what are your favorite blogs?
here are a few of my faves in NO particular order:
julie ashley PW shauna kimberlee nic michelle laura *e* tara jasmine kelle wendy
sarah carissa megan jess elizabeth crystal melissa edie jeanne elisa amy
julie heather amy karen aimee jenny kristin courtney heather marylea emily
how is that for a list?!
how long have you lived in that house?
6 years.
we moved here when annie was 2 weeks old.
it was planned for months.
we chose to leave the "city" life (chicago-land area) and move back to small town kansas.
just 25 minutes from where both craig and i grew up.
it was one of the best decisions we ever made for our family.
we haven't regretted it once.
this house was a real project.
our living room.
the playroom/guest room.
our kitchen.
talby and annie's room.
the yard had no grass. the walls were all wallpapered. and it was not pretty.
but craig and i could see the potential and it had GREAT bones.
and we've been working on it ever since.
who gave you the Meg quilt?
my super fabulous friend PAM who took me all the way to africa.
she was so excited to give it to me shouting "IT"S THE NAME OFF YOUR BLOG!!!"
i loved that by making it she got some time to be creative for HER.
that made me as happy as the gift itself…to know that she enjoyed her sewing time while making it.
it's so cool.
pam you are an artist!
how did you find time to be creative when your kids were little?
i just did it.
i had scrapbook stuff out everywhere all the time.
i painted a dresser in the middle of my living room.
i sewed on the dining room table.
i just did it.
i couldn't NOT do it….i have to make stuff.
(this was in 2008 with my scrapbooking girls)
go away with friends for a craft weekend…or have one at your house.
that was so good for my creativity and social needs when i had little ones at home.
find a retreat house near you or a rental and GO!
and sometimes…you don't even need to bring crafts.
when did you get to start sleeping through the night?
we finally got to sleep through the night on a regular basis about 2 years ago.
when annie turned four…everyone else was older and we realized we finally felt rested.
it was a 13 year stretch of rarely sleeping all night.
and we survived.
i think my bed is my favorite spot in my whole house!
i love to sleep….is that bad?
what does that say about me?
what kind of lens do you use….and camera…auto or manual?
i have a Canon 50D with a 24-105 lens.
i also have an 85mm lens but it's hard for me to use. i feel i have to be VERY far away when i use it.
like shouting to the families i am shooting…but it's a good lens.
i am ready for a new lens….if i can save my money long enough!
i had a 50 mm lens but i sold it to lauren when i sold her my Canon Rebel in April.
i used a canon rebel since i started this blog until this past april….it's a great camera!
i shoot in auto focus but will be switching to manual more this year….when i can….i hope.
can you tell us your birth stories?
absolutely!
here we go…..it was 1995…..on a dark and stormy night….
just kidding.
check out these lovely photos….
newborn lauren in the purple hat.
<— 1998 pregnant with scott.
my birth stories are more funny than anything else.
i had epidurals with all my girls and not with my boys.
i chose to have the epidurals because it hurt more than i could handle.
newborn scott.
sean just born.
2000 – 10 days before sean was born. talby just born.
my boys' labors were quick…both 5 hours total.
talby's was long (for me) and lauren and annie were induced….meaning longer HARD contractions.
i had no c-sections or horror stories of 30 hour labors or morning sickness.
i learned how to breath….on my 5th baby.
i never knew i was holding my breath during contractions.
but i was.
i never took a lamaze class….or had help from a lactation consultant…because i thought i knew it all.
and believe me….i did NOT.
chicago jen's mom was my labor and delivery nurse who taught me how to breath. i love her.
we barely made it to the hospital with sean….that was crazy.
craig had to lie down….on the delivery room floor.
it was all just too much…happening too fast…he was light headed…and then BOOM…there was SEAN!
craig and talby.
one of my most favorite photos…
talby liked to be held after her naps….this day we were cuddling on the porch swing…..with baby annie crowding in on our space!
2004 – my friends lisa and chicago jen were at annie's birth…..that was AWESOME!
talby and annie newborn annie.
with scott and with talby i went into the hospital before i was in real labor and came back home.
i wish i would've nursed longer but i had a crazy deep down reaction after a few weeks in with all of them
that i needed some breathing room!
i just couldn't nurse any longer.
i felt smothered.
but it didn't feel that way feeding them a bottle.
the shortest i lasted nursing was 2 weeks and the longest was 6 weeks.
i always wished i was one that could have made it a long time….but i wasn't.
are you going to stay home now that your kids are in school?
i sure hope so.
i have my photography business and this blog and the etsy shop to provide income so YES i will be staying home….if you can even call that staying home….because really….that is a lot of work!
what does craig do for a living?
he is a commercial banker.
and he looks good in a suit.
mmm-hmmm.
do you have any advice on raising teenagers?
pray.
stay consistent.
