Look how good Cuzzie looks! We are so proud of you! Can't wait to come visit!
To the Rockin' G Support Team:
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers... they are working... keep them coming!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Drew Newell
A week ago today a friend of mine, Drew Newell, was killed by a drunk driver. He and his family were on their way home from Thanksgiving in South Carolina when they were rear-ended. His mom and sister survived and but his father is in critical condition... the family blog is the Newell Report on the left side of this page.
Drew and I worked together at LoneStar. He was one of those people who always had a smile on their face... he lit up the room. He lived life to the fullest and was all around a great guy... This world needs more people like Drew, not fewer... he will certainly be missed.
Below is a posting from his best friend... it sums up true friendship and gives some insight in to the kind of guy that Drew was... I can only hope to have this kind of impact on another person and leave the world better than I found it... Thankfully we have another angel in Heaven watching over us now...
Dear Drew
By: Brian Mayfield
Drew,You were truly the best friend that I could have ever asked for. You were my go-to guy, my homie... my dawg, as we always said. It seems like all of my awesome memories from the past few years have you right there beside me in every one. We were the "Boone Boys", those rednecks in Colorado that always wore our Panthers jerseys while we snowboarded. Number 89 on me, number 90 on you...we rocked those out every Sunday, that was sick. They are both hanging up in my room now, right above the football that we used to throw almost everyday. It's really cool to look at the football, one the right side, all of the leather is missing from my right hand where my thumb gripped, and on the other side, your left hand is clearly worn through, too. I'm so glad that we hung on to that thing, it will always be a reminder to me of all the incredible times we had together. You were always down for whatever crazy plan I had, whether it be Wilmington, Costa Rica, Colorado, or the Spring Break trip we were supposed to take together this March. Thank you so much for being there with me for all of the adventures, the ups(camping on the beach in Costa) and the downs(camping on Buffalo Pass when it was snowing in August). You were always the voice of reason when we were doing something crazy, always keeping us in check. I always felt a huge responsibility to take care of you since I was the older one, but we all knew that it was really you watching out for me. I know that you will continue to watch after me and be that voice in the back of my head when I reach a fork in the road. Life goes on, but it will never be the same without you. I love you so much, and I'm just so grateful that we had a close enough friendship to be able to tell each other that while you were still here with me. I have no regrets, I know that you knew I loved you like a brother and I will never stop. Can't wait to see you on the other side...
Pura Vida,-Lunchbox
Drew and I worked together at LoneStar. He was one of those people who always had a smile on their face... he lit up the room. He lived life to the fullest and was all around a great guy... This world needs more people like Drew, not fewer... he will certainly be missed.
Below is a posting from his best friend... it sums up true friendship and gives some insight in to the kind of guy that Drew was... I can only hope to have this kind of impact on another person and leave the world better than I found it... Thankfully we have another angel in Heaven watching over us now...
Dear Drew
By: Brian Mayfield
Drew,You were truly the best friend that I could have ever asked for. You were my go-to guy, my homie... my dawg, as we always said. It seems like all of my awesome memories from the past few years have you right there beside me in every one. We were the "Boone Boys", those rednecks in Colorado that always wore our Panthers jerseys while we snowboarded. Number 89 on me, number 90 on you...we rocked those out every Sunday, that was sick. They are both hanging up in my room now, right above the football that we used to throw almost everyday. It's really cool to look at the football, one the right side, all of the leather is missing from my right hand where my thumb gripped, and on the other side, your left hand is clearly worn through, too. I'm so glad that we hung on to that thing, it will always be a reminder to me of all the incredible times we had together. You were always down for whatever crazy plan I had, whether it be Wilmington, Costa Rica, Colorado, or the Spring Break trip we were supposed to take together this March. Thank you so much for being there with me for all of the adventures, the ups(camping on the beach in Costa) and the downs(camping on Buffalo Pass when it was snowing in August). You were always the voice of reason when we were doing something crazy, always keeping us in check. I always felt a huge responsibility to take care of you since I was the older one, but we all knew that it was really you watching out for me. I know that you will continue to watch after me and be that voice in the back of my head when I reach a fork in the road. Life goes on, but it will never be the same without you. I love you so much, and I'm just so grateful that we had a close enough friendship to be able to tell each other that while you were still here with me. I have no regrets, I know that you knew I loved you like a brother and I will never stop. Can't wait to see you on the other side...
