Masthead header

Category Archives: family fun

this week….

we have had a FULL week with more excitement still to come.

life skills being taught…. 

IMG_0014

 

 

waffle was naughty and completely dorky as usual. 
he got on the couch while i was still home! 
how is he smart enough to know not to get on when craig is home and that i won't do anything?
it's crazy.
he slept with his leg up in the air for a long time.
IMG_0124

IMG_0126
ha ha haaaaaaa

 

read this in The Message this week….

IMG_0108

"His love was not cautious but extravagant"  

 

IMG_1538

the kids tried to dress up the chickens with american girl doll clothes.
but realized chickens don't have arms to make it work.
it was funny to try though. 

IMG_1549

IMG_1548

IMG_1566

one of these days those chicks will be gone & we will know that they learned how to hot wire Barbie's car…

IMG_1584

IMG_1586

 


IMG_0022

i like having lunch with my kids.
i wish i had done it with my older kids.
i didn't know that was a thing that people did.
your kids would love it if you showed up too. (with no other siblings… just you… and fast food) 

IMG_2069

campfires are pretty much the best thing ever.
i have tried my best to keep all s'more ingredients stocked all all times at our house. 

IMG_0257
mother's day was a very nice day.
i try very hard to keep expectations VERY low and that helps to keep the day flowing well.
i was treated to homemade cards by the little girls…. and cashed in that free coffee immediately. 

IMG_0094
after church i went in my bedroom and shut the door and relaxed while my family made the entire lunch.
what a nice treat to come out to a completely set table AND food.

then i went straight back in my room while they cleaned it up. 

best mother's day i have had in many years. 

IMG_2284

 

IMG_0179
IMG_0197

IMG_0219
IMG_0236

gardening this year in pots only….this is a huge relief to me.
the thought of gardening was LOOMING over me and i wasn't excited about it.
but this is perfect! 

 

IMG_0255

lauren is done with high school.
forever.
it's so crazy how fast that passed!
we are so proud that she made it through with excellent grades and can't wait to see her future unfold.

her graduation is sunday afternoon.
it's been an emotional week….

 

IMG_0256

this is what happens on a daily basis here.
if we don't do the dishes every 18-24 hours… it looks like this.
NO JOKE.
we even ate on paper plates that day!

 

 

IMG_0246

i sported pigtails today.
after a 3 week break…. i went out for a run with my friends this morning.

it was short & sweet but felt so good to remember that i did still know how to run.  :)

IMG_0251

as i drank my second cup of coffee i looked down and realized i was a rainbow of colors.

 

so… we have a very busy weekend filled with parties to attend & to give, basketball, shopping, cleaning, rainbow cake making, graduation cermony and grandparents coming.

what do you have going on in your life?

 

 

s - Love the kitchen sink pic…I keep up with the dishes but not so much the clutter and piles…sigh

misty - meg, you have to read this blog post
http://lullabylubbock.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbows.html
Kristen loves a rainbow as much as you 🙂 She is another fave blogger of mine & I messaged her about your blog too. I think you’ll love her sweet post

Rachel S - I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you I’m addicted. I love how you show your real life, (with real messes in kitchens), the Scriptures, life with kids, the crafts (oh how I’d LOVE to be able to come to a craft weekend!!), the photos, etc. I have 3 kids and my oldest will graduate next year. It’s already hard on me, so I look forward to hearing how you make it through the change in seasons. So thank you for sharing your life with us! 🙂 Have a happy day!

miranda - Love your post today I laughed at those crazy chicks~~ and congrats on everything!!!!

Whitney - Oh my goodness, how is she old enough to graduate! They are growing up (too quickly) before our very eyes! Congratulations Lauren! Excited to see what the next step for her is!

mary - Love that you showed your dishes. my three kids are under five and this is how my kitchen looks after 24 hours of no doing dishes. Refreshing to see real life with kids. I used to panic when there would be a knock on the door when the kitchen looked like this, I am learning more and more that this is real life and it is good to share real life with people. Thanks for being real it helps me continue to be authentic too.

Victoria - Congratulations on the graduate! I know you guys must be proud.
Loving the littles dressing the chickens up in clothes!

Mindy - Oh, those chicken pictures make my heart happy – and the verse from the message makes it happier yet!

Connie - Congratulations to your daughter!! Thanks for the honest picture of your kitchen….nice to know I’m not alone!

Kari - congrats to lauren! that is great…
glad to see mine is not the only kitchen that looks like that 🙂 my oldest is playing 60 baseball games this year – youngest playing also – add in all the other end of the year stuff with a dance recital in there too and it’s been CRAZY! have a great weekend!

Vera - My three year old boy (who happened to be naked at the time) saw the chickens in the car and said “MOMMY! Get my clothes on! I want to go to that family’s house!” 🙂

colleen - Such a great post… I love the part about keeping expectations low on mother’s day so you can enjoy it. Congrats to your oldest graduating from high school.. how wonderful that she let you announce it on the blog… 12 years of school done.. not a small achievement for her or for you.
Love your spirit as well as your ability to “roll” with whatever life gives you!
Colleen

Barb - Hi Meg, could you please tell me what translation of the Bible you have? Thanks for the beautiful post! Barb

Tiffany - I love that you and your family love those chickens so much! I’m so glad you had a nice Mother’s Day too. Congratulations to Lauren! What a beautiful young woman (must take after her mama!).
Hubby is gone on a 4-wheeling weekend, so I’ve got the single parent gig going on. I hope to plant our flowers tomorrow, and hit up the Children’s Museum Sunday. Not nearly as exciting as your weekend, but I love my family time!
I hope you enjoy yours this weekend too!

Kori - Animal teeth always crack me up!
I had lunch with my son weekly if not a couple times a week when he was younger and loved it…it was a great way (better than volunteering in class, I think) to meet more of his friends and see what *really* goes on at lunch – both with the kids and the playground staff. He loved when I got there to stay and hated when I tried to make it a ‘going out’ lunch…he wanted to eat and then be able to run off to play, not be stuck with me in a car!!
Hope you have time to catch your breath in the coming days…
🙂

Michelle from Australia - My Dad has shingles 🙁 My daughter who has been vaccinated against chicken pox got them this week. Blisters, itchiness and one upset girl who couldn’t go to school. My son goes into hospital next Monday for surgery. We asked him what he wanted for a treat dinner the night before his operation. He said SMORES. We had them at Yosemite NP last year. So I went out and got ingredients as close to SMORES as you could find in Australia. And we are all ready for SMORES tonight and tomorrow. Here’s hoping we get through next week with God’s help and grace.

Tiffany - My son just turned 17, i am mentally wigging out about graduation next year. Dogs are smart! Waffle had got your #. Please photograph the Chicken Run, hilarious. Its so hard not to vent with your girls, but God is right there is a dofference between venting and back-biting, sigggh. How did none of your kids get your eyes? They are striking! Enjoy your weekend, im off to have another malibu-bu. TGIF.

Jennifer - Love all your pictures…and that Waffle….he is a hoot! 🙂

Sara Torbett - What a lovely post! The chicken pictures and Waffle’s close-up made me laugh :). Congrats to Lauren! I imagine it’s a bittersweet time for you…..I hope all your graduation festivities are lovely (I’d be bawling like a baby…..I’m tearing up at the thought even and I still have two tiny babies! Oh dear)
Your flowers are gorgeous…and who has time for massive flowerbeds when there are crafts to make and meals to cook? We don’t-we use flower pots too. 🙂 This weekend we’re getting some family pics made..wish me luck (two babies under two)

Kerry @ Made For Real - That looks like our dog. Exactly! Love the potted plants and love having an older set and younger set of kids as well : )

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - WOW, Congratulations Lauren! Seriously where does the time go?! My oldest(9) is at a two day sleepover and Im getting ready to take my baby girl(ahem…7) to gymnastics. I remember the days of crying in the church nursery thinking “I’m NEVER gonna sit in another adult service ever again…I’ll be here FOREVER!!!” I blinked and those days are gone. But yet theres so much great stuff to look forward to also.
Have a wonderful weekend! Keep the tissues close by.

Amy - I try to eat with my boys at least once a month at school. Of course, little sister is usually with me. But they love that. One likes to go off campus, one likes to have it brought to him and eat in the cafeteria. Hilarious. But it’s always fun. Of course, despite saying I’d shoot for once a month, I think this second semester I did it twice. And that includes this week. {ouch} By the way, love that pic of Lauren. She’s beautiful!!!

Hanny Norton-van der Valk - congratulations to Lauren, well done. Here in the UK it is still quite cold and I.ve just put the heating on to warm it up a bit. Also still having a lot of rain. We were hoping to go sailing tomorrow, but the winds will be too strong, so I probably will do a bit of gardening. I hope your weather is a lot better. Have a lovely time Sunday, you must be so proud of your daughter.

amy jupin - i’m totally tripping that lauren is graduating.
waffle is a dork and i love him.
annie looks like she’s in middle school and i want it all to stop.
the growing, the maturing, the time slipping by so quickly.
love you meg.

sally - Awww, your daughter is so beautiful!! Congrats to her and so happy we got to see her. 😉 I’m sure you are proud! I just read depressing news in the local newspaper about the economy and I came here and now I am smiling and Happy!! That is why I LOVE your blog…I leave happy!! 🙂

Shelly Massey - My happy moment this week was when the canvas of your wet watercolors photo arrived here! HAPPY DAY! I smile every time I walk by it. Thank you!

