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Category Archives: family fun

awesome day.

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the farmers all around us were cutting wheat on wednesday.  
everywhere we drove there were fields full of combines and trucks….so awesomely kansasy beautiful.
i was driving sean to a friends house wednesday evening and a storm blew in. 

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it was a BIG storm.
so big that i turned around and knocked on a friends door and said "can i come in till the storm blows past?!"
it was freaky.
trees were falling down!  

we made it home safely and a few hours later my sister and nieces came for a visit.
poor thing had to drive in the rain the whole time.

the storm knocked out the power so the morning was lovely and quiet.  
no tv just LOTS of art.  :) 

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my sister saw a turtle just outside our door!
it entertained us for awhile…. a sweet little box turtle. 

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he went in the glitter from the art work…. ha!

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talby wiped the glitter off.  

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turtles are cool.  
we put him back in the yard and went to the neighbor's pond to look for frogs.

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talby caught this one right away…. it was HUGE!  
Yay for the new target butterfly net!

no one would pick it up…..

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so i had to lead by example.  
"Come on girls….nothing to be afraid of!"
it wasn't nearly as slimey as i thought.   

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the nicest dog (when he isn't stealing our potato chips)

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we found this GIANT striped feather.  
it's so pretty.  
we don't know what bird it's from….but we will google it. 

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they caught five teeny frogs and almost caught several more big frogs.
 
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lauren was exploring with us…she was REALLY good at catching frogs when she was little…it was her favorite.
she almost caught this SNAKE!!!!!!!!!

after the snake left we saw all these frog eggs?!!  awesome!
there are like….1000 eggs?  so cool.  
also there were tadpoles all over the pond.  
we were all so happy and having a great time…. 

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until we weren't.

HA.
annie lost her balance and SPLASH!
it wasn't deep and no snakes were nearby…. i pulled her out real quick.
it was more surprising than anything. 

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after annie got a bath…. we went over to the arboretum.
and out for ice cream.
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talby had a softball game at 6:00 and she did great!  she was first base several innings.  i loved seeing that!

we came home and set up the tent and made a fire!
we are so outdoorsy.
πŸ™‚
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sean was the only "MAN" to help us because scott and craig were gone.
he was essential in the fire building.
how awesome is the fire pit at the farm?

we roasted weenies for dinner….in our jammies.
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hot dogs, carrots, cucumbers with ranch, chips and s'mores…..YUM.

we set up the movie and the girls watched RIO from the tent up on the barn.
and they fell asleep!!!
and slept out there all night…we were shocked.

fabulous awesome day.

and now we are being treated to "restaurant" from the little girls.
πŸ™‚

 

 

Cori - I am coming to join your family. What an amazing day!

Tina I - Note to self, rent a house in the country in a small Midwestern town. You will have the most amazing adventures!

Jenn - Just down right awesome! Good memories being made.

jeannett - just a few things:
1) my kids think frogs come from the pet store.
2) it’s not slime. it’s mucus. (that’s a line from the movie princess and the frog.)
3) but the real question is: did you put the turtle back?

Mary Ward - Have a collection of the same feathers…..we have nesting barred owls. Yup, thats what they are!!!

Kelly - Sounds like a GREAT day! looks like it was a little cool with all the hoodies everyone had on. Nice!
Fun to see Lauren. I love teeny tiny frogs so that picture was great to me. Kelly

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I love roasting weinnies. So fun and summery. Your summer is already really fun. Love that Lauren was exploring with you guys. I know those times are fewer and farther between. Why do our kids have to grow up?! Happy summertime Meg!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - looks like a turkey feather! good thing it isn’t november πŸ™‚ also, i love that turtle. he is so fancy with his glitter. fancy fancy turtle!
Jenna
callherhappy.com

TAB - Awesome day for sure!!! I love kansas! I’ve been following your amazing blog for a while but have never commented, I’m commenting shy. I really enjoy your enthusiasm and how much you enjoy your kids. πŸ™‚

Tiffany - YaY!! to Sean getting to be the man of the house and working it out for you damsels in distress.

Lorel - I love this! and I love you all very very much! Thanks for treating us to a wonderful restorative visit. I am just so happy right now. πŸ™‚

Christy K - Looks like it was, most definitely, an AWESOME day! (Other than Annie falling in the pond, poor girl!) You are a much braver Mama than I, getting friendly with that frog… yikes! Hope you and the fam have a great weekend! πŸ™‚

Kathryn Goertzen - cracks me up that you snapped a picture of Annie after she fell in! It’s like when a little kid unrolls ALL of the toilet paper and you just have to get a pic of it before you scold . . .

stephany - You are a brave mom.
I have a feeling I am going to have to suck it up one of these days and pick up frogs and snakes for my kids.
That’s a wild turkey feather.
How do I know? My dad and husband hunt…and have hunted turkey in Kansas…and Colorado…and New Mexico…and New York…and Oregon.
I’ve seen my share of turkey feathers.
You must have wild turkey around the farm!

Laura Phelps - seeing Lauren makes me happy πŸ™‚
seeing the snake makes me not happy πŸ™
and when I see you again, I will be SUPER happy :-)!!!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love kansas harvest! we were going to try to make it up in time so that my boys could ride in the combines but i think we’re gonna miss it. boo. p.s. i love your farm house.

Ashley - Well, now I want to live off in the country farther than I already do. Looks like you girls (and guy) had a ball. Those storms were rough here, too. But the weather has been mild ever since. Totally worth it.
And the frog– I bet the girls will pick him up next time. You’re pretty cool to grab that critter up.

happygirl - You make Kansas look so cool. I love gigging for frogs and finding turtles. We used to catch turtles, draw a giant circle on the driveway and have turtle races. πŸ™‚

Jess Mead - We do cucumbers and ranch when we do weenie roasts too! Looks like a fabulous day!

April R - oh. my. sweet. life.
this post is a cup over-flowin’ w pure goodness.
absolutely inspiring! I might just go flip the switch on the electric box and tell the kids,
“I don’t know why the power’s out but let’s do some fun stuff while we wait for it to come back…”
thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - It’s been stormy all week here in Florida.. I am sick of it! It is supposed to go through the weekend. All I want to do is go to beach, but that won’t be happening.. Boo! πŸ™
Your campfire looks so fun!

Jenna - Could the feather be from a barred rock chicken nearby (our feathers look like that)?
A little bit of turtle info…always put them back in the same direction they are pointing when you find them, they have a mission.
Thanks for sharing. The farm seems very fun for the kids (and you)!

amy jupin - yay for family time!
we just got the new watercolor set at target too–although i’m trying to hide it from anna so it stays pretty.
i’m sad, i know.

Jacci - Yup. You *had* to pick up the frog! I’ve had to do the same thing! Your girls will brave up next time, now. Bonus is that YOU are even cooler than before πŸ™‚

Aimee - I love those new Kid Made Modern art supplies at Target! I just bought some for my 5 year old artist for his preschool graduation gift yesterday. He was so excited he started using them right away. I was crazy tempted to buy the water colors for him but he has a ton of watercolors right now and I think it would break my heart to see the colors get all mixed together on the pallet (because you know that’s how 5 year olds do it). I might have to go buy them for me even though I prefer watercolors in tubes. They are just too pretty to not buy.

Iris Brown - I always thought I was a city slicker, but now you have me intrigued by the quiet farm life. I love visiting your blog and its part of my daily/weekly routine. I thought I’d lost interest since the posts doesn’t have your gorgeous “craft” home in the background but I realized its you and how you capture the quiet & “ordinary” moments with your family. You help me realize the little things of every day really are not little. Thanks for sharing. πŸ™‚

Heather F. - What a great day. I wish I lived by all those turtle and frogs and wildlife. Your kids are going to have great stories to tell their kids.

Terrie G - What a fun day!!
I want a fire pit…
Weren’t those storms crazy??!!!
Can’t wait to help with harvest & get pics this weekend!!
Have a great weekend!