Pura Vida,-Lunchbox
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thankful
I'm thankful for:
My amazing husband, parents, family, in laws, cousins, my grandfather, turkey, a Thanksgiving phone call from my brother, Dad's Strawberry Daquris, a safe car trip, a fun trip to Boone with my sister and brother, snowflakes, sitting in a cramped truck, LuLu in my lap, donations to the Men's shelter, the DeMasters, Sarah's new brakes, Officer Click, memories of Boone, college friends, Drew's smile, our home, our friends, our neighbors, DVR, Chris- our Christmas Tree, colored lights, homemade ornaments, Appalachian State, hippies, flag football, having more than I could hope for, the anticipation of the Christmas season, having people in my life that make me want to be more, do more, give more....
I'm thankful for you.
My amazing husband, parents, family, in laws, cousins, my grandfather, turkey, a Thanksgiving phone call from my brother, Dad's Strawberry Daquris, a safe car trip, a fun trip to Boone with my sister and brother, snowflakes, sitting in a cramped truck, LuLu in my lap, donations to the Men's shelter, the DeMasters, Sarah's new brakes, Officer Click, memories of Boone, college friends, Drew's smile, our home, our friends, our neighbors, DVR, Chris- our Christmas Tree, colored lights, homemade ornaments, Appalachian State, hippies, flag football, having more than I could hope for, the anticipation of the Christmas season, having people in my life that make me want to be more, do more, give more....
I'm thankful for you.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Quote of the Day
“ In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with. ”
- Brian Tracy (b. 1944) author, motivational speaker
- Brian Tracy (b. 1944) author, motivational speaker
Monday, November 12, 2007
Panthers Game
Mike and I got up really early to drive home from Boone for the Panthers vs. Falcons game. It was a close game right until the end. An absolutely beautiful day for football, Club level seats... AWESOME!
We took Sara and Shelley to the game and had a BLAST!!
Back to Boone we go!
Friday night, dinner at Beth and Jims- whatever Jim cooks, I'm eating.... A-MAZING! We had chicken-sausage pasta with salad for dinner... some Killer Juice wine... I wish I could better describe the meal, as Jim is an incredible chef!
Late night- to Shaun and Erin's to prep for the weekend of fun. Baked 3 loaves of Banana bread and some fruit for breakfast... and we are up and on our way to Boone.
Way too cold to camp this weekend... staying in the luxurious Red Carpet Inn (they allow dogs, ok??)
Late night- to Shaun and Erin's to prep for the weekend of fun. Baked 3 loaves of Banana bread and some fruit for breakfast... and we are up and on our way to Boone.
Way too cold to camp this weekend... staying in the luxurious Red Carpet Inn (they allow dogs, ok??)
Shaun, Erin, Mike and I headed up the mountain, getting there at about 9am to meet Van and friends in the lot for some tailgating fun. Van bought an awesome custom pig cooker (there has to be a technical name for this... I don't know what it is though).
He cooked a 100 lb pig and made THE most amazing mustard apricot BBQ sauce. We battled Western Carolina for the Old Mountain Jug, though I don't know that you could call it a "Battle" 79-35 is almost laughable. Mike and I have a pact not to leave games early, we always make fun of people who do... PS- it was FREEZING and we left at half-time... Which means we got to go to my favorite- El Gato de Negro, or for or non-Spanish speaking friends, Black Cat. AWE-SOME! I'm such a sucker for Black Cat! Off to the Red Carpet Inn for a crazy night of partying... hardly! We had a few drinks and called it an early night.
SO much fun with Shaun and Erin and their pups, Addi and Wilson.
Turk-Out, Halloween, Family and Friends
Friday night SaeRae stopped by for a glass... okay bottle... of wine and some time with her God Dog. Then we had Keith & Zoe and Shaun & Erin over for an impromptu night of fun.