Janelle - I adore your messy kitchen picture. Wish more people would share those 😉

Heather Simnitt - My eye caught “basketball.” Basketball? In May? Really? It’s all baseball and soccer around here now. And recitals – oh the recitals! Last week piano, this week ballet. After that it’s all planning for vacay. It’s T-11 days! So READY!!!

shar y - Oh, how I cried when my first child graduated. Happy and sad all at the same time.
And, the chickens in the Barbie car, funniest thing I have seen all week. What a hoot!
thanks!

Nancy - I love the honesty of your kitchen picture. I have been reading your blog forever but I am not much of a commenter. My youngest is graduating from HS and I have a grad party pin board – http://pinterest.com/nancyhts/graduation/
Enjoy!

Cathy - Hey..hey what are you doing taking pictures of MY kitchen.. he he.. our kitchen always looks like that.. I have to stop ask myself, “why when I fill the dishwasher are there still dishes left that won’t fit”

Jessica - High school graduation, how exciting!!! Congrats to Lauren!

Tonya - Congrates to you and your daughter. my oldest son just graduated from College. Take tissue with you to the ceramony!!!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

fifteen YEARS.

we had a 15th birthday.

IMG_2235

it is pretty awesome to watch a boy turn into man-size right before your eyes.
the have him still lay his head on your shoulder waiting for his dinner from the waiter.
and even let you play with his hair.
at a restaurant! 

IMG_0052
                 
             IMG_0063

it's always fun to celebrate together.
and i never make cakes except for birthdays so i enjoy that too.
he requested chocolate with chocolate frosting. 

IMG_2239

he also wanted to light his own candles.

IMG_2258

IMG_2262

IMG_2264

IMG_2245

after cake craig put on a video of them when they were little….scott's 4th birthday.
it was the highlight of the night.
their little voices…. sean's pacifier… the way the boys couldn't say their L's and C's…
the birth order traits showing up loud and clear even 11 years ago…and little baby talby just beaming in the swing while the chaos goes on all around her.

awesome.

we are so mad that we didn't take more video.

and now that is gone.   G O N E.

SO here is my Public Service Announcement for today …. take video of your kids.

TODAY.

of nothing.  

of everything. 

of them eating dinner.  

playing with their toys.  

singing a song.  

reading a book.  

playing dress up.  

taking a bath.  

sitting in the yard.  

playing soccer.

swinging on a swing.  

being tickled.

CRYING.  

LAUGHING.  

SCREAMING.  

because when it's gone  then IT IS GONE.

you WILL NOT remember the voices.
you won't.
i promise. 

your little boys with drooly lips, new teeth and chubby cheeks will get deep LOW voices and be taller than you and you will not have the ability to remember the sounds of them squeeling about the new "P-eeece Tars!!!" they got for their birthday (police cars) 

i am NOT kidding around here.

take video today and all the time of nothing special.

because it's ALL SPECIAL!!!

it is gone WAY too fast.

 

now stop crying and get out your video camera.

🙂

 

 

 

Abigail Gossard - I’m finally catching up on your blog after about a year because of my two boys, one w special needs and a 6 month old, keep me busy! I found myself randomly taping them today and realizing how quickly they’ve changed in 6 months! Thanks for the reminder and for the sweet photos of your family. .

Alison Joy - Yes, crying! Thank you for a beautiful post.

Kasey - Yep, crying. So sad to see them grow up so fast.

Michelle - HOW did you know we would cry? Spooky! I say to my husband at least every other day, “I could listen to Ted’s little voice all day long.” And I do. He’ll be three in July. His little brothers are 5.5 months – yes, twin boys. Life is good … And I LOVE that birthday cake! Happy Birthday Scott! xoxo

Whitney - I don’t even have children and I agree! For Christmas I took all of our family videos and put them on DVD… and I accidentally erased one of my favorite videos of all time 🙁 Now I wish we had more of that Mother’s Day! Memories are so important!!!

Lora - AAAAAAAA-men!
My baby is 13 and just lacks a smidge being as tall as me. I DON’T like it! He still holds my hand sometimes in public, but probably not for too much longer. Shoot those videos and take lots and lots of pictures!

ArielW - in tears…. you are so right.
and as I sit here and type this crying,
I have one girl in time out
and one boy watching veggietales,
and I know I will miss this.
off to charge the camera battery.

Rachel Reeves - I’m in tears.
I posted a video of Frankie this morning, singing, and I realized how I don’t do it enough.
I totally forget what K sounded like.
Great. I’m in tears again.

mpoggie - This made my heart beat irregularly.
Earlier today, I recorded three different phone-videos of the same bathtime and felt like an idiot. I said to myself, “This is ridiculous. Calm down with the videos, maybe.”
…Nevermind, Self. Keep up the good (obsessive) work.

Wendy - Amen, sister! Thanks for the reminder!

jen - Perfect post!!!!!

amanda - Needed this reminder – thank you! And I have a young man in my house with a birthday this weekend and I’m going to bring out some videos for the family to see. I’m already looking forward to it 🙂

Sierra - OH my. I just cried a little at work. I did a lot of videos when they were babies, but I haven’t been doing many lately. I definitely need to. I would hate to forget the way my 5 year old talks right now. Thanks for this public service announcement! 🙂

Heather - Oh Meg! I love you and your blog!

Trish - um… this totally made me cry.

Beth - I’m getting my video camera out when I get home. You’ve just scared me straight!

beth larson - AMEN SISTER!!!!! I could not agree more! We did video tape quite a bit when the kids were little…but now we’ve quit! What’s that all about? I have to add one other thing —print photos!
print favorites every few months- just having them stored digitally will never be satisfying in the future because the mode of storing them changes every decade or so and you kind of loose the means to print or see them easily.
In 25 years you’ll be so excited and thankful for albums full of family photos- and your kids will thank you too!!!
(the photo of the birthday boy in black and white- directly behind his cake is a-mazing!!!!!)
xo

denise@victory rd. - my son turned 15 {gulp} 2 weeks ago. crazy… where did the time go?
like yours he is still loveable. best thing about him.
my three always ask to watch videos from when they were young on their b-days. i think they like to see my ugly-cry-face.

Tonya - My oldest just graduated from college. how did you know i was crying! i cry over every little thing. I DID VIDEO TAPE AND SOOOO VERY HAPPY I DID.

tonya - happy birthday to your boy! and thanks for the reminder to capture these fleeting moments!

Routhie - Awesome photos of him blowing out the candles! I am so glad we took videos of our girls. It’s funny to look back and hear them. My oldest still had a British accent when she was 4 (gone now…sniff sniff) and we all roar laughing listening to the weird things she said.

Eryn - I’m bookmarking this post in the hopes that one day, evntually when I have my own kids, I will always be able to remember these words. Thank you Meg! 🙂

Kristine - Crying….so. Much…..my 13 year old changed his voicemail message and it broke my heart…he had a little voice and now…so deep…
Digging out the video…thanks for the reminder…and the tears…

Gina - Happy Birthday to your man child!!

kathy - Sometimes I find it is almost too much to watch the videos. I have to be in the right frame of mind or all I do is cry. So much emotion tied into it all! Love your pictures~ it is crazy to watch our babies transform right in front of our eyes.

christy - You know your audience too well. I was totally crying until I read that last bit & started to laugh. I was just thinking yesterday that I have a video cam & never use it. I will now.

Maria M - We spent last Christmas break pouring over old VHS-c tapes of the boys…so funny. Those little voices crack us up.

Tiffany - What a great public service announcement. My camera fund is almost there! You are making me want to find more ways to make a little extra money so I can finally make the plunge and get the Mark 3. Videos on my phone will have to do for now. Today Olivia was rolling down a hill and requested I take a video of her, so I did. She was wearing my old first communion dress from when I was 7, princess crown and jewels.
PS- You take the BEST birthday cake blowing-out-the-candles pictures, EVER! I have so much to learn!

Vicki Esh - How do you feel about arranged marriages? I have 3 daughters (all beautiful!), and I’m always on the look out for nice young men from Christian families. Let me know if you want to set something up. 🙂

Mia - you caught me… i was crying. and, i will now go video my babes. 🙂

Kirsten J - Oh man, you got me….I’m so totally bummed that I didn’t take more videos. Have plenty of hours of my big boy, but my baby girl? Minutes. Seriously. Only minutes saved.

tracy fisher - i think we had the same happy tear for our kids birthdays! i just blogged about our little girl growing up. 🙂 -tracy

Gale - AMEN. Well said 🙂 Happy Birthday to your cutie!

Tiffany - Very handsome, what a killer smile! The time goes by so fast, too fast!

Georgia - The pictures are awesome!

Wendi Siyajuck - I remember reading a letter from you telling me the news about Scott. I was in my college room :)Your pictures are fantastic!

Andrea - My oldest just became a teenager last week. A teenager. Sigh. Can still remember the day she was born. When they put her in my arms and the sun came through the window and lighted on her. The rush of love and protectiveness was unbelievable.
You are right about the videos. I have quite a few pictures but not many movies. Need to get the kids on that – they are the ones with the video cameras!

kristin - LOL…. you know your readers well. 😉

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - The picture of him blowing out the candles is awesome! What a great way to commemorrate his 15th birthday!

jennifer - Totally crying. And sending to my husband!

