our time is limited

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Such an inspiring quote from the late Steve Jobs

my new Petal Pillow //Tights: H&M//

PS Yes, we have antlers hanging up in our home. It was quite the fiasco to get them up there. But I coaxed Collin and after some battle wounds (those things are heavy) and some bribery there they are. I like 'em. I should hang tiny twinkle lights from them soon.

PPS Did I mention it was snowing here today? Snow was falling from the sky for a few hours. Yep, if you don't believe me--evidence right here

self-timer snapshots

(As much as I love to travel I really missed being home. This is where I am the most me.)

Self-timer photos definitely have to be spontaneous because they turn out best if you try to capture a moment rather than forcing the picture. Yesterday I took a few different snapshots. Some outside during our tea party and these when we were inside hanging out. Some of my favorite photos are taken using the timer because they aren't perfectly posed but more of a peek into the day-to-day.

I used my self-timer camera remote for these photos.

Well, it took a few times, Lola was distracted by the camera beeping and wanted to eat the camera & Quincey wanted to hide in my skirt. But no one ever said these photos are supposed to be perfect.

Some of you already linked up your photos in previous posts. Feel free to link them up again so we can have them all in one place. I've loved seeing all your self-timer shots!

Simply post your photo on your blog or facebook linking to my Dear Lizzy blog then post your photo below.

self-timer photo challenge

Since you did so well with your blog survey homework, I thought it would be fun to put together a photo challenge. I enjoy taking self-timer shots and I know many of you do too. Sometimes it's the only way to get on the other side of the camera.

This week join me in taking a self-timer photo. It can be of absolutely anything! Post your photo on your blog or facebook (posting a link back here) then I will link up everyones' photos on my blog. One big par-tay! Let's do it next Monday. (Since I will be out of town later this week.)

Friday we went to see the Winnie The Pooh movie at our local sticky-shoe theatre. Avery and I snuck outside while we waited for it to start and took some self-timer photos. I just set the camera on the ground and set it to 10 seconds then took a few shots. If you have a remote that works too. My kids love pushing the button so that could be a fun way to do it.

I hope you join me this week and take a self-timer shot!!

Thanks to everyone who took my little blog survey. I think the last time I checked there were over 2,500. Unless you've taken yours in the last couple days I've looked at each one and it was fun to read your comments. Each of you get a gold star!

And thanks for still being my friend after the Cleetus episode. ;) I left to run errands with Lola for a couple hours, while the girls were at school, and came home to that. Hilarious. The part with the tractor makes me laugh so hard because there literally was a tractor coming up the road that he started hollaring at. Improvisation. I did record the the diving, karaoke and reading a CK in the hot tub clips. Try doing that with out laughing.

He said//She said

She Said:

One of your favorite things about Collin: He always shares bites of his shake with me. Even after the fact that I said I didn't want one and end up eating all of his.

First thing you do when you wake up: See how long I can hide under the covers before one of the munchkins finds me.

Your favorite date moment: Windows down and both singing, "Don't Wanna Miss a Thang" as loud as we can on the way home.

If you could be anywhere at this moment where? On the Dumbo ride at Disneyland, just to watch Avery's smile.

How do you eat your Oreo cookies? Cream filling first.

He Said:

One of your favorite things about Liz: (The first two answers for this were edited for your sake.) Her widdle chin.

First thing you do when you wake up: Say to myself, "Please let me just sleep for 5 more months."

Your favorite date moment: When Liz wore high heels and was almost as tall as me. She got close and said, "Aren't you glad you married a Trojan woman?!" Me: "I think you mean, 'Amazon' woman?"LOL.

If you could be anywhere at this moment where? Throwing random objects into helicopter blades.

How do you eat your Oreo cookies? By the row and dunked in milk.

Shorts, Shoes, Belt: Shop Ruche// Necklace: Anthro

Date night is the marshmallows from my Lucky Charms to my week. We don't do it every week during the summer but at least a couple times a month. We were bored and waiting for our table at Texas Road House so we took some impromptu photos. Despite what you may think, it's really not Collin's favorite thing to do (take posed pictures). So, when we just happen to have a wait at the restaurant and I just happen to have my camera handy in my purse. (Oh, lookey here.)

