Congratulations!

My little brother tied the knot with the beautiful Stacey over the weekend. Never have I seen two people more in love. Congrats you two!!!



Bride and Groom slicing their cake.

What a beautiful couple!

. . . and what an awkward couple ; ) File this one away kids because it's not often you see us dancing. We are the MOST awkward dancers. EVER. Seriously.

My brothers, Stacey and I.

Tim and I at the temple.

All gussied up!

Silly girl couldn't get enough of her new favorite sport: chair pushing :)

This is one time where I actually think Gracie looks a little more like me, so I had to include it!

Congrats again from all of us!

Random Catch Up

You may have noticed my lack in blogging lately. Just haven't been in the mood :) Here's a few pictures from the last little while:

A (very!) few pictures from San Diego:



Just us bugs.

Gracie and Gramps enjoying the Zebras.

The San Diego provided much more than an array wildlife; what a workout!

3D movie at Sea World.

Gracie loved the whales!

Carousel on the beach.

The beach :)

And a (very!) few pictures from Halloween:

Our little Halloween garden fairy.

Reminder!!

Remember to join me in helping to raise money for little Maryn at the Hope for Maryn 5k run/1 mile walk Saturday October 24, 2009. Registration begins at 8:00 am and is $20.00 for individuals and $50.00 for families. The race begins at 9:00 am at Celebration Pointe in the Ogden Business Depot. Please, please join us!!

You may contact me at timandsteph.rodarte@yahoo.com with any questions.

Black Island Farms

We enjoyed an evening at Black Island Farms this weekend with our friends. I'm certain we've started a new tradition. Not only did Gracie have a fantastic time, so did Tim and I :)



Gracie is slightly concerned about being buried in the corn box.

us :)

Down we go!

Us, again.

Gracie (and I!) LOVED the slides!

We also enjoyed the train. Well, maybe I mostly enjoyed the train!

Gracie helping Carter escape the corn.

Really, she loved the slides!

To All

Overcast skies inspire reflection . . . .

Life is about relationships. Life is about how you affect the lives of those you meet. I often think of those who affect mine. My family who assisted in forming my foundation and who continue to provide me with experiences to grow. Friends, past and present, who have more of an influence than they realize. Acquaintances who may not even remember me, but are remembered by me. Strangers who don't know me, but have participated in my life. Everyone leaves something of themselves behind. Everyone I meet is special to me. Everyone shares of themselves even if it's unwillingly or unknowingly.
The combination of all those relationships, brief encounters or long, are important to me. If you're reading this blog and know me or have ever met me, you've affected my life. I want you to know that I appreciate your contribution. I'm thankful for whatever relationship we have or have had. I've learned important lessons from you. I've been challenged, bolstered, and changed in some way because of you.

Such a Big Helper :)

I asked Gracie to get some tissue to wipe her nose. Here's what she brought:

Please help spread the word:

To all who read this... please help me spread the word about a 5K Run/Walk organized by Alison Jenkins for a little girl named Maryn Cella. Post this on your blog, or pass it along on Facebook. Any exposure we can get helps! If you are interested in informational flyers for your work, local businesses, etc. Please let me know and I will pass along the information to Alison.

Event: Hope for Maryn 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk

Date: Saturday October 24, 2009

Location: Celebration Pointe Reception Center
located in the Business Depot - Ogden, UT

Time: Registration starts at 8:00 am; Race starts at 9:00 am

Registration: Same-day sign-up before the race at Celebration Pointe Reception Center

Cost: $20.00 (includes shirt for 1st 75 people)
$50.00 family pass (2 adults, up to 5 children under the age of 15) Includes 2 shirts.
Strollers/Wagons free
**please for the safety of all participants no bikes or dogs.

Montetary contributions will also be accepted

Other Details:

The 5K route can be walked or ran. There will also be a 1 mile route for walking.

We will time the run but since it is a charitable event we will not use a professional timing service. To make sure that you get an accurate time, we suggest you bring your own stopwatch.

There will be a raffle for prizes at the end of the race.

Prizes will be given to the first runner, walker, and stroller/wagon at the finish.

One last thing... we are also in need of sponsors for prizes, food, and $ for the T-shirts. If you know of any local businesses, your own business, or have a little bit of $ to help out we would REALLY appreciate it! All sponsors will have their names printed on the back of the T-shirts.


About Maryn:
On June 17, 2009 Maryn was diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was given 9-12 months to live. We are raising money to help with some treatments that could extend her lifespan. One of which is treatment at the Burzinski Clinic in Texas. People who have been treated there live 4-5 times longer. The cost is $100,000. We are also working with the Maryn's Hope Foundation that is helping to work towards a cure. More information can be found at https://marynshopefoundation.org/

A message from Alison (the event organizer): After reading Maryn's story on my cousin's blog I really felt like I needed to do something. I couldn't get her out of my mind. The day she was diagnosed was my birthday. Maybe that is why I feel some connection. All I know is that we need to have hope, pray for a miracle, and give this little girl the best life she can have for the rest of her time here.