Thursday, November 3, 2011

Challenge #8 - The Winner Is...

Thanks for sending so many great Autumn pictures! I have to admit, we have some cute people in our family. I waited a little longer to post the winner so that we could add a few current pictures to the mix... sorry for the delay. But wait no more, I have a winner! Congratulations....


Um, well... this one is a little tricky. My mom submitted this photo, but the subjects are Damon and Caleb. So as I see it we have three potential winners this week! I know how competitive this family is, so here's my suggestion; cage match. I kind of think Caleb can take the other two...

As that gets sorted out, I'll work on the next challenge. This is the first time I don't have one lined up already! Maybe I shouldn't actually publish that, but it's true and I'm feeling totally honest at 3 AM. If you have any great ideas, please send them my way. For example, does anyone know how to set up an elaborate baby pool? And by "baby pool" I mean the gambling device, not the inflatable water hazard. I feel like the next post should definitely be baby-centered!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Challenge #8 - The Great Pumpkin

Autumn is my favorite time of year, probably because of all the food and candy involved in Autumn holidays, but also because the weather is the perfect combination of crispy and cozy and the plant life is especially beautiful. It doesn't hurt that my birthday is Autumn either, but I'd probably love it anyway.

This week, my challenge is Autumn-inspired. I challenge you to submit your most spectacular Autumn photos. Whether they depict pumpkin carving, hay riding, trick-or-treating, or general harvesting, send them my way! As always, you may choose to caption your photo or let it speak for itself. You have until Monday, October 31st to submit via e-mail. I've provided a "pumpkin seed" of inspiration below!





Sunday, October 23, 2011

Challenge #7 - The winner is...

While thinking of 180s, I realized that a dozen dozen (or a Gross) is only three dozen shy of 180... right Grandpa? I was happy to see all of the other 180s in our lives, literal and figurative. Thanks for playing along this week!

This week's winner will receive a prize of 180... somethings. I haven't collected it yet, but it will be numerous if nothing else! And speaking of the winner, I'm happy to announce that of the ten 180-themed entries, our winner is...


JULIA!!

Congratulations Julia! I'll be sending your prize back to Wisconsin with my parents (sorry Mom and Dad). They'll be in MD for Halloween, so look for 180 things coming your way in November. 

The next challenge will post tomorrow! I can't wait to see all of our creative ideas!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Challenge #7 - A Complete 180

As many of you may know, I recently changed jobs, and for a classroom teacher who trained to be a classroom teacher and just completed a second degree to extend her certification as a classroom teacher, this was pretty life-altering. To clarify, I did apply for this new position. I actually applied at the end of last school year with the hope that I would begin this school year as a "Consulting Teacher," working with first year teachers in my school district and formally observing them as part of the tenure track. However, I did not get the job, and so my life went on as planned.

Fast forward to the second week of school (as in last month). My classroom was all set, my students were on their way to accomplishing great things, my planning was, for once, ahead of schedule. I had vowed to make this the "best year ever." And truthfully, those first two weeks of school were really great.

Then I got an e-mail, which led to a phone call, which led to a job offer; Consulting Teacher. Evidently the school district underestimated the number of new elementary teachers it would hire for this school year, and suddenly they were asking me to leave my fledgling classroom to work with 22 of these new teachers. I had to make a decision; stay in the classroom and my comfort zone (which I had spent the entire summer psyching myself up about), or accept the job I had applied for and been denied (and for which I missed weeks of training).

Well, for those of you who actually read the first part of this post haven't given up despite my rambling... I took the job. My life has since been a complete whirlwind, though I'm finally seeing the blue skies ahead. But for a while there, I felt completely turned around.

And that brings us to the seed of this week's challenge, though admittedly it doesn't have much to do with my l-o-n-g story. I know many of us have had these type of experiences; a complete 180. And that got me thinking (in a Grandpa sort of way) about other 180s. For example, a straight line is 180 degrees, the International Date Line runs very close to 180 longitude... you get the point, right?

