this is BIG!

Meghan - I just love your blog. You make me want to be a more crafty mom.
Happy Birthday! 34 is my favorite number. 🙂

meaghan - am i too late?!?!? how did i miss this??? me want me want!

jamie - My best gift was dinner at melting pot… yummy!!!!

Starnes Fam - Oh, my. How could I win with all these entries?
Favorite birthday gift…..an Etsy piece of art from my husband. Can’t think of much I would love more.

Karmen Koehn - happiest birthday & loving seeing kansas through your blog! (i moved to denver & need a little kansas from time to time)
karmen

Mindy - Happy birthday to you!
My favorite b-day gift was my son!! He was born just a couple weeks before my b-day this year…greatest gift I could have ever asked for :). Thanks for the opportunity to win!

patti - first, happy birthday megan!
second, i received an awesome birthday surprise for my 40th birthday this year. i got a new camera which was my present and then my hubby got my closest family and friends together and had them come to a beach house he rented for a weekend. some out of towners too, so i was really shocked! it was the biggest surprise ever. and to top it all off, he compiled a video from friends and family that couldn’t make it and showed me the birthday tribute video when we got to the house with everyone there. i cried like a baby. it was the best birthday…so far.
hope yours is fantabulous!

Katie Kurz - Gorgeous! I love your sunflowers! I would love to have a canvas from our family vacation.

kasey - Happy Birthday.
You do not need to enter me into the giveaway…just wanted to say Happy Day to you.
xo

rosemarie - love your blog meg i read it everyday…my favorite presents are the sweet cards from my husband, our kids and parents

Andria - Meg,
What a beautiful photo on canvas. Happy birthday!!! I love your blog, your house, and most of all your beautiful spirit which comes across so strongly in your blog.
Blessings to you and your family!!

Pam - My best birthday ever was last year, my 40th. My sweet husband planned a surprise party for me, invited all my old high school friends and family. It was a great day! He also bought me a new fabulous camera that I have taken great photos with that would look wonderful on a wrapped canvas!

MGF - Happy Birthday…..
Wow that 20X24 is Beyond Awesome.
Wish I could get one……

Lisa - Happy Birthday Meg
It’s so nice of you to give one of your readers a gift.
I didn’t know it at the time, but my best gift ever was a sewing machine from my parents for my 21st birthday. I always complained about being short and having to pay extra to get my pants altered. My mom thought it would be good for me to learn how to hem my own pants. Almost 9 years later I can’t hem a pair of pants to save my life, but I can definately say that my machine sparked my creativity and my love of sewing.
Take care and have a wonderful day “Whatever” you do 😉

Ashlee Archibald - When I was 10, I reeeeally wanted a talkboy pen. It was like 30 dollars for this lame pen that recorded your words. But for some reason, I HAD TO HAVE IT! I knew it was waaay to exspensive to even think about. But, I opened up this HUGE box and inside was this small pen!! I leaped up and gave my daddy the biggest hug. Luckily someone got a picture of that hug. It’s hanging next to my bed. Best. birthday. ever.

cre8ivegirl - How about the best Christmas gift ever…It’s really the most memorable. From my hubby. A pair of ice skates. I was 38 years old but I felt like I was 10 years old! And I couldn’t wait to get out on the rink.

Stacie - happy birthday … oh boy do giveaways ever bring the readers out of the woodwork. the best bd gift i ever received was having my bdrm painted by my dad and husband. dad’s no longer here on earth to give gifts like that so i never ever want to change that paint. the memory of him doing that sweet thing for me is priceless!
i love your blog. i lurk around here w/o giving many comments, but wanted to let you know i think you’re a super star mommy and very talented in the arts too!!
xoxo, Stacie Bowers

Meg - Happy Birthday! This is so rad! We are getting family photogs done tommorrow so this would be epsecially awesome! Crossing my fingers!

AnnaB - Happy Birthday! I hope you get a day OFF!! That was my best gift! The placement of your new photo canvas is beyond perfect. You have a good eye!

Kim - So sorry I meant found your site:0)

Amanda - Happy Birthday! Love the canvas of your photo. Looks awesome in your home!!
My best birthday was turning 36 while pregnant with my twin boys. The gift of finally being a mommy to be was spectacular and such an answer to prayer.

Tracy - Happy Birthday, Meg! My favorite birthday had to be the year when my son wrote me a BEAUTIFUL poem that brought me to tears! He has such a big heart and it was so sweet that I had to keep it forever and scrapbook it too, of course! :o) Hope you have a great birthday today and please pick me – I’ve never won anything! HA! Big hugs! Trac~ :O)

Hannah M - Happy Birthday Meg! Favorite Birthday gift: Our first two years of marriage my husband memorized a lengthy poem for me. He “gave” me his gift-of-words over a sweet homemade breakfast….and then we had two darling children…and alas, our “free-time” has changed….so…the poems have now officially come to an end.

Kathy - Happy Happy Meagan
My 50th birthday was the best ever. My kids made a precious book about the 50 things they loved about Mom.

karla dornacher - Happy birthday Meg!! I remember the year I had to use a can opener to open my gift. My hubby had bought me an opal ring… my birthstone… and he took it somewhere to have it canned! It made me cry!!

Liz - Pick me! Pick me! My favorite b-day present would have to be a green necklace my husband had made for me a few years ago. It’s my favorite piece of jewelry to this day.

jen - happy bday 🙂 some of my favorite gifts were jewlery with my kids names/initials.

Amy R. - Wow, you have quite a following with over 600 comments! Happy Birthday! It was also my baby’s 1st birthday too. My best birthday gift was when I turned 30. My husband and I took a trip to Puerto Rico just the two of us. It was an awesome getaway. I just love the picture and would love to have one myself. Hope I win!
Amy

Kirsten Dehmlow - Happy Birthday! I would love to enlarge of photo of my daughter!

jess - the best present every year are the hand made cards from the kids….thanks for such a great giveaway! love the print you had made and the whatever sign…so you!!!! have a great birthday!!!!! -jess

Gina - Wow!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Best birthday gift….hmmm…my car when I turned 16!!!

Sheri - I love your blog…Happy birthday! One of my favorite birthday presents was from back in the day- an adoption doll by Xavier Roberts named “Loretta Tamera”. I thought that her painted on face and yarn hair were adorable 🙂 Great give away too!!

amy bell - a few years ago my husband surprised me with a new camera…we could not afford it at the time, but he saved and sold some of his own things to pay for it. it meant to so much to me….

Kelly - Joyeux Birthday! Enjoy your day!
My favorite birthday gift was a pin that I received from a guy I had a crush on waaaaaaay back then. I still have the pin. I think I’ll wear it today!
I was reading reader comments and wanted to tell Naomi that my mother bribed me when young- with a Dairy Queen dilly bar no less, to cut all my long hair off into a “pixie”. That’s how strong we feel the pull toward a Dilly Bar!

Meredith - Wow! Never commented before, but I like reading your blog. Happy Birthday! My best birthday present was when husband surprised me by flying two of my best friends up to New Jersey (which is where we were living at the time) to spend the weekend with me.

Julie - Happy Birthday Meg!
My favorite birthday gift was a meal at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with five of my best friends, treated to us by my parents for my 21st birthday. We dressed up, took a ferry to the Island, dined on delicious fancy foods, and wandered the beautiful hotel and island for the rest of the day. I have so many great memories of that day!

Sarah - Hi!! I’m about 33 minutes late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I love love love the sunflower! They are my favorite flower..I even have a Sunflower kitchen!! 😀
The best present I have ever received, was from my Grandmother, this past June. She got me a watch with a Sunflower and Dragonfly on it. It was from Avon, which my Grandmother is obsessed with..and I am thankful for! Hehe. I wear it all the time, and I love it SO much!

megan t. - Happy Birthday!
Best birthday present was when the husband wrote me a true blue genuine love letter. It was so sweet, and will be cherished forever. He even stuck to a piece of scrapbook paper to make it ‘cute’. Loved it! Love him.

heather lea - happy birthday! 🙂

Melissa Varela - Happy Birthday…The best present I got was an Ipod.

Amber Clay - My best birthday ever was when I turned 21. My mom and sisters-in-law took me to New York for a girls weekend. We had the best time, just the girls!

Alice - Happy Birthday!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!
The best gift I got as a kid was a my barbie dream house. I play for that thing for years. and I still have it!!

Caroline Simas - Hi Meg! Happy Birthday to you and love your blog! Would LOVE the photo canvas since I love the camera…hardest part would be choosing one picture!
Best birthday was when I turned 16 and my parents took just me to NYC for a long December weekend and did the whole shabang…The Christmas Spectacular, Times Square, shopping, etc. It was so special and so different from where I grew up.
Birthday Blessings to you!
Caroline
Multiple Blessings multipleblessings.net
Designing for the Soul carolinesimas.blogspot.com

Anne - happy birthday 🙂 I hope it’s been a great day!
My best birthday gift was my first bike- light blue with a white banana seat (weren’t those the best?). I was so excited about it, i peeked at my present before the party started. It was “wrapped” under a blanket so I was able to get away with it with no one knowing!

Dianne - Happy Birthday!
Growing up my sister’s birthday was 4 days before mine so we always celebrated mine on her birthday. Then when I left home to get married my father in-law’s birthday was the same day as mine. So the best birthday gift I ever received was one I gave myself in 1995. Instead of celebrating on June 28th I moved my day of celebrating me to July 30th! It is a secret that very few people know about but I always spend that day now celebrating my wonderful self! Happy Birthday!

margo sexton - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
My best birthday so far was my 18th birthday. It was prom and I felt like everyone was celebrating for my birthday! It was such a fun day and with all my friends! Hope you enjoy the day!

christine - I really must share two 😉
The first was on my 24th birthday. My sweet husband (boyfriend at the time) surprised me with a trip to Cancun for my birthday. It was an incredible trip, and made me feel so treasured & loved. sigh…
This past birthday (my 33rd) was spent in the hospital, cuddling and snuggling my day-old baby girl. sigh, again…..
Thanks for the giveaway!! I’m crossing my fingers 🙂

www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawlM6de53Phld7ORtpmmLF07hFTIKPv-Hqg - Well tomorrow is my birthday. I will turn 26. I was born on my grandmother’s (my mother’s mother) birthday. I now have two daughter’s of my own. Four genrations of vivacious beautiful women. All together. It’s really awesome. Every birthday is good b/c of this. But tomorrow might be my best birthday yet. When I got home from work this evening my husband and two(ages 20 mos and almost 4)little girls had made me a cake (HUGE task). It was on the counter with a 2 & a 6 candle on top. All lit up. They were hiding or trying to…I could hear all the giggling. They jumped out and said Happy Birthday Mommy! Nothing beats that. It’s the best. I would love the canvas. I am a picture junkie. I photograph everything. But if I don’t it’s okay. Life is good anyway! Happy Birthday Meg……..and ME!

