whatever

Blog

Category Archives: me me me

she scared the dog.

September 2, 2010

good times.

——————————————————————————————————————————
ok…..i have answers to the rest those questions you asked on july 27.

1. what kind of floor cleaner do you use on your hard wood?

i use WOW with a dry mop.

nothing else works for me.
it's not like i clean them that often….if company is coming…or a 2 liter explodes on the floor.
but really i am the LAST person you should ask about cleaning.
i am not clean.

2. do you have a theme in your home/color palette?

i like maps and globes.
(image from pottery barn kids)

most of the color in our house is the same colors as those on maps and globes.
most of all i love red.
but just pops of it….not a whole red wall or red couch.
there is nothing wrong with those it's just not for me.

3. where did you get that granny square afgan?

an antique store in my town.

4. how do you paint woodwork?
we have always just started with Kilz primer.

then two – three coats of Behr Ultimate White semi gloss paint.

5. where did you get that Be Kind To Others print?

from Katie at The Wheatfield.
i just ordered the Be filled with JOY one this week too.

6. what is your favorite U2 song?

  Miracle Drug
Yahweh
  Magnificent
  Beautiful Day
  Original of the Species
  Pride
  One

should i go on?

7. what is your favorite dinner to take to friends' when they need a meal?
lasagna, garlic bread, salad and brownies.

8. did you like Love & Logic for Teens?

YES.
i felt like it was written FOR me….like they were living in my home when they wrote it.

9. what kind of camera do you have?

i have a Canon 50D and my lens is a 28 – 105 lens.

i use it most of the time because i am most comfortable with it.
i have an 85mm lens also.

10. what fun camera stuff do you want to get next?

i don't even know.
i bought photoshop but i am afraid to load it on my computer.

11. do you take your camera everywhere?

i take it in my purse if i think i may want to take pictures.
it fits right in there.
i don't have a point and shoot that would fit nicely…i just don't think i would use it that much.

12. how did you get started in your photography business?

people told me that i should "take pictures" for years.
then someone asked me to photograph their family and i did it and had fun.
THEN i got brave and said "i am doing this for a job….anyone want to schedule me?"
and they did.
and now i have a business.
the hardest part of all of it….getting the guts to say "i want to be a photographer" out loud.

it's a journey.

13. are you self taught?
yes.
there are a million more things i want to learn about photography.
i don't feel like i can give advice….because i don't know the "right" way to say it…or the right way to do it.
i just keep learning at every shoot and with every set i edit.

14. are you a help-out-at-school kind of mom?
no.
for ten years i have had younger children at home so bringing them into their siblings classrooms was not going to be much help any way.

and….i don't like school.
seriously.
i disliked school as a kid and i still get a little weird-o feeling when i am there now….and i am a grown up!
that is a strong statement to say i disliked all school but i was in trouble A LOT.
i was a handful for all my teachers….so i was disciplined by all my teachers (with good reason).
i have good memories but not warm fuzzy feelings about school itself.

and now that all my kids are in school and i get my first real break in 15 years
i am not really dying to go be with them all day.
or any of the day actually.
15 years with babies or kids at my side = break time for mom.

but if you are a school mom….GOOD FOR YOU!! :) YOU ARE AWESOME.

15. what did you want to be when you grew up?
i probably had thoughts of being a dancer (like on In Living Color) or something ridiculous.
but i knew from the beginning that i wanted to be a mom.
so most of my dreams were of just that…..holding babies….lots of babies.

16. how did it feel to be pregnant with your first baby?
that is a story for another time…..

17. can we hear your love story?
that is a another story for another time…..

18. how do you find time to workout?
when my kids were little i used to go to the Y and use the nursery.
i went there all the time.
i loved it.

now i wait until they are in school and then i go.
i started the running thing because my friend is a great runner, motivational and running is easy.
by easy i mean….you can do it any where, anytime of day and even if you did have a child they could be in a stroller.

this much i know….
once you make exercise a priority you will be amazed at how you suddenly can find the time.
not that i have done that.
but i know it to be true.

19. do you like sweetner in your iced coffee?
at home no.
at starbucks i ask for half the usual amount….they make their coffee so much stronger than i do.
but i don't like the taste of liquid sweetner.

20. do you have tips for starting running?
shana is laughing (if she's read this far….)

my tips : JUST DO IT.
walk a little to get warmed up then start jogging.
look up ahead and say to yourself "you can make it to that tree" and then get there.
and if you can't ….then walk and try again when you catch your breath.
and keep going.
and keep trying.

i have not perfected this and don't feel legit but i am doing it.

21. how do you manage your days?

i stink at that.

22. how do you have such a strong faith?

this deserves a whole post.
but in short….i love jesus. He is the truth. i believe it.

23. have you ever made a blog book through blurb?

no….but i would like to.

24. do you ever feel overwhelmed?

HECK YEAH!!!
who doesn't feel overwhelmed?
life is hard.
everybody has crap that hurts their feelings or brings them down.

when i feel it creepin' in….i usually whine to craig or my friends first.
then i spend some time with God.
then i do something like….clean the windows or get some new shoes….or something to change my attitude.
art helps.
fresh air helps.

life is hard but it is so good.
SO GOOD.

"whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy….think on these things"

26. how can you go and on and on and bore everyone with all your thoughts?

oh boy…..i am sorry for how long i talked your ear off. :)
but you asked.

i have a recipe for you tomorrow.

show hide 72 comments

add a comment

ymetusql - [url=”http://www.jerseys-wholesale-nfl.com/mlb-jerseys?zenid=1d8c57164289bb310ce67ba8982dc3a0″]nfl jerseys league[/url]

Cassie - i just bought “The Wild Air” picture from the wheatfield last week. giving it to lani for her birthday. hoping to find a cute, ornate used frame and paint it. thanks for introducing me to her etsy shop!!
miss you….

kristine - ha! i wanted to be a fly girl too!
i know #26 was your own question 🙂 silly! if we didn’t want to read about you we wouldn’t come to your blog! you’re good for a smile!!!

Valerie - Hi, it’s me again! I’m not stalking you, just found your blog and reading through it! Love it! I love people like you that tell it like it is! Thanks for your honesty.

nikki @ nikkisnacs - Great running answer! I’m still trying to get to the running part, mostly walking, but I will get there.

Jill - Thanks for sharing!!

Lisa Currie-Gurney - I LOVE YOU MEG !
HUGS FROM MAINE

Stephanie Rodriguez - Someone actually asked you how you bore people? Of all the blogs I read, yours is so amazing and interesting. I love your pictures and blogs!!
Have a blessed day!!!

Michele - Good stuff! Love your blog!

Laura - I mss you…that’s all…why can’t I find a friend here like you?

Anne - So lovely to discover you via Becky’s post!
You sound like a pretty cool chick, I reckon I’ll be back. 🙂
Hugs,
Anne
P.S. Yay Jesus!

Kristin S - Love it when you answer questions.
Love that you love Jesus and that was your answer. Enough said.

Suzanne - I love that you are afraid to load Photoshop on your computer! When I bought my MacBook I didn’t take it out of the box for a week…lol.
Just do it Meg, when you are ready 🙂 I have seen in person what PS can do and it is amazing!

j - I’ve bought two prints from Katie at the Wheatfield. Thanks so much for the tip.

Amy Lynne - Oh bubble wrap! My kids split it up from packages and GO TO TOWN! Thanks for sharing and answering so many questions! You rock!

Rachel - #26 – really? That wasn’t a real question, was it? No way!
I love reading your blog. Your life is SO different from mine. I find it interesting and inspiring. Keep on babbling!

Kacey - Your “questions answered” and random thoughts posts are the best!

Christine Ishmael - whoever wrote question 26 is a poo poo head…

Karen - Where do you find that floor cleaner? I searched and all I can find is information about ordering it online…but I want it TODAY! lol!

Jennifer - That is seriously one of the funniest things I have ever read. Seriously. I don’t like school.
It makes me think of the movie Grease where Sandy is inviting Danny over to her parents’ for tea. He says he doesn’t like tea. She says you don’t have to drink tea silly! He says I don’t like parents.
Unexpected, and very funny. HA!

Transparent Mama - Super fun. This is my first time by. Becky from Farmgirl Paints talked about you today. I will be back.

bobbie - You should totally load photoshop on your computer. Then go to the pioneer woman and download her free action sets. It’s like picnik.com on steriods. Then you’ll be obsessed with action sets and buy a zillion of them. You’ll go broke on them, but you’ll be happy. Everything I know about photoshop I have found using tutorials for free online. It’s hard to start but soo worth it.

Kara - Thanks for being real – It is great to read about your life not just the good stuff but the real stuff that happens everyday –
Thanks for the great pictures that you take-

Katie - Your blog makes me smile!
From an at home mom with a 5, 4, 2 year old and a 2 month old.
ps, I love all the fun art project ideas and how practically and authentically creative and fun you seem to be.

Staci - Thanks for sharing Megan 🙂 I just popped over and order that Be Kind to Others….she was out of the 8 x 10 the last time I looked and today…she has it!! YAY!!!!

lisa - i heart your thoughts : )

Kari - I love your honesty and your blog! I read it every day (or whenever you post – I’m not a creeper who comes by and rereads everything 🙂 ). Thanks for sharing your heart and your thoughts with the rest of blogger world! I appreciate you!!!

Heather - I love your honesty, cracks me up and makes me think. Thanks!

Heather R. - I need to find the motivation to run. You make me smile and Starbuck’s pumpkin spice lattes are out :)!

carols - Love your blog. I needed that book reference today, I’m sad about my teen!! Hopefully this will help. Fun answers to all.

Meredith Salmon - That for all the answers you are not boring. I look forward to reading your post daily and when it has not changed yet, I get bummed. Also, I just started to learn to run on a FREE program called “Couch to 5k”. It is what you talked about doing a little at a time. I am going on week 1 day 3 tomorrow. So far so good. Thanks

se7en - I just love this post – full of everything!!! Wonderful!!! Have a happy day!!!

Lisa Cash - Today is my first visit to your blog. Becky at Farmgirl Paints blogged about you today so I’m visiting. Love it! You mentioned a book on parenting teens. I just dropped my daughter off for her freshman year at college (**small sniffle**), and there was a similar book that helped me through the really tough teen times. If you’re looking for another one with practical advice, check out: Yes, Your Teen is Crazy! by Michael J. Bradley.
I’m thrilled to have found you out here, and I’ll be back for sure! Thanks!

Sugar Mama - Didn’t bore me! And, I wanted to tell you that I might be printing off a picture of your to take to my hair stylist in a few weeks. I’m getting some color added (finally) and I love the funky style with chunky hi-lites. Hope you don’t mind… and if you do please let me know.

Julie Harward - Hi Meg…I came over to say hi from Becky’s (Farm Girl Paints)…love your blog, I can tell what a great mom you are to your beautiful family. I have 8 kids and we did lots of projects too. Love all your photography too…awesome blog! Come say hi 😀

Lindsayrobertsonphotography.wordpress.com - Meg, you are a beautiful photographer. So creative. LOAD PHOTOSHOP! You will LOVE it once you understand the tools. Here is a website to help you get started:
http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/search/label/Brushes
Jump into it and have fun!

Kimberlee J. - Authentically you. 🙂

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Megan,
Your writing captures your speaking voice so well. I get all formal. I can’t seem to help it. Or maybe I am more formal. I don’t think I am but my writing would give that impression. Kind of like now maybe? Your blog makes me feel as though I’ve had a chat with a girlfriend. Love it.
Thanks for the info on becoming a photographer. I’m at the beginning of that journey. So glad you gave the link to your prints. I’ve been wondering for awhile, and now I know where to go.
Thanks,
Dana

Karen H. - Was #26 a REAL question???? I love your thoughts! We are bestest friends and you don’t even know me!!! Love reading your blog – your fun, and REAL, and NORMAL… not easy to find!!!

Tricia - Meg: Thanks for sharing your life with the world. Your blog makes me smile! Tricia

jennifer - Oh how I love your answer to #14. You took the words right out of my mouth.

Kylie - Have you tried the Nike+ for running? It is about $30, and it will sync with your ipod. It tracks how far you run, your pace, how many calories you burn…you download the info and can track it online. You can set different goals. I run (when it is convenient….and not too hot in Texas), and this is the only thing that helps keep me going.

sarah - Enjoyed reading. thanks for sharing 🙂

Trish - If I lived in Kansas… I would want to be your friend 🙂 I guess after writing that we could be friends no matter the distance!

Jody Bachand - You are NOT boring! I love your blog and your honesty as I can relate to so much of it! Keep being you Meg! Jody B.

Eden - HELLooooo
just discovered you in Flea Market!
i only have one, a ten year old girl, and she is a most spirited creative soul…going to check out this book…could be just what me Mommie, needs for these preteen years…mmmm…favorite U2 melody…Streets have no name…makes me think of Heaven…my camera…is tiny but ever so handy and I take it everywhere, my powershot by Cannon captures images i cannot bear to be without, and i love it, for so many reasons and it is green. I love GREEN…and those crafy paper wind drifters. i love them too and am definately making some with my darling creative child…i love it here…so happy i discovered a pretty mommie and her five darlings!

elisa - I’m not a school mom either. Sometimes I feel bad about it, no actually I don’t really ever feel bad about it. But I felt I should say that.

Charlene@Adventures-In-Mommy-Land - Love the bubble wrap…my boys did that yesterday LOL!
Great questions and answers 🙂

Jodi - LOL, I should know better than to ask you your favorite U2 song! I have never been able to have just one either. It’s for sure a top 5 kind of question. Have you ever seen the movie High Fidelity? You and Craig might like it if you ever get a chance to see it. And, it takes place in Chicago.

Routhie - I love your answer to no.14. I only have 2 kids, but going up to school for more than the occasional holiday party is just not going to happen. My younger one is distracting and it makes the day shorter. I did not even want to help on the days she was in school because those 3 hours were precious time in which I was able to check email, clean without the mess following me, or grocery shop. I also hated school and feel strange at my children’s schools. I feel like such a fraud!! lol

adrienne - makes me smile! #24 so real!

Sandy - Whatever is NEVER boring! Thanks for sharing.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh and I almost forgot. I blogged about you today;)

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - We have bubble wrap on our floor right now and I’ve been too lazy to pick it up. Every now and then the girls will walk on it and scare the crap out of me.
Thanks for the honesty about being a school mom. I feel the same way. I don’t like it either. I want to be there…to feel in the know and be a presence with my girls, but it’s sooooo not my thing. I would really like some time to myself. I told little chick’s teacher I was available whenever and now I’m kind of kicking myself. I’ve been waiting for this day for 10 years…

Catriona - That last question, was that Lauren…?!

Michelle - Love these questions and answers Meg!

Janine - Awesome! Thanks for sharing. I have a question for you. How is your progress going on your Birthday year list. I believe it was 35 things to do before 35. Just wondering because I have the same birthday as you. I think this year I may make one of those lists.

a pocket full of posies - favorite answers: #22- AMEN!!!
#21- me too!
#24- me too AGAIN!
So fun to read!
Blessings!
Jill

Amber - ok this post brought me to tears. especially the jesus part. i want to be a mom just like you! so inspirational and motivating!!

PinkPeanutButter - I can’t wait to try out another one of your recipes! 🙂

amy - I love posts like this – thanks for allowing us a peek in your world and for being real about it. I love your transparency.

Elissa - i l O V E popping bubble wrap!
thanks for sharing. you’re just fun 🙂 SOOO glad for you to finally get some time to yourself in the day. yay for school!

katie - love your humility and your honesty. it’s what keeps us all coming back. 🙂

Sara @ It's Good to be Queen - it wasn’t boring. i loved all of this. so fun. 🙂

Holly - love it Meg! You are fab!

paige - darn…i must clarify
i realize waffles image did NOT make it into the post
but just a reference is good enough for me
waffle is also the man!
( oh dear…i think he’s a male…)

paige - always love it when waffle makes it into your posts!
thank you for freeing us on the school mom issue!
praise the lord for a honest woman!!
oh yeah –bono is the man!

Sophie - I love these answer posts!
And from your answers, I feel like you’re me, just a bit in the future. I’m only 17 at the moment, but in the future, I mainly just see myself having kids. I want 5 babies (:
I too want to be a photographer, but since I’ve had no actual training I’d find it difficult. People in England are much more into the posed studio kinda shots than natural photoshoots like you do. BLERGH.
I think in 20 years time, I wanna be just like you (:

Gemma - Hi Meg!!
Love your answers : )
Gemma x

Katy Stone - i love you and your love for the Lord and your sense of humor.
and i hope you really will post your pregnancy and love stories sometime!

leonie - hahahha love it! we could soooo have coffee or wine or cocktails… any chance of visiting Australia????? You make me feel normal! xx

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - 🙂 You make me smile! Go Meg!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

thoughts….

