tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60383857743040228592024-03-05T13:22:20.878-08:00HappyMommy HappyRachaelWhere happy mommy is me...HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.comBlogger361125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-66193274171932935652013-03-11T21:01:00.002-07:002013-03-11T21:03:04.373-07:00Coolest Thing....Check out this video.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKNhCjA0pdU&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_blank">Awesomeness at its finest!</a><br />
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Read the back story at <a href="http://gawker.com/5990002/nerdy-mountain-man-boss-schools-young-employees-with-boss-dance-moves" target="_blank">Gawker</a> and then peruse his cause and the <a href="http://www.totemmagic.com/blog/" target="_blank">story</a> of showing a man/boy his first ocean.<br />
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It is inspiring! And much much more!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Happymommy</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">MEET EVERY DAY LIKE THE WARRIOR YOU ARE!</span><br />
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HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-27480889669834294622013-03-08T18:42:00.001-08:002013-10-03T19:48:28.740-07:00Crossfit 13.1 Oh My....<span style="font-size: x-small;">So I haven't written in ages. I don't plan on writting much more. But I had to login today to discontinue comments because I get no less than 30 spam comments every day. Check out my comments, especially on the </span><a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2010/04/my-feet-are-hot-and-other-musings.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Feet are Hot</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> or </span><a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2012/09/my-grandma.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Happymommyblog+%28HappyMommyBlog%29" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Grandma</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> posts. I mean if you need Louis Vittons or Viagra or Oxycotin for free, the comments can help you find them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Today I did something I CAN GAURANTEE I wouldn't have done last year. I did the first workout for qualifying for <a href="http://games.crossfit.com/" target="_blank">Crossfit Games 2013</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The workout...</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Proceed through the sequence below completing as many reps as possible in 17 minutes of:</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">40 Burpees</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">45 pound Snatch, 30 reps</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">30 Burpees</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>I stopeed here. No need to kill myself for goodness sakes....</strong></span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">135 pound Snatch, 30 reps</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">20 Burpees</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">165 pound Snatch, 30 reps</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">10 burpees</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">210 pound Snatch, as many reps as possible</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Here's a video of a woman doing the workout... Enjoy or cry, whichever....</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://games.crossfit.com/video/open-workout-131-demo">http://games.crossfit.com/video/open-workout-131-demo</a></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Here is me during the burpee section of my workout...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGEezfZAVnH4BkbqMuOp373SBSlmmnLrh3hobhphgnN3Cj7TxgGfoWq5VbP-MjlcJZTJm0UBBtfZCsorsuQPXc5MRAs982n8nzE3V_Aotsh-ei1VIyeIXYGW9DwWMYkTPbXwCXwEhpVw/s1600/fabfitandfortyed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGEezfZAVnH4BkbqMuOp373SBSlmmnLrh3hobhphgnN3Cj7TxgGfoWq5VbP-MjlcJZTJm0UBBtfZCsorsuQPXc5MRAs982n8nzE3V_Aotsh-ei1VIyeIXYGW9DwWMYkTPbXwCXwEhpVw/s320/fabfitandfortyed.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />(image from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fabFitAndForty?sk=photos" target="_blank">fabFitAndForty)</a>... <br />(and she is FABULOUS)</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I never thought I could do any of this. I almost cried at one point, but my people, my community carried me through to what I wanted. I managed to get 100 points but my time between is sure to mean I am THE LAST PERSON ON PLANET OF CROSSFIT OPEN PEOPLE. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I am ok with this. I did it. One year ago I would have laughed in your face if you said I would be able to snatch 45 pounds over my head in between doing 70 burpees.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Finshing this post with a copy of what I wrote on the discussion board of my gym because I have no feeling in my arms and I am being forced to parent by taking the kids to our school's caberet.</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 14px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #555555; display: inline !important; float: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10px/14px verdana, arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So this was really hard for me. Turns out I have guerrilla arms and had to jump to the ceiling after each burpee. Took me forever and once I got to the snatch I was so upset I almost stopped and started crying. Allison saw me and talked me out of my panic. I am not an athlete and this used to be so far out of my comfort zone. I finished my snatches and the next round of burpees and then pr'd one snatch at 50#. Without all the cheering, my wonderful judge Binay and the great community in the background I would have walked out the door. I have never been prouder of myself. This is why I signed up for this. TJs continues to change my life.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I was in awe of all of the competitors this morning! Good luck to everyone tomorrow!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And *mic down*</span></div>
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That is all...happymommy</div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-42683377108839805012012-09-30T17:42:00.000-07:002013-10-03T19:30:31.669-07:00My Grandma....<div style="text-align: justify;">
There aren't many times when I get overwhelmed by sadness. I have a great life with so many blessings and wonder. In fact, if rainbows chose to turn into fireworks over my life it wouldn't be surprising. But today, for some reason, I am having sad feelings. There are remembrance of my grandma that I can't put behind me.</div>
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I think it started with me hearing "The Old Rugged Cross" <br />
and I thought it was her favorite but turns out she loved...</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">My sadness has nothing to do with hymns or being Christian, or what side of the spectrum my beliefs lie. It was this... I love my parents. I love my in-laws. I miss my grandparents. I miss the grandparents I never knew. I am sad today. Why? I don't know.</span></div>
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Being without those you love whether they are next to you, far away or in the next dimension; family is family. Friends are friends. We know many people. How many do you love? How many are important to you? Treasure those who treasure you back. Even better, treasure those whom you don't even know. They may be worth it.</div>
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happyrachaelHappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-55991520643909236812012-08-29T15:51:00.000-07:002012-08-29T15:51:03.516-07:00The Simple Things...Sometimes...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMseWwzV_0cO3JcecWDFdD5HqGiwLvPei8HXO5yHTUs9eSXbwg1-Kgp3TjWuV3CtQ7FgWMfxMpXYuAOSoNz-WLlvQiDkV26mK5R_k0nl1TAb9kWdnw3qeWxSiC-25kDECUxhRR57lrxc/s1600/grandpabike1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMseWwzV_0cO3JcecWDFdD5HqGiwLvPei8HXO5yHTUs9eSXbwg1-Kgp3TjWuV3CtQ7FgWMfxMpXYuAOSoNz-WLlvQiDkV26mK5R_k0nl1TAb9kWdnw3qeWxSiC-25kDECUxhRR57lrxc/s320/grandpabike1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The simplest things in life...</div>