Katie S - Thank you! I got a new video camera for Christmas because my old one died right after/before(?) my third baby was born. I have not even had a chance to read about it and get it up and working. She is 9 months and crawling and I keep thinking I need to get the “good” camera working. Luckily, in this day we always have an iPhone at arms reach so she has lots of little videos, but I know those little snippets will not be enough for my heart in the future! My nap time project is to get that camera up and working!!!

lauren - You speak the truth! My favorite video is not of the ‘events’…the graduations, or awards ceremonies or Christmas pageants…it’s just of them being goofy doing nothing. Oh to have had an iPhone when they were little!

Kelly - I just shot a little video of us at dinner the other night all because of the antics of my youngest. Antics I know won’t last. 🙂 Thanks for the reminder!

Molly - getting the video camera out when we get home!!!!!
it is hard i try to walk the line between documenting things and living in the moment.

Ana - I’m at work now and crying with your words because I did not take vídeos… I now all I can do is to think: Where did all these years go? Was I sleeping or something? Now, I got adults around here and can not remember the sounds they make…You are so right…Thanks for sharing…

Angela A - My father-in-law brought some videos of my husband and his brother playing soccer when they were younger. And I realized at the end of the season that I should have recorded at least ONE soccer game from this season. He even brought those early enough to make me realize this in time but no. Or the piano recitals that my mom couldn’t attend–did not cross my mind. I will just stalk them with it all summer.

Lora - OH, you made me tear up. I haven’t visited blogs in MONTHS and this is what greets me! Thank you! 🙂

Southern Gal - We have the old videos that I need to convert to DVD. The kids love to watch themselves. I feel sorry for our baby who has lots of video when he was little and then I became a bad video mom. I try to catch it now even though he’s 11 and almost to that man stage. Ah. yes, you make me tear up reading all that.

Bethany - My little ones are sleeping right now but I promise to capture them on video when they wake up. Mine are only 4 and 2 but even those years have gone by so quick.

Mel - How it all goes by in the block of an eye. Great pics!

jamie - OH MY GOSH how did you know i was crying??!!!?? so true! it just goes by so very fast!

Kate - Love everything about the post but I can’t get enough of the cake! a simply beautiful!

Lane - Ahh…thank you. I’m out of video tapes and I need to order more! My 2nd son didn’t make his debut on our video camera movies until he was 8 months old…sooooooo SAD!!! I have to take more videos. The few that I’ve taken of my 4 1/2 year old talking about nothing are the favorite things I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

amber - Geez. That was rough! Now I HAVE to go video my 3 year old. On the couch. Eating dry cereal. Watching Woody. Thank you. You are so right.

Meredith - I have six saved voicemails from my from my first son who is now 9. The first one was when he was 3 and they go up in years. We love listening to them. I think I am 3 phones later and still have them. Love to watch and listen to videos and movies.

Sheila - STOP IT. Just stop it now. Waaaaaaah!

Analia - Such a good reminder! I love your outlook on life! and your photos! that cake!

Shari - I am right there with you! I soooooo wish we had had the modern convenience of a cell phone with a video camera back when mine were smaller. I would give ANYTHING to have those sweet little voices again. 🙁 I have been trying to video little snippets here and there, but it is so much harder when they are teenagers and dodging you at every turn! 😉

Jenn - You are so right. Mine are still young, but I think about how I should have videoed more. Love the cake…its perfect!

Tracy - Sobbing! Such a good reminder! My kids are close to yours in age. We have videos from the very young years, but so many years lost!

Terrie G - I’m with Christine!! It’s too late for me, but not to take video of the grandson!
And you are soooo right!
I’ve got him covered with photos…I need to take more video.
I was just thinking of that this morning as I was going through my photos.
I don’t take much video…need to record!
Thanks for the reminder!
And Happy Birthday to your young man!

Christine Ishmael - How’d you know I was crying??

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

annie’s favorite books

i love children's books.
when i find one with illustrations that pull me in i always feel like drawing.
they are just such a beautiful way to enjoy childhood.
i have great memories of reading with my kids. 

IMG_1589-1

annie is working hard to finish up something at school for points.
she has had all year to get points but now that it's the end of the year i am guessing there is
an ice cream party or something that has given her incentive to buckle down.
she has been reading each afternoon.
she is not really a sit down and read for an hour kind of girl usually.
that is ok.
i am not that kind of girl either… my dad wanted me to be so badly.

i thought i would share some of HER favorites today.
this is her stack she was working through that she carefully selected.   

you can click on the link to find it on amazon.  

Images

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type ….. that duck is so funny!

 

51TOt3sKnEL

Cowboy and Octopus
 …. very dry humor book but funny and has cool illustrations.

9780807517604_p0_v1_s260x420

Eaglet's World

this was a book that Scott got during his preschool LOVE OF EAGLES phase.
he was obsessed with eagles for a few years.
i remember going to his classroom as the surprise guest and reading it to his whole class.
we love this pretty book. 

9780618609178_p0_v1_s260x420

Martha and Skits  …. my dad gave us a whole collection of these books.
BEFORE they gave Martha a show on pbs.
my kids really liked these… all five of them. 

 

Pirates_don't_change_diapers

Pirates Don't Change Diapers
 ….. my girls like these 2 pirate books but my boys loved them. 

How I became a pirate

How I Became a Pirate….. and really David Shannon is a favorite of mine.

513QMNtO75L

Too Tall Houses…. pretty book about friendship and competing.  :)

 

Art & Max

Art & Max
…. brillant book for anyone who likes art….super pretty! 

 

Is-your-mama-a-llama

Is Your Mama a Llama? …. i had this book memorized at one point.
so many years of reading it over and over.
who doesn't like a book with baby and mama animals?! 

 

Images-1

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas…. all Fancy Nancy books are loved by my little girls.
she has quite the obsession with fanciness. 

 

Pete

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes …. annie's choice at the book fair.

 

6a00e550e99ce5883401157128ff51970c-500wi

Emma Kate …. BEAUTIFUL book.
Patricia Polacco is one of Talby's favorite authors.
she did a report on her once! 

 

Llama-llama-misses-mama

Llama Llama Misses Mama

there is something adorable to me about llamas.
Anna Dewdney ties toddlers and llamsas together perfectly.  :)
Annie loved these two llama mama books…. always loves to say "i've done that…."
on the tantrum page.  ha ha ha 

Llama_mad_at_mama

Llama Llama Mad at Mama

 

Three_snow_bears_jacket_450

The Three Snow Bears  Jan Brett is famous… everyone knows her books.
this one is the story of the three bears but drawn so lovely.
and my kids make silly voice for all of the bears and it's very funny. 

 

If-You-Take-a-Mouse-to-the-Movies-9780060278670

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies…. annie loves this one.

If you take a mouse to school

If You Take a Mouse to School… i loved this one…
the art and the thrill of going to school for little ones.

54eb828fd7a034371ff4f010.L

If You Give a Moose a Muffin
  but this one was our favorite to read as a family!
i have a moose voice that makes my kids crack up and i always use it he says
"do you have any old socks?" when he wants to make sock puppets.
love this book. 

Images-2

My Garden…. talby and annie love this one.  
always…. EVERY TIME …. say "i wish our garden was like that" 

 

Diary-of-a-spider

Diary of a Spider ….cutest books!  
i love every detail that is in these three Diary books.
seriously! 

9780060001506

Diary of a Worm

Flydiary

Diary of a Fly


9780803731929_p0_v1_s260x420

I'm The Biggest Thing in the Ocean…. LOVE these two books!
that googly eyed octopus is very endearing and silly. 

51dyx3_2bipwl

I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean!

Yes-day

Yes Day!…. another book fair choice this year chosen because of our love of the grumpy book.
and all kids love the dream of a YES Day.

 

ImageProxy.aspx

What Are You So Grumpy About?…. this is such a good one.
because kids get grumpy a LOT.
and this puts some wrods to their feelings in a funny way.

that was kind of a long list but it was fun for me to remember reading them all with my kids.

what are your favorite children's books?
i am sure everyone likes to find new great choices.

————————————————————————-

1.5 days till the half marathon!!!!!!!!

omg

 

 

cassidynoga - Amelia Bedelia?

cassidynoga - When she’s old enough, introduce her to the Babysitter’s Club Books (basically my childhood…) (I think she’s old enough for the BSC Little Sister books!). Also the Boxcar Children series. I’m 20 and I STILL love those. In 3rd grade, I got the second highest amount of Accelerated Reader points in the entire school because of those two series.
Also: I LOVE Click Clack Moo. I have a stuffed cow from that book.

TonyaElise - Currently in love with Sandra Boynton books. She really gets kid humor, and they RHYME! And I have some favorite Golden Books from my childhood that I love to read to my kids: The Poky Little Puppy, Home for a Bunny, Four Puppies. Those never get old.
Oh, and I think you should share a video with us in your moose voice, lol.

Victoria - Those are some of our favorite books too! Right now my almost 8 year old is into Amelia ______ books by Marissa Moss (I think American Girl puts them out). They are diaries of a girl named Amelia and she adores them.
I will check out those Kevin Sherry ocean books, they look like fun!
I hope your 1/2 marathon was awesome! You are a role model to all of us Mama’s!

