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fall has arrived

annie and i are cuddled up here in our dark house.
it has been pouring ALL day long.
it's 54 degrees.
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we made pumpkin pies this morning….just for fun.
it smells so good in here right now.
i bought the sound of music soundtrack on itunes today and i am halfway through the 27 tracks…

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annie is painting with watercolors.
i am blogging and photo editing.

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i have had four cups of coffee.
i am still wearing pajamas…it's 1:00.
it's just too dark and gloomy to get dressed.

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did you watch sweet NieNie on Oprah?
she is amazing…her story is just so hard to hear…so much heart ache.
today for her….annie and i are just being together.
and enjoying it.
not taking one thing for granted.

Thebluestbutterfly - I haven’t seen hedgeballs in so long.

Rebekah - Sounds like an absolutely perfect day to me, too!

kristin - i am planning on doing this on wednesday.
yes.

lydee - love the autumn pics! the pic of the quilts made me smile.

DreamGirlLisa - Such lovely images of Fall! thank you 🙂

Jaime - It sounds like a perfect day there. I missed Oprah too. I meant to record it. I hope to catch it sometime. I know it will be an incredible story to hear. Happy Fall!

Renee - LOVE the pictures. I like that you’re willing to stay in your jammies with Annie on a yucky day. And good food for the soul sounds lovely.
Thought Stephanie was wonderful on Oprah. Thought publicly spanking a SAHM for not loving-every-minute was obnoxious and offensive.
xoxo

Rebekah - Always such a treat to visit your blog.
Thanks for the beautiful autumn shots. It’s cold here, too. Loved having the fireplace on while playing with the kids in our pajamas.
Happy Fall!

Lindsay - Meg,
I don’t know you, but I love your blog. I used to live in MO and NE, now in Seattle. It’s not quite the same change in seasons here, so I LOVE your photos to remind me. You have an amazing life, family, and perspective, and I love to read about it- I feel like you’re a long lost friend. Happy Birthday and keep taking great photos!

Rachel / cREaTe - LOVE your gorgeous fall photos. favorites being the close up of the orange & green speckled gourd & the stunningly colorful mums. after reading this post, i was reminded i had DVR’d nienie on oprah & had to go watch it [even if it meant going to bed past 1am – totally feeling it now]. i adore & admire that gal like no other.

Amber Mershawn - My 2 year old LOVES the sound of music. She would’ve danced all over your house for you:). Thanks for the fall pics. Always makes me crave the holidays. And I did see Oprah. Cried a lot. She’s a beautiful lady with a precious husband. Off to watch Sesame Street with my girl. Just felt like leaving a comment for once for you. I just love coming here….

traci - that is what i am doing today. staying in and getting some editing done. i think we have had one sunny day this week. loved your fall photos!!

Nancy-The Goat and The Kid - I so miss those chilly fall Kansas days. I lived in Wichita for a year; but now I’m back in so. California. I truly miss fall. My absolute favorite time of the year. It was in the high 60’s this week. I jumped on it and finally sported some jeans and a sweater. I am such a pansy now with weather; but i do miss fall. Enjoy!

Sheryl - meg,
if you are ever in tennessee please come take family pictures for me. you have the best shots and so colorful. i have been playing with shots and loading them on picnik to try to get the “meg” look.

pve - yes, i watched and i cried. i cried because she is beautiful and that she chose the hard thing, to live and to be so spirited. I am trying to figure out how to post on her, and to take not one thing for granted is so true.
your gray and cold day sounds full of heart.
love your photos.
pve

katy - your pictures are amazing, i want to print them off and put them all over my house!!!!!!
i love coming to your blog, it’s always so happy and cheerful.

Laura Phelps - I miss the baking just for fun days…today I baked a red velvet cake and 4 dozen cupcakes…not as much fun when it is work…my feet hurt and I am tired
love a cozy house in the rain…
sounds like a beautiful day

Christina - Wonderful, beautiful pictures! I love wearing jammies all day-my husband, I don’t think he gets it! 🙂
I don’t know if I could have watched the Oprah, at least not with the kids around…they would have wondered what in the world was wrong with me for all the tears.