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Bring you the greatest joy...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happyrachael</span></div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-11061352453447792522012-08-27T11:12:00.000-07:002012-08-27T11:20:35.844-07:00My Adventure...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2NdBfIS5P8fO5HgoMEFoYXlAld2qfskworqP6cGuoRrkuQIUj4lOd0uM7k2Xjdj6yWFi6zSdY9aEbioXLy4F5rODlZa2FVBgGvdQafjrNW1dDrUR4kXzSfIuXSxIS2CNcxZ0eVj3pAM/s1600/planeride1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2NdBfIS5P8fO5HgoMEFoYXlAld2qfskworqP6cGuoRrkuQIUj4lOd0uM7k2Xjdj6yWFi6zSdY9aEbioXLy4F5rODlZa2FVBgGvdQafjrNW1dDrUR4kXzSfIuXSxIS2CNcxZ0eVj3pAM/s200/planeride1.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We arrived in Denver...<br />It was truly the easiest travel day of my life. <br />I hope this isn't an omen, but a sign of the greatest trip of all time!</span></div>
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When we last met, I was planning <a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2012/08/i-have-been-reading.html" target="_blank">my big Rock Chick Adventure</a> here in Denver. Well, we are currently still in the planning stages since I haven't been anywhere but my in-laws' house and am only leaving today to drop Jeff off somewhere so he can do something crazy like buy us a new car. What?</div>
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It's hotter than a biscuit here in Colorado. Not North Carolina hot like my dad likes to say, but hot none the less. It is currently 87.3 degrees and will only get hotter. The kids biked to the park this morning while I "jogged" alongside them. According to them, this was torture; the worst idea ever! It was too hot. They were going to die. "The heat! The heat is too much mom!"</div>
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Because I don't like being accused of torturing small children who exaggerate greatly, we are currently doing this....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMGM8AtevbIyHaZOom5MSYwQR6hCL9qYSvGnHBc4K5mj52f8xR-Gd7JgXY_lj1sAlC4tjWPdkYM1L8GTfnR6fwcsO7l6kTpqOzKp-anqH9Q3WASSApQRfYKCJYsaGcYOxVzBo0p6_7lE/s1600/slipnslide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMGM8AtevbIyHaZOom5MSYwQR6hCL9qYSvGnHBc4K5mj52f8xR-Gd7JgXY_lj1sAlC4tjWPdkYM1L8GTfnR6fwcsO7l6kTpqOzKp-anqH9Q3WASSApQRfYKCJYsaGcYOxVzBo0p6_7lE/s320/slipnslide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Girl got air....</span></div>
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Poor Jeff had to jerry rig (and that is what it is called because I looked it up) the thing with packaging tape. This is how we roll around here!</div>
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The pool opens at 3pm, so that is where we will be spending the afternoon. I won't "force" the children to walk or bike there. I am a great mom that way!</div>
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happyrachael</div>
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PS: I have made reservations at one Rock Chick Stop, <a href="http://www.barologrilldenver.com/" target="_blank">The Barolo Grill</a>, but there will be many of those over the next 12 days. I guarantee it. Even if I have to hire babysitters and force a friend to accompany me. I am THAT determined!</div>
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PPS: I will not mention that I had my MIL's macaroni and cheese for breakfast and her Buffalo Chicken Dip with chips for lunch. This will not be spoken out loud. Just sayin....</div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-76386791613195432652012-08-19T20:29:00.000-07:002012-08-19T20:29:04.046-07:00I have been reading...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started reading in May and haven't stopped. This is why I stopped blogging. Who has time to read and blog? My book choices have ranged from "those" books about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345803485/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345432090&sr=8-1&keywords=fifty+shades+of+grey" target="_blank">Anastasia Steel</a> to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Girl-Novel-Gillian-Flynn/dp/030758836X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345432122&sr=1-1&keywords=gone+girl" target="_blank">Gone Girl</a> and back.</div>
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I wish I could say it all started when I was ten and reading was my life line. My dad would take me to a movie and then to pizza. I would read an Archie comic book and he would write the greatest American novel. It is my favorite childhood memory. I can picture us at the local Pizza Hut in suburban Atlanta reading, eating and just hanging. </div>
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I majored in English and became a teacher. Life got in the way and I don't think I ever found my right path; until I was 31. I found my husband. He doesn't share my love of reading, but he does share my love of family. We have children who love to learn and they embrace the new. Lilly loves to read. And James, well when he figures out how to garner his energy into reading, he will love it!</div>
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I have an almost stalker love for the author <a href="http://www.kristenashley.net/" target="_blank">Kristen Ashley</a>. She writes the <a href="http://www.kristenashley.net/menu/titles/rock_chick_series.html" target="_blank">Rock Chick books</a> and many <a href="http://www.kristenashley.net/menu/titles.html" target="_blank">other novels</a> that are centered in England, parallel worlds and most importantly Denver. The places I can visit next week on our bi-annual trek to the Rockies that are central to her stories are on my<a href="http://www.kristenashley.net/top/links.html" target="_blank"> list</a>. Jeff said that we have more places to visit than we have time this upcoming trip. I wouldn't have it any other way!</div>
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One of the first places to visit in Denver happens to be the restaurant/bar where Jeff was a bartender when we met. I imagine a trip back to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/my-brothers-bar-denver" target="_blank">Brother's</a> will be fun and sad all at once. When he left there, we began our life together. And what a wonderful life it is. We are blessed.</div>
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Watch for my adventures through Denver and beyond!</div>
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happyrachaelHappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-84502071734365182572012-08-18T20:58:00.000-07:002012-08-18T20:58:48.213-07:00My ipad just died....I am in a long term love affair with my ipad. And tonight, it left me. It happened in the middle of a book on my Kindle for ipad, and one saved tweet not to mention a Facebook update. I am lost. Sad. Forlorn.<br />
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I guess I will have to start blogging again. Yes, it was a sign from the blogger world to stop reading, stop browsing and begin writing again.<br />
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We are one week away from our bi-annual trip to Denver. This year, I have a plan to visit many restaurants and attractions that I never knew existed until I started reading a certain author's books. I will expand more on this next week and I am excited to share my adventures and pictures with all two of my readers (Hi mom and Jim!).<br />
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I missed this and I hope to be back for good this time. We shall see....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-9843587248368949152012-04-29T21:56:00.001-07:002012-04-29T21:56:57.938-07:00Sometimes you forget...I love my husband. I have written before about how much I <a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2011/06/my-hero.html" target="_blank">admire him</a> and he how he is mostly perfect. Jeff is a great father, a wonderful husband and friend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u_sPMRAXXQZQNwMNtdjzV9Fi7S2iTTpsidd8EUPeTl-FAF3f806aoMUA3HdbPjllo56d8BejM8yjplo5Iv2JbIJ3LylHH6IR0XNQWyyluNTU-QBLU5AoIT4nXAltjzExVRaqjkXwzqg/s1600/lillyjumping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u_sPMRAXXQZQNwMNtdjzV9Fi7S2iTTpsidd8EUPeTl-FAF3f806aoMUA3HdbPjllo56d8BejM8yjplo5Iv2JbIJ3LylHH6IR0XNQWyyluNTU-QBLU5AoIT4nXAltjzExVRaqjkXwzqg/s320/lillyjumping.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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He loves his children. He gives them adventures and hugs. He simply is Jeff. And I love him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz_H-Uho4pxev0YH3YisbnM402YMkXRO3M4Vfi_z8Xpo6AVFYm2gSU4W7pOtj0BNd0rQpEWuiApnFI6cBhCAkTuKfzKbo0JMcMOoeQFiOwhyphenhyphenkSPYN53D9W9Tyakpv43YsskKguoWXJj8/s1600/childrenbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEz_H-Uho4pxev0YH3YisbnM402YMkXRO3M4Vfi_z8Xpo6AVFYm2gSU4W7pOtj0BNd0rQpEWuiApnFI6cBhCAkTuKfzKbo0JMcMOoeQFiOwhyphenhyphenkSPYN53D9W9Tyakpv43YsskKguoWXJj8/s320/childrenbeach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Without him, I would be lost. I was lost. Then I found him. The end.... Much more to come...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-49637215809603320142012-04-26T12:34:00.001-07:002012-04-26T12:34:35.220-07:00Goodbye Mr. Gubbles...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lilly's fish, Mr. Gubbles, died this morning. I cried because of the fish. Lilly comforted me because I was so sad. But, it is just a fish.</div>