August 28, 2010

* i like cow paintings….i want to own one….brown cow, green grass, oil paint….
the real thing…BIG….
someday.

*my washer and dryer finished their loads at the same time
and they both were singing their song together. (we made up words to the laundry jingle)
like the dvd symbol going into the corner of the tv screen that no one sees but pam.
i don't think it will ever happen again.

* i said at 6 AM in my half sleep with one eye cracked open….."i hate exercise…it's lame"
craig was getting dressed and laughed a little.
then he straightened out the sheets and blankets over me.
i had the sheet almost all at my neck! i must have been dreaming about exercise.

* have you heard of french bull?
i just found it last night.
i started to sweat as i clicked through their store…..not kidding.
LOOK!

i will take one of each please.
so beautiful.

* craig keeps telling me to answer your questions from a month ago.
i think he is as curious to hear what my answers are as anyone. :)

* i have scored in the thrifty goodness this week.
a killer quilt…gold mirror (now turquoise)….a frame….a globe in the perfect shade of blue….

and a jesus plate.
i love a good thrift week.

* yesterday i made banana muffins and ate two with a cup of coffee

while playing memory with annie

in a clean kitchen

all before 9:30.
i felt fabulous….happy…content….full.
it was one of those moments that you know you should soak in every second
before she grows up and it's gone.

show hide 54 comments

add a comment

hurrfcgd - [url=”http://www.nfljerseysleague.com/specials”]nfl jerseys cheap[/url]

Eden - oh my gosh…that dog…darling face…darling ears…sigh.

crystal b - I so love your house!!!! Hey, did you find those cow pictures on Etsy. I was admiring a few cow paintings there a while back. They look familiar — maybe it’s just because they are cows. You should definitely get one of those.

Trina McNeilly - That just might be one of theeeee most adorable pics of your annie and waffle.
x trina

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - i love french bull!
I’m curious as to what the words are to your laundry jingles? Don’t you just love the songs at the end of the cycle? I swear it makes laundry just a little more fun to hear the song. 🙂 Silly, I know, but it’s the little things right?

j cole - Daughters grow up and are gone so fast! Annie is at such a sweet, sweet age. Thanks for sharing her with us.

Staisha - Wow! I’m a faithful reader. You are one of 4 that I am faithful too. I can’t believe not one of the comments said anything about the Jesus Plate. LOVE it and LOVE HIM! Even if it’s not the way he really looked. 🙂

Rachel - I loved so much at French Bull, that I felt like I would cry. Silly, crying over dishes.
Your clean kitchen made me jealous. But I’m happy for you.
I always enjoy your blog, it makes me smile.

Maggie - Hello! I’ve been a longtime quiet reader of your blog. Love your photography, your faith, that you have a big family, and the fact we’re neighbors (I’m an Okie!). I just started blogging, really, and wanted to let you know that I linked you in my latest post and will be a much more active reader now. 🙂
http://maggiewants.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/to-help-a-great-school-for-special-needs-kids-win-500000/

Staci Danford - LOVE the doggie and big smile picture.. I grinned all over seeing it. and….. I too love cows. The PURPLE cow is my favorite poem ever.. I always wanted to have one dyed that color. I would have to be a dose of pure JOY to see it.
Staci

Toni :O) - OMG…Rachel, I so didn’t see your comment and copy until AFTER I posted mine…great minds do think alike I think! LOL! :O)

Toni :O) - Your blog just absolutely makes me happy with joy every.single.time.I.click.on.it!!! Love your kitchen, love the colors, love your pictures of food, love your sweet happy girl and that dog…love your dog! I feel happy this evening because I cleaned out my daughter’s room BIG TIME and got it organized and feel pure joy…it’s a mom thing I’m sure! Have a blessed Monday and thanks for making me happy with your blog!

Holly - now that is a great post!

Rachel Guidry - I love your blog. Your pictures are amazing!! It makes me happy!!

Katie Adams - I LOVE cow pictures too but not as much as I LOVE that picture of Waffle and Annie. What sweetness!

amber - I love the Office….spamster 🙂 and I love clean kitchens too. Wish they were always so…

jessica kiehn - Please, do tell…what are the lyrics to this laundry song of yours? 🙂

Jules - You MUST frame that pic of Annie and Waffle. He’s smiling! LOVE it! Have a wonderful day!

MJ - That picture of Annie and Waffle is the best ever! It is one of the best photos, not just on your blog, but anywhere. It just makes me smile:)

Kat - Love the pic of Annie and Waffle, love the muffins,love your red and white stripey bowl, (must get myself one of those!)love your clean kitchen (and wow how did you get everything done, including bake muffins by 9.30am?!!)and love how you are soaking up those special moments.
Go forth and have a great day Meg, you deserve it! 🙂

candace - i love these random “i’m appreciating the little things in life posts” of yours. happy stuff!

edie - My dream Saturday: Enjoy coffee and pumpkin muffins at your house and then head out thrifting, looking for all manner of vintage goodness. Then spend the evening in your craft room making pillows while Craig and Annie make us dinner. Is that really too much to ask?
I think not. Oh, and your mom brings over mint brownies?!
A girl can dream!
Love to all,
edie

Heather - What did you have to do/say to get the dog and Annie to smile at the same time? That’s a keeper.

Jennifer - Do you want to paint your own cow picture!? My cousin opened a store in Wichita called ‘Paint the Towne’. I could hook you up! Check it out! We would LOVE to have you come out and paint!
http://www.paintthetowne.com/

suzkadesigns@yahoo.com - Who painted those cows? They’re gorgeous?

LouBoo - Love relaxing in a clean kitchen! Sad but true! Lou x

Kari - i’ll make you a cow painting 🙂 i’ve been looking for a reason and trying to motivate myself to start painting again….

tasha roe - isnt it the best with its the little things that make us happy. 🙂

Kelly - I too love cows. Where did you find those paintings?

mel - those dishes are adorable! So cute! And, I love your kitchen, it looks so inviting & cozy. I want to sit at your island & have a cup of coffee with you (or a glass of wine…)

Dina - I would like a REAL cow for my backyard. A big brown and white one (is that a holstein or a herford?) with big brown eyes and long eyelashes. We live in the city but we have a huge backyard. I think it would work out:-)

Staci - I love everything about this post except you introducing me to The French Bull 🙂 heehee 😀 Happy Weekend!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Ok ~ for the record ~ Pam is not alone! I love the corner and the logo and the moemnt it happens… knowing it will never happen again…
Just sayin’ “)

betsy - I’ve been putting off blogging about my last few weeks of summer & the beginning of school because it takes me forever. This is the way I need to do it. Just a picture or two with a short description. Thanks 😉
P.S. My students are LOVING the banner you made me. Every new staff member that sees it says, “Did you make that!?!?” As much as I would love to claim it, I’m happy to share, “The woman who writes a blog I read daily was nice enough to make one for me.” Thanks 🙂

Jennifer - Clean kitchens are just good for the soul, aren’t they??!! Yours is so beautiful. And holy cow…waffle has to be the cutest dog ever!!! 🙂

Quinn - I thought I was the only one to do that thing with the DVD symbol… hahahaha.
I looooove the picture of Waffle and Annie, too precious.

adrienne - love your happy things today!

Janie Fox - I love the exercise comment but I really love that he smoothed the covers over you. Little things are the best!

Vera - I’ve really been dragging this morning, but this post made me happy and motivated – thank you!

Nicole Q. - I just spent way to much time dream shopping over at the FrenchBull site you mentioned! FUN ! FUN! Fun!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I should try and paint a cow pic for you. I don’t use oils…wonder how acrylic would look? You’re kitchen was gorgeous Meg. So sparkly and clean. I get that feeling of being full and overflowing alot. I’m so blessed. My youngest starts all day school soon and I’m praying I won’t flip out or anything crazy!

tami - Awh fun stuff, your soo full of color!

Dani - This has nothing to do with your post…. but I just LOVE LOVE LOVE that when I click on a link in your post it opens a new window!!! I hate to be reading a blog and click a link to find it takes me away from where I started!
Thanks! 🙂

Melissa Morrill - Waffle is smiling!!

elisa - We have the exact same countertop- do you use windex on it?
Love your clean kitchen!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - There’s nothing quite like a clean kitchen!
It makes your whole house feel clean, even if it’s not!
🙂
Yay, Craig- stay on her!
🙂

Lisa - Meg, when you have a free moment (ha ha) check out my very talented friend’s whimsical animal art – it’s so fun and colorful, AND named Harvest Moo – perfect for your cow yearnings!
http://harvestmoo.com/id2.html

Tara - I have a cow painting that I got this summer, and it’s my favorite thing in our house…you can find it on my sidebar. 🙂

Sandy - beautiful picture of Annie & Waffle!

Nikki - I love the last photo of Annie and Waffle…. so cute!

Niki - Oh my word! I was so enamored with a cow painting in Tuesday Morning this week. Seriously. Couldn’t take my eyes off it! LOL Of course I don’t think it was the real deal but still, kinda random you brought it up!!!

Gemma - Yummy Banana muffins and Coffee!!
Good Stuff : )
Gemma x

Catriona - This resonates with me – especially the coffee and muffins reward! I am just about to do something similar while my children play with Play-doh, my husband digs the garden and my washing machine sweetly whirs. And it’s only 8:58am in our house (we’re in the UK)! Have a great weekend.

karen - I am up at 1:55 am because of hot wings. Why are you up?
I think I will order a Lazy Susan 🙂

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

that was fun……(said sarcastically)

August 6, 2010

our washer broke on monday (again).
so after four days…and the weekend before of being behind on laundry….
we decided to go to the laundromat.

it's been YEARS.
like….lauren was a baby the last time i was in a laundromat.
i remember having the debate about leaving her in the carseat in the car while i took in the laundry
or taking her carseat in and leaving her alone while i got the laundry.
and all that waiting….
pre cell phones, iPods, laptops…nothing but sit and wait.

the little girls thought it was very neat.
they had no idea what a laundromat was or how it worked.

i have never had so much help.
it was really nice.

laundry has gotten so expensive since the olden days.

after the clothes were all in the washer craig came by and picked up the girls.
then the other man who was washing his clothes left also.
so it was me and tom petty washing and drying together….all alone.

i edited photos while they dried.

i sang.
because….you can……when you are alone in a laundromat.
i channeled my inner jerry maguire and sang "free fallin" quite loudly.

and i took pictures of myself.
because….i am majorly dorky.

four big baskets of laundry…washed, dried and folded in 2 hours.
nice.

i betcha i have to go back before my washer is fixed.
i hope i get to be alone again.

****GREAT ideas on the no tv post.
i knew you would be able to help me!
they were so much better today already….day 4 and it is working.
i suggested at 10:00 "how about you go play office or hotel or hospital or school"
i literally didn't see the younger three for 3 HOURS!!
thanks for the encouragement and 100+ ideas to throw at them.
they didn't even think about asking for tv today. yay!!!

show hide 45 comments

add a comment

megduerksen.typepad.com - That was fun.. Nifty 🙂

Tara Schaubert - glad you have clean clothes…or had.
you’re most likely needing to go again by now!
one time, i was on a mission trip in england and our team went to the “laun-dri”.
i was embarrassed to wash my underwear in front of the boys.
(we mixed loads, but girls with girls and vice versa.)
also, it took FOREVER to dry our clothes, so we left for lunch (with a few wet loads) and then a few of us went back to finish.
we were waiting and waiting for someone to come get their jeans out of one of the dryers so that we could use ALL of them. then, i noticed that a pair or two looked familiar…
WE LEFT THE ENTIRE LOAD OF JEANS THERE THE WHOLE DAY!
i’m so glad we went back to the same place.
we were only allowed to bring one pair each, so that would have been pretty bad.
that’s the end of my favourite laundromat story. =]

Melanie - Sorry about having to go to the laundry mat. I haven’t been in over 23 years. At least you got some work done.

Sugar Mama - I always get a kick out of my kids thinking something as mundane as going to a laundromat is fun. But, it’s really about doing things that are different.
Looks like you had all kinds of fun! And at least the pics you take of yourself aren’t just you smiling at the camera, you put a creative spin on it! ;o)

kristine - OH and i love the self-portraits! you look adorable and they’re really great pics!!

kristine - at least you make the best of it! what a great experience for the girls to see that AND get a pinch of help. AND THEN get some alone time!! today i laid out on our rooftop (not the roof! ha ha!) and my friend texted me saying, “how are you out there? it’s SOOOO HOT!” and i was like, “i will do anything for a little peace and quiet.” i couldn’t even read my book b/c i couldn’t keep my eyes open. i napped and it was lovely. and fortunately i’m not FRIED! ha ha AND when i came back downstairs, sweet natalie had fallen asleep. so hubby is watching tv and i get to check email/blogs! WOO HOO!!!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - I hit the laundromat at the campgrounds at the beach where we were vacationing- here: http://boysmyjoys.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-199.html
and here: http://boysmyjoys.blogspot.com/2010/07/day-201-day-in-life-beach-edition.html
People looked at me like I was crazy for snapping pictures while I was doing laundry, but it seemed normal to the blogger in me. 🙂
Besides, when we came home, the only dirty clothes I had were the ones on our bodies! Loved that!!!

Rach - Some of my best afternoons or dateless Friday nights were spent in Laundromats. Happily we have a washer and dryer in the house now, but I still remember those days back when it was just me and my bag of clothes and a good book. Sometimes it’s nice to revisit the old days. 🙂

j - I had to go to the laundromat after our last hurricane. I couldn’t believe how expensive it was. The good thing about going is you can have a bunch of machines going at once and get out of there quicker.

Kim - this post is so great. i remember a friend laughing about that exact same dilemna – at the laundromat years ago – whether to leave the baby alone in the car or alone inside. it actually sounds pretty nice to have 4 loads completely done in 2 hours, whilest editing photos and singing at the top of your lungs (what mom gets to do that anymore!? and it’s soooo fun!) maybe this broken washer thing is a blessing in disguise. 😉

Amy - Love it! I’m majorly dorky too and would take pics all day at the laundromat too. 🙂 Thanks for making me smile today!

Laurie, from Maryland - Your entry today reminded me of this quote from St. Elmo’s Fire: “Fluff and fold, buddy. Soon as I make it really big, I’m going fluff and fold.” It’s funny the things that pop into my head sometimes. But there are so many good quotes from that movie. Enjoyed the pics!

Liz - Add this to the next time you answer questions:
What do you feed everybody, and how do you figure out how to do that? I feel as though once that 5 year old check up is done, no one is giving moms any nutrition advice. I have a 2 HS aged boys who are both athletes, a young women who lives with us….and a 9 month old.
After a crazy summer of ball games, work schedules, college visits, etc I want to bring back dinner time….but I can never decide what to fix. How do you do it with 5 kids??
H E L P.

Amanda Fuentes - Only you could make the laundromat CUTE! lol We always went w/ my mom as kids and I remember it always being fun. I went a few times when my husband and I were first married and it was sweet to go together, now I think I’d just buy a new washer or dryer before attempting to take my kids!

bobbie - our dryer started fritzing out yesterday. Is that a word? fritzing? But it took four cycles to get one load dry. I might be visiting a laundromat this weekend, or just let the dogs wear our clothes around the yard since we don’t have a clothesline. I hope laundromats still smell the same

tara pollard pakosta - LOVE that you took pix of this!
love that they helped!!!
love that you are enforcing no t.v.!!!
YAY for yoU! and please share pix of all they are doing!
it will inspire!
thank YOU for your blog! highlight of my day!
for REAL>!
tara

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - That is great news, Meg!
Please keep us in prayer as we start our no tv journey on Monday!

Ryanne - Same thing has happened to me this summer. Three times the washer leaked out onto the floor, before we said enough. Bought a used one on craigslist that I love even more than my original washer. Plus my trips to the laundromat with the 4 and 2 year old were not quite as fun, but we did go to the DQ for ice cream and play hide and seek in the laundromat. Good luck with your washer repairs and/or new washer hunt.

www.Kellyloves.wordpress.com - so happy about the list!!!
i’ve never been the laundry mat either, Lee Ann.
http://www.kellyloves.wordpress.com

Lee Ann - At least it’s done! I’ve never done the laundry mat thing……yet. 🙂 As for no t.v. I find music is good when they’re bored. Turn it up and dance, or if they are palying I’ll put on some softer Hymns. Just seems to make things more peaceful.

