It's a Girl!
...and now for a name.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Skimming through a friend's blog, I realized just how much I've neglected ours. I guess I never put too much time or effort into it to begin with. I'm hoping that's going to change. I really do think it's a neat idea on a much more personal level. You'll have to be patient with me as I update and try to remember how to navigate through it.
I'll be back soon.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
We have been doing a ton of traveling this summer. I love to travel and enjoy the experiences with friends and family. It seems that no matter where you go or what happens to you when your there, your travels give you a story tell. I hope that some day our travels will take us over seas.
"A travel adventure has no substitute. It is the ultimate experience, your one big opportunity for flair."~Rosalind Massow
Saturday, July 4, 2009
You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism ~~
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Let's see....
The past couple of months have been a little bit crazy to say the least. We just got back from a 3 week excursion. First stop, was Boise, ID. Dom's company (Sunset Racing Events) put on the Boise 70.3, a half Ironman distance triathlon. The following weekend we were an hour north of Boise in Garden Valley, ID where his company again put on another HUGE event. This would be a weekend long event (3days) called the PRE which stands for the Payette River Experience. It started on Friday and ended Sunday. There were kayaking and rafting races, bungee surfing, running and Mtn. biking race also trap shooting and fly fishing competitions. They also had a huge expo set up with different vendors, massages, wine tastings etc. My parents were able to make it down and my dad and I entered the fly fishing competition. Neither one of use caught a fish...Grr! It was fun anyways. We had a blast with Dom's nephew Alexander who came out for the week to work with Dom. The 3 of us spent a day white water Kayaking...what a BLAST!!! We talked about how much fun we had for 2 days straight. After the PRE, we began our two day drive through Oregon to the coast for my brother Lance's wedding. That also was a ton of fun! Kady loved the beach and the carousel (kind of) and it was great to spend so much time with all of my family. We then drove home through California spending the first night with my Uncle in Redding and the 2nd night camping in Yosemite National Park. We are planning another camping trip in Yosemite since we didn't get to see any of the cool stuff we wanted. Besides it's breathtakingly beautiful. Our last day was spent driving through Death Valley @ 120*...Ouch! It also was beautiful in a baron, desolate kind of way. I'd love to drive back through again in the Spring when the flowers are in bloom. Kadence was a CHAMP!! We drove multiple 7 hour days and she couldn't have been better or more patient (wherever she got that from *wink*). So, that brings us to the night we arrived home and...well, I can't share the rest just yet but I'll keep you posted =o) As for now, it's back to laundry and more packing. We are off to spend the week in Myrtle Beach with Dom's parents. Can't wait!!!
Much Love <3
The past couple of months have been a little bit crazy to say the least. We just got back from a 3 week excursion. First stop, was Boise, ID. Dom's company (Sunset Racing Events) put on the Boise 70.3, a half Ironman distance triathlon. The following weekend we were an hour north of Boise in Garden Valley, ID where his company again put on another HUGE event. This would be a weekend long event (3days) called the PRE which stands for the Payette River Experience. It started on Friday and ended Sunday. There were kayaking and rafting races, bungee surfing, running and Mtn. biking race also trap shooting and fly fishing competitions. They also had a huge expo set up with different vendors, massages, wine tastings etc. My parents were able to make it down and my dad and I entered the fly fishing competition. Neither one of use caught a fish...Grr! It was fun anyways. We had a blast with Dom's nephew Alexander who came out for the week to work with Dom. The 3 of us spent a day white water Kayaking...what a BLAST!!! We talked about how much fun we had for 2 days straight. After the PRE, we began our two day drive through Oregon to the coast for my brother Lance's wedding. That also was a ton of fun! Kady loved the beach and the carousel (kind of) and it was great to spend so much time with all of my family. We then drove home through California spending the first night with my Uncle in Redding and the 2nd night camping in Yosemite National Park. We are planning another camping trip in Yosemite since we didn't get to see any of the cool stuff we wanted. Besides it's breathtakingly beautiful. Our last day was spent driving through Death Valley @ 120*...Ouch! It also was beautiful in a baron, desolate kind of way. I'd love to drive back through again in the Spring when the flowers are in bloom. Kadence was a CHAMP!! We drove multiple 7 hour days and she couldn't have been better or more patient (wherever she got that from *wink*). So, that brings us to the night we arrived home and...well, I can't share the rest just yet but I'll keep you posted =o) As for now, it's back to laundry and more packing. We are off to spend the week in Myrtle Beach with Dom's parents. Can't wait!!!