try not to yell or engage in arguments.
find a close friend to share your feelings, frustrations and fears with…don't hold back.
talking about things you are dealing with out loud makes a HUGE difference in how you feel.
with a trusted friend you can share ideas, get advice or let them show you a new angle of parenting.
it's safe.
that is all i have learned so far…..
was your house in a magazine?
not pictures but linda featured me as a Blogger in Flea Market Style in 2010.
and there was a blurb in Country Living in 2009 called My Country Life
do you have a kindle….do you like to read….what is your favorite book?
we got sean a kindle for christmas but i don't have one.
nor would i want one.
i am not a reader.
i wish i was….
my dad and my sister are crazy about books.
sean, lauren and talby are in love with reading.
i don't have the ability to concentrate that long.
i did read "A Long Way Gone" last year before going to africa and it was fascinating.
and so sad….and traumatic.
i think it was made so much more real because i went to that exact place the next week.
and met boys who would have been that same age.
it was a life changing book to me.
and of course….Crazy Love.
why do you workout in an assisted living facility?
🙂
i live in a small town.
i drive to a different really small town to workout because the gym there is nicer….and less expensive.
you can buy a membership there because it's the only place in that community as far as i know.
i like it because i am the youngest…it's REALLY quiet…and it's almost always nearly empty.
the machines have tv sound with headphones and i can watch will & grace on lifetime and no one cares.
or regis and kelly!
(this is not at my gym…this is a stock photo from google images…and these people look way more active than at my gym 🙂
if you want to feel strong and fast and young….workout at a retirement center!
seriously…it's helpful mentally.
——————————————————————————————–
WOW that was a really long post!
——————————————————————————————–
Debbie - What a gift! Thank you for sharing your weekend with your amazing friends! 🙂 I found you through reading Julie’s inspiring blog and I can’t wait to check it out! Good friends, good food, good conversation, antiqueing, crafting, great fun! I’m inspired to have another craft weekend! It’s been too long! Blessings!
angie at junkgarden - Looks like fun! What a great group! I, too, wish I lived closer. I only have one other “crafty” friend and she’s been busy since going back to work. We miss our crafty get togethers.
Good times!
Nicole - Hi – found your blog through Under the Sycamore – looks like fun can’t wait to check it out! Can you share where those chandeliers are from??????
Catriona - For me, this post sums up what makes your blog unique and why I love it. The balance of words to pictures seems to capture the weekend perfectly for all of us who weren’t there and does it in a way that makes me care about the other women and feel genuine happiness for you that you had such a lovely time. That is a bit weird, given that we are never (alas!) likely to meet or even speak to each other, and yet, I am interested and I care. How amazing is that! My husband does not get it. At all. But I’m glad that I do.
(Sorry if that was a bit like a school report!! I think I had a bit of a lightbulb moment!)
Mary - You have made me so happy with these hoops – now don’t talk to me, I’ve got to run out and buy everything I need to make a thousand of them. I love them just that much. Yes I do. It looks like y’all had a fantastic time. Love seeing y’all get together and doing what you love!
michelle - SO fun!!! i wanna be on the list for next year!!! 🙂
shannan - I havent asked this question since I was 10….but can I be your friend! Holy Cow if looks like you guys had the best time ever. I love to see women hanging out and bonding like this…we all need it 🙂
Emily - Alright I’m in the market for a new sewing machine, so pretty please email me kind of machine that ruffled the pillows really well. I need that!
Margo - So jealous – looks like tons of fun!!
Linda - WHAT A FANTASTIC THING TO DO! TOTAL HAPPINESS!
Tiffany - So flipping jealous! I want to move in one of these local blogospheres. PA stinks for bloggers. Happy for u all tho.
edie - i love it. you’re so awesome. creating your own bliss.
isn’t this blogging thing just incredible? that we can meet the most wonderful, creative women in the world and then enjoy the gift of them in our daily lives.
what a privilege.
you’re right there at the top of my *i must meet* list. can’t wait.
and i got my necklace. oh my word. todiefor.
i love it so much and wore it all weekend.
thank you for everything dear friend.
i’m so blessed by you.
much love,
edie
erica - how fun! and i like the new hair color!:D
Kori - whatta buncha luckies!!!
Lori Danelle - Oh Gosh!! If I hadn’t been at Blissdom, I would be incredibly jealous! Alright, I’m still jealous!
Amnah - Cool!! Did Ashley bring Firecracker?? I hate that I don’t recognize anyone else except you two. I’m sure I know their blogs though. Can’t wait to hear more about this. There will be more, right?
Lauren - I recognize a few of those faces too! So jealous, but in a nice way 😉 I can’t wait to hear a few more details!!
