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sunday morning.

February 23, 2014

well… i am writing from starbucks this morning.
talby has a volleyball tournament again and she has a two game break so i snuck over here for wifi.
and coffee of course.

this is talby’s first time playing club volleyball.
it is good for her… she seems to like it a bunch… great group of girls. 🙂
we were all together for a few of her games last weekend… that’s FUN!

and my week continued on with basketball games.
they are still undefeated! Pretty excited for these boys! Can’t wait to see how far they can take it this year.
update on the 21 Day FIX… i AM LOVING it!
for the first time in my life i think possibly i have worked out seven days straight?!
whaaaaat?
the workouts are only 30 minutes!
the meal plan – i rocked it.
i posted my plan earlier last week and i am going to make my week 2 meal plan today.
i will share it again and i will answer a couple of questions i had about meal planning with kids in mind also.

i thought an all hot pink workout gear day was necessary for yesterday.
i needed some motivation since i didn’t do my workout in the morning… i kept putting it off.
so PINK to the rescue!

stanley is the most patient and fun little puppy!
PicMonkey Collage stan1 stan2 stan3
he just loves attention of any kind… even if it means dancing to annie’s sing-a-long.

ok…. gotta get back for the next game.
have a SUPER sunday!

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Heather - Um you look so skinny I thought that. Selfie was Lauren. 🙂

Lisa - We spent all weekend at my 12 yr olds volleyball tournament too. We love watching her play! They lost in the championship which was hard. She had some tears over that. Fun to watch them play so hard! And glad she loves the game enough to care! Glad you had all the family there for some of it! So fun to all be together cheering on their sister!

Mindy - You are a great motivator with sticking to your healthy routine! I love the pictures with the dog. I have to admit to dancing with a patient doggie a time of two myself : )

Library Momma - Legs look great! Good for you!!

Carrie - I have never noticed how much you and Lauren look alike until the family picture of you all, and then the pink picture of you. With your hair back, you two are twins! 🙂

Lisa - I think it’s great that your whole family goes to each member’s games/events! A supportive family is awesome! 🙂

Jessica R - I was reading blogs this morning (and delaying my workout) and when I got to your review of 21Fix and your picture, I immediately put down my iPad, changed into my workout clothes and went for a run. True story. THANK YOU for the inspiration. You look so great!

Tiffany - ^^That’s Congrats!^^

Tiffany - Gongrats on 7 days. Do I hear 7 more? Good luck to you.

Aimee D - Meg, you are looking super skinny these days! I mean in a good way. lol

Stacy P. - LOVE volleyball! And I love Stanley. 🙂

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snow day and a recipe

February 5, 2014

i have had times where i dread a snow day but i was actually excited about this one.
it was as if we had the time for a break.
that is kind of sad but it is true. I was caught up enough that i was excited for a snow day.

first off… we made hot chocolate donuts.
snow6 this was our recipe…. a boxed cake mix we had in the cabinet. Two mixes actually. the marshmallow frosting comes in the box. and we have a donut pan. AND a few weeks ago my little girls BEGGED for the Mallow Bits so it was perfectly meant to be on our snow day! donut we each just watched it snow all day long while still in our jammies. snow3 oh these dogs. they LOVE this stuff!we finally ventured out of the house at 4:00. it was so beautiful! snow7 “HEY MOM!!! I”M CLEANING THE FENCE FOR YOU!”
thanks sweetie. it had really been bothering me how “messy” it was. ha ha ha
snow1 doesn’t he look like bigfoot combined with the abominable snowman?! snow4 snow2 we wore this guy OUT!

for dinner i looked through my computer for something yummy to make.
and looked.
and looked.
snow8 snow9 between a bunch of different recipes… i threw this soup together and it was YUMMY!!!
we made bread to dip in it too.
seriously…SO GOOD.
ALL of my kids ate their whole bowl…. WITH VEGETABLES IN IT!

you could add broccoli too or other veggies.
i didn’t put the peas in since i knew i pushing it big time with the celery AND carrots in one pot.
but maybe next time they can handle it.

it was delicious comfort food after playing out in the snow.

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katey - Oh the snow looks wonderful!!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that Alabama will get at least one snow this year. And the soup looks great!! Will have to try that one because the family can only take Chili and Veggie Beef so many times in one winter. Thanks.

Mindy - What wonderful fun topped off by homemade soup – the best!

Shelby Shreck-Beck - Looking through the pictures makes me smile and I so wish I had your skills for taking pictures! Your girls are beautiful, your boys are handsome and your dogs are so stinkin cute!!! Thank you for putting a smile on my face! Oh, I love snow days too!

Deb Meyers - i just knew you’d buy the green-lidded tin at Target (seen in picture with Sean). 🙂

deb meyers

Lisa - Great pictures! We got a lot of snow today but no snow day… boo! 😉 And that soup looks so yummy!

Andrea - What a great snow day. Your dogs had as much or more fun than all of you! that Waffle looked like he was in heaven!

Kimber-Leigh - what a gorgeous snow day! and that soup sounds delicious!

Tiffany - You create such stunning pictures of every-day life. I love it. I’m amazed by your winters down there. Weren’t you out taking pics without jackets and no snow on the ground at you last CW, and now this much snow?! I guess MN is so different. Once it snows it stays for a good 5 months. Plus there is no way we would be out without jackets. (-10 degrees air temp as I type.)

PS- That recipe sounds so yummy! I’m going to have to try that one. Hummm… maybe tonight. I think I have everything. What would be the chances of that?!

Heather - You take the best pictures!

kim - i havvvvvvvve to be honest. i’m super jealous of this snow day.
as much as i am enjoying our wintersummer, this looked all kinds of magical. what i wouldn’t give to be cooped up in my house for a full day or two, enjoying cocoa and donuts. 🙂

thrilled to see you guys making the most of it, and the pups too. i can’t get enough of them!

Michelle K. - Love seeing all your pics, especially of the ones with the dogs playing…they are absolutely adorable.
Now a question for you, do you do anything to protect your camera when taking pictures in the snow? I love taking outside pictures, but have been afraid since my camera once malfunctioned because of snow/water getting into it.