Saturday morning Mike and I made apple dumplings for the Turk Out and cupcakes for the Halloween Party. We headed to Winston for Jeremiah and Erin's annual Turk-Out. We got to see Mike Cline- highlight of the trip- and had some yummy fried turkey.
After the turk out we headed home for dinner with Mom and Dad, Pop, Kerry and Brad. LuLu Belle got to play with her cousins and we had a blast! Mom made steak and chicken and baked potatoes for dinner and Dad made the Pina Colodas... tasty!
After dinner we headed to Christy Sayre's Halloween bash... SO much fun! (Who else gets to go to a Thanksgiving and Halloween party in the same day!?!?) I raided Mom and Dad's attic and we created our own costumes :)
Mom and Dad came to pick us up at about 1:00 am... yes, they must really love us to come pick us up from a party at 1:00 am... then I talked Mom's ear off until she snuck off to bed... hehehe
The hunter and the Killer Bee
Mike says " I feel like this picture has happened before"
This is something that we would've done in high school... so good to see old friends!!
I love these girls!!
Flip Cup Tourney
Mr. and Mrs. Sayre
What a GREAT night!!
Sunday morning was brunch and hot tub time with the fam. Kerry and Brad ran a half marathon- CRAZIES! I've tried to talk Mike into a 5K... we've decided running isn't our thing, but we'll be there for the celebration afterwards!
We watched football all afternoon (by that I mean slept on the couch and hung out with Pop) and headed back home.
Seriously, the most fun-filled weekend we've had in a while!!
Weekend at "home"
October 27, 2007
Should've been a weekend at home...
Woke up super early Saturday morning, decided to drive to the Lexington BBQ Festival... SO much fun! Met Mom and Dad C at the Festival, walked around, ate some BBQ, watched the country music acts on the main stage... etc. It was a great start to the weekend!
Relaxed the rest of the weekend, watched football, had a blast.
PS- we carved our pumpkins but didn't take pictures before they molded, ewww.
Should've been a weekend at home...
Woke up super early Saturday morning, decided to drive to the Lexington BBQ Festival... SO much fun! Met Mom and Dad C at the Festival, walked around, ate some BBQ, watched the country music acts on the main stage... etc. It was a great start to the weekend!
Relaxed the rest of the weekend, watched football, had a blast.
PS- we carved our pumpkins but didn't take pictures before they molded, ewww.
Black Saturday
The weekend in 6 bullets:
* 6 people, 3 dogs, 1 camper... loads of fun!
* Yummy tailgate with great friends
* My boss and his wife in attendance (GSU fans, boo)
* Beer, Macados, a boss to pay for beer- woohoo!
* Georgia Southern beats ASU... boo
* A bee-yoo-tiful day on the Parkway
A few pictures of the weekend:
Lu Lu and her sisters 
Our "family"Sunday, October 21, 2007
Raquel's Wedding
Last weekend Mike and I went to Winston Salem for Raquel and John's wedding.
LuLu stayed at Grandma's, Grandma and Austin took good care of her!
Mike and I stayed at home, and it was wonderful as always... Momma C gave me my Halloween surprise took, a singing haunted tree... i LOVE it, I've been dancing around the house to it.
Raquel's wedding was beautiful... here is a link to the slideshow http://allurephotous.com/WardBacon_files/WardBacon.html
After the wedding, we went to dinner with Mike Cline and Nikki and finally got to meet the infamous Cooper. LuLu has a crush on him now.
Saturday night we hung out with Nikki, Brandon and Kim and JO and Ally... it was a puppy party at Brandon and Kim's... LuLu made friends with LouLou and Kona (too cute!) and was exhausted by the end of the night.
We spent Saturday night with JO and Ally at Ally's place... Ally made yummy breakfast the next morning and we were off to hang out with the family. Grandma bought pizza (yum!) and we got the hang out at Sissy and Larry's house... it was good to see everyone!
We are so thankful for time with family and friends!
LuLu stayed at Grandma's, Grandma and Austin took good care of her!
Mike and I stayed at home, and it was wonderful as always... Momma C gave me my Halloween surprise took, a singing haunted tree... i LOVE it, I've been dancing around the house to it.