Much Love <3
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Kady Update
Although Kady tested negative for Celiac Disease, I think I'm going to try treating it anyway just to see what happens. Celiac's is a gluten allergy. Gluten is in almost EVERY kind of food. This will be interesting trying to feed her with NO gluten, NO egg and NO dairy! I'm up for the challenge. Fingers crossed it works.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Diamond Kid Angel
Dominic and I have friends in town that every year put on a kids triathlon and every year they pick some person, organization or charity to help. They are known as the Diamond Kid Angels. This years DK Angel is my nephew Ethan who passed away on March 13, 2009 @ 7months of age from Cystic Fibrosis. To honor his memory, all athletes participating in this years triathlon will be donating items for the Ronald MacDonald House here in Las Vegas.
The Ronald MacDonald House (RMH) helped my brother's family out tremendously. Ethan was born in our hometown of Spokane, WA but when both hospitals in town realized there was nothing more they could for him, he was transported to Seattle Children's Hospital. During Ethan's stay in Seattle, the RMH put my brother and his family up at NO cost since their insurance would not cover it. RMH provides, movies, games, toiletries, video games, food you name it for any and all families that stay there. I was so impressed and overwhelmed with emotion at the quality of care and service they provided during my weekend stay there. It seemed appropriate to somehow give back to them. Of course it's hard to help out that particular house in Seattle all the way from Las Vegas so we decided to help out our local house here in Las Vegas.
I can't thank the Diamond Kid parents and athletes enough for all of there support and my dear friend Kelly for her hard work helping me. The Ronald MacDonald House of Las Vegas, myself and my family appreciate it more than words can say. It feels good to live in a community where people care and look out for one another.
The Ronald MacDonald House (RMH) helped my brother's family out tremendously. Ethan was born in our hometown of Spokane, WA but when both hospitals in town realized there was nothing more they could for him, he was transported to Seattle Children's Hospital. During Ethan's stay in Seattle, the RMH put my brother and his family up at NO cost since their insurance would not cover it. RMH provides, movies, games, toiletries, video games, food you name it for any and all families that stay there. I was so impressed and overwhelmed with emotion at the quality of care and service they provided during my weekend stay there. It seemed appropriate to somehow give back to them. Of course it's hard to help out that particular house in Seattle all the way from Las Vegas so we decided to help out our local house here in Las Vegas.
I can't thank the Diamond Kid parents and athletes enough for all of there support and my dear friend Kelly for her hard work helping me. The Ronald MacDonald House of Las Vegas, myself and my family appreciate it more than words can say. It feels good to live in a community where people care and look out for one another.
Thank you Diamond Kids and Las Vegas.
my nephew Riley and I @ RMH Seattle
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
We are gearing up for a crazy summer.
Tonight I'm celebrating my 31st Birthday with a bunch of my girlfriends at Lavo. Dinner, Drinks and Dancing, what more could a girl ask for? It's been awhile since I had a girls night out and this Mama is really looking forward to it.
Dom, Kady, the dogs and I are also getting ready for a 3 week trip. First stop, Garden Valley Idaho. We will be there for almost 2 weeks. Second stop, Seaside Oregon for my youngest brothers wedding. I'm so excited to see all of my family. We'll then take our time driving home through California, Yosemite Nat'l Park and hopefully Death Valley. It should be fun. We are really looking forward to escaping the dessert heat for awhile.
Tonight I'm celebrating my 31st Birthday with a bunch of my girlfriends at Lavo. Dinner, Drinks and Dancing, what more could a girl ask for? It's been awhile since I had a girls night out and this Mama is really looking forward to it.
Dom, Kady, the dogs and I are also getting ready for a 3 week trip. First stop, Garden Valley Idaho. We will be there for almost 2 weeks. Second stop, Seaside Oregon for my youngest brothers wedding. I'm so excited to see all of my family. We'll then take our time driving home through California, Yosemite Nat'l Park and hopefully Death Valley. It should be fun. We are really looking forward to escaping the dessert heat for awhile.
Until next time...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Kadence and I have started mommy and me swim classes. It's so cute to see the little girls all excited to kick and blow bubbles in the pool. I'm not sure how much of this she'll remember but I'm learning all the important tricks and techniques to teach her on my own next summer. She's a water baby....