Angela - I loved Owl Moon by Jane Yolen – I just got to meet her last week and she is an absolutely lovely woman. This was a special book for my Dad and I, just like the father and daughter in the book. I also loved Berenstein Bears.
Also, if Talby is looking for anything good to read, check out the auther Sharon Creech – particularly Bloomability. It is a great book. I have read all of Creech’s books and I love her writing.

Dena - A couple of my favorites from my childhood are:
Andrew Henry’s Meadow by Doris Burn
The Ernie and Bert Book by Norman Stiles
My daughter loves the Pinkalicious books (Pinkalicious, Purplicious, Silverlicious, etc) by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann
Couple others we love:
Katie Love the Kittens by John Himmelman
Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
Wacky Wednesday and There’s a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Suess (but we love them all)
We love the Litte critter books by Mercer Mayer and the Berenstain Bear books also and for really little ones the Sandra Boynton board books are awesome.
One I would suggest for you that we like is Dog’s colorful Day by Emma Dodd. it makes me think of you and your love of color.

Meg G. - I love that Tom Lichtenheld’s books made the list! I used to work with him a few years ago at an ad agency here in Chicago and remember when he took a sabatical to write one of his books. He’s such a nice and talented guy!

mkpoggie - Great recs! I haven’t heard of a couple of these titles and I’m excited to try them out! A few books that were always a hit with my preschool class were “Falling for Rapunzel” (Leah Wilcox- the story of Rapunzel with a hilarious twist of misunderstanding…plus the illustrations are so creative), “Smiley Shark” (Ruth Galloway…a friendly shark has trouble making friends) and “Aliens Love Underpants” (Claire Freedman…Exactly what it sounds like. Aliens really, really like underpants. So silly).
Absolute favorite though? “A Bad Case of the Stripes,” by David Shannon. Gorgeous and a message that every child (and, frankly, adult) should hear. I met David Shannon once at book signing. And I cried like an idiot. It was ridiculous.

melissa@joyineveryseason - I love children’s books too, and can’t bring myself to clear the bookshelves even though my kids are older … we always loved anything by Robert Munsch … his books are CRAZY funny stories with hilarious illustrations … and also King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey and Don Wood … also a crazy story with beautiful illustrations. And then there’s Holly Hobbie’s adorable Toot and Puddle books … very cute characters and beautiful, beautiful pictures. Happy reading to Annie!

Jen - I love this post! My girls are 8 and 5 and I recognize and know several of the books you listed well. I am always looking for more good storybooks and will now look for the others at our library. Thanks! My girls love Fancy Nancy books and Jan Brett books. Some of our other favs include:
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard – this is MY favorite!
Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day – Jaime Lee Curtis
The Easter Egg – Jan Brett
Parts – Tedd Arnold
How to Bake an American Pie – Karma Wilson

Bethany - I see lots of our favorites here too. Right now it’s me reading to my little ones. I look forward to them enjoying our favorite books again when they are the readers.

IT Consulting Dallas - Nice books. Some of these are my daughter’s favorites too.

Christie - LOVE this post! Thank you for sharing!
“You Are My I Love You” is an all-time FAVORITE at our house! As well as about 10,000 other books!
Keep those darlings reading!
Happy, Happy Day!!!

Sarah - Please do a race report! I’m running my first half in a few weeks and I am trying to gather as much sane info as possible! I know now how much effort goes into the training and I’m amazed that you can fit it in alongside everything else you do! Cheering for you from afar!

Shaun - Love Pete the Cat…
Follow the link below to a live reading of Pete the Cat! Our librarian showed this one day…the kids LOVED it…so did I!! Enjoy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U
Shaun

Sasha - I love all of your picks. My fave authors include Mem Fox, Rosemary Wells (esp, max cleans up), sam McBratley (Guess How Much I Love You), Keiko Kaszaa, Eric Carle…oh the list goes on and on. Ish, peter Reynolds. Press Here, Herve Tullet. Not a Box, Antoinette Portis.
If you haven’t read Mem Fox’s books for adults as well they are worth it too. Your kids might be a bit old for it to be applicable, but when you wrote that you make a terrific moose voice it just reminded me of her.
Congrats to Annie and best wishes to her as another school year comes to a close.
YOU GO, GIRL!

Kate - mad at mamma is one of my favorites. seriously awesome.

Tiffany - Good list, thanks for sharing. Pinkalicious is popular, her and Junie B Jones these days.

Kristen - We love “17 Things I’m Not Allowed To Do Anymore” by Jenny Offill. OHMY, it is a hilarious and an artistically beautiful book – such a cool mixed media format, and lots of fun with all-things-beavers. Not sure who requests it more, me or the kids… 🙂 Also love the whole “Scaredy Squirrel” series – I think I was Scaredy Squirrel in a former life. Dry humor and squirrels…a great combo! 🙂
Praying for you, runner girl…keep those Scriptures coming! YOU ARE AMAZING AND YOU WILL BE AWESOME!!!!! SO ADMIRE YOU!!! 🙂

Stephanie - I feel like I’ve been given a gift! Thank you for this list. I LOVE picture and children’s chapter books–maybe even more than my children do. Ha. My older kids have outgrown them, so thank The Lord I still have 3 little ones coming up that still enjoy them.
We just finished Charlotte’s Web with my 6 year old and are now on to James Herriot’s treasury. Then probably Wind in the Willows. Some of my faves:
100 Hungry Ants
Ruth Heller parts of speech books. Very colorful art!
Exodus and Joseph books by…..I forget the author’s name. Also colorful art.
The Cat in Numberland
100 dresses. (I love this book.)
The Little House. ( I AM that little house. One of my very favorites.)
Blessings to you during your run!

elma - We have that one:) Love it!!

elisa - My 7 year old son would probably like the pirate books. Good for Annie for reading. We are bookaholics over here.

Laura Conway - We have been huge fans of Skippyjon Jones in our house!

Michelle from Australia - Our Beloved American friend is a retired children’s librarian. So for Christmas and each of our kids birthdays, American childrens books arrived. My son absolutely loves the If you give a mouse…. and the If you give a moose books by Laura Numeroff. AND even better, when he takes them to school for show an tell, no one here knows anything about them so he feels extra special!!

Larissa - I love The Little House…I can still remember my mother reading Chicken Soup with Rice to Me….wish I could find my copy of that one.

Jenny - Anything by Oliver Jeffers. “Stuck” is our favorite.

Jenny - This is a fantastic post! I love children’s books too. I have two recommendations for you too. My friend just had her first book published she is the author and the illustrator. I love her painting style, it definitely inspires one to create! The story is great too, especially if you enjoy stories about grumpiness. it is called Maya Was Grumpy. Here is the link.
http://www.amazon.com/Maya-Was-Grumpy-Courtney-Pippin-Mathur/dp/1936261138/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367007596&sr=8-1&keywords=maya+was+grumpy
And the Chester the Cat books by Melanie Watt were just introduced to us this year by my daughter’s first grade teacher. We love them! We have all three and don’t seem to be tiring of them.
http://www.amazon.com/Chester-Melanie-Watt/dp/1554534607/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367007976&sr=1-1&keywords=chester

jaimie - the kissing hand

Courtney Walsh - We love so many of the same ones, but I have to add two all-time faves: “When Moon Fell Down” by Linda Smith (who passed away–I’m not sure the book is even available anymore, but it’s BEAUTIFUL and sweet) and “The Remarkable Farkle McBride” by Jon Lithgow.
Brilliance. 🙂

Diane - Have you guys ever read Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus? HYSTERICAL!
Skippy Jon Jones books are fun too. Our family highly recommends these!

Heather Simnitt - My girls are past this age now, but we loved the “Diary of a…” books as well. Some of my favorite children’s book authors are Sarah Stewart (The Gardner brings me to tears), Mary Ann Hoberman (The Seven Silly Eaters was a fave), and Erin Dealy (Goldilocks has Chicken Pox – Love)!
And oh – ALL my kids and my students (K-2 grade) have LOVED Slugs in Love by Susan Pearson….there is usually a waiting list for it at the library!

jen - Great list! i spied a few of our favorites there!
I love the Berenstein Bears books. we read those all the times – they get into messes as all other families do but by the end the message is always the same – family is awesome! and there are always little life lessons in there too.

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - I have a kid’s birthday party to go to this weekend and I always like to include a new book in with the gift. I was just researching what to buy when I saw this post pop up in my reader. Perfect! Exactly the advice that I needed.
I’m going to bookmark this one for future gift ideas. Thanks for sharing!

Jody - Thank you for this list!! I love love to get new ideas for books!!!
I went right to my library site & reserved a bunch of them!!
We love “Yes Day” in our house & actually have our boys pick a yes day every year! they of course love it! (but when is Mom & Dad’s yes day?!)
My fav is “Henry in Love”. Very sweet book. by Peter McCarty.

Becky - The Moose is totally my favorite of the If You Give A… series, too!
With a house full of girls around these parts, we can’t get enough of Fancy Nancy either!
Enjoy your race! So inspired by your faithfulness in training.

