What a race...

{Saturday 7:30 am - before the race}
Nik . Jamie . Shannon . Greg

13 teams

2 days in the windy (ahem...humid) city

15+ miles on foot

27 clues

1 absolute downpour

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

{we snapped a quick pic in front of the fountain during our mandatory lunch break on Day 1}


That's right! Team Deer came in First Place!!


Without going into too much detail....

Just picture the real show of "The Amazing Race", but shot in only 2 days.

Some of the clues took an hour to figure out, and then 30 minutes to find the location. We tried to use buses and trains when possible, but we spent a lot of time on foot. I wish someone wore a pedometer to see just how many miles we actually walked/ ran.

Strangers became our best friends as we sought them out to find answers or directions to the next clue. We will always remember the little old lady on the bus who figured out the scarecrow song from the Wizard of Oz, and led us directly to Oz Park. Nor will we forget (another, but different) little old lady who heard we were on the way to the finish line, and actually came to cheer us on. We thank all the people of Chicago, and especially these 2 ladies who we never even found out their name. :)

And let's be honest, I've never been more exhausted in my life....literally. Somehow, we managed to stay hydrated, and there were no injuries on the team (which is pretty amazing if you know our husbands).

{at the finish line- first team to arrive!}
The umbrellas were used throughout the race as a way to spot the next clue at various locations.


It was fun getting to know so many new people from other teams, and we are incredibly thankful to the people who organized it. I can only imagine how much work went into it.

They are already talking about where it will be next year....

Mackinaw Island!

We had such a blast, and you can bet to see us back next year!

Overly-inspired

If you notice, I've added several more website/ blogs under "Just my Style" in the sidebar. One of my new favorite sites is

Kara's Party Ideas.

I've honestly never attempted true party planning...but her website sure makes me want to!



Just look at this adorable

"gingham garden party".....sooooo me.

I especially love the puffy tissue flower balls hanging about....and who doesn't love gingham?

Or how about this adorably decorated mantel and cake display??

You can't tell in these pics, but it's a "turtle themed party" with pink and green throughout. (turtlemegs, I know you would love the "turtle pops").

And I just HAD to add this cute "strawberry party" display....to die for!

There are SO many others I could add, but this is just a taste. So go check it out for yourself....LOTS of yummy treats and creative ideas.

Now if only I could decide what I want to do!! Feeling a bit overly-inspired right now...

Playroom!

We have this "in-between" space in our home. It's an empty traffic way that connects the fireplace room, the living room, dining room, and kitchen. I love how it makes the house feel bigger than it really is, and provides a nice area if we have a lot of people over for extra standing room, or a place to set up an extra table if needed...a very open layout indeed.

As you can clearly see, this open space has become the play area in the last few months. A convenient spot to dump all of Kensie's toys. Upside- I can see her from pretty much anywhere in the house. Downside- it's a tripping hazard for one (especially in the middle of the night), and it doesn't stop Kensie from crawling to all the "no-no's" in the other rooms (especially the fireplace). Not ideal, to say the least.

We also have this great sunroom that steps down off the back of the dining room. It pretty much sat empty for the last year and a half....until NOW! Thanks to a few suggestions, we gave this space a new purpose...

Welcome to the new playroom!!

Two nights ago, after Kensie went to bed, Greg and I stayed up until 10pm vacuuming, rearranging, and moving every toy OUT of the house and into here!

Not only is it baby proof, but it lets in TONS of light, and has a great view of the backyard. Plus, with the sliding glass door, I can let her roam free in there while I am workin' away in the kitchen.

Ahhhh, my open space is actually OPEN, and my house has regained it's confidence.

Greg's dream come true...well sorta.

Yes, other than marrying yours truly of course....

Greg's dream is to compete in the Amazing Race. Yeah. The one on TV that lasts a whole season, but is really only filmed in like 12 days or something. And although we don't even have the TV hooked up, his eyes get wide with excitement when anyone talks about it.

"Man," he says, "I'd give anything to be on that show!"

Well, now's his chance...kind of.

This weekend, Greg, myself, and another couple are teaming up to compete in a mini version of the Amazing Race. It's basically a church group that decided to make up their own course. They get 25 teams together (4 people per team) and cram it all in one weekend.