Monday, May 25, 2009
Kady Update
Saturday Kady started to run a fever. By the time I got home Sunday night from San Diego it was 104*! Scary!! I've been able to control it with Tylenol and Ibuprofen so far. If I don't give it to her every 2 hours (rotating between the two of course) it shoots right back up to 104*. I called her G.I. doctor who performed her colonoscopy and endoscopy last Thursday and he said if it's not gone by tomorrow to bring her in. As a result from the procedure she could have an infection. Hopefully it'll go away soon and she gets some relief.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Kady Update
Everything went well this morning. It took a bit longer than the doctor expected but IT'S ALL OVER WITH!! The nurses and other patients at the hospital fell in love with her of course. How could you not? It was rough coming out of anesthesia. She was really confused and uncomfortable so she cried for quite a while. That was hard. Off the bat they found that she has Eosinophilic Esophagitis...not sure what that is but I'll get back to you on that, as well as Cholitis and reflux. Apparently you can reflux and instead of vomiting have diarrhea. I never knew. Biopsies were taken of her intestines, colon and esophagus so we will wait on further testing to see if they find anything else. The final results will be in on the 29th. We will follow up with the Doctor next week to discuss what exactly this all means.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Kady Update
Tomorrow is the big day for Kady's colonoscopy and endoscopy. We won't have results until the 29th. We are looking forward to having this over with. She's happy as a clam and just as spunky despite all her diarrhea problems. Friday, I'm heading to San Diego with a girlfriend (being everything is okay with KD) for the weekend. A much needed break for me and I'm really looking forward to it. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Love to all.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
For those of you who don't know, I'm working the next couple of weeks at Tao again. The operating partner called me up with a special project to work on for the Accounting Department. It feels great knowing they still like me, trust my work and think of me. I'm able to work whatever hours I want so it's worked out okay so far. I'm exhausted though. I have a new found respect for working parents...geesh!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Great Strides
Ethan Andrew Murray
8/1/08-3/13/09
Ethan Andrew Murray
8/1/08-3/13/09
Rest in Peace sweet baby!
Team Ethan
I encourage you to find a walk in your area.
I encourage you to find a walk in your area.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Kudo's to Dominic
The Race Director's Report
The Loews Lake Las Vegas XTERRA West Cup provided an opportunity for many to achieve their goals and make dreams become a reality. Whether as an athlete or as the Race Director like myself, it was a day that will not soon be forgotten.
We set lofty goals here at Sunset Racing when we agreed to to host the first XTERRA Cup Series Race of 2009 and the first EVER in Nevada. With no title sponsor and no race course we definitely challenged ourselves to design a one of a kind race course at a one of a kind venue.
Well, its May 3rd and everyone here is still smiling from being a part of this historic XTERRA race. With great weather, epic battles on the race course, and an unforgettable post race pool party we all enjoyed our own little piece of paradise at beautiful Lake Las Vegas.
Our title sponsor, The Loews Lake Las Vegas, provided not only an unmatched venue and homes to athletes from 23 states and 9 countries, but also offered the swim Start beach, their Nuala pool to ALL the athletes for the day, a post race pool party, and catered food and drink at the finish line. I wish I had a nickel for every athlete that told me how impressed they were with the hospitality, service and friendliness of the staff at the Loews.
Just a few hundred yards away and in drastic contrast to the environment provided by the Loews was the harsh and barren desert transition area and Finish line. The XTERRA crew lead by the "Big Kahuna" Dave Nicholas, transformed this wasteland into an oasis with big top tents, sponsor signage, big rigs, a sound system, and a flawlessly marked race course.
The course design offered challenging climbs, tricky descents and dry desert conditions that tested every single athlete. But open terrain and double lap courses made the race very spectator friendly and easy to spy your competition at every turn!
The West Cup Championship was lead by a loaded pro field unknown outside of the XTERRA World Championship in Maui. With 9 of the top 10 men and women in the world, along with a laundry list of accomplished pros and Olympians at the start line, age groupers had the opportunity to race alongside of their Idols.
The two current XTERRA World Champions, Melanie McQuaid and Conrad Stoltz crossed the finish line first for the women and the men respectively, with a determined and impressive field of pros and age groupers following closely behind. Calvin Zaryski captured his spot in Maui by winning the West Cup Male Amateur Overall in 2:37:38. Cary Kinross-Wright also climbed to the top of the podium, claiming the Womens Overall title in 3:09:51.
Long, painful hours are put into both training and planning for an event like this. For you to see the finish line, and for us the Race Directors, to see you cross the line, suffering, yet satisfied by your own effort, eager to challenge yourself again, provides us with the motivation to offer you that opportunity again, and again!