This week, I challenge you to post other "180s." I'm tempted to give extra credit to references outside the unit circle and Babylonian mathematics, but as always, the winner will be selected at random, so feel free to post anything you can think of! You may post as many solutions to this challenge as you'd like, and the winner will receive a prize of 180... somethings. You'll have to play to find out!

(Thank you, Teri, for reminding me to post an end date for this challenge! All entries are due by Sunday, October 23 at 5:00pm CST. Hopefully that gives everyone enough time to get math-y! Hooray for 180!)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Gross Family Cookbook

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books offer a variety of layouts and cover options to choose from.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Challenge #6 - The Winner Is...

Wow, the family really stepped it up for this challenge! There were 39 recipe entries for our cookbook! I've also been rummaging through my mom's photo albums for "vintage" food pictures, and I found some real gems... I can't wait to share them!

Once the cookbook is compiled, I'll send out a link to the shutterfly page where it can be purchased/perused. However one lucky family member will NOT have to order a book, because the winner will receive one complements of The Gross Family Challenge Blog! This winner will also receive a few filler gifts (kitchen towels and recipe cards) to hold him or her over until the book arrives.

Who is this lucky lad or lassie?
Congratulations Cindy!

Your "Hot Seafood Spread" was the 26th entry, making you this week's winner! I absolutely love this recipe and can't wait to make it for myself so I can eat the entire thing my family... It may take me a little while to put all the recipes/pictures together, but fear not, I'll publish a post announcing the completion of the book as soon as it's ready.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Challenge #6 - Cook Book

Only 1 Day Left!

You may not know this about me, but I like to cook, and I like to eat, and I like to talk about cooking and/or eating. Robert I have even been known to peruse other blogs (specifically this one) looking for great recipes to try, and I'm always impressed by the magnetic appeal of a well-taken food photo followed by a list of ingredients comprising said food. The "seed" of inspiration: all of the food photos clogging up my harddrive while the foods pictured clog up my arteries. For example:

Robert's Homemade Marshmallows
Recipe at Smitten Kitchen

Carissa's 30th Birthday Dinner

Recipe from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc at Home, but the 
pictures pretty much speak for themselves!

Jack's Lemon Bars
Recipe at Smitten Kitchen

Robert's "I have nothing else to do and, mostly, people like cake" Cake
Recipe at Martha Stewart

Now that I have your attention... the challenge! Relax, I'm not going to ask you to create a lavish feast for the GFCB team (me), although I've never been known to turn down a delicious meal. Instead, I would like you to share your favorite recipe and a photo of you creating/enjoying/demolishing the product! Please e-mail your entry to:

 grossfamilychallengeblog (at) gmail (dot) com 

Include "Cook Book" in the subject line, the photo as an attachment, and the recipe in the body of the e-mail. You may submit as many entries as you'd like in any category; drinks, appetizers, main courses, desserts. Just be sure to send them by Friday, September 23. (Jaden's Birthday!) A winner will be selected at random to receive a very special prize... perhaps the best prize yet! 


Recipes in the Gross Family Cookbook:
Cheesey Baked Ziti (Gena)
Meatball Subs (Gena)
Lemon Bars (Cortney)
Fried Chicken (Cortney)
Popcorn on the Stove (Allison)
Black Bean Salsa (Roberta)
Steed's Lodge Oatmeal Cookies (Debbie)
Apple Impromptu (Debbie)
Low Country Shrimp Boil (Pete)
Pizza Hot Dish (Anne)
Autumn Soup (Anne)
Chicken Tettrazinne (Anne)
Sweet Potato Salad (Lauren)
Grandma's Sugar Cookies (Lauren)
Pizza Ryes (Lauren)
Dipped Gingersnaps (Judy)
Rhubarb Torte (Judy)
Dill Dip (Judy)
Christmas Party Pinwheels (Damon et. al.)
Caramel Apple Salad (Jenny)
Easy Lasagna (Jenny)
Venison-Chicken or Veal Schnitzel (Teri)
Spedinis (Teri)
Grandma Mazza's Meatballs (Teri)
Jaden's Chocolate Milk (Jaden)
Hot Seafood Spread (Cindy)
Angel Chicken Pasta (Cindy)
Pork and Pineapple Stir Fry (Kate)
Zada's Fudge (Kate)
Divinity (Grandma Harris)
Pizzelles (Grandma Mazza)
Honey Oat Bread (Grandpa)
Cherry Cake (Grandma) 
Macaroni and Cheese (Carissa)
Cornbread Bake (Carissa)
Oma's Fluffy Pancakes (Brett)
Beef Stroganoff (Carissa)
Cheesy Potatoes (Cindy)
Apple Raspberry Pie (Allison)

