why i can't move today (warrior dash).

ok, so i realize this picture doesn't fully explain why i am so sore today. it's just karl and i covered in mud from head to toe. but wait until you hear what we had to do to get that muddy! there was log rolling, scaling some muddy mountainous hills, cargo net climbing, hay bail climbing, rappelling, getting over the warrior wall, fire jumping, and finally, getting through the barbed wire covered mud pit. it was glorious. and thrilling. and muddy. i can't wait until next year!

all those obstacles explained above were spread over a 3 mile course in north plains, or. the place was amazing!! this was my first "race" ever. i figured i would sign up for this one because it's short and seemed realistic considering my lack of training. i also figured that if i didn't meet my goal i could blame it on all the obstacles, and if i met my goal, i could brag about all the obstacles. because that's how i roll.

i was actually pleasantly surprised by the results. my goal was to finish in under 45 minutes, because i am pathetically out of shape. my official time was 41:15.95, which means my pace was 12:37/m. i don't feel too bad about that, considering all those obstacles listed above. karl's time was 38:46.20, but it would have been much faster had he not been so sweet and concerned about me. honestly after the last gigantic hill, i was a little concerned about me, too. 

but we did it! 

the whole event completely exceeded my expectations in awesomeness. if i had known it was going to be such family friendly fun we would have planned to bring the kiddos and stay all day! i wish i would have been able to get more pictures to show more of the details such as the giant pile of muddy post-race sneakers being donated to GreenSneakers, or the amazing chainsaw carvings that were being raffled to benefit the wounded warrior project.

maxi demonstrates a warrior dance.

:)

this moment.

::inspired by soulemama::

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. 

autumn knits:: for the boys.

ok, ok. so this one obviously isn't finished yet. that would have just been uncharacteristic of me. way too many finished projects in a row. i'm not sure i'm capable of that kind of productivity. but here's what i'm working on for max. it's the dewey cabled pullover from vintage baby knits-- this is my second project and i love this book! i am tweaking the pattern a bit and using lionbrand fisherman's wool (the pattern calls for fingering weight, and this is aran), but i'll just keep my fingers crossed that my math is right and everything will work out. this is the first time i've used this yarn, and honestly, i'm not sure why. it's lovely. i'm in love.

isn't he cute?! this is the most recent hat i've made for the hubs. i was really excited about this one because it has an inner ear flap, which not only adds extra warmth, but also covers all the floats from the color work. genius!! the pattern is simply called skull hat and can be found on the blog, knit two together.

autumn knits:: for the girls.

hooty-hoo! i finally finished knitting up these two sweaters. my friend and i started knitting the adult sized version of the pattern together way back in march! and though she finished months ago, it took me quite a while due to a few little setbacks/knitting schedule conflicts. i suppose finishing right on the brink of fall  works out perfectly though, and with the recent rain we've been having (which is quite refreshing) i find myself already craving trips to the pumpkin patch, warm muffins, and apple cider. after trying on my sweater for the first time and being wrapped in wool (this very well might be the first wool sweater i've worn), i very well might be craving more of these soon, too. it just feels so wonderfully natural and cozy, and madelynn is enjoying the thought that sheep will share their warmth with us. my girl has such a thankful heart!

i enjoyed this pattern, but found i needed to make a few adjustments. you can read those details here and here.