Alice H - My daughter has those chevron pants (from Target). And I would have cried too if I fell in that yucky water with snakes and frog eggs!! Poor Annie! Looks like you guys had a great time!
Is Annie her real name or nickname? I love names. Seriously, I am a name freak. My favorite name is what I gave my daughter…Emilee Tayte! I like saying it even when she isn’t in trouble. LOL!

Linda - You really have the most awesome fabulous life!

Melissa Irvin - Thank you for sharing this day of adventure! Looks like such a peaceful, wonderful time together!

michaela - it’s a turkey feather. πŸ™‚
what an awesome day you had with you sister and her family. making some great childhood memories.

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - I just kept thinking… But what about all the mosquitoes? Don’t you have mosquitoes in Kansas? Everyone looked so happy…. you must not have mosquitoes : )
Dana

Erica Hang - Well, it’s official. I want to live there too! πŸ™‚ I love when the kids can explore!!

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tuesday

First off let me tell you that i am the guest curator this week over at Crescendoh.com. My thoughts & feelings about ART are written on the Daily BLog and then everyday this week i share three different links of happy places i love on the internet.  It was a really fun project to work on.  
Go read it…..  and then come right back.  :)

 

 

we had a BUSY weekend here.   

* barn party

we had some families of our boys' friends over for a party in the barn this weekend….and a few others too.
i think it was a VERY nice time.
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we had Dan & Kerry Wiebe cater the food….great decision!  we just had to prepare the house and barn and not spend all day worrying about food.  and it was DELICIOUS!  
she made oreo cupcakes just for craig.
i ate way too many.

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*  pool party

we spent time with our neighbors chillin' by the pool.

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the kids thought is was awesome that the dog would run and jump off the diving board to get the ball!

i just liked cuddling with the puppy.
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* sleepovers

over the weekend my kids had a total of EIGHT different sleepover arrangements.  it was a little crazy.

* puppy

the puppy showed up on our porch all by herself.  we all went crazy loving on her and then brought her back home.
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oh boy….i think she couldn't be any cuter if she tried.
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* wheat

everywhere in kansas the wheat is YELLOW.  it's gorgeous.  i pulled over one morning and took pictures because i just needed to…i knew it was now or never.

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* twin bed

anybody local have a twin bed they'd like to sell to me?
not the mattress…. a pretty frame.  i am going to paint it white so just know that ahead of time.

let me know if you do or if you have an idea for me.  thanks!

————————————————————————————————————————————–

off to lunch with a friend!

have a happy day!! 

 

 

 

Katherine Bach - I will be selling an antique wood bed that I started to paint turquoise on my garage sale this coming weekend. Let me know if you want to look at it before the sale! It’s really cute, I just don’t have any place to put it right now. πŸ™‚

Lorie - The barn party looks so fun…although I think the barn needs a fun yellow striped floor too! ;D

lindsey - What a fun weekend!!!!!!!!!

Jamie - That puppy is so precious. I keep coming back to your blog just to look at her πŸ™‚

Wendy - Now I want a barn! So laid back πŸ™‚ and relaxing.

jenn cooper - If you want to drive to Nebraska I have two adorable WHITE twin headboards in my store room I’ll sell ya! You wouldn’t even have to paint them…they are SO cute!

Diane - Loved your art post too…especially, “my idea of lovely is to “sit and make”! So glad I’m not the only one who feels that way! Thanks for sharing your gifts!

Sara Torbett - Loved your post about ART. I can relate. πŸ™‚ Some people say “I don’t know how you have time to craft, sew, and decorate.” I too make time because it is so relaxing to me! It’s therapy :). Love your barn party! I have dreams of a barn like this….for hosting parties/events. I’ve already put in a request for one on our farm. And from one country gal to another-beautiful, beautiful wheat!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I love that you have a barn to have a party in! Living in suburban SoCal that idea isn’t even in my radar. You are a lucky family!

April R - barn party looks so good – and good for you for hiring food!
Think I might try that next time we have a family get together cuz I always stress about cooking.
I’m w everyone else – love that doggie jumping off the board!

Kimberly Dial - You’ve certainly moved to a lively neighborhood. I have no doubt you & your kiddos will enjoy summer to the fullest!

Mindy Harris - there’s a cute vintage rod iron twin bed at the cottage collective (where i work) at the green elephant village (central and hillside area, on lorraine street).
my “boss” abbe already painted it turquoise and sanded it…i can send you a link to a picture, on twitter.
love all these wonderful pics!

Leah - Awesome photos. I love the one of the dog jumping off the diving board. I wish my dogs liked water. They stay far away from it. And I so want that puppy!

Meg's mom - The puppy sure reminds me of Seton! SIGH…

Heather F. - Eight different sleepover arrangements! I don’t think I could keep that straight in my head. Looks like you had a great weekend.

Kelly - Sounds like a lovely weekend!
The pictures of the wheat made me think of “amber waves of grain” which made me think of our “purple mountains majesty”. When we first moved here to Idaho (24 years ago now!) from Detroit, there was a bit of culture shock to say the least. One of the first nights we were here we were speechlessly enjoying the beautiful sunset when my mom said “Look! Purple mountains majesty! Just like the song!” The mountains do in fact turn purple at sunset πŸ™‚ Don’t really know why I’m sharing that with you other than I love that memory πŸ™‚

Chantelle - Love the pup… LOVE the barn… Love your daughter’s freckles… and Love that you pulled over to take pictures. πŸ™‚ Well worth it I would say.

Lisa - The pictures of wheat get me every time! So beautiful! Looks like a very fun and busy wknd. We did too and I feel like I’m recovering today! Btw does the farm have a pool too cause that is awesome if so!

Sharla - Love the pic of the dog jumping off the board!

stephany - I am jealous of the barn…I would love to have a barn party!
Also, the puppy is SOOOO cute!
We have two black labs and they are just the best dogs!

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basketball on a sunday.

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at least once a month….usually more….scott spends his weekends at basketball tournaments on various teams.
i can't always make it to his games because he is not the only kid in our family.
but sometimes it works out for all of us to go together.

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the three youngest play their 3DS video games against each other for most of the time.
or run around the gym.
or draw.
or play angry birds.

i sit right next to craig and relax.
i really do enjoy our time together watching scott.  

and watching mr. duerksen watch scott.

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we finally got to eat at a place craig had been talking about for months.
he gets to go there for lunch at work but we never have gotten to come along.

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the Benton, Kansas Airport has a restaurant on the strip!
so you can watch the little planes take off and land while you eat.
it's really cool.

and it was a GORGEOUS day for it.

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sometimes we let them play while we wait for food….if we are feeling nice (or tired)

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i got a salad and sweet potatoe fries.

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could be a new favorite photo of scott.

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annie was sure she could reach the top….just sure. 

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sometimes….big brothers are awesome.
πŸ™‚

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i loved this place.
i hope we go back…i bet at sunset it's amazing.

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back to the gym.

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just another nice family day.

he "graduates" from eighth grade tonight.
man…. growing up is just fast.
it feels so quick…he is not that old?!  
wasn't he just begging to look for tow trucks?
didn't he just learn to read?
doesn't he want to wrestle with dad?

ok….shutting down.
i don't have time to cry today so i am turning it off.

i showed a peek of my painted floor on instagram….it's pretty fun!!!
but i left my phone at home today on accident and i am at the craft house so i can't show you a picture here.
i guess that means you'll have to get on instagram.
πŸ™‚
because you should be anyway because it's a very fun little place to be. 
i was worried it would be hard to figure out…..um…yeah…it's not.
super easy.
and addictive…..

 

 

 

Angie - Very glad you got to enjoy a game. My daughter is going into 8th grade this year and I LOVE watching her play sports. It makes me so proud. What an absolutely cute little place to eat. How fun is it that you can watch the planes? I’d love to take my boy somewhere like that!
Hope you all have a great Memorial Day Weekend friend!