Raquel's wedding was beautiful... here is a link to the slideshow http://allurephotous.com/WardBacon_files/WardBacon.html
After the wedding, we went to dinner with Mike Cline and Nikki and finally got to meet the infamous Cooper. LuLu has a crush on him now.
Saturday night we hung out with Nikki, Brandon and Kim and JO and Ally... it was a puppy party at Brandon and Kim's... LuLu made friends with LouLou and Kona (too cute!) and was exhausted by the end of the night.
We spent Saturday night with JO and Ally at Ally's place... Ally made yummy breakfast the next morning and we were off to hang out with the family. Grandma bought pizza (yum!) and we got the hang out at Sissy and Larry's house... it was good to see everyone!
We are so thankful for time with family and friends!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Another great weekend in Boone... I love this place!
My girl SaeRae!
Rockin' G Support Team... we love you Cuz!
Perfect LuLu... we LOVE her!
The greatest place on Earth!
Tailgating, friends, family, Homecoming- big win!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Team building
So Friday the XPEDX sales force took the day off to go to the US National Whitewater Center just outside of Charlotte, NC. We did the low ropes course in the morning, followed by lunch and the whitewater rafting. Check out these pictures... the guy in the green shorts middle of this picture is my boss... this picture was taken shortly before he fell out of the boat... heck, at least he was a good sport!
Here is my boat. I learned... that I work with some really fun people!
Here is my boat. I learned... that I work with some really fun people!
We should send the boys out of town more often!
We should send the boys out of town more often! This weekend has been great- relaxing, refreshing, productive... and fun! Friday night was spent with my Beach Girls... how I love them! Becca made yummy snack food, everyone brought drinks, and we sat around a chatted the night away. It still truly amazes me that 6 girls who met when we were 14 years old still have so much in common twelve years later. We've gone to different schools, moved around, been a part of each others weddings, gone through good times and bad... and have somehow managed to have an amazing friendship through it all.
Saturday gave us the chance to celebrate Keith and Zoe's upcoming nuptials... we picked out our dresses... yay! We also went to William R. Davies park to see the reception site- talk about a fun time! The space is awesome... and outside is just a cool- horseshoes, volleyball, badmitton.... seriously, how fun is that? They have some great ideas and I can't wait for April!
Saturday night took us to Erin's house in Villa Heights, an up and coming area in Charlotte. Zoe made monster burgers, we grilled out, sipped some drinks, and met some of Erin's friends... it was a great time for sure!
Sunday has been Rachel and LuLu time- we've snuggled on the couch (don't tell Mike), watched football and are going for a walk to the creek in a little bit. She has turned out to be the coolest dog! She is so smart and has really started to listen to what we want her to do... she is even learning to jump into the car!
So, here's to another great week at work...
Saturday gave us the chance to celebrate Keith and Zoe's upcoming nuptials... we picked out our dresses... yay! We also went to William R. Davies park to see the reception site- talk about a fun time! The space is awesome... and outside is just a cool- horseshoes, volleyball, badmitton.... seriously, how fun is that? They have some great ideas and I can't wait for April!
Saturday night took us to Erin's house in Villa Heights, an up and coming area in Charlotte. Zoe made monster burgers, we grilled out, sipped some drinks, and met some of Erin's friends... it was a great time for sure!
Sunday has been Rachel and LuLu time- we've snuggled on the couch (don't tell Mike), watched football and are going for a walk to the creek in a little bit. She has turned out to be the coolest dog! She is so smart and has really started to listen to what we want her to do... she is even learning to jump into the car!
So, here's to another great week at work...
Mountaineers Fall to No. 13 Wofford, 42-31
Mountaineers Fall to No. 13 Wofford, 42-31
by Appalachian Sports Information
September 22, 2007 - SPARTANBURG, S.C. — No. 13 Wofford ran for 291 yards and converted 11-of-19 third-down attempts to knock off top-ranked Appalachian State University, 42-31, on Saturday afternoon at Gibbs Stadium. Appalachian’s first setback in 385 days snapped the nation’s longest winning streak at 17 games.
by Appalachian Sports Information
September 22, 2007 - SPARTANBURG, S.C. — No. 13 Wofford ran for 291 yards and converted 11-of-19 third-down attempts to knock off top-ranked Appalachian State University, 42-31, on Saturday afternoon at Gibbs Stadium. Appalachian’s first setback in 385 days snapped the nation’s longest winning streak at 17 games.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Where exactly is Appalachian State?