Michelle - Happy Birthday Meg!!!
My favorite birthday present was my son, he arrived just a bit after my 31st birthday.

Sharon - A new car!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
Sharon
slw_kerr@yahoo.com

Mary Jo - The best birthday gift I have received was a Coach purse from my husband…not necessarily because of the specific bag, but because he picked it out himself and COMPLETELY surprised me – just 3 weeks after our son was born. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!

carrie metz - Happy Birthday! Best birthday present was from my 10yr old son this year who went shopping with his own money and bought a bunch of fun things from TJ. He then ran out of money so used a christmas card for the birthday card . . . I loved it!!
Hope you have a great day . . .

Elaine Gilbert - Happy Birthday! I hope you got everything you wanted and more today!
My best birthday gift was given to me by my mom almost 7 years ago. It was shortly after my grandfather passed away and he always used to tell me that I was beautiful on the outside but more importantly on the inside, and anyone that didn’t see how beautiful I was, was crazy. That year my mother gave me a silver cuff bracelet with the Ralph Waldo Emerson verse, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us…” Reminds me daily of my grandfather and a reminder to myself to love who I am today!
Best wishes!
Elaine

jamie - happy birthday! well, i don’t receive many gifts. but for my 40th birthday, my favorite thing was vera wang princecess perfume from my twin daughters.

*mindi* - Happy Birthday!
My best gift was my first camera.
And then, my second camera. 🙂

suzka - Happy birthday! I enjoy your blog and your take on life quite a bit – thank you for putting your energy toward this! My best birthday gift happened three years ago when my husband sent me to Finland (where I had lived for a while about fifteen years ago). Alone. Meaning no children. You know I love my monkeys, but seriously – I would have taken ten days in a drippy stall at the DMV parking lot, just to get a little break from sippy cups and diaper bags. Ten days in Finland (right at that achingly beautiful line between summer and fall) with great friends and fantastic food? Well, that was heaven on earth.

LeeAnn - What an awesome giveaway and Happy Birthday! My favorite birthday present would have to be my Kitchenaid mixer! I love that thing!
Thanks!!!!

Kylie - Love the pic! My BEST birthday gift was when I was 6 years old. My Grandparents took me out for ice cream, and when I got home, and walked into my room, I had the most wonderful Barbie dreamhouse all set up. My parents had planned the whole thing….sent me out for ice cream, and they put it together….even the bed was all dolled up!

Naomi Williams - Happy Birthday! Hope it’s a good one.
I remember one birthday I had when I was probably 7 or so and my very cool college-aged aunt took me to Dairy Queen and told me I could order anything on the menu and I had only ever been allowed to order a plain cone or a Dilly Bar b/c we didn’t have a lot of money, and I felt badly costing her too much money, so I ordered a Dilly Bar. I still regret that. I have still never eaten a Dairy Queen banana split or crazy $5 concoction…hmmm…what to buy myself for my birthday in two weeks…I think I have an idea!
Love the photo! Love your house!

jennis - Happy Bday.
The pic and your shelf set up looks great.

Jennie - Happy Birthday! My best birthday gift would have been when I was 6 and I got a puppy – what a sweet little dog she was!

Loren K - My dog Annie!

Sandy - My favorite birthday gift was when my husband surprised me with a weekend trip to Boston. I’d love to win – thanks! sks1124(at)hotmail(dot)com

mel - Happy Birthday! I am here from Heather’s blog. The sign she made you is awesome! The best birthday present I have gotten was what I got this year for my 30th birthday. My husband got me tickets to see Wicked in SF and he got me the Canon 50D. so, I have plenty of pictures to pick from for the wrapped canvas, hint, hint 🙂

Christie Smith - Happy Birthday Meg
My best birthday present was a gift certificate to a spa. My husband gave it to me and it was so thoughtful.

Jessica - My favorite Birthday gift was a trip to Vegas on my 21st birthday!!

Tracy - Happy Birthday!!! Hope you had a fabulous day!!!
I have some great pictures that someone (I wonder who?) took of my kids that would be great on a canvas!!!
My favorite birthday present as a kid was a Schwinn bike with the banana seat and big handle bars….loved it!!!
But, my favorite gift as an adult was a card my daughter made for me and my husband wrote something sweet on the inside…I will treasure it forever!!!

Jodi Harder - I reallllly hope I win!!
My best birthday gift was an antigue American Flag with 48 stars. Very cool!

Bee Vollmuth - I love Dr Pepper Berries & Cream soda but they stopped making it when I was a freshman in college. My best friend (and now boyfriend) managed to find a 12 pack online and had it shipped and wrapped from California to Illinois for my birthday. I was so psyched when I opened it!
We then found it in a Meijer a month later–turns out they just brought it back when my bf was buying it for my bday. He paid $25 to have the soda shipped to find it for $8 at the store–we still laugh about it(:

Bonnie - Happy Birthday, Megan!
Best Birthday present = a car from my hubby. With a big bow. It was sweet (although, 9 years later, I still own the car and it’s now a clunker!)

Kelly - Hands down…THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER was going to New York City with my Mom for my 21st. The guy behind the ticket counter was making casual chitchat like, “How are you, today?” and “Head to New York, huh? Any particular reason?” Upon finding out that I was turning 21, he upgraded us to first class (the one and most likely only time I’ll be sitting there). My Mom and I spent 7 days sightseeing, walking and walking and walking, getting lost, and best of all, enjoying our girl time together.

Whitney Pate - first off–happy birfday!!
the best birthday gift i ever received was a my best friend meeting my family in charleston for my birthday. On my 20th birthday, my family was on spring break at the isle of palms in south carolina. my best friend and my younger sister surprised me with him meeting us. When we got to dinner, there he was!! I was floored!! i get excited just reminiscing about it!

Meg - Happy Birthday! My best birthday gift was a travel pillow made by my mom with my daughter’s hand and foot prints appliqued. A week later I flew to San Diego and was away from her for the first time. Spent lots of time clutching that pillow!

Shelly Primm - Happy Birthday!
One of my favorite birthdays was when I turned “28” on July 28th. I celebrated 28 days leading up to the 28th. It only happens once in your lifetime so it should be very special.
Megan, I hope someone made you a delicious cake to celebrate your birthday! 🙂

Lindsay - MY best birthday gift was last year. Our first son was born 1 week before my birthday and my husband also gave me a third ring (to complete my wedding band) in honor of him!
ooooo I hope I win. I’m not typically the “winning” type but here’s hoping…

Kimberly Au - The best gift ever was my Big Wheel when I was 5 years old. Loved that thing! Then it was stolen from my front yard!
Happy Birthday!

kristen burkhart - happy bday meg!
i would luv a pic of yours!! like children and flowers – both so pure. . . that would be my best present next bday (12/12) haha
can’t wait to hear how your family celebrated YOU!
kristen b.

Abby - Happy Birthday!!
Best birthday gift ever – a sterling silver cuff bracelet from my mom, with my favorite scripture.

Meredith Newton - Happy Birthday!
The best birthday gift I ever received was a computer from my fiance (now my husband) built for me, yes he is a cpu geek! Anyway my friend split a big glass of cranberry juice all over my keypad on my laptop : ( So my sweet guy built me one!

Suzanne - The best birthday gifts I received were these ceramic birthday girls each year from birth – 16 years old. Each year the girl was a little bigger, and it had the year on each. My grandparents gave them to me each year, and when I was 16, the year of the last doll, my granddad made a display case to house them all in. I thought it was a little silly at the time, but now that he has passed away, I am able to look back on it and see something that he made for me with his own hands and a lot of love!

Amanda - I love the idea of this artwork! My best present ever would have to be having the offer on my first home ever accepted on my 25th birthday! It may have been from myself, but it was such an accomplishment that I will cherish forever!!!

Suzanne - 500 + comments! A lot of people love you, me included.
Happy Birthday to my blog obsession and virtual “friend” Meg.
The web is a nicer place with you in it!
Best birthday gift was the year my 3 grown daughters got us all manicures and pedicures together… lots of laughs and great bonding time.
Worst was last year when I bought my own birthday cake to take to my sisters because no one planned anything…actually kinda funny now…not so much at the time!

Karen - Happy Birthday!! My best present had to be my 40th…my husband surprised me by arranging for our 3 children to spend the night with some great friends so we could spend a special evening out. I thought we were going out to eat, but low and behold, he walked me out to a marina. We hopped onto a boat and spent the evening watching the sunset out on beautiful Lake Michigan. That one was a keeper!!

Cris - Happy Birthday!
Thanks for the chance to win!!
**awesome picture**

Christine - Happy Birthday!! My best gift was a necklace from my mom – something I’ll keep forever. If I have a daughter, I plan to give it to her for her 21st birthday 🙂

posey - My favorite gift was last year, we had been married 30 years and I turned 50. My kids threw a surprise party, after we ate, my husband got down on his knees and said a bunch of stuff about how wonderful it was being married to me, and pulls out a diamond ring!!! Talk about being shocked! Never in a million years would I have expected it. The kids also, sent us to a B&B in Franklin, TN, which was absolutely fabulous! Best day ever.

Rebecca - My best birthday present was when my 3rd child and 1st daughter came the day before my birthday. I really, really didn’t want her to be born around my birthday, but now, I love that she was!

Laura - Happy Birthday to you! I don’t know what my best birthday present was. I love birthdays and my family always make an effort to celebrate them with me, which is the most special! This is a really great giveaway!

Jill - Happy Birthday!
Hmmm, I’d have to say a beautiful birth stone necklace from my husband!

Mary B - Happy Birthday! That photo canvas is awesome. I think I’d have a hard time choosing the perfect photo!!

Aly Meyer - Happy Birthday!!
My best gift was a surprise collection of goodies from my friends that they snuck into my house for my bday!