Sandy - I still can’t figure out instagram. πŸ™ But I’m with you…I love that picture of Scott. I miss Lauren. Did she go to prom this year?

Brandie Leep - Yep. Living in Benton is great! Love Stearman! glad your family enjoyed it!

Kirsten J - Excellent pictures!!! My big boy wore size 12 shoes in 9th grade, and now is 12 1/2 or 13. And I can’t believe I *ahem* pushed him out…*ahem* as Laura says. Bahhh!!!
Good for you for sleuthing out the clever restaurant, because SubWay gets old. We have a girlie who plays on a traveling tournament softball team. And I’m searching out out of the ordinary spots in Roseville California for the first of August….get ready, Mama, it’s only just beginning!

Lisa - Scott looks like a great player! And I am totally addicted to Instagram….

Annette - Stearman’s is a favorite for our family too! Sometimes we sneak up there when kids are in school for a lunch date! Teehee!

Lauryn - My husband is a freelance pilot and flight instructor. There are lots of smaller airports with restaurants alongside or at the end of the runway πŸ™‚ The part I love the most is the parking lot for airplanes! We’ve done a couple “$100 Hamburger Run” — pilots have to keep “currency” (meaning X number of take offs and landings and night flights in a given period of time). When they need to get some useless flights in nearing the end of their currency period, they’ll fly somewhere for lunch or dinner. While the food might be cheap, they call it the “$100 Hamburger Run” because of the price of the plane and fuel πŸ™‚ Isn’t it cute?!? I wish we were close enough to visit that airport restaurant. It looks so quaint.

Ashley - Aaaw! I’m struggling to figure out how to corral a one year old at my oldest’s swim practice. Even so, the moments are precious. You showed all the sweetness!
Have you seen travel sized Paris online? It made me think of you and the youngers. Google it sometime. I’m making one for the boys.

alyssa - yeah, but I don’t have an iphone. I realize I am about the only person on the planet, but I don’t have one. so now I just feel left out!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I loved when my parents came to my games back in the day. I cannot wait to do it with my girls.

ko. s - What a fun family day! I’m loving your Instagram pics by the way! The floors look amazing πŸ™‚

Liz - What is your instagram username? I’d love to follow you, if that’s ok!

happygirl - Family days are fun. This restaurant looked fun, too. It is so sweet to see your children be together. My son is an only child. I think, he thinks, he got TOO much of mom’s attention.

Megan - I LOVE Stearman’s! The food is great and the atmosphere is even better. It is awesome at sunset. πŸ™‚

April R - I know in my head that I’m not the only mama looking at her little boy thinking,
“When did that happen?!”
but it’s so much better when I hear other mom’s say it too πŸ™‚
And yeah! for big brothers! πŸ™‚

Brady Wilhelm - You made it to my hometown!! I graduated from Circle and now I live right by the Benton airport. We love it. We get to sit on our porch every evening and watch the planes take off. My one year old always starts clapping and laughing when he sees them. And we LOOOOVE Stearman restaurant. So delicious and you can’t beat the atmosphere. You and your husband should take a date night some weekend and go see some of the bands that play there πŸ™‚ It’s a lot of fun. Hope you enjoyed my town!

Laura Phelps - oh THANK GOD for you…and for showing me that I am not the only mom who doesn’t make all of Jack’s games because “he is not my only kid”
and for showing me that when I do drag the others along, they are not the only kids who never watch the game, but run around the gym or have their noses in electronics
and that airport cafe?
my dad would love it!
did you know my dad flies a plane?
and i love sweet potato fries
so we would all be happy!

shannon - Looks like the perfect spot to eat especially for the whole family to enjoy! I just got on instagram(don’t worry I am of course following you) and it is ridiculous how much fun it is taking pics all the time and sharing πŸ™‚
My instagram name is @shancarbajal

Tanya H - lol, love your ending. It might be the time of year because the shot of Sean holding Annie up to reach it made me cry. πŸ˜› darn mommy-hearts. lol!

denise@victory rd. - watching planes take off and land while eating sweet potato fries! now, that sounds delicious.

angela - My boys did those weekend traveling ball teams…baseball, basketball, etc. It was a wonderful, expensive, tiring, family banding time…..and I wouldn’t go back and change it for the world!

Dani - I love that your family can try different restaurants! With all the allergies my daughter has we are pretty much stuck with only a few. That place looks so much fun. I bet my 3 year old would love it!
Yeah… our kids grow up so fast, but I try hard not to get too upset, because I will always have the memories!
Enjoy your day!!

Jennifer - I love instagram! What a cool restaurant. Is there a way to check to see if my name is still on the CW list? I just want to make sure I didn’t miss an email and now I’m not on the list.

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hello weekend….

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hello…. new table with rainbow legs that now lives at the farm.
we will eat all of our meals on you and you make me very happy.

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hello beautiful package that was so pretty i did not want to open from 
sparrow mercentile.

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hello…. world's cutest lunch bag at Joann's that inspired a craft project at our house.

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hello…. scott and sean's choir and band concert.

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hello…. little girlie who fell asleep during a movie on my bed.

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hello…. very funny eighth grade boys devouring their food at HuHot for scott's birthday.

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hello…. dairy cows that live across our road.

annie shouted on saturday morning "MOM COME QUICK I HAVE A BIG SURPRISE!!!"
i came into the dining room and said "what is it?"
"LOOK!! the cows are eating up close right HERE! Go get your camera!"  
:) 

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hello….new favorite photo.

 

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hello…. craft time.

my little girls were busy playing when i had it ready to go so i just started drawing on my own.
soon i was joined by two crafty girls.
when one of us is drawing usually several others follow.

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hello toothy smile that tells funny jokes and makes me laugh.

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hello…. beautiful water colors.
and smiley snails. 

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inspired by the lunch bag and this print at twoems shop

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hello ….most beautiful spring evening to have a campfire in the yard.

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hello…smores with two marshmallows please.

IMAG0749-7 hello…. cowgirl boots and rainbow gloves.

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hello….mother's day flowers and breakfast in bed made by talby and annie!

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hello…. my favorite thing to wear is "saets"  (sweats πŸ™‚


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hello….getting her started early on making coffee!

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hello…. daisies at the craft house…with a teeny baby bunny hiding underneath.

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hello…super long bike ride over to Sonic for a mother's day treat.

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hello….riding bikes on country roads making my heart overflow with happiness.

hello…. very sore rear end from long bike ride.

 
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hello….chocolate milk drinking goofball.

 

i am saying hello with lisa leonard today.

how was your weekend?
do tell.

 

Erin - I miss your blog Laura!! Ever going to come back? πŸ™

Doris - Those notes from your kids are precious!
I’m a mom, and it made me melt. Hope my daughter one day will make me something like that πŸ™‚
as always, you take wonderful pictures.

jen - yours looks about as awesome as ours! love the campfire time. not enough hours in our day for the fire but the kids are still hounding us – i think this weekend might be the time.
http://gronicktales.blogspot.ca/2012/05/my-awesome.html

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - I’m completely in LOVE with that table!! Can we please see the whole thing? πŸ™‚ Also, how cute are the snail paintings. Which reminds me, we need to stock up on paint for some summer art projects.. πŸ™‚

Rachel J - I love that they know your favorite book is the Bible. You’re obviously doing something right with those fab kids of yours πŸ™‚

April R - Yes indeed Hello! πŸ™‚
Speckled cow nose! πŸ™‚
Try Nutella spread with those s’mores instead of hershey’s πŸ™‚
Rainbow chippy table legs?! XD
Thanks for the post!

kerry - Hello Meg!!!
πŸ™‚
Looks like you’ve had an awesome Mothers Day Weekend – love what the girls wrote about you – so so sweet xx

Missi Smith - Your new favorite picture is now my new favorite picture. I am loving that cow nose!! What an amazing weekend! Your photography is wonderful!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - who cares that your daughter thinks your favorite thing to wear is sweats. . she knows your favorite book is the Bible. . .that says volumes. . .you are giving her a picture of a mom who loves Jesus. . go MOM!