Not to mention there just happens to be perfect summer lighting and no kids with us to chase after. Then it just worked out.

You should try it on your next date night. Why, you ask? (I'm still trying to find a good answer for that. It's fun? or... to scrapbook? I'll think about that more...;)

Don't make it a big deal but just set up a self-timer shot where your husband or boyfriend feels like he doesn't have to pose. Bribery: Promise something big in return for "just one picture, please?!" Haha but you really end up taking way more.

Going with the previous, don't overkill because then the next time he definitely won't want to. Be ready for the perfect moment.

But don't expect perfection. Even if your pictures turn out like the ones below, be happy with it. :)

(For other cute date night ideas you can check out: ArtofDateNight)

Wait for it...

little helper

I actually scrapbooked yesterday, cue the hallelujah choir!

One of the pages using Studio Calico papers/rubons and others were for Crate Paper.

Collin filmed tutorials for Something Splendid yesterday so the camera was all set up on a tripod. I had to snap a quick photo of Quincey, my little helper. Yes, I put her on my desk. This kept her busy looking through jars, taking everything out and putting it back, this gave me enough time to at least get started on some pages. She also was far enough from her baby sis to give her too-tight-squeezes that Lola is not a fan of... yet. Quincey & Lola's ages are tricky to find time to craft but I'm figuring it out. If I can keep Quincey in close quarters & distracted while Lola is napping & Avery is at preschool then that works. Otherwise, the only option is late at night and I'm tired by then. My only other escape is eating a cookie in my closet or counting reallllllllly slow while we play hide and seek. ;) What's your secret to finding time?

Awesome deal right now at 2 peas if you are in a scrapping mood too.

thanks Santa

I'm really glad that I was a good girl last year, because Santa wrapped up and placed under the tree the glitter heels I put on my Christmas list.

They are the perfect look for sweeping, washing dishes & baking cookies.

(using the camera remote again)

Not to mention they are quite glamorous for reading books.

I think Quincey likes the glitzy pumps because she can definitely out-run me when she sneaks an extra cookie. Thank goodness Collin finished up the last batch... not because my feet hurt & I had to sit down or anything. Promise. ;)

one on one

Since these days I am outnumbered by 3 growing-much-too-fast munchkins it's nice when two from the lollipop guild are napping and I can have some one on one time.

That's when we got out the camera remote.

You can tell by the photos she had fun because the tighter the squeeze the happier the girl.

Hello Monday. Here's to another week!

wordless wednesday

Wordless Wednesday is when you only post a photo and no writing.

In this case, it's Avery and I enjoying the snow while eating cutie clementines and hot cocoa.

Wordless Wednesday is a good idea on this particular morning, because I'm pretty sure you don't want to hear about the time I wanted to kill the garbage man.

I'm sure you don't want to hear how Lola slept in & it was an absolute miracle that the other girls didn't climb into our bed and karate kick us all morning... sounds heavenly right? But then the darn garbage man got stuck in the snow outside our house waking me up from sweet dreams. Yeah, I'm sure you don't want to hear about any of that. ;)

Also, I've been thinking about my One Little Word to live by for 2011.

Crap, I'm only supposed to post a photo. Ooops, forget everything I said.

Some great deals at 2 peas... including Dear Lizzy fabric paper.

santa's workshop

Sometimes we get tired here at Santa's workshop and have to take a cuddle break.

Counting down to Christmas and checking things off our list.

Including, watching our favorite holiday movies: Family Stone, It's A Wonderful Life and especially-- Elf. Pleasantly surprised to find out that Avery has the Kartchner-movie-quoting gene. She saw Elf once and was reciting parts of my favorite lines.

"First we'll make snow angels for two hours, and then we'll go ice skating, and then we'll eat a whole roll of tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we'll snuggle."