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I cried in Starbucks. I cried in Costco. I just cried while trying to find a place for the eight cans of refried beans and one hundred green tea bags. But it is just a fish.</div>
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When my uncle <a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2012/04/just-because.html" target="_blank">died</a> last week, and I traveled to North Carolina to say goodbye, I cried. But I also laughed, smiled and hugged many. The time wasn't all sad. It was family and love and so much more. We said goodbye and we are moving on with our lives.</div>
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I cry because others have lost so much more than a fish by way of cancer, war and disease. I cry because I will never see any of my grandparents again. I cry because one day I will lose my mom and my dad. I cry because I will continue to have to say goodbye many more times as the years progress.</div>
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I cry because Lilly's fish died.<br />
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Goodbye Mr. Gubbles...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYoi-5ySIV3vOnMcp75s6seEEb7yXYNCI1YMs8ffueao5P6nFNc88MS63RkMhm8ZJmUsXQ2VDhqe0QFVQXUrJuS1DhRCQLJ5CBvS-neaxAtzHnxq6ZUKhh67KYYq-1Fsj7vXbrGexzqI/s1600/MrGubbles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYoi-5ySIV3vOnMcp75s6seEEb7yXYNCI1YMs8ffueao5P6nFNc88MS63RkMhm8ZJmUsXQ2VDhqe0QFVQXUrJuS1DhRCQLJ5CBvS-neaxAtzHnxq6ZUKhh67KYYq-1Fsj7vXbrGexzqI/s320/MrGubbles.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
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You were a good little fish!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-83119401843052933242012-04-23T21:19:00.001-07:002012-04-23T21:19:27.522-07:00Just because....<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't posted in almost exactly four months. Lots of reasons why and none very exciting to share. But this past weekend I had the honor of being part of saying goodbye to a very important man, my <a href="http://news-journaldeaths.blogspot.com/2012/04/g-raz-autry.html" target="_blank">uncle</a>. He was loved beyond words by family and friends. So many people were touched by this sweet man, whose hard life and earned lessons were shared to help others become better and make true impacts on the world around them. I am one of them. I am better because I knew him, and he loved me.</div>
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<a href="http://levonhelm.com/" target="_blank">Levon Helm</a>, who also died last week and was a HUGE part of the music world, gave us this song in 2009. It couldn't be more appropriate for my uncle's passing, and for everyone who leaves loved ones and affected ones behind. No more crying, just going home...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span></div>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-53529153379824010622011-12-24T13:42:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:45:22.736-08:00So much...I have so much to be grateful for this year. My blessings are abundant with love and laughter.<br />
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There is her...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB3MiY86VuMvAIXG1lnkciusXUZfdCQAIMFQt0VAfPdZZOuAHXt-jkFo67IKfll33uNLFpOYscjFf4Vqtf0izCJChZIcPTw4ARnRX2u6KRl_p1VAODa5WgDZfGdTwAGPzH0MpoZouIhc/s1600/lillynotooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUB3MiY86VuMvAIXG1lnkciusXUZfdCQAIMFQt0VAfPdZZOuAHXt-jkFo67IKfll33uNLFpOYscjFf4Vqtf0izCJChZIcPTw4ARnRX2u6KRl_p1VAODa5WgDZfGdTwAGPzH0MpoZouIhc/s320/lillynotooth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And him...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rHx2iqKInJDp5GOalHpaToBXdzisY-v-jdWZTC7hdEoJl4fp8VheuMAGjc7jhXVoISmJWIahK03hqioRtPhnJrLGn86k01DaS2v0xHTj_30whV0V2N3TbmCw3yC7qgjkrjv7JNPV7Lc/s1600/jamesinsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rHx2iqKInJDp5GOalHpaToBXdzisY-v-jdWZTC7hdEoJl4fp8VheuMAGjc7jhXVoISmJWIahK03hqioRtPhnJrLGn86k01DaS2v0xHTj_30whV0V2N3TbmCw3yC7qgjkrjv7JNPV7Lc/s320/jamesinsnow.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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These fellows...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPCxdY8GZX5KVEnG6OrqiHp2jd-xnE1YWoB5w2_NQvDV866N29R4Pys4c3VNhZv9qDZk6Mdomz-xYpwnAdVRt_13hOn_taoZC0BYKyRy1QS7lO-LPjZ8t3AzuNqFINlKdDefngIFTvng/s1600/fatherandson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPCxdY8GZX5KVEnG6OrqiHp2jd-xnE1YWoB5w2_NQvDV866N29R4Pys4c3VNhZv9qDZk6Mdomz-xYpwnAdVRt_13hOn_taoZC0BYKyRy1QS7lO-LPjZ8t3AzuNqFINlKdDefngIFTvng/s320/fatherandson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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New friends...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT7N5KlcdXgeeBQ_ZqiY8rZ-lntKdxpZzfhcT0ETg4xuyITUSvQQvP4Kz5iGAal8S3gKX8OPybCbmK7iGE7_FxkTkle8dC5Y1mSaO48w7c47toV5Jpe_DchJKTWGNfH46SZirj_x2xwA/s1600/promnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT7N5KlcdXgeeBQ_ZqiY8rZ-lntKdxpZzfhcT0ETg4xuyITUSvQQvP4Kz5iGAal8S3gKX8OPybCbmK7iGE7_FxkTkle8dC5Y1mSaO48w7c47toV5Jpe_DchJKTWGNfH46SZirj_x2xwA/s320/promnight.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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And so many more people who make my life complete. I love you all!<br />
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Please go and visit the lovely, wonderful and talented <a href="http://thebloggess.com/">The Bloggess</a> today. Her post today is a beautiful one.<br />
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
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More from Denver next week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-51712510013954851542011-12-15T19:57:00.000-08:002011-12-15T20:25:04.156-08:00My dreams...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I spend a lot of time trying to figure out where I belong and where I plan to go. Life as a wife and mom tends to get lost in the mundane of existence. I have failed at two jobs in the last two and a half years. But this is because of me. I don't have a goal. I need a goal. Damn, I need a dream. I can't picture myself beyond being a wife and a mom. </div>
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I heard something on the radio today that really made me think. I look around at my "alright," and I am pleased. This may be the best that I have, and you know what, "that is alright." Because you know what, this alright, it is my dream.</div>
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Thank you <a href="http://stillbillthemovie.com/">Bill Withers</a> for putting words to my figuring it out...</div>
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I love this...</div>
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And thank you for this song as well Mr. Bill Withers!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2DnUxLISFcA" width="420"></iframe><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Such a beautiful song, but couldn't find it live. So, mom, please excuse that one part!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**these videos are via youtube. I give complete credit to both Bill Withers as well as the artist that put them together! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you!**</span><br />
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**FIND, BUY AND WATCH THE <a href="http://stillbillthemovie.com/" style="text-align: justify;">BILL WITHER'S DOCUMENTARY</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: justify;"> OF HIS WORK AND HIS LIFE UP TO THIS POINT. HIS CONTINUED BELIEF IN WHAT EXISTENCE MEANS IS GENIUS.**</span></div>