While I wish this didn't end with Miss Teen South Carolina... at least somebody gave her a second chance!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Remembering
Today marks 6 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks... where were you when you heard the news? Kyle and I were in Sociology at Appalachian just after the first plane hit... he was the one who told me. I remember thinking- how could they run into a building, how come they didn't see it? I'm so lucky to live in a country where I feel safe... the thought of an attack never crossed my mind... The second plane hit during class... and mass panic struck.
I think today about all of the people who lost loved ones on September 11th. How many of their kids started Kindergarten this year? How many people are just learning to love again? How many parents had to bury their children? Are they healing?
And I try to think of the good that came out of the day...
I think of the firefighters, police officers, Good Samaritans and volunteers that sprung into action to help put the pieces back together again... we are lucky to live in a country where people do good deeds, care for one another, give unselfishly of themselves.
I feel lucky to have troops fighting overseas to protect us... so that I can have the freedom that I took for granted 6 years ago... and that I respect so much more now. If we remember only one day a year, stop to think how lucky we are, how many wonderful things have happened in the past 6 years... I graduated from college, met Mike and fell in love, got married, took my first real job, bought a home, spent time with my family and friends, got to know my grandparents, celebrated another 8 years with Mom... all things that make America an amazing place to live...
So today I want to thank you for being a part of my life... for teaching me, loving me, supporting me... thank you to our troops, our volunteers, our country's leaders. I challenge you to live every day to the fullest, give back, love your neighbors, try hard to do your best... we aren't promised tomorrow... so let's be thankful for each and every day!
I think today about all of the people who lost loved ones on September 11th. How many of their kids started Kindergarten this year? How many people are just learning to love again? How many parents had to bury their children? Are they healing?
And I try to think of the good that came out of the day...
I think of the firefighters, police officers, Good Samaritans and volunteers that sprung into action to help put the pieces back together again... we are lucky to live in a country where people do good deeds, care for one another, give unselfishly of themselves.
I feel lucky to have troops fighting overseas to protect us... so that I can have the freedom that I took for granted 6 years ago... and that I respect so much more now. If we remember only one day a year, stop to think how lucky we are, how many wonderful things have happened in the past 6 years... I graduated from college, met Mike and fell in love, got married, took my first real job, bought a home, spent time with my family and friends, got to know my grandparents, celebrated another 8 years with Mom... all things that make America an amazing place to live...
So today I want to thank you for being a part of my life... for teaching me, loving me, supporting me... thank you to our troops, our volunteers, our country's leaders. I challenge you to live every day to the fullest, give back, love your neighbors, try hard to do your best... we aren't promised tomorrow... so let's be thankful for each and every day!
Our anniversary
Mike whisked me away for a wonderful anniversary trip last weekend... We went to the Biltmore in the morning, watched ASU beat Michigan, then had a wonderful anniversary dinner... Mike even remembered to bring our wedding cake! The girls also sent a bottle of wine, strawberries, a cute pic of us and new wine glasses- seriously, we have the best friends ever! :)
Sunday we went to the Chalet Club in Lake Lure which was awesome, we were the youngest people there by far, but had an absolute blast. We played cards and shuffleboard and floated on the lake, took the boats out... it was so nice to spend some time together- just the two of us. This has been the best year of my life- my husband is incredible!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Proud of our Mountaineers!
Friday, August 31, 2007
One year and counting...
Monday marks our first anniversary as husband and wife... and what an awesome year it has been!
We are headed to the mountains for the weekend... be home Tuesday!
Love,
Rachel and Mike
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
A Very Guenther Weekend!
As Guenthers do, the Guenthers rallied this weekend to come to Charlotte and build LuLu dog a fence of her very own... and it was a great weekend... thanks guys! We now have an awesome privacy fence in our yard, and Mike and I spent Sunday afternoon relaxing in the pool, enjoying the new view.
