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wednesday…..

we had some pretty HOT nights with the AC broken upstairs.

finally we had to sleep in the living room.

it was on the summer list but i wanted to make it a fun night not forced and saying “EVERYONE GO TO SLEEP!!!!”

so we will try again with a little more planning.
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today is waffle’s birthday….apparently.
his sister bella sent him a message on facebook. Β πŸ™‚

we may celebrate later.

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treat tuesday was OREO Brownie bites from HERE.

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they were SO YUMMY.
the batter was awesome.
the Oreo frosting…..for reals….good.

of course in our family they were gone in a couple of hours.

 

Jurassic-park
my kids are watching Jurassic Park today.
that is such a good movie.
kinda scary but SO good.
that scene just happened…jeff G yelled “GET THE KIDS!!!” and i choked on tears!
i have seen it no less than 20 times but i still teared up…what would i do if giant dinosaurs were after my kids?!

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annie lost her tooth FINALLY while at her grandma’s house.
she gave me this note with her tooth in it.
and MIRACULOUSLY….the tooth fairy came on the first night.
first time for everything.

i spent my morning with sweet baby tanner.

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(click on this picture to make it big….it’s adorable)
he never made a peep.
newborns are….the best thing in the whole wide world.
i mean that.
there is NOTHING better.
they are my favorite favorite favorite.
even if they cry and poop and barf on me.
i don’t care.
they are the best part of God’s creation.

i want one so bad.

Β 

…………………………………………

happy wednesday!

 

Arabelle McCuen - Such a stunner! Your kids are simply wonderful, especially Annie who reminds me of my niece who just lost her tooth the other day. It’s nice to see how kids love their tooth fairy so much because of their tooth fairy’s generosity in giving rewards! And the baby pic, ooh! Love it sweetie! Everything in here is so stunning! <3

Nantucket Weddings - Hello! Love the baby picture. I would just ask. If I can save it on my computer. I’ll made it my wallpaper. πŸ˜€

Lesley S - Your photos are spectacular. I am always inspired when I visit. Glad to know I’m not the only one who chokes up at those little things (mine happens to be from “The Incredibles” when she shouts “There are children aboard!…”- gets me every time- ha!). Blessings to you!

aplaceforthoughts - Love that newborn pic and I’d love one of those brownies! First time visiting your site. Love it.

crystal b. - I am dying over that photo of the baby on the chairs. Sooooo adorable. I wish so much I had a cool photo of my kids when they were babies. Why or why wasn’t the internet invented then???

nora - “what would i do if giant dinosaurs were after my kids?” this is one of the many reasons i read your blog. lol.

Kristin S - Meg, that baby shot is amazing!

leonieke - wow,did you make that picture??
and baby’s,…they are such mysteries… they dissapear and turn into big long teenagers!

Denine - That was beautiful.
I have a son named Tanner, I love that name. Brings back beautiful memories.

Liz - Oh. My. Gosh. That baby portrait is beyond fantastic! I wish I lived there, I would so bring Jane over. Except she would probably yell during the shoot. But still, I have no doubt you could make even an angry baby look good. πŸ™‚
And thank you for all the comments and baby advice over the past couple of months! You were so right about the swing. πŸ™‚ I appreciate you!

Vanilla Bean Crafts - ugh….sorry Meg! We had the same thing last year and ended up going to grandmas house down the street for a few night! WAY too hot upstairs!

tara pollard pakosta - Meg,
every time I come to your blog
it’s like discovering a treasure,
from recipes, to cute kids,
to a product you love,
to an everyday moment,
what a treasure and gift you are in my life.
I love your blog.
I love you!
that is all!
tara

kasey - It was so hot here the last few days i would probably make B take us to a hotel for the ac.
Not it’s raining…and wonderful.

Kimberly Dial - Meg, I’m in total agreement about the newborns. Fresh from Heaven, there is nothing in this world more wonderful. I think it’s because we sense where they have just been — in His presense — gives me goosebumps! Thanks for reminding me how awesome they are! I will be blessed (with a new niece) in August & I plan to soak up her newborn preciousness at every opportunity! Happy birthday dear Waffle — you are so stinkin’ cute! YAY to the tooth fairy showing up on day #1 (love Annie’s note!) YAY to you Meg — your children are blessed that you are their mom (I just know it!:) I love your blog my friend — thank you for sharing!

Kimberly Dial - Meg, I’m in total agreement about the newborns. Fresh from Heaven, there is nothing in this world more wonderful. I think it’s because we sense where they have just been — in His presense — gives me goosebumps! Thanks for reminding me how awesome they are! I will be blessed (with a new niece) in August & I plan to soak up her newborn preciousness at every opportunity! Happy birthday dear Waffle — you are so stinkin’ cute! YAY to the tooth fairy showing up on day #1 (love Annie’s note!) YAY to you Meg — your children are blessed that you are their mom (I just know it!:) I love your blog my friend — thank you for sharing!

Sarah @ This Farm Family's Life - Love that baby photo and I can’t wait to try those brownie bites.
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

Debbie - Love those chairs, love the backdrop… but don’t tempt me. I just got my fourth (and last!!??!) past the one-year-old mile marker – TODAY! πŸ™‚ Happy birthday (yesterday) to Waffle, too.
Love Annie’s note. So sweet.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Happy Birthday Waffle man!:) Love the picture of those chairs. Yes, the baby is precious. But the chairs….Im drooling:) Just being honest.
xo

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Happy Birthday Waffle! I’m now going to check out that recipe…looks soooo good!
Gemma xXx

Kat - Oooh would so love another baby. Hm, not sure I could manage 5 kids in our small house, 4 seems to fill it up.
Love Annie’s note. You must keep it to look back on.
All that phonic style writing is so gorgeous.

Jeanne - Best baby photo I have seen you take. So cute and love all the colors. I don’t want a baby..so I will just keep on looking at the photo:-)

Elizabeth - my bad, didn’t just have a baby sorry! super cute pic of Tanner. by the time i got to this photo i was completely blown away by the previous events and didn’t even read the caption.

Elizabeth - okay serious, not sure where to begin. the tooth fairy came, you made a fab dessert (looks divine, i want the recipe) oh, the powers out AND you just a baby A N D managed to capture all of this on camera AANNDD you blogged about it… you rock mama πŸ™‚

Jenn Thomas - LOVE the baby picture! Just think in about 9 weeks there will be a little one 3 houses down – you can babysit anytime – and get that baby fix πŸ™‚

ashley jensen - I have noticed that you’ve been really original with your post titles
again. I think its nice and to the point!

Darcie L. - Meg – we have a 3 week old new baby boy and I remember you posting about one of your photo shoots and saying that the newborn smelled “delicious” or something to that effect. I can’t agree more and I’m trying to cherish every day of that newborn smell. I wish I could bottle it up and save it for when he’s older. Just wanted you to know your words are ringing true in my mind every day. Soak up the deliciousness… before you wake up and he’s a teenager!

hannah - LOVE the newborn photo. OH THE SWEETNESS!
must try those brownie bites. pronto.
xo

Flower Patch Farmgirl - That baby picture is spectacular. And I’m not even a baby person. Hate me.

Jennifer Rubeck - I can’t wait to try those oreo bites! My son would so love to see Jurassic Park and we have had many conversations about the premise of the movie but he is only 4. Good things come to those who wait. Glad your family enjoyed it!

Amy Giffin - I just wanted you to know that you inspire me to be a fun mom. I think I will make a treat with my girls tomorrow. I also LOVE that you too struggle with getting the tooth fairy there on time- I’m running out of excuses for that darn fairy! πŸ™‚ And I hear ya on the baby thing. I have four kids and knew with all my heart that we were done. But lately . . . when I hear a baby crying in Target or church . . . my heart sinks a bit.
I think you’re simply precious. Thanks for being you.

Wendy - Totally agree … newborns ROCK!
BEST feeling ever!

julie - now i’m all teary eyed. i want another baby too and my baby is just 10 months old. i don’t want her to be my last! i love, love, love the newborn stage. i despise advanced maternal age and money and 1200 sq feet of living space.
jurassic park is scary! i can’t believe your kids watch that. i can’t watch that!

happygirl - Happy Wednesday back atcha. Yep, you are right about the newborns, but I don’t want one. Love the sleep in the living room sleep over. haha, Go To Sleep NOW!!. haha. Thanks for this.

Jamie - I know how you feel with your a/c out. We don’t have a second floor and been without a/c for 4 days and finally was able to find a window unit on craigslist, and getting two more tommorrow. So we have all been sleeping in the living room too. I’m so ready to get things back to normal soon, and I hope you do the same. Stay cool!

Anna Marie - Cute newborn photo. Wish I lived closer…I just had my baby girl last Tuesday. πŸ™‚

Rachel B. - Annie could start her own blog…she’s too funny!

Nicole - Those Oreo brownie bites look yummy and the newborn picture is beautiful! I love it and the colorful chairs. Have a great day!