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I will continue to search for my dream, beyond this "alright." I have plans to write, research and make some hot sauce. I couldn't be happier, more blessed or confused.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happyrachael</span></div>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-74179143618001975622011-12-13T21:34:00.000-08:002011-12-13T22:20:57.824-08:00Hello, hello? Is this thing on???Is anyone there? Hello?<br />
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It has been exactly one month and one day since I last visited this lonely little blog. And I miss it. I miss writing, sharing my stories and my family with the thousands and thousands of people who care about me. The truth of the matter is, I haven't really known what to write. I think for a while that I went away in my mind. I have been trudging through life worried about my home, my husband and my kids. Not really worried exactly, just existing. Since we moved home, it has been an up and down roller coaster of settling in and adjusting to our "real" life. Not until recently did I feel at home. We dealt with the unfinished aspect of the house, personal issues that aren't mine to discuss, a scary health scare with Lilly and a general feeling of unrest. I wanted to write about all of this, but instead, I took naps. (Oh yeah, I also lost my job. Napping may have lead to this.)</div>
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I miss this space. I miss sharing pictures and antedotes of my life with others. This space is my safe place where everything is mostly happy and my children grow without developing attitudes and are never sick or unhappy. It can't always be that way, but I am going to attempt to share it again.</div>
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So for now, here are some pictures showing the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happyrachael</span> family doing our thang!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG5H3NxufJ4lItlAOrr87VyFMBX5QZgTQUs_D3eTbEzt40UfD_64gtWXBj1dBqpe2oZnZl43KFcVig0V1bq0PQaptQ_7d9Obtij-ITymNYuXYeGas7WSkIYvzrCuoBWeZ52o-tTU1bgE/s1600/jamesgotabelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG5H3NxufJ4lItlAOrr87VyFMBX5QZgTQUs_D3eTbEzt40UfD_64gtWXBj1dBqpe2oZnZl43KFcVig0V1bq0PQaptQ_7d9Obtij-ITymNYuXYeGas7WSkIYvzrCuoBWeZ52o-tTU1bgE/s320/jamesgotabelt.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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JAMES GOT A BELT!<br />
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Lilly got a desk...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Lu9zGAesvIcFumzanxvs4ylWlhNoSdChuxzH_bn4ahqhwINJ0gx7gCZnzavQOrDTyCc55fPug_w5Ls24XJ4LgSzUlTmNBSdMobxQElDEEGK6P2xszuOKNz1wzMc1oeBjUR1S4cIgTMY/s1600/lillydesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Lu9zGAesvIcFumzanxvs4ylWlhNoSdChuxzH_bn4ahqhwINJ0gx7gCZnzavQOrDTyCc55fPug_w5Ls24XJ4LgSzUlTmNBSdMobxQElDEEGK6P2xszuOKNz1wzMc1oeBjUR1S4cIgTMY/s200/lillydesk.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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And in the words of Jeff, don't we wish she would always be this little.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_RmQT55D4yzgkR0jhaYArHAOgmlcaUUauJxac0_TvBtWpbcyn6Gm3twU0-szOx6-uqcDWzZRYHO56RpKePlqVpABeZPb2PqxdjybsDcr5Z8G_5ADncfsv3mGs85Zsu5AFfnOVYG6Zog/s1600/ranoutofhotsauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_RmQT55D4yzgkR0jhaYArHAOgmlcaUUauJxac0_TvBtWpbcyn6Gm3twU0-szOx6-uqcDWzZRYHO56RpKePlqVpABeZPb2PqxdjybsDcr5Z8G_5ADncfsv3mGs85Zsu5AFfnOVYG6Zog/s320/ranoutofhotsauce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ran out of hot sauce and attempted to make my own.</div>
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Jeff's eyes are still recovering and the paint peeled off the walls!</div>
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I didn't get a picture of our movie event, but I did see this...</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2517941248/tt1324999">BREAKING DAWN... FOREVER IS ONLY THE BEGINNING</a></div>
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with the wonderful, <a href="http://www.periwinklepapillon.com/">Sara - Periwinkle Papillon</a></div>
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We laughed, we cried</div>
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And we shook our head...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I would share pictures of the movie poster, but turns out I will get sued.)</span></div>
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This fabulous <a href="http://www.krismulkey.com/">woman/blogger/friend</a> invited me to a blogging event sponsored by <a href="http://www.driscolls.com/index.php">Driscolls</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a41yowD7TbLVJ9dFfNVw1la5Cvtb9jkX7E1tnzner0lJmEJy10Ftr4XG9cf0Ht6e3AknwDCACZue0FTUN9w0qRgc5nRyp6Sz9OXNMLgtm6pvUEjf2vllAX7z7UnuuW_APPnykwWME60/s1600/krismulkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a41yowD7TbLVJ9dFfNVw1la5Cvtb9jkX7E1tnzner0lJmEJy10Ftr4XG9cf0Ht6e3AknwDCACZue0FTUN9w0qRgc5nRyp6Sz9OXNMLgtm6pvUEjf2vllAX7z7UnuuW_APPnykwWME60/s320/krismulkey.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.krismulkey.com/">Kris Mulkey - Social Media Wonder, Fabulous Woman and my friend</a></span></div>
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We spent the evening at a food and photography event sponsored by <a href="http://www.driscolls.com/index.php">Driscolls</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupAAIjKpFd42eKQexnccsVOGlSrH5BZY8S4jME5aWZFvrrCCl7jIp2YIsOhCh9oXGD4rgg70RCq0vkCTeQgri6bDr2Q8jPgW0gK-nSBsullgF1tEWvuxefjO-muSpdDzToAR2BejU644/s1600/meandchefrodgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupAAIjKpFd42eKQexnccsVOGlSrH5BZY8S4jME5aWZFvrrCCl7jIp2YIsOhCh9oXGD4rgg70RCq0vkCTeQgri6bDr2Q8jPgW0gK-nSBsullgF1tEWvuxefjO-muSpdDzToAR2BejU644/s320/meandchefrodgers.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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I met <a href="http://www.rickrodgers.com/">Chef Rick Rodgers</a> and ate some amazing food which featured <a href="http://www.driscolls.com/index.php">Driscoll's</a> fruit.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I was surrounded by amazing bloggers and watched how companies are beginning to understand the importance of social media and how branding through bloggers is powerful. No one is interested in using me to brand their company, but the food and company were simply fabulous! I learned a lot, laughed and spent a few hours with my friend. It was a great night!</span></div>
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Which was not upstaged by...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVdpF6rmldG1ozqTfT_Pup0w3JV2PE6ZIr7e4Y2VyELHH3667LHVMSh4wKVslBFv_3EUpCkNZQv8OxTEv43WOihDoXVU26_ogQqqg3cuwuiSHnsCobTIQyNKL2uu901umF5p0313AIRU/s1600/lillyballet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVdpF6rmldG1ozqTfT_Pup0w3JV2PE6ZIr7e4Y2VyELHH3667LHVMSh4wKVslBFv_3EUpCkNZQv8OxTEv43WOihDoXVU26_ogQqqg3cuwuiSHnsCobTIQyNKL2uu901umF5p0313AIRU/s320/lillyballet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lilly's Ballet performance.</div>
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Or...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyZLHc4JZyzqRoGa0_4Kv45rla844pe3Xp6ZJrGxhbUDyB__8fy_DkxiR3fTAmHVMV9mSX4_GU4yDCptusY8AE1c7A_V56ohgi3VJV8MC6VURCY4S8EYo96VEZghq1zwsNG1OU-qj9Ys/s1600/jamesprogram1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyZLHc4JZyzqRoGa0_4Kv45rla844pe3Xp6ZJrGxhbUDyB__8fy_DkxiR3fTAmHVMV9mSX4_GU4yDCptusY8AE1c7A_V56ohgi3VJV8MC6VURCY4S8EYo96VEZghq1zwsNG1OU-qj9Ys/s320/jamesprogram1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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James' Christmas Preschool Program</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: James spent the entire time waving at Jeff and I, or putting his hands down his pants.</span></div>
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I turned 41 and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmuLff1EPx7a5ITFvqZbMJFPy147kLiIh0mq71_ptS5XNxNHntDFiVLsHVT8HGY6D_j6lrsccpGb70f-ZjidXLJzDNHvLyKS-QR9SCibExP31SmiNzf6UyLUpnrPM3aBF2QHoybtsRQI/s1600/mommymorph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmuLff1EPx7a5ITFvqZbMJFPy147kLiIh0mq71_ptS5XNxNHntDFiVLsHVT8HGY6D_j6lrsccpGb70f-ZjidXLJzDNHvLyKS-QR9SCibExP31SmiNzf6UyLUpnrPM3aBF2QHoybtsRQI/s320/mommymorph.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Morphed into a version of my mom and my sister. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I now wear reading glasses and I am not sure how I ever survived without them.</span></div>