Keith has all but moved in at our house and has been Mike's right hand man through the whole process... we are so lucky to have Keith and Zoe in our lives... with them and SaeRae and our other great friends here... we've created our own Charlotte family.
We also celebrated 8 more years of Mom being cancer free and watched another of Kyle's triathalons... he is becoming quite the triathelete!
I'm off to the backyard to watch Mikey build a gate and hang out in the pool... no football till 10:20 tonight.
Rach
Keith has all but moved in at our house and has been Mike's right hand man through the whole process... we are so lucky to have Keith and Zoe in our lives... with them and SaeRae and our other great friends here... we've created our own Charlotte family.
We also celebrated 8 more years of Mom being cancer free and watched another of Kyle's triathalons... he is becoming quite the triathelete!
I'm off to the backyard to watch Mikey build a gate and hang out in the pool... no football till 10:20 tonight.
Rach
Friday, August 24, 2007
The greenest grass and the bluest sky...
527 feet from home plate! (And trying to block the lady leaning against the sign)
"Chipper is going to hit me a home run"... Mike to Rachel just before this picture!
Look at those ups!
Our gracious hosts Kyle and Leah... what a great weekend!
Mike finally got to see the greenest grass and the bluest sky... and it was awesome!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
LuLu Update
LuLu went to the vet for her 14 week check up yesterday... Though she is not a big fan of people shining things in her eyes... she might've growled at the Vet a little... she did remarkably well other than that.
BIG NEWS- she is now 27 pounds!!! They are expecting her to be between 70-90 pounds when she is full grown...
BIG NEWS- she is now 27 pounds!!! They are expecting her to be between 70-90 pounds when she is full grown...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Georgia on my mind...
Mike and I spent Saturday morning exploring the Georgia Aquarium http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/, Wow! This place is absolutely amazing... We loved the giant crabs, beluga whales, whale sharks and otters! Due to a highly classified Japanese technology, the 2 foot thick glass is seamless, and really allows you to feel as though you are part of the exhibits. In one really cool part, you are 15 feet under water, and get the view of North American lakes and rivers- a bass fisherman's dream... it was neat to see and experience such a cool place. 
When you go, buy tickets in advance online, and go EARLY in the morning... it is super crowded and the lines are long if you aren't prepared...
We give it five stars!
After the aquarium we took a walk through Olympic Park to the CNN Center and then The Varsity http://www.thevarsity.com/, delicious, trans fat free but still terrible for you, food. Yay for vacations! We enjoyed the rest of the day at Kyle and Leah's new place... too cute! LuLu played with her cousin Tyson and had a blast! After a little rest we headed to the Braves Game... a lifelong dream of Mike's to see the greenest grass and the bluest sky! Though we didn't win, we certainly had a blast! Here are a few pictures of the weekend... I'll post the Bravo's pics as soon as I upload them!
When you go, buy tickets in advance online, and go EARLY in the morning... it is super crowded and the lines are long if you aren't prepared...We give it five stars!
After the aquarium we took a walk through Olympic Park to the CNN Center and then The Varsity http://www.thevarsity.com/, delicious, trans fat free but still terrible for you, food. Yay for vacations! We enjoyed the rest of the day at Kyle and Leah's new place... too cute! LuLu played with her cousin Tyson and had a blast! After a little rest we headed to the Braves Game... a lifelong dream of Mike's to see the greenest grass and the bluest sky! Though we didn't win, we certainly had a blast! Here are a few pictures of the weekend... I'll post the Bravo's pics as soon as I upload them!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Happy, HEALTHY!
Good news came today! Mom has gone another 8 years and the cancer is no where to be found! YAY! This is a monumental mark in our family... Mom, we are so happy to celebrate the great news with you this weekend... and so very proud of you!
LuLu Belle Clifton
We welcome the newest member of our family... Lu Lu Clifton... We adopted LuLu from a family who could no longer take care of her and are so happy to have her! She is a lab mix, about 14 weeks old and is full of energy! Many more pictures and updates to come!
Our very first blog
Thanks to Leah and Kyle... we are also joining the 21st century.... blogging, a great way to share updates on our crazy, busy lives! Thanks for the idea guys!
Much more to come!
Much more to come!
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