Alicia - Hey Meg…this is Alicia in CO! Your pics today are amazing as always. My Lili and I ran through the big snowflakes that fell for the first time this fall. We were trying to eat’em all up! So fun! Check out the pics on my new blog…yes, I finally did it…http://a-lovely.blogspot.com/
You were my blogging inspiration!

Jacqui - yep, its -3 and snowing up here …. really is it only fall cause today it feels like winter!

susie whyte - rain and 54 degrees…i know it well. i spent the day in riverside(wichita) helping a friend move. those pictures made me feel a little warmer after the long, cold day. thanks! 🙂

andrea - i saw her and she was of course wonderful, i wasnt surprised (i like how i talk about her like i actually know her, lol). good for you pj girl, i would be doing it too except i might get written up by my boss, lol

Amy - Sounds like you had a wonderful day. Between you and Nie Nie ( I dvr’d the Oprah episode so my hubby can watch it) I am reaching higher and higher as a mom. Thanks for the motivation. You are such an inspiration!

Bernie - I love your photography! It is just beautiful. I will be following you in my Google Reader.
Warmly,
Bernie

Annette - What a great day to spend baking with your daughter. Since lil sis started school I sure miss those mommy/daughter days. I LOVE the quilts in your post. Reading your blog and seeing your pictures makes my day!!!

Jerri - Nie Nie-what an inspiration! Glad you and sweet Annie got to enjoy the small things together today! The pics are so pretty!

Melanie - I love NieNie. I cried the whole time she was on Oprah. She is an inspiration to every one, every where.
I think that a day in PJs with it raining and 54 degrees is a great day. And 4 cups of coffee sounds wonderful.

Ashley - Meg,
You are the sweeeeeetest! I cried through the whole Nie part of Oprah. Love the pics. You are just all that AND a bag of chips meg!

jackie - great photos! thanks for stopping by my blog…now it’s my turn to browse through yours! have fun with your alphabet pancakes.

Sharri - What the green things that look like brains?

Beth - agreed! nie=inspiration.
ps can you send me some of those green horse apple thingys?
pretty please!

elma - Loved the Oprah show!! The Nielson have such a wonderful love story:) You can just feel all the love they have for eachother and the love from nies family. I am blessed to be a sahm to eight and i love it. Love the pictures and the quilts. Do you have the quilts on a bench or in a cabinet??

BeccaJane - I love NieNie! I too have felt inspired to be a better mom today….and hopefully every day!

Tiffany - Great post!!! That Oprah was amazing. I felt bad for the SAHM who said she wanted to kill herself playing play-doh. I bet she felt like an ass.

Kate - Beautiful pics, Meg!

Pineapple Princess - GREAT idea… really, it’s just the simple things.
Your photography inspires!!!!!!!!

Summer - I think the amaing thing about nie nie is that she just radiates love. After watching, it’s hard to see the burns and only see her beautiful spirit.

Erin - sometimes that is just what a person needs….to stay in their jammies till 1:00 in the afternoon. Hope you had a great day.

Sarah @ Clover Lane - I love those quilts stacked up…beautiful photos…and wasn’t that show great…except could have been a whole show on her!

Hillary @ The Other Mama - YAY for pumpkin pie. I’ve made 4 pumpkin bread loaves and might have possibly eaten the greater part of all of them.
And NieNie was fantastic! What a great story of love and overcoming obsticles.
Enjoy your jammies!

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - mmm… send me some pie!

Rach - YAY for Pumpkin Patches!!

Darby - Hey Meg! Saw Nie on Oprah… loved it and her outfit! I think she needs to start a style blog! 🙂 I would love for you to send some of that chilly weather down here… we’re still dripping in sweat! I love the osage oranges too… we used to have a tree in our yard when I lived in Louisville and I love them! So funky & organic… and a great addition to any table or bowl and I imagine your boys have used them as missles before too! Enjoy your day with Annie!

adrienneK - such pretty pictures! how am i the only one that missed her on oprah!?!?was it yesterday or today blah 🙁

Southern Belle Mama - Your photos are a wonderful representation of autumn’s arrival! …also watched NieNie on Oprah. Such an inspiring story of survival and recovery! Enjoy your rainy day!

