Masthead header

the new neighborhood.

my three youngest were home sunday afternoon and were planning a walk to the creek down the road.
i said "how about i come too….just so we make sure it's safe"
we aren't farm people ya know?!
who knows what they'd get into on their first day.  :) 

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when we got there we found it to be blocked off with barbed wire fences.
bummer.
it's for the cows.

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everything around us is getting green….signs of spring getting close!

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we walked farther down and saw the neighbors with the cows.
we met them and their dogs….my kids love dogs!  

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umm…hello beautiful barn.
you are gorgeous.

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we found hay bales…and rusty fences….

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dance breaks on a dirt road are always fun!

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we walked to the barn at our house while singing the brady bunch theme song.
my kids just watched season 1 on dvd and that song sticks in your brain.

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this place has chippy paint EVERYWHERE.  

{{{{ s i g h }}}}

i love that….all of it.

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the weeds are blooming.

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i asked what they liked best about the barn and one of them said the little door.
then someone said something mean to annie….
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and she stomped away.
sometimes it's rough being a sister.

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then the girls took me over to meet our neighbors….and their chickens!

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it was AWESOME!
talby is holding a chicken!
this is crazy.
and so cool.  

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i put out my hand and they ate right out of my hand….it felt so funny and kinda creepy.

these are all firsts for me.
i am not a country girl….not yet anyway.

i was in love with the chickens.

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and they sent us home with a dozen eggs straight out of the hen house.
doesn't get much more country than that does it?

well….it probably does.
but i am still new to this.

ha ha ha

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i ran 4.5 miles yesterday morning with my friend.
and i will try for 5 miles again today.

i am trying my best to drink LOTS of water.
big cups all day long.
i use a cup with a straw and i drink ten times more than i would if i just used a glass.
yesterday i went through Sonic and ordered a large ice water.
that's it.
but i really wanted a drink and i love their cups and straws….and i didn't have to get out of my car.
it was totally worth the .32 cents.

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(found on pinterest)

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hope your tuesday is  S U E R!!
because it IS super tuesday….not that i am "political" …but i love the way it sounds!
it sounds happy.  it does not sound political.  
so to me…it's a Happy name for today….SUPER TUESDAY!
mine is going to be filled with laundry and organizing my closet and bathroom.
then….we are done!
all moved in.
easiest move ever.
that does sound SUPER! 

πŸ™‚

 

Gina // C is for Cupcakes Baking Co. - this post reminds me of when Becky from the rusty chain moved to the country in Kansas. Oh, the sights she posted were glorious. All chippy paint, rusty fences and badgers. Yeah… badgers. LOVE the hay bales and chickens – so fun!! can’t wait to see how the country becomes a part of you all and how you bring your own brand of (brightly colored) special to the countryside! Glad to hear you are still doing craft weekends, finally found a friend to start saving her pennies with me so we can go sometime in the hopefully sooner than later future!

Shafeeq - This Chicken mission is pbsosiimle! You buy the chicks and feed them and as soon as they are adult the coyote eats them! You can’t protect them because they have to be adult before you can move them into the chicken coop, and you can’t sell them because you don’t have time.Help! I have used up sooooo much energy on this one. There must be someway to do this.

sonya - lil'soak + Friends - Your kids are hilarious. I hope my kid as as happy go lucky as yours. So awesome.

Cari - The road and creek remind me a lot of my parents place in northeast Oklahoma. That just happens to be my girls’ (10 year old twins) most favorite place on earth. I have no doubt your children will love it!! And holding chickens? Come on! That’s so cool!

Kat - Meg, you are going to get so many awesome pics living in the country!!
We live by the beach in Aus and we just got 4 chickens the other week. My 4 kids are loving it!!
One chicken each and they got to name them πŸ™‚

Lelia - Meg,
This has nothing to do with this post …. but did you hear that La Creme is discontinued?!?!? I’m sure you did & I’m just behind, but I’m SO bummed … for reals!
Lelia

Jenny B. - I’ve never thought chickens were pretty. But, those chickens ARE pretty – especially with the spring greens in the background! Love all your photos. So happy for you guys!! Question… did you get / are you getting new living room furniture? Did you leave the old stuff at the “town house”? Just being curious… any nosy… πŸ˜‰

Aneta Kudasik - It’s so nice there! What a cute post. I just bought a house in a small town and am so excited to live there and your post just reminded me once again why.
Hope I can gave a chicken or two too!
Thanks!