Beth - somebody most likely said this already, but it does get easier for them to find things to do the more used to no-TV they get. It’s like a drug, the more they watch, the more they want it, and it takes some “rehab” time to get the last of it through their veins so they don’t crave it anymore.

Charity - We spent 3 weeks camping in July, and on my birthday, my big treat was to take the laundry to the laundromat and have a whole hour or so of peace, all to myself. :o) Sounds silly, but it was lovely!

Lorilee - I have never been to a laundromat in my life! I have had my washer break, overflow etc! Oh, washer just sang its END song. Time to head out to the clothesline!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Krista - Love the pics of the girls helping load the machines! Does this mean you’ll be getting a fancy new washer? UGH, can’t imagine how much laundry you had to bring with you, but at least you had some peace and quiet to dry & fold with Tom!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I’m dorky like that too. Almost every post I do has a picture of me in it;) I like going to blogs where I see who is writing to me. Makes it more real…so snap away:)
I had to go to the laundry mat not that long ago and it was interesting. I took a friend to help me and it was a good thing. We ended picking off lint from all my rugs. I thought it would be a great idea to wash them all together. Now I know why I never wash my rugs!
So glad the kids have some new ideas and are giving you a break.

Juli - With all of the quarters you used on washing 7 peoples worth of clothing, couldn’t you just buy a new washing machine?! Haha, just kiddin’!

jenni@talkinghairdryer - I get jealous of those families on Extreme Home Makeover that get 2 sets of washers and driers in their laundry room.

Beth - This post humors me because I had to use a laundromat last years to wash our (apparently ginormous – because it wouldn’t fit in any washing machine) bedspread. I didn’t really like it and the clientel waiting around was questionable. It made me really appreciate my washer and dryer being at home!

Staci - You make even going to a laundromat fun 🙂 Especially the last pictures, when you are alll alone 🙂 I reeeeally need some time alone if I am jealous of you getting to go to the laundromat 🙂 heeeeheeee!!!! Glad your kiddoes didn’t miss the tv!!! You are way more courageous than I !!!!! Today, we are off to White Water Bay…..uggggh 🙁 Nothin like a big hole of chlorine pee for the kids to swim in 🙂 Can you tell how much I love it?!!! BUT, I do love my kids, so therefore, I will go 🙂 So that’s at least today they won’t be on the Wii 🙂

Karen Lehmann - this winter, while our new tile was being installed in our kitchen and laundry room, I too, found myself without a washer and dryer. for 2 weeks! ack… we trekked to our local laundromat as well and my kids loved it too.
i totally gotcha with the what do i take in and what do i do with the little ones scenario – although my kids arent tiny babies anymore it was hard to get them all inside or out to the car again in the snow with all of the laundry (we had alot) it was a ton o fun though…

Debra - Mama Sue~I am from TX as well & grew up doing our laundry at the washateria. Now we live in Japan & it is called a laundry mat on base.

Debra - Even though we have a washer & dryer that are free, I much prefer doing laundry at the laundry mat. I actually just got home from doing 12 loads. But all of our laundry for the week is done in 2 hours & I am free for a bit. I love that!
Now my husband, he hates me spending the $20 (or less) when again, we have ones at home that are free to use.

Deputy's Wife - Somedays I wish I could walk into my basement and see a bank of washer and dryers. Yes, I do think of that. How wonderful it would be to have all the laundry done in two hours, right in your own home!

Mama Sue - I have a king sized PB quilt on our bed that I wash at the laundromat…in TX they are often called washateria…really! The one nearest my home is gross so I don’t like to take my daughter. It sure is nice to get it done quickly though. I remember going with my mom when I was a kid sometimes if it was too cold or wet to hang our clothes outside!

Kimberlee J. - You and Mr. Hodge could do a wonderful duet. I’ve seen him break out a Free Fallin like no other. Ask him!

AshleyAnn - I have never been to a laundromat, but your pictures make it look nice…not nicest enough to try out, but maybe nice enough for me not have a breakdown at the thought if my washer breaks.

Kylah Marro - I have a confession to make! I LOVE the laundromat…EVEN BETTER when I am there alone! I have a washer and dryer at my house but like you when my dryer broke in the middle of the winter I would go there to dry. I would go alone and have my BF stay with the boyZ..AHHH PEACE just me and the fresh smelling laundry….all laundry done in a matter of hours felt so rewarding!!! I would usually go on a Sunday night at 8pm…..WONDERFUL! I know I am weird! FUN POST!

Rachel - This is great. I had to go to the laudramat the other day too…in Paris. Check out my post on the Laverie Libre Service :).
http://plainjane21.blogspot.com/2010/08/jour-de-la-lessive.html

Jessica - I secretly fantasize about going to the laundromat…the thought of getting all my laundry done in just a couple hours is almost unbearable 😉

Tara - we use to go to the laundromat when I was little..not all the time, but occasionally, for some reason.
glad the “no tv” is working out better…

Micah - I’ve never had to go to a laundromat, but I’ve always imagined it would take half or less the time that it takes at home! Huge washers and dryers that fit like 2 loads worth, plus you can do as many loads as you need to at once! Not to mention folding in an uninterrupted envioronment ;).

Holly - we had to go to the laundromat about a year ago when our washing machine was broken. Brian really liked getting the laundry done in 2 hours, but we had to get up early on saturday morning to do it. I didn’t like that part so much!

Gemma - You know when you love someones blog when you WANT to carry on reading about them doing laundry lol!
Great post as per usual Meg!!
Happy Friday : )
Gemma x

Lisa - How is it that you make laundry look like fun? Some great pics taken too. Glad to hear the children are getting used to the no computer/tv thing. Just last week i did a 7 day challenge to be tech free. i thought i would die, but infact it was really good. I felt significantly less wound up. Hope you kids do too.

mkpoggie - I remember going to the laundry mat as a kid and thinking it was the coolest!! They had a bubble gum machine and a pool table and cartoons on the wall mounted TV.
It must have been some kind of super amazing mat…
…Because, when I was in college and HAD to go to one, I remember thinking, “Well this is significantly less exciting.” I didn’t have a laptop. Or Tom Petty.
Glad you found some laundry zen time!!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

a few answers.

August 2, 2010

you sure had some great questions!

i wrote them all down and i am going to randomly answer some now & some later.
here goes:

1. how much time do you spend on personal appearance?

not much.
most days i don't wear make-up, i "do" my hair every other day or so,
and wear capris and t-shirts nearly everyday.

BUT i DO try to look decent most days by the time my husband gets home.
i pop a piece of gum in my mouth before he walks in for a minty fresh kiss…change OUT of my pajamas
from the night before….or my nasty gym clothes from the morning workout that was 7 hours prior.

he has always been sweet to say that he thinks i am a "natural beauty" (aauuuwwww)
so i don't worry too much about needing makeup.
i feel better about MYSELF though when i am wearing makeup.
if i only have a little time….i will put on powder and lip gloss….and mascara sometimes.

2. what kind of friends are your favorite?

confident women.
strong.
loving.
open.
kind hearted.
compassionate.
honest about their lives.
honest about their hurts and struggles.
accepting of my flaws.
encouraging.

not all friends are like this.
but when you find them…you know.
they are the ones worth keeping.

3. what is it like to have a teenager?



scary.

there were many questions about raising a teenager…what is it like? what's your advice?
how do you talk about sex? what are the rules for clothing? chores? cell phones? etc.

guess what….i have all these same questions!!!

i have to be careful because my teenager reads my blog.
(she claims she doesn't because it's a "stupid lame blog" but i am smart enough to know better)
since she reads it i have to chose my words differently than if she didn't.
mothers could understand me 100% while teenagers would get the exact opposite from what i say.

so….i will say that…so far….raising a teenager has been….
challenging.

duh.

but really…there is nothing i could tell you that would prepare you for it.
like childbirth.
it's all talk until YOU are living it.

it's hard.
and possibly wonderful at times.
i am hopeful for many more of those times.
and there WILL BE as we all get used to what it means to be parents of a teen and just to BE a teen.
we are ALL learning as we go here.

i TRUST that God is in control.
HE will cover over my mistakes in raising my children with HIS Grace.
i am trying my best with God's guidance and that is the best i can do.
i pray for "grace like rain" to come over my parenting…please.

she is learning to drive.
it's quite an experience.

4. where did you get the rainbow shoes?

they are from ———–.

5. do you have an accent?

not really.
i think i sound "normal".
i sound….like american actors on tv…?

helpful answer? doubtful.
kansans don't sound like texans if that is what you meant.
someday i will post a video so you can hear me.

6. how do you pronounce your last name?

great question!
duerksen is pronounced DERK-sen.
i don't know why the U is in there….it's a german thing i am guessing.

7. what is your favorite George Clooney role?

oh my.
i just got all sweaty thinking about all the george clooney roles that i love.

i loved him on ER.
like really loved him.
when nurse carol left the show and HE showed up at the end…i rewound that tape like ten times!
he is dreamy.

i loved him in Out of Sight….he was steamy.

Up in the Air….because he seemed human.

Oceans Eleven….because he is so good at being handsome.

i could go on and on.
but let's just look at him for awhile….i love the gray hair.






8. do you sleep?!!

i am a night owl.
i love to sleep in.
i don't sleep a LOT but i do loooove to sleep.
i go to bed late (midnight or after) every day…unless i am sick.
i always have since i was a kid…my poor mother.

9. how did you meet chicago jen?

i met jenny at our apartment building in Des Plaines, IL.
i was 22. (whoa)
we lived in the same hall with one apartment between us.
she and dave were newlyweds….we had been married two years? i think.
we only had little lauren at the time.

i soon found out that her aunt was MY HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER.
for real.
Senora Ens was jenny's aunt.
and that jenny had visited her aunt every easter growing up.
in kansas….from illinois.
Senora Ens lived ON MY BLOCK!!!
so our entire childhood….we were a block apart on easter and never knew.
and i was most likely the worst student Senora Ens ever had.
i spent more time in the hall than the classroom and i got a D-…..so embarrassing.
she was craig's teacher too but he transferred out right away to Weights Class instead.
ha.

jenny and i went to the same church in glenview.
we started a small group bible study with a few other couples….and the rest is history.
lots and lots of history.

love you chicago jen.
and dave…i love you too.
but i promise not to hug you.

10. can we see the dining room?

it's not done yet.
craig has done all the work that he can and we are waiting on me!
he painted for HOURS.

i have curtains to make….furniture to paint…pictures to hang.

i PROMISE i will show you when it's done.
why wouldn't i?!!

11. are you a shy, quiet person in real life?

i don't think anyone would ever describe me as quiet.

and i don't think that i am shy.

i get intimidated and nervous sometimes.
but i don't think that i am shy.

i like to talk. (understatement)
and i love making people laugh.
🙂

my personality is Sanguine on those tests you take.

12. do you and craig ever fight?

we are not perfect.
did you think we were?
surely not.
of course we fight…but not often.

right now…we have very little to fight about.
we try to talk about issues that may come up.
and to speak kindly to each other and about each other when we are apart…aka: husband bashing.
marriage is hard work that takes upkeep and determination.

seriously……we are having so much fun together!
i spend a lot of time thinking about what i can do for him and i feel he does the same for me.
for example, i made one of his favorite meals for sunday lunch today and he seemed surprised and happy.
that's love.
and later he sent scott upstairs to me with a plate of dinner while i was working.
kind of like breakfast in bed.
it was so sweet.

13. where can i find…..

the rainbow ribbon…….walmart sewing/craft dept

the red EAT letters…….pottery barn clearance 3 years ago.

the red and white bowl……anthropologie 6 months ago.

cute purses………..elisalou

recipe for rainbow cake……..may 22, 2009

be kind to others print………..the wheatfield.

where i print my pictures…….scrapbookpictures.com

14. your husband is hot.

wait….that wasn't a question.
it is fact.

he is scrumtralescent…i just made up a word on the spot. :)

15. what do you like most and least about blogging.

i love the community we have here in blogland of mostly happy, kind people.
i love the encouragement you give me and the feeling of accomplishment of having my family's
story recorded….good and bad.

i dislike….the time it takes to download pics on a post.
am i doing it wrong?
surely there is a way you could just drag them across from your files to your post?!
it would save me SO much time if you can.

and i dislike people who are mean….leave mean comments…take their time to actually write
something that would hurt someone else.
least favorite for sure.

************************************************************************************

i think that that is ENOUGH about me for today!!!
that was probably too much actually.
hope you aren't asleep by now.

show hide 86 comments

add a comment

eds - I LOVE your question/answer posts! LOVE! I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I love your pictures (they are SO great!), but I also really, really love your words. I am so happy your blog exists!

Blue-eyed Blonde - You know why you like Clooney? He looks like your handsome husband–they could be brothers, perhaps.

Christine Brown - Meg! OMG! First time to your blog and I’m feeling like you and I are from the exact same planet! I posted earlier about your gorg-e-o-s Premier Jewelry…*I* am a Jewelry Lady. And now I noticed your print at scrapbookpictures.com…now that is a place where only SERIOUS scrapbookers print their pictures…am I right?! *I* am a serious scrapbooker…had lots of stuff published in CK, Scrapbooks Etc, Memory Makers, etc…I feel like I NEED to meet you! Unfortunately…I live in WI…but I sure would… LOVE to meet you! God bless you and your family! 🙂 Christine

Heather - Scrumtralescent! Will Ferrell on SNL! LOVE IT!
Great post. 🙂

Kristin S - Might be my fave post ever. I wish we were real-life friends. 🙂
(is that too stalker-ish?)

www.Kellyloves.wordpress.com - i love reading about your personal stuff — gives us more of an insight into you …
I have a post similar – check it: http://kellyloves.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/10-random-things-about-me/
okay- actually, here’s another one: http://kellyloves.wordpress.com/2010/06/18/10-more-random-things-about-me-…/

Kacey - So much fun! I loved reading your answers. You never fail to make me smile.

Kristy - I’m a night owl too…just can’t break it. I LOVE your blog, it’s the only one I read every day. My kids will see me perusing your blog and say, “is that the lady whose blog you like?”. You always put a smile on my face. Thanks for being so honest. You are lovely!

kat - Love it! The “your husband is hot” question/statement really made me laugh. Only because I am sure so many of us also think he’s hot and someone actually had the guts to say it. Thanks for being you and always making us laugh.

karen - haha! I love it! I totally want to see a video of you!! Do it!
If there was a movie about you and yours..I would totally watch! George Clooney would of course play Craig!!

Aljolynn - Thanks for my daily George Clooney fix. I heart that handsome face!

Liz - Wow…I found you when I began praying for Cora Mac. I do not know how I came to “know” Jody Landers…but then you went to Africa with her!
Carol Hathaway and Doug and the Don Henley song? Loved it.
Thank you for your blog. I love my life, but want your house. And Waffle. I heart Waffle.

anna - oh, how i love me some george… *sigh*

candace - great post – thoroughly enjoyed it!

Leslie - Thanks for the reminder of the hotness of George Clooney during his ER days!! It makes me laugh to go back and see him during his Facts of Life Days!!

Shelley Paden - Your comment about mean people leaving mean comments…the only nid-bit-o thoughts I have on that is..mean people suck. Deep thought right?

Sarah - Awesome post…love how “real” you are!!!

Jess Mead - I love your honesty! I am so NOT looking forward to teenagers!!!

Lisa - Thank you for sharing about your relationship with your hubby! I have 4 young kids and honestly they need so much that my husband (who I adore and love) gets the leftovers. You’ve challenged me to try and purposely do “special” things for him more! 🙂

rebecca - i loved this post. this makes me sound internet creepy (whatev.)…but i love when bloggers post personal stuff! sometimes i like learning about the person behind the etsy store, or craft, or bathroom remodeling.
i can’t wait til my husband and i get to the place where we don’t fight as much! maybe b/c we’re newlyweds…we have to fight everything out? at least we get to enoy the making up now! 🙂
thanks for sharing!

kelly - ps…love your Happy Things….so many great things you find & share…Thanks Kelly (again) NYC:)

kelly - hey Meg!! don’t know if someone asked this already… where did you get the idea for the bathroom with the kids drawings? LOVE IT!!! can you show an update of it?
I’m raising 4 teenage GIRLS!! 18,16& two 13’s. like you said each day is a learning day and ask everyday for God’s Grace!!! thanks for sharing your story…Kelly, NYC:)

Leah - Hi Meg! I highly recommend Windows Live Writer. It is free and you can download it here.
http://explore.live.com/windows-live-writer
My blog is a typepad blog (I chose typepad when I started my blog cause I loved your blog so much and decided if it was good enough for your sweet blog it was good enough for mine 😉 Anyhow, my sweet Microsoft husband started me using Live Writer and I have never looked back. I’ve actually never even written a blogpost is typepad. Live Writer is set up to be similar to Word so its super simple and you drag your pictures from your computers picture file straight onto your post. And it even configures(?)your live writer page to look like your blog page so you can easily see how it is going to look once posted on your blog. I really do love it so much! Anyhow, I hope that helps. I think you might use a Mac but I’m hoping it will still let you use Live Writer. I’m not that much of a computer person to know. I’d have to ask my man that type of question.