Kim Barlow - I love the pic of Annie by the big tree. It’s so sweet.

danielle - Looks like a perfect snow day! We are a little farther south than you I only dream of that much snow. Thanks for the yummy looking recipe! I am cold right now and that looks really good!

ira lee - those donuts look so yummy!! as does the soup!!! and you are right, it was beautiful in that snow!!

Suzette - Meg, I love you and I love your blog! Don’t ever change!

Penny - Oh, that sweet Waffle! He is perfect! The new little guy is pretty cute, too. We love snow days and have had our share. 7 so far! I work at the local middle school, so snow days are days off for me! I love how you captured these great memories for your kids! I wish I had pictures of times like that when I was young!

Julie - That looks like a lot of snow and a lot of cold. I think I would love to be able to experience playing outside in the snow like that at least once in my life. I am very much a summer girl though. Those dogs of your look like they are having an absolute ball. Keep warm.

Pamela Gordon - Wow, you had a great snow day there. It looks beautiful and I loved seeing the pics of the kids and the dogs out playing in the snow. Fun! The soup looks delicious and easy. Pamela

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life… it’s good.

January 1, 2014

(these are all Instagram pics from 2013)

there is no denying that life is good.

2014 is already looking like it’s going to be a pretty awesome year.

do you pick a word for the year? i haven’t officially done it in the past but this year i feel ready.

i think i know what mine is….

you will probably roll your eyes.

i will tell you tomorrow.

and i want you to share yours.

🙂

and hey… thanks for reading this little bloggity blog.
i appreciate it.
and thanks for all the encouraging comments and emails you send to me.
you are awesome.

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Sharon Kindall - I love all of the pictures of your family life! Waffle is so adorable and so is your new puppy! Thank you for a fun and inspiring blog. sharon

Deborah - Love the pics! This is totally off subject though…please tell me where you have gotten all the cute scarves with polka dots on them that you are shown wearing (I LOVE them!)

megan - What a beautiful year! And thanks for your constant inspiration for all of us to be colorful, fun, healthy, and focused on God. Your ramblings (I mean that in a good way!) about these do not go unnoticed. Thanks and keep it up!

Mindy - I always enjoy the bit of sunshine your blog provides each time I visit. Looking forward to 2014 and more of the same (although even if it weren’t all sunshine I would have to check up on those cute chickens!). Happy New Year!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. You are the most photogenic person I know.
2. I miss seeing Cory in a tie.
3. And without that chin thing happening right now…
4. Those lockers!!! Dang you, Jeremy! (Was that his name?)

Rachel - I have a print just like this of a ton of my insta pics in our living room from a small company based in San Francisco and I love it. It’s like seeing a snap shot of your whole year in one print and it makes me smile every time I walk passed it.

Janine - I’ve been doing the one word resolution for a few years now and I have to say, I love it. A few years ago the word was “forgiveness” which was probably the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Last year’s word was “Change” and boy did we ever. This year’s word is “Improvement”. Health, body, mind, soul, house, relationships, etc. We’ll see how that goes. I love seeing the other words chosen.

karen - Hi Meg, I love your colorful blog and all the smiles, they make me smile, too. 🙂 My word is “gravity” as it reminds me how Jesus holds everything together, even when the world seems to be falling apart (and I did see the movie, too…) Happy, happy New Year!!

Ashley - I always love seeing your end of year posts…full of so many happy photos. Also…I miss you. Come visit me.

Melissa - My word is seek. I am seeking health, happiness, better relationship with God and anything else I can think of.
Thanks for all the inspiration throughout the year!

Michelle - My word for 2014 is “enough.”

Anne - My word for this year is FOCUS. I’ve never picked a word for the year, so I’m pretty excited to see how it goes. Good luck! Can’t wait to find out what yours is.

Megan - Yes! A word for the year instead of a resolution. This is my first year but my word is:

Drumroll….

GRATEFUL!

Appreciative of benefits received.

I’m going to do my best to be grateful for all that I’ve been given. After all, to whom much is given, much is asked. God asks a lot of me because he knows I can handle it.
So, instead of constantly complaining about having to clean my house, I will say a word of thanks that I am lucky enough to have a house in the first place. I can’t promise that I won’t ever complain about these kinds of things, but I can change my attitude about them. Stop complaining that my job is so stressful and pays so little. I have a job for pete’s sake–and many others don’t. And I get to have a job where I actually help people and make my community safer. And it’s in a warm, nice building and I drive there in my warm, nice car.

Grateful.
(And I’m grateful to you, Meg–for sharing everything you do, for expressing your faith in a way that makes sense to me, for letting me have some crafty time 🙂 )

Tracy - Thank you, Meg, for this little bloggity blog! I truly enjoy reading and seeing your beautiful photos!

YOU are awesome 🙂

Kellie - Mine is a phrase as well and it is ‘be intentional’. 🙂

Karina - Excited to hear about your word! I am picking one this year for the first time. I was kind of feeling like I was the last person to pick a word for the year! 😉 But it just feels right this year. I am READY!! Good luck with your word! And HAPPY 2014 to you and your family!

Gale - Thanks for letting us share your lives – one of my highlights for 2013 was getting to go to Craft Weekend – now almost a YEAR ago!! Wow 🙂 Happy 2014!!!!!!

Tiffany - You are cute, and a fun mom, and creative, and have a pretty amazeballs scarf collection. (Like how I used your word there?) 🙂 I’m thankful for your blog, and the smile it always brings to my face. Happy New Year! Cheers to many more amazing memories to document through this blog and instagram! 🙂

KirstenP - Added Jan 2nd New episode of Parenthood tonight!
http://www.spoilersguide.com/parenthood/season-5-episode-11-promises-sneak-peek-1/

Allison - YOU are awesome too!! Hope my 2014 is 1/1000 as good as your 2013!! Best Wishes to you and your family for a fantastic year!!