Janelle - I so so so am with you with the newborn baby fever! I just want another one…but my husband says I would always just want another one!!! Here’s my question for you…or your readers…how do you get over that baby lust??? I wish I could find a hospital that would allow baby rocker volunteers πŸ™‚

Amber - Oh my….can I say baby fever struck with one look at that little guy!!!

Kerry - aaaah ! love the way Annie spells ‘disgusting’ – so precious mommy. oreo cupcakes on our summer list too now πŸ™‚ That photograph is gorgeous, my sister is due in 3 weeks, cant wait to play around with her on camera. have an awesome-dawson day,
Kerry xx

Jenny Logan - I wanted to tell you that I made your YUMMY cool whip frosting. It was the best frosting I’ve ever had. Thank you!! =) I am going to use it for my daughter’s rainbow cake(also from you)for her Birthday Party on Saturday!!
Also, Facebook keeps recomending your husband as a friend to add. I don;t know why. I just thougt that was funny. =)

Kristy - Annie’s note gave me the biggest laugh! Your kids are so adorable!
I got the baby urge this morning as a mom in my son’s Kinder class lowered baby for big sister to kiss before leaving. Ugh!!! Just melts my butter. They grow up too darn fast! But I wouldn’t be able to take my kids on an all day outing this Sat. up and down our beautiful So Cal coast with no set plans other than to see where the day takes us! I have to look on the bright side πŸ™‚ LOVE YOUR BLOG and just want to say how deserving you are of all the good things that have come your way from it πŸ™‚

Terrie - Must confess…don’t think I’ve ever seen Jurassic Park all the way through. What?! I know, I know…will add to my summer ‘to do’ list! πŸ™‚
That baby Tanner…too precious! Makes me start counting the days until my grandbaby will be born! I also need to order my new camera so I can practice before he/she arrives! Nikon vs. Canon…I must decide!
HaPpy B-DaY to WafFle! Makes me want another dog!

Mindy W - The baby shot?! AMAZING!!! Love the colors and the chenille blanket! Oh, and the precious baby, too!

Holly - My baby is almost 6 and my big girl is going to high school….no more babies here…boo! Those oreo bites look beast! I am going to make that heart attack creation on your side bar this weekend!

Catriona - …but they don’t stay newborn. Alas.
Just kidding. 95% kidding.

Shannon - LOL at your comment about Giant Dinosaurs attacking πŸ™‚
I want another baby too but I want them to sleep at night, that’s all not too much to ask for right?
Your tuesday treats look yummy, we made Berry Yogurt pops yesterday. It’s the best way to get my girls to eat blueberries and they think they are getting a yummy dessert!

Jenna - Did you take that picture? It rocks!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Babies….where did mine go? Love them to and want one but I am for sure waaaaaaaaaay too old πŸ™‚

erica - that pic of the baby – ahhhhh! my youngest will be 2 next month! how in the world did that happen!?? i wanna have another!

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long weekend

we relaxed.
it was really nice.  
last night as i drifted in and out of that first sleep i said to craig "thank you for just hanging out this weekend"
i loved just being together and being low key.

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thank you $40 fire pit from home depot 5 years ago for bringing tradition and comfort to our family.

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thanks groupon for an awesome 2 hours of fun.

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thanks pioneer woman for your cookbook.

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thanks coffee for all you do for me.

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thanks craig for putting up the pool…..it is my summer sanity.

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thank you pasta and sauce for making my stomach so happy.
 

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thank you dairy queen for helping dry annie's tears from being left out and heart broken.
and thank you to the two 80 year old men talking so loudly to each other in the booth next to us for helping me remember Memorial Day is more than a day off.  
they were talking about riding the train with Hoover to the troops!!
and seeing Roosevelt!
it was awesome to eavesdrop.  :)

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loved it.

we are making the summer list TODAY.
i meant to do it all weekend but just didn't.
so today's the day. 

…………………………………………

LOTS of you have commented and emailed me wanting to follow my pinterest.
well…..i don't have a pinterest page.  :)

i just go and browse.

is there a benefit to following someone?  
can you see more than what is there when you look at someone's page?

i know that i could pin and like and follow….but for now…i just like to look.
it's enough for me.
for now.

 

 

Emily - πŸ™‚ next S’Mores adventure should be served with a spread of Peanut Butter – or with Peanut Butter Cups in place of the chocolate bar … oh yea. πŸ™‚ We checked that off our summer to do list this weekend πŸ™‚

alicia @ la famille - you sound like jimmy fallon when he writes his thank you notes…have you ever seen that? πŸ™‚ anyway, you do.
please do share your summer list. i want to make one tomorrow…need you’re good ideas!

Lindsay Dianne - Your photographs are so beautiful and vibrant.

Heidi Berglund - Sounds like a great weekend! Nothing better than just kicking it with the family! πŸ™‚ My views on Pinterest are: 1.) I am in total love and dig the way it helps me catagorize what I like. 2.) If you start a pinterest of your own then those of us who love your taste can follow you and pin your ideas. I like your sidebar on your blog but it would be great to have pictures to go with it to jog my memory. 3.) Negative – Time sucker (as others have mentioned) As somebody else mentioned, I would still think you are fabulous even if you don’t join but would really love it if you did! LOL! πŸ™‚

Amber - dad totally ROCKS at bowling! hehehe love the blog meg! thanks for inspiration! xo

Alice H - I have those pots & pans! Got them from Sam’s!! LOVE THEM!
I would like a Smores like right about NOW, please!

Leslie R. - You wrote a wonderful version of “thank you notes”…love them all! But I kept cracking up in my head b/c it was reminding me of Jimmy Fallon’s thank you notes he does on his show…so every time I’d start to read a new one (of yours), I kept feeling like I needed to hear The Roots’ keyboard player playing a nice little melody in the background! ha ha!! I just love your blog…

Carla G - Poor Annie. Why was she heartbroken? Please tell me it’s not mean girls yet? πŸ™
As much as I’m a Meg fan (so devoted!), I just may be an even bigger Annie fan. I dig that cutie girl!
Thanks for sharing!

karen - looked like a great holiday! I’m happy for you πŸ™‚
can i just say i love pinterest! I used to save images from the web onto my computer for reference (which would take up memory). Now i have it all organized and categorized for future inspirational ideas or things to do.
Like just now..i finished your rainbow wind catcher craft for my daughter’s rainbow party decor!!
It’s helpful for people who are not the most organized..like ME.
And I have also learned many new tricks and tips on various things.
Here are some of my pins just for fun… http://pinterest.com/karpy/pins/

Ellen - Ive been waiting for your summer list all winter! Excited to see what you and your family have planned πŸ™‚

Rach - Excited about the summer list. We have ours up, but it’s more of a “just bought a house that needs work” list. Its still colorful though. πŸ™‚

Southern Gal - Gotta get on the summer list, too.
My daughter has that same coffee cup.
Do you participate in Kids Bowl Free? Go to kidsbowlfree.com to see if there are participating bowling alleys near you. $2 per kid for two games plus a family package for cheap.
I’m scared of pinterest. I think I’d be swallowed up for long periods of time.

jill - i would LOVE you on pinterest! your linky love is one of my favorite things because you love things that i love. i like pinterest because it is a super easy way to keep track of ideas. i have pinterest boards like “crafts with the kids” or “sewing ideas” –like bookmarking a page, but you can see all of your ideas in a category all at once. but, if you don’t do pinterest i will still think you are awesome. πŸ™‚

kathy b - I have pinned stuff from your website to my pinterest. Is that ok? Thank you for pretty photos and ideas all the time.

Courtney - You essentially have a pinterest board on your side menu of linky loves…I have one, but am following way more people than are following me…it is nice to save things there for those future projects when time and money are a bit more abundant…hope you have a great summer!

val - Looks like a great weekend!

Kelly - good for you for not jumping into pinterest just because “everybody” is doing it. I do pinterest but I don’t like to text, am not on facebook, don’t do twitter, etc. Kelly

HopefulLeigh - I love Pinterest! Following friends’ pinboards means you have access to more of the things you’re more likely to be interested in. I love being able to pin something, a fast way to save a project, recipe, or interesting item for later. I’ll send you an invitation if you want!

Kimberly Dial - Sounds like an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing it! Glad you were able to relax & enjoy it. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall & hear the old men tell war stories of long ago. Unfortunately, so many of our young military have their own war stories to tell as well & that makes me sad :*(

Kimberly Dial - Sounds like an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing it! Glad you were able to relax & enjoy it. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall & hear the old men tell war stories of long ago. Unfortunately, so many of our young military have their own war stories to tell as well & that makes me sad :*(

Carrie - looks like a great weekend! I love our firepit too its the best!

melissa - You must follow people on Pinterest..you can see SO much more when you do.

jamie - it looks like you had an amazing weekend. i can’t wait until my zoe is old enough to do those things with.