Dana Banana - Happy Birthday Meggie! Hope your day was great. This sounds so bad that it took me all day to think of a great birthday present. (Since my b-day is the same week of Christmas usually we are at the in-laws, (whoopie) or traveling home.) I guess the best thing in a while is that we finished our kitchen remodel around the same time as my birthday last year. Catch you soon!

Diana G. - Enjoy!!! You deserve it!
My best birthday gift was my son – he was due 2 weeks after my birthday – but he decided that I needed a “surprise” birthday party – in the hospital!!! He was a big boy weighing 9 lbs 8 oz with the biggest head you ever saw. He’s my little buddy and we love celebrating our birthdays together!

Samarah McNulty - Hey !
I come to you’re blog everyday when I come home from school , and Love it ! I even have a link to your blog on my blog.
My favourite birthday presnt I ever had was a hug. It was from My best friend, Lynden. She didn’t forget to get me a present, or forget it was my birthday. Thats just what she got me, and it was the best, most thoughtful present ever.
Happy Birthday ! I Hope you have a good day and spend it with your family ! ( & hope you get everything you’re wishing for! )

Whitney H - Happy Birthday! I’ve just recently found your blog and love your photos! My most memorable gift was tickets for my best friend and I to go see Josh Groban at Starlight! He has the perfect voice for an outdoor concert!

Lindy - I have the perfect photo for this! My fave present: A Hedda Get Bedda doll I received when I was 6. My mom looked high and low and I was floored when I got her. Worst present: Chicken mug from my husband many years ago. Seriously. The neck was the handle with a head on top. But I treasure it and still have it around! Happy Happy Birthday dear Megan!

Becca Parker - My best birthday present was a surprise sweet 16 party, especially after I had been a whiny brat the week before because my parents wouldn’t let me have a party for my birthday. I felt like such a poop, a happy 16 year old poop. I love your pictures and the fun way you look at life. thank you Becca

Bailey - Happy Birthday to you!
My best Birthday present is a hand print mold from my 3 year old (2 at the time)! Anything from my kids are the best presents ever!

Jamie - Wow! It looks great! And perfect with the sign! My favorite birthday gifts are anything my kids make…cards, clay things, cupcakes, etc. When my kids are little they like to wrap up things that are already mine…”Look, my wallet!” It cracks me up! Thanks for the giveaway.

Maria Fallon Romo - The best birthday presents are the ones that I buy for myself! “Happy birthday to me!”

amy wade - Ha! Ha! I don’t know if it’s my best but, for my birthday one year, I bought the book called Getting Pregnant. A very scientific book to maximize your chances on getting pregnant. Includes diet, exercise, medications to avoid, foods to avoid, so many things. It must have worked because 2 weeks later…I got pregnant! 🙂

Lauren - My best birthday present was a digital camera from my little sister when I turned 21. I got a little cranky at her for spending so much on me though!

Christy Pair - Happy Birthday! My best gift ever was my daughter- she was born the day after my birthday!

LeAnne Cotton - best was keyless entry added to my 1993 Honda Civic when I was in high school. That was before we all carried our cell phones around with us. There were just “car phones”
Happy Birthday!
LeAnne Cotton

Lisa K in FL - Well, when I win this contest and get to use one of YOUR pictures, I will consider it an early bday present and it will certainly be the best yet!
Happy birthday to you, Megan. You bring me joy on a daily basis and I wish we were friends in real life. I hope you’re having a truly spectacular day!! 🙂

Karen E - Happy Birthday! I hope you’ve had a fabulous day. 🙂
Best bday present I’ve gotten so far is my daughter! She was early — she came two days before my birthday so she was my special little present.
Thanks for the great giveaway!

Di - Glad you’re having a good day. LOVE the sunflower print! Annie was so excited it was your bday today – too cute when she wouldn’t give away your age! 🙂
hmmm…least favorite bday gift came to mind: a bright pink, velour sweatsuit from my stepmom when I was 16. I remember thinking, “for real???” …ah, too bad, it didn’t fit! whew!
may the rest of your day be blessed as you are a blessing to so many…luv ya, di

Samantha Pierce - Happy Birthday! I think the best birtday present i got was a necklace from my mom last year for my 21st birthday! It was my birth stone with diamonds around it.. it was very unexpected and amazing!
By the way I look at your blog almost everyday and I LOVE your photos and am very inspired. I was wondering where you are from in Kansas also. I go to K-State and the sunflowers are my favorite!

Carly Winborne - it’s my birthday today, too!! i knew i loved you when i first started reading your blog. and today, that’s the best birthday present i’ve gotten. funny, i bought myself some sunflowers today (to me, from me) and now i come and see this post with your sunflower photo. so fun!!

Kirsten - Oh how fun!!!! My best birthday gift…you know, it’s just one that sticks in my mind, and it really wasn’t that great, but it marked a new phase for us…I was 8 1/2 months pregnant with my first, and got a playpen for my birthday from my husband. Practical. I think there was a bottle of perfume, too, but the playpen still makes me smile 🙂

takingheart - My favorite birthday gift is always a pretty cake… Cake is my favorite food! This year, a bunch of nurses i work with threw me a surprise birthday party and one of them (a cake baker extraordinaire!) made me a Snoopy & Woodstock cake… YUM!

Ann at the Handley Bungalow - Happy Birthday, Meg! Your photo is really neat. Wow! I hope I win! 🙂 Anyway, my favorite b-day…hmmm…I had a lot of fun parties when I was a kid. I think my favorite was going to an old-fashioned ice cream shop with a bunch of 1st grade friends. I still remember it and the piano that played by itself! We had ice-cream sundaes and watched old black-and-white movies. I think the place was called “Maloney’s” and it was in Niles, IL. Have a super birthday! Sincerely, Ann

Kathi - Happy Birthday! I love your blog. I’ve never commented, but couldn’t pass this up. Love your photos, your colorful home, you are an inspiration to me! My best Birthday gift was when my oldest son then 20 years old gave me a gift certificate to the salon in town. I think his thoughtfulness was more appreciated than the gift.

Laura Phelps - dinner at Babbo in NYC for my 30th…still dream about that meal!
and HAPPY Birthday to YOU!!!!!!!!!
Wish I could send you a CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!

Leah Stutzman - Happy birthday! I came across your blog through Jess & Joel’s…love it! So, the best b-day gift I have ever received is a simple solitary diamond necklace from my husband – the one he originally gave me for our one year anniversary of dating was stolen last summer, and he replaced it for me! Very sweet!

Keri ~ ForeverFoldingLaundry - Happy 29th birthday! 😉 Hope it’s fab. The picture turned out beautiful – love it!
My favorite birthday tradition would have to be going away to the coast with my hubby. One year he had a lady come to our hotel room & I got a massage in our room with a fire roaring in the fireplace. Heaven!!
Happy day to you!

Amy S - HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHATEVER! haha! WOW love the sunflowers. Favorite birthday present was my surprise party for my 39th birthday last year. It was awesome and blew my socks off! I was in TOTAL shock. Thanks for your blog! You are so inspiring and cool and beautiful and happy and have the cutest kids and dog on creation. I love that you love Jesus. (i have an almost 15 year old too and WOW we could talk for hours). Thanks and WHATEVER!!!
Amy from Bama……….

Emily D. - I think any birthday where I got jewlery would be my favorite! BTW saw your bathroom featured on BATHTASTIC! the other day!

Kelly - Happy Birthday to you! I know exactly what picture I would use. Well I think so anyway. We are going to DisneyLand in a couple weeks so some good ones might come up then too. 🙂 Anyway, best birthday gift I’ve ever recieved…hmmmm…well my birthday is smooshed in between Thanksgiving & Christmas so a lot of mine get combined but a few years ago my husband made me a “Day After Thanksgiving survival kit” and it was hilarious. That happens to be one of my favorite days and there was cash included in the kit with specific instructions to spend it on ME, not the kids, not Christmas but ME. It was pretty fun!

Erin Mercado - Happy Birthday! My most memorable birthday present when I turned 12….I thought I was going to get a dollhouse, but instead I got a .22 rifle. Whaaaa?? Haha!

shiela - just being with my husband-“munch” & my 2 adorable jelly beans…simple yet memorable.

Jen - Happy Birthday!
My best birthday was my 21st because my husband proposed to me the night before so my first day as a fiance was also my bday!

Haydee - Happy Birthday Meg.
The best birthday present I ever received was a huge box of diapers and wipes..we had a new baby and not a lot of money then and my husband knew what was most important..I’m sure I’ve received way more glamorous gifts than this but this one stands out as the most thoughtful and in tune with what I really wanted–to feel like we could take care of our baby.

Kerry - my absolute favorite birthday gift was the goldfish i received from my father for my fifth birthday. i named it cleo after the goldfish in pinocchio.

Michele Morgan - Happy birthday!!!!

sam - I think I’m having my best birthday ever this year. After a very trying year, for many reasons, three of my girlfriends are flying into my state to spend the weekend of my birthday with me in November. I am counting down the days!

Julia - woops – I was so excited – forgot the other part – the best birthday gift I ever received was a watch from my husband – I look at it all the time (not just when I want to know the time) and think “wow, I’m spoiled”

kim - Happy birthday!
I have the best birthday present pretty much every year… I get to go “home” to Cali, and visit my parents, and friends!

Ruth - happy birthday meg!! my best birthday present was a couple of years ago, i was studying in ghana and my parents sent a package over with a friend who was visiting… full of CHEESE!! much missed… it was heaven.

jenni - Best Birthday gift….a day of pampering from friends followed by a fancy dinner and words of encouragement (things we love about jenni…)I still have them and pull them out on hard days.

Erin - My favorite birthday present was for my 3rd birthday. Even though I was very little I remember it clearly.
I asked for a Barbie house.
My parents didn’t have a lot of money at the time, so they said I couldn’t have one.
I was SO bummed! Like I said, I was little, I just didn’t understand grown up things like money issues.
Later on that week when my birthday rolled around my mom woke ME up (because she was so excited!) and told me that I had a birthday surprise waiting in the kitchen.
It was a huge Barbie house with tons of furniture and boxes full of Barbie’s and clothes.
I remember letting out this HUGE high pitched part scream/part giggle.
Turns out she went by a garage sale the day before and found all that for next to nothing.
That’s my mom…..always finding ways to work everything out in the nick of time : )

Hannah - Happy Birthday! I love the way your photo turned out. I hope I win too!

