Creating Memories

Rachel Hauckfamily 3 Comments

It’s Father’s Day. My dad has long since moved from this life to the next but he’s so real in our lives and in our way of living—from faith to family. This past week, we spent three days and four nights with family. Siblings. Cousins. Mom. Aunt and Uncle. It started when my maternal grandmother turned 100. Her two daughters …

Watching Over You

Rachel Hauckfamily 4 Comments

Despite the great rip-tide scare of 2015, my sister and her family made their third annual spring vacation trek to our house. We love it. My brother-in-law makes biscuits and gravy — my husband’s love language — and grills steaks. Yea, spring break is great for me! Ha! Note to self: do more of the cooking next year. Most of …

She’s 99!

Rachel Hauckfamily 3 Comments

My grandmother turned 99 on May 8th. We gathered a few weekends ago to celebrate her. And us. My brother Joel brought his granddaughter who would be my grandmother’s great, great granddaughter! I’ve never been in the presence of great-greats before! She’s the dark-haired beauty sitting with the nephew in the yellow t-shirt. Grandma was so happy when Lola decided …

Home Sweet Home

Rachel HauckACFW conference, Carol Award, Carol Johnson, cousins, family, friends, Janette Oke, Ohio, Ohio State football, Portsmouth, Susan May Warren 2 Comments

The past eleven days have been the most crazy, busy, fun days I’ve had in awhile. Sadly, all without my hubby. On the 11th I attended the Ohio State v. Miami Hurricanes game. I hadn’t been in the Horseshoe in over 23 years and was simply overwhelmed at the grandness of the stadium. Twenty-five years ago this December I graduated …

Five “New” People who touched my life in 2009

Rachel Hauckblessings, Connecting in 2009, family, friends, year in review 6 Comments

Two days before Christmas, I met my college friend Suzanne Brubaker (nee Cantwell) at a Starbucks south of Indianapolis. We talked for 3.5 hours. Not having seen each other in 15 years or so, exchanging only Christmas and Birthday notes throughout the years, I was confident the young woman who impacted me during sorority rush 24 years ago would impact …

Christmas Eve Eve

Rachel HauckChristmas gifts, family, surprises 4 Comments

I’m in Indianapolis visiting family, waiting for the Big Day. I already know one present. Hubby had to ask my opinion. I’m off to meet an old college friend for coffee, so more on that later, but what are some of your favorite Christmas memories or gifts. Do you like to be surprised or do you prefer to help pick …

The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

Rachel HauckChristmas books, Christmas teas, college football, family, holiday stories, The Great Christmas Bowl Leave a Comment

Okay, let me tell you my version of how this book came about. A few Novembers ago were in Nashville to attend our friend Anne Horch’s (nee Goldsmith) wedding. Friday night, Susie tuned into her son’s football game via the Internet. His team was in the championships. Saturday afternoon, as we got ready for the wedding, I watched the Ohio …

A weekend with family

Rachel Hauckfamily, kids, Knoxville, pictures 1 Comment

I drove to Knoxville for the weekend with Lola to see my Mom, baby brother and baby sister. Middle brother and big brother couldn’t make it. We had a blast. So fun to hang out, and run with the kids at the park. The closeness in Grandma’s living room got a bit… hmm… close! But it was worth it. My …

Sitting in Dunkin Donuts on a Wednesday morning

Rachel HauckDunkin Donuts, family, surrendering, Tennessee, writing 1 Comment

My car’s in the shop, thus I’ve been thrust into the Dunkin Donuts next door to wait and work. So far, resisting donuts has been easy. I do love a good donut, but hate the fat-and-I’m-still-hungry feeling that follows. All. Day. Tomorrow I take off for Tennessee to see my mom, youngest brother and youngest sister and their broods. I …