Lori - You guys sound cozy! It’s 70+ degrees here in Richmond, VA. Too warm to seem fall-ish, but it is really cool in the mornings now.
My DVR screwed up (operator error?)so I didn’t see NieNie on Oprah. But then I watched her daily routine video. She seems so nice and it just hurts to watch. I admire her greatly.
Enjoy a quiet pj day!

elizabeth - What gorgeous photos. And I watched NieNie, too. Such an amazing story.
Post your pumpkin pie recipe! I need a new one…

Miranda - That sounds like the perfect day to me! Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. I think I’ll go cuddle up with my little one now.

Tracy - I loved your blog today – thanks for sharing and I’m glad you’re getting to stay home and in with little miss priss and enjoy your time together. Baking Pumpkin pie sounds like the perfect day to me and your pictures are as beautiful as ever! :o)

Mindy Harris - I did watch NieNie. Wouldn’t have missed it. Is pumpkin pie easy to make?
I, too, am still in my pjs yet still haven’t been as productive as you!
Can’t wait to see pics from our session…;-)

Nina - sounds like the perfect pj’s all day to me!

the wild raspberry - what a great post….
unfortunately i missed the oprah show….maybe i could catch it on the computer somehow.
chasity

jody - we’re doing the same thing over here in rainy, cold iowa.
yes, slowing down, being present with one another and loving it. a great show yesterday…she is one special woman. a special family.

Starnes Fam - Love Nie Nie!!!!!! Great photos….love fall!

Jamie - BEAUTIFUL pictures!!!

Heather - I think that is a wonderful idea.

Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - What a sweet post. Its sounds like a perfect day to me. You’re surrounded by love, what a better place to be. And you also share gorgeous pictures with us to make our days better. Thanks!

Staci - Oh man….did I ever want to stay in my polka dot pajama pants (same ones I think you have from Target…LOVE THEM!) this morning. We are getting the same weather here in OK! LOVE IT!!!!! And yes, I did see Nie Nie on Oprah…and yes, today, I’m doing the same…just being in the moment!!!!!!!!

Mrs. Dunbar - I watched Nie too. Wow, she is courageous.
Want to come to my house and show me how to make pumpkin pies? (JK) I don’t eat the stuff but I LOVE the way they smell.
Adoring all of your fall photos. Cheers.

Allikayes Mama - We are cozy-ed up today too! Allikaye is playing with her watercolors at this very minute also! You are making me want pumpkin pie…badly!! Yum!!! I lit my pumpkin candles just to try to nip the craving…not working!!
I have Oprah on the DVR – excited to watch Nie! Have a happy fall day!!

amy - hi meg!
just ramdomly checked in and you must have just hit post! so, so glad you’re back.
watching nie was amazing. she and her husband just beamed. loved it.
hope you and the annie-ster have a great day.

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today

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today i am…rested but wishing i could go back to bed.
i am emotional…hoping i don't cry all through my bible study this time.
i am happy…to be enjoying my coffee…my family…mr.craig….my friendships.
i am working on jen and jude's photos.
i am washing 7 loads of laundry….or more.
today i am still memorizing Phil. 4:11-13.
i am making dinner ON TIME.
i am getting some mums for my porch…it feels like FALL.
i am going to fix my hair AND wear make-up….on the same day!
today i am going to go outside and feel the sun on my face.

what are you doing today?

Elisa - Glad I am not the only one that is emotional lately.

Quinn - today i have classes.
how exciting.
and if facebook is right,
happy happy birthday 🙂
and if not…. ignore this post hahahhaa

pve - Today, I have a long list to tackle and I promise to do it all with a smile. 🙂
off to tackle and 🙂
pve

cre8ivegirl - today i am going to work…a job i don’t really like but do a good job at it anyway…today i am reading to my daughter…the whole 20 minutes that has been assigned to her by the teacher…not 10 or 15 minutes and calling it good…today i am dreaming of an tropical island…somewhere…anywhere.

Jerri - Today I worked from home in the am and acutally got reorganized and caught up…went out and saw a few patients…had pizza with my hubs…posted on my blog…read a lot of blogs and commented…still need to work in my office…but most of all tried to be Happy and Thankful! PS I love Annie’s style!!!