Lisa - I’m really enjoying the pictures of beautiful Kansas country. Had to Pin the red barn! I really like your white barn, too. Those chickens look so fluffy and soft – makes me want to pet them! I hope your family enjoys living in the country. I wonder how many animals you will end up with? πŸ™‚

mae - Oh my gosh. I grew up on a farm and… wow… these pictures remind me of all the amazing things the country holds… especially for kids. So excited about the move!!!

Kristin S - When did your “youngest” get so tall???

Maria - What a great place for your children to grow up!! My favorite show is the Waltons so I love the pictures with the kids walking!!! And by the way, Chickens are very easy to raise!!!

Annika - I cannot believe I am just catching up on my blog reading after two weeks and in these two weeks… YOU HAVE MOVED???!! To somewhere really lovely, by the looks of it! Congratulations on taking this step and getting settled in so quickly. I love the shot of the kids walking down the road and the close-up of the hay.

Kerry - OH man.. I see a LOT of awesome photo shoots coming up πŸ™‚ Those Hay bales!! And that chicken! Brave girl…
We live in the country too and I’ve learnt to take my camera EVERYWHERE with me now – which reminds me… I need a camera bag! What bag do you use Meg?

Melissa - I went to Vegas for 4 days and look what happened!!! I dream of moving to a farmhouse in the country, but that would require a big move. My kids would be sad to move, mostly the 10th & 8th graders. Good luck and enjoy! I can’t wait to live vicariously!

Michelle - Looks like you’re settling in nicely! Everything looks so wonderful, and peaceful. How awesome to get fresh eggs from your neighbour! Once again, I LOVE your photography! Someday maybe I will be half as good!
Have a great week!
Michelle (from Canada)
http://www.thingsthatmatter-m.blogspot.com

Prairie Jenn - Yay for neighbors that give you eggs.
Next it will be vegetables from their garden.
Then chickens!
Really…it happened to us.
That’s how I got all my chickens- from the neighbors!
Gotta love the country life:)

Lori Austin - Your country adventures look wonderful. Makes me
want to live in the country again (just slightly πŸ™‚
We just made poached eggs on toast with farm fresh eggs
the other night – that bright, golden color. Yum!

Alicia @ La Famille - you are definately on an adventure now!! πŸ˜€ fresh chicken eggs are the BEST!! glad you’re enjoying your new digs!

Michelle - Oh, and agree with comment above…farm fresh eggs are the best.

Michelle - I love the dirt road. I live in the “country” according to some, but not far enough out for me. I’ve always wanted to live on a long dirt road or lane and not be able to see my neighbors unless I take a long, long walk. I love your pictures, thanks for sharing.

Kelly - Loving the barn and the little door up top, too!
Gotta love the chickens…. and the egg pic is awesome…..
Your family is in for some new adventures on your farm!!
So glad we get a peek into your country days. Enjoy!

Melissa - What a terrific barn. I’ve always wanted a barn to host parties in…that would be fun. Can’t wait to see more photos to come!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - That barn would be a great photo shoot background, don’t you think? And I totally want to be on the receiving end of Annie’s hand-me-downs. Her clothes are adorable(love that hoodie).
Im glad to hear you’re getting used to your surroundings. The kids must be so excited to get home from school each day and go exploring in their new country ‘hood:)

Kathy P - oh Meg! I lived in a country town and lived on a farm on the east coast of Australia on a mountain range during my teenagehood along with my younger sister. I think it was one of the best things my parents ever decided to do. We had chickens, horses, cows, goats, and ducks. And a big river to swim in that ran along the front of the house. We had platypus in the river too. We had fresh eggs and fresh air and learned to ride horses. Talby and Annie – this is going to be so GOOD for them!!! Be good for all the kids!

melissa@joyineveryseason - That red chicken coming right at the camera really made me LOL … I came to your blog yesterday and thought I’d somehow missed the lead up to the big move to the country … and then read your β€œyou know how when you’re pregnant but don’t tell” etc etc post … you’re so funny! Life is good in the country … I know you will love it :o)

Christy - So loving that barn, I see family photo shoot potential

Shann - Here’s a story…..about Megs new country life. la la la πŸ™‚
Is that the song??? We have all the seasons on DVD. I love that my girls love Carol and Mike and all the kids too!
I think your new country life looks awesome. Have fun! πŸ™‚

sue - Looks a nice place to live but I can’t help but think it is very quiet for the kids especially the ones getting older.

heather - I’m pretty sure we all did a collective “sigh” at the 1st shot of that barn. ahhhhh. I think we are all going to like living through your adventures on the farm….