Jessica - Looks like you had a great weekend! I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

May - LOL @ your pinterest comments… A summer list is a great idea! I’ll have to try that. (“Pinned” that idea in my head LOL)

Melissa - Wanting to make a summer list as well…will you share? I need ideas!!

angie - really enjoyed your post….i wanted to be on a boat this weekend!! i feel convicted after your post…thanks for the reminder to be thankful for little things!
Would you please do a post on your pool or at least mention about the details of it. Is it a pain to keep up? We would so enjoy it!

julia - I feel like there’s something wrong with me. I don’t “get” piniterest…just like I don’t “get” twitter.

Stephanie - yes… probably better time management to not pin… but we want to see what you pin… it is pure selfishness to want to see the rainbows that you find all over the world wide web…

hannah - great weekend! i’m thankful for coffee too, it’s my hero.
xo

happygirl - Thank you Doc Martin on Netflix for entertaining me when it got too hot outside. Sweet post Meg. Thank YOU.

gboll - Looks like a fun weekend! What kind of icing did you use on your cinnamon rolls? Do tell. πŸ˜‰

shauna reed - you know i LOVE when you set boundaries…ha!
i feel kinda protective of you since it seems like everyone could want a piece of you every minute!
so i love to see you say “no thanks”
it reminds me to do the same….still, i’d follow you on pintrest baby.
(i will admit that it is another time sucker though)
ps. i haven’t rung my bell in a while….is the happiness running out?
have you rung yours lately?

Margaret - Cute post and gorgeous photos! My weekend looked pretty similar (including lots of coffee, cinnamon rolls and pool time).

Leslie - Great Photos. It looks like it was a fantastic weekend. I love days like those. Summer list? is that like your summer bucket list?
Have a great Tuesday

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Your weekend looks like mine. Family, food and fun!

Londen - sounds like a perfect weekend. we had lots and lots of rain here in Chicagoland. one question, is it a pain to drain your pool and set it up every year? my husband really wants one like that.
Londen

Katie - Thanks for being so thankful! It is contagious!

Andrea T - So funny i looked you up on pinterest this weekend too πŸ˜‰

Mary - looks like wonderful fun…i found your blog while browsing through “Flea Market Style”. love it here…how you blog about the stuff of life. love the color, your style. i teach a visual journaling class at my church and in my studio…lots of young moms…will definitely pass your blog along to them and i am most sure i will be back just about every day.
Grace and Peace,
Mary

Laura Phelps - it is so important to say thank you πŸ™‚
thank YOU for the egg casserole AND margarita recipe..BOTH very much enjoyed this long weekend at my place

amy b. - I am on pinterest but it’s not quite as fun as I thought it’d be-just being honest! Are those firepits always 40 bucks or was that on sale? I would love to be making s’mores this summer! Great pictures, as always!! Your family looks like so much fun!

ashley jensen - I have a Pinterest page. I don’t follow anyone or anything. I just have it to keep track of things I like or plan on doing eventually.

Denine - I just browse pintrest too. Your blog brings a smile to my face everyday. I think I need to go and get one of those bbq pits at HD too. By the way have you ever tried smores with a recese piece instead of a hershey chocolate? I saw it on pintrest yesterday.
Hmmm good to try.

Christy - inspired by you my son & I made our very first summer to do list! We have already marked several of the things off our list this pat weekend too, time to add more. πŸ™‚

Kerry - Aaah looks like a stunning weekend – so chilled πŸ™‚ Cant wait for the summer list. I cant seem to fit Pinterest in with everything else!! πŸ™‚ Have a sweet day x

aimy - totally random, but i need to ask. do you have a lid on your big jar of apples? does it gather condensation or is it just mine?
thanks. rotten fruit.

Jennifer - Looks like you guys had a lovely weekend! Love all your pictures. I’m glad that DQ came through for Annie and made her feel better. We are big fans of DQ! πŸ™‚
It’s so nice to have a long weekend to hang out with our loved ones…we enjoyed our time together as well–just taking it easy.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - Since it’s summer time… and feels like summer time… I make iced coffee in the mornings… :o)
love all the fun you guys had this weekend!! :o)

mandy friend - your bowling score looks like mine!:) i wish i could come visit and stay at your craft retreat:(

Courtney Walsh - I love a low key weekend. We had a semi-low key weekend, picked out paint colors for the kids’ rooms and did a little work on the new house. I am definitely getting one of those fire pits!! πŸ™‚
Pinterest is interesting, but I try to stay off of it…just one more thing to distract me right now!! But yeah, if you’re following someone, you instantly see all the things they’ve pinned, which I guess is kind of the cool thing, especially once you know you like someone’s taste. πŸ™‚

Shannon - Love all of your random weekend pictures. Looks like a great time with family!

Jenni Carlisle - LOVE the bowling shoes shot! Looks like a lot of summer fun wrapped into one weekend…can’t wait to see your list, it ALWAYS inspires me!

Meg B. - started playing with it today, trying to figure out how to use it with my students, I think they would love it. our house had a fire in the fire pit too and s’mores.

tiffany m gardner - Looks like fun! It was SOOOOO windy here in Oklahoma that we just tried to stand up straight when we were outside! Love that being together is enough. It is for me and my family too! πŸ™‚

Leah - I need to learn more about this pinterest stuff too. I keep seeing it pop up and have no idea how to use it. Seems like one more thing I need to do with Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your weekend looks awesome! Those are the best kinds of days.

Holly - what a great weekend!

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day one complete.

christi hoffmann……i need to talk to you.  
your email address isn't working.
please email me today….. cdduerksen @ yahoo . com

thank you.

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she always looks pissed at me.
they dive at us if we stand on the porch more than just coming in or out of the house.
which i completely understand….that's what she is supposed to do.

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they are really big now.

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i love that they are there….even if i have to scream and run to get to my car.

…………………………………………

we survived our first day of summer…..quite well actually.

only 81 more to go.

:) 

we went to see kung fu panda 2.
with no snacks.
because i am a mean mom….or so i heard.
Kung-fu-panda-2

and i shed a tear….because i do that…everyday….all day.
the line that got me was the father (a goose) talking to his adopted panda bear son Po, says
"the beginning of your story may not have been that great…but look how well it turned out"
or something like that.
i loved it.
but the movie is mostly kung fu stuff and i held my ears for parts because it's just so loud…
(i think little kids would be scared….fyi.)

we ate spaghetti when we came home.  
and no side dishes.
just spaghetti and prego….it was perfect.

and we played with bubbles till it got dark.

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you know what?

i think it's gonna be ok.

i can do this.

{{{{{{happy sigh}}}}}}}

 

 

Alice H - Love the bubble pics! So fun.
We saw Kung Fu Panda 2 yesterday and we did the 3D showing. I took my 15.5 month old and he did so good. He even wore the glasses for a little over an hour. He did get scared in a few parts but he seemed to enjoy it. I couldn’t believe he sat still that long and was so quiet!

elisa - I’m a summer-with-kids-and-1-grandson-survivor too!
I always feel a bit guilty too when I just serve spaghetti with no side dishes. Glad to know I’m not alone.

Molly Pearce - I love Kung Fu Panda! When the first one came out I went with my brother and sister and totally embarrassed them in the theater lobby with my Kung Fu moves, ha ha ha! I can’t wait to see the second one with them. I think I will still do a few moves in the lobyy just for giggles πŸ™‚ happy weekend Meg!
~Molly P

elizabeth of course - Oh my, I want to lie (lay?) on the driveway at sunset while people blow giant bubbles all around me!!!!!
I am totally jealous.

Rebecca - I bought the little boy I nanny a bubble wand. I think the one I bought is a bit different than the one your kids have but anyways…we finally figured it out and had such great fun with it last week. Neighbor kids even started playing with it, too.
I have a feeling there will be a lot of bubbles made this summer. πŸ™‚

Southern Gal - Those popping bubble pics are the absolute best.

Jennifer - That’s hilarious about the bird! Such sweet little birdies in that nest… I’d be trying to sneak peeks all the time too.
Thanks for the FYI about it being a little scary. We are going to see it this week.
PS We only get snacks when its just me and my husband. When the kids are with us, never. haha! Is that bad?

Courtney Walsh - From one meanie butt mom to another, we’re going to see that movie tomorrow. We have coupons AND we’re going to a matinee and we’re still not getting snacks. lol I just see something SO wrong with a $4 soda I could buy for less than a buck at Walgreens.
(I do sneak snacks in sometimes though!) πŸ™‚ We can’t wait to see the movie!! Looks like summer’s off to a good start!!

Stefanie - I am SO jealous! Your’e on Summer break already. We still have a week left. Ugh. But, we don’t start school until mid-September, so I guess that’s the pay off.
Loved the movie. We saw it last night and our 2 1/2 year old loved it too! Cute movie.
Fun bubbles.
Awesome pic of the bubble popping.

Christi Hoffman - I am so sorry if I frustrated you, because you could not get a hold of me.=/ I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow! Thanks for your patience. πŸ™‚

Deb Myers - However do you take such incredibly clear sharp pictures???? For example, the bubble pics…what setting did you have your camera on? What lens did you use? Are you Nikon or Canon; what model? Do you have a camera section on your blog dedicated to photography? Maybe with hints and how-to’s? Geese, wish my pics looked like yours!!!! (I’m a Nikon D60 girl) Did you take classes, or just figure out as you went?