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Somewhere in between all of these events we had Thanksgiving. We showed off our house. We ate. We had family time. I got no pictures but Jeff cleaned the whole kitchen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5vg66wg6Vhvblvpke_VJMDlMHYqJUELNuulGdHCA8EEY94-K1sqmJLGRovSKDq_7Kj7n_fQhyphenhyphenvVbEFYdFLS7WJkC8cuOKJfT0xFzuO8mM9bcpXE7CBTvBZ6akmd5IIXy6ckh_-Wpfp0/s1600/afterthanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5vg66wg6Vhvblvpke_VJMDlMHYqJUELNuulGdHCA8EEY94-K1sqmJLGRovSKDq_7Kj7n_fQhyphenhyphenvVbEFYdFLS7WJkC8cuOKJfT0xFzuO8mM9bcpXE7CBTvBZ6akmd5IIXy6ckh_-Wpfp0/s320/afterthanksgiving.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I fell in love all over again...</span></div>
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Today the most recent version of the <a href="http://www.babble.com/mom/work-family/top-mom-bloggers/" style="text-align: justify;">Top 100 Mom Blogs</a> was published on <a href="http://www.babble.com/" style="text-align: justify;">Babble</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: justify;">. I read and follow most of these writers, so I get the list. However, a pretty big controversy is evolving as to what makes a top mom blogger and I want no part of this. But what I will say, is as a mom blogger who gets around to writing every once in a while, this top list, any top list, doesn't negate MY OWN experience or my writing. I do know, it would be hard to be them. I want to write when I can and about what I want. I may never make a cent. No one will ever pay attention to me. For now, I am fine with this. So, there is that.</span></div>
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happyrachael</div>
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PS: I am turning off comments for the foreseeable future. I just want people to enjoy that I am back, not worry about saying anything. Hugs!</div>
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PSS: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">THIS BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED BY DRISCOLLS. I was a guest of an actual invitee and did receive a gift bag of fruit and other fruit related items. All opinions expressed are my own.</span></div>
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<br /></div>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-51486963234876688442011-11-12T18:50:00.001-08:002011-11-12T18:58:53.275-08:00You know that moment?...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I looked around this evening at my beautiful house, my healthy children (well, except for Lilly who seems to have come down with the plague) and my husband who loves me and I wondered how I got so lucky. Then, I looked at my schedule, my contacts and my social life and I was sad.</div>
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I get bogged down in life and circumstances and I am faced with the fact that I am constantly left out of the loop and I'm not important enough to be considered for a social event, or a night on the town. Does this matter to me? Should it? YES IT DOES. </div>
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Right now I feel the exact same way I felt in 5th, 7th, 8th grades, all of high school and the first three years of college. I am sad. Actually really sad.</div>
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But oh well. I will wake up tomorrow and my kids will need me. My husband will love me and still, my house will be beautiful.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-57282658327611620372011-11-09T19:58:00.000-08:002011-11-09T19:58:09.493-08:00Just like my dad...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't written a damn thing down in over two months. I haven't blogged about life, my children or the state of affairs. How many people want to listen to me moan about my brand new house? How many people want to read about my first world problems? Who, in their right mind, wants to be part of my pity party. NO ONE. I don't even want to be part of it.</div>
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Tonight, I learned a lesson. And I am better for it, and a tad bit poorer. (Sorry Jeff!)</div>
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I took James to dinner. We sat, ate, played on the ipad and reveled in the fact that our lives are not so hard. Well, James is 3 so his life is never too hard. How many 3 year olds get to say that?</div>
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We watched 46 high school seniors sit down at the tables surrounding us. They were dressed in prom like attire and were clearly reveling in the fact that they were in the "fancy" restaurant. This restaurant was my everyday, let's avoid it at all costs, restaurant.</div>
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These high school aged children, ages 16 - 18 have spent the last year raising money to tour California looking at colleges and lifestyles. These kids were beautiful and they made me cry.</div>
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I have never wanted for anything. The kids I watched tonight in the restaurant???? The rest of their lives will be a struggle. Will anyone care about them?</div>
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No one cared enough about those children abused by "Mr." Sandusky at Penn State. Who is caring about the thousands, most likely millions of nameless children around the globe who HAVE NO ONE?</div>
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Tonight I watched ten tables of young people on their best behavior. They raised hundreds of dollars to visit the colleges around my area in hopes of finding a place to belong.</div>
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I "gifted" a size able amount of money towards those young people's dinner. You know why? Because I could. My dad taught me to do this: GIVE.</div>
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happymommyHappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-12816363268413467402011-10-24T19:43:00.000-07:002011-10-24T19:44:47.539-07:00I'll be back...I promise.<br />
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Taking a break. Getting things together and starting brand new. Just like my house and my employment status.<br />
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See you soon!<br />
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Hugs! And Happy Halloween!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnCxU_OzHsL1Zq1lsooV5AQKiH4ArfOgqc0g6QYjlBew4cbpXFSl6uEdoI8tkG3dxvR1yCy0mRkG4aF1BmidsKjAl2oSx5MNOIjetDdBfCtuYowCkf3IjR5zG2fzqljvT_lLU0vvRNg0/s1600/pumpkin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnCxU_OzHsL1Zq1lsooV5AQKiH4ArfOgqc0g6QYjlBew4cbpXFSl6uEdoI8tkG3dxvR1yCy0mRkG4aF1BmidsKjAl2oSx5MNOIjetDdBfCtuYowCkf3IjR5zG2fzqljvT_lLU0vvRNg0/s200/pumpkin1.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin courtesy of the famous Lilly!</span></div>
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happymommyHappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-8305815641194519062011-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:002011-10-11T19:04:11.766-07:00Almost 41...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will be 41 in 7 days. This is crazy to me. My first day of blogging as an almost 50 year old will commence next Tuesday. But for today, I offer up my number one goal for my first month as someone who will soon have access to senior citizen prices.</div>
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I will spend more time with my husband. I will love him, take care of him and make sure he knows how much he means to me and my children.</div>
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Coming up next....<br />
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My second goal for my first month as someone who will soon be able to apply for AARP.<br />
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happyrachaelHappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-63674191584164263042011-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:002011-10-04T17:30:36.818-07:00Customer Service, it isn't a myth...<div style="text-align: justify;">
As everyone knows, we are dealing with a major renovation that is almost done. I mean, it is really almost done. The port-a-potty is set to leave my driveway in the near future. Not sure when, but it is. Today, we made major progress by having the majority of trash removed from the hills surrounding our house and into a dumpster sitting in said driveway. Ok, that doesn't sound like progress, but really, it is HUGE progress. I couldn't be happier and for the first time, in quite some time, I felt like the end of this process is near.</div>