Kate S. - Please tell me you’ll put your “new favorite photo” in your shop?! That is perfect for my office.

Linda - Oh I want to see more of that table!!

happygirl - Fun sounding weekend. I hope your mom’s day was GREAT!!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - “Her favorite television show is: Everything”
Ha ha ha ha ha! One more reason to love you/her.

Kimberly Dial - Hello … you are so my fave … I love that the rainbow table is at your house (that was fast! πŸ˜‰

se7en - Hello All of You…. Love your weekend and your friendly snails!!! And your life in the country!!!

wedding photography - Very beautiful crafts and I love the notes about moms.

Heather F. - Great weekend! I love the spotty cow noses. Thanks for sharing.

Amy - LOVE that you took 14 year old boys to all-you-can-eat Mongolian Grill. Genius! I will have to remember that in 9 years ~ ha! So fun. That little cow snout/muzzle/nose sure is cute….a Happy Belated Mother’s Day to you!

Georgia - ahhhh your kids are so sweet! totally made me emotional.
My weekend was filled with glossing doors, taking photos of a soon to drop pregnant cousin whose having TWINS!! Shes in labour right now too, im so excited! πŸ™‚
xxx

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Your weekend sounds perfect. Mine was the same. It included an amazing barn sale, lots of family time, sewing and crafting the heck out of my fingers for our school’s production of the Little Red Hen(I’m directing AND in charge of costumes and set). I made the little red hen’s apron using your craft weekend ruffled aprons as the inspiration. I’ll send you a link once we’re past all the stress of production and practices.

Laura Phelps - HELLO to my lovely bloggy friend!!!
my weekend was a let down!!! BOO
but…things are looking brighter today…even though the rain just started pouring down!
and…
GOOD BYE…piece of cake is done! I know. Crazy. But it was time…woke up and felt it needed to end.
I will still be visiting here though….love you
and the cows
xo

Stephanie - I am in LOVE with all of the cow photos! I don’t suppose you’ve thought about selling them…because I would definitely buy! πŸ™‚

Lori H - The baby bunny picture is precious! My Mother’s Day was leisurely…I scored Season One of Downton Abbey and a Barnes and Noble gift card!

CathyC - You bought the table!! Love it.

Kimberlee Jost - Is it weird that I took pictures of cows in Germany 15 minutes ago and now here I am seeing that we are both into cows. Ha. I miss you.

tiffany gardner - hello to still being my very favorite blog girl! just wanted to say thanks for inspiring me everyday.

Lisa M. - When I saw the “Few things I know about her” questionare above it made me smile because my son (who is 6) did one similar to that in Sunday school yesterday. When it came to “My mom’s favorite thing to do is” he wrote “clean the house”!! Thought that was so funny! Ah, from a kid’s perspective…

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Looks like you had the most perfect weekend ever! P.S. your Annie Bananie should meet my Shannie Bananie πŸ™‚

Karen - Even better than your favorite thing to wear being sweats, is your favorite food being “salid” (I’m skeptical!) and your favorite TV show being “everything!”
Karen in NYC

Mandy - Your pictures make me want to live on a farm…and I’m not exactly the farm type of gal! Lovin those cows!
Glad you had a wonderful mother’s day!!
http://dailydoseoframblings.blogspot.com

Jessie @ Dream and Differ - I love your cow-neighbors! Reminds me of my grandparent’s dairy farm πŸ™‚ Looks like you had a great weekend and a fun Mother’s Day!

Krissy - I love the cows!!!!!!!!! I also really enjoyed Annie and Talby’s stuff about you! They’re so sweet!! Mine was great, I got engaged on Saturday!! EEEEEEE!!! Lol!! Now I just gotta figure out a good middle spot between KS and Indiana. Boo. lol

Tanya H - Annie sounds exactly like my little girly! πŸ™‚ I just love this post.

Kati - Love all the pics! My favorite is cow #132’s nose. Its cute! πŸ™‚

Terrie G - Those Cows!! I need to sign them up for a photo shoot!
Love those girls’ lists!
Great weekend for you!
Mine was awesome!!
Great day yesterday spent with family & my sweet Grandson!
Happy Belated Mother’s Day to You!!

Meredith - We had a yardsale and made $180 for vacation spending money, then to the Art Star Craft Bazaar with my oldest son (8) and my sister at Penns Landing in Philly on a beautiful day. Sunday we had breakfast at our favorite diner, kids gave me a photograph I love of the skyline in Philadelphia and then off to watch my (8yr old) son, finish his spring soccer undefeated 9-0-1 with cupcakes, juice and trophies. Wonderful Weekend, happy mother’s day to all.

Holly - Sounds like you had a great weekend! My sister had a baby this weekend so mine was awesome!

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fourteen.

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scott turned fourteen.
that is crazy.
he is almost done with middle school.
he is two inches taller than me.
he can almost drive?!!

my baby.
πŸ™

sometimes it physically hurts to realize how fast they grow up.
like…my chest is burning right now and i have tears in my eyes.

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he chose bbq chicken sandwiches….we used garlic bread like when we eat at Roys BBQ. 
(and this link to Roy's even has a video)
and velveeta mac n'cheese (the fancy kind we only buy for special occasions…not kidding)
and pineapple because he loves it.
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after dinner he opened his gifts.
annie wrapped up two things….tokens from a movie theater in michigan and a pile of photos that she went through pulling out all the pictures with scott in it.
my little girls love to give gifts!
scott was very gracious and went through each picture.

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and gave big hugs.
genuine real hugs.  :)

talby gave him some of her things she felt he would enjoy.  i love to watch them GIVE. 

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he was pretty excited about his cards with money….his sweatshirt from Nana….and new shoes from us.

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SIZE 12!!

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he willingly played croquet with his siblings.

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and let me hug on him and take pictures….
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then my little girls jumped in….

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they played blokus while i got out the cake.
 
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talby showed me how she whips her hair back and forth…she whips her hair back and forth…
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you can tell that everyone was quite happy and silly last night. 

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scott chose angel food cake and cool whip….what a sweet boy.
i didn't even have to bake a cake!
πŸ™‚

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thank you target for having all the things i needed.
and thanks talby for cutting up all those strawberries!
and thanks Cool Whip….just taste it!  ha  

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he is growing up to be a really cool kid.
i get to take a bunch of his friends out to dinner tonight.
i don't think i have ever had dinner with a table of 14 year old boys?
i may sit by myself….they may want me to.
it should be interesting.

he gives hugs.
he talks to me.
he is kind….he is courteous…he is funny.
he reminds me so much of his dad.
he loves playing basketball and watching basketball and talking about basketball.

i like him.

πŸ™‚

happy birthday scott.

 

kim smart - what a handsome young man he is! your family is so beautiful and i think you’re an awesome mom!! the strawberries look sooo yummy too!

Rebecca Musser - Happy Birthday! My oldest turns 21 in a few weeks, HUH? When did he (and I) get so old? He just graduated from Hesston (KS) College and we were there last weekend for the ceremony…all the way from Virginia. I think I saw your family at Applebee’s on Friday night and may have seen Scott at the pizza place in Hesston at Sunday lunch. I refrained from saying anything because that would just be weird.

Ruth Baumgartner - Oh Meg! Thanks for putting me in tears once again! My boy
turns 12 in a few weeks, and like you, I feel an ache in my
heart because of the “growing up.” I also LOVE the young man
he is becoming… of course I have always loved him, but now
I also admire him

Lorie - Happy Birthday Scott! I hate watching my kids get older, but it is made more bearable by the fact that I do like who they are turning out to be!

April R - yep. actual chest pains.
I know exactly what you r talking about.
You have a gorgeous family, thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

Linda Garcia - what a sweet boy and what a lovely and lucky mama you are!

lola - i have two wee boys and this post made me teary to think of them turning 14!!! time is flying and i can’t take it!!! enjoy it mama!