Julia - I just have one out of three home so far….I’m so tired I’m shaking and weepy….not sure if I’m going to make it.

Jaime A. - 81 days left.
We only have 67 days left. BOO!
So glad you survived day 1!!

andrea - Awesome pics…how on earth do you get those great bubbles??!! Please share!
πŸ™‚

alicia @ la famille - i’m gonna have to go check out your summer list posts…looks like the cool thing to do. and your first day of summer looks excellent! you’ll have a great summer πŸ™‚

Lari - Congrats! I’m looking forward to the end of school and days like that! 3 more to go…Have a great weekend!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Mean mom…heehee…I can relate to that!

georgia - I goto the 99p shop (uk equivilent of a dolar store) and buy popcorn in a bag, m&m’s and other snacks and put them in my biggest handbag! Then its munchie time once were in!!
Go for it!!!! Although u need a bank loan for the cinema here its about Β£8 a ticket, so roughly $15 a ticket? That’s not normal is it? Lol
Xx

Laura - Can you give us some tips on making those giant bubbles?
I always feel bad when I don’t make “sides” then I think to myself…”do they have a plate of food for pete’s sake?” “YES!”

sara @ it's good to be queen - you can do it! i am so looking forward to all your summer posts…you always give me great ideas to make summer fun. so…thanks! πŸ™‚

Beth - Cleaning and sorting in the art room today, Emma found a paper with a quote I’d written down about moms . . . something about mom’s needing your love too, wish I could find it now. But, anyway, Emma was like . . really mom, a quote from Blue Bloods??? I love it that you find quotes in things like movies and tv shows too πŸ™‚

Kristin Hayne - YOU…. are a fantastic mom….only 81 more days….

Brenda H - Thanks for the I can do it power. I still have 6 more days till they are out and am scared!!!!! Going to school full time this summer too – will be interesting. I will be checking here for inspiration!!

Heidi - You give me hope. πŸ™‚ My summer starts in a week and a half. And we only have 60-ish days. 4 kids (5 on Fridays) and all in different developmental stages.
I can do this too. πŸ™‚

Jen - could you pass some of this warm(er)/summer like weather over to chicago. yesterday it was in the 40’s today, we’re barely pushin’ 60. we’ve been on break for a week & i think we’ve been outside once this week due to cold & rainy weather.
::knocks:: summer, if you’re out there & taking requests…chicago would like some 70* weather! thanks!

jamie - i love your bird pictures. its so neat to watch the babies grow.
haha the bubbles look like a blast

annalea - way to kick it off! i get ya on the pasta and sauce with no side dishes. sometimes it’s just enough.
also, LOVE that line from the movie. totally made me tear up just reading it. i think there are a lot of us that cry every day.
also, we made our summer list this week and the kiddos thought it was the best idea ever. thanks for the inspiration.

katie - that last shot is AWESOME!! not that there was anything wrong with your images before, but you can totally tell that you’re shooting in manual nowadays…
i want to drive to wal-mart right now to get those giant bubble maker things!

Jenna - Love the bubbles! You should try painting rocks tomorrow πŸ™‚
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Shannon - Your first day of summer vacation sounds like it went well and the kids all look happy in those pics! I love that you have the exact number of days left down πŸ™‚

Sarah@this farm family's life - I am so looking forward to this summer, but not the beginning of the school year. Our oldest starts kindergarten….sigh.
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

adrienne - i love the bubbles!! one time when i was counting down the days until summer (i’m a teacher)… my friend told me not to wish my time away. it really stuck with me… so in the nicest, kindest way (really really) i’m passing that along to all moms with kids (big and small) home for the summer.

Denissa - Love the pictures of the bubbles, those are great! I told my boys that we are going to be doing Craft Thursdays all summer! They were actually excited!! YAY!! Off to a good start, first project is painting little birdhouses that I picked up for $1 at Joanns :)Somehow I don’t think we’ll make it to Thursday though?? haha

Amy @ dwell in the season - The photo of Annie blowing on the bubble when it is popping is AMAZING! Nice shot!

Nichole - Mommy birds are hilarious. We had to fill a hole outside so some starlings didn’t move into the wall at our place, and they stood on the fence nearby literally screaming at us. They hadn’t even built a nest yet!
For the record, I was never allowed snacks when I went to the movie theater with my parents. We always had dinner afterward, but the movie theater was a little under an hour away from our home, lol.

April Fontenot - We have a bird nest on our porch too! She just built it Monday. I keep trying to get pics but she flys away every time I open the door and comes back as soon as I close it! May have to take some through the window…Love the bubble pics btw!

danielle burkleo - you can do it!! i have full faith in you, my friend.
i love the bubble pictures.
and i love that you are shedding a tear every day (not so much for your sake but so that i know i am not the only one)
i hope you have a great weekend!!

Holly - Meg, I am dissapointed. I know you have to have a big purse somewhere! haha! My oldest (8th grader) went on a movie field trip and cracked me up because she went to the dollar store and took her big purse! Her friends loved it!
Today is our first day and it is so cold here! Well its in the low 60s but really I was hoping for 80s.

Tangojuliet7 - WOW! I love this blog! I LOVE your daughter’s leopard dress! and I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!
http://www.coffeecleancupcake.blogspot.com

jill - okay, if you can do it with five, then i will be okay with three. πŸ™‚ i’m so ready to see your summer list!!!!

Julie - I have decided that today is my own personal “stop lurking day.” Your blog is awesome. A daily read for me. Can’t wait to see what your summer brings! ; )

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I just had a visual of you running and screaming to the car… it was very, very funny πŸ™‚

Kerry - You go Girl!! love those Huge-normous bubbles!!! x

Alicia - Love the one with your daughter blowing out the bubble…you actually caught it blowing up…very cool!
Happy Summer…I still have 6 days until break…I will take full advantage!

Tammy Sabourin - Ms. Robin looks like she’s got her “wing on her hip” giving attitude. πŸ˜‰
Thanks for your daily updates, Meg. Enjoy every post. πŸ™‚

Kim - Wow! Your kids have a loooooong break! My kids are in school until June 30th and go back right after Labour day. I loved the pics of your peonies. Mine still have yet to bloom….maybe in June?
Oh, and don’t forget “mean” moms are often the best moms.

Necole - Send your “i can do it” vibe to me. My oldest has one week of school left. Then it will be me and three spirited little girls.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - movies w/ no snacks… that just doesn’t seem right. ;o)
I bring my own a lot… you can get the same box candy @ dollar tree or walmart for just $1.00.
You’ll make it!! I just know you will. :o)

Kimberlee Jost - You, me and coconut cream pie.
Happy Summer.
πŸ™‚

brooke - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!
And just remember….”it’s five o’clock somewhere” πŸ™‚

Leah - You CAN do it! Love the bubble pictures too. Oh, and a quesiton: Is it just the three younger ones that partake in your family activities?

tiffany m gardner - me too. i can do this summer thing with 2 big kids (5 and 7 yr) and a 4 month old. yes…i can do this too. looking forward to all your ideas this summer!

donna - hahahaha. i am dying laughing at your opening line…….
“she always looked pissed at me”.

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good times.

after we moved into our first house in Illinois we started hosting our small group.
craig and i were the only couple with kids so it was easiest to meet at our house and get our kids to bed there.
lauren was 4 and scott was 1….i think.
peter was single at that time.
before small group he would come for dinner…play with the kids…hang out….help me pick up and get ready.
those are some really great memories for me.
i loved monday nights.
i miss those days! 

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peter got married and then we moved.  :(
so we have not gotten to know his kids like he knew ours….which is such a bummer.
we see him once or twice a year which is not enough but so much fun to catch up when we do.
they met us at the bean last summer….

he was traveling in kansas for work and came for dinner this week!

after games, talking and dinner and dessert….suddenly our house turned into a WWF event…..

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the noise level when this happens is amazingly loud!
everyone is yelling….the dog starts barking…..it's CRAZY.
but they are all happy and laughing.
no one is being hurt….it's play.
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we told the boys to say goodnight and goodbye to peter…..
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this was their way of saying that.

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ATTACK!!!  
waffle wants to wrestle as much as anyone else.

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good times.

see you in july peter.

 

 

Suzi - I love your chore board, especially “pray” – can you post a close up?

elisa - Waffle, and the look on Peters face- lol

Kimberly - I’ve said it before…and I’ll keep saying it. Your husband is HAWT.

Rachel - I just totally smiled my whole way through that post. Thank you for all that happiness that just spilled across my computer screen πŸ™‚
Your kids are kinda awesome…

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - I miss these kind of things too. We had a good friend like that, who came over all the time. He even came over once when my husband was at work just to show me the deer he shot while hunting LOL! He got married and life moved on. I miss him. Watching him throw my little (not so little anymore) ones around was fun. We have other friends now, of course that wrestle with the kids and it’s still funny to watch (especially since one of them is usually half drunk when he’s doing it haha).
Thanks for sharing….I love reading about and looking at pics of other big families like mine.

julia - Whenever my son starts doing this to his younger sisters I tell them that it’s like he’s saying “I love you” and giving them a big kiss. It always makes him stop.