Martha - Today it seems like kids live and dress far beyond their years. You’ve done a wonderful job of allowing your kids to be cool but, still age appropriate. It’s so refreshing to see! Many blessings to you and your family in 2014!

Terrie G - I LOVE picking a word to focus on each year!
I can’t remember if I posted my word last year or not…so this year, I’m going to be an over-achiever. I picked two words! I just blogged about them. I’ve been behind in blogging and reading blogs…it all relates to my #1 word for the year – JOY. I need to find my joy again…things are heading in the right direction. BIG things happening here!! HaPpY NeW YeaR Meg! Thanks for being YOU…and sharing your heart with all of us! Hugs!!

Tanya - The one and only blog I come back to. Happy new year!

Jaimie - “help” is my word.

happy new year!

thanks for sharing all of your wonderful inspiration year round 🙂

Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - wow. those legs. get me every time.
happy new year guurrrrl.

Carol Strittmatter - Meg, You inspire me in many ways. I am a log time blog “lurker” (is that a word?) (Too tech ignorant to subscribe-just bookmark and instagram follow!) but so enjoy you and your family. Your love for your family is evident in every post. I also enjoy that you acknowledge that life is not perfect. I wish you much love and happiness in the new year! Keep living in “color” –so awesome!

stephanie C - this is the first year i have heard of this, and it was just a few days ago. so i prayed about it, and have felt the word “relationships” pressed on my heart. we have seven kids whom we homeschool and i feel like I’m always looking ahead at what needs to be done next rather than really being present at any one moment. plus, my kids’ relationships with each other need some work. so in expanded form it would be “relationships over tasks”.
Thanks for sharing your life with us, Meg. I love reading your blog.

Heather S. - Been thinking about my 2014 WORD. Pretty much know the direction I want to go, just not settled 100% on THE WORD.
BTW – you have mentioned Parenthood on here so many times and I came across it on Netflix one afternoon while I had some ME time with no kids at home…I am hooked. Three weeks ago and I’m already halfway through the second season. Seriously good stuff. can barely make it through an episode without laughing (seeing myself in a character) AND crying. Such a great show – so, keep promoting!

Jen - YOU are awesome. Thank you for your blog. I look forward to your posts, your stories, your pictures. You are sunshine on the internet. This world needs more Meg. Thank you and all the best to you and your family in 2014!!! A word for 2014? Huh, never thought of it that way. I need to ponder…

Jenny B. - You are so cute in your glasses! I think that every time I see a picture of you wearing them. 🙂 I picked a word last year, but didn’t really do anything with it. I wasn’t going to pick a word this year, but “peace” keeps coming to mind, so maybe I should pick one after all. I’ve been learning to pray for God to fill me with His peace, and I need lots of reminders. 🙂

Kristen - You seem like the coolest mom with the neatest kids. Happy 2014!

Tammy Alfultis - Thanks for sharing and for being such an inspiration!

julie - Fun pics! Thanks for all the inspiration you gave us in 2013!

iI don’t have a word for the year, but instead a phrase…”Do hard things.” It gives courage and a feeling of accomplishment to do the hard things.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love instagram. I was just telling my husband how many pics I take of my kids just because it is on my phone. Here is to a great 2014.

Janelle - My word for 2014 is “enjoy.”

KirstenP - You’re welcome for reading your “little bloggity blog”! Thanks for writing your “little bloggity blog”! And thanks muchly for your 2013 photo album.

Iris - My word for 2014 is eucharisteo

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the big surprise.

December 26, 2013

a few weeks ago i was tucking annie into bed and i asked her
“what would be THE BEST best absolutely BEST thing you could imagine opening on christmas morning?”
she thought for a second and then said “iPhone 5”
i said “ummm…. that is a no. what is the second best thing?”
“well… i think a pet. i would say a dog but dad would never say yes to that so i guess i would like an iguana.”

she is so funny.

so that night i told craig what she had said… and i started looking for a puppy.
i texted a bunch of people asking if anyone knew of any puppies that would be ready at christmas
and within a day i had these pictures from facebook and i was already in love.
puppy1-tiff puppies2-tiff
i mean…. COME ON!! look at those babies?!!

i drove out to pick one from the group of 9 brothers & sisters.
they were a surprise litter of puppies from a mama who was supposedly fixed.
oops.
i chose the lightest one because i thought he looked the most like Waffle.
it was so hard to leave them there… i wanted to keep them all!
(remember that scene in Bridesmaids where Megan took all the puppies in her mini van… ha ha ha)

and then i had to wait and keep a secret for weeks!
it was not easy.
craig & i picked him up on monday and brought him to a friend of ours for the night.
i took some selfies with him while craig drove us there. 🙂
he was trembling and so scared… i cuddled with him a bunch.
puppylove
then the next day, christmas eve, they took him to another friends house for the night.
(i have the best friends!)

and on christmas morning our friends drove over to our house.
i went out to their car with my gift wrapped rubber maid box and we stuck the puppy inside.
i gave her a big hug and went inside to deliver “one more present that i forgot we had for everyone”

it was the ultimate surprise!!!
they never saw it coming.

everyone is crazy in love with Stanley.

stanners running
best christmas.

EVER.

and waffle is already showing him how to be a good dog.
waffle is such a lover… nothing phases him.
we are trying to give him lots of attention too so he doesn’t feel like the forgotten older child.

so much fun at our house this week.

i hope your christmas was wonderful!

and because i know you will be asking… we think he is a labrador.
but if he isn’t… we don’t care.
we love hime no matter what he is.

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Why Christmas was Awesome | a glass of milk - […] wasn’t the kind of awesome where everything was perfectly decorated or someone unwrapped a puppy. It was the kind of awesome that you get from a nice, low-key day, where the gifts are […]

jennibell - That was the *best* gift!!! I love, love, love that first b&w you posted of the kids and dog — absolute adoration on their faces. Beautiful. The video is something you will always treasure. You’re GREAT parents 🙂

Karen - That was seriously the cutest thing to witness! So glad you shared!