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Challenge #5 - The Winner Is...

Thanks for playing along this week Gross Family! It's comforting to know that I can always call on someone super to get me out of a bind. If I need laser vision, Blue Steal, help with sharing, hammer advise,  a toddler workout, or anything global, I'm set!

Hopefully this week's winner will be "around" to receiver her prize. It's been a long time coming, Gena, but finally,

YOU WIN!

I'm proud to present you with a superhero twin prize! You will receive a "limited edition" Justice League action figure - Brainiac! How appropriate for this witty winner. You will also receive a Jumbo Superman coloring book to work on in between all your super deeds. Congratulations!


The new challenge will post tomorrow! Thanks for playing everyone!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Challenge #5 - Super Hero

Fellow GFCB members,

Today I bestow upon you a challenge of epic proportions, a task so great, and yet so small. Today I ask you, what is your super hero alter ego? Or, I suppose you could choose a super villain persona instead? And if you're identity is truly fragile, on the verge of shattering completely, you may choose to describe one of each! So, here's the challenge:

1. Decide on your super hero/villain identity and give yourself a "catchy" name!
2. Disclose your super ability. Can you run faster than the speed of light? Eat more hot dogs than the Black Widow and Kobayashi combined? Memorize the words to any song you ever hear (Lauren/Grace)? Spill it.
3. Describe your origin story. In other words, how did you acquire your "super"-ness?
4. Include all of this information in the comment section of this post. If you are feeling especially "super" you may also e-mail me your story with a picture and I'll add it to the site. (Here!) All comments must be received by Friday, September 9. (Reagan's birthday!)

The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a super hero-themed prize! I've included a sample from Jack to get your creative juices flowing:


Jack is Fire Boy! After a visit to his local county fair, Jack starting acting "fiery." Free plastic fire hat in hand, Jack began discovering that life as a junior Montgomery County firefighter was spicier than that of a normal two-year-old boy. Little did Jack know, his free plastic hat was manufactured in a warehouse that only recently re-opened after a massive nuclear disaster. Jack's hat was first off the line, and now this little chief is unstoppable! His super powers include looking adorable in a fire hat to the point of stopping the flames in their tracks. Look out you bothersome blazes, Jack will reduce your flames to a smolder with a debonaire stare equalled by none. And when Jack is feeling sassy, those hungry eyes can ignite any target in their path. Fire Boy is a true super kid. 


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Challenge #4.9 - Where in the World is the Gross Family?


Alright family, here is the last photo challenge of this series. Congratulations Gena on correctly identifying all of Gracie's locations! I really think you might secretly be a PI. You're a little too good at this! And Damon, Gracie did visit both Pat's and Geno's (I thought of putting both pics in), but the photo is at Geno's; the orange table is the only distinguishing part. 

Enough about that challenge. Onto Reagan, Abe, and Brett! This photo was taken on July 2, 2010. I thought about making that the only clue, mostly to test out my Gena PI theory, but that would't really be fair to anyone else. So here is your final clue. The Wittig Fam is visiting the leading recreational aviation convention. Okay Gross Family, challenge on!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Challenge #4.8 - Where in the World is the Gross Family

This post is all about Gracie! I really liked how the Carissa/Mom post used a chain of logic and only the photos as clues, so I've decided to follow suite here. I'm looking for specific locations, pretty much as specific as you can get. So far I think our family has shown our ability to be stalker-ish-ly accurate with the whole citing of locations thing; I'm ready to see that magic worked once again! (Hint: These are all from the same trip.)