Angela - Cool Whip–Just taste it!!! HAHAHA!!! Love Mad Men.
Happy birthday to your sweet boy. My oldest is six, and while 14 seems a million miles away, it breaks my heart that it will be here quicker than I can stop it.

shauna - agh.
i feel your love from this post.
what a blessed mother you are friend.
God sure does give us what we need (around all the other crap).
my heart feels grateful FOR you today.

Lisa Currie-Gurney - My Heart Is Smiling.
Hugs

Alicia - Is it just me or is Sean’s hair WAY darker than it used to be? I thought it used to be more of a dark blonde…? Weird to pick up on, I know, but it’s what I was thinking as I looked through all the lovely photos in this post!
LOVE the photos of Annie & Talby giving their gifts… seriously… too lovely. I can almost feel their genuine giving spirits through the screen πŸ™‚

Kimberlee Jost - And may Scott “stay forever young”.
Sing it Bob Dylan.
That’s what went through my mind when I read this post today.

Kari - brings tears to my eyes… my son will be 11 in june – he reminds me of your son except with baseball – sweetest boy ever! i like him too!

Amy @ Little for a Little While - I love this. So sweet. I hope my kids let me take pictures with them when they are 14!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Happy birthday wishes to Scott! That looks like my kind of meal he requested for his birthday dinner. Love Velveeta Mac and Cheese πŸ™‚

Tiffany - HANDSOME! I forgot to take a pic with my kids on their birthday πŸ™ luckily, today is perfect too πŸ˜‰

tara pollard pakosta - He sounds awesome!
tara

Angie - He sounds like one really awesome kid & he’s quite handsome too!!!
Happy 14th to your baby. My daughter is turning 14 this year and I just can’t believe it. They grow up way too fast.

Jen Brandt - I whip my hair back and forth, I whip my hair back and forth! Love it!
Scott is such a handsome kid! I am glad he had such a fun birthday and I hope you survived the dinner with all the boys. Hope you’re having a nice weekend, Meg. Headed to softball pictures for one daughter and then dance recital for both daughters.

Lisa - Love all the
Pictures with you
And the kids
Together! I think
These will be the ones
They love the most!
Memories of having fun
With their mom! And talby’s arm
Muscles are quite impressive!!
πŸ™‚

Angela - It is so sweet how he acts towards his little sisters!!

kerry - Happy birthday Scott!
What a cool kid – Such a sweet post :)) xx

Rebecca W - Happy Birthday!
Dinner looks yum, so does dessert! I saw a cheater way to cut strawberries…using an egg slicer! πŸ™‚

Sue - Oh Meg, My fourteen year old son is two inches taller (pushing three) with size 12 mens shoes, and loving basketball too. It is so nice that we are enjoying our sweet eighth grade boys. Scott seems like such an awesome kid. Love your family, your stories and your photos. Have a great weekend.
Sue from Vancouver BC

keri - forever folding laundry - Um…hello…he’s a CLONE of Mr. Duerksen! πŸ™‚
Fourteen seems really really old.
I always get sad pangs around birthdays – and the end of the school year.
It’s such a tangible passage of time!
Sad face.
But you, my friend, are looking fab.
Those miles you are logging are looking gooooood on you!

Terrie - I have puddles in my eyes!
What a sweet post!
For such a special young man!
Love your kiddos!!
What great parents you are…
And that first pic of you & Scott…priceless!
Can’t wait to hear what your dinner conversation was like tonight!!
πŸ™‚

tiffany gardner - what a beautiful celebration! loved all the pics of those sweet kids….

Krista - Gosh I must be reading your blog FOREVER because I am amazed at how big your kids are getting. I know you don’t need reminding of this. Enjoy every minute. They are adorable. πŸ™‚

Holly - Great photos of you and your birthday boy!

Aby Gittings - Made me cry. I love your family. Happy Birthday Scott!!!

Karen Gerstenberger - Oh, Meg. Such a beautiful young man! He reminds me of our David (who is on his way home after finishing his SOPHOMORE year at Gonzaga! Yes, the time flies!). He has those deep, sweet, open eyes that speak integrity.
God bless and Happy Birthday to Scott!

Kate S. - That’ll teach me to correct others! I questioned my spelling just as I hit “post” then looked it up . . .
CROQUET is the lawn game. Croquette is a food. Crochet is a craft. LMAO.

Kate S. - Haha, I loved his menu choices! My boys always pick the funniest things for their birthdays, too.
Psst. . . I think you meant croquette. Crochet is the yarn craft, similar to knitting. Croquette is a lawn game.

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - You are SUCH a good mama Meg.
Love this post.
Love the love you have for your kids.
Love your photos and sweet words about your kids.
Enjoy that date night with all the boys. : )
Wishing you a VERY happy mother’s day this weekend!
xoxo
MaryLea

Mollie D - Rock Chalk!!

Southern Gal - Sweet birthday tribute to your young man. I love that picture of you two with the big smile. Such a treasure.
My babies are 23, 20 and 10 now. And my granddaughter will be 2 next month and her baby sister is due around her birthday! I really don’t know how I got here, but I’ve loved the journey.

Mary Beth - A son.
A son is SO much different than a daughter.
πŸ™‚

Laura Phelps - can Scott hang with Jack….????
luke is too little to play basketball with him…and really,
I could use a good influence on this child of mine…
happy birthday scott
now stop growing

Seriously Sassy Mama - Awe! Happy Birthday Scott! My oldest is eight, and the thought of her turning 14 makes me want to crawl in bed and cry.

Mindy Harris - i hope i have that same relationship with my Wilder (WilMan). So precious to read this. i loved it.
good luck with the whole “girls liking him” thing…oi!

christy - Happy b-day Scott! You have a great bunch of munchkins there. How sweet are they?! Have fun tonight.
I liked the Mad Men reference. πŸ˜‰

Beth K. - My oldest (a boy) turned 14 in February, wears size 12 shoe and is two inches taller than me – six feet tall. I agree it goes too fast! His sport happens to be soccer – all of the time! Happy Birthday to Scott! It is great to see older siblings being so kind and gracious to the younger ones. πŸ™‚

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Happy birthday, Scott!
Mine just turned 12 and 9. Crazy. Chest hurts crazy.

Heather F. - My daughter, my baby, is turning 16 next week. Kids grow up too fast!
Happy Birthday to your son.

Siobhan - Makes me cry and he’s yours! They do grow too fast! The first pic of you two made me tear, beautiful!

Lori H - My baby turns 17 next month and we went looking at colleges over Spring Break (his sister is already in college). I get teary-eyed looking at their baby photos but I really enjoy them as they are now too…more interesting.

julie - Not fourteen. No. Not fourteen. I hate the guts out of how fast they grow up. But you are growing a good one. Happy Birthday to your biggest boy.

Holly - Oh Meg! They do grow up so fast! It hurts my heart to think about! My oldest will be 15 this summer and my baby will be 7!
I totally would have never thought to have garlic toast with bbq chicken! We are having that real soon!

Amber Pamper - He looks like such a sweet one! I HATE with a passion how fast they grow up. It just slips away πŸ™

Verna Lantz - Don’t they just grow up too fast. My oldest turned 14 this year, too. I cannot believe how fast it goes. These pictures are priceless. Such a sweet boy. Good job, Momma!

Carrie - This is so sweet, he is a handsome boy. You have such a beautiful family, a beautiful life. Really really blessed.
I always wanted a bunch of kids. God had other plans. So I live vicariously through you. It’s nice and there is much less laundry. πŸ™‚

Georgia - Happy Birthday Scott!
He sounds like he is going to be a lovely gentleman!
Well done Meg πŸ™‚
xx

Tina I - Happy Birthday! What a great party! Made me tear up to see Annie give her tokens and photos…and that Scott so graciously received them:-)

Sarah Wolfe - What a sweet tribute. He sounds like a great kid. Size 12 and two inches taller than you… Wow!