Lisa - Stanley is so precious!!!! Glad he and big brother Waffle are hitting it off! 🙂

Rebecca Torzewski - He is so stinkin’ cute. With all the gadgets that kids want nowadays, Iphones,Ipads, Kindles, etc., it is so heartwarming to see them all playing with a puppy on Christmas. Thanks for sharing! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

jerusalem - So fun! Miles has been begging for a Lizard and Sweet Man has been saying no. But he changed his mind for Christmas – pretty great to see how excited Miles was! Welcome to the internet Stanley!

Jessica - That is one very loved pup! Your family is so adorable. I loved how they were all trying to be the first one to hold him. What a fun Christmas gift! 😀

CathyC - SWEET!!!!!

Melinda - I loved how that little puppy brought all your kids together. Quickly, right to the sofa, laughing and bonding, Amazing. What a fun Christmas.

Kimberlee Jost - I loved seeing this post this morning.
So fun…and hey, those are some amazing secret powers Annie has.
Going to have to work on the powers that be around here!

Michelle Whitlow - Oh my gosh, how ADORABLE!!!! Your kids and the pup 🙂

KirstenP - Aw, Meg, thanks so much for sharing the puppy-for-Christmas surprise with us! I loved watching the kid’s reactions on the video. Did any of them cry? Cool how the older kids got out their phones right away to take photos. Many sweet photos! Love the puppy in the sunny, snowy outdoors.

We tried your Crescent Chicken recipe tonight after seeing someone post on facebook. And, you’re right, I had all the ingredients on hand. We loved it. Thanks for sharing it.

Danielle - So cute!!! I keep teasing my husband about the need to get me a puppy. Thankfully he know me and knows I do not want the work right now. I just love the idea of a puppy. They are so cute!

Breenah - Both of your dogs are so cute! I can’t wait til we get a house because a puppy is going to be one of the first additions!

Heather - Oh.My.Goodness…I am in love with Stanley! What a wonderful & memorable surprise! Lucky kids & lucky dog! 🙂

julie - You just brightened my day! Your kids are as cute in their responses to the surprise as Stanley’s sweetness is! Congrats on the newest member of your family!

Lesley - Best.
Present.
EvEr!!
I thought you were the best surpriser after the Taylor Swift episode but this beats everything! Lifelong memories made!!! xox

Angela A - He’s adorable! I love that on the video the older kids start pulling out their phones to take pics. I CANNOT show this post to my children because then they will hate all their presents and only have one thing on their list next year. But maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

kimberly oyler - annie’s reaction is priceless! this is so cute meg! thanks for sharing!

Terrie G - Oh.My.Goodness. I Love Stanley too! Our new-to-us dog, Meg, doesn’t have that kind of energy. Of course, I’m not so sure I have the energy to train right now anyway. But, he sure does make me want to go out and find a pup for our new 5 year old adoptee! What a fun Christmas for your family! And Stanley too!! Can’t wait to see more of him and hear all about his antics…’cause I’m sure there will be some! 🙂 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Meg!!

tammy - a little sad he wasn’t named Pancake!

Amy - What a cutie! We can’t wait to add a dog back into the family. Once the toddler’s potty trained I think it will become more of a reality but these puppy cuties make it tough to wait!

Gina - The photos and video say it all!! I have a big smile on my face!! 😀

Lori - Merry Christmas Meg (yah…I few days late). What a fun Christmas surprise. Such a cutie and with that sweater. Awww! Love the pics with the girls in the snow. Sweet!

beth - I LOVE this post….and Stanley? Adorable. Favorite parts- the video and when one of your boys says “whose is he”? and the picture right below the video—omgoodness!!! And the way one of the boys immediately blurts out Stanley for the name and then I guess it stuck?

: )

how’s the house breaking going?

tara - oh my goodness.
best present ever.
i bet she would choose stanley over an i-phone5 any day!!

ira lee - the best reaction!!! they were all so suprised!!! i loved the video!!

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - What a wonderful Christmas morning surprise! Your family will always remember the year they got Stanley. Love the little Christmas sweater he’s wearing. So sweet.

jen - what an awesome surprise!!! so fun! definitely a happy christmas!

Tab - This actually brought tears to my eyes. Love this. Perfect surprise for a Christmas morning!!

alicia @ la famille - what a great surprise!!! i so want to do this someday…but not when we have a baby. what kind of a dog is is waffle?? he’s such a lover.

Southern Gal - Love it!

Stephanie - Awww! I have tears in my eyes! He is the cutest puppy and all your kids loved him! My kids would……I can’t even describe the reaction if they got a puppy. Good job, mom and dad!

ann - I was hoping for a holiday post amd you did not disappoint!!! I am a longtime lurker amd enjoyer of the blog and Instagram. Keep posting! Congrats on Stanley.

Cori Scales Angelino - We have London, who is 13 weeks, and a golden/yellow lab mix. Mama rejected her so we’ve had her since she was 5 weeks old. You are in for an amazing time filled with fun! What lovers they are!!

Brittany - SO cute!!!! Surprising them is the best. LOVE it! They will always remember that. Merry (belated) Christmas!

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self timers…and the winner!

October 12, 2013

this morning was just lovely outside.
i made some coffee and cuddled up with my little girls and the kitties.
it was so nice.
just…. the best morning.

then i headed out to Craft Weekend to set up and get ready.
the helpers had rocked it out in the morning while i was cuddling. 🙂

everyone arrived and we are having a fabulous time (of course)
actually they were almost all in bed before 12.
every group is so different… and i love that.

now really all you want to know is the WINNER of that huge pile of swag.
i know.

ok…. the winner is:

Dara – I love the Pam Garrison print!

email me Dara with your address and i will ship it out this week!
CONGRATULATIONS!!

and now i am off to bed…. goodnight.hope you have a super saturday!

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Tessa - The one thing that always draws me to your blog is the colors! What fun pictures … I want to go grab a quilt and cuddle right now!

tracy fisher - craft weekend…. oh how i hope it’s in the cards for me next year :). by the way, i love your quilt and the photos of you girls. precious. -tracy

Jill - I NEVER get tired of seeing the things you make at Craft Weekend and SOMEDAY I am going to try to make one of those aprons!!!!