Dina Marie - I happen to read this blog and thought why not I answer to your question based on what I did today.
I was in Seattle for a couple of appointments this morning.
Went to Exclusive Veterinary Center and bought dry food and salmon/potatoes wet food for my dear cat, Como.
I went to Costco and pick up pills from pharmacy.
I also bought a neat shark, buoyant, boat, and two cars at Costco for my 5 years old son, Nolan to play during his bath time. It’s a surprise for him. : )
I went to Costco gas station to put some more gas for my car.
I checked emails.
I watched a movie called Garfield’s Pet Force with Nolan.
I went to Nolan’s school for curriculum night and had a meeting with Nolan’s teacher.
We went to school meeting with the principal and vice principal.
I am watching The Big Loser TV show.

Sarah Beth - Today I…got up 5 minutes BEFORE my alarm went off due to my children getting the worm (early birds get the worm). We did school, ( I home school our 5 year old son), I went to the ENT specialist and found out I’m gonna have to have snoz surgery, got home and took a 2.2 mile walk/jog w/ my three kids in a double stroller ( it works out very well, they all fit), had a yummy lunch, read to my kids, they napped while I caught up on my blogging/facebooking, talked to my neighbor while chasing my little girly, had an amazing salad for dinner, enjoyed grocery shopping w/ my wonderful hubby and kidd:0)s!
“This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

mom - Today I drove to Colorado with my good friend. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful drive.
Happy BDay tomorrow!

Gretchen - Today I:
worked out
worked all day
had lunch with a friend
finished a project
checked on a friend who had surgery last week
shared a glass of wine with my hubby
played with the dog
reveled in the fact that my house was clean, lawn was done,puppy was tired, dinner was ready in the crock pot and the laundry was in the washer when I got home from work
I love Tuesdays
now it’s me time.

DreamGirlLisa - Today I went to work, something I wish I didn’t have to do. Some day I hope to be able to say I am working at home, or in my own business. I hate that I cannot be there to take my daughter to school or pick her up after. I miss the days when I had a snack ready for my girls when they got home. I have to get up every morning to do my hair and put on make-up, I love when I DON’T have to on the weekends. Perspective is interesting, isn’t it?
Keep doing what you’re doing, making us think.

carissa... brown eyed fox - i should have done my hair & makeup too! 🙂
i DID go to the gym… almost flew off the treadmill… i kid you not… scared me to pieces… can you imagine! that would have been a sight!
VERY special day tomorrow! wishing for shear happiness for you! xo

Kim Disberger - When I was teaching school there was a mom who was gorgeous, however, she never did her hair AND makeup on the same day. (FYI, this was before I had kids) I asked her once why that was. It was (duh) b/c she never had time for both. There are many days that happens to me and I think of her a lot! 🙂

kristi rediske - I have watered my mums,( I love fall), rearranged my front porch-have my stray(hay) with pumpkins in the perfect spot, and have enjoyed this great day. Its sunny in Arkansas-a great day that the Lord has given us.

Sandra - I am going to notice the greatness in others, the knit together, ‘made in His image’ amazingness that we all have that goes too easily unnoticed.
And after I’ve noticed it, I’m going to ENJOY this said greatness. No expectations, only anticipation

Ashley - Meg,
Today I have a day full of Dr. appointments but am thrilled to be able to sit here while I wait and read my favorite blogs!
Have a good day Meg, I know your heart is heavy about Cora and you and the Mac’s are in our prayers daily!
Ashley
http://jackspratandhiswife.blogspot.com/

Sarah @ Clover Lane - Sounds like you are in a “get it done” “back to normal” “slow and steady” mood. I need that mood. Send it this way.

Joni Lloyd - i am sitting with kleenex shoved up my nostrils right now trying to fight off this cold or allergies…whatever it is, it stinks. but seriously, i would love for your kids to pick out my outfit one day. i love their free spirited happy color choices and the freedom you give them to let them express themselves. i love it.

Tracy - Wow – hair and makeup ON THE SAME DAY?! You are a BRAVE woman my friend! LOL Seriously, love the post today! Have a wonderful day! Big hugs, Trac~:o)

the wild raspberry - funny…i JUST read philippians 4:13 and it is open here at the computer next to me…
blessing to you on this glorious day~~
chasity

Lora - today, I am working…home for lunch…feeling broken hearted for the ones who don’t know Jesus and His promises……and so thankful that I do!