Carla G - I agree with Mrs. Lamb! I have been sharing birdie pictures with my first grade class and my 8 year old son . . . we are anxiously awaiting pictures of the 3rd birdie! Can’t wait to see how those naked little guys change. So cool!!

Julie - I love Annie’s face in the 4th picture. She looks so determined!

nicole @ deliajude - this is the stuff of great memories.
ps: i love the chore blackboard.

Mindy Harris - craig’s muscles!
*blush*

Sarah @ this farm familys life - That looks like so much fun! But in all the craziness, I am admiring the picture collages on the chalkboard in the background. Super cute! Where did you make them and order them? Please share! Thanks!
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

Christy - these pics made me smile. πŸ™‚ looks like fun!

Lisa - Ahhh! I love good friends. πŸ™‚
We have a couple friends that we only see a couple times a year.
They are so special to our family! I feel blessed that
we have stayed so close even with living far away from each other.

Florpelayo.blogspot.com - I love that your husband joyfully plays along with WWF..
and that your dog wants to join in on the fun πŸ™‚
I dont know how you were able to get such good pics with all the flying bodies going everywhere! haha πŸ™‚
happy home.. love it.

Sugar Mama - Our Labradoodle does the SAME thing when we wrestle. He barks super loudly at the biggest person, like he’s protecting the smaller one. It’s always interesting to see who he chooses to “protect” when my husband and I are wrestling *eyebrow raised*

shelly - I LOVE that we’re not the only crazies with wwf matches like that! The boys usually end up in a hog pile on my husband and he comes roaring up out of them like Thd Arnold in Kindergarten Cop! Cracks me up everytime—thankfully they know that momma don’t play that!

Jessica Johnson - friends like that are the best! also, my kids need to do chores.

Valerie@Chateaualamode.typepad.com - I love stories like that. It’s really what life is all about right?

Alisa - I have been sharing your pictures of your “hatching nest” with my class each day. We printed the pictures and are enjoying the progress of God’s beautiful, amazing creation. My class asked me today if you had posted a picture of all three birds. WE NEED A NEW PICTURE!!!! Please post and tell us how they are doing.
Mrs. Lamb’s Third Grade Class, New Covenant School, Anderson, SC

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - So sweet that you guys still get together! It’s so hard to maintain friendships when everyone’s lives are changing!
Gemma x

Stephanie - Holy moley is that your front door???? I have a thing for front doors, wow that is amazing! Would you be so kind and give us a tour of some of the architectural details of your home? Please, pretty, pretty please!!!!!

Sandy - I love it! I had an uncle that played like Peter. Loved it – so much fun!! I’m glad you and your family got to visit with him.

Holly - your pillows sure are durable,lol! Great pictures!

Michelle - Great pictures meg! When my brother is home (he is in the Army) my boys play with him and my husband just like in your pictures here, they wrestle, and have pillow fights. Love, if you ask me πŸ™‚
Hey I was looking back at the very first posts you did on here, wayyyy back when in 2007, ohhh man, I just love to look back, annie looks so tiny, gosh, they really do grow up fast! Anywho, just wanted to let you know that I loved looking back at your pictures and your posts! I don’t know, I feel like you’re one of my very good friends, that I have never met in real life πŸ™‚
Have a great rest of the week!
–Michelle

ashley jensen - Haha! I love Craig picking Scott up to throw him down. It doesn’t matter that he is 13 and huge, he still does it like he’s 3! And Waffle’s open mouth is too cute. My husband, daughter and just had a wrestling session like this last week! Good times.

april - oh my goodness these pictures made laugh out loud!
1. the beast t-shirt
2. waffle getting into the mix of wrestling…that dog is awesome
3. annie being lifted by the hubs
4. pillows everywhere
good time for sure
xoxo

happygirl - I LOVE how guys show how much they love each other. It’s a little violent and scary, but I LOVE it. Thanks for the pics and I long for a loving small group.

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the weekend.

i was on my own this weekend…..with all the kids.

craig was away with guys from our church.  
at a lake?  in missouri?   or arkansas?  
mostly golfing i think.
i was happy for him to get a break.

really….i was.
i know how badly i need them….so i was happy for him.
if i can keep my attitude in check then a few days on my own holding down the fort is ok.

i took pictures of saturdays good stuff.

i did sleep in.
the benefit of bigger kids….they let you sleep because they don't need things like diaper changes or bottles.
they can turn on the tv and computer by themselves.
they make their own breakfast.

so i get to sleep.

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and they let me get ready in peace for almost an hour!
that rocked.

i snapped a shot that i decided to use as my new profile pic…i have been so happy with that mirror in the kitchen.

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most of the kids finished their chores and it was almost noon.
scott was already gone at his basketball practice.
we dropped off sean at his friend's house.
lauren was still asleep.
the little girls and i went to the nursery.

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annie was dressed for a birthday party.  
she had come into my room and said "don't i look fancy for the party?"  it was boy party!  :)

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my ginormous geranium was my passenger on the way home….
sparkling lemonade….
bloom bag from the pleated poppy!!! 

we dropped annie off at the birthday party (forgot the gift!)
talby and i grabbed groceries at the walmarts.
and a cute swim suit cover up for her.
(and a gift for the party)
then came home and her friend came over.
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my dinner.
 
dinner for everyone else was make-your-own.  (aka: cereal or chicken nuggets)

sean came home.
scott was back.
lauren and her friend came home.
annie came home.
and two more friends showed up.

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lauren announced to the 8 of us that she is making a campfire.

(time for me to join the group instead of listening to everything from the kitchen windows…fire is involved)

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they did it….very well in fact.

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the light was almost gone…..that is the museum that we live next door to behind lauren.

we made smores with reeses.
the marshmallows MAY have had ants in the bag….but we were desperate….. 
people in other countries eat ants right?
it's protein.
right???

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expert fire makers.
we have them to thank for our nice end to the day.
it was great….for real.

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i wrangled in two for baths.
one started her laundry.

i got the three youngest to bed.
the two older watched a movie.
and i crashed.

it was a good day.

i have flowers to plant.
the house is a wreck.
and half the groceries i got are already gone.
i guess that is what happens when 10 kids are in your house in one day….

and it's fine.

perfectly fine.

 

 

Joseph - pleased to meet your blog…
COME VISIT ME…OK…thank you very much

Karen Gerstenberger - I love…
…your haircut…your new blog header…Sonic…Annie’s outfit…the fact that you went with the campfire…the flexibility that you live with…the fact that your sweetie went on a church trip on his own…your blog…your honesty…your faith…your family.

Kimberly - Sometimes that level of chaos is so awesome πŸ™‚

Anne-Marie from CT - I want to be adopted into your family! Your house looks full of love, laughter, fun, and just plain crazy-kid stuff. πŸ™‚
Btw~Your haircut is fantastic!!! So stinkin’cute. luv, luv, luv it!!

Kate - I love this post. It sounds like a wonderful happy weekend of Mom and kids. It just made me smile.
And yes, people eat ants.

Gina - Love this post! You make the ordinary stuff sound great on your blog-things I wouldn’t normally think about blogging but they are so real I keep reading…. and we are alot alike πŸ™‚ when we had our 1st kid, 5 kids (although my youngest is 11 yr step-daughter and my 2 oldest girls already left the nest), photography, scrapbooking, treasure hunting, I even used to sew (a LONG time ago) although I gave my machine to GOODWILL when we moved 6 months ago! I love the new pic – and the mirror in the kitchen! I’ve been hunting at garage sales for cool frames to paint awesome bright colors for my home and for designer framing for my customers…. I hope we get to meet in person one day πŸ™‚

Wendi - My mother in law eats ants. She bought me some ant eggs to eat one time. Kinda sweet πŸ™‚ I went to a bridal shower next door to you over Christmas… it was fancy yet cozy. Sounds like a great yet full day!

Aimee - Wow, that day gave me chills. Perfection. I can’t wait until we establish nearby friend relationships like that.
And you hit the nail on the head about one of the best parts of kids getting older. I LOVE that they can take care of themselves in the morning. Love, loooooooooove it!!!!!

Kat - Sounds like a great Saturday. (always good to hear what others do on their weekends. I always feel with 4 young kids like I spend lots of time doing washing, feeding kids and more of the same iykwim?)
Sounds like you juggled it all well!
It’s nice to see Lauren hanging at home with the family and wanting to make a campfire to share.

Kristin S - Seriously, your random posts are my fave. I think I’m sick of saying this every time you post random! But it is true. So there.

julia - soooo, who’s Lauren’s “friend”?