I would LOVE to have those aprons for our volunteers at our Community Thrift Shoppe! SO HAPPY and CHEERFUL! They are sure to make our locals smile when they come in!!!!!

If you get extras…let me know! In the meantime I may have to TAP INTO my sewing side (do I even have one?) and try to MAKE ONE!

Jill

Chris Krueger - I know where you took that picture:) It was so fun meeting you. I loved everything about craft weekend!! Thank you!!

Mindy - Beautiful people under a beautiful quilt : )

stephanie C - I love your kitty pictures!
Congrats, Dara!

Dara - yay! what is your email? I’ll find it!

Breenah - Those pictures are great!
Congrats Dara!

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windy city.

October 10, 2013

three years ago we promised to go to the Willis Tower (Sears tower).
and then we got there and saw the huuuuuuge line and said “nope… sorry. not going to happen”

three years later we made good on our promise.
the plan was to get up and get to chicago early and go straight there.
it worked!

three
the Sky Deck was CRAAAAZY!!!
i could barely go near it without sweating and my heart racing.
and my kids were doing sit ups and push ups??
terrifying.
one four
i was #3, 514,417th person to go up to the Sky Deck.
interesting.
we had never gone to the Willis (Sears) tower.
We were Hancock Building people up until this visit.
honestly… not much different… but we did it and they will remember forever.

i went one step into the “glass box of nightmares” snapped a pic and got right back out.
two
here is all of us IN the glass box.
holy cows.
it was scary and fun and exciting all at the same time.
i love this photo.

seven
we love the Bean.
i believe it’s actually called the Cloud Sculpture.
but… it’s a bean.

everyone was reeeeeally excited to eat at portillos again.
we loved it when we lived in chicago-land and we don’t have them in kansas.
everyone except for me got a milkshake and everyone had a stomach ache… except for me!
six
i was trying not to think about the germs at Crown Fountain.
i tried to focus on how much fun all those kids were having.
And listening to them all screaming with joy.

but still…. that is a city’s worth of germs. OY!

five
we went out to the Observatory to get this view of Chicago after all of our exploring.
it really is a beautiful city.
i am missing it at christmas time.
i need to do that again.

it looks like they are 3 inches from falling into Lake Michigan in this picture!
there is a huge set of stairs behind them and tons of people were down there.
that’s funny that you can’t see any of that.

We had a hotel way out in the suburbs so this was our only day in the city.
our chicago friends met us at our hotel with pizza & dessert and we shared “our” pool & TV.
It was a fun night catching up!

Have you been to chicago?
what is your favorite place to go when you went?

What city or travel spot do you recommend for a great vacation?
i would LOVE to hear your ideas!

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Renee - looks so so fun! i grew up in a near suburb of chicago, and i just love that city!! we’ve lived in Nebraska and are now in Boston (both places we really like), but Chicago has such a special place in my heart. i love the spot where you took those skyline pictures. another good (farther away) view is from Promontory Point in hyde park, a few miles south of downtown. I love the view from the hancock gal’s bathroom on the 96th-ish floor. Fave pizza – pizanos & giordanos. and Portillos – oh my word, I miss this. People don’t even know what Italian Beef is outside of Chicago. [this was shocking to me! haha] i so so miss it & ALWAYS eat pizza and portillos when we’re back to visit. we like shopping on state street (hello discount stores!)
Next time you’re back, venture to the Pilsen neighborhood for Mexican food and go on a mural tour. It’s my FAVORITE thing to take visitors to there. So different from anything else you’ll experience in that city.

Gretchen P - favorite place of all time, Charleston, SC. There is so much history in the city, there is something for everyone to do and see. Love it, it is our second home!!!

Amy M. - The last time we were in Chicago we went to the Money Museum and it was fascinating. Granted, we were with a school tour and the guide for it had super dry humor. He was great and had amazing stories. Our favorite place to vacation is Bald Head Island, NC. You take a ferry over and then there are no cars. I would love to see it through your eyes. Lots of adventures and you feel like life has really slowed down. It is very family oriented, which is one of our favorite things about it!

Sarah W. - I have never been to Chicago, but really want to visit.
Those pictures on the tower made my hands sweat just looking at them… But I’d love to go up and go out on the deck. So cool.

Looks like the kids had such a blast!!

Eugenia - Chicago is definitely on our bucket list. San Francisco is my favorite city. Small enough to walk with a little something for everyone. Cable cars, sour dough, Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Chinatown. Also, love Vancouver, BC super clean and there is Victoria island. I’m a huge fan of public transit, Vancouver has everything including a ferry.

xxooo

Christy - Oh my goodness! I’m with you on the “box of nightmares.” My palms are sweaty just looking at your photos! Your pictures make me want to take another trip to Chicago. My husband and I went yeeeears ago. It was a long-weekend type of trip to sing in my friend’s wedding and visit with his cousin. We only had one morning downtown before our flight home. We did get to eat some of THE best deep dish pizza EVER! It was heavenly for this pizza lover. YUM! Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my mouth. 😉

Jenn - The Mr. and I got engaged in Chicago (on Lakeshore Drive in a horse-drawn carriage). It is our FAVORITE city to visit (we used to live close, now we don’t). But, we still go back to visit annually. Our family tradition is to take the kids (4 of them) to Chicago sometime during the Christmas holiday season. We eat at the Walnut Room and visit with Santa. It is the best weekend of the year for the Mr. & I (and for the kids)!

Heather S. - We went to Chicago for the first time two years ago and I LOVED it. Honestly, I have found that I really love visiting big cities. I don’t have any desire to live in one, but visiting them is fascinating. Of course, when I visit we can afford to stay right in the center of it all, and if I lived there it’d be a different story! HA! I really enjoyed all the architecture in Chicago, and I also liked that it was big city, but the people we encountered were still Midwest-friendly.
One of my other fave cities we visited that year was San Francisco. Again, thought I would hate it and it ended up being my favorite place on a three week tour of the Western U.S. Who knew? I loved the natural beauty that is the bay as well as the architecture. Plus, so much great history there!

eric andrews - I used to live near Chicago. Loved Pizzeria Uno! Yummm!