Gail - My best birthday was spent in Florida driving a Mustang convertible with my hubby in December. Great times.
Happy Birthday Megan.

Kristi - Fun Fun! My best birthday was my 30th. My hubby helped my friends plan a surprise party and he surprised me with a pearl necklace to boot! (He NEVER gives me jewelry). Great memories!

Susan - Have a fantastic birthday! Absolutely love the sunflowers photo from earlier this summer and your blog.

Allikayes Mama - Happy bday!! You have lots of comments!! But for a great prize! My favorite bday gift was my daughter being born….not exactly on the day, but close enough!!!! xoxo

Stacy - Happy Birthday to You!! I think my best birthday present was from my dad on my 10th birthday. It was a dozen pink roses left on our doorstep for me to find the morning of my birthday. Loved them!

Nicole - Happy Birthday! My best birthday gift = spending time with my family. I seem to never remember the gifts from year to year, but I remember who was there!

Jennifer Wilde - I’m not sure that I would think so now…but at the time, I almost fainted when I opened the birthday card. At 14 years old, I got Lionel Richie concert tickets. It was so cool (at the time :o))

Mandy - Happy birthday! What a fantastic idea and such a cool gift! My favorite birthday gift that I received was my first camera. That gift has resulted in thousands of pictures taken and a deep love and appreciation of photography.

Peggy in TN - Happy Birthday! Your canvas is gorgeous. I can’t think of any outstanding birthday gift, but I just wanted to tell you I admire all you do and that you inspire me to be a better person. I hope your day is full of sunshine and family. ~Peggy in TN

Victoria Spicer - Best birthday present ever? Just a cake, but it meant a lot. My husband is a C5/6 quadriplegic who was living at home with my baby sister there to help out when I was on the hospital high risk unit waiting for our twins to be born on my 35th birthday. He can’t get out and drive for himself, but he had my sister track down my favorite cake to bring to the hospital. Everyone had been so excited (and worried) about the babies that my birthday got lost in the worry. I was surprised anyone remembered.

Juli B - Beautiful picture. I wish I could take photos like that!

Danielle - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I can’t think of my best birthday gift…. pathetic don’t you think? I LOVED my 21st and 22nd birthdays though. The first was in Portland and the second in Munich Germany. Although my family whom I adore was miles away the experiences of both those times/places were such a gift!

Secret Mom Thoughts - Happy birthday. My best gift was my DSLR camera. Love it.

Molly - Oh my goodness I love how it looks like the sunflower has lips and is singing….ok I need some more sleep Ha! My best birthday present was ummmm yup a baby!

Sherryl Mascarinas - My husband threw me a SURPRISE 30th birthday party. I was totally surprised! He flew my mom in from California and called all of my best girlfriends. He had it catered with my favorite food (tapas) and my favorite ice cream cake (Cold Stone Creamery). And it was so unusual when everyone wanted to stay for the gift opening. I mean, who stays for birthday gift openings? Anyway, he presented me with a little box from Tiffany’s. Inside was a key. A car key. To my dream car. A BMW X5. While we were opening presents, someone took it out from the garage and parked it in the front lawn. I literally cried. It was the best birthday ever. Needless to say, 4 days later, we found out that we were pregnant with our second child (our son was born just a mere 14 months after his sister). Whoops.

Tara Carmichael - happy birthday Meg…my favourite presents are the cards my husband writes to me. They always, always make me laugh and I must say the best ones were never accompanied by an expensive gift…I think the lack of a gift was the greatest gift in the end.

Julie K - Happy Birthday!!
Pick me pick me! 🙂
My best birthday present? A huge box of vintage cast-offs from my artsy girlfriend in NY! 🙂
xoxo~Julie

Elizabeth McDonald - The best present I ever got from my husband was a Story People made out of wood.. I love it so much!
emcdonald@interiority.org
And happy birthday

misty - Happy Birthday Meg!! i love the pic you chose and the colors of the suitcase/cup/books/shelf all together! The best b-day gift i received was a book from my grandmother that she filled out of our family tree, photos of her as a child, her favorite recipes, everything about her life. i treasure it and read it often. when i am not reading it, i keep it locked in our safe so that nothing ever happens to it- even if i do not win, its ok~ i just wanted to share an idea w/everyone- its something inexpensive and easy to do for someone, but priceless for the one receiving it.

Amy - Happy Birthday!!!!
My best birthday gift was a beautiful bracelet that my sweet fiance (husband) gave me for my 21st birthday! So wonderful!

Cindy - Hey, my birthday is today also 9/30/68 I’m a few years older than you, but am so inspired by you and your photos, blog, personality. You have the light of God shining in all you do. My best birthday is probably today…I told my family my gifts could only be homemade, and it is just so nice to see what they’ve come up with for me…Have a great day.
Cindy in Ohio

Tiffany Morris - First of all… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
This is such a cool give-away!
The best birthday present I have ever received was finding out last year that my daughter would soon come home from the NICU where she spent 2 months of her life! It was the greatest feeling bringing her home the same month!
Love your work… wish you could come decorate my house.
Hugs – Tiff

Ruth H. - Happy Birthday!
My favorite birthday memory happened when I turned 16. I had been listening to the Broadway soundtrack of “Phantom of the Opera” for years and dreamed of someday being able to go see the live show. My parents scrimped and saved that year so that they could take me. We flew to Los Angeles and went to see Phantom for my sweet sixteen. I’ll never forget how thrilled I was when the chandelier came flying down onto the stage and the organ began playing. Wow!

Christian T - The best birthday gift I ever got was a positive pregnancy test!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Oh my, you have over 400 comments – Awesome!!!
I hope I win!
Christian

Anna - my best birthday gift was….
My husband took me to a cabin for my birthday and my whole family was there for the weekend. A great weekend of fun! And guess what? He planned the menu for all those people and cooked (with some help from my sisters and mom). It was so wonderful because it showed his love for me by going to all that work instead of just buying something. What can I say – i just love him.

alex - Oh and the best b-day gift i ever received was going to Iowa on a plane. 🙂

Lori - The best birthday gift I have received, was this summer. Having moved 500 miles away from family three years ago, we don’t throw big birthday parties. We never do anything for my birthday, specifically. This year, my friend (and photography partner), threw me a party with both of our families in attendance. A special dinner, special dessert, even a special birthday drink. They even sang to me! We finished the night with me kicking EVERYONE’S butt at wii boxing! I can’t remember the last time anyone made a big deal out of my birthday. It was so thoughtful and so special to me!
Happy birthday…hope you have a GREAT day!
Lori

lisa b - my best birthday gift was a diamond teardrop necklace from my husband!! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this. I would use it for a wedding picture of me and my husband. Love your choice and placement of your canvas and love your blog!!

Kimberly - the year i got my training wheel bike has to be near the top! i had been wishing and hoping and dreaming about how free it would feel to ride that bike all over the neighborhood. it was pretty great!

Kate - Happy Birthday!
I think I would like one of YOUR sunflower photos on canvas, instead of one of mine!!! : )
I would say my best birthday present was my emerald ring from my Dad. Which I then lost because I put it in my skirt pocket to do dishes (idiot). Which I then found again A YEAR later in the washing machine because it had gotten into the lining of my skirt and came out all that time later in the wash. Which I then lost again during a move. I am hoping it pops up again, cause I loved that emerald ring. : (

melissa@afamiliarpath - i forgot my best birthday gift: it was a bb gun when i was 10 years old. i loved that thing.

melissa - best birthday present??? hmmm….date night with The Hubs has been my favorite in the most recent years!
jakemelissajakea@aol.com
melissa

alyssa - Happy Birthday! Hope it’s a good one.
hmmm…best birthday gift…breakfast in bed!!!I’m easy to please, I guess.

Jill A. J. - Happy Birthday, Meg! I will forever remember it because both of my moms'(birth and in-law) birthdays were yesterday. What an awesome prize! I really hope I win!
Um, I know this sounds bad, but I don’t really remember gifts. I can tell you that the best birthday I’ve had lately was my 30th. My husband invited all of our friends from college to our house for pizza and games. That was fun!

Holly - Happy Birthday…Oh, I hope I win this prize on your birthday 🙂 My favorite gift was a special day of surprises planned by my husband – including a relaxing massage followed by a surprise luncheon with about 20 of our friends and family. He even arranged for a babysitter, bought a beautiful cake and had gifts there for me to open. I married a good man!

Jenn - Oh me me!! That is gorgeous!
My b-day was last week and my girls made me the sweetest homemade cards. LOVED THEM!!!
Jenn

Erin Johnson - I was given a professional pregnancy massage when I was pregnant with my first which was the greatest thing ever!!

Blanca - Happy Happy Birthday! Wishing you a fantastic day. I LUV your WHATEVER sign and canvas pic.

Kristi B. - happy birthday! would love a canvas for my home!

Maria - One of my favorite gifts was my ipod nano I received (and, ok, begged for) for my Birthday last year. I don’t know how I ever lived without it.
Love the picture! What do you use those little clothespins for?…they look so tiny!

Amanda B - Happy Birthday Megan! Sept. bdays are GREAT!! I can’t believe I’m commenting and trying to win this thing…what are the chances?!?!? But here goes. My favorite bday gift of all time was probably my ipod. I love it. That’s boring I know. But I really haven’t gotten that great of gifts that I can remember. Poor me.

Kambria - happy birthday little lady!

Sara - Hmmm…I would say my last birthday! I turned 32. It was a SNOWDAY so I didn’t have to go to my job as a teacher AND I got to stay home with my kiddos and hubby. It was perfectly awesome! 🙂

Routhie - hApPy BiRtHdAy To YoU!
My favorite gift: every year my Grandmother made me a piece of clothing. I don’t remember a lot of these gifts, but my favorite was a robe. The fabric had apples and leaves on it, she trimmed it in red, and I still wear it almost 20 years later. She has passed on now, making the robe all the more special. She would be proud, but not surprised, that her workmanship has lasted so long. 🙂

Jennifer - Worst? Nothing. Not for Christmas. Or anniversary. Or Birthday. For 2 years. As a NEWLYWED. Hubby just didn’t “get it” that these things were important. So I went out & bought myself an amazing necklace that I figure cost as much as 2 years of gifts. HE WAS THRILLED!!!! All that pressure was off of him & he was overjoyed.
Yes, we’ve had some talks since then. And are coming up on 12 years of marriage. Hm. Wonder what I should buy me for a present?