Jenni Goodlin - I just found your blog (from a link from the Macs). Sounds like you had a great weekend! What a fun thing to do, and a blessing to all of those women! I love that you hadn’t all met each other, but have so much in common!
melissa @ the inspired room - How much fun was that!!!!!! I’m coming next time. {right?}
Lisa Currie-Gurney - WHAT A FABULOUS TIME IT IS WHEN WOMEN CAN GET TOGETHER AND JUST BE WHO GOD CREATED THEM TO BE!
HUGS FROM MY HEART
http://sophiemyfriend.blogspot.com/
Jennifer - I can’t wait to hear more about your weekend with your blends! I’m hoping there was some crafting and recipes! OHHHHH, i made your meatballs tonight. they are so good!
Jen - It is so funny to see more than one blogger you know in the same photo!!!
What a lovely, special weekend 🙂
By the way, I am watching Parenthood and I LOVE IT. It is fab!!!
Kate - I am so excited to recognize some of those awesome girls. Super cool!
sandy toe - What fun! Wish I lived near you…
Who are these bloggers….curious minds want to know.
Sandy Toe
ranee - Wow. I think I would have paid to be at hour house this weekend, too…looks like so much fun and I would love to meet Ashley and Jess, yours and their blogs are ones I look at daily!
Heather G. - So fun!!
Sharri - Meg – I am curious which face goes with which blog out here in blogland????? Would you please share? Thanks!
Kristin S - So wise of you. There’s nothing like fellowship of women. I love the way God created men and women alike but unique. So many fun women in that one shot!
Cari - FUN!! Sounds therapeutic! 😉
Becki G. - Good for you!!
I know you will share more and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Brooke - Ashley Ann said she went somewhere fun this weekend…now I know…!!! I found her through your blog and I have been following both for years. I would be lying if I said that when I am at the local thrift store or yard sale I’m not looking for the perfect aqua typewriter….or that when I take pictures I’m not thinking of AA’s tips…it is silly the way you feel connected to people in blog land!! Way to take the initiative and do something awesome like that!!
Katie - Looks like fun…do tell more! I read a few of the blogs represented!
Karen Gerstenberger - I love blogging for this, and various other reasons.
There are four of us grieving moms who met through our blogs, and we are doing a Joyce Rupp book study (“Open the Door”) together. We started a private blog, we read each day’s passages and respond to the question. Then we read each other’s writings and comment. We live around the U.S.A., have different spiritual and social backgrounds, our children were all different and died differently, but it is one of the most powerful sisterhood experiences I’ve had. I feel sure that God brought us together for greater good!
Your friend at the front left in the photo is wearing one of my all-time favorite sayings. (If she wants a charm, she can get them on etsy, made from Scrabble tiles. I love mine!)
Katherine @ Grass Stains - Meg, I just read a really interesting post from a woman who went to Blissdom but has decided that next year she wants to do exactly what YOU did! If you’d like to read it, here’s the link: http://www.thesnyder5.com/2011/01/ways-in-which-blog-conferences-are-like.html … I think I’d prefer your route, too. 🙂
angela - I’ll have to admit, I thought of all of you at Blissdom while I was in NC! Every post I have seen about it is positive! I loved the video someone put on line that was a surprise to the planners of the event!
nic - what a beautiful bunch of girls…and oh how i adore your fabric floral pins!
Courtney Walsh - Looks sooo fun! 🙂 What a blast you all must’ve had. I would love to have the space to host something like this some day!!
Jen - Sooo, can you share who these lovely ladies/talented bloggers are so we can give them some traffic!??
True friends are indeed a rare blessing! The rarest, perhaps!
Beth - Awwh so much friendships bonded! Wow what a great way to share some fun and sharing with your readers also. Please share what more fun you had …I know there are lots of pictures and please share who your blogger friends so I may go visit their pages. I do see a couple of people I visit.
Please share what crafts you all made…I know you had to make something.
Oh this makes me smile! So glad you all had a great time!
Christy - Super jealous!! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Alice H - I see Ashley Ann with Under the Sycamore!! Your hair is dark but it looks great!
Laura Phelps - BOO HOO….wish I could have made it!!! Next time…..right????? (you will have to double that batch of margaritas though)
I love the friends I have made through blogland
can’t imagine my life without them
love LOVE this group shot of FUN, creative WOMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
women who LOVE and SUPPORT and ENCOURAGE
awesome.
danielle - SO fun!
love your hair!
i emailed you about your post for wednesday 🙂
xoxo
Tracy Fisher - Dear God, can I please play with these girls sometime? Amen. Tracy Fisher
Kathy - Love the flowers you are wearing…will there be a tutorial?
Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - How great! That is wonderful! So many beautiful faces that I recognize! Woo hoo!
Leah - In your “spare time,” I’d love to see a “who’s who” as well so I can visit their blogs. I recognize Julie from Joy’s Hope, but that’s about it.
merlin - Yep, I felt the unwelcome prick of jealousy as well, but I am happy for your friendships (new and old)and fun. The world needs as much goodness in it as can be created and you all do more than your share, thank you.