Saturday, August 27, 2011

Challenge #4.7 - Where in the World are Debbie, Pete, Julia, and Bill

Scotland/ Ireland edition once again! I think this is the last from "Way Northern England." (By the way, that was your first clue.) This location is a type of Bronze Age circular tomb cairn near the "Mouth of the River Ness". Much like many stone circles, this one also marks the winter solstice. One more hint, it's not Stonehenge!



Mom also sent another challenge, this one in the form of a question:

What did #s 3, 7, 8 & 9 have for dinner that is made of beef suet, pork blood, vegetable fat, oatmeal, onions, salt & spices? 

Feel free to puzzle over one or both of these challenges! Also, congrats to Damon, again, for correctly naming both locations in yesterday's post. I give style points to Teri; your answer sounded a lot cooler! 

Friday, August 26, 2011

Challenge #4.6 - Where in the World is the Gross Family?

Our family is so in-synch (not to be confused with N* Sync... I know we're not a boy band.) What I'm referring to are the following pictures, submitted by Debbie (Mom) and Carissa. The picture from Mom showcases one of her most recent tourist stops. The picture from Carissa is quite a bit older, depicting a tourist spot from several years ago. Both pictures are of similar locales, only they are 3,426 miles apart. Carissa's photo has a pretty good clue... I think both locations can be worked from there.



P.S. We're about to get hit with our third major geological/ weather-related catastrophe in just over a week. For those of you keeping track: 1) massive hail storm last Thursday resulting in almost $5,000 in damage between both of our cars (thank you insurance); 2) 5.9 magnitude earthquake and accompanying after shocks; 3) hurricane Irene. I can't elaborate on the last one, but I anticipate a pretty hefty power outage. If the site goes dark for a few days, I'll be sure to update with the last picture submissions as soon as we're brought back to the 21st century!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Challenge #4.5 - Where in the World are Debbie, Pete, Julia, and Bill

Thanks for the awesome picture Gena!! I will give you the honors of revealing the location and the winner.

Based on the high level of competition recently displayed on the GFCB, I have decided to make this next photo challenge even more "challenge-y." Or "challenging" for those "in-the-box-thinkers" or "rule-followers" or "possible-English-enthusiasts." I know "challenge-y" isn't a real word... Okay, enough self-banter. The picture!


This again comes from the raucous travels of our loving members abroad. It's not Downton Abbey (look it up... this show is hysterical and my Carissa's new obsession!) The structure is over 600 years old, and most of the renovations through the 1700s are in the "Scottish vernacular" style. Now, I know some of you are saying, "Stop, no more! You've told us too much already and now I have to scramble to be the first one to answer so I can impress everyone with my knowledge of 18th century Scottish architecture!" For that reason, I'm hesitant to provide you with this last clue. But I already thought of it, so here goes. The name of the castle is famously linked to Macbeth as a surprising title bestowed upon the main character. Your welcome Shakespeare aficionados! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Challenge #4.4 - Where in the World is the Gross Family?

So, in case you haven't heard, an earthquake hit northern Virginia this afternoon! It was very exciting (well, sort of... as exciting as three minutes of rumbling can be), so I'm using that as my excuse for not posting earlier. And don't worry family, Gena can't answer this one! I say that with all the love in the world for Gena, and a great big thanks for her submission of the following picture.


Your clue: This location is not traditionally in an earthquake zone, but it has felt it's fair share of aftershocks over the years. As a matter of fact, there were reports of residents feeling tremors from today's earthquake even though this location is close to 700 miles from the epicenter. The last earthquake to hit this location directly was in 1947, but even though it was the largest reported, the magnitude was not recorded.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Challenge #4.3 - Where in the World are Debbie, Pete, Julia, and Bill


Here's your next location Gross Family! This one appears in video format for the simple reason that Mom had her camera on "video" instead of "picture." But I think it's a nice change-up for our third mystery spot. This landmark is located on the Royal Mile (hooray for me because that's also the name of my favorite Scottish pub in DC!) And, it's the Mother Church of Presbyterianism; doesn't that sound fancy! Again, no members of the Gross Family actually appear in this post, so you'll just have to trust that Debbie, Pete, Julia, and Bill were actually there.