This year, the race is held in Chicago.

We are only allowed to use public transportation.

We must carry everything on our backs.

Each team must carry a digital camera.

No cell phones or access to interent of any kind is allowed.

We will compete in both team and individual challenges throughout the race.

Oh, and we are "Team Deers" - each team is a different animal. We signed up late...thus the slim pickings for a fierce sounding name...oh well. Deer are fast right?

Wish us luck, we will update you next week how it all went!

10 months and some birthday thoughts

10 month chair pic

(PS-don't think that that tear in the armrest doesn't bother me. I already attempted to sew it up once only for it to burst open within a few days. It drives me NUTS! Cheap reupholstering anyone???)

We are only 2 short months away from celebrating 1 year in this little lady's life.

And what a blessing she has been.

Now, for some birthday thoughts:

1) This year, Kensie's birthday will fall ON Labor Day (Sept. 6). I'm kind of excited about that because most people have work off. PLUS, I'm always fond of parties actually ON the day.

2) A bonus activity that same day will be joining Greg and his big rig in the annual Labor Day truck parade. Last year was AMST's first appearance, and Greg was beyond excited to drive. To put icing on the cake, his Mom also made a poster to announce Kensie's birth. (She was born the day before Labor Day). This year, Greg insisted that Kensie and I ride in the truck with him. And we are more than happy to oblige. :)

3) Who to invite? We are still going back and forth on whether to make this party open to family only, or family AND friends. It's always hard when deciding who to invite, where the cutoff is, and who will take the most offense if they are ones NOT invited. The sensitivity of the issue can sometimes make me not want to do a party at all. I know I know. I'm not going to let that stop me, but we just can't decide how to make it work yet. I've been to a few "Open house" style parties. I like how those make the numbers not so overwhelming. People come and leave when they please, and it really spreads the guests out so your house isn't packed.

3.5) Has anyone ever heard of the "# of guests = # of years old"? For example, you can invite 1 guest when you turn 1....then 2 guests when you turn 2, and so on. Not a bad idea, and makes it easy to have an excuse when confronted with a sensitive situation. "Well, you can invite them next year I guess..."

4) Gifts. I really don't want a ton of toys and (no offense) junk to pack my house out. If we do invite family AND friends, I'm thinking a polite "no gifts please" on the invitation is appropriate.

5) Theme. Definitely incorporating green and pink....but no characters from movies or cartoons. I'm picturing something like a "Garden Party" with lots of flowers and simple decorations. Maybe a cute handmade sign, and a simple but elegant cake.

So, that's that. Any thoughts on first year birthday parties?? I would love to hear what you've done, or are planning on doing. Do tell!

Gun Lake

Mosquito bites - CHECK

Sunburns - CHECK

Family disputes - CHECK

Don't you just love camping in 90* weather, with bugs, a baby, and family that can sometimes get on your nerves?!

Ok, it wasn't THAT bad....but pretty darn close at times.

We headed to Gun Lake over the 4th of July for the annual week long camping adventure with the in-laws and extended family.

A short 45 min drive from home made it possible for us to come back and sleep at home during the nights and drive back during the days.

humidity + a baby + tight sleeping quarters = sleeping at home was a MUCH better choice.

Things kicked off with a kiddie parade, followed by games for all ages. Even Kensie could scoop ducks out of a tin bucket in hopes of claiming a tootsie roll (only to be quickly confiscated by her parents).

And the day wouldn't be complete without a watermelon eating contest of course. Greg gave his go at it, while his gracious mother endured the sloppy mess so could I snap a pic. Thanks Mom!

The lake was the only escape from the heat, so we went every.single.day. Kensie proved her love for the water (just like her Dada) and would have relaxed in her floaty ALL day if she could.

And if you remember my post from LAST YEAR....we started a new tradition with the Brink family. The Gun Lake Triathlon. I was 7 months preggo last year at this time, but attempted the bike and walk portions. It was indeed a small taste of the real thing.

Triathlon participants 2010 (double from last year!)

For the past 8 weeks I've been running, biking, and (yes, the dreaded) swimming. I thought by testing out the waters (no pun intended)....in a comfortable family setting at Gun Lake, I might sign up for a REAL race if things went well. And they did! The race was by far shorter than a real one, but it was a good chance to see what my training prepared me for. Who knows, maybe I'll sign up for one in August now!