Ashley - Oh chippy paint. How nice! I could never make myself drink water out of a glass, but when I started regularly dragging a camelbak around my water intake upped a ton. I usually finish about 3 or so a day, so about 75 ounces of water. I’m sure I could drink more, but I figure it is way better than nothing!

se7en - WooOh would you look at all that countryside fun – so wonderful!!! Happy to watch and learn as you go!!! And good on you for all that running!!!

Renee - Imagine all the crafty get togethers you could host in your barn!!! Oooh I can just see it- twinkling lights, chipped, painted tables with matching benches, good friends, baskets of fabric, food on hay bales covered in polka dot fabric… {swoon}
Enjoy exploring your new surroundings and the fresh eggs.
Blessings!

Hannah - I’m positive I will be the mom who also takes a picture of her daughter when she’s stomping away! Love it!

Dani - DIRT ROADS!! Love it! I miss seeing a trail of dust behind my car! The county paved all the dirt roads I walked down when I was a little girl! Nothing better than walking down those old dirt roads!
So, about your eggs. I’m sure you know this, but…if you don’t use them you will find baby chickens in them. Nothing worse than that! And then you will not want to eat eggs for a long long time. HA!

Marianne - Flip flops and a t-shirt. so jealous. *sigh* It’s freezing here.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Oh Meg, you little country girl you, looks like the country is agreeing with all of you. That is so cool. I can see all three of my neighbors on each side of me and across the street and down the street. You get the picture. Enjoy your piece of the country. It looks fabulous.

shannon - Well I was kinda sad that you guys moved from your old house but after seeing these pictures I’m hoping my family can come live with you guys too! What’s 4 more people anyway, right?
Every single one of these pictures is gorgeous and so full of LIFE! What an amazing experience you will all be living!

Short, Sweet Season - You are basically living my DREAM right now. Not that you asked, but I think you should get some chickens of your own! You could get some polka dot wellies to make the task of caring for them more appealing.

Heather F. - What a great place to raise your kids. Best wishes!

Kim - I am a country girl, living in a small city after having moved from a very big city about 1 1/2 years ago. For me it’s the best of both worlds. City life with the country right there. The town we live in has strong agriculture roots. My parents still live in the country, in the house that I grew up in, so we can visit anytime we need a fix.
Love that you have signs of spring! Today we woke up to another dusting of snow. But at least the sun is shining!
Not sure if you follow Design Mom, but she posted a picture that you would love. http://www.designmom.com/2012/03/a-few-things-102/
Enjoy your run in the country.

Simple Daisy - LOVE your photographs!! For sure get some chickens!! How fun would that be:)

Laura Phelps - I am a country girl too!
HA
not really
but for ME….I am.
I traded billboards, and 4 star dining, Rodeo Drive, coffee on every corner, sushi on every other corner, and the red carpet, for…..
a DRIVE to Starbucks.
Barns.
Chickens…at least I hear them in the distance….
and TREES.
also, starry skies πŸ™‚
I have to say…when I saw that loooooooong dirt road…….with NOTHING around, in front, or behind it…well….I had a small panic attack.
I felt scared! Seriously. I felt alone.
That’s just the city girl in me.
Life in the country..a REAL country life…just sounds so simple and beautiful.
And I think there is genius in simplicity.
Too bad I will always be drawn to the complicated and glitzy life!
maybe one day I can have a country home and apartment in NYC…
ya know
after I fix my mini van and pay the oil company (which might never happen)
love to you, you cute country gal!
can’t wait to walk that dirt road with you one day (but can I bring my phone and Starbucks to go?)

Jill - OH my! I SWEAR those fresh eggs will make EVERYTHING you put them in TASTE better!!!! We moved to the country 4 years ago and I am a TOTAL convert!

Tracy - My kids love to watch Brady Bunch DVDs! I do too..reminds me of my childhood. Gilligan’s Island, too!!!

Lasso the Moon - You have carved out for yourselves quite a sweet little life here. Thanks for sharing some of it.
Anna

Leah - I want to move to the country!

megan@contentedsparrow - i was away (from the computer) last week so i am just seeing that you moved! woo-hoo! i’m excited for you. i know you wanted to be closer to the kid’s school and i’m thrilled that God provided an awesome country house while you’re waiting on just the right thing to become available. excited to see how you’ll make the rental house look like you. and it looks like you need to join the chicken-keeping ranks, girl!

Terrie G - This post makes me miss living on the farm, and my kids being little…and dancing on the country roads when we took walks…..sigh…

Jen Brandt - I’m happy you’re happy! Enjoy the rest of your day! It’s sunny in Ohio and I hope it is in Kansas, too.