Something that Avery did not inherit is our procrastination gene. Since she already put grapes out for Santa on our mantle above the fireplace. Grapes.

Dang, I've heard Santa really loves sugar cookies or Mint Oreos will do.

Hoping to take more self-timer shots like this one next year.

get messy

First things first, I am absolutely thrilled for everyone who has signed up for my online workshop! Your excitement for the class in your emails and comments is quite fun!

There are still kits available, though it is getting close to full.

A couple days a week, while big sis is at preschool, I soak up some together time with Q. This time is filled with all the things toddler: painting, snacking, cuddling, potty training & messes.

One of my creative rut remedies is to get messy and she is the perfect example of how that's done. To let loose and color outside the lines. To try something new & don't think about whether you are creating the right or wrong way. Because there isn't a right or wrong way.

She's a sweet girl... with a good Tablespoon of spice. I watched the other day as our pomeranian dog, who sadly doesn't like little kids, would not give her the time of day she still patted him on the head and loved him no matter what. Little kids have such a forgiving heart and are undaunted by the world. My hope is to instill that in her as long as I can... which is quite the task and I've yet to figure out how that's done. But, I'm determined.

Crossing my fingers that I will have some messy time in my studio today. It irritates Collin when I say studio... it's an office he always says. But I had to say it. haha. Studio, studio. An office sounds absolutely boring anyway.

this calls for some celery!

If you watch Wonder Pets you'll understand exactly what I mean about celery. You know, after something totally awesome happens, like when a baby hound dog gets rescued or a Bengal tiger gets a thorn pulled from its paw, celery is just what you need! And since I've spent hours upon hours cleaning my office I'm definitely celebrating. This room is 4 big boxes and 2 loads to the trash lighter. Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself. ;)

How about I send a US priority mail stuffed-full-of-cute-product box to one of you...!! Including one of my favorite new Shimmerz Vibez spray inks.

Leave a comment about something you're celebrating or just say hello and I'll pick a random winner.

PS Did you see all the new Dear Lizzy fabric paper and pretty, ruffle rose ribbon at Two Peas? delish.

summer shenanigans

This is the third year doing Shades of Summer & I'm thrilled to do it again. SOS started the summer that Quincey was born. I knew I wouldn't be traveling much so we thought it would be fun to send around 20 traveling sunglasses as a way to connect with you awesome blog readers!

**Edited** Thanks ladies for signing up! We hit our quota :)

Want to join in on the shenanigans?

Here's the dealio:

1. You can't be moving this summer (because the package gets lots or doesn't get forwarded) or traveling extensively.

2. First, you take a photo wearing the sunglasses and email it to me.

3. Second, you will ship a small box with the sunglasses in it to the next person on the list I'll include in the box.

4. You must ship glasses & list of addresses with in 2 days of receiving them.

•The first 300 peeps to email me are included in all the fun.

•If you can follow the above rules email me at ShadesofSummer@gmail.com.

•US only but if you are in Western Europe and want to play along email Kristin Reinhard at ShadesofSummerEurope@gmail.com

•If you want to host an SOS outside of the US email me at ShadesofSummer@gmail.com and I'll tell you how it works.

I hope this year the sunglasses don't get stuck anywhere or lost because it's quite exciting to see them travel around and get to know you ladies... even in this small, silly way.

Remember I posted the giveaway winners and 300 dpi free kit below.

Spark

I'm home from Reflections. I had such a wonderful time and it's up there with my all time favorite events! The students were a delight and I got to play lots with Maggie, Kelly Purkey, SUZY and Kelly Goree! We laughed a lot.

The airline lost my bag but at least my carry-on cupcakes made it home safe and sound.

Self-timer always comes in handy.

Spark No. 2 registration is now open! We have some inspiring teachers lined up and it's sure to be a blast! register here

bubblegum break

At first I wrote the title of this post bugglebum... that didn't look right.

Taking a break during nap time to get some work done. But hey, mom needs a break too.