Denissa - I’m learning too just how fast they grow up and its not cool!:(
I just realized in these pics that Scott & Talby look a lot a like!
Your family is beautiful!
Have fun at dinner, I can only imagine..hahaha..I have 3 boys! They’re pretty gross, but they make me laugh πŸ™‚

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piano and blue lilies.

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my girls had their piano recital last night.

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we curled hair…painted toenails….and had annie's favorite dinner….noodles with red sauce.  :)

we drove the 10 minutes to the church and i thought "wow they are quiet"
as we turned into town annie said quietly "i am really nervous"  and talby said "I know! me too!"
oh….duh.
that's why they were quiet.
i reminded them that the other parents were there to watch their child and they were only really playing for me and dad and Nana.  and we certainly didn't care if they messed up on their songs.  we recalled the Arthur episode where he thought he'd messed up his entire song and no one else even noticed.  

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they played a duet first of Yankee Doodle.

then annie was next to play solo.  
she couldn't find her page and she seemed about one second from a break down but her teacher hopped up to
help her out.  
you may remember annie's first recital experience.    
As long as there were no tears i was going to feel it was a success.

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they each played their own songs.  
they did great!
i know they were SO nervous but they did a really good job.

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i know they are glad it's over and they get a month off from practicing now.
Marissa was a wonderful teacher this year!
My girls never complained about piano once….that tells me a lot.

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then off to Mcdonalds for recital Mcflurries.  :)

craig took the girls home to get them to bed and i came to the craft house waiting for some friends.
i sewed curtains while i waited.
and at 10:45 they finally rolled into town knocking on my door.

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the blue lilies were coming through kansas and i begged them to stay overnight with me.
it was much to short.
but at least i sent them on their way with some Drubers donuts in their tummies.
i could have used at least another day to just talk and hang out.
at least.
it's just too short!

are you on their photo schedule?  
you should be?!!

wendy + tyler and their absolutely wonderful kiddos travel the entire world taking family photos.
SERIOUSLY.
and they will most likely come somewhere near you.
i mean come on….i am in NoWhere Kansas and they've been here!!!
πŸ™‚

they were on their way to a GoPro workshop they are hosting in Washington DC!
i think they may have a spot left if you can make it there!
you should do it.
i have been and i thought it was THE BEST.  
i learned so much and it was a total blast!
i went to GoPro in San Diego and a reunion GoPro in Utah.  and pics here. and pics here too.
 
AND they took our pictures in chicago and here in kansas! 

how is that for a lot of links?!!!

thank you blue lilies for coming and buying my donut!  :) 

 

my hair appointment got rescheduled for today.
i bet i can actually make dinner in the the crock pot.
i am planning on doing yard work this afternoon.
and probably a little more spray painting.  

 

what about you…what are you up to today?

 

Alicia D - this post takes me back to my own piano recital. the girls are SO cute. congrats to them!

Megan Duerksen - I used to babysit Marissa and her brothers when I was in college – she’s such a great girl! Can’t believe she’s old enough to teach piano lessons!

AJ Klaassen - Drubers Daylight Donuts! Whaaat?!?! I had no idea you lived in/around Newton, KS! (fairly new blog reader, so apologies if this has been covered and I’m just out of it…) Much of my family is from Newton and Whitewater and I have such fond memories of going to Druber’s with Grandma and Grandpa when visiting. Can’t wait to get back soon to see Grandpa, family – and of course, get a peanut butter roll from Drubers πŸ™‚ Thanks for such a fun, colorful, craft-filled blog!

Robin Thengvall - Yay for Wendy and Tyler :)…. we just got to see them in Colorado… Tyler was so awesome with our boys… got them to smile and laugh! Loved him! SO excited to see our pics πŸ™‚ Amazing how fun it was taking family pictures!!

Lauryn - Talby is growing up so fast. She is going to be a heart breaker. She is gorgeous.

Amber P. - Love your blog! And Wendy+Tyler’s. And Ashley Ann. I read you all every morning! Got to meet the BlueLilies last year in Dallas and it’s amazing how, in an hour they had me really understanding how to shoot in manual. Wish list: Craft Weekend and GoPro… Someday!
Have a great day!

April R - I am going to stop putting off calling the piano teacher so my kids can get back into their lessons πŸ™‚

Lori Austin - Good job girls! Enjoy your time off. πŸ™‚

Jill - Sunshine here! Oh my! LOVE IT!
My girls use the same line of piano books and just played Yankee Doodle! How funny! I get nervous when I think “recital” too and I don’t have to play!
Have a wonderful day!

Lisa - Honestly Meg, your little girls are precious, and your relationship with them just warms my heart.

Wendy - Meg- you are simply awesome. We enjoyed our TOO short stay with you and look forward to seeing you again. This time- we will put tyler in some craft settings and take pictures. It will be perfect.
We adore you.

Kim G - I am painting a small desk for my kid’s game room. It is yellow, the same yellow that you used on your craft house chairs. When my kids tell me the desk is going to be yellow, I actually correct them and say it is going to be ‘whatever yellow’. Thanks for all your inspiration. I also made dinner in the crockpot and had roasted broccoli {our best bites recipe}

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1433025120 - I love how hard Annie is concentrating!! So cute!!

Kathryn - piano recitals are SO stressfull! (ancient history at our house) So glad it went well for your girls!!

Kathryn - Hey I think I know your girls’ piano teacher . . . a student? . . . I think she dates my son’s look-alike twin Nathan!

stephany - We (me, my 4-1/2 year old, and 2-1/2 year old) hit 5 Goodwills, IKEA for lunch and shopping, and then picked my mother-in-law up at the airport.
We’re finally settling down for bedtime on the west coast.
BTW, found 5 globes at Goodwill today…awesome!
stephany @ home is what you make it

Sara Torbett - Today I shopped for maternity clothes….and for clothes for my 10- month old. We are headed to the beach soon! πŸ™‚ proud of your girls! What a big deal to be so brave!

Emma - I Love Annie’s top! so Pretty.

Gayle Kantor - Meg,
I have been reading your blog for years now, and I love it I check it everyday, and find myself disappointed if you haven’t posted anything. My favorites are pictures of your house. So I was wondering when you are going to post pictures of the inside of the farm house? I love your decorating style and really want to see what you did with the new house. thank you meg
Gayle Kantor ( a faithful reader of your blog)

Jennifer - OK, my months are way off. They were here (Perth) a month ago, not two days ago (is it May already?) Oh well, maybe next time.

Lorie - We have a sweet young girl that teaches my kiddos piano. I love that they enjoy taking lessons!

Jennifer - Oh wow, those photos by Blue Lillies are AMAZING!!! So I looked on the schedule to see if they were coming to my town – Perth, Western Australia. Um, yeah, they are, two days ago!!!!!! I totally missed them. I guess I can take a bit of consolation in the fact that my hubby wasn’t even here the two days they would have been able to take our photos as he’s in Houston this week! Thanks for sharing.