Kimberly Dial - Your new neighborhood looks like mine with the exception of the hills (WV is ‘The Mountain State’ you know! πŸ˜‰ I know your kiddos will have a blast there, especially this summer but beware Meg … being a city kid who raised two country boys, I must warn you (LOL) you have no idea what they are capable of getting into! πŸ˜‰ Thanks for sharing … enjoy!

Jen - In case you are interested, those golden chickens are buff orpingtons and the red one is a Rhode Island Red. Chickens are so much fun to have! You should really consider it.

Kristin - i love that red barn. and want to live in the country even more after seeing these pictures. what a great place!

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - I can only imagine what your future photography backgrounds in the country will look like!!!
That barn is to die for!
And all the chippy paint… love it all!

Megan - Great pics… I am so happy that YOU are happy!

Rebekah - I like to get Sonic Water with cranberry and lime. Pretty tasty and still, just water.

Sharla - I don’t think anyone’s feeling sorry for you anymore πŸ™‚ Beautiful pics – can you believe this awesome weather?!

Tina I - I am not a country girl, but you make me want to move IMMEDIATELY!! You should for sure get some chickens….

Emily - Makes me think of a country song by Rodney Atkins…makes me want to take a back road!
Your cheerful post has brightened my day! A coworker just needlessly stressed me out. And I needed to take a little break. So I decided to check blogger. Thank goodness you were there to alter my mood.

tiffany gardner - my hubby grew up on a farm. we live in the city. it is nice to have the best of both worlds. thanks for sharing your life with us! I look forward to your blog. everyday.

seriously sassy mama - Oh, how I pray for an easy move this summer. I would love to live in the country with a barn, and chickens. I am crafting a cleaning today!

aimee - i’ve never seen anyone make chickens look so beautiful! congrats on the move!

Cheryl E. - Meg – Thanks for all the pictures of your new home and new surroundings! Love all things country, life seems so much easier!

Mandy - Love Annie’s hands in her back pockets! How ‘country’ of her πŸ™‚
http://dailydoseoframblings.blogspot.com

This Farm Family's Life - Love the pictures! Glad you are enjoying your new space!

Shelly - I am so pumped for all of you!!! Living in the country is priceless. We moved onto our little farm in the Flint Hills 4yrs ago this week and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

kimber - I never get tired of seeing pictures of your free-spirited children. I love how expressive Talby’s and Annie’s faces are. Looks like you moved to heaven. Even the weeks are pretty!

kaylee@life chasers - I am so excited for you all! There is nothing quite as wonderful as farm life…unless their was a Starbucks drive thru on the farm.
That red barn makes me swoon. Can you say family pictures?

Brooke - I’m LOVING Whatever Country Edition! Yee Haw Y’all!! πŸ™‚ You may become the new face of Kansas Tourism…you are making Kansas look wonderfully charming!
-Brooke (a Kansas girl too!)

Aby - No ma’am…it does NOT get much more country than that!! Walks down dirt roads? Barns? Cows? Hay bales? Chickens!?!? OMGoodness! You’re making me MISS IT!! BAD!! My girls and I moved from the country into town after a divorce 2 years ago. Lots of changes…not necessarily the best of changes…but like you know…HOME is where you make it! And wherever my girls are is home to me…even though it’s not the country anymore. ENJOY it! The simplicity of it all makes the very best kind of memories!!!

happygirl - I want chickens so bad. I’m not a country girl either. I wonder if I could have them in an apartment if I gave them their own room? I wonder. Pretty pics my friend.

Kelly - I am a country girl at heart and am deeply envious (in the most Christian way of course) of your new home! And the chickens! I want chickens!

Peggy in TN - I love the picture with the three chickens in a row-it’s frame worthy! I can’t believe you are all done unpacking!!!

Regina - LOVE the flip flops on a dirt road…LOVE the red barn…LOVE the weeds that I have forever thought look like bunny faces…LOVE the chickens and fresh eggs…LOVE the new-found BLISS in your new “hood”. Have a great run!

Sarah - How exciting to be in the country! I am not a country girl either, but I’d love to be – those lucky little girls of yours are going to love it! x

Chaos-Jamie - Is it not crazy that those are your YOUNGEST children? Freak me out. We are not this old yet. (One of these days you need to come to the Boro with your spouse so I can see you.)

Melissa - Meg! You guys should get chickens!!!
We just got 3 a few weeks ago and it’s awesome!
Do it, do it, do it! πŸ™‚

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