We are proud of this event and plan on providing an even bigger, better experience next year. There is no way that we could have pulled this off without the following sponsors behind us. The Loews Lake Las Vegas, the ENTIRE crew at XTERRA, the America Tour Sponsors, Team Unlimited, Lake Las Vegas, Escape Adventures, Las Vegas Cyclery and Brightroom Photography. I would also like to personally thank the following individuals for their hard work, loyalty and commitment: Vic Caruso, Regan Stokes, Mary Stokes, Chris Fetter, Nikki Maurer, Geoff Rhodes, Abby, Vince, Jared, Kurt, Joel, Lindsey, Allison H., Robyn and most of all, the other 1/2 of Sunset Racing, Keith Hughes and of course my wife Ashley. You all Rock!
2010 West Cup, Here we come!!!!! Dominic Guinto
The Loews Lake Las Vegas XTERRA West Cup provided an opportunity for many to achieve their goals and make dreams become a reality. Whether as an athlete or as the Race Director like myself, it was a day that will not soon be forgotten.
We set lofty goals here at Sunset Racing when we agreed to to host the first XTERRA Cup Series Race of 2009 and the first EVER in Nevada. With no title sponsor and no race course we definitely challenged ourselves to design a one of a kind race course at a one of a kind venue.
Well, its May 3rd and everyone here is still smiling from being a part of this historic XTERRA race. With great weather, epic battles on the race course, and an unforgettable post race pool party we all enjoyed our own little piece of paradise at beautiful Lake Las Vegas.
Our title sponsor, The Loews Lake Las Vegas, provided not only an unmatched venue and homes to athletes from 23 states and 9 countries, but also offered the swim Start beach, their Nuala pool to ALL the athletes for the day, a post race pool party, and catered food and drink at the finish line. I wish I had a nickel for every athlete that told me how impressed they were with the hospitality, service and friendliness of the staff at the Loews.
Just a few hundred yards away and in drastic contrast to the environment provided by the Loews was the harsh and barren desert transition area and Finish line. The XTERRA crew lead by the "Big Kahuna" Dave Nicholas, transformed this wasteland into an oasis with big top tents, sponsor signage, big rigs, a sound system, and a flawlessly marked race course.
The course design offered challenging climbs, tricky descents and dry desert conditions that tested every single athlete. But open terrain and double lap courses made the race very spectator friendly and easy to spy your competition at every turn!
The West Cup Championship was lead by a loaded pro field unknown outside of the XTERRA World Championship in Maui. With 9 of the top 10 men and women in the world, along with a laundry list of accomplished pros and Olympians at the start line, age groupers had the opportunity to race alongside of their Idols.
The two current XTERRA World Champions, Melanie McQuaid and Conrad Stoltz crossed the finish line first for the women and the men respectively, with a determined and impressive field of pros and age groupers following closely behind. Calvin Zaryski captured his spot in Maui by winning the West Cup Male Amateur Overall in 2:37:38. Cary Kinross-Wright also climbed to the top of the podium, claiming the Womens Overall title in 3:09:51.
Long, painful hours are put into both training and planning for an event like this. For you to see the finish line, and for us the Race Directors, to see you cross the line, suffering, yet satisfied by your own effort, eager to challenge yourself again, provides us with the motivation to offer you that opportunity again, and again!
We are proud of this event and plan on providing an even bigger, better experience next year. There is no way that we could have pulled this off without the following sponsors behind us. The Loews Lake Las Vegas, the ENTIRE crew at XTERRA, the America Tour Sponsors, Team Unlimited, Lake Las Vegas, Escape Adventures, Las Vegas Cyclery and Brightroom Photography. I would also like to personally thank the following individuals for their hard work, loyalty and commitment: Vic Caruso, Regan Stokes, Mary Stokes, Chris Fetter, Nikki Maurer, Geoff Rhodes, Abby, Vince, Jared, Kurt, Joel, Lindsey, Allison H., Robyn and most of all, the other 1/2 of Sunset Racing, Keith Hughes and of course my wife Ashley. You all Rock!
2010 West Cup, Here we come!!!!! Dominic Guinto
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Wow...what a great race Dom and his business partner Keith put on. The feedback has been awesome and all the pros really enjoyed their love/hate relationship with the hard as nails race course Dom created from scratch. I'm so proud of him. If you haven't seen Dom and Keith's website for sunset racing, you should check it out. You'll be able to view all the upcoming events thus far, photos of previous races etc...It's really cool.
Click on this link to read the Xterra West Cup press release:
I know I said I would post pics of Kady and I out at the race however, I forgot to charge my camera battery...go figure. The professional photos are much better anyways although Kady and I aren't in any of them =o)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
So today is the first of many of Dom's big races...Xterra West cup Championships. He hasn't seen Kady in 3 days. He's probably going to cry when he does see her =o) I just love it when he cries over her! What a great Dad he is. I'm assuming Kady is also excited to see Daddy being that she's been up since 5am the booger. I don't remember EVER being this tired since having her. Blah! It's going to be a long day but a fun one.