Linda - September birthdays are the best! Happy Birthday to you!
I “collect” sunflowers and admire your picture so much. When I was 17, many, many moons ago, my friends came over and we made a spaghetti birthday meal and talked, laughed, and had a great time.

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - The best would have to be my husband to read Total Money Makeover and getting us started! It was just what I asked for!

Elisa - Happy Birthday!!!!!!!
As for the birthday gift, well…. I’m lame and can’t think past last year. My husband got me an iPhone. LOVE IT. I and seriously didn’t think I would.

Lisa - Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog for over a year and never comment. Don’t know why, but this contest was too good to pass up. Kind of shallow I know. 🙂 My best present was years ago when my husband surprised me and dropped me off at a salon for a day of pampering.

Danee - Happy happy birthday Meg! Best birthday ever? well my birthday usually falls on thanksgiving or somewhere that week and 2 of my 5 kids birthdays are that week also so by the time we get to my birthday we are usually all birthday-ed out. One of my best birthday presents was my “practically perfect in every way” {name that movie}
3lb 15oz full term baby boy that the doctors said would never make it. He turned 2 days old on my birthday. That was a true gift.

Jacqui - happy birthday meg, love your blog and check every day! best present was the year my husband bought me flowers when everyone else in my family forgot! we were overseas and the time difference confused them all!!

Alexis - Wow, I can’t imagine I’ll win with all the great entrees already posted, but I thought I’d try. The worst was a nitted sweater that was neon striped, went to my knees and had grey dancing elephants on it. Yeah…beautiful. 😉 I can’t remember if I ever wore it…maybe in a thank-you picture to send to my loving creative grandmother who gave it to me.

Laura Kinsley - Happy Birthday!
The best birthday gift I ever got was an amethyst ring from my Great Great Grandmother.
Pick Me!! 😉

Ashley - The worst gift I received was from my husband in our early years of marriage, which explains the gift, he wasn’t “trained” yet! He gave me seat covers for our car. I was sad but hated to admitt it. Now I can look back and laugh like crazy! Thanks Meg!

Dina - best birthday was the year after I had my first child – my best friend took me to Hot SPrings for the weekend. it was the first full nights’ sleep I had in 8 months!! LOL
you rock – and happy birthday!!!

Jenna Blair - I hope you have fun plans for your day!
My best birthday gift was a guitar on my 10th birthday. I never wanted something so badly, and finally got one. I used the money I got from other relatives and bought myself 10 weeks of guitar lessons. I was so proud. Now, at 25, I don’t play nearly enough, but everytime I look at it it reminds me of how great that birthday was.
Thanks for letting me share 🙂

Jennifer - Happy Birthday! My best birthday present was new tires from my dad…I know…really boring but its always the last thing I want to spend money on so I thought it was really thoughtful.

Jessica - Happy Birthday Megan!
Love the picture over all the books!

Kit - Happy birthday, Megan! Your blog brightens up my day. I LOVE it!
It’s hard to pick the best birthday gift. I think it may have been when I was 13 and my parents gave me a kitten. It was a complete surprise and so fun! Thankfully, I’ve had lots of great birthdays since then!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Rachel @ Chicks & Chaps - Happy Birthday MEG!!!!!! I just love you and your blog and wish you nothing but the best for your special day 🙂 It’s a coincidence that I became engaged on my birthday and found out I was pregnant with my first (not the same birthday! lol) and I think those are two pretty awesome gifts! This is a super giveaway, I would love to blow up some photography… fingers crossed!

Stephanie Armstrong - Happy Day to you !!!!
one of my favorites was when my daughter bought dime sized diamond earrings for me. she said mommy you lost on of your goods ones and i wanted to get you something very sparkly. oh and did they ever shine 🙂

Laurel - Happy Happy Birthday – my best gift was a getaway with my hubby!

Ashley - My little brother and my best friend took me to Krispy Kreme donuts for my 18th birthday, that was the best present ever 🙂 I love Krispy Kreme like nothing else.

Lynn - Last year my 95 year old Oma took me to dinner as my gift and that was better than anything she could have bought me.

pam - best b’day gift…always the handmade cards my girls make me.
worst b’day gift…the flu.
xo

elizabeth holder - My new Canon 7D –
Happy Happy day
thanks for the giveaway!!

Bethany Tee - My favorite present was when I turned 30, my three best friends and I received a weekend get away from our husbands. We were all 8 months pregnant and turning 30 so it was much appreciated!
Is it bad, I’m already trying to figure out what picture I want to make into a canvas…I’m optimistic, what can I say 😉
Happy Day!

Kacey - Happy birthday!
My best birthday gift – gosh, I think tickets to the New Kids on the Block concert when I was 12! I was so excited to go with my friends.

michelle - Happy Birthday Meg!!!!
LOVE the canvas, your pic, your whole little display of goodness! My best bday present is probably the one I’m about to recieve… a trip to Norway to visit an artist friend!
You inspire me to want to decorate and make my life pretty. 🙂

Shelly - My best birthday was my sweet 16. My b-day is on Jan. 3rd. We always threw a New Year’s Eve party at my house, but that year, my family and friends also rolled in an early surprise party for my birthday! SO much fun!

Amanda F - Happy Birthday to You!!! Hope your day is wonderful!! And what a thoughtful offer for us!
My worst birthday was my 21st; we found out that morning my Papa would require emergency brain surgery, and exactly 6 weeks later he passed away. My best birthday was my 26th; we had a new daughter at home, and as absolutely sleep deprived as we both were, my Hubby was up all hours making me a chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese icing ENTIRELY from scratch. He could barely boil water when we met. It was so completely thoughtful and delicious; we ate some for breakfast.

Nina - Oh I would so love to win this……I have so many awesome pics from the beach it would be hard to choose but it would be fun to have!!

Misty C - several years ago I rec’d my first coach purse – from my parents
this was big – and my dad went in the store with my mom to purchase
my dad does not like to know the price of anything and my mom never would spend so much on a purse of her own so this will forever be a very special coach purse
b/c my parents knew how much I would love to have one but would never purchase for myself – too many kiddos to keep in clothes!!!

Aimee - Happy Birthday to you!! First I want to say that I love love LOVE this contest!! We just built our first house just over a year ago and the walls are still in desperate need of some great artwork! I love the photo you chose. I just reading your blog almost a year ago and I love you photos, your house, and all the color in your life.
I have two birthdays where I got the best gifts. The first one was when I was a kid. My nana told me we needed to go to the airport to pick someone up but didn’t tell me who. We were at the airport waiting when all of a sudden i saw my great grandparents coming down the hall. They had flown it to spend Christmas with us that year (my birthday is 3 days before Christmas). That was my best birthday surprise.
My other favorite birthday was 2006. My husband surprised me with a red (my favorite color) KitchenAid stand up mixer. I had wanted one for a while but totally didn’te expect it that year. Six days later I gave birth to our second son. He was an even better birthday gift.

Lisa - Hmm… the best? Not sure. The hubby hasn’t given me one in a few years, it just “slips his mind”. But he always makes up for it on Christmas – I get the most awesome Christmas presents!
Hey, if I get picked, we can say it’s from my hubby b/c you know he’s not getting me a gift on my b-day again this year on October 5th!! 😉

Julie - I started reading your blog off of the link that’s on the Mac’s. Happy Birthday. My worst birthday present was this year… and I’m not sure if it really qualifies for a present… BUT this year I turned 30 and we drove down to Savannah, GA for the weekend where there was a Moroccan restaurant I had been hankering to try. I had a piece off of a metal scrubber you use to scrub pots and pans with in my food. Which was in my mouth.

CarolineMeyers - Happy Birthday Meg! Your whatever sign and canvas look terrific! The best birthday present I ever received was a kitchen aid mixer from my (then boyfriend) husband. I love to bake!

Shelley C. - Happy Birthday!!! Best Birthday gift = Sea Monkeys…worst gift = underwear. Hope I win!!!

Boss - It was my birthday on Monday, and I’m still accepting presents. So pick me, and we’ll call this the best gift ever. (Even though it was really the all-out celebratory bonanza my husband and my 2-year-old planned for my 30th birthday.)

Rebecca - Happy Birthday!! 🙂 My best birthday gift ever was my surprise 30th birthday last year…my friends and family bought me baby gifts since we’d just gotten the call a few weeks earlier we were chosen by the adoption agency for our baby girl! 🙂

Veronica - Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day! On my latest birthday I received a beautiful ring from my sweetie with our names engraved, two hearts and our birthstones. Love it!

Heather - Happy birthday! I so love the daily uplift you bring to my life through your blog.
The best birthday gift I received was when I was about 12 years old. I collected the big, nice Disney Snowglobes (that started at around 65 bucks), and my parents gave me one for Christmas each year and one for my birthday. My best friend at the time saved her money for months so she could buy me a snowglobe too. I was so touched, and am even more so now, to think that a young kid would save all their allowance just to spend it on a friend.

Bre Ann Gilfillan - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
My favorite birthday present was a new MacBook from my husband.

Jenny Wenzel - Hey Meg…happy happy day!!! Great to have you at our garage sale last week!!! Let’s see…best birthday gift would have to be my twins that were born 6 1/2 weeks early, but five days after my 28th birthday!!! Pretty awesome!!! Have a good one!!!

Heather - My Nikon D40!!

Chiot's Run - I’ve been thinking about getting one of these for my bathroom. HMM, not sure which photo I’d choose.
I like yours though, looks great with all the other cute stuff. I love love love that green suitcase.
Last year Mr Chiots bought me 4 hydrangeas for my b-day, and that’s the best present I’ve ever gotten I think. I love them, and they’ll last for years and years in the garden!

Michelle - Happy Birthday! Love your sunflower picture!! Best birthday present, my Kitchen Aid mixer for my 30th birthday. Love it!

Kameron - Happy Birthday! That picture is awesome and I would love a huge picture for above my mantle! The best birthday gift I have ever received was probably my sewing machine. My hubby thought I would never use it but I do and I love it!

Dar - My favorite birthday present was the year my friends drug me out of the house to paint ceramics with our kids. I was seriously ill and house bound at the time so it meant so much to have friends at the worst of times.

Christin - Happy Birthday! My best b-day gift would be my easy bake oven.

Lisa - Love it! Can I have the sunflowers, too?? 🙂 Happy Birthday!