Cause when I have a break from being a mom that's when I work... if you call what I do work. More like creative play--with deadlines and emails that are stacked pretty high. Finishing up Dear Lizzy stuff for summer cha this week, off to Reflections on Thursday, working on some assignments for CK, designing classes to teach, working on my Inspiration Unlimited & Puerto Rico class, & fabric ideas buzzing around my head... but here I am blowing bubbles.

Thanks for the love for my ruffle tee!

Well, someone just woke up... break's over.

PS I want to do another online class. I have one concepted.

PPS Wouldn't one of those fabric tees make a fun class?

price check on aisle 4

Remember my nerdy snow angel pictures and I challenged you guys to take some self-timer photos. Well, it only gets worse folks...

Saturday night was date night.

Which means that the couple short hours where we are not taking care of kids is an excuse to act like kids.

Hence, taking photos with Strawberry Nesquick & a pineapple.

We choose the less trafficked aisle... the juice aisle. Only a few people came through to pick up their prune or apple juice. I don't think anyone noticed my camera mixed in with the Hot Cocoa but I did get a couple strange looks. Which actually was nothing compared to the strange looks we got when Collin was blaring Lady Gaga and driving through the parking lot 3 times with the windows down hollering, "where da club at?" to a group of teenage kids. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that was worse. When it came down to it, it was much easier to ask him to pose at the grocery store after the crazy parking lot episode. Yes, I was ducking and hiding in the passenger seat at the time.

We took three quick shots at different levels of the shelves to get the whole dorky scene. Then layered them to create one dorky photo. Definitely fun because I will never forget this night.

Tweet #936: Then I hitched a ride to the car... that's what happens when you go grocery shopping in heels.

nerd angel

Woke up to SO much snow.

I know it is crazy that I'm about to say this but... I like the fluffy, white stuff.

Which leads to our next topic of conversation. How big of a nerd I am for making a snow angel while the kids were napping. But the snow was beckoning me...

It actually was quite relaxing... if you like to freeze your tooshie off while relaxing.

The girls are going to be jealous but we can play when they wake up. Because let's face it, this snow isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Collin would have gasped had he seen my jimmy-rigged tripod to our front banister. You should take a self-timer shot this weekend. You don't need to risk you camera's safety like me. ;) They are freeing and fun. I have a remote but there's something about the 10 second run to get in the frame that adds to the excitement-or the dorkiness.

rule #462

Never leave the house with out this pink, fuzzy blankey in my chipped nail polish grip...

If you do, be prepared for a friendly reminder and possibly not-so-friendly reminder every 5 seconds that you forgot it. "momma... bankey. momma... bankey"

Big thanks to the Dear Lizzy March sponsors:

Blue Moon Scrapbooking: great supply of dear lizzy goodness

Shey B: stylish camera straps

Evalicious: Fabulous memory art kits

Peachy Cheap: Awesome deals-a-day

Magpie Kit Club: cute kits

Totally Rad Actions: photo actions

Studio Calico Kit Club: great kits incl. dear lizzy

2009 Award Ceremony

It's time to highlight blog posts & photos from this year.

These awards rival an Emmy or a Dundie Award and are accepted with much pride at the Kartchner home.

Acceptance speeches will be cut short and everyone reading is invited to the after party.

The award for the most sneaky & the best button-thrower-all-over-my-office goes to...

Since I've won this award in previous years... I announce with much pride...

the most dramatic performance goes to this cute little runt.

Collin always teases me for saying, "laugh" when I take his photo so...

The best fake laugh goes to Mr. Kartchner himself...

Collin will be disappointed that he didn't win this award... the best kiss of the year...

The best lawn...

The cheesiest & gummy grin goes to...

The best location for an FHE treat and the best 4 quarters spent all year...

Award for stellar self-timer shots...

Having 10 seconds to run and jump into a window definitely deserves an award.

Golfing on Collin's birthday is a close second for a self-timer winner because this was such a fun day!!

Best purchase of the year...

The award for the Best day to be named Liz...

The award for "why are the kids so quiet? What are they up to?" Goes to this memorable moment...

Here's to another exciting year...