Hope everyone had a great Independence Day!

We have a crawler folks!

You know how sometimes you look at your child and wonder, "When will she EVER learn to do that?" Or more specifically, "Will she ever grow any hair?" OR "Why can't she feed herself yet...will it ever happen??" You are left wondering if your completely dependent child will one day be, well...not so dependent, I guess.

From the first few days Kensie was born, I remember picking up those sweet baby clothes in all different sizes and wondering how on earth she will ever get that big! But, now she's quickly approaching the 12-18 month size, and will soon be out of those too. Crazy.


So, where is this going???


Over the past 10 days, little miss k has discovered the new world of crawling! And boy, has she learned quick! I'm pretty sure she will be walking in a couple weeks or less. She loves to pull herself up....looks at you to share in her joy of accomplishment.....then smiles and lets go on purpose to see how long she can stand by herself. Then, PLOP. She falls down only to do it again. Over and over. Once she's satisfied with her up-down routine, she'll take off crawling to the next toy or activity that looks interesting. (I have another adorable video that I can't show....arrg, but trust me...utter cuteness).


I DO enjoy this stage as she is not crying out of frustration due to lack of mobility- uh, like she used to all-the-freaking-time. However, I can't just sit her down with a circle of toys around her and go about my business around the house anymore. She needs CONSTANT supervision = less computer time, less chores, more chasing, BUT, on the other hand.....LOTS more giggling. In the end, I'd say it's worth it. :)



This is also a new position that you will find Kensie in lately: both arms back behind her neck, like she doesn't have a care in the world. You will find her sleeping, relaxing, and even eating like this. Cracks us up.

(notable item: Greg's "Most Valuable Dad" shirt- bought by one of his guy friends. Even though I mocked him for wearing it 3 days in a row, I love it)

I will leave you with one last pic:

She fell asleep like this after enjoying her up-down routine in the crib for 45 minutes. I guess when your workout is over, you probably should stretch those hamstrings....

FREE decorating tip and other randoms

So where did I get such beautiful paintings for FREE???

One little under-used resource.....

THE LIBRARY!

You can check out paintings just like books and keep them for three weeks.

Better yet, you can renew them up to 5 TIMES!

Yeah. You do the math.

I already counted out the weeks, and that means I can keep them through mid September.

Freaking awesome.

I've also been reading "Love and Logic" (from the library as well) during breakfast while watching Kensie play. Have you read it? I'm only through Chapter 3, but I really like the ideas so far.

This is usually where you will find us at 7:30am. Me-at the table on my second cup of coffee, with toast and a good read. And Kensie- just doing her thing.

I DO enjoy mornings- with coffee of course.

And boy have I needed it lately. Kensie and I BOTH have stuffy noses, and it has kept her up the last 2 nights in a row. She has learned to fall asleep by sucking her first two fingers. But, it's nearly impossible for her to suck and breath simultaneously. Meaning, I have to get her to sleep BEFORE placing her in bed. Which takes lots and lost of energy and time.

But, amidst all the sleeplessness and tissues...she still has energy to get up in her bear crawl stance. She just started this yesterday. She doesn't really get anywhere with it, but loves to try. She is definitely getting more aggressive and motivated to MOVE.

And my life (as I currently know it) will be over once this girl gets on her feet.

9 months, 5 squirms, and 1 tooth later

It sure is getting tough to sit still these days, even for the infamous chair picture. But, we succeeded in keeping both buns on the cushion this month. (Unlike the 5 other photos I won't show you).

And YES a single pearly tooth has finally fought it's way to the surface of some stubborn gums. One down....a TON more to go. But, someone's excited to use her knew found chomper to annihilate lots of good 'ol carbs (whole wheat bagels being her favorite).

Did I mention she has discovered her head? However, the sweet stroking of her own hair while falling asleep as well as the urge to reach both arms straight up in an effort touch both hands above her out-of-proportion-sized noggin goes out the window the minute she begins to rub that soggy piece of a (barely recognizable) bagel in her hair. Starting strategically at the top of the head, she smears it slowly down to the back of her neck. I'm learning to let go of the mess. But still. Yuck.