Please send any pictures you have of members of our family in interesting places. They don't have to be far off lands... anywhere in the world, including Wisconsin, is great!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Challenge #4.2 - Where in the World are Debbie, Pete, Julia, and Bill

Recently four members of the Gross family jetted off to the British Isles for two weeks of pubs, foggy shorelines, and sheep. Though no members of the Gross family actually appear in the picture below (typical of the four travelers), it does showcase one of their recent locations. The picture is the only clue, but try to be as specific as possible when pinpointing the location!


Also, I have to announce the winner of yesterday's photo hunt (even though there wasn't really going to be a winner). I was super impressed with the speed of Gena's entry, the sisterly intuition of Carissa's and Jenny's entries, and the accuracy of Damon's entry. I have to make Damon the winner because he found the actual location of the picture,  O'Rielly's Irish Pub, just a block down from our Frankfurt hotel. Congrats!!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Challenge #4 - Where in the World is the Gross Family?

Because we are a family of travelers, and because at this very moment a few of our family travel agents are gallivanting abroad, I've decided to start a string of challenges! I plan on changing the challenge picture frequently, so if you'd like to submit your own "Where in the world?" photo, I would love to add them to the challenge! The first photo is from my personal collection.


Here is your clue: Lauren and I are in the largest city in the state of Hesse. Other clues worth noting; the picture is a little blurry, it's dimly lit, and the establishment's name appears printed on the front window. Where could we be?

Submit your guess as a comment to this post. The more specific, the better. I will post a new challenge photo tomorrow!!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Challenge #3 - The Winner Is...

Okay, so as usual I'm going to ramble on for a little bit before revealing this week's challenge winner. First, a big thank you to Carissa for creating this week's prize. The bookmarks are just perfect!! I'm sure the winner will be delighted to put them to good use, even if for display purposes only. I'm not sure I'd want to risk actually using them when I read.

I hope everyone enjoyed this week's challenge; I know that many of you just like to snoop at the prize follow along without actually playing. And if you're just checking in for the first time this week, here is a run-down of the entries for the 10 word book report. Bonus points to those who made them rhyme!

1. Anna - murder mystery, artistic, imagination, French, relationship scandals, naive, egocentric, stereotypes

2. Carissa - Canadian mystery
an elder hunted
abundant characters
all friendships confronted
 


3. Cortney - In a quiet town, there're no secrets, or a lot.

4. Julia - Idyllic town. Natural deaths or murders? Painting clues solve mystery.

5. Damon - Must make time to read this book in time. Damn…

6. Gena - Friendship
Hatred
Discomfited
Arrogant
Quaint
Beauty
Love
Secrecy
Deceit
Peace


7. Debbie - Accident, murder, suicide...don't know.
Slow reader, only halfway through.


8. Pete - Easy read, murder, intrigue, suspense, artistic, French/Canadian, instructed, eh?

9. Teri - Oh my! Should have put down the kids and read!

Okay, who's was your favorite? It actually doesn't matter because there is no judgment here (at least none that I'll disclose on the site!!) Like always, your participation alone qualifies you to win the fabulous prize! This week's randomly selected winner is...


GENA!
Congratulations on winning this week's challenge, and thank you to all who participated (or stalked the blog and didn't participate). I have two ideas for the next challenge, and one sort of hinges on the internet accessibility of Scotland and Ireland. I'll post the new challenge, whatever it may be, Saturday. Don't let the anticipation consume your happy Friday! 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Challenge #3 - 10 Word Book Report

Still Life [Book]
Reminder - 12 Hours to Submit 10 Words!