Risa - This made me smile! SO. MUCH.

casey - your pictures made me happy;0. love smores, love the giant glasses, love your snapshot of your self in that awesome mirror! Great captures!

danielle - love the smores with reeses…campfire is in order for me and my man after the boys are in bed friday night.

karen - Great profile pic! looked like such a nice weekend.
i want to be in a greenhouse right now!
Here in Toronto…spring has barely sprung.
off to get some left over chocolate from Easter and scoop up some peanut butter πŸ™‚

Laura Phelps - i love a house full of kids
and i love lauren in these pictures
love that she started a fire
the good kind πŸ™‚

Su@The Intentional Home - I am sure you have heard the quote:
If your children spend
most of their time
in other people’s houses,
you’re lucky;
if they all congregate
at your house,
you’re blessed.
You are indeed blessed. . .10 kids!!

jennie - sounds like a picture perfect day. how nice that it’s in print, to be remembered forever.

Jessica Johnson - mac + great lash = all you need in life. my make-up bag looks identical.

regina - i LOVE how real you are!!!!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - chocolate+peanut butter = PERFECTION! Love it!

se7en - Oh fun!!! You have such a great attitude – love it!!!

Sarah@this farm family's life - sounds like a fabulous weekend! I am so jealous that you all are in shorts…it is still cold here.

happygirl - Such a fun Saturday. Love the new profile pic. and, I’ll eat s’mores if they have Reeses AND ants. Not just ants.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Where do I start? Profile pic…LOVE, Craig away…sad, you took care of the whole family by yourself…awesome, S’mores with Reese’s…sounds like a plan, out of groceries already…sounds like my house πŸ™‚

Danielle - Sounds lovely! I love your bag from the pleated poppy, might have to get one for myself, it’s almost Mother’s Day so I can justify it, right?:) I miss Sonic:( We don’t have one close, literally like an hour and a half away. So when my husband is on that side of town he goes to Sonic and buys me two bags of the crushed ice so I can make believe for awhile. I might need to buy some styrofoam cups to get the full effect. Have a great day!

Amanda - Phew! I’m so glad that things went so well (or they didn’t and you just chose to not tell us about that)!
Reeses smores sound wonderful.

Samantha - Maybe Lake of the Ozarks? Heck I wouldn’t know living in Missouri just a little over a month. Just know from what my grandparents told me that the place they are staying at the Ozarks has a golf course lol.

Jennifer S. - These are the days that I am looking forward to…my kids and all their friends in and out all day long. I love having a house full of people all the time and the kids and their friends are going to be apart of that.

sara @ it's good to be queen - s’mores with reeces?! i. die.

Diana - Part of my ancestry is in that museum next door to you. Such a great heritage. Yeah, I cannot lie, I’m proud of that. πŸ™‚
Flowers so pretty. Gardening… my #1 interest. Too bad winter interferes. LOL!

Alicia @ La Famille - what a nice saturday. and how sweet of you to let your hubby have a break while you took over. i think it’s harder for moms sometimes because we’re with the kids all the time, so we think we’re the only ones in need of a break…at least that’s how i feel πŸ™‚ (most of the time) you’re a sweet mama!

Julia - Sounds like an awesomely exhausting day. I have two little ones (2 1/2 and 4 months) and I not-so-secretly hope when they get bigger, that our house will be the ‘hub’ of kid activity.

Molly - Talby is so cool!!

Cindy B - So fun! Last night I was supposed to go to the movies with my book club, but my 12 year son said, “You’re not coming to my game, Mom?” So I changed my plans because those days will be gone too soon. My 16 year old has her friends over for lunch every day and I am always running out of food too! That’s what Costco and Walmart are for!
You’re looking skinny must be Jillian at work!
Cindy

Cindy - This all sounds so good! Love the smores photos! Makes me long for summer nights. Can’t wait for our frosts to be done. For good. I want to head to the nursery for plants! Thank you for this post. It lifted my spirits and reminded me that groceries that are just purchased and so quickly gone means that there is a house full of loved ones around me.

Jes - That brings me back to summer nights being a kid (except we never had reese’s smores!) Your kids are all so beautiful and unique πŸ™‚
And I am very interested in that Museum next door (wonder what sort of treasures are inside), and how cool that would be for a neighbor!

shelly - What a blessed weekend—for everyone around!!!
I want that..to be the friend hangout (and maybe the museum behind you–loks gorg!)

Kim - um, s’mores with reeses? i just died.
it is a good thing i don’t have easy access to a fire pit right now… πŸ™‚

katie Phillips - Thank you for making me smile today! πŸ™‚ I love all of this…it makes the inside of my ears warm and fuzzy! (that is a good thing!)

Kacey - So that’s what life with 5 kids is like – busy busy busy! And I think my two boys wear me out…
Honestly, it sounded lovely to me. Lots of kids around and a happy house. I love it when you document your days!
Kacey
P.S. Love the new profile pic!

Amy - We are going camping at East Lake this weekend and I CAN’T forget to pack the smores!!

Lisa - I love a house full of my kids and their friends! So fun. Loved that you ate marshmallows with ants! hahaha I would totally just flick them off and go for it! The heat of the fire would kill any germs right?! πŸ˜‰

Ashlyn - I am with you on the sleep. If I can sleep in on the weekend, I am much happier and ready to drive everyone to & fro!
Love your pleated poppy and what is better than a Sonic drink?
xo

Courtney Walsh - wait. what? S’mores with REESES? Are you KIDDING? I have never even considered that but now I won’t rest till we try them!
And the sleeping in part made me hate you a little. But only for a fleeting second. πŸ™‚
Also, your bag from pleated poppy?? LOVE.
Your hair? Love.
Fancy Annie? Love.
πŸ™‚

kristy - I’d like you to know, the only thing I heard in this post was “when the kids are older, you get sleep”. Thank you for giving me hope!!!!!! πŸ™‚ And can I live next door to you?

Georgia - My mum has 3 kids, me being one of them, and quite regulary when i go over there ,y 17yr old brother has about 6 mates round all playing xbox in his tiny bedroom, and my sister will have 3 mates round sitting watching a dvd in the lounge.
My mum is so laid back, her motto is as long as you have fun, and your safe thats all that matters πŸ™‚
(even if she is re-stocking the fridge and cleaning for days afterwards… hehe)

Holly - I recognize your saturday! It sounds similar to mine! We live right in front of the ball fields in our town so we always have kids coming over…..and eating of course!

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - LOL, can’t believe you guys ate ants (maybe?) I would’ve freaked out!
My kids used to let me sleep in like that too, but now the two youngest boys fight every morning until I wake up and separate them….then I can’t fall back asleep…totally sucks!
Looks like everyone survived and had fun!

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Sounds like a fab day…I am in love with campfires and s’mores at the moment. It’s part of my summer rital!
Gemma x

valerie - Love your Blog! The pictures in this post are getting me hungry for summer. I have the same thing, flats and flats of flowers just waiting to get some love.

sara@augustfields - megan….you look FABULOUS in that picture! i can not wait to start planting flowers…we have to wait a few more weeks….
i loved your video too πŸ™‚ i did my first video a couple of weeks ago…
hope you have more days like this ahead!

BriBedell - Sounds like a good day to me! I often wonder now how my parents could afford to feed us 6 kids and all our friends….CRAZY!!!

Heather - Mmmmmm. What was your dinner?

MaryLea @ pink and green mama - Sound perfect and I would say that by toasting/roasting the marshmallows those ants didn’t stand a chance! Love the new profile pic and your cute hair-do!! Inspired by your daughter’s haircut last week I think I’ve convinced “C” to let me chop hers off into a short bob again for this summer.
xoxo MaryLea

Ana M - do simple and mundane things are always the best…specially with family…thanks for sharing these moments…

Cathy - what is your yummy looking lunch?

Catherine - I love hearing how similar our times can be! I only have 3 but ages range 17, 12,and 7. 2 boys and a baby girl. Our summers are like that, kids coming and going and just a good time. Don’t you love having kids that are so self sufficient!?

april - Love the new profile pic….sooo cute!
xoxo

Sugar Mama - I loved this entire post, but what caught my attention the most was “half the groceries are already gone….” That has been my life lately with older boys and their friends over at the house. I spent $400 at Costco less than 2 weeks ago and almost ALL of the food is gone!
Life is good. And I like that their friends hang out at our house. And I love that my kids have good friends.
(but do they HAVE to eat all of the food? can’t they bring some from their own home to share?)

ashley jensen - Smores with Reeses???? That sounds awesome. Now I will just have to remember to do that the next time we go camping! I noticed that your tree stump seats and picnic table is paineted with bright colors too!

Molly Pearce - Sounds like a super fun weekend!!! I will have to try smores with Reeses’, thats my hubs favorite candy πŸ™‚
~Molly P

Melanie - Sounds like a great weekend:)

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one more set of spring break 2011.

these are from a month ago but i got distracted and forgot to share!

chicago jen and dave got to try ROY'S BBQ.

we crowded into the suburban and headed out to Hutchinson.
craig was at work and i was in charge of getting us there….it was interesting.
we took the scenic route.
ha! 

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we got to sit at the big red table in the front room!
it's always full.
the kids loved the circle.