Jenna - I LOVE Chicago and am so happy you shared this!!

Angie P - I’m from Chicago (my dad lived on the southside near Midway until I was 12) and my family still lives there! We visit my dad every year and try to do something fun with the kids – this year it was Navy Pier (ugh. the ferris wheel kills me.) and lunch at Ed Debevics. I miss living there – my husband actually ordered Portillos for my birthday a few years ago and had it shipped to us in Georgia! (It was expensive…but delicious…and so thoughtful!)

Melanie - I live in the northwest Chicago ‘burbs and have been here most of my life. So, of course, been there, done that with the Sears Tower (can’t bring myself to call it the Willis Tower), but can you believe I have never been to the Bean?! We rarely go into downtown Chicago…maybe one of those things where you live kind of close to something, but just don’t visit because you know it will always be there? I dunno. Anyway, if you’re looking for another great city to visit, I’d recommend San Francisco. We were there 4 years ago and loved it. So much to see and do, love all those hills…beautiful views, beautiful architecture (the Victorian houses), great restaurants, the bridges are really cool, and the Bay is beautiful.

Maria - How fun! We did a weekend escape to New York minus the boys for my 40th earlier this year and it was so much fun! We also love going into New Orleans whenever possible for the day (we are really close). Any big city is on my to do list…would especially love to go back to San Francisco.

Jennifer E - We went to Chicago for a family vacay last spring. It was fun to see all the hustle and bustle of a big city, but we parked our car and took the el everywhere and that was my least favorite part!

Things we liked:
Art Institute (mostly me), Museum of Nature, the big fountain, skyscrapers, Sears Tower, SPRINKLES cupcakes!!, Molly’s cupcakes, Magnolia bakery (we fell into a cupcake thing, every single day we had a gourmet cupcake!), and Wrigley Field. Oh, and the marquee at the Chicago Theater, very cool.

colleen from Alabama - My hubby and I went there for our 15th anniversary last year. They had a “broadway in the park” preview at the amphitheater by the bean. It was hands down our favorite thing. It was free and they had probably 20 acts from the Broadway Shows that were touring and stopping in Chicago during the next season. FABULOUS! It was beautiful weather (august) and the performances were so good. We also loved garret’s popcorn. My kids want to go back with us just to get that!

Kathy T - We have lived in NJ for seven years, but Chicago is still our home. I miss it every day, and especially PORTILLOS!! Thanks for the beautiful images. I hope you had a great time there.

Jen - Chicago is MY FAVORITE!! We lived in western Michigan for ten years and visited often and I just love Chicago. I tell my husband that I want to retire in a loft apartment in Chicago! (I love the cold and snow too though, so I’m weird! :-))

And the Portillos chopped salad is TO. DIE. FOR! I’m not a huge milkshake fan so I don’t get those either but oh the chopped salad!

Glad you enjoyed it! I know you’re far away but Philadelphia is also a cool city–rich with history and LOTS of fun things to do in the surrounding area (Valley Forge, Amish Country, DC, etc!)

Kristen K. - LOVED CHICAGO! We live in Philadelphia, but took a road trip to Chicago (two days in the car with four kids – WHA?!) this summer…we were there just a few days before you! I’m SO with you…that Sky Deck was tooo scary for me. I backed up onto it, got a pic, ran! Our kiddos loved the Bean, too, and the fountains…we loved the Art Institute, an architectural boat tour that we took, and Navy Pier. Three days there was NOT enough! Definitely going back!!! With more Purell! 🙂

Barbara - We just moved from Chicago to San Diego— I miss my city! Cloudgate is indeed awesome, I like to refer to it as the Monument to Selfies lol
Looks like a fun visit! Willis Tower just sounds stupid, it will always be Sears Tower to me hahaha
I definitely miss chicago, but I will not miss the cold weather that’s headed that way soon 😉

Jenn - I love Chicago! My husband and I visited there before we had kids. I wanted to move there. I’m from Texas and was transfixed by the cool temps in September and the city life. Definitely plan to take our kids there one day. I loved Old Town and going to a game at Wrigley.

Valerie @ chateau a la mode - Hi Megan, aren’t trips auch great family memories. Chicago looks like it was super fun, it’s still on my lit of places to get to. Our best trips have included my husband’s sister and her family (they have 6 kids). We are in LA and they are in San Francisco. We have done New York city, Washington DC and motorhomes to Yellowstone with them. I recommend all of those as my kids have such great memories associated with those trips. Maybe only because kids waaay outnumbered adult supervision 😉 but great memories none the less.

meredith - The Bean (on vacation in Chicago) is where I told my husband we were pregnant! Also The Purple Pig was a favorite spot to eat. 🙂

Jaimie - Great pics!! Love Portillo’s!!

Lucky enough to have had one sibling live in San Francisco and another in New York City…and prior to that, Boston. Made for very inexpensive trips as was able to crash at their places and had built-in tour guides from a local’s perspective. Would recommend all three of those fabulous cities.

We’re in suburban Chicago, so in addition to what the city and suburbs have to offer, we really enjoy driving up to Lake Geneva, WI for a quick little get away.

One of the times I was visiting my sister in NYC, she mentioned that she hadn’t really enjoyed the city as much as when my Mom and I were there to share in all of the wonderful things the city had to offer. Another confirmation that it’s not necessarily where you’re at but who you’re with. Based on your blog posts and amazing pictures, it looks like your family could have a blast where ever you’re at as long as you’re together.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos…they’re a constant inspiration!

andrea - Meg….your face in the picture of you all in the nightmare glass box was priceless….I haven’t been in there either….I got anxious just looking at your pictures! What a great trip! Thanks for sharing!