Jamie - Another question…how did you get started blogging?

Stephanie - i don’t know much about blogging, but i have the picture thing down. i upload my photos to flickr {by clicking on them in iphoto} and then go to flickr -> click on the photo -> all sizes -> and then copy and paste the html code in my blog. viola!
i am a night owl too… blessing and a curse, right?

Ann - Hi – I have a question. Your hubby is pretty hot, my hubby is hot too! But…he passes gas in front of me all the time. I find it annoying and unattractive even though he is hot. Does you hubby do this to you? Does it bother you at all?

Angela - Everytime you do these Q&A’s I love you more!!
As far as having a teen, oh my what can I say? I have a 19 yr old and a almost 15 yr old (plus a 7 yr old). You’re right I’ve prayed my way through most of it. Mine are all boys and we’ve survived our first wreck too! While my husband can lay down and go right to sleep I lay awake and worry about everything that “could” happen, I think that’s why I’m a night owl. Plus it’s the only time my house is peaceful. 😉

Brenda Leentjes - Thank you so much for your blog. I can’t fathom having 5 children and still having a sense of humor. I have a son who is 16 and rolls his eyes and drives me crazy, but also is the best part of life. I always look forward to your posts and your great photography.

j - we’re doing the driving thing here too – I like to warn people who I know are traveling to South Florida.

katie - #7 made me laught out loud. i am calling george clooney right now and telling him that you said you are sweaty because of him. 🙂

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meg, you are amazing. I relate to you so much… I have a ‘ten’ager right now and each day is new territory. I will pray for you and grace and me and rain. Amen.

Ruth - oh my… that driving picture is just priceless!!

Deputy's Wife - I burst out laughing of the side-by-side photos of you and your daughter. I needed that! Though, it makes me think of what I will be doing in a few years. Maybe other people will be laughing at me. That’s okay, I love laughter.
Number 11, if I were to answer it would be the same thing. I talk… A LOT… and I love making other people laugh.

Christine Minger - Hello Meg! I kinda new at this comment thing but what the heck here it goes. I have been reading your blog for awhile now and I look forward to reading it all the time. Your blog is wonderful and very colorful and so real and down to earth. In these times it’s so refreshing to read blogs like yours. I love how you share the life of a mom. I too am a mom of three kids and so many times I find myself relating with you right by your side. Your creative heart is so inspiring which lead me to making my own blog.
Your pictures are WONDERFUL! If you want you can check out my blog at http://www.allfreckles.blogspot.com. It’s always fun exchanging blogs through the blog world. Keep up such great post you really are fun to read! Thank you for being so real!

Jaime @ Mamarazzi - Gosh Meg… I came to say what many others already have.
Love the pic of you and Lauren (where she’s driving)…
If this one mean person in particular that I’ve noticed has issues with you/your blog, then why does she stick around, reading and commenting?
I read your blog every day… it’s a must read and it’s fantastic.
I don’t remember what the kansas accent sounds like. The only thing kansas about me is my SSN. =)

Maria - you crack me up…thanks for such a nice Monday post…needed it after the crazy, insane weekend we had.
the ‘hot husband’ non-question is too funny…you all are such a cute little couple.
And that teenager dual picture question…scary…we are getting closer, but not quite there yet…just lots of attitude so far…fun times.
have a great week!

sarah - I love the way you talk about Craig… and your relationship with him.
And I agree you are not shy, but very kind and personable, super friendly 🙂

mkpoggie - I liked how you answered the accent question. Don’t people know that Kansas is where broadcasters have come to learn to make their voices sound neutral?? It’s true. Plays/Movies/TV Shows with Kansan characters train the actors to speak like they’re from Tennessee.
Drives me bananas.
So preach on, Sister.

Janet Biernacki - My mom always said your kids need you when they are teens almost more than when they are toddlers. After raising 3 teens, I have to agree. Art Linkletter said “teenager is not a disease” and Dr.Dobson mentioned ” just get them through it”.
Hang in there all you parents of teens. It goes WAY too fast, enjoy them and hang on for the ride.
Your posts are enjoyable Meg. I ck often too, and appreciate it more b/c I live in southwest KS. It’s a great state.

CarrieBeth - so fun reading all of those! your life is incredibly inspiring to me. i will be getting married in a little less than 3 months (woo hoo!!!!) and i long for our marriage and future family to be an example to other like yours is!! thank you for writing!

tara pollard pakosta - my daughter stays up til midnight every night!
so annoying LOL! I never get a break, so I know how your mom feels! are any of your kids night owls?!
LOVE your posts! look forward to them!
you really are a very amazing person!
tara

Mrs.B@salaknlemonlade.blogspot.com/ - Thanks! Good stuff…I wasn’t bored & I’m not asleep! 😉 The one about teenagers made my laugh & cry! ~duh! 🙂 May God Bless all of us parents of teenagers!

Stephanie - I use Windows Live Writer- I can upload all of my pictures at once. Maybe that helps?

Sara - Hey Meg, I read your blog every day, and I rarely comment, but I had to comment about that pic of you and your oldest daughter. Those photos made me laugh so hard! They are hilarious! You need to save them and make a page for her in an album.

Staci - I just love you Meg!!!! And I especially love the pic of you in the car while Lauren is driving!!!!! HILarious!!!!! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂

jennibell - Thanks! Lots of fun to learn more about you 🙂

Bec - I’ve only had one really snide comment and it was actually left on a guest post written by someone else, but it made me mad none the less. If you don’t like it, don’t read it 😉

jeanne - First of all…your husband IS hot…I am just glad that someone else said it first. Just in case I am ever driving through Kansas and you become a little protective of your spouse. Secondly, that photo of you on the ground is HILARIOUS!!! Third, thanks for all the George Clooney photos. REALLY. We could all use more George Clooney love.

Sandy - Thanks for all of that! I love the look on your face with Lauren driving…makes me laugh every time I go back and look at it. I have a picture of my son, Seth driving for the first time. Good (and scary) memories.

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - I just can’t imagine how anyone could have mean things to say to you- or about the things you post! It reminds me of a common bumper sticker in the hippie-chick college town where I grew up- “Mean People Suck”. It always made me chuckle when I saw cars with them! 🙂 Anyway, keep chugging along! You’re great at what you do! 🙂

Juli - HA! I am laughing at the “Your Husband is Hot” comment! He completely is, even more so than George Clooney.
My husband is too and now I am going to start calling him “scrumtralescent”!
I have to wonder, because of your blog, how many woman have been begging their husbands to move them to Kansas (no, not for a sneak peek at your hotty!)
Headline: “Meg Deurksen Solely Responsible for Largest Mass Influx to Kansas in the History of the Country.”
I am Southern Belle at heart but if I could buy a charming home like yours, have neighbors like yours with block parties, quaint antique shops, good schools you can walk to, precious preschools with “grandparents”…you’re living in Mayberry, girl! I’d move tomorrow!

merlin - teen driving….I can’t do it, that’s my husband’s job. For me this is my greatest personal parenting challenge, my fear completely overwhelms me when the teen is behind the wheel (and he is a really great kid)and I am the co-pilot(it truly is my issue). No, I will be doing the driving until I am no longer legally allowed. I admire you for many reasons, but right now most of all for your courage and faith in letting your teen drive while you are in the car.

amy jupin - love it. all of it. especially the hilarious/perfect pictures and honest answers. and i still say if we lived closer, we could easily be bffs. like totally. 🙂

Suzanne - you make me smile Meg!

Charlene@Adventures-In-Mommy-Land - Love the answers – especially the teenager one….as a mother of teens myself (I have 6 kids from 5 to 17), there really isn’t any other way to describe it. It is more scary than words can say. It is more difficult than people think and anyone who thinks it looks easy, doesn’t get the whole story. It is just like you said….like childbirth – you just can’t put it into words, you just have to live it or go through it. It is extremely challenging.
I also loved that you shared the other day about your fruit flies. I have them too and I thought man, my kitchen must just be disgusting LOL, but then you posted and I thought – great, I’m glad I’m not the only one LOL!

Stacia - Aahhh! You answered my question! I told my husband it made me feel a little bit famous – even though that doesn’t make sense:) Loved the entire post; thank you!

Amy Lynne - Thank you! You’re awesome!

chris - Are you freakin kidding me Lauren is learning how to drive that is crazy , how old do you have to be to drive in Kansas , mine won’t be driving until at least 16 or 17 and I think that is way too young , scary , good luck

Krista - I love your Q&A posts! Waiting for more!!

pam - When I went to Europe with some NYC kids they thought those of us from Kansas had a southern drawl….NEVER understood that. As for teenagers…pick your battles and ride the wave….they are AMAZING people in the making…they just haven’t figured out that they are amazing. This sanguine loves to pop in here and find the happy so many days…so full of life. I’m in awe that you sleep so little with such a full house of active kids. Oh and we have told our girls since they were REALLY little that we’re just giving them topics for future therapy sessions…it’s what we parents do.

Heather R. - A smile on a Monday morning. You did that for me. 🙂 Cheers, (coffee mugs) ‘clink’!

Emily - Love all your answers! About the pictures on the blog, you have a mac, right? There is something called Blogo that you can download and it seems pretty easy. I just got a mac last week and I’m still figuring everything out. Just from playing around on it, it seems like you can just drag pictures over from iPhoto into the post.

Holly S - I loved all of the photos!!!

AshleyAnn - That was fun to read, I am looking forward to the rest. Sanguine…I am the opposite. I score the LOWEST on sanguine every time…

Sally Mangham - Hi Meg,
It’s always great to see your Q & A! Last night I was reading http://www.theidearoom.net/2010/07/okay.html and she was speaking about how people leave RUDE/MEAN comments so she adddress it which I admire I and I think is pretty smart of her. I have to say it surprises me and makes me sad becaues you are honest and open and you are willing to give a snap shot into your world and for that I am grateful!!!! I learn so much in blogland i.e. organizational & parenting tips, sewing, photography, recipes, etc. Doesn’t anyone abide by the “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all” Didn’t their parents teach them this?
Again, thanks for keeping it real like Shawni http://71toes.blogspot.com/2010/07/thing-about-blogs.html
Hugs, Sally

Tara - you are so very REAL. I can’t say enough how refreshing it is.

Jill - You are too awesome. Every answer seemed to be perfectly you. This is why we all come back for more of your blog! I am always in love with your house, but I am also secretly loving that your dining room isn’t done yet. It makes you normal! 🙂 I’ll just have to be patient to see the “after” pictures. Thank you for always putting yourself out there for us.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - That picture of you and Lauren…hysterical! You crack me up. I loved learning more. Thanks for being real.

katie - you ARE a natural beauty!!! loved this post!!!

Suzette - Is it too late for a question? I would love to know what blogs you read every day. I read yours EVERY day for about a year now. I truly enjoy it. Thanks for sharing. I adored the George Clooney part and the teen driving part (I have a 15 year old & 13 year old).

Kimberlee J. - When Carol left and HE came back…with that Don Henley song playing in the background. I bought “I’m taking you home” on iTunes as soon as I could. I wish I could watch that episode today. Sigh, double sigh. I’m off to listen to the song and sigh some more.

Lori - I think Craig is right, that you are a natural beauty…your personality shines right through! I think you were smart not to go into too much detail on teenagers…everyone’s experience is so different, but it boils down to just what you said – challenging, with ups and downs. Thanks for the reminder that God’s grace will cover our parenting. Comforting! Looking forward to more answers….

Lorie - LOVED all your answers. I never miss a day of you. You are so creative and real, and I love to read about your life, because then I know there really ARE people like me out there!

Shann - I wondered if Lauren was learning to drive. My daughter Shelby is as well. It is hard isn’t it?????? My land I can get so freaked out at times while she is driving. This mothering is hard work. And you are right….I also pray that God’s grace covers my parenting like soft gentle rain….especially when I am not-so-gentle. 🙂
Have a lovely day Meg.

Alicia - I loved reading your answers! Bring on more! (Since you haven’t answered mine yet haha!)

Holly - God questions….and answers,lol. I guess I am slacking as a reader because I didnt even know about the dining room! And the teenager thing…Oy! I have 3 girls starting middle school today!

Jessica @ This Blessed Life - What a great post! I’m a relatively new follower but I love the way you write. I’m not sure if it will work with Typepad, but I’ve been using Windows Live Writer for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. You place the photos *exactly* where you want them. Of course you probably already knew this, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to tell you in case you didn’t. 🙂

LouBoo - Brilliant post – honestly, really enjoyed it. George Clooney – swooooon. Liked your answers – brutally honest as always and that’s what we like about you! Lou x

Sophie - Haha, you seem like exactly my kind of person, Meg (:
I take it Lauren is learning automatic? I’m 17 and I live in London so almost everyone drives stick here. Took me 9 months to learn how to drive and now I’ve passed my test I’m SLOWLY getting better (:

Julie - That was fun to read! 🙂
Can’t wait to see the dining room!

Elma - Loving this post!! Here it is 3:53 am and can’t sleep:( Love your blog!! Can’t wait to read more of your other answers!! Have a great Monday!! Happy August!! Darn time just flies by:(

Blue lilY - Ok #2 had me rolling… Your picture, haaa!

Gemma - A great post : ) Looking forward to reading your other answers!!!
Gemma x

marta codina - fIrts: He excuses for my English evil. Read you for months, every day from Barcelona, Spain. I am charmed with it your familiar anecodotes, your photos, your cushions…
I am 40 years old and I am married with two children Bruno of 10 and mafalda of 6.
looks ALWAYS a happy family as if nobody was getting angry ever and everything was perfect, already I imagine that it is not like that but thank you to give me so many ideas to realize with my family, we also we have now the list of what we want to do this summer and every day li firstly that I do the computer to the enceder your page is ller and to put on the batteries. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND NOT TIRE!

Daniele Valois - Ha, that was so much fun before bed. and…my husband is totally snoring, so I am going to go sleep with the baby! Night!

Tiffany - What a FUN post!!! You always bring a smile to my face. Thanks for sharing so many fun facts and photos of your life. Have a wonderful day.

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

tuesday.

July 27, 2010

i still have TONS of michigan pictures to share.
but i wasn't in the mood today.

talby is gone this week visiting my parents.
i miss her.
have i ever mentioned how much she cleans?
she cleans up all the time….seems to love it.
her siblings….do not.
not at all.

i took sean and annie for their school supplies yesterday.
what a difference to have only two along side me.
it was a REALLY nice day together.

annie got rainbow tennis shoes.
they are THE perfect shoes for my baby girl.

sara jane….loved running into you at target!

i am thinking of going back to no sugar again.
but i am also thinking about making julie's peanut butter fudge today.
or pioneer woman's blueberry crumb cake.

i am so happy that there is a drink i love at starbucks that is under $3.
Venti ice coffee.
yum.
$3 is better than $5.

(my weird logic that i doubt craig agrees with)

we have XM radio in the surburban.
when i am driving it is almost always on Symphony or Pops.
if lauren is in the car it's on country.
and when i am tired of XM radio it's on christian music.
but my iPod is full of all kinds of music…..lots of everything.

AND we have been listening Micheal Buble radio on pandora….ALL. THE. TIME.
it's got a mix of modern and old.
it's a good one.

there are 24 days until school starts.
we have 23 things left on our summer list.
hmmmmm……
we had bettter get busy.

so…..do you have any questions for me?
i am feeling talkative.
or lonely?
whichever it is….now is your chance to ask me something you've been dying to know.
like "how did you get that lovely figure i saw in your video?"
answer: birthing 5 babies and lots of hostess cupcakes.

show hide 144 comments

add a comment

Lisa - Well, I’ve got a few questions for you….
-Where do you shop for your clothes/jewelry?
-Do you have a favorite outfit?
-Would you share what size in clothing you are? (I know very personal, but I think a lot of us would benefit from knowing!)
LOVE your blog by the way!!!