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Because we basically have a new house, we are buying an enormous amount of furniture to accommodate our new space. We bought a bed frame with a headboard; the first for us, even after seven years. We bought shelves, toy boxes, bed stands and tv stands. We are full on grown ups at the old age of 40.</div>
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In an attempt to centralize arts and crafts for the kids, we even bought a craft table from <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/">LandOfNod</a>. We also bought craft mats and made our new children's area a picture perfect replica of a page from their catalog. We were so excited to put the table together and were equally devastated to take the table out of the box and see it was damaged.</div>
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What do I do? I take to twitter. I tweet the picture and ask <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/search/thelandofnod">theLandofNod</a> what to do. Jeff takes to the old fashioned phone to speak to customer service. Within five minutes, we are told to assemble our current table, use it as is and then when our replacement is shipped, we will take apart the current table and send it back on their dime? Um, what?</div>
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Does this happen anymore? Does a company really care about clients enough to actually take care of them and make sure they enjoy the product purchased? I do believe this company does. It is rare. AND I APPRECIATE IT! Thank you <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/">Land of Nod</a>!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">PS: No disclosure required. This is my experience. No one asked me to write this and I was not compensated for this in any way! :)</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-36674137901799778812011-09-29T13:37:00.000-07:002011-09-29T13:40:07.477-07:00No blogging today but there is a contest link for you...<div style="text-align: justify;">
A tad bit overwhelmed with life these days. I can "hear" you rolling your eyes and saying what's new? Instead of writing about woes, renovation and doing laundry in a laundromat at the age of 40, I am sharing with you a very important link to a contest today. </div>
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Remember my new very good friend? My <a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/2011/09/my-the3day-walk-for-cure-in-pictures.html">3Day</a> team leader and tent roomie, Sara? She is currently running a contest over on her blog, <a href="http://www.periwinklepapillon.com/2011/09/29/schlubby-or-sexy-we-all-have-a-favorite-pair/">Periwinkle Papillion</a>. It is for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> <a href="http://www.denimday.com/team_page.aspx?tid=245223" style="color: #2361a1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Lee National Denim Day Campaign</a> </span> and their continuing support for the fight against breast cancer. This cause is very near and dear to her heart, and to mine. Please take the time to check our her site, and her contest. </div>
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You can also access the contest by clicking on the Lee's National Denim Day link to your right. See it? All the way up top to the right. Now go visit Sara's website, enter the contest and donate some money. That is all for now!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ps: You can now access the happymommy blog directly through my new domain <a href="http://www.happyrachael.com/">www.happyrachael.com</a>. My very own little place on the interwebs. For now, you can still find me here at this blogspot address. Soon enough though this address will be gone, but the blog will remain the same. I'll make sure to tell you before this spot is gone forever.</span></div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-33005955781676742502011-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T19:18:00.315-07:00Kids say the darnedest things, and sometimes they aren't funny...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been struggling as of late with some body issues. I feel larger than ever, even though I weigh about what I weighed this time last year. Which means I am the heaviest I have been except when I was first pregnant with my kids. I tend to hover around the same number on the scale, and just like this time last year I weigh about five pounds more than my normal. For a short person, this is a lot. I am not happy. I feel big. I certainly don't feel pretty. </div>
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My house is almost done (can I get a WOOT WOOT?). I am no longer driving across the bridge four times a day. I get to reconnect with old friends and establish a schedule. It also seems to be a blessing that even though the house is close to being finished, there are no mirrors hanging anywhere. They just lay on the floor. I can only see my bottom half, which allows me to disconnect my head from my body. I can't make a mental connection between the two and until this afternoon that was allowing me to pretend. </div>
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Today, I picked up James in his classroom and after I tended to another boo-boo on his knee, I started to load both him and Lilly into our car. A little boy and his father were also finishing the day and getting into their car. This small, very cute boy started to talk to me. I played along, smiled and continued to get the kids settled. Then, the little boy said something to me that immediately brought tears to me eyes. "You are chubby" </div>
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Um, what? Did I hear that right? I said nothing, but smiled and got into the car. I cried. Have I really let myself get so far gone? In my own vain way, I do care a bunch about how I look. I always have. For years, this was how I measured my worth. Unfortunately, this hasn't changed very much. Sad, but true.</div>
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Lilly was in the car as well, so I didn't let her know I was upset. I couldn't explain this. Why did it matter that much to me what a child, most likely a 3 year old child, said to me. Did this boy even know the power of his words? Of course not. Well at least not the part where saying it would hurt someone. Was it like the time where I rhymed every word under the sun with duck?</div>
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It is hard enough to deal with the ideal perfection that seems to permeate the area I live. I know no one is perfect, but realizing I don't even come close hurt today. It really hurt.</div>
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Children are funny. For the most part, they are too innocent to really mean harm with words. But a mirror is a mirror, even one from the mouths of babes.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-52177436544609445932011-09-12T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-12T15:05:13.656-07:00My The3Day Walk for the Cure in pictures....<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have so much to write about my 3Day Experience this past weekend. Currently, I am laid up in bed with my left leg up resting both my knee and my ankle. My right foot, well my right foot looks like something out of a horror movie. I will spare you pictures. </div>
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For now, I do not have the energy to share words, but I will share pictures of one of the many favorite moments of <a href="http://the3day.org/">the3day Walk for the Cure</a>!</div>