For those of you who I have not spoke with yet about Kady's follow up yesterday (we go every month) with the G.I. (gastrointestinal) doctor, we have Kady scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy on May 21st and we should have results by May 29th. Because of Ethan's situation, in fear that they may find something wrong that's hereditary or what not, I am nervous about the procedures. I'm sure it'll all be fine and that I have a case of the first time mom worries but it is something I think about and it'll be nice to have answers. Briefly for those who aren't up to speed, Kadence has had diarreah since Thanksgiving. She was treated for c-difficle twice already and there is concern as to why she ever got it in the first place. We've been doing all sorts of testing from an allergy panel to Cystic Fibrosis.
The Doctor did say among other things, that he will look for IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), the condition of the colon and small intestines and to see if she may be lacking an enzyme that would help with the absorption of food etc...Ironically, I lacked an enzyme as a child and was on a strict jello diet for months because of it...yuck!! He'll also be taking stool and tissue samples right from the source to be tested. So, here's to hoping for a simple problem with an easy fix.
Well, I should probably finish loading the car so I can go get a STARBUCKS and head out to see Daddy. I'll post pics of the race soon.
For those of you who I have not spoke with yet about Kady's follow up yesterday (we go every month) with the G.I. (gastrointestinal) doctor, we have Kady scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy on May 21st and we should have results by May 29th. Because of Ethan's situation, in fear that they may find something wrong that's hereditary or what not, I am nervous about the procedures. I'm sure it'll all be fine and that I have a case of the first time mom worries but it is something I think about and it'll be nice to have answers. Briefly for those who aren't up to speed, Kadence has had diarreah since Thanksgiving. She was treated for c-difficle twice already and there is concern as to why she ever got it in the first place. We've been doing all sorts of testing from an allergy panel to Cystic Fibrosis.
The Doctor did say among other things, that he will look for IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease), the condition of the colon and small intestines and to see if she may be lacking an enzyme that would help with the absorption of food etc...Ironically, I lacked an enzyme as a child and was on a strict jello diet for months because of it...yuck!! He'll also be taking stool and tissue samples right from the source to be tested. So, here's to hoping for a simple problem with an easy fix.
Well, I should probably finish loading the car so I can go get a STARBUCKS and head out to see Daddy. I'll post pics of the race soon.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Dom has been EXTREMELY busy with Sunset Racing Events, especially this week and next in preparation for the Xterra West Cup Championships this Saturday and Irongirl next Saturday. Both will be held out at Lake Las Vegas. We've hardly seen him the past few days and he's planning on staying out there the next two nights. We have been very blessed with some of the greatest friends on earth. One in particular, Allison. She used to work with Dominic at Surf City and has become one of my closest friends. Oh, and I can't forget to mention how in love Kadence is with her. Thanks to her and her wonderful child care abilities, I am going to stay with Dom out at the lake tonight while she holds down the fort here with the kiddo. I am very excited and a little nervous all at the same time. The only other time we have left Kady for the night was with Dom's sister, Dawn while we enjoyed a night out in Philly. That also was a great little escape. I guess we should take these opportunities while we are still fortunate to do so and before the house gets crowded with another little Guinto =o)
Peace and love to all.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Today was Ethan's Funeral. For me it was bitter sweet. Although I wish more than anything he was still here with us, I am happy he doesn't have to endure another surgery, another procedure, another hospital. I'm happy my family doesn't have to endure those things as well although we would have. 224 balloons representing each day of Ethan's life, were blown up and displayed throughout the church. At the end of the memorial service, all 224 were handed out and released into the sky. It was a pretty amazing experience and sight to see.
Also today...Kady started walking!!! It couldn't have come at any better time. It was a bright spot in a rather gloomy day.
Also today...Kady started walking!!! It couldn't have come at any better time. It was a bright spot in a rather gloomy day.
Up, up and away.....224.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Blogging
Well...I've decided to give this whole blogging thing a shot. I don't often talk alot since Dom's usually the one that has the most to say and does all the talking for us. *wink* However, when I speak, it is fairly profound and meaningful. Ha! I'm kidding. I've created this blog as a simple way to share with friends and family the happenings in our daily lives and to create a place where you can go to view current/updated pictures of the five of us (Did you honestly think I'd leave out the dogs?). This way you don't have to wait for my emails being how few and far between they are these days. So, I promise I will do my best to keep this blog updated and I hope you all enjoy.
Love,
Ash
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