Colleen - Love your blog! I saved your kitchen before and after photos for inspiration for my own remodel. Love the wood floors, dark counter tops and white cabinets. My question is how much did your kitchen remodel cost. A ballpark figure would be fine :-)!

Michelle Whitlow - Love your blog!! I come here every day 🙂 We were actually in MI the same time you were, only at different parts of the state. We were in southern MI visiting family & then went to Mackinac Island for a couple days. So I have a question ~ just wondering where you live. I mean, not your address or anything! But I thought you said Kansas one time maybe? Your street looks like such a family oriented fun place to be…esp after those block party pics you showed. I miss that. I want that again. We’ve been looking into different states we might want to move to. Just wondering if I should look into your neck of the woods!

Debbie S. - I love your blog and am wondering if you have ever had it printed into book form? I write one for our family and am thinking about having a book made for each year that I’ve posted.

midwestmom - My question is where did you stay on your Michigan vacation? My husband would love to go to Michigan. I want to thank you for the margarita recipe too! I’ve made it for my friends and they all love it! I love your blog and read it everyday.

Darcie L. - I love seeing a photo of your nightstand, with books, and just STUFF on it! I just cleaned mine out yesterday – it was full of books and foil (?) and “Your Baby’s First Year” (she’s two now) and even some noodles, journals, a set of coasters and scraps of paper. I thought, “You should clean this out. Your nightstand could look nice and pretty and neat, and not have so much junk in it.” So I cleaned out the drawers and moved all the junk to my bed in order to put it away, then it got moved to the floor, where it still sits.
Anyway, good to see that although you seem to have it all together with your kids and house and photography and family vacations, there are a few places in life that can just be cluttered and it’s okay!

Amy - I love your blog – even though I fear that you are a Jayhawk fan! 🙂 Do you ever visit St. Louis? If you are ever in the area a few girls I know that read this blog would love to meet up with you!

Kori - You crack me up! I think your figure is great, especially for having birthed 5 babies-and if you love Hostess anything, GO FOR IT! Yummy!!!!!!
The big question on my mine is where do you get your hair cut, but it doesn’t really do me any good because I live in SoCal and you do not. Ay any rate, I love your hair and it seems to suit you perfectly!! Kinda funky, kinda classic.
You have a beautiful family…thanks for sharing them with us.

Melanie - I love your picture of all the books by your bedside. I am a book lover too.

donna - hi meg. thanks for your happy posts. they always cheer me up. i love michael buble too! i listen to pandora all the time – i bet you would enjoy joss stone – give it a try 🙂
have a wonderful day (well night for me right now).

candace - whoa…can’t believe i missed this post yesterday.
questions.
1) because your lovely picture sparked this question and i am in a total back to school mood, what is your favorite chilren’s book? why?
2) what advice do you have for first time mothers?

Kristin S - I love that your bedside table looks just like mine. Tower of books and lip balm are crucial.

Kari - I have a question . . . how do you have such a strong faith? I grew up with no religion and my husband grew up in Catholic schools. We have been attending a non-demoninational church here since October and I LOVE it. I am learning so much about the bible.
But since I lived most of my life without praying, and feeling like I was a good person with strong morals, I still find myself questioning so much. I would love to hear your story!

CAROL B - wondering what is your tried & true and one of your favorite Dinner recipes? O and where did you get that beautiful red bowl?? Love your blog…you inspire me to be more of what I am?

Suzanne - Hi Meg,
Love your blog. I talk about you so often my family thought you were another mom at the pool during swim practice. I had to tell them no, I have never actually talked to you face to face – they think I need help! Phewy on them!!!! Anyways, where to you get your hair done and what products do you use. Your hair looks so sassy!!

candice - Ok do you and your hubby ever fight? You seem very in love and I love that! Thanks have fun with the millions of questions you have to answer!

Amy - Hi Meg,
I love your blog and wish I had more time to look through it. I LOVE all the color in your pictures and it amazes me how you can take pics of random things and make them look so amazing.
My question is this: A while back ago, you had mentioned someone who makes awesome purses. Can you post her link again or send it to me if you have time? I need a nice size purse and the ones on there seemed like what I was looking for, but I can’t find it again.
Also, I agree with a lot of other people: Thanks for keeping it real. With 2 kids under 2, I struggle with feeling like not a good mom, and it is just nice to read your blog and see how real you are willing to be with people.

Molly Pearce - Hello Meg! Do you have a quirky habit? I have some that most would think is *crazy*. just wondering!! And what’s your favorite book of the bible, mine is Esther. Have a great day!!
~Molly P

Susan - Can I ask two questions? What camera lens are you using these days? And where did you get the awesome granny square afghan you have in your family room?

Amy - Your blog is my favorite- hands down.
My question is- Does your blog have a search function? If not, could you add it? It is a little hard to find specific posts.
I emailed you a while back about a craft room. Do you remember? You are so cool for emailing back. Love that.
What is your heritage? I am part Italian and you look a lot like my family members.
How much TV do you let your kids watch, especially Annie? I have a 4 year old and it is a constant battle.
Your family is beautiful. You inspire me to be a better mom. And I love that you adore your husband. So cute.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I love these random posts that you do. Isn’t it weird to enjoy learning so much about someone you’ve never met?? I like knowing the details. My nightstand looks just like yours. I’m in the middle of 4 books right now. Can’t remember the last time I read any of them. I really need to get back to reading.
Oh and I’ve lightened up on my no sugar thing too. But the problem is I’m seeing it creep in more and more. So I think that the NO part is imperative to me. I’m definitely a sugarholic!
Okay so question for ya. Why did you start blogging and how long ago?? This is a sidenote…I guess I’m feeling chatty today too…when we were driving home from Colorado I spent probably a solid hour reading through your blog. I read through your lists and looked through your recipes…drooled over your stunning home. That’s when you know you have an awesome blog when you can get lost in it. Just wanted to thank you. I read your blog before I ever started my own. YOU are what made me decide to try it for myself.

paige - love your bedside book stack
the love languages…i totally dig trying to figure out how my children are wired & what helps them feel loved the most. i sadly feel as if i fail at it on most given days.
i also have the praying scripture one, isn’t it purple hardback? LOVE to do that. so much power in praying scriptures.
when godly people do ungodly things….is on my list.
michael buble on pandora=bliss

Susan - Ok I will ask a question? I also have 5 kids and am expecting my 6th in less than 2 months. My oldest is 7. Do you Ever feel overwhelmed and you just don’t know where to start or finish? You seem to have it all put together and your kids are always so happy. I NEED to hear you say that you get overwhelmed, PLEASE~! The laundry , the cooking, the grocery shopping, the working, the crafting? Lately I have spent a lot of my time in tears because I just don’t know how I am going to be able to do it with a baby. I try to stay organized but there is a constant tornado of children messing it all up. So, please let me know if I am alone here and perhaps should start signing my kids up for therapy or is there anyone else out there like me?
Susan Wilke from Wisconsin wilkefamilyemail@gmail.com

stacie - I LOVE your blog and feel like I know you. You inspire me daily. I always want to ask you questions. I really wish I could sit and have margaritas with you or coffee 🙂 Anyway, right now I’m curious … what cameras do you use? Do you use your phone as your point + shoot? I’m struggling because I want to keep things simple. I forget my big camera on outings sometimes so my iPhone just has to do … that camera just isn’t as good. I’d love your advice on this issue!

Leonie - Meg I am just happy to read everything you right! you are a woman after my own heart… and I am already in my 35th year and have decided on 35 things before I turn 36 and head/hurtle towards 40!! ewwwwww. thanks for being so honest, I want to know are you coming to visit Australia……???? we are really nice/fun/relaxed etc and I would find the room to squeeze you all in, I am not crazy/stalkerish/or weird…. just a normal mum…. now I am not convinced that saying that makes anyone believe you hahahahah its late and I am tired I have to say ciao before I get silly, take care
Leonie in Aus

Heather - can you show us pictures of some of your favorite parts of your home. i heart your house and your style. 🙂

Jaime @ Mamarazzi - I don’t have a question Meg… just wanted to say great post and wonderful pics.
Can’t wait to see Annie’s shoes!
We are in Arizona and school starts for us on August 9.
I have yet to do ANY shopping.
Wanna do mine?!
=)

Stephanie - I loved the picture of all of the heart shaped rocks! My mom has always made a point to try to find one whenever we travel. I’m driving home from a solo Colorado trip tomorrow with 3 heart shaped rocks I found to surprise her with! Makes me ready to go home. 🙂

Kacey - I still remember the pastel rainbow tennis shoes I got when I was a kid in the 80’s. Oh, how I loved those shoes!
Hmm, a question for you…what’s your favorite photography tip? (sorry, that’s the best I can do. It’s late and my brain isn’t functioning on full power!)

andrea - LOVE.LOVE.LOVE your blog!! I have lots of questions:
anything to do with photography and camera… I have a dslr and need a class on it!
where did you find rainbow ribbon??? we are doing a rainbow party at the end of august and NEED rainbow ribbon.
more specifics for the rainbow cake…
THANKS!

nancy - You seem to be very upbeat. 🙂 Are you shy or quiet in person? Were you ever shy?
Have a good day!

Michelle - Australia - Hi Meg
I’d love to know how your blog came about. When? Why? As well as how. Is that too many questions all at once? Please keep up the posting. I love it!

Melissa - You have obviously lost weight and are really looking fit – are you just running to stay in shape or do you do the gym thing too? I have done the no sugar off and on for the last 9 years – when I start to dream about sweets I go back on:) God love ya for going off it again!
I only keep up with a few blogs, but your photos and “keepin it real” attitude make yours one of my favs – thanks

Kat - Woah Meg, that is a lot of questions for you!! I hope you are feeling chatty 😉
Were you always this popular? :)Lol.
I would love all your best photography tips and info please.
Your blog, your house, your family and you (most of all) always ROCK!!

Danielle H. - Where, oh where, did you get your red EAT letters in your kitchen? I swear if you made them and sold them you would make a fortune!! You rock, sister!

angela - I love your blog! I don’t know quite how I stumbled on to it, but it is awesome. I check daily for updates – you are very inspiring and I know I’d want to be friends in real life with you.
I have a thing about wedding rings. Not in a materialistic way – but more a story behind the jewel or band. Is there a story with yours? Would you show a pic?
Thanks again for blogging!

melissa * 320 sycamore - Meg~you’re beautiful because you love life, plus I think you have GORGEOUS coloring that my pasty white skin would kill for. My question: do you take time each day for prayer/scripture/spiritual time, how do you make time to feed your spirit and relationship with God with 5 kids?
Love,
Melissa

ann wegman - I just found your blog and I must say….I love it! Thanks for sharing your days!

theheavensdeclare@yahoo.com - Hi, Meg! Yes, I have a question 🙂 Is your last name pronounced DERKsen or DOO-erk-sen or another way?
You make me smile.
Jacci (a sista in Ohio)

Rachel / cREaTe - i thought of 3 … •1. how do you plan your days? what’s your method for keeping your day productive [with or without kids]? i’m horrible with time management. •2. how did you & chicago jenny meet? 🙂 •3. what’s the farthest place you’ve been, where someone recognized you from “whatever”? 🙂
love your bedside table shot. i think those are the photos that in 30 years will be such an awesome sign of the times. 🙂 love it.

Vera - I’m going to say ditto to I love your blog SOOOOOOO much!
Hmm, question… I asked Sarah (Clover Lane Sarah) this one too, because I never know what to do – do you interfere in your kids’ fights? Like if they’re bickering? Or if there’s blood? Or do you let them work it out?

Beth - Really? 24 days til school starts? That is not really what I wanted to hear 🙂 That means I have less days than that! Yikes. Our summer bucket list has way more things left on it. I was thinking it was a great big fail, but I looked over at it and 9 things are checked off. That’s not so bad. But really? 24 days?

Katie - I think Waffle deserves his own blog. What do you think?
Can I come visit you?
PS – Your hubby is hot 🙂

Alicia - I have lots of questions!
What’s your favourite thing about your house? Or your favourite item in your house?
How did you & Craig meet?
Did you plan on having lots of kids or did it just end up happening that way?
How did you become a Christian?
Is it hard parenting both a teenager and a kindergartner?
I think that is all I can think of… for now!

Molly - I have noticed that you don’t talk very much about your kids and school. Most stay at home moms I know love to help in their kids classrooms. I see that sometimes you help in Annie’s but seldom the older kids. Is there a reason for this? and do you plan on helping more in your other kids classrooms now that you have a whole day to yourself?

elma - Love your blog!! also the best blog in the world!!! Just wondering if you collect anything??? Did you finish the room you were painting??

susan - meg….love you love you love you..
and now a question..how do you keep your hardwood floors clean?? not mop clean, but dust free…broom? swiffer? i know you do not like to vacuum:)

Heidi Hentze - Hi Megan, Love your blog, your positive attitude and creativity. I work with foster parents and I have referred some of them to your site to see the craft projects that you do with your kids. I love all the colour in your life! Do you have an e-mail that we can write to you at or does everything have to be publically posted? I hope to get a blog up and running but so far haven’t found the time, in the mean time I am photo journalling my every day. Thanks for the inspiration! Heidi.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. Honest to goodness, I thought to myself, “How can she possibly look so lovely whilst hurtling down a slip-n-slide?” Honestly. Truly.
2. I see a book in that stack and it makes me happy.
It seems I’m plum out of questions tonight. Maybe the sun burned them right outta me?

linda lou - michael bulbe i love his music and him also you’re talken cupcakes yummy (michael) (:
blessings,
lindalou

marci - can i just tell you that sometimes you get me through the day. thanks for being so real about being a mom and that it isn’t always easy. sometimes we just need to know that we are not alone in all this!
i want to know where you got those bowls in that top picture and i think you told us once before but i can’t remember…where did that picture come from in the background?
also i love that you use lots of color…sometimes after seeing all of the beautiful white houses out there i think i’m the only one left who loves a little somethin bright! then i feel like a loser like i’m out of touch and old or something.;D then i see your house and i know you are hip and cool so it lets me think that there is hope for me yet!

tasha roe - this has to be in my top 5 of favorite blogs. i should make a list of top ten, laminate it and carry it in my wallet. lolol
are you finished with your dining room and can we see pictures? 😀
since you designed your kitchen what advice would you give? i’m scare of putting too many cabinets in but i love all of yours. suggestions?

Shauna Howington - I love your blog and pictures! I do have a question for you. It’s a two parter, hope I’m not being greedy. 🙂
I’m just beginning to get people to ask me to do photo shoots for them. How do you get over the awkward shyness of shooting strangers? I feel like I will be in a rush, instead of taking my time and getting the right pose etc. Ok, next question. When shooting groups, what f-stop would you recommend? Where do you focus? Oh wait, that’s 3, oops!
Have a great day!

Taryn - Hey girl! I’ve got a question…what’s the best gift you’ve ever given Craig?!?!? Ok, don’t answer this, i already know. The subject just came up this weekend with some other friends and it made me think of you!!!:) Oh how i could use a little dinner and girl conversation with you and the other Mrs. Jost. Think of you often! Thought the video was AWESOME!:) Way to be a “cool” mom! Love ya!
Taryn

Jen M - I can’t stop thinking about #20 on your summer list: family pictures in a sunflower field. Where is there such a field and when do they BLOOM?

Mary-Beth - Meg, I love your blog and visit every day. I’m 28 and a new stay-at-home mom to my first baby, 5 week old WIlliam. I want to make a craft/art project that will capture all his sweet babyness (I know that’s not a word, but it should be) but isn’t cheesy. What do you suggest? I’m scrapbooking and picture-taking like a madwoman out of fear that someday I won’t remember all the details (his little curled toes when he sleeps, the shape of his profile when I’m feeding him).

Sandra K - Question 1 – I would love to know where you bought Annie’s rainbow shoes. My baby girl also starts Kindergarten this fall (sniff, sniff) and they sound right up her alley!
Question 2 – I am dying to have some fabulous family photos taken but our budget is almost non-existent. I also don’t have any good friends that are good with a camera. Any suggestions?
Love your blog, love your house, please keep up the super work!