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Cheering Section #1, Day 3.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdFfgS8YvPkR5yaH97CKllVPYsztq50QMHxx39vH8SmzHfd8qvYMglgjYlnWhWkEIkFVO5JeLwNrDYTwbc91JtjKELYWje32SmjbPiZAEAhpAv2u6zfqvacD2vZbz2WdxZuVBFo7z4yU/s1600/cheeringsection1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdFfgS8YvPkR5yaH97CKllVPYsztq50QMHxx39vH8SmzHfd8qvYMglgjYlnWhWkEIkFVO5JeLwNrDYTwbc91JtjKELYWje32SmjbPiZAEAhpAv2u6zfqvacD2vZbz2WdxZuVBFo7z4yU/s320/cheeringsection1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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MAMA!!!!!!!! JAMES!!!!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbUlBEohtg1xWtkBrVHJNxhDqLGN3OZI34lY4bmb-BxqwTMTy5E5oYk3H91J5wIMtv0Jz2dAsLnHtscjYkC6TduHORFutb0wCmT7sWYqj6ZY2cPKJnXR6063MFCDXXat3ybyuClVldqs/s1600/cheeringsection2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbUlBEohtg1xWtkBrVHJNxhDqLGN3OZI34lY4bmb-BxqwTMTy5E5oYk3H91J5wIMtv0Jz2dAsLnHtscjYkC6TduHORFutb0wCmT7sWYqj6ZY2cPKJnXR6063MFCDXXat3ybyuClVldqs/s320/cheeringsection2.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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Remember to breathe...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(and, I really need to get my color done. Or brush my hair. Better yet, wash it.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJXNtpI5sse30QZN62P_De3oFyzzjbxCF4hggtaEXPtVkI3DXkmt9SoZL-uR5pUUDZZBgFkyZ0-UNbuuSUoNFWFmXCNLIcPtcp6a7j9hHnD3TFaq7KkW3I-UPSpV2QCrflHkTyOu9p7I/s1600/lillyposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJXNtpI5sse30QZN62P_De3oFyzzjbxCF4hggtaEXPtVkI3DXkmt9SoZL-uR5pUUDZZBgFkyZ0-UNbuuSUoNFWFmXCNLIcPtcp6a7j9hHnD3TFaq7KkW3I-UPSpV2QCrflHkTyOu9p7I/s320/lillyposter.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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Lilly made us a poster! The best poster ever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl2y8okJVpRPfsuox1NpxOfI3ZQczr4tdB9DuasOv7YhtEbejhlbFDIzSO8atTqofRBW7CR1SB97HK6pJ35xl6ifrqNzQA8FCPkSqrc7rnAJBP6z_HDWVmxYLSjTr57AmgS5nixuqITo/s1600/jameshighfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOl2y8okJVpRPfsuox1NpxOfI3ZQczr4tdB9DuasOv7YhtEbejhlbFDIzSO8atTqofRBW7CR1SB97HK6pJ35xl6ifrqNzQA8FCPkSqrc7rnAJBP6z_HDWVmxYLSjTr57AmgS5nixuqITo/s320/jameshighfive.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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High Five to the Maidens for Mammograms and Margaritas!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfKlJtWj7LBDfoZcMTEPeGblxaz8eMfcbe-iIo4cQJQpbxxM5WHEqanwDoviO4-lehXQtplnZiht5ckik-KXDQZhsbE-hcW6He4zEP8cs_IG2tRCrULf0CZKrNglT26vI7E8sVjZBU2I/s1600/goodbyelilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfKlJtWj7LBDfoZcMTEPeGblxaz8eMfcbe-iIo4cQJQpbxxM5WHEqanwDoviO4-lehXQtplnZiht5ckik-KXDQZhsbE-hcW6He4zEP8cs_IG2tRCrULf0CZKrNglT26vI7E8sVjZBU2I/s320/goodbyelilly.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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Don't cry mama!</div>
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From this cheering section on the last day, I did go on to walk a few more miles, then get "swept" to lunch so I could get my knee fixed. From there my team mates and I, along with thousands of others went on to complete 60 miles. I will write more about my wonderful team, the overall experience and what it all means to me soon. I promise!</div>
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I can not leave this post without a few words, not the full story yet, but simple words to describe my teammates on Maidens for Mammograms and Margaritas. I met three women who were simply wonderful, fit into my life like a glove and who will remain in my life until they kick me out of theirs. I spent 36 straight hours with the team captain, <a href="http://www.periwinklepapillon.com/">Periwinkle Papillon</a> (or Sara as I like to call her). I can't imagine how we haven't been friends forever, and I look forward to a lifetime of laughs, hugs and friendship!</div>
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We were so very tired! Can't you tell?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">PS: I haven't updated my widget in the right column, at the top yet. I did complete the3Day but if you still want to <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=2050480548&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=96i0vrryi1.app322a">donate</a> to this amazing cause, please do so. As soon as they stop collecting donations in my name, sometime in October, I will put up a new one for general donations. Thanks!</span></div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-21136385907898656792011-09-02T17:43:00.000-07:002011-09-02T20:07:21.375-07:00Let's review shall we...<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the next five days, we must pack up eight months of apartment living in the city all while wrangling normal life, activities and the dreaded commuting. Then we must unpack ten years of life into our newly remodeled house. All of this would be wonderful and I would be a tad bit less stressed out if I weren't participating in the <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer">3Day Walk for the Cure</a>. I am so very proud of myself for being part of this huge event to help raise awareness and money for the <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">Susan G. Koman</a> foundation. </div>
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To review: I will be walking (yes me...) 60 miles in 3 days and camping out (yes me...) on Treasure Island for two nights. I have to purchase 9 million dollars of equipment for the walk and the camping. This, I have not yet done. Tomorrow, I will spend the day with the kids at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a>, <a href="http://www.sportsbasement.com/">Sports Basement</a> and <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/">Big 5</a> trying to find a way to fit 3 days and two nights of walking/camping equipment in a bag that weighs no more than 35 lbs. Oh yeah, I need a bag too. As with everything dealing with this walk, I have left it all to the end.</div>
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I should have done my fundraising sooner. I needed to start training earlier. I could have scheduled better. But it is what it is. I am training. Today I walked 9.4 miles with a friend. Friends are stepping up and donating quickly. But I still need to raise more money. I am $774 short of my goal and I have seven days to get there. If you are reading this, and you haven't yet donated, <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1480346&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=5lwvdxm4e1.app320a">please take the time to donate anything you can</a>. If you can't, but you live in the SF area, come cheer on my team, and all the walkers! Before next Friday, I will post the cheering section locations throughout San Francisco, Oakland and Marin. </div>
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My mood isn't the best, and even though I tried to put on my <a href="http://happymommyblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/group-therapy-by-myself.html">big girl panties</a> and face the day, I am having a hard time. In so many ways, I am ashamed of this. Right this very second, a very dear person in my life is lying in the hospital recovering from major surgery. His family and friends are surrounding him with love and kisses as he struggles to recover and move onto the next step of his experience. He is a survivor and is fighting the battle of his life. I can see him flirting with the nurses. I picture him getting grumpy because he can't get up and walk out the front door to get home and mess around on his laptop. I imagine the physical pain he is experiencing and the psychological struggle of everyone to be positive and upbeat. I cry that I can't be there to hold his hand and tell him how proud of him I am. Instead I am at home bemoaning everything I have to do. It is sad and I am off to look in the mirror and give myself a really long lecture.</div>
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Two weeks from tomorrow, I will be home. I will be settling into a schedule and a "normal" life. My children will be back in their neighborhood. Commutes will be a thing of the past. I can make plans for the afternoons and not worry about traffic.</div>
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Two weeks from tomorrow, the very dear person in my life will be figuring out the next steps he has to take to make sure he is around for everyone to love for a long time.</div>
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Perspective, it is time for me to have some.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span></div>
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PS: Today, someone congratulated me on my pregnancy. Someone I KNOW! It has been a banner day!</div>
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PPS: I am not pregnant, but <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1480346&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=5lwvdxm4e1.app320a">please please donate to my walk if you can! </a></div>
HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-18475962755862513582011-08-31T19:14:00.000-07:002011-08-31T19:14:04.364-07:00Tomorrow...THE CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW. THE CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!<br />
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That is all...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy<br />