Stacy P. - We loved Boston with our 3 kids (13, 10, 6). We toured around, then rented a car to drive to Newport, RI to see the amazing houses on the coast (The Breakers, Marble house, etc) then we drove up to Maine. Beauitful. We did the RI/Maine thing in a day–visited the beach at Ogunquit, Maine. Very different from the beaches we are used to in Florida! Really great, though. It was mid-July and the temps there were in the 70s…waaay too cold for us Southerners, but the “natives” loved it! We played in the sand with our jeans and sweatshirts on while the locals jumped in the waves. The whole New England coast is a must see.

Laura - I’ve loved all my trips to Chicago. Shopping is always fun on a girls trip and the American Girl store is so wonderful to go to with a daughter. I’ve always loved the Shedd Aquarium!
This summer our family went to San Antonio and we had a great time! We went to Sea World, the Alamo and did the Riverwalk boat tour.

Jen Sully - I love Chicago! I’d have to say my favorite thing there is Garrett’s popcorn!!! The best.popcorn. EVER!! 😉

Alicia - Oh, we just recently moved from Chicago to out in the boonies of Michigan. Man I love that city and enjoyed so much seeing those photos. We’re at about 2 months in our new place and there is some “missing” going on. Thanks for the nostalgia:)

Marla - I moved from southern Wisconsin to Montana but my parents are still an hour and a half away from Chicago. For a while I would meet my college friend there each Christmas. I loved the big city for a day. I met a lady in a coffee shop who couldn’t imagine living in Montana. She thought I climbed mountains to get to the store.

Karen Gerstenberger - I’m not much of a big-city girl, so I love to visit Victoria, B.C. on Vancouver Island (Canada). We take a ferry without our car, and arrive in that charming city on the sea. You can also take a car on the ferry, but it’s such a fun city for walking – and they have double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages and pedi-cabs if you prefer not to walk everywhere. Great restaurants, shops, history, Chinatown, coastline, parks, and friendly people make it really welcoming.
If you are feeling really adventurous, you can go up-island to Sooke Harbour, and fish and hike. If you really want to get into the country, Tofino is on the wild west coast (I’ve written about it alot on my blog) – it’s my idea of heaven on earth, this side of Hawaii!

Christy - OK, I never comment but I just had to say that I have been reading your blog for years and it just dawned on me that we were at that fountain thing on the same exact day. We were in Chicago for my brothers wedding — if you remember seeing a very harried woman with a 4 year old, 2 year old and 6 week old baby.. that was me!! Ha! Ha! What a small world we live in. I have to wonder what I would have done if I had seen you. That would have been surreal.

Alicia @ La Famille - oh girl, I get you on the germ thing. germs can steal my joy faster than you can say “e. coli.” good for you for closing your eyes to it and letting the fun prevail!!

I want to go to Chicago badly. its high on my list…I want to see the great museums!

Tanya - I looooove Boston…and Cape Cod. We did that trip numerous times as teenagers with my fam. It was one of the first trips I took when I was newly married and I’ve done it as a grown up with just my sister’s as well. Great sights, great food, great history and great shopping 🙂

Rachel S - My husband and I went to Chicago last year for our 20th anniversary. We loved it! My favorites were probably the Bean, going to a baseball game at Wrigley field, (and surviving the ride on the El!) and also seeing the Blue Man Group. We had so much fun and can’t wait to go back. We didn’t even make it to any of the museums that week so I want to check them out next time. Your trip looks great!

KirstenP - Our family lived in Chicago for several years. We all love to go back for a visit. I’ll admit the Sky Deck scares me and I haven’t even been there, but I will go on it some day soon. BTW, the Bean was actually named Cloud Gate, but I don’t think many call it that. I love the energy of Chicago and it’s people and visitors and that it’s right next to Lake Michigan. Thanks for sharing your photos and memories!

Courtney M - I work in the Prudential building and walk up & down Michigan Ave (right past where you were) to the train every day. I am usually in a hurry and curse having to walk that each & every day. Sometimes I need a reminder of the beauty in this amazing city – thanks for that! 🙂

Kassondra Taylor - i went to chicago twice. the first time was with my 8th grade class and we went to a 50’s style diner that had one of the first photobooth! Then I went back for a girls weekend with my mom,grandma and aunt. It was really fun but we could not find that diner! would love to know the name of it or even if it’s still there!

Shannon - When in Chicago I always have to go to the Art Institute and the Aquarium. Both are wonderful!

Jen - I love Chicago! I’ve only been there a few times, though, and not in over 15 years. Need to take my kids there. So far my favorite city to visit is Savannah, GA. We’ve only been there once, but we go to Hilton Head, SC every summer and Savannah is only 45 minutes from there. I hope to make more trips there in the near future – it is so beautiful!

Breenah - I’ve only been to Chicago once, spring break in 2009. We got to see the river dyed green for St. Patrick’s day and visit the tower when it was still the Sears Tower. I loved it and would love to visit again!

Laura - I went to Chicago for my anniversary for, like, three minutes…had to get a flight back home to avoid hurricane Sandy…BUT…I loved the bean, and all the cute bakeries, but mostly just enjoyed WALKING and people watching and beautiful shops. I am a city girl at heart…which is why, the ONLY city you need to vacation at is NYC…but with ME…I will give you the non tourist version of NYC and you will love it xo

Karol - Love Chicago. Headed there next month with my family. Can’t wait to eat at Giordano’s, take my girls to the American Girl Place, and see the Navy Pier.

Some great vacation spots my family loves are Charleston, SC; Virginia Beach, VA; Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta, GA; Asheville, NC; Hilton Head, SC…so many great spots on the east coast.

Nanette - Your photos have inspired me! We live in Highland Park and I have never done the tower…my 3 boys would love it! It is now on the list! There is a German restaurant near the bean that my father in law used to go to as a boy…Berghoff’s. Everything in the bar is still the same – he used to get a sandwich for a quarter. Very good if you like German food and the kids love their root beer!
You might like the Museum of Science and Industry…lots of neat, historic things for kids.
Awesome summer!

