It is hard to believe Halloween is here and on its way out.  I am hopeful many of you were able to summon up some spirit and dress up - maybe even grab some candy.  Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the creativity that goes into it ... and you can always wear glitter and sparkles.

This year I didn't have the usual amount of spirit.  I started out strong - wanting to be a tennis player and was planning to have Zoe be my partner.  Matching skirts...sweat-bands...tennis balls...  But then I had a change of heart.  So I teamed up with my sis.  (I did have a great last second idea - that I didn't utilize this year...  create a missing poster with my picture on it and hang it at the party and then not show up - I find this one pretty hillarious)

Before I post the following costume entries for my 1st Annual Halloween Costume Contest on the Blog - I want to thank everyone who took a moment to send me their photo or pose for my photos.  I truly loved seeing everyone's costumes.  Here are the top finishers.

When Joe Mauer showed up at the party - she had one request/thought - she was sure Joe Vogel would show up in her photo this year (For Joe was the biggest Twins Fan).  Joe V. made an appearance for Kathy - (Look on the right hand side). 

And the winner is...

The Double Dare costume just really hit home with me.  I can remember watching the show with my sister and then trying to recreate the obstacles.  Good work Steve - I will be sending you your prize.

Well - I am off to catch some sleep here.  Sending my love and hoping all of you have a great week.

-Rach

It seems I live Joe's dream everyday.  I know he is smiling like crazy.  His dream to "Pay it Forward" has been embraced by so many and continues to spread throughout the community.  It is hard to express in words how it feels each time a new group reaches out and wants to support Team Vogel.  It is overwhelming and an honor every time.  Words do not seem to say how thankful I am - but THANK YOU.  I would especially like to extend my thanks to the Community Service Learning Class at WSHS, Cotter Students (Sorry I am unable to remember the class), and the WSU students who will be hosting a Home Run Derby this Friday.

I invite all of you to stop down and grab a bite to eat or step up to the plate and hit some softballs.  Please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested.  Hopeful it will be a beautiful fall day.  See you there.

So - Halloween is my favorite holiday.  I love to create costumes, dress up, and the more glitter the better.  I am sure there will be many Halloween Parties attended this Saturday.  I am inviting anyone and everyone to send me their costume pictures.  I will be reviewing them - posting the top 10.  The 1st place photo will receive a prize :)  So - When you are out celebrating this weekend - snap a photo and email it to [email protected].  I will post on Monday night the results.  I hope to see your picture.

Signing off for the night but wanted to once again share my Halloween picture from last year...The one where Joe decided to show up :)  It never gets old looking at this.

Sending my love.
Rach

It has been a busy few days - great travels, fun times, work conference with some wonderful ladies, a great sleepover with super women...and I can't wait to see Miss Zoe tomorrow.

I will update the blog tomorrow :)

Sending my love - Rach

Often when I sit down to blog - I wonder what to write.  Should I share a "Joe Moment" (a time where things collide in a unique manner...a manner a person up above must have had a hand in) from the week... 

This week - Joe's sister, Angie, was home for a visit (to help celebrate the 60th birthday of the Best Father-in-Law in the world).  Angie and I ventured out to get pampered at a local salon.  Within moments of entering the salon - what else comes on the radio - "Don't Stop Believin' ".  We just looked at one another and smiled.

...Should I write about upcoming adventures - or what I did this past week...

I am heading to Colorado to visit one of the greatest individuals in the world.  As life happens - there is not always time to catch up with friends everyday, every week or even every month.  True friends are the ones you can catch up with when your worlds collide - but you always know they are there and you are always there for them.  I am excited to collide worlds with a true friend on Wednesday...Cheers to the adventures in Colorado that are ahead of me this week.

...Or should I reflect on life - where it has taken me, where I am now and what I hope for...

I think of Joe everyday - often every hour.  I don't tear up every time, I often smile and feel grateful for the moments I had.  I don't think a broken heart ever heals, but you learn to put fun patches on it.  My patches have carried me to where I am today.  These patches consist of my family, friends (new and old), the community, MY JOB, life, my animals...  These are the things that keep me going and have made me realize - I have so much to be excited about and live for everyday.  

I was thinking - while driving this weekend...I'm pretty lucky actually - I am excited to live each day to the fullest and take in what I can.  Yet - I have a lot to look forward to when I die too.  

As I continue to make my own path - I am truly embracing finding my own way and rebuilding the new me.  I had a great teacher for 7 years.  He taught me how to laugh, love and give back.  I can't wait to see him again someday - I am sure he may have a few pointers on things I could have done differently :).

I am surviving and finding my way - I hope, dream, believe and truly smile each day.  I do believe you can patch a broken heart.

Sending my Love -
Rach

PS - Just a random picture I found of my first car :).  Oh she was a gem.  I miss her too, but feel comfort in knowing Joe is driving her once again...  (I did convince Joe to drive this car and give me his new Honda Civic to drive...How I don't know?)

Well - mom is tired out and not feeling up to much today, so I (Zoe) decided to help her out and post.  Life has been busy here for all of us.  We are working on our winter coats and enjoying the fall days.

I've been chasing tennis balls in the leaves and working on my halloween costume - how are these fangs?

I've also been working on my modeling.  I think the hair industry could use my locks.

Skittles has been hanging out trying to center herself and work on her rabbittude.  Sometimes she can be a little moody.

This new form of meditation has really brought a smile to her spirit and face.

Hey Zoe - Don't forget about us!!!

The chickens are doing well - they are slightly intimidating, and I usually just give them their space.  Those beaks...  You would be scared too.

Stanley - gives me this look when he is ready for his personal space.

But he usually softens up and just wants to see what's going on.

I hope all of you have had a great weekend and mom will be back next week. I am off to eat supper and chase the tennis ball before bed...busy evening.

Love - Zoe

Decided it was time to kick back and get out of town for a bit.  So - it was off to the airport on Friday morning...destination = Kansas City to visit my friend Amy.  

Best way to describe all our adventures thus far...pictures :)  

Well - signing off here, for I need to finish the cupcake decorating, get packed for the trip home and enjoy an intense game of croquet on the plaza.

Love and Hugs -
Rach