Tracy Fisher - Great blog today. Made me think back to my own recitals. Super nervous. Don’t you wish that sometimes you could show people how afraid you are as adult standing there… trying to give a speech… or show your work… etc. Nope. Suck it up. I’m glad kids get to be nervous.
Anyway, the real reason I am writing is because I have a crockpot recipe for you… my kids favorite potroast. In crockpot, put one chuck roast (yes, the one that is not so lean). Pour one package of dry Lipton Onion Soup mix over top. And then pour 1-2 c. of Coca Cola (no diet. no off brank. must be Coke) on top of all. Cook slow and low for 9 hours. Sooooo delicious! Tracy

Amanda C. - Your children are so beautiful. Love how you explained to them not to be nervous and you don’t care if they make mistakes.
You make me want to get a piano so I can listen to my kids practice…and you make me want more kids. Currently I have 2. Toted them around today and kept them entertained. It has been a wonderful day so far and both are currently sleeping.

tara - i love that you told your girls they were really only playing for you, dad and nana.
i bet it calmed their nerves a little to be reminded of that….
i wish i could remember that most people aren’t as focused on me as i am…. πŸ™‚
it’d make life a whole lot more enjoyable. :))

Karen Gerstenberger - This brought back happy memories of David and Katie’s piano lessons and recitals. David loved playing; Katie spent as much energy trying to make her teacher laugh as she did on her piano practice…and she never learned to read music; she just memorized it. That still surprises me.
You are a real spray-paint guru. Do you have to prep the things you paint with sandpaper, or do you just get in there and spray? I have always hesitated over spray paint because I’m not so big on prep-work. Would you ever post just a tiny little lesson on it?
I’m thrilled that you got to host your photo friends at the craft house. I’ll bet they were delighted to be able to stay in that magical place. It looks like a slice of heaven on earth.
Hugs from here.

Lisa - I hadn’t read about Annie’s first recital so I did. And I cried. You’re such a good mom!

Terrie G - I wish I could have taken piano lessons…your girls are so lucky!
I’d love to muster up the courage to go to a GoPro workshop…not enough confidence in my
picture taking yet. I bet they were great company!
I love living in ‘nowhere Kansas’!!
We ROCK!!
HaPpY TuEsDaY!!

Kerry - aaah go girls! looks like you did great at your recital, and SO worth the McFlurries afterwards πŸ™‚ xx

Sarah Wolfe - Hmmm. We are doing some school, but slacking off bc we always do in the spring… Then we have a practice. And I have to figure out what to make for dinner. And I ordered a paint sample from Canada today because I’m desperate for a really good yellow front door. That’s the excitement around here πŸ™‚

happygirl - Oh, I wish I had a camera. I’d love to go to GroPro. I live near D.C. Btw, your girls are gorgeous. Seriously beautiful. πŸ™‚

Dani - I need pics of my family before my kids are too old! Wish they were in my area.
I always got so nervous before piano recitals! I’m sure they were the best!

Meg's mom - I am going to Macy’s play tonight and celebrate her birthday!

Tina Jacobsen - I love days that include spray paint!!

Lori H - Your girls are so cute. And hooray for Arthur! I referred to that show’s wisdom often when the kids were younger.

Lindsey - Piano recitals used to give me cold sweats when I was young!
Today I work, run errands, go home and be creative! Have a wonderful day!

Jen Brandt - Taught my Spring Into Fitness boot camp class at the park this morning, came back to the office, just had lunch, checking your blog, then need to get my work done! So glad the recital went well. Annie looks taller.

Laura Phelps - I’ve gone to mass, the grocery store, and TJMAX…lunching with Luke now, then off to the bank, haircut for the boys, Communion rehearsal, batting practice, dinner will somehow get made, and religion class planned.
today is Saint Josephs Day…thats GOOD..because it honors all who labor and work with their hands…and with the mundane list of to do’s I have, I need to focus on doing every task with LOVE and praise for God. (not always easy)
sounds like a better day for you today than yesterday…enjoy!

Boring Blogger - Today I am working on listening to my kids more. And folding laundry.
Love Blue Lilly!

BriBedell - Today I will be
Feeding my 7 week old All day long (he’s very chubby)
Getting my 4 1/2 year old on and off the bus
Trying to get my 2 1/2 year old to take a nap
Hoping my husband will wake up soon so I can start laundry & go grocery shopping! (he works 6 pm – 6 am)
Oh and eating at some point πŸ™‚ lol

Seriously Sassy Mama - I just went through one whole role of packing tape, and I am smiling ear to ear. I cannot wait to move! Oh, and most certainly will be running tonight and watching a Ranger game on the tele with my hunka hunka burnin love. lol

Jacci - Your girls are so adorable πŸ™‚
Me? I got the bug today (for whatever reason) to deeeeeeeep clean my living room. Like, I moved the furniture and mopped. And the slipcovers are in the washing machine. It feels so good. Sometimes I just need to feel like I scrubbed the living daylights out of this place.
Thinking the curtains are probably for Lauren’s old room? Looking forward to seeing what you created πŸ™‚

Linda Keaveney - Lovely photo of your girls…they are really darling…
What am I doing today?? hmmmmmmmmm….
So far….I have been to Fitness…grocery store…greenhouse…emptied the dishwasher…made egg salad…yummy…
Have a wonderful day…
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Rachel J - I bet you are so stinking happy to have them stay with you! πŸ™‚ The girls are getting too big! Tell them to stop! Love that they both played a recital and naturally there was a celebration of ice cream afterwards.
Today, I’m up to work, oil change for the subaru, eating a hot dog and maybe a bonfire later with the hubby! Ha! Pretty spectacular no?
Have a great day Megalicious.
Don’t forget, be on the look out for a package later this week πŸ™‚

Suzanne - The girls look like they had a good time at the recital. No tears in sight!! I should have added “get pics by BlueLily” to my 40 by 40 list! I so so so want some pics by them! Hope we get to see what you are spray painting!!

april - awwww they look so cute!!! Perfect girl time! xoxo

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thanks mom.

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when i was at my mom's house a few weeks ago she loaded up my trunk with stuff she was getting rid of.
she sent me home with a quilt, some art and this croquet set.
"we never use it" she said.

and it has been the farm family favorite ever since!

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annie gets to start ahead because her skills are being perfected.
she's getting better though.

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as with almost every game known to man….craig knows the rules and has taught them how to play.
how does his brain hold all that information?
rules to croquet? why is that in there???

and also with all games in the duerksen house….an extra challenge is thrown down.
"can you do this?"

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trying to balance a croquet mallt is now more fun than croquet!

we looked like a family of circus performers.

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this photo looks like annie is about to get whacked by sean…she didn't….thank goodness.

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this bush/tree is in our yard.
there have got to be 5000 flowers on it…for reals.
maybe more.
it's so big and the awesome thing about it…..it's always COVERED in butterflies!!

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you could say it provides privacy for our outdoor area….but that would indicate that we need privacy.
there is nothing out here to need privacy from.
unless you didn't want the cows to watch you eat dinner?

so instead of privacy i will say it is beautiful to enjoy while we spend time in the front yard.

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i have no idea what it's called.
do you?

it's obviously been here a long time….it's gigantic.

um…have you noticed that i love living out here?
i have given a few hints haven't i?

πŸ™‚

craig and i look at each other quite often and give a knowing smile.
we are both thinking it.
"this is an amazing place"

green acres is the place for me.

 

 

josy - I have so many memories of playing croquet with all my cousins at my grandma & grandpa’s house in Lehigh. Aw.

A Facebook User - Hi Meg, Just ran across your sweet blog. To answer your question about your over grown shrub in your yard, it’s a Mock Orange. It’s simply lovely the way it is. I have gardened all across our wonderful country and, you have been blessed to have such a lovely one as this to come with your house. Enjoy it!

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Elizabeth - Those bush flower pictures are heavenly!!!
You made the right choice πŸ˜€

shauna - i wanta be a farmer with you

Bethany - So glad people came to post mock-orange! I saw this post a couple of days ago and knew it wasn’t a butterfly bush, but wasn’t sure what it was until the kids and I visited Botanica. Lo and behold, there was the same bush and I thought “That’s what Meg has!”

Leslie - Beautiful pics – I want to run out and get one of those flower bushes – glad people are posting what it is πŸ™‚

Victoria - Awww this post brings back memories of my Grandparents croquet set! Love it.

Gina f. - Beautiful photos!

sharon - yes,pretty sure it’s a mock orange! lucky you! i love seeing all the pics. thanks!

Dani - I too believe it is Mock Orange. Beautiful flowers and smells!!
I have never played croquet! I think I might be missing out. I will have to invest in a set soon. I think my kids will love it!

Jenn - Mock orange was my guess too. We had one growing up – my favorite smell. Heaven.