Deb - Don’t miss all of the “Skippyjon Jones” books – our favorite is “S.J. in Mummy Trouble.” And a really neat one called “Anna’s Table,” about the nature items a young girl collects and displays on a special table. Great illustrations! And anything illustrated by Robin Priess Glasser (of Fancy Nancy fame) – she has a great one about the 50 states, I THINK written by Lynn Cheney. Happy reading!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

kind of a big deal.

last saturday scott had basketball games all day. 
but like all of those tournaments, the games are hours apart.
inbetween the games we ended up at the craft house to relax.
i was working on my pillow front….

 
IMG_20130412_132950
which was just me layering things on this piece of quilt and sewing it down.
the girls thought it was so fun and i said "you can make one"
apparently i say no too often because they both GASPED and shouted "WE CAN??!!"

(parent fail)

i said "yes… you can.  and i will show you how to sew it all together"

"REALLY?!!! You will teach us how to SEW!??  TODAY?!!" 

(hanging my head)

"Yes. I will teach you today."

IMG_20130413_151802
i gave them each a piece of fabric as their base and told them to use the scraps and layer on anything they wanted to and it will be fun and pretty and you will love it.
and they did.
Sean was not interested and that is no surprise.
he did sit in the room with us and drew pictures of dead cartoon characters… maybe feeling a little out numbered by the women around him so he was making up for it by overcompensating in the boy department?
ha. 

annie chose to make a pillow like we made at the first craft weekend.  (i miss you first CW girls!!)

talby came up with her own pattern of stripes. 

IMG_1199-1

IMG_1204-3

and suddenly…. they were sewing.

it was pretty amazing.

i don't think i was scared to teach them before… just didn't know if i had the patience.
but after a year of craft weekends and seeing that i can help women take away that fear of the machine,
teaching my girls was practically easy.
the craft weekend women are always awesome so there was no reason to feel anxious about my own girls.

IMG_1202-2

IMG_1211-5

IMG_1208-4
that is her face of concentration.  :)

IMG_1219-7

IMG_1212-6

IMG_1227-8

IMG_1230-9

beautiful pillows to be proud of for sure!!
they chose the fabrics from scraps and did all the sewing.
i helped annie cut circles. she cut the first 8 & then was the fabric chooser while i became the fabric cutter

i was so proud of my crafty girls.

—————————————

 

by the way…

i use two of each these machines for craft weekend and what i use myself for all my sewing.

 

                 SINGER Heavy Duty Model 4411                                        SINGER Heavy Duty Model 4423 

51jPYEa2KlL._SL1024_
513u9jHMLNL._SL1024_

i just ordered them straight from Amazon and it's free shipping!
as far as i can tell after having used them for two years now, the only difference is the Model 4423has an automatic threader and the Model 4411 does not.

i am not working for Singer.
i just like their machines. 
🙂

they are very basic, non-threatening, easy to use machines.

maybe you should ask for one for mother's day???

go big or go home baby. 

Shannon - I sew(so…LOL)want to learn how. That’s a great idea a Mother’s Day gift request it is! I love their pillows!

Whitney - They turned out great- wonderful job girls! I remember when my grandmother taught me to sew basic things on her very old Singer (the old black iron kind in the built in box.) Then my mom took it a step further and has shown me how to do more advanced things on her new machine- they will always remember that day! Now I want to go make a pillow 🙂

megan - Thank you for this. My 5.5 year old id begging for sewing lessons & I keep denying her. I am now motivated to say yes next time she asks!

Linda - Thanks for the sewing machine suggestions. My daughter goes over to her elder sister’s for her quilting project. Between their 2 schedules it is hard ot get them together to finish. Now I know just what is for her next gift!

Leslie - My daughter would LOVE Talby’s pillow case design. Maybe she could do some for your shop – hint * hint * 🙂

Heidi Jo the Artist - That’s awesome they are learning to sew. That is a day they will remember always I’m sure. 🙂 Pretty, pretty, pillows! I just started teaching my daughter, almost age 6, how to hand sew a couple of weeks ago. She loves it! Now, I need to get a sewing machine hooked up and get going on that myself, so I can teach my daughter too. I love handmade stuff!!!

Andrea - Both pillows are lovely. They get their creativity honestly!
That is what I want to do – set up all my machines at a table and teach all three of mine to sew at once. (My boy is only 8 and so still wants to be like his big sisters. Well, to a point!) I have my mom’s old machine that I learned to sew on, my grandma’s old machine that I just got tuned up, and my machine. All Singers!

Kate - Those first craft weekend girls were cute, huh?! 🙂

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Your girlies are adorable and looked like they loved sewing and you are an amazing mom!

Juli - I’m curious…when they go back to the Craft House, do they miss living there?

Lori Austin - They did great! Those pillows are super cute.
I really need to learn how to sew. Thanks for the info
on what machines you use. I need to bookmark that for the hubby. 😉

Katie - I was so surprised when I saw on IG that your girls had never sewed! You are so awesome about crafting with them, that I was certain they certainly would have sewed before. Their pillows are gorgeous! My 5 year old loves to see when I am working on a project. I will have to let her try one of these, something real she can make from all my scraps, usually she is just coming up with her own designs–I think she would live something real she could do in her own. Happy sewing!!

Rachel B. - Very cool!

Tiffany - Good for your girls, and good for you! I’m sure this lit a fire under them to learn even more! I’m so glad you showed pics here. After seeing you doing that on ig I was curious to see the finished products. So cute!

Kimberlee Jost - So proud of those girlies!
And you, too, brave mama.
🙂

Seriously Sassy Mama - I need to get my sewing machine out of the closet. It is time to sew.

Nicole - I miss my sewing machine SO much. I messed up the bobbin and have not been able to get it working since. A lady at my local craft store said the tensions could be messed up, but I have no idea how to remedy that. Le sigh 🙁

Laura H - What a fun day!! I am determined to learn how to sew! I love pretty things like this…so MAGICAL. Love what you’re doin!

Gina - So fun!! I was the same as you, not sure if I had the patience to teach my girls sewing but I did and it was fun!! Nothing is more fun than crafting alongside my kids and having them take an interest in something I love!! I sew with a Singer too! 🙂

Marthajd@msn.com - Is there anything sweeter than a child concentrating? My sons both do this tongue thing and it’s so sweet! Thank you for sharing!

Terrie G - I was so excited for you & them when I saw that pic roll across my instagram feed! What a wonderful new world you have opened for them! Just one more way for them to create! You rocked it MOM!!

Jenny B. - That’s awesome! I would proudly display both of those pillows on my couch! Great job, girls!! I got a sewing machine for Christmas two years ago… it’s still in the box. I am so intimidated by that thing (even though came with an instructional DVD). Sigh… fear is so crippling!

Nina Newswanger - Hello-just had to stop by and say I LOVE YOUR BLOG, I am not particularly creative or crafty, but I happened upon your blog a couple weeks ago and have been hooked-like digging through your archives!:) I love your large family, your honesty and your christian spirit. I have 4 boys under 7 so it’s interesting to me to see what life looks life as kids get older, I hope we can do as great as job as you and your husband, (my husband is Craig too:) doing things as a family. Thanks for being real and honest-love it!!! Also, I’ve been making tons of your recipe’s-you have SO many great ones!

JulianneB - An automatic threader…be still heart…. the most frustrating part of sewing to me is threading the machine

Wendy - My girls love to sew and I love to watch them create without all of the perfectionism that resides in my head. They are always so proud too of their creations. My big problem is letting them use my fabric. I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to my stash of pretty fabrics. Why do I do that? Love this and thanks for the tips on the machines!

Jen - Love the pictures of Annie and Talby sewing. I wish I knew how to sew at times because my two girls have shown an interest. In fact my 5-year-old has been designing clothes on paper recently and wants her grandmas to help her. Good on ya, Meg!

Lindsey - Love this! I’ll bet it won’t be the last time your daughters will want to sew! You win the cool mom award for the day!

Claire - Love it! What a joy to see the little ones on the machines! Those look like great sewing machines too. I just got my first machine and love it. It is the Brother XL2610 and it is awesome!
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2610-Free-Arm-Built-In-Functions/dp/B000A5CKHG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1366298313&sr=8-11&keywords=sewing+machine+brother

angela - That’s a REALLY big deal! Good for YOU and good for your GIRLS!!!!!! Dead animals…lol!

beth - very cool!
: )

Lisa - Love <3

Melissa - Love those pillows! Great job girls. I remember my grandma teaching me how to sew years ago – priceless

jill - I love in life when doing one thing (hosting craft weekend) by accident makes something else much easier to do (teaching your girls to sew). This is why I think trying new things/taking risks is so important, you never know how it will impact your life in unexpected ways.
Feeling philosophical today…

Dawn Gross - That’s pretty cool! They did a great job!
I sewed that awesome ruffle apron at craft weekend and now I’m scared to try something else. Just do it, right?
Dawn

Allison - My 5 (almost 6) year old wants to learn how to sew. I’m afraid of her sewing her fingers on my machine so we might start out with hand-stitching this year. I taught myself how to sew so being able to teach my girls how to do one of my favorite hobbies is exciting for me.

Lynette - So fun! I am determined to teach my girls to sew this summer. This looks like a great beginner project. I think we will start with pillows too. Your girls did a great job, their pillows are great.

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

chicks.

we finally did it!

IMG_0506-5

i took the three youngest to the farm store and they picked out chicks for our flock.