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approved.
they loved it.
i am so glad they did.
how embarrassing if they had not liked it….after all the hype we've given it all these years.
if your live around here surely you have been here.
it's so good.
SO GOOD.

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for my awesome video i chose one the kids favorite songs from our michigan vacation 2010….enjoy.

it's a fabulous video right???

 

after ROYS we went the Kansas Cosmosphere.
another big hit for the chicagoans.
we paid for many hours to be there and i was really nervous it was going to be a a bomb but they all loved it!
my kids learned a lot….loved the science shows….a month later they are still quoting the guy from the
constellation show.  
"the armpit" 

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annie drew this when we got home.  
complete with justin bieber lyrics….it's all of us in front of the rocket at the cosmosphere.

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played a lot of foozball, pool and ping pong.

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two goobers.
in matching shirts.

miss you chicago jen!!!

can't we just visit each other every month???

 

 

Heidi Jo the Artist - Love the super big RED round table. I don’t like our oblong dining room table and have been thinking it would be awesome to replace with a round table, so everyone can see and talk with each other better, love it, especially in RED!
Kansas Cosmosphere here we come, well sometime. My son loves astronomy and this would be a perfect adventure for us. Not sure if we will be able to fit it into our summer though, booked pretty solid already and summer hasn’t even started yet!! Will be going on a tour here in May: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/testfacilities/plumbrook.html
Great video and matching shirts too!

Kathy - Have you ever printed your blog into book form? If you have, what are your recommendations on who to use? Thanks!

Valerie @ Chateau a La Mode - What would we do without super duper friends?!

Julie - I want to go to Roy’s. Bad. I want that big crazy red table.
Can you make those things happen?

Jennifer - Good girlfriends are the best! What a great friendship you have and what a gift to show your children what friendship looks like!

robin - your Annie reminds me so much of my daughter (looks and facial expressions) that when I see her on your blog, she makes me smile just from the similarities!
Cute video for sure.

Steph - We have recently moved and though I have struggled immensely, I realize that some deeply treasured friendships can handle long distance. Every time I see pictures of Chicago Jen and her fam, I am reminded of my California Kristen! Love it! Thanks for sharing!!

Dawn - Looks like a great time. The pictures were so funny of Annie. Too cute.

kat - These pictures are so cute!! I wish I could visit my best friends every month too!!!

Danielle - Annie is so stinkin’ cute:)

melanie - those polka dot shirts are super cute, where did you get them? I love memory making. thanks for sharing it with us.

Charlotte - looks like so much fun…what a blessing to have such a dear friend..you & Chicago Jen are very lucky ladies! Such precious kiddos too. thanks for sharing…love the video and the girls in the matching shirts!

Holly - Looks like yall had so much fun! We have Carl’s Perfect Pig here! It is YUMMO!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - fun fun fun. Love the girls in their matching shirts. And if I ever get the chance to come visit you in Kansas can you please take me to ROY’s? Im starving right now and wanted to lick my screen!It looks soooo good.
xo,
Sarah

pam - If you haven’t done it yet check out the Underground Salt Museum. It’s out by the BIGGEST grain elevator. http://www.undergroundmuseum.org/index.php We’ve never taken anyone to the Cosmosphere who has been disappointed. We still go to Hog Wild when we visit my parents. Dad talks about Roy’s but it’s never open when we’re there…..

Staci - So very fun!

Iris - Love the pictures at Roy’s BBQ. I live in Northern Canada, but have friends in Hillsboro, so when I went to visit a few years ago, they took me to Roy’s. YUM!! All friends should share Roy’s with their friends πŸ™‚

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - YAY! I get to see my Chicago Jen TONIGHT! Flying to Dallas to surprise a college roomies for her b-day. We are meeting at DFW and finding a place to laugh all night long!

Sarah@this farm family's life - Love good friends!

happygirl - This just looks like so much FUN. I can’t believe you were nervous. In real estate it’s LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. With visitors it’s the FRIENDSHIP the FRIENDSHIP the FRIENDSHIP.

Heather R. - Need to check out that BBQ joint and the Cosmo place! They might make our summer list. πŸ™‚ Love the video. Can’t believe how much Chicago Jen’s kids resemble them. Cute.

Kimberlee Jost - Thank you for making me WISH that the first grade field trip was to Roys. πŸ™‚

Carol S - Loved the video and the pictures and Roy’s looks fabulous! That toasted bread alone looks worth the trip. Could your son take a bigger bite next time? Happy times, thank you God for good friends and family and bbq sandwiches! Have a wonderful Wednesday Meg!

Terrie G - I hate to admit it, but I’ve lived here a year and I’m not sure I’ve even heard of Roy’s BBQ. Maybe my boys have been there. I’m sure we’ll check it out soon.
I recognized exactly where you were in Annie’s picture…I drive by it enough! πŸ™‚
And I think I’ll go download the original version of that song so I don’t have the chipmunks in my head all day long. Cute video! πŸ™‚

Julia - What a fun time. Could I please borrow Chicago Jen?
Kat…enjoy your last good year. Just kidding.
Maybe

Kat - Cute pics, esp of Annie and friend!
My kids also love that song and so do I, although maybe not the chipmunk version, lol.
Just want to say that it is my b’day today. Last year of being 39! Eek.
Hope your day is going well and that you get to see Chicago Jen again soon.
I won’t get to see my bestie until I turn 40, a whole year away.

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yeah man that’s the good stuff……

have you heard that song?
it's old.
and twangy.

and the video was just too corny to put on this post….but i like that song.
i just wish kenny chesney would not look into the camera so much and then look away….and back.
makes me feel uncomfortable.

anyways….
i like that song because regular life…friday nights….grilling…homemade ice cream…eating outside.
that's the good stuff. 

we've had a good couple of days.
craig had a birthday.

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i made him a peanut butter cake with peanut butter frosting.
yum. 
i wouldn't make the same cake next time (a little dry) but it was still good….seriously.
i am definitely on the hunt now for an awesome peanut butter cake recipe.

this one   or   this one look worth the the time FOR SURE. 

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some homemade cards….and wrestling.

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this photo says so much….
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we got him an old fashioned ice cream maker!
and he was surprised (he says) and really happy.
craig loves ice cream….a lot.
we couldn't wait more than a day to use it.
why would we?

yesterday was a beautiful night so we ate outside…first time this year.
we live next door to a museum so we get to look into their pretty yard when we eat outside.
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waffle was really wanting to be with us….so he could sneak some food.
 
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i am so ready for the warm weather.

yeah….the kids were so hyper….fighting and crying.
and loud.
the burgers burnt.
someone got sent to their room after we prayed.
one child never showed.

it was not a perfect night.
but it IS the good stuff.
it is the kind of night that you are grateful…for normal….for noise….for love….for time together

for sticking it out.

that's the good stuff.

 

 

Honey - MMM birthday cake! I’m with ya! In fact, if I weren’t so broke I would go buy a cake and eat it in your name. But, pay day isn’t til Thursday and I don’t think Matt would let me buy a whole cake just to eat by myelsf what a pooey. But anyways, know that I am eating a cake with you in theory, just not literally. My ass would not forgive me HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Was Craig’s birthday on the 22nd? Because thats when I was celebrating too!:) Actually I spent 3/4 of my day on the couch with a terrible migraine. But my weekend got better. As you say, not perfect. But good stuff.
And that cake looks amazing! I dont even like cake but THAT one I would totally try!
XO,
Sarah

Heather G. - YUM! Now I have to go raid my girl’s Easter candy for a peanut butter cup!

crystal b. - P.S. I love that your door is Lilac. Oh how I wish I could have one of those. Curse the homeowner’s association. πŸ™‚

crystal b. - My friend, it just so happens that I DO have a recipe for peanut butter cake. However, the cake is chocolate, and the frosting and filling are peanut butter. Are you interested. It is awesome.
And, I’m oh so happy to share it with a fellow April-arian. πŸ™‚ Happy Birthday to Craig. πŸ™‚

Short, Sweet Season - Oh my gosh, the comment about Kenny Chesney making you uncomfortable by looking back at the camera cracked me up. I spewed my coffee. Hilarious!

Heidi Jo the Artist - Happy Bday to your hubby! The cake looked super awesome and I’m sure my husband would love it. I’m not a big fan of pb. Ah yum on the homemade ice cream, we need to make that too!!
Can’s wait to eat outside this summer. We had one picnic at a park this spring but it turned into a super windy and chilly picnic. Yesterday though, was probably one of the nicest Easter’s weather wise we’ve had in a long time.

jennie - beautiful post.

natalie (the sweets life) - I’ve made the smitten kitchen cake and it really is as amazing as it looks!! (I skipped the ganache and decorated with reese’s pb cups)

marta - you are a girl after my own heart. that cake looks really amazing. what a cute wife you are. love all the family shots. you truly inspire me. xo.

Jennie brewer - You have to try a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing….yum yum yum!! Hope y’all had a wonderful Easter. He is risen! Hallelujah!!