Jessica - I live 30 minutes outside the city of Chicago in the SW Suburbs. We love taking the train in and just walking around. My girls love the Art Institute, we have spend many a day there. However, my favorite place to vacation is at my cottage in Northern Michigan.

Heather - I grew up in Chicago, but moved to Atlanta in high school. I used to miss being there, but it has since worn off. Now I dont mind visiting…in the summer.

My cousin is getting married next year on the top level of the Sears Tower. I have been up there three times and each time it made me so nervous.

Another vacation city you should check out is Charleston, SC. It is so wonderful! I would live there if I could.

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way back when… in july

October 9, 2013

i have lots of pictures still that i never shared from our family vacation.
as time goes by i just forget about them.
as we have started bundling up in jeans & sweatshirts & i was longing for summer already.

scott played in a basketball tournament in st. louis with a travel team.
we joined him there and he left with us as we continued on our trip.
we spent two nights in st. louis…if i remember correctly.
the first day we went to the City Museum which i posted about a month ago.

we also did some exploring, shopping and went to the St. Louis Zoo.
it is FREE to get in and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!
Seriously… it was an awesome place to spend a few hours.
if you are going to st. louis you should put this on your list.

zoo
these flowers were ginormous!

my kids went in the building to see the animals and i stayed outside dying over the gorgeous flowers!

it was extremely hot that day so the misting fans were appreciated… and FUN!
mist sun

Annie tried her first burrito of her life at chipotle in st. louis. 🙂
she must have been feeling brave that day.
floats
we went to Fitz’s afterwards for root beer floats.
umm…. this was more than they could’ve even imagined?!
we let them each get their own!
AND THEY ATE THEM ALL!

after they finished we sat at our table for a long time drawing in our art journals.
me included.
they didn’t want to stop… and i am not going to argue about art time.
so we drew and drew and drew.
it was dreamy.
fitz
annie claims she was fake sleeping but i haven’t seen her sit that still for…. never.
she was out.

we picked up scott and stopped at the arch on our way out of town.
arch st.lou sky
we drove to Indiana to meet up with our friends.
we spent four days doing this…
water

we almost always go bowling when we are with the Hills.
it’s tradition.
and we are quite a scene in any bowling alley.
no one has ever accused our group of being quiet. 🙂

scott was taking a hundred close up pictures of people so i moved in for a few….

bowl
bowl2
jenny beat everyone.
that girl has got skills!!!

there was no place to set my camera for a timer pic so we did this to get us all in one shot.
it might be my favorite from the trip!
gun
jake and abby had their own bb guns that they shared with us.
the kids set up a tower of solo cups to use for target practice.
sean took his birthday money and bough his own bb gun that week too.
i think i hit something once.
i didn’t have my glasses on….

bday
sean had his 13th birthday during this trip.
he got to pick where we ate dinner and since he only wanted money this year it was pretty low key.
we picked up a few goodies for him too… joke book, x-men dvd & candy.
i used a few hours of our driving time to make him a card.

coffee
there was also a water balloon fight… wiffle ball…Despicable Me 2… dave’s birthday… kayaking with lola…

sunkissed and a camera flash… crazy combo.

Duerksen tribe – 2013
lauren chose to stay home this year to work at her job.
we missed being a family of seven.

fireworks… duerksen kids love language.

every year when our vacation is over & we are driving away we say, “Those Hills are good people”

true story.
we love spending time together no matter where we are.

hey…. maybe i am on a roll and i will post our chicago leg of the trip tomorrow?!
🙂

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Tiffany - It is rainy and seriously Fall here in PA today. The leaves are changing and ppl are stoked for it. I am already longing for sweet sweet Summer again. No thank you Pumpkin anything. Can you post sun-kissed pics all Fall/Winter, I think that will help keep the Winter Blues away. Great photos, Great memories, I am sure.

Kimberly Dial - Awww, how much fun was that?! Loads! Thanks for sharing your summer fun 🙂

Martha - Hi Meg, I love your blog, it’s my favorite! Your vacation pictures are amazing! Did you happen to come to Plymouth , indiana on your vacation? That’s my town, and I can’t believe it, you were here and didn’t come to see me! It’s such a small world, right?

Martha - This is so funny Meg, your blog is absolutely one of my favorites! This morning I was reading your blog about how fun your vacation was, I kept reading along and notice you went to indiana, I thought to myself I live in indiana, I want to meet meg! kept reading! saw that you went bowling, and saw the name of the bowling alley! Quicks we have a bowling alley named that in Plymouth. Did you come to my town and not stop in to see me. How fun! It’s such a small world after all.

Kori - Annie chose an awesome place to brave her first burrito….I hope she loved it!!

tara - love seeing these pictures….
I remember seeing several of them on IG back when you guys travelled.

great memories!

Lori - Nothing like time with family and good friends.
And I want to know how long it took you to fill and tie all of those water balloons?! Oy!

Jennifer - what do you keep in the pencil boxes for art journaling? my kids want vibrant colors to create with and i want to keep the mess to a minimum 😉

Craig - Jenny, I let you win!

danielle - That looks like so much fun!

Taryn - Seeing your face and then seeing Jenny’s face makes me sigh…how lovely would it be to be able to run out and grab a coffee together for the afternoon?!? Loved my time with both of you!!!

kimberly oyler - pictures of you and your kids make me want to cry a little. i love how you always have an arm wrapped around them. such a good mama.

Julie - What a wonderful holiday – you all look so happy, relaxed and pleased to be together. I love seeing your family photos – thank you for sharing them.

Amanda - It looks like you guys had an amazing time! A nice balance between activities and relaxation.
I have to say that there is something very kind and gentle shining through in Sean. He looks like a real beautiful, sweet soul. =)

Lora - Looks like fun. I wish I had done art journals with my girls. They’re in college now so they probably (for sure) don’t have time for them now.

I want that pink car!

meredith - Loved it all! Thanks for sharing. Excited to know about the Zoo. Might be in St L next year. 🙂 I’ve only experienced the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago (for Free) and it was amazing.

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