IMG_0517-6

IMG_0561-9

i love their little beaks and feet.
and fluffy puffy feathers!
they make the cutest littlest sound all together… peep peep peep peep peep.

IMG_0532-7

IMG_0551-8

they have named them but i can't recall the names… Ginger? Libby? Teddy? Nate? 
soon i will update with official names-to-faces i guess.

IMG_0567-10

IMG_0569-11

for now we are just figuring out what to do for them.
and lots of playing with them.

IMG_0581-16

IMG_0577-13

IMG_0578-14

and trying to keep Waffle from wanting to eat them.

 

kate@stillroomtogrow - so cool i want some chickens, so jealous!

Gretchen - So happy for you! We have some babies right now too! WARNING: it may have addictive side effects. We started with 6 chicks 3 years ago. Since then we have moved to the country and have started an organic egg business! We currently have about 70 chickens with 75+ chicks on the way! Never say never. I did. 😉

Alicia @ La Famille - yay!!!! go farmer meg!!! you’ll be dishing up farm fresh egg omelets in no time!

Rach - All I can think about is farm fresh eggs. Yummmm

Sonja - Ahhhh, they are so CUTE! I’ve wanted chickens for years, and every year we inch our way a little closer… next spring, we may even actually GET chicks. For now, I’m jealous.

sara b - ok..so chicken names at our CooP…
KFC& KUNG PAO (I KNOW..SO WRONG…BUT SO GOOD AT THE SAME TIME)
HAPPY FEET (ONE OF THE FEATHERY FOOTED BREED)
PEEP (BANTAM)
LOLA
BEEZUS& RAMONA
FRICK& FRACK
LOLA, BEEZUS AND RAMONA are the only ones who remain…until the next batch! I am thinking a turkey or two. we live in a neighborhood so it will have to be a LADY. or two! 🙂 and a duck.

christy - Yay for you! You are going to have so much fun and the kids are going to love them. When we had our first few chicks they would follow my son around like he was their momma.So cute! My 2 Labs don’t bother the girls, they are not normal though. 🙂 We didn’t have to buy a single egg for Easter, we had a couple dozen from our 3 hens.

Terrie G - Between yours & Ashley’s pics of cute chickens…makes me want some just to take pics!! LOL!!

Courtney - YAY! We’ve had chickens for a few years now and we love them, I agree with Jeannett above though, annoying they don’t stay cute and fluffy hehe. We’ve got a flock of 10 right now and we are adding 7 more (6 girls and a boy) latter this spring, can’t wait for my next batch of fluff!!
If you’re looking for some great chicken blogs (and really, who isn’t LOL) http://scratchandpeck.blogspot.com is one of my faves for cute stores and amazing art/illistrations/cartons and http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com is a fantastic source of knowledge and resources. Both have facebook pages if you’re into that, and seriously, they are fantastic blogs.

kerry - oh man! How CUTE! peep peep peep! love the pic of annie on the floor with her little one – SO sweet! xx

Robin Canter - be careful with Waffle. My little 8 pound cock-a-poo dog ate a pet canary that got out of its cage. We were stunned. animal instinct is real.
the chicks are cute, but not for me. 24/7 thing. I like to lock my front door and GO whenever. can’t bear to find someone to watch a dog, chicks, etc.

Edie S. - Adorable!! What kind is the one with feathery legs? We’ve had chickens for a year now, and I love it so much!

Jennifer - So stink’in cute!!!

Susan - You will love having chickens! When my daughter was in 1st grade her class raised chicks from eggs and when they were able they got to take them home. We ended up with 2 a black one named Martina and a yellow chick named Sunshine…he grew into a beautiful red rooster with a green tail. He also was nearly eaten by a raccoon one night. We live in the city so we had to give them up to friends in the country. Martina is still alive and laying eggs like crazy at cousin Tessie’s. Have fun, they are a great source of entertainment and lots of lessons for the kids.

Roganne - So great!! We have had chicks for the past few years and my daughter loves them!! This will be something you kids remember for years to come!! Great pictures!

Emily - I want chicks too!! But I’m a city dweller. And don’t even have back yard. Someday… Someday!

sara - We have had chickens for 3 years now…LOVE my ladies! They have awesome personalities. Raised them all from little peep peeps too! As in a tub in the livingroom withheld heat lamp. I know…super glam.

Kathi - You beet me to it! We are getting chicks too. You need to keep them warm and have water and food for them at all times. A cardboard box with a work light hanging over them will probably be warm enough. I have found there is lots of online help. Good Luck:)

Dawn Gross - So cute! Have fun!

Heather Simnitt - Enjoy them! They grow SO fast! All that fluff will be gone in 5 weeks…so sad!

CathyC - OMGosh! I love them!! so sweet!!!!

Sarah - Oh how cute!!!! Poor Waffle just doesn’t understand! Looking forward to seeing their progress on the blog!

beth - Meg, these photos are just fabulous!!!! I want chickens too~ : )

Shannon - so adorable, my girls want to come over and play at your house now 😉
I wish we could have chickens!

Lori Austin - Awww you and Ashley are chick mommas! 🙂
Such cute pics. I bet your kids are LOVING them.

Lora - Oh my! So cute!

Prairie Jenn - Great photos:)
Love the chicks! You will enjoy them:)
They grow up fast though…kinds like kids!

Natalie - we love our chickens! i’m not sure how young you got them, but make sure to keep them clean so they don’t get pasted over. 🙂

Tiffany - So fun! Take lots of pics while they are so cute… it doesn’t last long before they get awkward looking! 🙂

jeannett - We went on Monday to buy chicks. They were sold out. Apparently they get 250 chicks on Wednesdays…and by Thursday afternoon they are gone. So we are going back today. Although I kinda want chicks…not chickens. Annoying they don’t stay fluffy. Sheesh.

Meredith - Love the photos! They are precious! Good luck with Waffle! LOL.

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

this week.

it has been CRAZY busy.

THE SHOP opened last friday… boom.

saturday and sunday my boys played in 9 different ball games…i watched 5 of those.

IMG_20130324_151554
IMG_20130324_094451

monday i ran 7 miles in snow and ice…and worked on shipping all afternoon with the help of a great friend.

IMG_20130325_082517
IMG_20130325_103048

tuesday i shipped for another 5 hours and then drove to the KC airport and picked up PAM!!!
oh i was so happy to hug that girl!   she was dearly missed.

IMG_20130325_154915
IMG_20130326_201631

wednesday i packed & shipped ALL DAY then cleaned the craft house for several hours with the help of 2 friends.

thursday i finished cleaning at the craft house (with kimberlee) for an event that was in the evening.
i was so happy to just be at home with my kids for the evening!
talby talked to me non stop all afternoon.  i missed that this week.

IMG_20130327_094711

IMG_20130328_162127

then i went to bed at 10:30!
that only happens when i have the flu or something.
but i obviously needed the sleep. 

and today all my kids were home from school.

it's been quite a day.  
nothing i thought we would do got done.
oh well.

🙂

IMG_0388-2

IMG_0402-4

IMG_0414-5

IMG_0387-1

IMG_0439-8

IMG_0451-9

these pictures were from last night.
it ended up being just these two home last night.
they were almost silly about it… they were LOVING it so much.
we ate dinner outside (gorgeous weather) and those two were chatter boxes!
after the sun went down they chose a movie to watch that annie wouldn't be able to watch because they are big kids.  :)  sneaky siblings.
I am so happy that sean and talby still like each other so much. they are only 16 months apart!  
(that was a crazy year in my life….OY!!!)

ok…KU game is on.
i am going to watch the end now.

because… bill self and i are besties now ya know….

MegrainbowstripeSKINNY

AND… i refilled ALL THE PRINTS IN MY SHOP.  
so if you wanted one last week and they were sold out… they are back!

AND… there are BIG 11×14 prints of most of them… even the whatever verse!
(you click on the size of the pic and options show up)

ANNNND there are more maps in there too.

almost all my orders have shipped.
i am getting very close.
thanks for EVERY order, all your patience and for all my helpers! 

MegrainbowstripeSKINNY

 

 

Teresa - I Want that shirt about Jesus playing in Lawrence. Is it available for the general public to buy?

Pat Schmidt - I miss your beautiful photos taken with your real camera. Sorry, phone cameras are not the same.

charlton - Just bought the whatever print and am so excited! Thanks for restocking so quickly. I can’t wait to put it in my girls’ room when I redecorate this summer.

tasha - oh girl! i am still heartbroken over the loss. i was in a texas buffalo wild wings on spring break trying to catch the game. i was the only ku fan in the packed restaurant. it wasn’t pretty. i’ve come to the conclusion that it’s only fair for them to share and not get too greedy. 🙂

Jemm - Are those your new chickens?! I’ll be happy to answer any questions…but I am no expert. I wish I could look at your blog more than I get to. For some reason typepad blogs just don’t load we’ll with our Internet. We have a very slow satellite Internet. Anyway, it was great to meet you. I hope I wasn’t too stalker-ish 😉

Tiffany - Love your posts. Always. Keep on truck’en busy lady. Always happy to hear from you and hear about what is going on in your world. So happy for you that you got to spend time with Pam, your business is doing so well, your kids enjoy hanging out together, and the weather is nice enough to eat outside and wear shorts!! HAPPY EASTER! 🙂

megan - got my map prints this weekend! love them…thanks so much for them!
ME & VA will be adorning my walls soon!
megan

Jenny B. - I’m so looking forward to my happy mail!! 🙂 Thanks for all your hard work, Meg!

happygirl - I was pretty bummed about Kansas, too. But I’ve got Louisville to take it all. Right now, suffering watching Witchita killing Ohio State. They are AMAZING!