Many of us have just finished Still Life by Louise Penny for the family book book club. (I'm admittedly skeptical that this is her real name, but that's outside of the scope of this challenge.) If you have never read this book, I'm giving you a one-week-and-one-day heads-up for our next challenge; it's a book report on Still Life! But fear not, the report must be given in exactly 10 words, no more, no less. Simple!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your literary nugget. The 10 words should capture the "essence" of the book, however they do not need to be strung in formal prose. The words can comprise a sentence, several phrases, or stand alone (take poetic license!) Comment on this post with your entry by Wednesday, August 17. The winner will be chosen at random and will receive a special book-themed prize created by the crafty Carissa!

Special Note - If you have not, cannot, or do not plan to read this book, simply submit your report on another tale. The only thing I ask is that you name the book and author that you choose to write about.

For those of you who need a little more incentive, I've included a picture of this week's prize: a set of genre-themed book marks created by Carissa! (That means they're awesome!)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Challenge #2 - The Winner is...

Sorry that this took a little while to post, but I'm exhausted after my first day "back" at school (class actually). I know, whah whah, I've had six beautiful weeks of rest and relaxation, so I should just stop complaining about being tired because some people have "real jobs," you know, and they have to work "all" the time... I'm stalling.

I know that many of you were interested in this week's prize, especially because it was pretty awesome. I mean, who can resist karate? I also wanted to congratulate everyone on their extremely creative posts this week! I know many of you were hesitant to participate because this challenge seemed just a little to close to work for comfort. Sorry about that, but sometimes a little effort makes a big impact :) We are a delightfully creative bunch of people, so hooray for us! I've had so much fun looking at everyone's entries. It's always fun to see the diversity of entries given one prompt. I hope you've all had a lot of fun too!

Okay, I think we're at the point where you had to scroll down to see the winner, so without further ado, or maybe just a little, here is this week's winner...


Congratulations Caleb!!

You will receive your karate tote (or ninja... still open for debate) in the mail shortly! If you didn't win this week, just think, your odds are better for next week! The new challenge will post tomorrow, and (hint) it will only require you to write 10 words. No excuses for lack of participation! And there will be an AWESOME prize thanks to Carissa. I know you're all super intrigued :)

Update - From Damon via Caleb, or Caleb via Damon

I have been asked by this week’s winner to say a few words of appreciation.  Caleb is finding it difficult to find the words necessary to convey his surprise and appreciation at winning this weeks challenge.  This mostly is due to the fact that he is not even 14 months old, so concepts such as appreciation, challenge and winning are beyond his grasp.  Also he is still trying to understand basic words and speech patterns, so verbalizing his full appreciation of to the folks at RANDOM.ORG and their fantastic random number generator programs is just not yet possible. 

I’m sure he will enjoy wearing his new prize on his head, putting pieces of it in his mouth, and generally drooling all over it.  Also, we’re excited that Caleb will soon be testing for his high white belt in “keeping it real”.  He’s been working very hard at it.

Finally, in the tradition of the first week's challenge, and with the help of the random nature of the universe (and the internet), we would like to present the runner up this week.  Congratulations to Jack at number 6, you are the runner up in this week’s Gross Family Challenge Blog Challenge.  Your prize is having a wonderful mother, a loving family, a fantastic uncle, and most importantly, an appreciation for motorcycles. 

Yes, this is a total cop-out prize. 

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Challenge #2 - Metamorphosis

Update!

I have received a few clarifying questions regarding this challenge. Hopefully this clears up any confusion!


1) You do NOT need to make something for this challenge, just send a "before" and "after" picture of something... this can be a literal "before" and "after," or a less-than-literal interpretation. Anything goes!


2) You do NOT need to upload your own images; I will take care of this. You should e-mail your pictures and a brief description to: grossfamilychallengeblog (at) gmail (dot) com


3) You do NOT need to provide a step-by-step description of the change or pictures along the way (though you can if you'd like).


4) The deadline is now MONDAY, AUGUST 8!! 


Please feel free to send any more questions. There is a sweet prize for this challenge (think "repurposed" goods).