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Okay, I’m not the jealous type, but have to say this makes me jealous. I would love to do something like that…I don’t think I’m brave enough. What fun you all must have had and Meg you always look adorable no matter what color your hair is 😉
April - Have to agree w/ the other’s comments and ask you to please share “who is who” and what blogs. And I hope to hear more about the weekend too! Inspiring! (need a girl’s weekend too – even if it’s vicarious!)
Tara - love that you welcomed those lovely ladies into your home…..
and LOVE your new hair color!
Jen - one word…. JEALOUS… 🙂
seb - Are you going to share who is who so we can check out their great blogs too? 🙂
jennifer - Too much fun! I did a double take when I saw Julie in the back before I started reading. What a fun girls weekend. Your hair looks great and I still love, love, love Kim’s hair too. Can’t wait to hear about all the fun stuff you all did.
april - what did you girls do? looks like fun!!!!
MGF - no wondering you were cleaning and getting crafts ready.
Di you host ALL of them overnight or just during the day.
Way fun. When you open your heart and home, the flood comes in with joy.
ashley jensen - Is that what you went crazy cleaning house for? I do the same when I am having company!
Amanda - DYING over here for more details!!! What an awesome awesome weekend – it’s so fun to see you all together!
Kacey - What fun! Your hair is cute. I like it brown!
Katrina - Let me guess… The blond was too high maintenece? That’s why I always end up going darker eventually. It looks good. (You remind me of my aunts now.) It looks like I would have been in heaven in your house. I read three of their blogs every day. (You and Ashley are my #1 favorites. Shh. Don’t tell any of the others.)
purejoy - i agree… link to the attendees! what a fun weekend!
i noticed your hair right away. i love it!
Christine Ishmael - so whose who?
ingrid - super fun!
this is like the all star line up….
Jessica Johnson - cute! so fun! and your hair looks fab! i’m goth, too so i’m a little bias… 😉
april's craft nest - how fun (and brave!). i have a craft night this weekend and it was fab! will you be posting what you worked on?
kat - Hey Meg, your hair looks fabulous! Your weekend looks like it was super fun! What a lucky bunch a of ladies to spend a weekend together.
Mindy Harris - WOW. that looks so, so fun. i see a few faces i recognize. i have met 2 of those girls, 3, including you. did everyone get a matching messy pin?
also, i think it’s really neat that you open your home up for others to enjoy. it’s such a beautiful home. my home is itty bitty but i still have people over, though i apologize profusely about the outdated bathroom, etc.
🙂
Kelly - Wow! What a GREAT weekend! Were you nervous when you first invited everyone. I recently invited a couple bloggers who I haven’t met in person over and was nervous that they would think I was a stalker. 🙂 All was well though! Kelly
~Debra - Can you share who each of those ladies are? I don’t recognize any of them! I am so nosy! ha ha!
Glad you all had a great time!
kristen - Let’s talk about those cute flowers you are all wearing.
Shayne - What a fun gathering! Glad you got some good girl time in. Girl time is balm for the soul. Especially when chocolate is involved in one form or another. 😉
Amanda - What a great idea. Nothing like bonding with friends. Love your hair.
Tess S. - jealous!
Tara M. - Oh my! I am jealous! I wish I could have been there! The talent that was oozing in that house this weekend!
peta - i must be reading some good blogs – i recognise lots of their faces!! how fun!
citymouse - How cool. The few times I’ve gotten together with fellow bloggers has always been a treat.
Meredith - What a perfectly wonderful way to spend the day. Well done to you all for actually organising your busy schedules to make it happen! I’m fascinated to know what Craig and the boys did while all this celebration of womanhood was happening….were they very frightened?? Meredy xo
efrat - please share some more pictures…
Gemma - Hey Meg!
Sounds like a great weekend…do you have any more pictures to share?
Loving the hair!
Gemma x
Janine - I recognize some faces in there. You’ll have to label the photo with names and links to their blogs so we can all get to know them too (through blogland anyway) Looks like a fantastic weekend!
leonieke - looks great!
what a change, from blond to black..
have a nice day! (is your house still clean after al the effort you made last week now you’ve had so much visitors?)
Victoria - What fun you must of had, and how awesome to make new friends for life! I think you look fabulous with dark hair!
Michelle from Australia - I recognise Jess in your pic. It was through my prayers for Cora that I saw your blog (I think it was some pictures she posted at some stage that had your link on it???) and started reading. And that was just after Cora died so over 2 years ago.
Thank you for inspiring me since then.
p.s. I bought myself a Vintage Pearl necklace because I could. Thank you for introducing me to them too!!
Bethany Rodriguez - What a fun group of ladies… I bet you had a wonderful time! (I like your hair color.)