quick thoughts for the day

A short and sweet post.

Today is the big - we've been preparing for it since January - ballet recital for my daughters -- Hannah, Chloe and Grace.  It's a glorious day of celebration and artistry and joyfulness. I'd love your prayers for them -- that their day is a reflection of their hard work and dedication. And that it is fun -- lots of fun. :)

{Gracie prepping her hair -- love her concentration}

I'd also love your prayers for myself as I'm the photographer for the event.  I took photos last week for the dress rehearsal {and they turned out beautiful} -- and now today, I'll be taking them throughout the day -- backstage, on stage rehearsal and more. Pray for great functioning equipment, a good eye, great lighting, and that I, too, have fun. Lots of fun. :)

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And on a completely different note.

As you might remember I got to take part in this Blogher and Gatorade event {the one with the $100 giftcard giveaway}.  I've been looking {I know, I know, I know -- kind of silly} to see my promo in the Blogher sidebar ad.  It probably says, "see how Rachel, from finding joy, helps her athletes Become."  Anyways, I know it's out there -- I've gotten hits from various blogs that have the running sidebar.  I just haven't seen it myself.

Here's my silly question. If you come across the ad on another blog, would you screencap it and save it for me? hee hee hee....I feel like I'm about ten again wanting to see my artwork.  :)

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That's it for this Saturday morning!  I'm off to put Gracie's hair into the perfect ballet bun, check that the camera batteries are fully charged, pull out those energy bars, and get ready for a whirlwind day of activity!

~rachel

that girl can jump --- and awesome giveaway

I'm linking up with Hannah's lovely photo wednesday with {ironically} a photo of my Hannah.  

Jumping.

In a way that I simply cannot jump. And certainly I could not jump like that and maintain any form of a smile. Or remember to put my arms up. Or point my toes. For that,  I'm so thankful for their dedicated instructors at North Ballet Academy who help train my daughters -- as athletic and graceful ballet dancers.

{that girl can jump}

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And don't miss out!! --  I had the amazing opportunity to participate in a webinar with Gatorade and Stephanie Hamm {Mia Hamm, the Olympic Gold Medal Soccer player's mother} in mid May thanks to my publishing network,  Blogher.   See that picture above? That's in my post -- you're going to want to read it to see what I learned. And to see Hannah balancing on just her toes.

Visit my {new} giveaway and review blog for a chance to win a
 $100 giftcard to Dick's Sporting Goods.
 Yes, $100 for whatever you want. For free. Love that! 

click here to enter

Thanks so much for supporting me in this venture. If you could enter {it's super super easy} and/or tweet and/or blog and/or facebook about it I would so appreciate it. :)

~rachel

the (very beautiful) legacy bracelet give-away

**giveaway now closed**

{my legacy bracelet in bella}

This is the hardest give-away post I've ever written. I think I've got such emotional attachment to this extraordinary piece of jewelry that I'm afraid my words won't do enough justice.

Each bracelet is custom made. With your photos. Of those dear to you. See my Samuel on my arm? That could be your photo. Your children. Your love. Your memories. Your story.

Births, Anniversaries, Mother's Day, Remembrance, Family. Personalized.

I've already been stopped by individuals asking about it. And it gets me talking. Remembering. About my kids. About Samuel. And Celiac Disease. And hope. Joy.

The winner of this giveaway will receive one Legacy Bracelet in the Bella Design. You'll simply choose your favorite photos and send them to Legacy Bracelets. You could also choose a saying or a Bible verse if your kiddos don't fill up the band - like my seven kids did. ;)

It's one of a kind. It's personal.

And Legacy Bracelets is incredibly dear to my heart -- Amy {the same Amy I write about, the one who sat next to me in the hospital with Samuel, and my dear dear friend}-- is one of the owners of Legacy Bracelets. And I can tell you, can guarantee you, that each piece is created not only to perfection but with intense care and love. Her passion and zest for life is reflected in the quality and beauty of the work.

I am honored to give one away.

Would love one of your own? Here's how to win your own Bella Bracelet (a $60 value)...

Mandatory Entry 

~Tell me who the bracelet would be for.
You? Your mother? A daughter? Friend?
Let me know, and you're entered to win!

Extra Entries (1 each)

~Tell me what design you like best at Legacy Bracelets

{ http://www.legacybracelets.com/ }
~Facebook, tweet, or blog this giveaway {extra entry for each one you do}

~Follow finding joy {and if you do just let me know}

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

 This is to make sure that all your comments count, and to help my tired brain tally.  Giveaway runs from today (the 6th) and ends on the 12th, CST. Winner will be announced on the 13th!
 And who knows? It could be you. :)

{ legal stuff -- this giveaway is for a bracelet donated by legacy bracelets valued at $64.20 USD.
I did not receive any additional compensation for doing this giveaway.}