Times, they are a changing. The theme of this challenge is metamorphosis, evolution, change, recycling... basically I challenge you to transform something "old" into something "new." Here is a sample to get those juices flowing. I recently purged my closet in an effort to stay organized (insert laugh track). Midway through I came across an old dress that has miraculously managed to escape the donation pile for what I assume is close to six or seven years! And I'm positive I haven't worn it in at least five. So I got to thinking; why is it that I haven't been able to part with this admittedly outdated frock? I really don't know. There isn't a good reason. But again, I didn't want to throw it away.

The dress - before.

Thus, the metamorphosis challenge. Instead of getting rid of it, I decided to turn it into something new!

First I cut the dress in half.


Then I adjusted the darts...
who knew I needed to do this to make the skirt fit?
Then I sewed up all of the seems.

Ta-da!! Dress becomes skirt.

Now, this challenge is NOT to become a low-skilled fashion designer (though the first part of this post might certainly suggest that); it is to e-mail me two images, namely a "before" and an "after" image depicting the change of something into something else. Send your images (by August 8, 5 pm CST) to:

 grossfamilychallengeblog (at) gmail (dot) com

Be sure to include "metamorphosis" in the subject line along with a brief description of your item's "change" in the body of the e-mail. I will compile all images and post them, along with the randomly selected winner, on Monday, August 8. Remember, be creative!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Challenge #1 - The Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who followed the blog this week! We had a lot of fabulous song suggestions; who knew we were so creative? Though most of the fun has been reading everyone's posts, we do have a winner to announce, selected at random, along with an "editor's pick." I had to choose the winner randomly because there is no way I could evaluate and rank the posts with the expectation that somehow one would be better than the others, so... I put all 14 qualifying posts into a random number generator and then chose the winner based on the generated numberblahblahblah.... I've included the screen-shot for those purists. 


So, congratulations LAUREN!! 

Lauren's post reads:

Song: With A Little Help From My Friends
Artist: Joe Cocker

Lyrics:
What would you do if I sang out of tune
would you stand up and walk out on me
Lend me your ear and I'll sing you a song
I will try not to sing out of key

I get by with a little help from my friends

My rationale: Although this song is about friends, my best friends are my family and they are always there for me. It's about getting by with help from friends/family and I know that I can get through anything the help from my family. Plus, I sing a lot of songs out of tune and my family never stands up and walks out on me :).


I'm giving our winner Lauren the job of "editor's pick"... good luck! I'll  update with those results as soon as she's done collecting bribes! (I have just been informed that Lauren chose Dominic for her "editor's pick." Enjoy your treats!)


The winners will each receive a small token for their efforts this week.


Our new challenge will post tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

Friday, July 22, 2011

Do you accept the challenge?

Welcome to The Gross Family Challenge Blog, a place of foolish challenges and good-old fashioned family rivalry! My vision for this blog is to provide followers with a variety of weekly challenges matching the spectrum of interests, talents, and obsessions um... interests of the Gross family! Though I plan on using this site to elicit robust family conversations, anyone is welcome to participate in the weekly challenges. This satisfies the first condition of Gross Family membership; everyone is family and anyone can join.

That being said, it's time for our first challenge. Drumroll please...

Gross Family Theme Song

Now, I'm sure it's tempting to suggest the cliche, but please be warned that songs like "We are Family", though upbeat, joyous, and otherwise passable, do not meet the requirements of this challenge. So what are the requirements you ask? Read on:

1. Become a follower of The Gross Family Challenge Blog (GFCB).
2. Choose a song that does not include the word "family" but does include a message that describes membership in our family.
3. Comment on this post with your pick for the Gross Family Theme Song and be sure to include: name of the song, artist, specific lyric (not the whole song), explanation of how chosen lyric exemplifies our family.
4. Post your pick by Friday, July 29, 5:00pm CST.
5. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and will receive a PRIZE!!
6. Questions? You can e-mail me with any questions regarding this challenge. Send queries to:
grossfamilychallengeblog (at) gmail (dot) com
7. A sample entry is included in the comments below; no, I can't win my own prize!

Have fun, be creative, and thanks for playing on The Gross Family Challenge Blog!