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - Seriously jealous that your kids are in shorts!!! Hurry up summer!!

Janelle - I thought about Scott last night while watching the game 🙁 So funny how I was thinking about the feelings of a teenage boy I don’t even know. Hope he gets over it soon!

Kristin S - I love that you had time at home with JUST your “middles”.

Jeannine - Oh Meg, I need some advice lol.
I’m currently pregnant with my second, so this little one and my daughter will be 16 months apart. Any tips for having 2 babies this close together? Your kids seem great 🙂 I’m beyond excited but scared out of my mind!

Roganne - Gracious you are busy! When do you sleep?! Just bought the vintage Norway/Sweden map from your shop in honor of my family’s Viking heritage! Super-pumped to get it! Thank you!

betsy - So, SO, SoOoOoO sad about our Jayhawks 🙁
Does this mean we all just get to cheer on the Shockers? I think so (but I’m still sad).
Here’s to hoping this gorgeous weather sticks around for good!

Beth Anne - I have a feeling you’re in a not so happy household tonight! I didn’t watch the game, but I am so bummed about KU.

Heidi DeGroot - First, I am SO jealous that all that snow you had is already gone! It was 60 degrees in Marshall, MN today, and our snow piles are getting smaller, but definitely not gone. Second, I would really love to have a rainbow hoodie for my 6 year old daughter and hope they are replenished soon! Thanks:)

Meg Duerksen - I KNOW!!! scott got so mad he stormed out of the house and slammed the door!
CRAZY.
oh well…. we will all be ok right? 🙂

Jessica - Omg. I posted too soon. My bracket is a mess now!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I wish I had a barn to play basketball in.

BriBedell - So happy you refilled the prints!! Just ordered the close up gum all for my girls room in my new house!!! Thanks Meg <3

Jessica - Sad to see Michigan lose because they are my husband’s fave, but I picked Kansas to win the whole shebang baby!

C - thanks do much for keeping it real! you keep me sane. as much as you do, you keep things in perspective and i love when you show pictures of the laundry or dishes that need to be done. you inspire me to be my best, not to be superwoman! thank you.

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top

spring break.

we decided pretty last minute to take a little mini vacation over some of spring break.
we didn't go far… Lawrence & Kansas City.
we stayed at my parents house…even though we told Annie we would go to a hotel… we never made it.

IMG_20130316_131440
IMG_20130316_153044

we started out with swimming at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.
my kids were all so content to play on the diving boards that i bought myself some goggles from the front desk and swam laps for 30 minutes… and it was awesome.
i have never put on goggles before?!  what is up with that?
it made a HUGE difference.
i kind of like swimming now.  :) 

then dinner at Chili's where annie ordered a half slab of RIBS… and ate them all!

IMG_20130316_170120

the next day they chose to go shopping.
they really never get to do that with us so we agreed to go. 

Megduerksen

Megduerksen-2

                       IMG_20130317_123254

Megduerksen-3
my girls were commenting on all the clothes and so happy to be there.
they tried on a bunch of clothes and shoes…each buying those shirts with their own money.
my boys left after no more than one minute.
i heard they spent most of their time at Nike and watching the games at Dave & Busters.
even though they said they wanted to shop.  
i guess they forgot how awful shopping… with girls… really is.
because my girls took over an hour in just Old Navy!
Megduerksen-4

Megduerksen-5

Megduerksen-6

Megduerksen-8
we got a treat at the chocolate shop.

Megduerksen-9

IMG_9539
we picked up the boys.

Megduerksen-11
we didn't eat at T-Rex.
but we looked around again.  
it's a super long wait to get in so we went across the street instead.
Megduerksen-12

Megduerksen
to Sam's Club.
🙂
because when we have to feed this many people… it's what we do.
and they LOVED it.
the boys chose to get their own table away from us.
funny.
Megduerksen-15

IMG_9610
next stop was the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.
this place is way cool.

Megduerksen-16
i think we lucked out because it was sunday afternoon and it was empty.

Megduerksen-19

Megduerksen-18

Megduerksen-23

Megduerksen-21

Megduerksen-24

Megduerksen-25

Megduerksen-28

seriously?  shaquille o'neal wears size 23 shoes?!!
Megduerksen-26

Megduerksen-30
craig brought the car around since it was raining and freezing!
annie and talby were running up and down those steps to warm up.

the NEXT stop was SKY ZONE… an indoor trampoline park!!
Megduerksen-31
this was my kids most favorite place they have ever gone!

Megduerksen-32
Megduerksen-33

Megduerksen-35

Megduerksen-36

Megduerksen-39
they were all dripping with sweat when we were done.
and by we….. i mean them.  
i have had five babies.
i do not jump any where at any time.
i can't even sneeze.
you know what i mean….
Megduerksen-38

the next day…
i went out for a run by myself that i thought would be short.
i took a turn and it took me an extra 20 minutes to get back.
but oh well… i did it.
craig took the boys to shoot baskets at the gym and the ladies went to downtown lawrence.
Megduerksen-41

Megduerksen-42
i did some damage at Sarah's Fabrics.
it is the best fabric store in kansas, i am pretty sure about that.
if you disagree… plese tell me where else i need to go.
i love it because of the creaky wood floors and big windows too.
Megduerksen-44
my mom shopped with the girls while i shopped for fabric.
then we met up to get lunch.

                      

Megduerksen-43
talby was sitting here with me and i said "Bill Self just walked into this restaurant behind you"
they girls were pretty excited about it and nervous to talk to him.
but together talby and annie got brave and walked over to introduce themselves.  
(he is the KU basketball coach)
                       IMG_20130318_125257
he was very kind and sweet to them both.
annie said (while touching his knee)
"do you know my brother?! His name is Scott Duerksen. He came to your camp last year" 
he winked at me and said "there were a few kids that came to that camp."
i said "just a couple"  (about 3500…)
but he said to Annie "i am sure i would remember him if i saw him"
she was so proud.
they couldn't wait to tell the boys who they saw! 

Megduerksen-45
there is always wrestling going on at some point in our day. 
this is scott, talby and annie wrestling while craig doesn't even notice.

Megduerksen-47
we tried to go to the Nelson Art Museum but it was closed.

Megduerksen-48

IMG_9848
more window shopping at the plaza since our musuem plan was shot.

Megduerksen-50

 

dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.
then a decided to go see Oz the Great and Powerful at 8:25 for an 8:30 show.
afterwards they tried to run up the down escalators
and since we had the place to ourselves at 11 PM on a monday night we let them.

IMG_9878
we went bowling on our last day.
the boys were relentless in trying to beat each other.
boys.
what is that about?
everything is a competition!
Megduerksen-53

IMG_9882
annie was most excited about the vending machine.
and we got to play the jukebox with all the popular songs they like!
taylor swift while we bowl was perfect.
Megduerksen-55
all five in one shot!
that is a big deal…. they are a good group.  
so proud they are mine. 


Megduerksen-57

it was snowing on spring break… all day long!

Megduerksen-56

we left the bowling alley and went back to the trampline park again!
it's all they wanted to do.

we drove home late and everyone slept so hard.  
such a good trip.
Maybe.  JUST maybe… they are all old enough that we can do this vacation thing differently.
there is much less crying than there used to be.
and even less fighting.

but probably the key is finding a trampoline park WHERE EVER we go on vacation ever again.

trampolines = happiness to the Duerksen kids.

 

Teresa - I am so glad Bill Self was as nice in person as he seems on TV. I am so proud to call him our coach.

misty - What a FUN Spring Break!!! Tulsa just got a trampoline park & we can’t wait to take our oldest. I enjoyed every single photo & detail of this post. Makes me want to take a spring trip & do all of those fun things.

Carol S. - Happy Family = Happy Easter. Enjoy, loved the trip details.

melissa@joyineveryseason - your blog makes me happy … so much joyful contentment … and you made me laugh with the ‘can’t even sneeze’ … HA!

Kat - Wow that black and white pic of all five of them together is just beautiful.
Make sure you get that framed and on the wall. Love it!

Jessica - How fun! I admit I’m JEALOUS that you can take trips with no tears and no drama! I have two littles: 2 and 4. We are nowhere near taking those kind of trips yet…but some day! Looks like a kid’s dream trip! Thanks for sharing.

kelly - Beautiful family! Love the group shot:-) Totally inspired me to look for a trampoline park at the beach for next week, since our spring break will be a little cold as well!
(The story with the coach actually made me tear up. Am I a sap or what? But the sisterly pride combined with the generosity of the coach’s spirit were so sweet to me!)

Jeane M. - That was rather fun! Love the smiles and precious moments.

christy - Looks like an awesome spring break! Love the photo with all 5 kids.
You all need to plan at trip out West, to Phoenix. My sister owns a trampoline park out here.

Rach - I remember the first time I ate a half a slab of ribs all by myself! I was about Annie’s age and it was awesome. My parents said it was the quietest I had ever been at the dinner table.

