Boy, what a past week I’ve had!  I mentioned a while back on social media I did something way outside my comfort zone and submitted a video for Hallmark Channel’s show Home and Family contest to find their next DIY star.  After I entered, I tried not to think about it too much and the list of entries added up quickly.  I figured I likely wouldn’t make it past the first round with so many awesome candidates.

Fast forward to last Sunday when we were driving to the airport for vacation and a producer from the show called to tell me I was a finalist and asked if I could extend my trip to shoot a segment with the hosts that next Friday.  What the what???  We decided after a few days at Disneyland, we would all just extend till Friday and Jon and the girls joined me at Universal Studios Hollywood for the filming of the show on set.  What an experience!

The producer had looked on the blog and found Ruby’s big girl room, then asked me to recreate her Crib Skirt to Canopy Bed project I did last year.  I loved that project so much– I think it makes her room!  I gave them a list of supplies and instructions for the project, and ka-bam!  Their amazing crew got every single thing I needed together for me.  Seriously, that team is full of pros.  I met with the producers and crew on Thursday to make sure everything was in order, then arrived bright and early Friday morning for one exciting day.

Can I just say, every single person on the show was not only so professional and kind, but genuinely excited for me.  From the dear assistant who helped me rearrange travel plans, to my segment producer, the senior producer, the other producers, the production and stage crew, camera crews, kitchen staff, hair and makeup, and other guests and hosts (and I’m sure I’m missing a million other wonderful people), they all made me and my family feel so welcome, comfortable, and truly like they wanted me to shine and do my very best.  Here are a few behind the scenes photos:

The gorgeous house set.  It really felt so homey!

…. except for the whole Western set next door.  We’re in Hollywood, people!

Hanging a heavy canopy from a fake ceiling was no easy task.  Good thing these guys are pros and figured out how to do it!

Mark and Cristina were every bit as wonderful in person as you would hope they would be.  And can I just say, that Cristina can seriously cook!  I’m still craving the risotto she made on set.  It was to die for.

With the exception of Anna dropping her bottle mid-taping my segment (and starting to cry, to which Jon rushed outside!), everything went off without a hitch, mostly to the credit of the show staff.

They even helped us share some exciting news right at the opening of the show.  In case you missed it, we are expecting a baby this fall!  Surprise!!  I was way more nervous for the announcement than the segment.  I’ve shared here before I have rough pregnancies and I’m still not out of the danger zone, so sharing the news is a little nerve wracking for me.  But as you can tell from the photos, this third baby body of mine was already wanting to tell the world.  Hello bump!

Jon was a trooper, taking care of the girls all day so I could focus on the show.  I’ve got a good one, that husband of mine.

If you missed the segment, you can watch it here.

And now, as it usually is with these types of things, it may come down to votes.  I may be the worst help-asker in the history of the internet (I think that’s a thing).  It truly makes me cringe in all the weird ways to ask you to vote for me, but I really really need your help.  If you so wish to vote, please comment and like this post on Facebook before Saturday.  I already love you, but love you more I will.  (and good luck to the other finalists!)

Thank you, Hallmark and Home and Family for this amazing opportunity!  It was a shoot this little family of mine will surely never forget.