Before I get into the run-down of updates - reminders - thoughts - contest...  

I want to thank the Team Vogel Board.  We had our wrap-up meeting last night.  We are finishing up our fundraising efforts for the year - making sure all thank us are out - last min. things complete - and started to toss around some ideas for next year...  I hope you all realize how appreciated you are.  Your thoughts - ideas - time...  Thank you!  I appreciate you putting up with me and helping me see this dream continue on.  All of you are amazing and I am honored to have you on the Dream Team.

Dancing with the Winona Stars was held this past Saturday.  Although I was not able to attend, I was able to see the Team Vogel Gals all dressed up and ready to rock the stage.

To all of you - Kelly, Katie, Katie, Andrea, Nancy, Amy, Tina and Lisa - You Ladies are amazing.  You took time out of your busy lives to practice each week and support Team Vogel.  Not only did you help raise additional funds for Team Vogel - you helped share our story - our mission.  Most importantly - you brought smiles to many faces on Saturday.

At one point on Saturday night, I received a text that said - "OMG!!!  I am so proud!!!  Team Vogel was awesome!!!"

Thank you for everything and I think you should wear your outfits out more often...

7 Rivers Wrestling will be "Paying it Forward" and donating $2 from every ticket sold to Team Vogel.  If you would like to learn more about this event - check out their website - 7riverswrestling.com.

...And Now - How to win 4 tickets to this event...

I will be giving away 4 tickets to this event.  The tickets will be given to the individual who shares the most creative wrestling photo.  Put your thinking hats on and get creative.  Please submit your photo - story - or creative piece to teamvogel@hotmail.com by Monday, August 20.  

Here are a few examples...

Running is never an easy task.  Running 26.2 miles is AMAZING!  Joe's cousin Dan just completed the San Francisco Marathon.  As he geared up to start the race - "Don't Stop Believin'" came on...the race began.

This was Dan's 8th marathon and he finished 164th out of 6, 456 runners.  His time was 3:08:35.

Dan you are truly amazing and I know Joe would be honored to have you running in red for the team.

To register for the race / get race details - click here.

This summer is flying by me.  It has been amazing.  I've had time to catch up with friends and family - I've had time to travel a bit - and live life to the fullest.

Last week I was able to attend a concert - one of my favorite groups - Sugarland - with some of my favorite gals.  Biggs and Aubs - thank you for letting me sing as loud as I wanted and for not telling me to stop (I know my voice is never on :) ).

Take time to enjoy the moment and appreciate those around you.  It's the simple things.

I am off to throw a few last minute things in my pack - Boundary Waters... Here we come!

Love and Hugs - 
Rach

The Team Vogel dancers have been practicing hard - getting their costumes ready - and even performing at wedding receptions.  Here are a few photos of the ladies in action...

I'm unable to thank these ladies enough.  You are all amazing and I wish you the best of luck on Saturday - you are all ROCKSTARS!

If you would like to vote for Team Vogel - please contact Katie Daugherty - 

Not a day goes by without thinking of you.  It is hard to believe it has been 2 years.  I try not to count the days - but it is impossible not to.  I miss you everyday - every moment...

As I sit here writing this today - I can't believe where we are...You in one place - me (us) here.  Joe you taught - so many of us life lessons that have changed us for the better.  You taught me how to find strength.

There are good days - there are bad days...days I truly laugh and smile all day...days I can't stop crying.  The hurt doesn't leave - the missing never stops - but living I choose to do.  

You taught me to laugh through tough times - make the most of each moment - and love lots.

The one choice I have had in all of this is - to make the best of the hand I was dealt.  (I may not like the hand - but it is mine.)

In some odd way - I find myself lucky...I have a lot to live for and a lot to die for.  I'm excited for the adventures that are ahead of me - the ones that come my way and the ones I create...  

But I can't wait until I get to see you again some day.  You may have thought I talked a lot before - oh you just wait...I have a lot to share with you :).

Strength is something we all have - we just choose different ways to use it.  

Joe - Cheers to 2 years of being Cancer Free!

Miss you tons - love you lots and will live to tackle many more days - 143.

Goodview Gallop 2012
Time to sign up and get your running / walking legs geared up for the race.
Race date - Saturday, August 18th, 2012

To register online for the race, click the link below (it also includes race details).


Goodview Gallop 2012 - Race Registration

You can also google Goodview Gallop 2012 - or search for them on facebook.

Signing off for the week.
Hugs -
Rach