Amanda - Really good stuff!!! You and your family are so inspiring! Happy Easter.

linda@limein the coconut - Heartwarming and beautiful post. How do you always do that??
And boy do I have a peanut butter cake recipe for ya…
I dare you… http://coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com/2009/09/prayer-in-form-of-peanut-butter-and.html

Jen - I’ve never seen such a big tub of PB. Wow!
Can you believe there is not one single PB & chocolate combination on the market down here in Australia? Not one… only imported from you guys.
Even if dry, that cake looks amazing
Happy birthday Mr. Meg. πŸ™‚

mulberrytreehouse - God bless your family, and Happy Easter! What a fantastic cake! I agree – even the best moments in our family aren’t ever completely perfect. But they make us so glad we stuck it out through the worst moments!

Tami - This post brought a big smile to my face! Thanks, I needed that!

hannah - Happy birthday Craig! With a cake like that AND an ice cream maker, I’m sure his birthday was fantastic!! πŸ˜€
I see your picture of him and your girls and smile. I feel for you, as it must be hard to see Lauren so distant. She’ll come around, and she’ll realize you’re the smartest person in the world. I’m only 20, and every day I realize more and more how smart my mother is. Life at that age is so confusing and emotional, something you know, you were a teenage girl. I pray for you, and I pray for your heart to remain strong. Your daughter loves you so much, and she, deep down, knows that you and her dad are the greatest people in the world. You’re a great mother, that’s something I can tell, and I know that Lauren thinks the world of you. It’ll just take some time for her to figure that out for herself.
Have a very happy Easter πŸ™‚

the.mrs - Can you say YUM?! πŸ™‚ Oh, and those pictures reminded me of the new reese’s mini pb cups. SO good that I don’t even share them with my kids! ha!!

Stephanie - I make my daughter a chocolate cake (hersheys) with a peanut butter cream cheese frosting and a chocolate ganache every year. Im sure its going to kill us but boy is it good

Laura J - Umm… that cake looks amazing! Pleeeeeease do a tutorial. Mine never turn out that pretty… even remotely. I am also curious to see if your having the layers iced while in the cake pan makes it easier.
πŸ™‚

Life with Kaishon - I love it.
The cake that was a little too dry.
The cakes that have possibilities.
The smile and the ears of corn.
The birthday love.
Your life.
Beautiful!

Melanie - I haven’t stopped by much this year. Been on a little computer break but I just want to say that Talby is looking so much older:) TIme is passing by so quickly. Hope you got to use your hot chocolate machine this winter since it has been a really long one:)

Deputy's Wife - Meg, you make me feel so much better! It is nice to know my kids are not the only ones…
We are sitting here in the family room watching tv and the boys are bickering. Bickering for what seems like forever, but really most of the day. Ugh.
It is early bed tonight so we can have happy faces for Easter service.
I am hoping for the best. Happy Easter!

lauren - did you see that research about how one of the biggest predictors of long life is your attitude and outlook? contentment, positivity, LOW expectations.. πŸ™‚ it’s like money in the bank. πŸ™‚ that night sounds normal.. and fabulous. πŸ™‚

Chaos-Jamie - We drove by last night and saw your party. I hoped I’d get to see what it was all about. One of these days, when it isn’t a blizzard or I don’t have people in my car you don’t know, I’ll probably crash your party.

Valerie @ Chateau a La Mode - Love your peanut butter cake, love that you made Craig a picnic outside, love that your family is not perfect just like everybody else, love that you love your family and that there’s nothing better…so true!

Mindy - i meant 6-7 not 607!

Mindy - cute pictures. nothing like seeing a daddy dote on his daughters. we’ve eaten outside probably 607 times. it’s hard to be grouchy about dinner (for some reason i always get stressed about dinner) when you’re eating outside.
that’s the kind of ice cream maker my dad always used. makes splendid ice cream!

Lisa - You captured it all so well in this post. Such a good reminder. πŸ™‚ PS- is your back door lavender? Seriously love that!

Kimberlee Jost - I am making myself a pb cake for my birthday.
I kid you not.
I am.
Happy Birthday to the ice cream King!

Erin Leigh - love remembering the good stuff even when it’s not perfect. it’s messy & real life & i’m gonna make one of those cakes. my husband loves peanut butter.

beckyk - GET THEE to Smitten Kitchen and make that cake NOW for sure! It’s become my (borrowed) signature cake – I’ve made it at least 4 times this last year by request. It’s sooo rich and wonderful. Makes a nice 6 inch four layer too. Enjoy!

Laura Phelps - I love the after prayer fight so much
we usually fight MID prayer..
who gets to lead..that sort of thing
try that, you know, to shake things up…
and I am guessing it wasn’t Annie that didn’t show πŸ™‚
LIFE
it is awesome
Happy Birthday Craig! We should celebrate together next year…my birthday is tomorrow!
(anything to get back to you and Kansas…:-) )

Sarah@this farm family's life - the food looks yummy, but that cold beer really made my mouth water in that last photo.

lauren - sorry…meant ‘wander.’ you wil ‘wonder’ how you’ll survive, but you will.

lauren - laughed out loud at the picture of dad and his daughters. they are all beautiful and she will come around. of course, when she does, another will wonder off into that teenage netherworld…that, believe it or not, is all part of the good stuff too.

Jes - I am inspired!! And so are my taste buds- I am also going to eat peanut butter straight out of the jar πŸ™‚
I also have gotten some of my inspiration for my new (just posted for the first time) blog from Whatever. I also have gotten a lot of entertainment and laughs
thanks πŸ™‚
oh here’s my ‘hot of the press’ blog(i sort of feel like a new mom hahaa)
http://somewhereoverthelaundrypile.blogspot.com/

Jenn - Sounds perfectly normal to me and very awesome! I love eating outside. Its already getting too hot on some night to do that here (Texas). I love homemade ice cream.

Southern Gal - Happy Birthday to Craig! “The Good Stuff” is my daughter’s favorite song. Any recipe from Smitten Kitchen is going to be delicious. Promise. All the men in my house LOVE peanut butter so I’m seriously going to have to try one for them. Normal everyday good stuff.

Amy @ dwell in the season - How sweet, what a wonderful reminder that even if it isn’t “perfect” it IS the GOOD stuff. And that peanut butter cake… YUM. Do you have any left? πŸ™‚
-Amy

Beth - you are so real. i love that.

se7en - Oh happy celebrating… love your real live family… the ups and downs are so real and true and perfect!!! Have a great long weekend!!!

Jessi - This post got me all…choked up… πŸ™‚

Hannah - That cake looks incredible! I’ve only ever tried peanut butter & chocolate cookies – never peanut butter cake – I think I might just have to give it a go. Thanks for the links to a couple of recipes – it’s always helpful to be pointed in the right direction : )

Sara - I always love eating outside…makes any meal better. πŸ™‚

erin - smitten kitchen’s chocolate peanut butter cake won’t dissappiont. i made myself one for my own birthday last year, and hate to admit it, but its a tradition i plan to keep going!! so moist that following her tips will make it easier. off to dig into some peanut butter cups to ward off my craving of the cake!

Emily - All. So. Wonderful.
Thanks for keeping it real. Love you, blogger friend.

Taiya - Looks like you all had a fantastic evening! All of your food looks delicious! πŸ™‚
I also made my husband a PB cake for his birthday, but I just put cream cheese frosting on it, but it was pretty dry, so if you find a moist PB cake recipe, please post it! πŸ™‚

Alissa - You are so right! Love this post!

Sara - Is your back door lavender? I just fell in love with your house all over again!!!

Denissa - The cake looks awesome! Sounds exactly how our night would go too! πŸ™‚

Daniele Valois - holy peanut butter cake!!! That is a very impressive looking cake! …I just love that you included that the night was not perfect, but still good! oh life…

april - Awwwww…..poor waffle…..hahahaha
love that picture
april
xoxo

Beth - Amen!

Jennifer - The cake looks wonderful, Meg. My husband LOVES Reece’s Peanut Butter cups. I’ll have to try this one out. I love how you share that “it was not a perfect night”–yet it sounds it was good family time together. That is what being a family is all about…the good times, the bad times and yeah–some down right ugly times every once in a while. At least you guys got to pray together before someone was sent to their room! πŸ˜‰ Love this post…
Hugs….

Terrie - Loved your cake! And with Homemade ice cream! YuM!! We are having homemade ice cream tonight for Easter with my hubba’s side of the family! Can’t wait!! I have a wonderful recipe for pb cake! I should blog about it sometime…it may be awhile. It seems life has kicked into super hyper drive this week…I haven’t even had time to blog about my new craft room! My husband is getting on me about it too! LOL!! So, maybe I should just e-mail the recipe to you! πŸ™‚

happygirl - Family, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. πŸ™‚ I love peanut butter PIE!!!

Lisa Currie-Gurney - GOOD STUFF ALRIGHT!!!
HUGS FROM MY HEART
http://sophiemyfriend.blogspot.com/

michelle - happy birthday to Craig! oh yes, we have so much to be thankful for… even the hard parts. your post is a good reminder as i start my day. thank you πŸ™‚

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