Bec - my favorite part of my birthday isn’t really the gifts. each year I ask for the same thing. A cook-out, black magic cake, and invite my grandparents, pastor and his wife, and of course my immediate family and sit out in the garden eating and having a fun time. I honestly don’t remember a lot of bday presents………..those don’t always give a lasting memory! The cookouts- now that’s memories!

tasha roe - Happy Birthday! HOpe you have a fantastic day!
The print is stunning!!!
My favorite bday gift was a video that my husband and kids made together for me mimicking the one from 50 First Dates that Adam Sandler made for Drew Barrymore. I get all teary eyed thinking about it!!

missye - Happy Birthday! I’m a September girl too!
Hmmm..best birthday present ever…I would have to say my 17th birthday. One of my BFFs and I share birthdays a week apart, and for our 17th birthdays, our moms took us to NYC. We had a blast, laughed hysterically and still to this day, some 24 years later, talk about that trip.

robyn Beckley Vining - my camera so i could launch my business. from my dad. because he believed in my skills. and that probably speaks bigger than any ole camera. oh, and my husband willing to do whatever it took to help me get started. even if we had two little humans running around. so, freedom to return to being an artist. and the support of my family. and a camera.
🙂
gorgeous wrap. beautiful. what a fun celebration of your skills!

Tess S. - my new camera!!
happy birthday!

Amy - PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!

Alison Schroeder - For my 27th birthday (okay, a week-and-a-half early) my husband and I found out we were expecting! That lovely revelation sort of {wonderfully} erased any memories I had of my birthday that year!

elizabeth - Happy Birthday, Meg! I love birthday presents and can’t think of a favorite. I CAN think of a worst, though, and that was from my new boyfriend. He was from Europe and I was turning thirty and expected something amazing and beautiful and me. He gave me a nylon Janzten backpack. I wept like a baby, so hard that I’m embarrassed about it still to this day. I landed up marrying him a year later, though, and he’s never given me a “bad” present since!

Michelle B - Happy Birthday! I think the best birthday gift I got was this year when my husband surprised me with a fancy new camera!
Love the sunflower picture! Can you come to my house and decorate for me?

Brooke - Happy Birthday Meg!! The best birthday present I ever got was my first SLR, a Canon Rebel. It has opened up my world to endless possibilities, new adventures, and an opportunity to see things I would have never noticed before.

amy - Happy Birthday! Beautiful picture! I would love to canvas wrap the most perfect picture of my daughters and hang it where everyone can see!!

Shawna - Happy Birthday Megan! Which birthday is it for you? I would love one. I do not have a picture of all of my kids together yet, since my last little girl. My best birthday gift ever was my husband taking me antique shopping in Paxico and other surrounding towns for the weekend with no kids and then of course out to eat and some wine tasting. It was wonderful!

Wendy - Love your BLOG!! I look forward every day to reading it! Happy Birthday! My best birthday present was last one when my husband and my girls decorated our house like a little kids birthday and hid when I got home then they Yelled out Happy Birthday Mommy! So fun!

Angi - Happy Birthday Meg!!! I love your blog!!! My favorite Birthday Present was a Surprise Party for my 30th from my Husband~yep, he totally surprised me and It was great!
Hope you are doing something special for YOURSELF!

Lindsey - Perhaps my best and worst birthday present happened last year on my 28th birthday when I was violently ill yet pregnant with my beautiful baby boy. Morning sickness sucks (especially on your birthday).
Lindsey

lena - Have a BLESSED Day!
My best present was walking into an immaculate home – not the way I left it. Everything was meticulously cleaned, even my bedroom the default storage room. My husband rounded up all the kids and worked non-stop. It was the best gift b/c it was completely tailored for me and gave me such JOY. The kids loved seeing my face when I walked in the door.
I can’t recall what this surprise was for, my husband is always finding ways to show he cares.
Blessings –
Lena

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - i hope you’ve gotten lots of birthday love! that corner looks amazing with all your goodies displayed! i want that turquoise tin so BAD! i am so glad you love the sign. one of a kind and perfect like you 🙂
best belated (by a week) bday gift? a trip to kansas with good friends 🙂
xx

Mom - PICK YOUR MOTHER!!!
PICK ME!
Hope your birthday is fun-filled. LOVE YOU

Kelli - Happy birthday! I hope you’re having a wonderful day today!
A few years ago, when Celine Dion moved her show out to Las Vegas, I was dying to go! I told my dad about it and I talked about it all the time. I never thought it would happen. Then my dad passed away from lymphoma and I forgot all about our/my big dream. One day a few months later, my dad’s best friend told me that my dad had indeed been planning to take me to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion in the near future. It made me cry to know that my dad had been planning that big surprise for me, but I realized I’d never go after all.
Then last year for my birthday, my mom gave me two tickets to see Celine Dion in concert (not in Las Vegas, but in my hometown). I went with my college roommate and had one of the best nights of my life. I was so grateful to my mom for making this silly, far-fetched dream of mine come true!

jenn breuklander - The best birthday present ever….after 36 years thats a tough one! But I would loooove a canvas of one of my favorite shots that i just took of my two year old birthday pics i just took 🙂
jenn t

Amanda - Happy Birthday!!
I’d have to say one of my best birthdays was in college and my friends threw me a surprise party in the cafeteria, complete with a handmade construction-paper crown! We probably didn’t have $10 amongst us but it was one of the greatest days.

Teri - Happy Birthday!!! Have a wonderful day with lots of cake.
One year for my birthday, we spent the day in downtown Chicago. We spent hours at the Field Museum and walked the frozen lake front. We also ran into the Shedd for a quick moment (we were members and the kids couldn’t understand why we didn’t go since we were right there.)

Jenna - Happy Birthday Meg!
Best gift…my 11th birthday, an aquarium and about 11 fish. They only lasted a couple of months though when my then 3 year old sister decided to ‘clean’ the tank by pumping it full of hand soap!

Missy - Love, love, love your sunflowers! I would probably have to say that my kitchenaid stand mixer was one of my favorite birthday presents. As we get older, we tend to not receive as many gifts so I guess I would say that just living another year to have a birthday is a great gift.

Jenny - Happy Birthday!! I recently started reading your blog, and love it so much. You, your family and house are all SO WONDERFUL! Hope you have a great day!

Brooke - Happy Birthday to you! 🙂 I love birthdays!
I have a couple of favorite gifts. One was that my hubby ask me to be his wife on my birthday and of course that is very special to me. And dating way back to the ripe age of 13 I got one of those giant trampolines and I still think that was a pretty great gift. I LOVED jumping on that thing.
Thanks for a chance to win…on your birthday 🙂

Holly - Happy Birthday. This is a wonderful giveaway! Thank you!

jerusalem - love love this! and yesterday was my birthday, we are September babies together!! happy day to you!! hope it is lovely!

pedaling - oohh, i could think of a few images i could use.
happy birthday!

Theresa - Happy Birthday!
I’m still pretty young to REALLY choose a BEST birthday present, but I would have to say the best so far was my brother buying me a new camera for my birthday after I ran mine over with my car.
He also got me another present that birthday which if you have the time and want a laugh, you might enjoy the story: http://theresasadventure.blogspot.com/2009/09/birthday-presents.html

Faith - Happy Birthday to YOU! I love your pics and encouraging posts. we’ve just had anniversary portraits taken and I’d love to have one put on a canvas!
Have GREAT day!

Krista - Happy Birthday Megan! Hope you have a wonderful and stress-free day! The best and most unexpected birthday present I received was from my friend of more than 20 years. We don’t normally exchange gifts, but one year she sent me a beautiful necklace (similar to Vintage Pearl) with my daughters’ names on it. It was so out of the blue and so thoughtful, it is one of my most treasured things I wear. Loving your blog and reading about your family’s adventures, it really makes my day and inspires me to be a better wife and mother. You are the best!

Todd & Carrie Hessel - Happy birthday Megan.
I got married on my birthday.

Shar - Happy Birthday to you! What a great give away, would love to win. I will tell you about my worst birthday gift ever received (or so I thought at the time). I was in the 8th grade and received a square dance outfit that was lime green with silver rick rack trim! Now, I ask you, how many 8th grade girls would wear that? I didn’t even square dance. Funny thing is, that it has provided me with many laughs since then. So, maybe it was a good memory maker after all!

Jodi - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
I think the best birthday present I received was my Mom’s baby ring. I’ve contemplated wearing it as a necklace, but I’m so afraid of losing it, I keep it tucked away…
Have a glouriouly fabulous and peaceful day.. oh, wait a minute,.. your a Mom…
Try to keep it together til bedtime. HA
Hope you get everything you want for your special day…
Jodi
Jodi

Zarah - My birthday is not until the spring, but I think the best birthday present I ever received was finding out I was due with my first child on my birthday! (We’ll see if it actually happens, but hey – still pretty cool!)

Maria Quackenbush - Happy Birthday Megan. I love your blog. My best birthday way when i turned 26. My husband asked me to marry him! Hurray! Great givaway!

Rachel - Best birthday present – when I turned 16 I got my first “nice” tennis raquet. Worst birthday ever was when I finally got pregnant after a couple years of trying and then I miscarried and had to have DC on my birthday.

Emily J. - Happy Birthday! My husband bought me a Cuisinart food processor last year for my birthday- I’m still learning how to use it but I love it!

Summer - Happy Birthday and I love your blog…so happy! My mind is like mush today so I’m having problems remembering what I did yesterday, but this year’s birthday was pretty sweet. I turned 30 this year and my husband gave me homemade cards from the kids and a SPA DAY!!! I had NEVER had any form of a spa treatment before in my life…no mani, no pedi, nothing. Needless to say, I truely appreciated and loved the gift! Have a Great Day!

karol - happy birthday to you!!! hope your day is lovely.
my best gift was for my 16th birthday…a small diamond ring of my mother’s that she gave to me. i think i’ll put it on today.
what a terrific prize and how generous of you and colorinc.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - What an amazing gift to give on YOUR birthday!! Oh I hope I win. Meg here’s hoping you have an extraordinary day…because you my dear are such a blessing to me everyday:)

Ali - The worst present I ever got for my birthday was the stomach flu on my 29th birthday! What a birthday! At least it wasn’t my 30th, that would’ve been DEPRESSING!!!!
Happy Birthday, Meg. Thanks for sharing your sunshine!