Linda - I have got to stop posting without my glasses! Sorry for the punctuation and spelling errors.

Kim - Croquet is so fun! We used to play it all the time growing up. My parents still have their set. My kids have been asking to play – I’ll just have to do some digging around next time I’m at my parents’ house to see if we can find it.

Linda - Isn’t it great to have a tried and true yard game for the family! We like Bocci too. Don;t know the name of the bush, we hace one too. It is pretty and suits our 200 year old farmhouse so well! Glad to hear your settling in isgoing so well.

Karen Osborne - We just bought some land in the country and there is nothing like it. I am always singing the Green Acres theme and Thank God I’m a Country boy in my head when I am out there. We have a pond and have been raising ducklings!!!

Sarah - I’d say Mock Orange too. I have one and I LOVE the way it smells!!

Marissa - Mock Orange! We had one at the house I grew up in by Chicago, they sure do smell heavenly, don’t they?!

Kerry - Oh man, I’ve never played croquet… I know, I’m English, I totally should have…. πŸ™‚ May put that on my Summer list! xx

Misty R. - Be careful of the cow’s when eating outside! We grilled hamburgers and I swear they all started staring from across the road! I threw mine away due to guilt! πŸ™‚

bobbie - We had a set just like that when I was little. I so wish I still had it. So much fun!

Olga - Hi Meg,
It is my first time commenting on your blog but I have been reading for a while now and I’m impressed by you and what you are doing. Especially the love you are putting on everything.
My grandparents had the same bush and the smell comes back to my memories every time I think of them. It is a β€œPhiladelphus coronaries” or most commonly known as Mock Orange. You can cut out branches and bring them inside and your home will smell heavenly.

Adrienne - Maybe a mock orange… My sweet grandmother had one

Jen - The outside is lovely but I want to see some inside pics! Pretty please?? We loved croquet when I was a kid!!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - i LOVE your new place! those butterflies…just stop πŸ™‚ also, i was laughing about your hubs storing useless info. i always wonder how smart i could be if i didnt know so many random facts!

Meg's Mom - Your welcome! Glad you are making good use of it!

Adri @ FoodieBeFit - Beautiful pics!

Lisa - I love croquet! I have been searching garage sales for a set for ages. My grandpa and I used to spend HOURS playing. Sweet memories. This is our first spring in our house too. It’s like Christmas waiting to see what flowers will pop up next…and I didn’t have to work for any of them!

Terrie G - Love it all! The croquet, the throw down, the flowers…the cows watching you eat!!
The farm just makes me smile…thanks!!!

roganne - LOVE croquet!! also – your girls’ outfits are always so original. they have some spunk!

Vonda - Yep!!!
ttp://www.hortmag.com/plants/mockorange

Vonda - I have butterfly bushes and it doesn’t look like that. My grandma had a Mock Orange and I agree with the person above, I think that’s what it is. Smells SO GOOD.

Mindy Harris - those monarch pics are just beautiful.
i dream of living in the country. central wichita is so noisy!

April R - yea! Your mom didn’t know what she started by giving you that! πŸ™‚
there’s going to be a whole lotta ‘croquetin’ this weekend thanks to this
inspiring post πŸ˜‰

Tanya - I have country dreams myself… πŸ™‚
And chicken dreams….
And pick-up truck dreams…
And quuiiieeet dreams…ahhhh πŸ™‚

Jacci - Fun photos πŸ™‚ Not a butterfly bush… those have different blossoms if we’re talking about the buddelia kind, but I don’t what it is.
Totally played croquet as a kid in the summer. Fun memories. My sister just picked up a set at a garage sale a couple weeks ago. I’m putting a round of croquet on the Summer List!

Lorie - We used to play croquet all summer long at my mother-in-laws house. Now that we are in Texas I should probably pick up a set of our own. Such a fun outdoor summer game!

tina - I like to play croquet, but have know idea what the rules are… we just make them up as we go along!

Lindsey - I love the butterfly pictures!!!! It truly is a blessing to live in the country. I was just thinking that the other night as I was out in the complete stillness and the scent of the plum blossoms made the night smell so sweet!

Laura Phelps - I am so sorry you are having such difficulty adjusting to your new life πŸ™‚
the way you feel in the country? That is what the city does for me. Just feels right.
and re: Craig had all that info in his head…Nick is a font of useless information. Amazing what that man knows…

Shar - i am fairly certain it is mock orange. i have one. and you can transplant offshoots from it. so if you move or something, you take a part with you! love the croquet games!

happygirl - We love croquet, too. But since we are all over 21 here at the HappyGirl house, we play Beer Croquet. I’ll bet Mr. Duerksen doesn’t know THOSE rules. It’s fun on a hot summer day. πŸ™‚ btw, I thought it looked like a crab apple tree, but I don’t know anything about plants.

Eliza - Yeah, croquet! At least you have a big flat yard to play it on.
Yes, I second and third the Mock Orange votes. A butterfly bush comes out last in the spring and has purple flowers.

Jill - Looks like a Mock Orange to me! They smell sooooo good! Loved croquet when I was little. Enjoy all the fun family times! Cherish every moment!

jessicakiehn - MEG! I have this same bush/plant in my yard and we have NO idea what it is! Does it have a bunch of little trunks at the bottom of it? It’s a mystery to us and we ask everyone that comes over and they all don’t know either. but yes, it’s BEAUTIFUL in the spring!

Jill M Pierce - Croquet..I need to go thrifting or to garage sales to find a set for my family. Looks like you all are having so much fun.

Diane - That looks like great family fun!

amanda - You made such a great decision to give your family the experience of country living! In ’09, my husband and I had the opportunity to move to my grandparents former home in the remote mountains of New Mexico. We spent an amazing Summer with our kids – taking hikes everyday, discovering hidden streams, feeding deer in our yard, and eating wild raspberries. It was magical and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
That’s what all of your farm house pictures remind me of. So special! Of course, Summer turned to Winter and then we were buried in 5ft of snow for 4 months – over an hour away from the nearest grocery store – and I was pregnant and puking every 3 seconds, but I just try to forget that part…ha!

holly - Word of warning. be careful where u put ur wires. we had croquet set up in r yard n some sweet young thing put a wire at the bottom of the back porch steps. the next mornin i was giving a huffy demonstration on how easy it is to just listen and take out the trash when mama says and nearly killed myself with that dang wire boobie trap. ended up turning my tantrum into a good joke. hope nobody saw it. πŸ™‚ have fun!

hearts812 - Loved this post as it brought back lots of memories. My grandparents had an old wooden croquet set whihc we loved to play.
And the bush you are showing looks like a Mock Orange bush…which I had outside my bedroom window growing up. It smelled heavenly!

Chris - The last line of this post is awesome – and the perfect tie up! I really enjoy reading your blog.

Amy - Croquet is a family favorite around here too. Our kids think it’s a hoot. Apparently my dad was some local Croquet Champion when he was a teenager, which cracks me up! Love the pictures!

angela - It’s a Butterfly Bush….and a beautiful one!

Kassondra - I have to admit I was very sad when you said you moved out of your gorgeous house but seeing all these pictures of your new place makes me want to move to the country too!

kathleen - hey meg, this is my first time to post, though i’ve been reading your lovely, sweet blog for a while. I have that same bush/tree at my house. I’m way down here in Mississippi, but it is just beautiful! I love it, full of flowers. I don’t know what it is either..I’ll have to go over your comments. Anyway, so happy for your gift of those green acres your livin’ in, what a joy! Yall take good care, and thank you so much for your blogging…blogging is hard! But you make it seem so easy!

Linnea - love the IMG 14-5 with the butterfly – so pretty! Glad your family enjoys playing outdoors together… so nice to see!

seriously sassy mama - Our new backyard is huge, and my husband and I cannot wait to geta few croquet games going. Fun times to be had at The House of Kells.

Gemma - Pretty flowers!
x

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