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PS: James has taken to "talking" on Jeff's old blackberry phone. He mainly calls Jeff's friend, Mark who seems to be an endless source of hilarity. Even in the bathroom.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PL4fQwrmPS8" width="420"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>PS: PLEASE Please go donate to my 3Day Walk for the cure. Click here, or look to your right, click on the 3Day widget and go donate a mazillion dollars! KTHXBAI! (Or don't, whichever!)HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-44997362777978993792011-08-27T15:27:00.000-07:002011-08-27T15:27:54.091-07:00Group therapy by myself...<div style="text-align: justify;">During my 3Day training walk today, I gave myself some group therapy. It went much better than the <a href="http://happymommyblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/training.html">last</a> training walk I attended with myself. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is time for me to pull myself up by my bootstraps, put on my big girl panties, wake up each day and clap my hands and say loudly, "Today is THE DAY for greatness." I will be kinder to everyone in my family. There is so much on my plate, our plates really. It has become more than I can bear, so instead of just facing the storm, I have avoided it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over these past months, I have relinquished so much to Jeff. I have asked him to make all the house decisions, and I am fine with that. It was what I wanted. But now that we are so close to moving day, I HAVE to be a bigger part of the process. This can't involve me being grumpy about everything going on around here. I am going to buck up, turn my frown upside down and accept what must be done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will no longer yell and scream about the boy who lives downstairs who plays his horrid music all hours of the day and night loud enough to shake the house along with partaking in other activities that I don't need to hear. I won't yell at the kids to stop jumping and being kids. Well, I might a little because it is annoying. Our circumstance is what it is. I can't change it. But it is time for me to change.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will smile. I will work at getting things done. I will maintain a family atmosphere that is supporting and loving. It is time.</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">PS: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Please</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> go donate to my <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1812334809&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=reqwaciio1.app321a" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">3Day Walk</a> for the cure. Click <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1812334809&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=reqwaciio1.app321a" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">here</a>, or look to your right, click on the 3Day widget and go donate a mazillion dollars! KTHXBAI! (Or don't, whichever!)</span></span></span>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038385774304022859.post-51769455114386202852011-08-25T18:12:00.000-07:002011-08-25T18:19:08.452-07:007.2 Miles and a great day...<div style="text-align: justify;">So, in case you haven't been reading or keeping up with me on twitter or facebook, I will remind you how I am walking in the <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SF_info_2011">3Day Walk for the Cure</a>. I have been training, and today I walked 7.2 miles through the city of San Francisco. It was great!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had James with me in his stroller while we walked from our apartment to James' 3 year well child checkup. Turns out he is really healthy and much to his doctor's delight, quite the talker. He is quite simply perfect. Just like his sister!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We left the doctors office for a full tour of the city, and I had such a great day. We stopped for a milkshake, some perusing Bloomingdales where I coveted the new Michael Kors' watches and some bling. We stopped by the Disney store for new pjs for the kids. We walked through SOMA and accidently passed the new SF division of 4Square headquarters, Twitter Corporate Offices and the much talked about <a href="http://taptera.com/">Taptera</a> Headquarters. The latter company just received some amazing funding yesterday, so just seeing this office along with the other companies from the street was pretty exciting for this social media addict.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We made a few other stops, to include AT&T Park to do some shopping at the DugOut. It was a game day, so the crowd was already gathering and the pusle was hopping. We made our purchases and then headed to my parents. Along the way, we encountered cruise ship passengers and even one man dressed as The Hulk.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am proud of my progress and while I am now icing my ankle, I am confident that I can get to 20 miles in the next week and be ready for my 3Day.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">James' first experience with a hospital gown at his 3 year checkup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfd_P0fYxDKFF1eM9rvSAvZBQas2IRUeraGZnaaNv8kOGxnvKolXBq6QUj9ptDgFoDwZmDtGQOlDVbSyqPNpGAlW9y_8JfyegSS-QqsOm5EcB0tHnIIiCCd_zW5R0Qs2jAJGLqQcBHMk/s1600/jamedoc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfd_P0fYxDKFF1eM9rvSAvZBQas2IRUeraGZnaaNv8kOGxnvKolXBq6QUj9ptDgFoDwZmDtGQOlDVbSyqPNpGAlW9y_8JfyegSS-QqsOm5EcB0tHnIIiCCd_zW5R0Qs2jAJGLqQcBHMk/s320/jamedoc.JPG" width="243" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not quite sure why he is doing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Wilson_(baseball)">Brian Wilson</a> gesture, but it is cute!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">AT&T Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGN63ILR1S5Xq-nEfVwtMPZ-FdbW3c7hHApjJe2GHP_ywYajD6IZGMEZMNoRuL2bynRwRh8Wh1Qsn_VzxQAnR1hav9L3XbWJqfRzLkXWZaEiA7mla2u8KwiptExaR8_fJ9Oml4lxYz_A/s1600/jamesnewsfgiantshat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGN63ILR1S5Xq-nEfVwtMPZ-FdbW3c7hHApjJe2GHP_ywYajD6IZGMEZMNoRuL2bynRwRh8Wh1Qsn_VzxQAnR1hav9L3XbWJqfRzLkXWZaEiA7mla2u8KwiptExaR8_fJ9Oml4lxYz_A/s320/jamesnewsfgiantshat.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We Got a Hat (Lilly got one too!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdymIlegNQG1Bg89DcckBoUKCdfo8PVGy7a3zUaCpKcAWmFGqc8fvt247yUluM_Cy6T0yQ29vo7va02EaZKTl1LW6EnOEM2Y76Eppb-itdoj0GzD8pbE8Smi1DXxLI4rAFnlKxAp1zDWA/s1600/youarewelcome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdymIlegNQG1Bg89DcckBoUKCdfo8PVGy7a3zUaCpKcAWmFGqc8fvt247yUluM_Cy6T0yQ29vo7va02EaZKTl1LW6EnOEM2Y76Eppb-itdoj0GzD8pbE8Smi1DXxLI4rAFnlKxAp1zDWA/s320/youarewelcome.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And you are welcome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ummm....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4TVHorMtT4_syxWAQVonl2652iEA_WLMwaQIFGQHzLyXVUUvKB7QV2Ib0OlPY_Inds4D0lj2F6wvB9IhaTDmIHV7KVOXoBAJyRyThRbjICgHya6znMvxy-nGkkc89g2V270LhiGJcKM/s1600/newpjsandnotsure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4TVHorMtT4_syxWAQVonl2652iEA_WLMwaQIFGQHzLyXVUUvKB7QV2Ib0OlPY_Inds4D0lj2F6wvB9IhaTDmIHV7KVOXoBAJyRyThRbjICgHya6znMvxy-nGkkc89g2V270LhiGJcKM/s320/newpjsandnotsure.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ear Muffs, new Woody PJs and McQueen Slippers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not much to say to this...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">happymommy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">PS: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Please</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> go donate to my <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1812334809&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=reqwaciio1.app321a" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">3Day Walk</a> for the cure. Click <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1812334809&df_id=3089&FR_ID=1628&PROXY_ID=5557636&PROXY_TYPE=20&3089.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=reqwaciio1.app321a" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">here</a>, or look to your right, click on the 3Day widget and go donate a mazillion dollars! KTHXBAI! (Or don't, whichever!)</span></span></span></div>HappyRachaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00727049398809760984noreply@blogger.com2