Ryan & Lindsay Frasier - Happy Birthday Megan! Just fyi today is my dad’s birthday too. Its a good day for a birthday, but don’t worry you are way way younger than him. 🙂
My favorite present came last year. I got a trip to South Africa! It was awesome!

amy - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
My best gift ever receieved has to be my first SLR camera. My husband gave it to me 8 years ago and it started an obsession with photography that has led me to meet so many great people and capture their memories for them!

Nicole - Happy Birthday! I think my best birthday present ever was from my then-fiance. It was a KitchenAid mixer in gorgeous matte charcoal gray. I LOOOOOOOOVE to bake so it was an amazing gift and a total surprise. 🙂

Gentry Tubbs - Happy Birthday!
The best birthday present I have ever gotten was for my 20th birthday last year. My mom got my fiance and I private swing dancing lessons! I have always wanted to learn! It was so much fun!
Hope your birthday is amazing!

Sandy - Happy Birthday, Meg!! If it’s ok with you, I think I would choose the picture taken of your son on vacation…where he was feeding the squirrel in front of the sign that says Do Not Feed the Animals. That’s the first one that came to mind.
Enjoy your special day!

shelly c - Happy Birthday Meg!
My fav birthday was a trip to my fav farmers market (hotel, crepes in the morning, Madison….so fun!).

Amy - I hate to say this after all the meaningful posts above, but getting my iPod on my 40th was the best birthday gift ever. I LOVE music and I LOVE my iPOD!!!

Melaine - Happy Birthday to you!!! The best birthday presents I have ever received are the ones hand made by my kids! Seriously! My husband and I just celebrated out 13th anniversary and my 10 yr. old daughter made us a scrapbook of ourselves! Those are the kind of things I cherish! Have a wonderful birthday! Love your photo and your whatever sign to by the way! Melaine

Amanda Jo - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! The best birthday present I ever got was from my sweet hubby – he took me on a shopping spree at my favorite antique stores!
It was so sweet cause he’s not a huge fan or antiques or spending money but he was so happy and excited the whole day!
Question: if I win can I have a canvas of one of YOUR photograps? They are amazing!

Michelle - Happy Birthday, Meg! Love your photos. You are such an inspiration!
Best birthday for me was in 2000. My sweet baby girl, Lauren, was born on my birthday that year!

LIz M - Happy Birthday. Best birthday gifts: handmade cards from the kiddos. My fave featured the broken off tip of a pencil secured with scotch taped and read, “You are as sharp as a point!”
Liz M

Amanda - Happy Birthday!
That picture is so cool…I want!

Reeanna - The best gift I ever received was a car from my parents for my sixteenth birthday!! Thanks for the chance to win.

Kristen - Happy Birthday, hope you have an AMAZING day!!!!!!! Funny, cause my birthday is today too! LOVE your blog, not sure if I’ve commented here before, but I love reading about your family and all your fun crafts. Hope you have a great day! and LOVE the picture on the canvas.

Marie - I love your sign and that photo is gorgeous! Gotta go check out that website! Have a happy birthday! And your decorating style is awesome…so me….I love it!

Simies - Happy Birthday, Megan!!!
My best gift I received, was in 1998, a ring with the question -Will you be my wife? And we are still happy together 🙂
I love your blog!
Simona aka Simies from Czech Republic

Lauren - Happy Birthday Meg! My favorite birthday gift is a birthday cake from my favorite bakery in town. Cake is my favorite food of ALL FOODS so getting my favorite cake once a year is absolute heaven. 🙂

Becca - Happy Birthday!!!!
The best birthday gift I ever received was the birth of my daughter in 2008, 3 days after my birthday 🙂

Teresa - Happy Birthday! I would love one of these!! My favorite birthday present was a bracelet I got my for my 21st birthday. I wore it for YEARS and it always reminded me of my parents. Some people think jewelry is too easy, but I am very sentimental about jewelry.

courtney - Happy Birthday – make this a great year! Keep making us smile.

Evelyn - I’d love to win, and I’m on my way over to check out their services. That sunflower print is just beautiful! Oh, and happy birthday!

Terri Fretwell - Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day. I LOVE to read your blog. I look forward to it everyday. I envy your creativity and zest for life. I love your house and your children are adorable. That little Annie has style!
The best gift I ever received was from my now 6 year old son. He is a blessing in every way. He was 4 years old. It was his first birthday card to me where he could write (legibly) and he wrote “I love you mommy” in his own hand writing. He had picked out the card as well. It was such a gift. Everything my little Luke does is a gift from God. I am so grateful for him. He is our miracle baby in more ways than you will know.

Sara @ Queen of the House - Happy Birthday!
May all your wildest dreams come true.
If I win, I’m definitely gonna need you to send me the jpeg of the lady at the fountain…I think I’ll put it over my fireplace…or maybe in my bathroom….not sure yet, I’ll have to mull that one over.
One of my favorite bday gifts ever was this year. My AJ got me a copper necklace with each of the kids names stamped on it. He ordered it from etsy…that in itself was amazing to me! I love it & wear it everyday.

Sara d - Happy Birthday to you, to you….
My favorite was my surprise 16th party that my mom threw for me. I was so surprised that I literally FELL OVER!
Fun memories… but tell US, what is YOUR favorite bday memory???

Simply Savvy Girl - Happy Birthday! I love stopping by here each day. Your pictures make me want to move to Kansas!

lorel - Happy Birthday! There is a little something on its way to you right now. My best present was a couple years ago from Kevin – my zydeco washboard, delivered to me by Chubby Carrier. That thing has been so much fun to play. Although walking around the corner at my surprise 30th, and seeing you and baby Talby flown in from Chicago…That was a pretty good one too. 🙂

Christy Burgess - Hi Meg. Happy Birthday! I just happened to find your blog one day when I was blog hopping and I have been hooked ever since. Your pictures and decorations are amazing! I would love to win, so PICK ME:)

Erica - Way to share your birthday Megan! 🙂
This is a hard question… Peter got me my first laptop awhile ago and it was a total surprise… but he also got me a diamond ring that was also a surprise… he done good. It’s a toss up. Did you share your fav. gift?

Holly - Happy Birthday Megan! Oh how I would L-O-V-E to print a picture and give it to my husband as a gift. It is on this blog post of mine http://imnotabloggermom.blogspot.com/2009/04/lets-go-fly-kite.html
I hope I am a lucky ducky!

Amy Fair - A hand-made journal from my husband.

Anonymous - My grandfather passed away on my birthday this August. It was so sad and so wonderful at the same time. We had 15 people gathered in his room to celebrate his life and help him to pass on. My family was worried that my birthday was spoiled, but I was filled with joy to be able to spend my day with a man that built such a caring and supportive family.

Jamie Moyer - Happy Birthday to you! Today is also my birthday and one of your pictures on canvas would be a fabulous birthday gift! I love your blog and your pictures. Hope you have a great day!

Sherri - Happy Birthday! The best present I have ever received was on my 18th birthday. My papaw had passed away earlier that year and my mamaw gave me her engagement ring. The band was worn through in one spot. He had long since replaced her diamond with a bigger, more sparkly version, but she always wore this one.

Meg - First off! Happy Birthday! Hope you have an awesome day! I can’t think of a specific gift that stands out – but I do love it when I can get the birthday treatment all week!

manda - Mine was this year…I got my mac computer!!

Joanna - Happy Birthday Meg!
Best Birthday gift? Hmmm? The last several years or so my grandma has given me some of my old “artwork” that I did for her years ago and also old letters that were written to her and grandpa from me. It is so much fun to look back on these and laugh! Each year she laughs and says there are plenty more where those came from. I feel so special and blessed knowing that she kept all this stuff for all these years thru all their travels and moves. She always leaves me wondering what will it be next time.
Hope you have a wonderful day!

Lazy Mom Leslie - Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have an amazing day and somebody makes you a cake!!
My best birthday gift ever is hard. My hubby is an amazing gift giver. The first thing that comes to mind is a diamond ring he gave me for my 35th birthday. That’s the biggest gift and the biggest surprise!!

Katie Nash - I am a reader off of Jess’s blog while praying for baby cora.
My fav birthday gift is when my husband takes the day off of work on my birthday. We had 3 kids in under 4 years so any day off is a gift.
Love, Katie Nash stillwater, mn

maryaz - Happy birthday! It is funny how people love birthdays when they are young–then you hit about 25 & start to question the need for them–then you have kids & birthdays become fun again! I love to watch how excited my boys get about MY birthday!

Kim - Happy birthday! I hope you have an awesome day.
I love the canvas…. now, I just need to learn to take good pictures. =)

Ilene - Happy Brithday!! I love following your blog. You are very talented. 🙂 Um…one of the best birthday gift I received was my mini-i pod back in college. I had wanted one so bad that year and my parents surprised with one. I still have it to this day and still love it. 🙂

Heather - BEAUTIFUL! And Happy Birthday:)
My best birthday gift was a surprise party on my 16th with the boys’ and girl’s volleyball teams — pizza, volleyball, cake. Good fun!

erica - happy birthday! the best gift i ever received was when i was pregnant with my first child. my very first ultrasound just happened to be scheduled on my bday, and seeing my precious baby was the best present i could imagine!

Holly - Oh, I have one of the kids at the beach that I would love to do this to!

Lane - Happy Birthday!!!
My best birthday gift was the birth of my first child last year. He was born six days after my birthday, but it still counted! 🙂
Happy Birthday to you!!!

Nikki - Happy birthday! I never really got birthday gifts growing up, we were usually handed $100 and got to buy whatever we wanted, which usually ended up being lots of candy and bell bottom jeans from thrift stores. The best birthday gift I ever got was being allowed to have 20 girls from my school over for a slumber party. It actually ended up being a pretty bad gift though because one of them kissed my boyfriend who was at the boy slumber party next door, then someone fell off a swing and got a concussion. Oh well it was the best birthday gift at the time I guess! 

Cath W - Happy Birthday! My best ever birthday gifts are the cards my children make me each and every year. I’ve kept every one.

Meaghan - Happy Birthday, Meg! Have a fun day! Your canvas photo looks awesome with your *whatever.* sign. Love all the colors together.
My favorite birthday gift was watching my husband make a cake with my then two-year-old daughter (my oldest) this past year for my 30th birthday. It was the first time my husband has ever baked anything in his life, I’m quite sure. Watching the two of them do that together for me just melted my heart and made me feel so very blessed.