Sally - Hi Meg – BTW – Love, Love, love your blog!
My husband is going to a work cookout and needs to take a dish – I always love your recipes, so simple and so yummy. Do you have any ideas. We are Brits living in America, so never know what to take.
Would love your ideas.
Many thanks.

jeana - Hello! I was wondering where you get you decor inspiration (I’m sure lots of places, but what are your favorites)
Also, I’m not sure how much you would want to share, but I was also wondering if you do the budget in your home? We have 3 boys, we home school, and I can’t seem to get my mind in budget mode when it comes to other things I like to buy like…hmmm well you know stuff on ETSY, or flea markets. =] Do you guys use a program for budgeting? Thanks Meg!

Kimberlee J. - Which Clooney movie is your favorite? Or were you a bigger ER fan?

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Oops I forgot to ask a question….What do you like most about blogging? What do you like the least? Is there something we don’t know about you that would surprise your readers? I should probably stop at three.

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Megan,
I’m having as much fun reading all the questions everyone is asking as I did reading your post today. What a bunch of fun ladies. I think you need to throw a virtual party : ) Wish I could meet everyone in person. I think it would be a good one.
Dana

Janelle - My question is where do you come up with ideas for decorating? Any specific websites? Also, do you ever sleep? You seem to be always doing SOMETHING but with four kids of my own by the time they go to bed I just want to go to bed!
I LOVE your blog. I find you so entertaining and full of new ideas (I made rainbow cupcakes last night) and yet you are so normal…loved your post of the messy living room. Thanks so much for sharing everything.

purejoy - as usual, lovely photos and massive comments. you rock.
and you use carmex in a tub. girl after my own heart.

Lindsay - Hugs from Seattle! You’re inspiring. My friends and I love your blog and would probably try to meet you too (like a post above said) if we were closer.
Questions: What did you want to “be/do” when you grew up? Do you think you would have enjoyed it?
What are your kids current answers to “I want to be…”? and what do you think of their answers (good fit to their personality, will grow out of it, etc.)

shelly - I adore you Meg! We live fairly close to each other and run in almost close circles. We have never met, however, I am certain, If I saw you in public I would shy away in awe of your celebrityness{um, yeah that is a word}

lifeologia - I was so excited about your no-sugar diet – that was the same time I started mine – I am still pretty good at almost 6 months (with some cheating) or I call REWARDING 😉
You are such a bright inspiration for me. Keep up the great work.
And you look TERRIFIC 😉

Catriona - What would be your last meal, death-row style?

Jessica - Do you have rules regarding modesty of clothing for Lauren? I have noticed she wears shirts under tube tops, etc. I think how she puts things together looks VERY good, btw!

Kat - Hee, hee Meg, did you ever get a lot of questions! I won’t ask you anything but I wished i could hear more about how the book, “Crazy Love” affected you. We read it last year, and it’s something that I still think about everyday in application for my life (i remember you posted it in a give-away or something). I love hearing how the Holy Spirit worked in others’ hearts through that book… It’s amazing how a book can make you feel both passionate/joyful and lonely for it to be a reality at the same time.

Deanna - I totally have my pandora radio on Michael Buble station too! 🙂
Love reading your random posts! And of course the gorgeous pictures always. 🙂

Susan - I would like to know what camera you use and what is yout favorite lens?

Karen - Hi Meg!
No questions. Just wanted to share how I love clicking your blog open on my reader to see what you have to share. Your mothers day post had me wanting to give you a hug. I completely identified.
Please add a summer “to do” on your list that is close to Olathe, KS so I could possibily see you and give you that hug. Is that scary?

www.Kellyloves.wordpress.com - I love the rocks!
http://www.kellyloves.wordpress.com

Sarah @ Clover Lane - No question but have to say this… I laughed out loud reading the titles of your books…because in all that seriousness, inbetween “struggles” and “ungodly things” I see an IKEA catalog. And that’s why you are awesome.

Tiffany - Before I ask my questions, I want to thank you for a few things. First, the pictures of Annie made me realize I was being way too tough on my daughter over her clothing choices. Before, I would not hesitate to make her change her clothes if she did not match or wasn’t what I considered “appropriate” for whatever we were doing that day. But now, because of you, I have let go of the expectation that she should dress exactly the way I want her to, and as long as she has on clean clothes and doesn’t try to wear flip flops to school when it is snowing, she gets to make her own fashion decisions. This has been a HUGE blessing to both me AND my daughter.
Next, thank you for showing the good, the bad, and the ugly and not trying to give the impression that your life is a fairytale. Honestly, those types of blogs only make me feel bad about myself. The fact that you are so “REAL” is what brings me back to your blog everyday. 🙂
And finally–for your mom’s margarita recipe. It is hands-down the best I’ve ever tried and now I make them all the time!
Now my random questions: 1. What type of cell phone did you end up getting? 2. At what age do you think a child/teenager should be given a cell phone and what is your reasoning? (my daughter is OBSESSED and I think she is way too young) 3. When and how do you find time to go to the gym?
Thanks for taking the time to read all of this!!

Bec - What is your go to lens for shooting pictures? What lens would you want to add next to your camera supplies?

Sally Mangham - Hi Meg, Did you decide to use Photoshop or Photoshop elements? Which one did you chose? Have you had a chance to try it out? If so, I heard the learning curve is steep. What do you think? Thanks, Sally

julia - When you read Michael Buble really quick do you ever think it says “Bubble”? I do.
When you look at your feet do you ever think you have six toes? I do.

Lane - First of all….GIRL..you look GREAT! I’ve had one baby (he’s 22 months) and wish I could look as good as you! You are rocking that mom suit, for sure!!
I love that red and white bowl!
I LOVE your blog! It’s definitely one of my favorites. I love getting ideas for kids and although my son isn’t there yet, I keep these ideas hidden away for when he is! Thanks for being so open and honest!!
I’d love for you to share a new dinner recipe! I’m trying your lasagna next week and can’t wait to try it. I’ve been married for four years and I’m always in a dinner making slump. I feel like we eat meatloaf and mashed potatoes every night. I’d love to get some ideas for EASY and family friendly dinners!! 🙂

Edie Steinmann - Hi Meg! I’m Edie from Georgia, 29, married to the only boy I’ve ever dated, and mom to a 2 year old and 6 month old. Do you have any suggestions for daily devotional/bible study type books for moms? I’ve been reading your blog for several months, and I always look forward to new posts!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - oooooh, I’d like to know what’s in your camera bag, too!
🙂
Not really a question, but it’s been awhile since you posted a recipe. I’m running out of summertime meals, and need a boost! Got any good recipes to share?

Stacia - I love you and your blog too. Like a lot of people on here, I wish we could know each other in real life. 🙂 My question is: how much time do you spend on your personal appearance? I only have 3 little ones…but it seems like I am always wishing I looked as cute as other moms – like you!

Jennifer - I want to know more of you love story…basically all of it!

Jennifer - Meg..can you tell me what size are the pillows you make? Do you get your material and pom pom fringe online? Where do you get your pillow inserts? Also- can you show us a picture of what you did in your dining room? I love your blog!!

sara jane - Hey! we loved running into you at target as well…possibly we could go together when school starts minus kids?! Could we dream that big? 🙂 Please be sure to tell Annie that Ellakate calls her ice cream notebook the “annie notebook” I think i should have bought 12 more 🙂
sara jane

Meaghan - I love your “random” photos posts. And I think you look great in your mom suit and like you are having so much fun in the slip ‘n slide post! I have a mom suit, too, but I still look like I am 8 mos preggers in it. 😉 My hubby says I should go off the diving board and not care what I look like, and your video has inspired me to do so. It’s about having FUN and not worrying how we look (although like I said, you look very cute in yours!). Thanks for the reminder.
Okay, sorry.
Here’s my question- How do you paint the wood trim in your house, do you use primer or sand it first? We have a similar old house and I am ready to paint some of the dark wood! Can’t wait to see your dining room reveal!

Danielle @ Transforming Home - Love your blog – I read it everyday, rarely comment. I have one simple question – where did you live before Kansas? Did I read in the Chicago area somewhere? We live in the western suburbs – just wondering. And did you have a nice, old house like you do now? Or was it more cookie cutter?

virginia - meg, do you talk with an accent since you live in kansas?

Leigh - Hey, me again (Leigh). I asked you about teen-agers. I meant to also ask you about wether Lauren knows you were a pregnant teenager? How did you explain it to her? How do you discuss sex with a teen-ager? I realize these are really personal questions and I DO NOT want to violate Lauren’s privacy (or yours)at all, so I understand if you need to tread lightly or steer clear of these issues. I’m just curious and scared! Thanks for always keeping it real.
FYI — My kids are 8 and 10. So Lauren seems alien to me. Your Annie stories break my heart in a million pieces. How I crave that age. I cried like a baby when she graduated from pre-school. Those were my favorite years. I’d do anything to go back in time.

Niki - Hi Meg! I was wanting to know if you are planning on running any more races? I just committed to run the 10 mile turkey trot and the longest race I’ve done is 2 miles (though I’ve run longer distances than that!). I’m scared to death!!! I find myself bored to death with my play list lately…what music do you run to?

Sarah Mahan - What’s in your camera bag…what brand of camera do you own…what lenses do you use???

Ashley Stinson @ The Hillside Home - love this post. i have a question! i love your photography. have you taken classes? or are you a self-taught talent? do you edit your pictures? what are some of your favorite effects/edits?

tara pollard pakosta - I just adore your blog, I truly do!
and I LOVE all these pictures!!!
totally AMAZING!!!!!!
LOVE your collection of heart rocks!
what are all your kids full names and why did you choose them?! that would be a COOL post! along with a recent photo of each child!

Julie - Want to know another reason to love the iced coffee? If by chance you have a leisurely afternoon to spend at your local (ha!) starbucks, you can get a refill of iced coffee for only 50¢. Or you can drink it crazy fast and get one. Either way… yay for iced coffee and spending less money there.

Amanda - Is the “Praying the Scriptures for Your Children” any good?

Stephanie - are you going to answer the questions? 🙂

Lisa - I too love your blog 🙂 I admit though, sometimes I only look at the photos. (the best part)
I have a running question…I know a few times you have mentioned running. I used to like to run many years ago (10-12) I want to get back into it now. I actually want to run a 5K. Any tips for getting started??
Thanks

Sara @ It's Good to be Queen - lovey love love that last line. you are hysterical!
ummm, you MUST show a picture of the rainbow shoes.
is the iced coffee sweet? Or do you just get black iced coffee?

Angie - rainbow shoes! perfect. My daughter would love them, too.
My question: when do we get to see your dining room?

carrie - Do you use a photo editing software package?
Can you give any photo tips?
Do you sleep? Because I really don’t know how you do it all.
Can I come and be part of your family? You are such a fun, real family. I love it!

Danielle - I like your logic about a $3 coffee instead of spending $5. And I know my husband would not see the logic in it, just like Craig. My hubby’s response would be “there you go again, spending money to save money”!

Donna - My question is random, for sure, but was happy that you asked that today!

Do you have a recipe for your rainbow cake?? Or is it just yellow/white cake with food coloring? I have not looked back through, but I wanted to make it for my kids!

Also, Thank you for writing about things that I can totally relate to…you get to do all the things I hope to one day! When I quit my corporate job, I want to follow my dreams like, become a “real” photographer, buy/sell primitive antiques and do fun things with my kids! Thanks for the continued postings of what we all consider “normal”!

RLG - LOVE you, Meg. Tell me how to get Claire to go #2 in the potty. She has roughly a month to nail this otherwise preschool is off her things-to-do list! LOL She pees fine, what’s with the reluctance to poop??? xoxo

Teresa - What will you do now that all your kids will be going off to school?

Jemm - My 11 year old daughter has spent the ENTIRE morning cleaning her room. Voluntarily. As in swiffering and sweeping out the floor of her closet. Then she asked if she could vacuum the downstairs. Do you think she was switched at birth? Also, where does one find rainbow shoes? We’re going back to school shopping with Grandma Thursday and they sound adorable!

denise - My question is where do you get your photos printed, I know that you posted it once, but I can’t find it. Thank you and I love your blog, cause you make feel normal 🙂

Kelley - I saw a Love & Logic book on your nightstand! I love that series and have found it has given me back so much patience that I thought was gone forever. Are you finding the teen L&L very helpful?

Lisa - I think I like your blog because you seem very real. You share the good, bad and ugly! It makes me feel more normal! I want to know how you handle chores in your house? And how you discipline? Consequences etc. I feel like sometimes I get stuck trying to figure out what good consequences are for the daily repetive issues. Like forgetting to do chores, or eating in their rooms etc. I’ve got 4 kids and am always looking for new ideas! 🙂 (I can’t remember if you’ve ever talked about these things)

Suzanne - I just love your colors on your blog and also the books you are reading…found you on my lunch break blog hopping around…

Barb - I have a question! You said you got a new camera. What did you get? I’ve been dying to know…

Georgia - ****Questions!!!***
I really want to know your initial first reaction when you realised you were pregnant with Lauren…
Whats your favourite Movie?
And…is there any country in the world you would like to goto, that really interests you?
(I love that you have the Ikea catalogue in a stack of books, im currently flicking through the Ikea brochure dreaming up a new bedroom design…)
xox

Jodi - blessings..lol

Lori - Meg, you make me laugh. And cry with you at times. Like all these other commenters, I feel like I know you. Two questions, when do you think you will go back to Africa? and if you had to take someone dinner (they are sick, or just had surgery, or a baby…) what do you take?

Jodi - Hi Meg!
Your blog is awesmome as always. What is your favorite U2 song and why?
Peace and blassings to you,
Jodi

Anna Marie - Have you ever had a blog reader randomly show up at your door and want to meet you? If I lived close to you I think I would. Because I like you that much. But not in a creepy, stalker way. But just because I want to meet you in real life and be able to say that I met Meg Duerksen. And I would probably ask to see your awesome house and take my own photos and then do a “behind the scenes” post on my blog. Kinda like MTV Cribs! Bahahahah…….
I know you probably don’t consider yourself famous but to many of us in “blogland” you are. What does that feel like? Are you “weirded” out by that?

seb - I love your blog. It’s a fun place to land each day! 🙂 I know you take a lot of pictures and was wondering how you organize them all? Do you digitally organize them or print them off each month and put them into a photo album? Just curious as I love to take photos too but stop short of any organizing technique.

stephanie - Hi Meg-
My name is Stephanie. I live in Chandler, Az and read your blog daily. Once you even sewed a pillow for me…it is on my daughters bed. We love it!
I was wondering how your attic space is coming along? I think once you had said you were going to start renovation/decorating it. I LOVE everything you have done with your home! Just wanted you to know that your blog makes my day:) BTW my friend gets that drink from Starbucks every morning. Did you know that they will refill it for 50cents? Who knew?
Have a great day:)

Gemma - Hi Meg,
I have a random question to ask you. You take so many pictures and I was just wondering if you keep all of them or delete quite a few? If you do keep them doesn’t it take up so much memory on your laptop?
Weird question I know but it was something that crossed my mind : )
Thanks!
Gemma x

jenni@talkinghairdryer - I gave up sugar for lent. And I liked how I felt off of it. But I can’t seem to get a grip on it and do it in moderation. Yesterday I gave it up again. I’m not sure for how long.
When you go off sugar, do you go all out and do ANYTHING that remotely has one pinch of sugar in it, or just do sweet dessert type stuff?
For me, lent was more about the tendency to need a dessert every time I ate a meal, so I didn’t even eat sugar free candy, weight watchers desserts, etc.
This time around, I’m just doing the no real desserts with real sugar thing. Sugar substitutes like sugar free stuff is OK.

Melissa - Hi Meg! I love following your blog. You inspire me to find time to be more creative- I love it! I am a friend of Amy Jones’ from high school and was lucky enough to stumble upon your blog and have been hooked ever since. I have to admit I copy some of your ideas- I love them! Thanks for sharing your life with us. Keep up the great work!

Heather - You are so funny. I love the random pics.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Ok – I agree w/ Leigh… any ‘ten’ ager adivce is welcome. Sweet Baby J and I are entering uncharted territory and I can feel myself wavering all over the place.
And – so, what kind of friends are your favorites? Is that a weird question?

Lindsay - This is a randon question…We are heading to my parents house in a week…and they live close to Chicago and I was wondering where you were when you saw the filming of Transformers 3? My son is beyond obessed with them and would love to go up there for a day and check it out! You can email me at lnreed95@gmail.com!!
Thanks! 🙂 Or maybe I will just email you!