Happy 9 months Choo-choo!

A touch of GREEN

My Mom's favorite color has always been green, and I can see why. She LOVES gardening, and has always maintained a beautiful display of flowers in the yard of every home we've ever lived in. Pictures of lush, green scenery were also found hung throughout each house.

My favorite colors growing up were yellow, then red, then PINK for a long time. Now in my 20's, I think I have adopted all different shades of GREEN into my wardrobe, accessories, and now our home. There's so much beauty in this calming, natural color and nothing makes me want to bring it inside my home more. It's just so friendly and inviting.

Our kitchen, dining room, and nursery are all painted a subtle green called "Garden Fairy" by Benjamin Moore. Our hutch is "Bella Mint", and almost every fabric used for curtains, seat covers and pillow covers are a sweet mix of green and white with touches of blue and red for accents.

Besides green paint I LOVE green plants (usually fake) spread throughout each room. Here are a few recent projects I've finished to bring even more of this color into our home.

I found 4 ugly brown shutters in the shed out back when we bought the house. I had two of them painted this lovely deep mossy green (sorry forgot the name), and made 2 matching wreaths and hung them with ribbon (forgoing the urge to tie them with bows in order to appease the husband). I LOVE how they turned out. I got the idea from All Thingz Related.




This cozy space turns into the Christmas room come winter. I purposely hung the shutters with the slats facing up so we can drape Christmas card from them, with the tree framed beautifully in front of the window.

Next, I made this simple topiary with some moss that I already had filling my apothecary jars(originally from Hobby Lobby) . The idea was inspired when I found the adorable green pot (already painted that color) for $1 at HL.

I first wedged a hockey-puck shaped piece of styrofoam in the top until it was flush with the top of the pot, and then covered it with glue and bits of moss. **If I could do it again, I would add some rocks or some kind of weight in the bottom before putting the styrofoam in...it becomes a bit top heavy when finished**

Meanwhile, I spray painted the dowel rod (pack of 6 from HL) the earthy brown color. Let dry. Then took a razor blade and scraped some paint off to make it look more natural. Once the rod and the pot were dry, I put a dab of glue on the bottom and stuck the rod through the middle of the moss all the way until it hit the bottom. Let dry.






Next, I covered a sphere shaped styrofoam ball with glue and bits of moss. This part took the longest. Once it dried I had to go back and re-glue pieces that were hanging off, making sure no part of the white ball showed underneath. Once the ball was completely done, I simply perched it on top of the rod until it felt secure. The last touch was a small piece of ribbon tied around the pot in a simple knot. Love it.








What's YOUR favorite color to accent your house?

Hot and humid

Take a baby bathtub outdoors and suddenly it doubles as a kiddie pool. I don't see a rule anywhere about limiting it's use only for bath time...so why not I say! Bath toys, swimsuits and all, we perched ourselves on the front porch yesterday for just the right amount of sun and shade.

And yes, that's a Speedway slurpee. Hot and humid turned heavenly. ahhhhhh.....

you like my background?

So, I was getting bored of my look and decided it was time for a change. Whatchya think? I got the background from here. And the header is from Kensie's newborn session with Tammi. If you missed the last post, check out her photos here.

I also found the graphics.fairy (it's a branch off the first blog link) ...and well, I was hooked!

Since my discovery only two short days ago, I have been thinking up ALL kinds of projects. Dreaming about them really. Yeah. Kinda obsessed. This gal posts all kinds of vintage images that you can link to. I'm talking daily. Every.single.day, she posts one or more beautiful images that you can download for FREE. You can print them right at home in any size you want and the quality is fantastic. It's no wonder she has over 4,000 followers. Amazing.

Images like this....

or this...
or wait....these!

Can you even stand it!!! Those last 4 fairies I already have printed off and slipped into frames above Kensie's crib. Simply darling. And the images above I want to mod podge to something...just not sure what yet.

So, while I'm battling my new found infatuation, just go check out the site. Please. I need to know someone else is obsessed with it as much as I am. And, maybe I'll have a few projects to post in the near future. :)

Side note: I've also added a sidebar with all my favorite blogs and websites related to crafts, decorating, photography, etc. It's under "just my style"----->