all about dat baby

Maggie  is a MOM! 

If you click over to her blog it mostly looks like she is still pregnant, but don't be fooled I'm holding the proof in my first picture! I guess she is a little smitten with her little girl and being a Mom:) I don't blame her one little bit!

This is a much over due post of yet another wonderful visit to Chicago. This time it was to meet my newest Goddaughter Evelyn Lois! My best friend is a Mom!!! It's hard to believe and at the same time it isn't because she is such a natural!:) And of course as you all know I love being an Auntie. I feel so honored that they would choose me as Godmother to their sweet baby girl!   

I miss her so

 This restaurant was a delight! 

We had originally planned to sit out on their patio but the bee's were terrible, much to my reluctance and disappointment we took a seat inside:( Despite all of that we had a wonderful time talking and laughing together! The food was delicious and the drinks were especially good! I want the recipe for their white sangria, it was amazing!

 Evelyn's Christening gown passed on from her Great Grandmother Lois! How incredible is that? And she's named after her!:)

 Of course dominion had to happen in the screen porch, with my homemade sangria. Back in March when Maggie came to visit, we went to the local vineyard, but she couldn't have any wine (obv)! So.....what does the smart girl do? 

She buys a bottle of wine to make sangria after the sweet baby arrives! 

On her Baptismal day! She was a perfect little angle through the whole event! She even smiled as the water was being poured over her head:)

Thank you again Maggie and Charlie I miss you all so much!

The new years visit can't come soon enough!

Ciao,

Rachel

edges//the other side of the boards

Ok peeps I really like Christmas and all but why on earth is there a Christmas section in Target already? WHY? Seriously, that's insane! Earlier and earlier every year before you know it it'll be up year round ha ha ha! I won't lie though I walked through it and got really excited, but I will not start doing anything Christmas related until after Thanksgiving! That reminds me Grateful Fridays' start up again in November!

[to the rink]

Remember this post? Where I talked about how nervous I was about taking my first student to her first U.S. Figure skating test session. When the day finally came I was definitely nervous, my heart was beating out of my chest as I coached her from the boards during her warm up. The test session was held at my home club, so it was nice to see familiar faces around. Including one of the judges, who has judged quite a few of my tests and competitions. My student skated fabulously and passed both tests with flying colors! The said judge made a comment on one of her tests "you are being well taught" OK I basically almost lost it. I was so happy for my student, because she is a good little skater, and I was so relieved to know that I am doing a good job with my students. It's one of those things that you have a lot of guidance in how to teach the skills, other than your experience. To say that it was nice to know that I am doing a good job, is an understatement! I was pumped! Ha ha 

So yes all those nerves for nothing. I guess it just means that I care too much right?

Here's to a splendid Wednesday!

Ciao,

Rachel

   

weeked recap

Happy Monday, how was your weekend?

They always go by too quickly don't they? While most of the world is back to reality I am only partially back to reality! No work for me today other than coaching tonight! YAY 

Weekend

This weekend could have lasted forever. The weather was perfect to be outside and my nieces and nephews were having a blast playing outside in the fort! I was finally taking the time to mess around with settings on my camera. It's high time I stop using the intelligent auto setting. These are some of my favorites! 

Boy playing with chalk

vs.

a girl playing with chalk.

 I love this one

These two are practically inseparable. The bib is my sisters, our niece is literally obsessed with it, and will not take it off unless Hannah is going to eat and needs it. Then she is completely okay with giving it up, otherwise don't mess with the bib! She was outside without it on, she had to go back inside and wouldn't come back out, until her Mom figured out that she wanted the bib on! The girl knows what she wants! 

Have a lovely week!

Ciao,

Rachel

Secret gifting on the interwaves!

This past month I participated in the Etsy swap hosted by Amy and Meg. 

What it is?

It's kind of like a big online secret santa, with other bloggers! Meg and Amy give each person who signed up, someone to get a gift for, but it has to be from an Etsy shop! (I need to utilize Etsy more often) We get to know the person through "stalking" thier blog instagram etc.  