Leigh - I have a question… What’s it like to have a teen-ager? They are a mystery to me, and, honestly it scares me to think that one day there will be two under my roof. It kinda breaks my heart. I’m really interested in Lauren and what makes her tick and her relationship with you and Craig. What does she do for fun? Who are her friends? Does she have any idea what she will be doing in the next 5 years. Any advice? Thoughts? (I hope I don’t sound creepy — I”m just wondering about teen-agers in general.) Thanks! xoxoxoxxo

Staci - Oh man oh man do I wish I could kick the sugar habit!!!! Sooooo hard!!!!!!! And I just love this post!! I think I love anything you talk about!!! I’ll have to think up a question…but right now, I gotta go get kid #1 from golf camp!!!!!!!!!!!

becki - Hi Meg,
You mentioned before you use Picnik to edit photos.
Any favorite features or tips you want to share?

Sheila P. - I’m wondering how your dining room turned out? I’d love to see pics. Your blog makes parenting seem fun. I am a mother of four, and today I am wondering if that is an illusion, a camera trick or what?

Tara - decorating:
where do you go for decorating inspiration?
where do you find most of the things in your home?
parenting:
you seem very “real” about your parenting. you love your kids and you seem to do a really fantastic job training, raising, leading them.
what’s the ONE HUGE PIECE OF ADVICE you would give on raising teens?
we’ve worked with students for 11 years…church student ministry for 9 and college ministry for the past 2…
it’s easier to be part of the leading process when they aren’t your own. (this bothers me about myself!!)

katie - you are adorable and look fabulous for having 5 kids!!!

Hannah - What kind of camera do you use?
p.s. No sugar diets are overrated anyway:)

Christy - Love your blog. Also, I have three of the same books as are in your stack! I must be cool like you!! 🙂

Kimberly - Hmmm…I cannot remember how I stumbled onto your blog, but I am sure glad I did 🙂 I love your photos, your honesty, and your COLOR. Color is my battery. I enjoyed your Chicago pictures and told my husband – see, there is hope! She’s traveling with FIVE kids and we only have THREE! We just need to wait until they are older 😉 I’m looking forward to your Michigan pictures – my family is from there – although we moved to California when I was five – but I hear it’s gorgeous. Oh, so my questions: How did you meet your husband? How old are your kiddos? What is your favorite color? Favorite food? Favorite blog?

jamie - laughed outloud at the last two lines of today’s post. you are a funny gal. so very funny. i think we would be friends in real life.

nicolle - I still wish you would do a photography info post. I’d love to know your “take” on photography, your lenses, how you edit, etc. Just a little info. I love all of your photos, always! Please share any info you are willing to share…..thank you! Love your blog!

angela - How do you make it work parenting Lauren and then all the little ones? My sister is trying to parent two teenage girls and a three year old…It’s tough!

Deanna - Can I pretend you’re my friend?! (hello…psycho!) 🙂 And thanks for introducing me to Piece of Cake (another great friend o’ mine) Let me just say that many of us out “here” really rely on you ladies to tell it to us straight and make us feel less crazy than we do. (or maybe that’s just me?!) It’s great to know you’re (I’m) not the “only one” dealing with this life stuff. Question: how do you feel about putting it all out there? And how is your house so clean!! Thanks pal…. (wink, wink)

Laura Lee - Are you reading all those books at the same time!? That’s what my nightstand looks like but they are mostly books I’ve read that I’m skimming back for my favorite parts…. favorite book of all time? I’m going camping in September and I need some ideas 🙂

Celia - Hi! I don’t have a question, but wanted to say that I love following your blog! I can’t even remember how I found it a couple of weeks ago… one link… led to another link… to another link. I really enjoyed looking through your house renovation… my husband and I are in the process of renovating a 75 yr. old home now and hopefully will move into it soon. I cannot imagine how ya’ll did it while living there… and with five children. You must be super mom! 🙂 Keep up the great posts…. and by the way… if you love PW’s recipes as much as I do… then we must be some sort of long lost sisters or something! HA They add inches to the thighs!! Take care and have a great day.

Tere - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pandora. Music fills my house this summer, so much better than Spongebob and that Phenius dude.
Question 1: How’s the dining room? Can’t wait to see BEFORE/AFTER pictures.
Question 2: What are your plans for your upstairs room? I remember seeing the pictures from when you first moved in…ahhh, the potential.

Sarah @ Dream in Domestic - I love your random posts with random pictures and random insights into your life. I too love the Michael Buble pandora station – it always puts me in a good mood!
Wouldn’t life be so much easier if fatty and sugary foods made us look good and leafy greens and turnips made us gain weight?

Lisa - Hi Meg! I don’t have a question, just a compliment for you. You are one of the most “real” people that I am lucky enough to “virtually” know through reading your blog. You have no pretenses and you love your God and your family. I remember what it is like to have kids running underfoot that can sometimes make you crazy, and 10 minutes later can make you thank God for them. It’s a whirlwind ride of a lifetime, but you are enjoying all the special times, good and bad. Thanks for sharing with us. Thanks for all the time you spend on your blog.

Sugar Mama - I DO have a very random question for you. I’m in the middle of trying to add color… LOTS of color to my house. Do you have a “theme” so to speak when you decorate? Do you stick with a color palette? Or are you random and just hope it all works?

Rebecca Kriner - Meg- I love your Blog SOOOOOOO much! You inspire me every day!!! I can’t wait to read your posts!!!! I’ve never made PW’s Blueberry Crumble, is it good? Her chicken spaghetti recipe is probably my favorite, although there are so many chicken spaghetti recipes!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

so crabby

July 24, 2010

thought you could use a visual picture of my crabby face.

this 100 degree temperature has kept my kids IN the house next to me ALL week.
and 75% of the time they are fighting….makes me very on edge.

the thought of basketball tournments for two days
that keeps my son playing at 10 o'clock at night..home at 11:00 PM….that makes me crabby too.

the fruit flies that have taken over my kitchen….super crabby.

the cat sneaking into my bedroom shedding all her nasty cat hair on MY pillow…makes me crazy.

going to the grocery store twice this week and still having nothing to eat….

buying ice cream bars for desserts (because i am trying to be a nice mom)
and coming downstairs in the morining to kids eating them before breakfast…..don't get me started.

missing my best friend that i had to myself for 7 days and still so much we didn't talk about….CRABBY.

the laundry….OH THE LAUNDRY!!!! it multiplies and grows like fruit flies.

my lazy body….finally ran again this week after much too long of a break….
got a migraine as soon as i got home.
thanks body!! i try to do the right thing and you pay me back so nicely.

people who hurt my feelings.
or i should say people that i LET hurt my feelings…….why do i do that?
why am i so darn sensitive?
sometimes i wish i was like a man and could say "that sucks" and move on with my day.

AND i think that is enough whining.

i will now ACT like a guy and say "i'm fine" and then go fix something…or mow something.

HA.

more coffee. some chocolate.

i will be fine.

tune in monday for happy meg
and DAVE's SUPER SIX DOLLARS of MiChiGAN FUN. :)

show hide 85 comments

add a comment

Melanie - I hope you feel better now. I have been on vacation and am visiting my blog friends. I know that I am way behind but sending you hugs.

anne c - oh and p.s. THIS IS A BIG *HUG* we all need it sometimes…well me, OFTEN!

anne c - just wanted you to know I think you are awesome crabby Meg..and real..and awesome (did i say that already?) and a great mother and keep up the great work. I need your inspiration weekly….

Jemm - I totally know what you mean! Men don’t have all these…hormones. At least that’s what I’m blaming my crabbiness on today!

Garner6389 - I read your posts nearly every day.The heat can get to you if your not used to it.I live in the desert and treat the heat with caution.on the other hand I can plan a bbq a month in advance knowing that it will not rain.

Carol - I have a sneaky suspicion that we are living the same life!

Amy - Thanks for making me smile. Not because you’re crabby, but because it reminded me how we are all unique creations of God, but we all share common emotions. Can so relate to your post.

Mrs. Jones - Isn’t summer great! I look forward to it and I dread it all year.
I finally figured out how to get rid of those darned flies. Here’s how I did it.
http://heatherjslife.blogspot.com/2010/07/are-you-tired-of-fruit-flies.html
~Heather

Shar - If you get this far, it is okay to be crabby. Everyone is telling you that. It makes me love ya even more that you are so real and honest and not trying to put on a show for us out here in blogland. Even your crabby post brings joy to us. So, just know it doesn’t matter, like good friends, we are here for the long haul. Happy this week!

Kacey - I’m with you on the crabby. Heat + humidity are miserable. I hope you had a better weekend!

Julie - I would add peanut butter to the chocolate and coffee list…but you know, thats just me with the hershey bar and peanut butter jar today when I too, was feeling CRABBY….then I’m just going to feel more crabby when I step on the scale tomorrow. OH WELL! this post is why i love your blog.

Linda - Some days are just like that! Hope the chocolate and coffee help. I think sensitivity often has a undeserved bad reputation. Maybe one reason that might be is because it makes others feel uncomfortable for being jerks.

Holly - oh Meg! I am so feeling ya! We have one week of Summer vacation left and I think I am honestly ready for the school year to start! As for those darn flies I can’t stand them!

Dana@Bungalow'56 - Megan,
I ended up on a blog site for decorating and there were easily 30 decor, remodeling and design blog sites and at the very end….of course was whatever. I smiled, because I thought now this blogger i will probably like if she has meg at the bottom of her list. Today’s post is the reason why so many of us come back day after day. Thanks for making me smile, and making me feel like I’m normal : P…at least most of the time.
Dana

Kim Howell - my daughter says.. I look like you in crabby mode sometimes.

katie - this is why we love you…

susan woodward - love you Meg!!!!
good to know we all get like this 🙂

christine - it’s good to know that feeling is not just me
seriously
great post
i feel so much better!! ha!
not sure if it was intended for that
but i sooo relate!
what’s the deal with fuit flies this year?
i left a half full glass of wine out
and they loved it!
carry on!

seb - Sorry you are crabby…if you don’t have it already, put on the David Crowder Band’s song
“Oh Happiness!” It’s a great mood lifter for everyone. 🙂

purejoy - wow 65 people building you up. you hardly need encouragement from me.
but i hear ya.
cat hair on my pillow would PISS ME OFF, not just make me crabby.
thanks for reality view from chez you.
hope next week is better.

Kirsten J - Awww…see that’s what we’re all here for. You keep us entertained here and there (or, gosh, daily) and if you’re feeling crabby, come and vent a bit and we’ll lift you up. And tell you about the vinegar in the little dishes (you can leave a pretty big hole in the middle of the plastic wrap- I hate to see them prancing around the top). We never get hot weather here in Seattle, but lately – whew! and I just said to my husband, “I never have fruit flies! and the bread molded in 2 days! and the tomatoes already are rotting – how do people in the South do it?!?!?!” Hang in there, and I’ll be expecting Happy Megan tomorrow 🙂

Krista - That’s why we all love you, you keep it real!!

Jill - OK, I’m sure people have given you fruitfly advice by now but mine doesn’t involve rotting fruit on your counter and it works like a charm. Used it just two weeks ago. Jar, water 1/3 full, squirt of dish liquid, splash of vinegar. Plastic wrap on top, rubberband around the neck of jar, two small holes far apart so the buggers can get in but not out. The vinegar attracts them, the dish soap kills them. Took 24 hours and my house was bug-free.

Stephanie Carroll - Hi Megan
I too am super over sensitive to the point of annoying. This helps me. Memorize it. Say it out loud when you need to. Chant it if you have to 🙂
A (wo)man’s wisdom gives him (her)patience. It is to his (her) glory to over look an offense. Prov 19:11

Trina McNeilly - Oh all of that does/would make me crabby for sure and all at once no doubt. And I so wish I could be more manly in that kind of sense. I hate being so sensative too and over thinking everything. Chocolate and coffee ALWAYS help.
ps- HERE is a way to CATCH FRUIT FLIES!!!! Get some red wine (Grape juice kinda works too) and put it in a juice cup. Cover the top with saran wrap with a rubber band. Poke small holes through the top (like with a toothpick) but not too many. Basically so they can get in and not out. And put by your fruit. I’ve caught like 20 at a time. Good luck!

Jenny - Makes me feel better about the fruit flies…we got back to Wichita after 2 weeks in Colorado and fruitflies and overtaken my kitchen! YUCK!

Lorie - I hope you are in a better mood soon! I think whoever offended you should get a special gift…a visit from your fighting kids. A nice LOOOOOOONG visit! ;D

Margo - I love that you are so open and honest! Sounds like you need my “happy plate” – my co-worker took a paper plate and cut eye holes and drew a very nice, very happy face on it, added hair and put it on a stick – they call it Happy Margo and it is for me to use on days like the one you are having today!

Vera - Aw I’m sorry, I have been crabby this whole week – and most of my reasons were the same as yours. Hope you wake up feeling renewed tomorrow!

Kat - meg, you are absolutely my favorite blogger.

krystall - Ditto over here to all of it!!! I vote for year round school:)

Kat - Aww hugs to you Meg and your crabby face, lol.
You crack me up. Love that you are so real!!
Hand up as another sensitive soul here and letting people upset me.
I think it makes us better people to be sensitive?! Maybe? Somehow?
I hope today is a better day for you.
I think the reality of getting home after holidays always takes a bit of adjusting too.
I am just so envious that you got 7 days with your closest friend.
Wish I could do the same, but mine lives too far away 🙁
Hows the holiday list going?

amy jupin - you are so not alone in this–i promise you i was just about to post something very similar on my blog! too many kids in the house, too much mess, stepping on cracker and pretzel crumbs, tripping over stuffed animals, too hot to do anything!
but then, i sat down with another cup of coffee and started to remember that staples commercial with the mom skipping down the aisles of school supplies while the kids pouted and i smiled sooooo big. two more weeks!!! horrible?? maybe… but totally the way i feel?? you bet!! (and john is leaving all next week on business too! bahhhhh)
and what the crap is that with the fruit flies all over the place???? just one more thing for me to be all cranky pants about.

Nikki - We all have those days/weeks… we’d be lying if we said we didn’t! They’ll be back at school soon and then you’ll be missing them… and when it’s winter, you’ll wish it was summer again…. heat, fruit flies and all 🙂 It’s winter here and I wish I could go swimming!

Joni - OH, HONEY…this week has had some crabby moments for me, too. Well, let’s see Miss Meg: vacations are a LOT of work for mom, as are photo shoots for the family, you did both. Then, you had a glorious relaxing time in Michigan (so glad you liked it here!) and then you drive home, and BOOM!!! Back to reality and all the WORK WORK WORK that mom gets to do once vacation is over! Soon school shopping begins, too right? So you’re allowed this crabby time, in my book! I like you any way you happen to be, crabby or not!
XOXO
Joni

Jess Mead - Oh my! I have those days, but I’m not so sure I’d be brave enough to take a pic of myself. I don’t look as cute as you do on crabby days! Hope tomorrow is better. 🙂

Beth W. from Dirty Laundry - I think the kids need to go back to school. Then all will be right with the delicate balance that keeps us sane. This was also the week that the kids became irritable and bored and irritating! And I am sensitive too. Don’t let stuff get you too down. 🙁

micah - We love you because you’re so real. And we like to know that you have bad days too. Because it helps us relate to you even better. Hoping for happy days tomorrow 😀

edie - I love the comment from your sister and I love the sweet crabby pic! It only endears you to me even more. I know what would cure it but I’m gonna have to drive all the way to Kansas to bring it to you. And I don’t think mocha cake travels that well. Thinking of you dear!

Shana - hope you feel better soon.
do you need me to punch someone in the face for you??

Victoria~ - From the comments you can see you have a strong support group of mom’s who *get you*. I am also one who gets the struggles of motherhood. But I am one of the mothers looking forward to the return of school. I’m a better mom when I get a break. I enjoy reading your happy & crabby posts. It’s why i read it. thanks for keeping it real. (as my 17 yr would say while bumping his chest.) 🙂

crystal - That cracked me up (but I still feel bad that you’re feeling so crabby). I HATE it when everything piles up and works against me!! And you’re so right about the man thing. They move on so easily!

Micah - Thank you so much for posting about your crabbiness. I’m having a “why did God make me so SERIOUS!?” kind of day. I keep trying to refocus and have. some. dang. fun. but stuff keeps getting in the way. And its tickin’ me off!
LOL so THANKS! Your post makes me feel human. Maybe I should go fix something…. or maybe just break it! LOL

Lorilee - I completely understand. I was developing a real downer of a mood last week after returning from a weekend away. Mine got better after I spent two hours clogging (dancing) with my clogging buddies!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - I can’t help with much, but here’s a link to what I do at my own house to completely and totally wipe out fruit flies in a harmless manner: http://frugalliving.about.com/od/doityourself/qt/Rid_Fruit_Flies.htm
It REALLY works! I keep a canning jelly jar out all the time with the mixture in it.
🙂

Amy - I know it’s been said, but you gotta do the fruit fly trick!
We had the same problem…until my hubs put a little red wine vinegar (that’s what I had) in a jar and covered it with plastic poked with a few tiny holes. The flies checked in and they couldn’t check out!
I hear you on the crabbiness…so good to see it isn’t just me!