Amy - Well, i just snorted out loud. Yes, I understand your trampoline dilemma. Boy, do I ever! And here’s what’s funny: I just started a Rebounding class at the gym. Ever done it? It’s a workout. On a trampoline. And I’ve seen some YouTube videos of people Rebounding, so casual…so fun. No, that’s not our class. It is some of the most intense workouts I’ve ever done! And let me just say….Poise pads and I have become BFFs. And I ain’t a’lyin’….. But if it trims my saddlebags, then BFFs we shall be.

lauren - i loved this….those are the best kinds of vacations….what a blessing.
and after 3 kids…i feel ya.

Mel - So many things.!! I had no idea trampoline parks existed, but now that I do I’m finding one! Also, SAMs club is the best place to take hungry kids to eat. Also, you have such a beautiful eye for capturing the details of your life. I just love reading your posts and seeing those details through your lens.

Alicia @ La Famille - i love fun trips like that…just easy and fun! 🙂

Amanda@studio1404.com - Love that you love all these wonderful places! I was born and raised in KC and take them for granted. WOW! What a great town! Your kids are DARLING!!!

stephtrow@yahoo.com - You were in KC at the Legends right by my house! Too bad I wasn’t shopping that day. I enjoy reading your blog because we live in the same state, you have a strong faith, are a great mom, and have super ideas and insights to the little things in life. Maybe I’ll run into ya next time you’re in KC.

Laura O - It is so weird to see you in all these places! I live in Lawrence and I have been to all of them. I agree Sarah’s is the best around! Skyzone is AWESOME!

Tiffany - Love it all Meg. Especially that photo of all 5 kids. What a wonderful family! Glad you had such a wonderful time!

Ashley - My favorite pic is the wrestling with Craig on his phone oblivious. So true over here too. So true. Love that shot.

Marci - Love, love, love your blog and this post! We are a huge basketball and trampoline family (boy into basketball and our little girl is a gymnast). What a cute story about the KU basketball coach. I had to share it with my son :-).

Beth Ann - (and moms with multiple kids, you can do it! I have had 3 kids and you just go to the restroom before and take a few breaks :))

Beth Ann - My kids and I LOVE LOVE LOVE SkyZone! They have one where I live. I do the SkyRobics exercise classes and love them! My thighs melted away, that was until I tripped and broke my foot and am waiting for it to heal, but I’ll be back! I, as an mid-to-late 30’s adult, want to have my next birthday there 🙂

Heather - I agree that Sarah’s Fabrics in Lawrence is the best!

Michelle from Australia - When we were in America in 2010, I was ill. And had to miss out on a lunch at The Cheesecake Factory 🙁 So when we came back in 2012, I made a direct line for dinner. At The Cheesecake FActory. And oh my goodness, it was wonderful. Worth waiting nearly two years for 🙂

jennibell - Wow! What a *perfect* spring break 🙂

Angela - I would eat at Sam’s over T-Rex Cafe any day of the week! It is way overpriced for the quality. Count yourself lucky for a long wait to keep you from eating there. 🙂

kerry - Wow! Looks like you had an amazing spring break!! Love the pic of all 5 of your brood together – it’s so nice to get a sneak peek of Lauren again too 🙂 Can’t believe those size 23 shoes……. that guy must be a giant!
Happy Easter Duerksens, Kerry xx

Charla - Even though you can’t trampoline you CAN run!!! Lucky girl! After having my kids trampolines and running are both OUT.

Lisa M. - Great pictures! Looks and sounds like you had a alot of fun. Thanks for sharing!

Kelly - I want to go to an indoor trampoline park! Maybe I should wait until I’m not 9 months pregnant – due any day. hmmm . . . or maybe that would jump start things no pun intended. 🙂 Kelly

jen - loved this so much! and loved the comment about jumping and sneezing…same boat over here!!! looks like you guys had a blast. you are such a good mom. happy monday to you.

Dara - did you go to the sky zone next to the antique mall? I think there’s a few locations. we love the legends. haven’t been to the college basketball experience yet!

Lori Austin - What a HAPPY post. 🙂
I love that Annie was so proud of her brother. Sweet.
We are having a staying home for spring break. 10″ of snow
kind ruin outdoor plans…..boo!

Gale - It looks like you had a super fun time – it was fun to share it on IG since you were in my neck of the woods! 🙂 Sarah’s Fabrics = hands down best fabric store anywhere in the Midwest!! (and I’ve looked!! LOL)

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - I loved this post and all the pictures! Vacations with no set place to be are the best! So cool that you got to meet Bill Self!

Rebekah - Looks like awesome family time! Wish i had a fabric store like that anywhere near me! The closest is an hour drive with not a great selection!
PS-I totally understand the *no sneezing policy*. I have twin boys.

Tracie - A trampoline park just opened near us and my brother wants to go. I told him that a 37 year old who has had 2 children cannot do it. He didn’t get it!

Blakeley - Even though I have been in Virginia since I graduated (20 years?!?) Your photos of the Nelson make me miss KC! I grew up right off of the Plaza. When I come to visit this summer I am going to look up that trampoline park. The kids will love it!

Patti Mullican - Looks like a great time was had by all! We have a Sky Zone here, but have never been – going to be on our must-do list for Spring Break! Is the College B’ball Experience a permanent exhibit? My husband would love to visit it. BTW, his fav Illini coach has been Bill Self!

Sarah W. - Looks like such a fun little vacation!!
Annie looks so big in that picture of the 5 of them together. I love that picture of all of them!
Trampoline park = awesomeness! I immediately went to search for one in our area, my daughter would LOVE that.

Tracy - Oh how fun! It’s fun to see a post about my own city (I live in KC) and places I’ve been. You packed a LOT into your trip!

roganne - looks like so much fun!! wishing we had an indoor trampoline park and fabric store like that around here!!

Melissa - Everyone is so tall and beautiful!
Do you cry about how grown up your kids are getting? I would and I don’t even have kids yet.

amanda - You didn’t miss anything not eating at T-Rex. We ate at the one in Disneyworld and while the food was not *bad*, it was so not worth the insane price. The place is cool, but you can see it without having to pay to eat in it! Wise choice.
We at Sam’s for lunch, yesterday, btw. lol

Tara - What a great Spring Break! Looks like tons of fun!!

Linda - Looks like an awesome spring break. you gave me some good ideas for ours next week!

Sherry - I love this. I have four-8, 6, 4, and four months (a girl and three boys)…while I’m thankful for their littleness right now, this post made me excited for when they are older too.

Lindsey - Looks like a grand time! Makes me want to plan a vacation!

rebecca - Glad you had so much fun!!! Just be careful. We have a trampoline park here and have had many injuries…two grown women have shattered their knee caps! I don’t know how much longer ours will be in business!

Kristin S - How many children are in that wrestling pic?

Susan - We are getting a trampoline park in our neighborhood in the next few weeks! What would we do without Old Navy? Sam’s Club is our go do for eating out because they are cheap and I love their hot dogs! So if you ever come to Fort Worth, you are covered!

Allison - Looks like so much fun! I love the part about the trampoline park — too funny!

Laura H. - Oh Meg, I just love all of this! It is so hard to get everyone together in one place ( my oldest now works, so tougher yet) your pictures just ooze happiness all over the place!
LOVE your blog! Thanks for sharing your happiness!

justme - one of your first comments on goggles . . . . Goggles changed my life! (That is NO exaggeration) I used to hate the water basically because of water in my eyes. I bought goggles and have been doing serious summer lap swimming and/or water treading for a number of years. Best toning exercise EVER. A great tan and, AND no sweating! What could be better!?

DebZorn - The whole family together is pretty special. The older they get, the harder it is to do. It looks like you had a really great time. The picture of the five kids together is perfect. Thanks for sharing your vacation.

elma - WOW what a vacation!!1 LOVE the pictures you took!!

Seriously Sassy Mama - What a fun place. I think my husband and I would probably have more fun than our three girls at the trampoline park.

Colleen - Looks like a great family trip…you crack me up about Sky Zone…I know exactly what you mean! LOL…and I only have 3 kids!

Jamie - Your family vacation was photographed well. And Mr. D is dreamy! Your children look like a lot of fun.

Tanya - That’s a happy feel-good post. I liked it 🙂

Sharla - Sky Zone is where every bday party my boys go to is. They don’t leave the dodgeball court! Looks like you had a great trip! I bet that was exciting to see Bill Self – Annie’s question was so cute. Too bad the boys weren’t there for the pic with him!

Courtney - Sarahs is the best ever fabric shop!! So fun to see someone “visit” our town and do things I didnt even know we had, sky zone seems awesome!

tiffany gardner - you always remind me to live in whatever season i’m in because it WILL change. with a 9, 7 and 2 year old… our “trips” aren’t always the most pleasant. but i am learning to love the moments in those trips that are wonderful. thanks for sharing your life with us and encouraging me to keep going.

Sonja - That looks like such a fun trip! I looked up skyzone and there’s one close-ish to my house… I think my son would LOVE it.

alamama - LOVE these, but my favorite is the photo with your five kids! We only have two and that can be hard to get them in a shot. I love your blog. Thanks for sharing your life, heart and talents with us. Have a great day.

Sara - I am NOT wishing my life away, but I’m excited for vacations with big kids. 🙂 What a sweet time with family it looks like you had!

Share on FacebookTweet this PostPin Images to PinterestBack to Top