Amanda - Happy birthday!
My best gift was given to me this year. I got a gift certificate to a pottery class that I’d been wanting to take, plus all the tools and clay to go with it! And also a 12-inch skillet. Sweetness.

maria - Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear Meg! Happy Birthday to You! – Best Birthday? Was definitely this year it was the big five-o and a group of my rug hooking friends got together and hooked a Bautiful Rug for me – I Love it!!

Beth - Ooh, oooh, ooooooh! Pick me!!! Please random picker, pick me!

Suzette Mahoney - The best birthday present I ever got was my digital SLR camera. I use it daily! I got it for my 40th birthday almost 3 years ago, as my 43rd birthday is in 6 days!! Happy birthday to you. I love, love, love your sunflower pics and your blog!!

Kristina - Best birthday gift….having a real chimpanzee come to by 7th birthday party…thanks dad:)

Pam - Happy Birthday!! What a great giveaway. I am always looking for ways to decorate our home and beautiful family picture on a canvas would be wonderful!!
Love your blog!!

Erin - Hard to even remember sometimes! Maybe when my husband bought me my sewing machine – he had his mom help him go pick one out and it was something I didn’t expect at all!

Katie - Happy Birthday! My favorite was my easy bake oven when I was little. Man, how I loved that thing!

Art Cant Hurt - it was last year – i turned 30 the day after we found out mom had terminal cancer. that might sound crazy but I didn’t want anything more than to feel the tangible love of my family. We were all sharing tears and laughter as our emotions ran high but it was everything wonderful because we were TOGETHER and that’s something we take for granted too often. God is good.

jen@ourdailybigtop - Happy Birthday! My best bday gift ever – my proposal from my husband 🙂 PS: Love the whatever sign. That rocks!

Natalie - happy birthday! i love the photo you chose!
my best birthday present (that i can currently remember) was probably the food processor my hubby just got me for my most recent birthday. lame i know, but i am in love with that machine!

Kasey Laughlin - Happy Birthday! 🙂 My best gift was my dirt bike in 3rd grade…yep, I was a tomboy!! Hope you have a great birthday!

Toni :O) - Happy Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for the chance to win! My best birthday present EVA was this year my husband got me two tickets for him and I to go to see Def Leppard in concert. They are my favorite childhood band, always, always, ALWAYS wanted to see them and they finally came to Detroit area on a Friday night, he got a babysitter for the kids and took me to an awesome concert! I had the BEST time…would LOVE to win as I have a blank wall that I would love to add a photo too! Thanks Meg! Heart your blog SO much! :O) tonidreist@yahoo.com

sarah - happy birthday meg! hope it’s the best ever. one of my favorite bday presents is still the paper fan my grandma gave me when i was a little girl.

Katie Reeder - Happy Birthday! Favorite birthday present…hmmm…a sweet necklace from my parents for my 21st bday!

Jen - What an amazing display in your home!
My most favorite birthday gift each year is a Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake. Who needs gifts or cards when you can have that ooey gooey center sandwiched between ice cream!

andrea - my birthday is in the summer, and I love getting new flip flops from my husband! I love those in the $50-$100 range, but would NEVER spend that much to buy flip flops on my own! But they are a perfect GIFT!

beverly - Happy Bithday! Love the canvas. Your picture looks perfect. My best bday gift would have to be my camera!

Jenn Thomas - HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!
My BEST birthday was August of 2002 when Russ told me he had one more special gift for me – He said “I Love You” for the first time. Is that too gushy or what! It was very special to me and I will always remember that moment.

Sarah - Happy birthday!!! I love the picture you used. It looks gorgeous!! This is such an amazing giveaway!
The best birthday gift I ever received was a playhouse that my dad made for me when I turned 10 (I think). It was basically a shed that he added windows to, but he made the whole thing himself. They use it as a garden shed now, but it definitely got good use back in the day.
I hope you have a great day!

Kristin - Happy Birthday! My favorite birthday preset ever was a plastic black clipboard that opened up and had a separate compartment to store paper and pens. I got it for my 8th birthday and i still use it today. My Dad gave it to me…he knew my love for office supplies.
I just recently found your blog and I love it. I grew up in Kansas and went to school at KU so I appreciate all of your photos…especially the ones of sunflowers.

Kathy Beams - Happy Birthday ! My best present was a big diamond ring – I got engaged on my birthday, on a plane and completely surprised !

Miranda - First) Happy Birthday!
Second) That picture is crazy gorgeous
Third) My best birthday gift ever was a beautiful new dress that my husband had picked out all by himself…in my size! It was incredible.

adrienne - a three day trip to New York with my mom and daughter! we didn’t stop the whole time we were there… i literally needed a vacation from our vacation when we got home 🙂

Kelley - How cool, I want a big canvas! Pick me Pick me 🙂
My best birthday present was when my husband gave me a new macbook. His sister dumped water on my original one and killed it without an apology. That ended evenings with my husband on the sofa for a year while I sat in my office & could see him in the next room.

Tiffany - Happy Birthday! I read your blog daily and really enjoy it!! The best bday gift I ever received would have to be diamond studs from my hubby….it’s the only nice/expensive jewelry I have!! I would do a picture of our trip out west on the canvas…beautiful!

Jessica Heithoff - Happy Birthday Meg! I got engaged on my birthday, that was a pretty awesome gift!

Wendy - Happy Birthday, Meg! I hope it’s a wonderful day for you. 🙂 The best present that I can remember was for my birthday last week. Two little pom-pom animals hand crafted by one of my children (the chocolate raspberry fudge cake made by another child was too die for too). 🙂

Chrissie Grace - I love that whole vignette. I want to sit right there and look through all the books…:)
Best birthday present? Corny but the handmade ones my kids make me.
I have a picture of one of my sons holding painted rocks that say “you are loved”. That’s the one I would get!

Suzanne - Happy Birthday!! My best birthday present was also my Christmas present (my birthday is in January) and it was my first sewing machine from my mom! I have used that present more than probably any other present!!

Lulubird - Happy Happy Birthday!!
My best present ever? that would have to be when my husband proposed.
all together now…. “awwwwwww”

erin - happy birthday! my best gift ever was finding out that we are pregnant! after a long road to get there, this was such a blessing.

Tricia - Hi there. Love the new header, btw. Very fun!
Best birthday gift: Hhmmmmm….. My husband made me Twilight card for my 30th this year. Simple, completely dorky, but so cute!
XO*Tricia

Karrie - What an AWESOME give away!!!
I would love to be entered to win it please!!!
The worst birthday present I ever received was a gourd bird house, painted to look like a killer whale. ?????
What does one do with something like that???

Shelly DeBoer - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEG! Hope your day is full to the brim with everything you love! I Adore the big canvas print… my fingers are crossed! My best birthday present, hmmm… I don’t recall what my hubby actually purchased but he made his own giftwrap on the computer and made a custom bow and then left clues all through the house and I had to do a scavenger hunt of sorts to find the gift. It was so fun and I felt really loved that he put so much time into the day

amber - the best b-day gift i ever received was at my 30th birthday party where i had 8 of my best friends over and we ate and drank and danced and everyone brought their own dish. my sis wrote a poem about me that made everyone cry especially me. i was done!!! 🙂

Ani hearts Japan - The best birthday present I have ever received is my oldest son. He was born just a few days before my birthday! Happy Birthday!

Kelly O. - this is awesome! I’m off to check it out now!
Happy Birthday Megan!
The best birthday gift I have ever received?
a kitten. Oh it was a magical gift–until I went off to boarding school and came back to a full grown cat that hated me because I was a stranger in HIS house. He used to attack me in the bathroom when I was going pee (why do cats like bathrooms?) I used to have to fight him off hitting him over the head with the kleenex box! Stupid cat!!
but for those months that I first had him it was a dream come true 😉

Denise V. - Happy Birthday to you! I had a 09-09-09 birthday this year and that was fun. How about my best give ever? It was on 1-17-01 when my cousin gave me a kidney! Having someone do this makes you feel very loved and special. We are both doing very well.

Kelly - Happy Birthday!! What a great give away too! I can’t think of any memorable birthday gifts, terrible I know.

Anna Marie - Totally awesome, Megan!!! I’d have to say that the best gift was when I was 13 my grandparents got me the very first gameboy. I felt so lucky because no one else had it. Now that thing is like ancient!

Lauren - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Also, I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award! Check it out at http://lifeoflt.blogspot.com
Have a great day!

Bronwyn - A trip to the mountains with my friends and family! I had so much fun! Happy Birthday!

colleen - I forgot to tell you my best birthday gift ever…. Ellie being cancer free! That is the BEST GIFT EVER!~~~

colleen - Happy Birthday…. and I hope I get picked… woo hoo!!
🙂

jennymama - LOVE your picture! Happy Birthday, Meg!

Raven - I love it! I think I’ll use a picture of my grandparents rolling in the grass in the 1930s. It was taken before they were married and VERY RISQUE at the time. I hope I win. BTW, I love your house.

Nicole - Happy Birthday! I would say the best birthday gift I’ve ever received is the 580EX flash my husband bought me for my birthday two years ago, because he knew I was wanting one to shoot my first wedding, but I didn’t want to spend that much money on something for myself. He picked it out all by himself!

Brooke in WI - My best birthday gift ever received is actually coming up in 11 days! My sister is getting married on my 30th birthday. How fun is that!?!

Martha - My best birthday present ever- my two kids- born three years apart but on the same day, Aug.28th, just a few days before my birthday. I love your blog and photos…

barb c - love the sunflowers. that whole wall makes me happy! for my 30th birthday my mom made me an alphabetical listing of EVERYTHING from my first 30 years. so much fun!

Linda@ Restyled Home - Happy Birthday, Meg!!
My favourite gift every year is the same: the cards my kids make and chinese take-out. Perfect!
My sister outdid herself one year when she found a copy of my favourite childhood novel, The Secret Island, by Enid Blyton. I had searched for years, and she tracked one down in the UK! I was so touched.
Have a great day!!!!
xo

Heather - the best birthday present I ever received? Wow. I can’t even think of anything. That’s sad. I will have to tell my husband so he can make the next one more memorable. Happy birthday to you!

Jill - Ooh! We just had family pictures done on the beach, and I would LOVE having one printed on canvas!
My favorite birthday present ever was a pair of Tiffany silver ball earrings that my husband gave me a few years back. I wear them every single day, and the best part, he picked them out completely on his own!