Georgia - My mum always told me if your feeling low, moody, angry what ever… just go with it. Dont fight the mood, just let it pass. 🙂
Go find a quiet cupboard to hide in and read a book…:)

sandy toe - OH MY…I laugh about the ice cream bars before breakfast…we have had that here.
sandy toe

lorel - Aren’t you glad we didn’t come now? Then the cousins could also be fighting over littlest pet shops and my little ponies and who is bothering who and who started it. Hugs to you sis. hope your day gets better

april - I had the same crabby face but mine included lots of pimples and the rediculus dark spot on my forhead from when I had my son 2 years ago…can they do anything for that? Oh well…I totally hear on the fruit flies…no matter how much bleach I dump down the drain they always come back a week later…YUK!!!! I think its ok to complain sometimes…especially when you have a blog universe who feels the same way….;)

Amanda - Fist time commenting…sorry but had to laugh as I could have written this! The fruit flies, the kids fighting, the 2 yr old sneaking downstairs while I’m in bed dragging popcycles out of the freezer and leaving it open and them melting all over the kitchen…..sigh.
I’m not the only one counting the days until school starts am I? Please tell me I’m not because I feel awful! 😉

Lisa sharp - I am there with ya and the 100degree heat! Very crabby! Tip for the fruit flies…get a small ramekin or bowl. Add some apple coder vinegar and squeeze in some dish soap. Before u know it u will have hundreds of dead little bodies floating in the mixture. We live next to a peach orchard and it works like a charm! Good luck!

mary beth - Add ants all over the counter and we are twins! It reminds me of that poster I’ve been seeing all over blogland that says
“keep calm and carry on”! Every day is an adventure or a bust…we have to chose. Love your post because it’s you telling us we are all normal and we are all gonna be alright!

amy j. - Throw the kids in the pool and next time go to MI for 10 days. 7 with family and then you and Chicago Jen stay for 3 days alone. 🙂

linda lou - meg….i have days like that and my kids are gone but i do have two new kittens “Regis” and Kelly” cute (: they are. no food to eat i say we eat out or call it in(: Blessings,

mel h - Oh Meg,
Im pretty sure I have never left a comment for you before but I am a faithful follower and I loooove your blog. i am such a fan of yours mainly because you and your family are so “normal” and also because I have five kids also (16,12,9,4,3) so we have alot in common. Also same genders so I face alot of the same “crabbiness”. But then God always seems to remind me of Rachel Barkey (that I heard from you) that I need to serve with JOY. So then I just thank Him for my crazy life and try to put a smile on my face and get happy. If that don’t work, go to Starbucks. 🙂

carolyn - you made me smile.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh sweet Meg… I completely relate. I’ll be sending you a virtual nap and some chocolate. Head up.

Jessica @ One Shiny Star - Fruit flies suck – we used those sticky paper rolls you hang from the ceiling (or where ever) and they worked really well. The flies were gone in just two days. Good luck!

Lori - Oh I can relate. Sometimes things are just really sucky. Isn’t it great that they get better? Hoping your sucky times get better soon.

Nina - we all get crabby sometimes……it’s ok! here’s an internet hug for you all the way from Virginia! ~~HUG~~

Michele - Thanks for keeping it real! Laundry is bad any day of the week but after vacation it’s SO bad! Grocery shopping after vacation is awful too. I had to make 3 trips to get stuff. Glad it’s not just me. And the hurt feelings thing, glad that’s not just me, too. I get it!

Megan - I was just walking around the house telling my kids why I was so crabby and several of your things were mine also!
Fruit flies – check
Laundry – check
kids home driving me crazy fighting – check
not ice cream bars but cake for breakfast
hopefully we will both have a good weekend!

Nicole Q. - I hear ya!

Emily - Here’s another fruit fly trick- put a half cup or so of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add a squeeze of dish soap. Set out near where they’re congregating- gets them every time!

Shelly - I’m sure the poor girl in the McD’s drivethru thought the same thing about me!!! (too many storms, no electric half the time and a town’s botched water system…plus drivethru at 8 am makes Me Crabby!!!) And, just to make you feel better….I found my boys eating ice cream sandwiches at 7:30 am yesterday:) Nice to know I don’t have the only sneaky kids on the planet!

stodd - You crack me up! Hang in there and know that we can all relate and we love you because of this… thanks for being normal! I know that when I’m super crabby, magic margaritas sometimes helps. 😉

Tere - It’s the back to reality shock (plus laundry) after a week of vacation. So sorry. It does suck and justify the crabiness in you.
I have 4 — why do siblings have to fight and bicker so much?
Wishing for a restful day.

Jenn Thomas - At least you didn’t get a dead rabbit on your front porch!Once Amy gets back we can get a girls night out organized.

Staci - So sorry Girl 🙁 Hate that come-home-from-vacation blue phase 🙁 Makes it hard to deal with reality ;( And this heat—well, it just plain sucks here in OK too!!!! If it helps, I haven’t even been on vacation and I was so crabby to my kids for asking me for ANYTHING last week 🙁 I know that you’ll feel better very soon (in four weeks when kids go back to school!) maybe you should make some margaritas tonight 😉

colleen - In Richmond Va where I live it has been the hottest summer on record. today marks the 18th day over 100 degrees… not in a row but since summer. That’s not factoring in the heat index so I guess it is like Hattes here. Thank goodness for a/c and icees. Totally can relate to the going shopping and nothing to eat syndrome… happens to us all the time.
🙂
Colleen

sarah deakins - Keeping it real sister! i love it as we all have these days! I am a fairly new reader and I love your blog. Thanks Sarah

Wendy - Oh, Meg! I’m so sorry you are feeling crabby. You have every right to vent. I hope your day turns happy. Just be glad you don’t have a “Man Cold”, sweetie.
Love,
Wendy xox
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXLHWmjA5IE

Maria - wow…thought I was the only one…I think I mentally checked off just about everything that list and then some…summer is almost over for us here…just a couple weeks to go…hang in there!

Tricia - Oh how I can relate! I can’t help with much, but I can offer advice about the fruit flies.
Take a jar (any jar) and put a piece of banana in the bottom. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. I use tape, after I wrap the plastic wrap over the edge. No openings. Then poke a few tiny holes in the top of the plastic wrap. Some smaller, some bigger. Maybe 6 total. Let the banana rot and the flies will come. It’s grody, but cool for the kids. lol. Works great! You will need to change it every couple of days.
Good luck! Happy Saturday, girl.

Dineen - Oh, how I can relate to the hot, sticky, humid weather and the kids inside fighting! Stay cool!

cathy - this is why I love your blog-you are real…hugs.

Bath - i can relate to this whole postright about now.
the heat is killing the kindness in my voice towards my kids.
the only coffee in the house is decaf.
there is NO chocolate in the house, and i’m too lazy to go to store for any.
packing for kids church camp (which i am a counselor).
looking forward to the 5 days at camp because i don’t have to cook for anyone including myself.

Jen - Sorry you are crabby! I am dying to know if the fun was a “vuvezela”???

katie - THIS is why i read your blog, Meg. now i’m off to go about my business and fantasize that we are friends. 🙂

jamie - seriously, the fruits flies. i know, right? where in the world do they come from? and i {heart} your crabby face and i so understand your life.

Suzanne - Keep Calm & Carry On!
LOVE the crabby pic…lol

Ashlyn - I know what you mean about being too sensitive… I do it to. I soooo wish I could change it.

Michelle - Chin up + mainlining coffee works for me. Happier days ahead Miss Meg.

Daniele Valois - You’re awesome. Awesome Awesome Awesome, and it’s ok to be crabby when you’re so awesome!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

winner and wednesday

June 30, 2010

the winner for the pillow is….

And one last time I voted for it.

Posted by: Tammy | June 23, 2010 at 10:10 AM

Tammy…i emailed you at the address that you use to leave comments. (tammygilliam)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING EVERYONE.

i won second place.
not an iPad but an ipod touch.
and you know….that is pretty awesome too!

i don't know if i will listen to the Howling Bells….but maybe?
i am so excited to get it!

an iPad would have been great….but this is just as great to me.
and my kids wouldn't even think of asking to share this with me.
the iPad…they would ask everyday.
and mine would end up like Pioneer Woman's…i am sure of it.

Peanut Butter Baby won in the end.
and he was a really cute baby.
i am happy for her.
she said her husband would be using it for med school…..so that is awesome!
good for her….congrats Kierra.

you know what?
i am feeling good this morning.
i haven't even had coffee yet.
but i am feeling good….God is good….my husband rocks…my friends are fabulous….i am happy.

so how about two more winners?

and now vote # 2….you are still in 1st place girl!

Posted by: Christine Ishmael | June 24, 2010 at 02:21 PM

vote #4 – man i hope you win!!

Posted by: erin stivender | June 28, 2010 at 09:25 AM

YAY!!!
i can't wait to make pillows for you.
i love my blog readers.
you have no idea how all your kind comments and encouraging words lift me up each day.

TODAY….
my mom is visiting today.
two bathrooms need to be deep cleaned.
i have photos to edit.
and we are having another overnight guest.
i bet you know her.
i have never met her in real life….or her family who is coming with her…and her cat and hamster.
i will tell you about it tomorrow.
but right now….i need to change the sheets, vacuum the rug and scrub a toilet so she can be comfy.
remebering Rachel's video today "i am here to serve with joy"
i forget so quickly.

i am calling on two verses today:

i always love the whatever verse. 🙂

go out today and be kind to others.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

i hope that all of YOU have a wonderful day today.

show hide 38 comments

add a comment

ymcmb hats - I really wish I hadn’t seen this as I really want one now!

tbypcdmx - [url=”http://www.australialuxeshoes.com/australia-luxe-collective-nordic-angel-light-tall-fox-wool-boots-in-chestnut-p-11.html”] discount[/url]
sale

Jodi - Congratulations on winning the ipod! I love Howling Bells, her voice is just mesmerizing. Gary Lightbody recomended them on either SP’s website or in his Q The Music column a while back. I downloaded radio wars and love it.
Glad you are enjoying sunny happy days with your beautiful family 🙂

Megan - meg, i totally needed to hear those two verses today. so thanks!

Janie Fox - Yay happy happy joy joy – you won an ipod touch! I am wanting one! Love your scriptures too. My favorite is always Romans 8:28 but I have several others that fall close behind. Call me a Jesus freak…I like it!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Hi 🙂 Congrats… So happy for you!

Alicia - Your blog is always so fun Meg! Congrats on the ipod touch…my kiddos would take mine if I won…enjoy your new toy!
Alicia

maribeth - i hope she brings you a piece of cake!

Kirsten - Yay for 2nd!!! Just so you know…I only have a lame phone that’s about 5 years old and totally on it’s last leg. And just this morning, my 10yo said if she didn’t get a phone or ITouch, she would “die”.
Yeah…when I was a kid, I had an AM transistor radio.

Julie - Howling Bells opened for Coldplay last year. My niece downloaded some of their songs right after that – she really liked them!
Thank you for those verses!

tara - http://weirdfriends.tumblr.com/post/735649667
saw this and thought of you…it came up randomly in my google reader feed. not too sure of the remainder of the site.
just realized that this totally looks like spam. hope it’s not for you…
thanks for encouraging me to use color – and for sharing your life with us on here!

Lisa - Have fun today Meg. Looking forward to reading about your antics with your ‘guest’ and her 357 children.
Meg your post today was gracious and kind. You handled the ‘nasty’ commenter so well. Glad you won something, that you came second. I am fairly sure people voted for you because they genuinely liked your photo and not because they were in to win a cushion. You photography is awesome, your blog is too. i love the read.
Now how about sending a cushion ‘down under’. Ha ha

erin stivender - sooo excited about winning…think i’ll go buy a lottery ticket now. can’t believe i got that LUCKY!

Sara Taylor - Thanks for posting the Romans 8 verse today. It was on my mind all day after being with my friend’s family who lost a nephew this week.
Also, your posts about the reading nook in your guest bedroom and your newly decorated back porch have been so inspiring to me! We just moved to an expansive Craftsman era house, and there are so many nooks to decorate. I was thinking of your porch pictures when I went to an antique mall yesterday to pick out dusty treasures for our porch/sunroom. Thanks for sharing!

Ruth - eeeeek have fun with laura… i can’t wait to read all about it. like whether she’s as short as she says! (the cat looks dangerous though)

robin - You are my favorite blog, too. So much, that I linked to you today…hope that’s ok! Thanks for passing along the positive energey about being good to neighbors. 🙂

Amberleedesigns.blogspot.com - Hi MEG!!! You are by far my fa.vor.ite blog! I send everyone to you. Even though you didn’t win first place in that giveaway maybe you can win first place in mine! Check it out. I hope you enjoy!!!
http://amberleedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-first-post-yay-its-giveaway.html#comments
Love Me,
Amber Lee

Gemma - Well done to all winners!!! 😀
Hope you have an awesome day.
xXX Gemma

Jaime A. - hehe… I was going to say the same thing abt the iPad – Pioneer Woman’s is kaput! You are prolly better off! 😀
Enjoy your iPod Touch!
Have a wonderfully, beautiful day, Meg!

Jill J - Romans 8:38-39 has gotten me through serious times. Every time I read it, I get the chills! Praise God that we are not responsible for our salvation! None of us would make it. 🙂
Congrats on winning 2nd… Sorry I couldn’t vote. 🙁 I don’t have a Facebook or a Twitter account.

Elizabeth - Are there any more weeks to enter?? I vote you enter the pic of Waffle wearing those glasses (or that wig!) and we can all try voting again!

Brooke Whitis - Meg, hope you have a great day.
I am kind of sad you didn’t win the ipad, but you are a gracious loser. I really, really wanted you to win. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful day….lucky girls that won those pillows 🙂

betsy - I LOVE my iPod Touch! You’ll love yours, too.
There are tons of fun apps out there, too. Just don’t tell your kids! 😉

Kimberlee J. - Love everything about this. Love your neighbor as yourself. Indeed.

Katy Stone - You’re so encouraging! My mom is coming today, too! I’m recovering from back surgery and preparing to move across the world (literally). Her visit will be so appreciated, plus, I always love spending time with her.
And, congrats! Have fun with your touch!!

Tara @ the cinnamon post - give Laura a hug for me!
you’re so lucky to meet her…
she’s so lucky to meet you…
have FUN. Your happiness is contagious Meg..thank you.
~tara

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - ahhh! it’s laura! i wanna come too 🙁 i’ll bet she’s expecting french toast…

Shana - YAY! for mini iPads! 🙂

candace - Congratulations on your win! You are such a good sport. Thanks for the encouraging, pick-me-up post. You rock!

Lisa - Congrats on your win! I’m sure you and Laura will have a great visit, it’s sure to be great blog material!!! 🙂

Amy James - I bet I know who it is! I have been following her trip daily on FB. We may have a hurricane heading for Texas but you have one heading for Kansas! Have a great time!
Amy James

Tammy - oh Wow! What a wonderful surprise to wake up to! Thank you Meg! And a big congrats to you on the iPod Touch. It’s a pretty cool toy.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Love this happy bubbly post. I can see you are full this morning Meg. Hope you have a wonderful visit with your mom and company. Always a joy starting my day with you:)

Melanie - Congrats on winning an IPod Touch. $300 less that you have to spend!

DreamGirlLisa - Congrats Megan…hope you have a great day and can’t wait to hear about your guest….

Lindsey - congrats on winning the ipod! i am in a great mood too today, and also have not had my coffee….weird for me! hope it stays, we have a hurricane coming to texas, so we’re stuck inside all day. have fun cleaning lol, i will be doing the same thing! happy wednesday 🙂

amy jupin - oh my goodness…is it laura? piece of cake? on her xcountry trip??? please say YES! THAT, my friend, is GREAT BLOG material! (you should see me smiling right now. it’s ridiculous!)

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Hope your day is fabulous, too!
Can’t wait to see who is coming to visit!
Have fun!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

search

Search for:
Instagram
Categories

Categories
Archives
Archives

Category Archives: me me me

search

Instagram

Categories

Archives