I got to shop for Madison of The Wetherills Say I Do! I had fun stalking her blog and instagram pictures!:) I wish I had some of her graphic design skills! You should definitely check out her sweet space, where she blogs about her faith, photography, fun linkups and SO much more! Her and another blogger just put together a blogging retreat!!! Seriously how awesome is that?! It looks like it was awesome!

I sort of forgot to take pictures of what I sent to her....whoops so you will have to go check out her blog to see what was inside her package!

Christina sent me the sweetest package! I loved every last bit of it! The card with her sweet note is even adorable! I love the print, it reminds me to take chances, have adventures and live life to the fullest! She even noticed from my blog that I enjoy reading the Classics. Do you know what that quote is from on the mug? One of my favorite plays and a really fun book to read! Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She gets my thing for The Paradise too, she's the first person I've talked to well written to who has even heard of it:) The candle smells like Christmas. I'm making myself wait until the Christmas season to light it though, when my tree is up!
Thank you so much Christina!

This was such a fun way to be introduced to other blogs and make new friends in the blogging world! Thank you so much for putting this together Meg and Amy!


Ciao,
Rachel   

Loving life

How do the weeks fly by so fast? So many things have been happening I feel like I can't keep up lately. My schedule is getting a little rediculous as well. I think I am getting a hold on it. It's difficult at times though. I am hardly ever home. Live life to the fullest though right? Do what you love, love what you do! 

* L O V I N G *

* This picture from the Jameson Factory in Dublin Ireland! It's my new desktop background and I want in on canvas ASAP! The colors are amazing and I would love that chandelier hanging in my future house some day. Who wouldn't?

* Being a figure skating coach. 

Why can't this be my full time job? It's pretty crazy people, I get so excited over the smallest accomplishments that my students make! It is a very difficult sport and to see them finally break through with a skill and get it, is a pretty amazing feeling! It's addicting actually! I think this topic needs it's own post, so that's all for now.

* The Paradise

I can't wait for Downton Abbey to start so I found this series on Netflix a couple of weeks ago and I'm hooked! It's another Masterpiece classic. It's no Downton but it's good and along the same lines except it's a ritzy shop instead of an estate. If you're a Downton Abbey lover you should check it out if you haven't:)

* Gingerberry kombucha tea

I really like kombucha tea to begin with but this flavor is delicious and so refreshing! I'm sipping it right now:)

 * My new macbook pro! Seriously this thing is great and I am sure there is a ton more that it can do that I don't know about yet. I am not very techie at all. Always learning.

I hope that you lovelies are having a fabulous week!

Ciao,

Rachel

split rock lighthouse

One of my last summer weekends was spent with my sister and her family in Duluth! I always love a trip to Duluth because it's only a few hours away and yet, it feels as if we went much further. I think it's because of the huge body of water. And I love a huge body of never ending water! My sister and I decided we wouldn't mind living there:) I think my runs would be much longer and my sister would start running! 

Weeks end

It's Monday night already? What just happened? I just sat down for what feels like the first time today. Today was definitely one of those blender days. I like them because they're a challenge, I am pooped though. I really should be in bed!!! I am going to regret this in the morning for sure ha ha it's already ten o'clock. I finally have a new computer though, so now all I want to do is sit down and blog, edit pictures and finally finish and order my photo album from Rome and Ireland!

My weekend started off with a tae kwon do tournament and then home to my parents. We celebrated my Dad's birthday, so all the siblings were home for the weekend:)

Even though that crisp cold fall air has arrived we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the fresh air. It was filled with apple picking from my parents apple tree and the neighbors trees. Making forts in the woods with the nieces and nephews, even Grandma and Grandpa were out there putting up a tarp for protection from the wind for them! Are they good Grandparents or what? And of course there was a bonfire and hide and seek! That's a must in the fall!

We ate lots of apple pie for the birthday celebration because my Dad loves pie and it's the season for it! My sister got lots of hugs and kisses from our niece (picture). She loves her Auntie Hannah SO much, I love how much she loves her! She was giving her so many kisses and hugs and asks to get up on her lap. The SWEETEST! Then I ask for a kiss and she won't give me one! I guess we know who her favorite Auntie is!:)

I hope you had a lovely weekend!
Ciao,
Rachel