Lindy - Today I, too, am rested. For once. Hubby’s snoring couldn’t keep me awake (although I cheated a little). Making lists. Hauling trash, cleaning fridge (more trash), bagging recyclables, paying bills, going to post office for stamps, buying birthday cards. Next 3 days are for grandkid watching, comes the weekend and off to see Abby on Monday! I am so glad I am rested!
Have a great day Megan!

Julia - any reason for being emotional? #6?

Rachel - Hi there!
Today I decided to comment on your page as I’ve been reading your blog for a while but never got round to commenting.
I just got home from the first day of my second week on placement as a student occupational therapist in Glasgow (Scotland). I fell asleep on the bus home and it’s freezing here so now I’m in my PJs on the sofa watching Friends (it’s 6.20pm!).
Tonight I am going to watch March of the Penguins and Munich and veg on the sofa.
Hope you have a great day.
Rachel

Sallie - I am uplifted by your colorful photos (as usual)! Thanks for sharing your gifts.

patti - today I’m praying for the best.
today I take my littlest girl (she’s 2) to the eye doctor for an ongoing sty problem and I just hope she doesn’t experience too much pain and I hope I don’t cry.
today the weather finally dropped out of the 100’s! so i’m going to enjoy fall finally being here.
today, i’m going to be patient with my kids.
thanks for reminding me of all the things good i need to focus on today – oh, and the laundry :).

Renee - i love annie’s spirit — the way she dresses is divine.
today: cleaning the bath mats that look like someone may have sat on one w/o wiping their bottom first. good times.
dh is working from home, so i have to try to keep his mind on his work and not on me!
picking up my beautiful son from kindergarten. we’ve moved past the moody blues and into full glorious smiles at pick-up. woo hoo!
your list sounds good, too. lol, xoxo

julie - today i am ditching bible study since a certain spicy three year old decided that today is the worst day in the history of all of the worst days of the world because I did her hair slightly differently than she had envisioned.
the end of her three years of life as she knows it.
who has to worry about war, universal healthcare or the recession when you ponytails are a bit fluffier than usual.
exhausting.
a 45 minute extravaganza of exhaustion.

Heather - I think I will try to do my hair and wear makeup today, too!

Georgia - I have just finished work its 5:19pm. My agenda for this evening is dinner, bath pajamas, and get cozy to watch tv. I have no energy for anything else… lol

Toni :O) - Today, I’m working…crazy busy. Then kids to the doctor for their flu shots, home for dinner and homework with the kids, off to public library and then to Party City to check out Halloween costumes before ordering through a catalog, then make sure I’m home for a phone call with a gal who is interested in becoming a new consultant on my team with Tastefully Simple, then laundry once showers are done…then…hopefully relaxing by 9:30 p.m.!

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - It’s finally cool here today! I bought a huge bunch of mums at the Farmer’s market last weekend. They are BEAUTIFUL right now!!!

traci - your today sounds perfect!!!!!

Laura Phelps - right now, thanking God for the chill in the morning air, reminding me of my real HOME back in NY in autumn
making cakes
remembering to breathe

Trasie - Today I am telling you it’s OK to cry through your bible study if you want too.
Today I am working on the blog for tomorrow. My baby will be nine months old. I have shared her with the world for as long as I carried her. Nine months mean more to me than 1 year. I have held her in my arms for as long as I carried her in my person. They placed her in my arms and she slipped right into my heart.
Today I am wishing that I lived in your neighborhood because seeing that darling little girl of yours in mismatched clothes, rain boots and loving life every day would remind me that, I need to stop waiting for the storm to pass and learn to dance in the rain more often.

AnneYarbs79 - Reading blogs I love.
Enjoying the silence while the baby sleeps.
Drinking a good cup of coffee.
Checking on the laundry and the dishes.
Making sure Super WHY is Tivoed.
Rinse and Repeat. :0)

purejoy - i love your list!! for me:
bringing lunch to a friend recovering from melanoma surgery on the bottom of her foot (how often do you examine the bottom of your foot?? me? not ever!) with my husband. the art of visiting with people is lost in this world, y’know.
catching up with some old-school hand written correspondence
assembling all the information from baccalaureate from last year to give to next year’s committee chairwoman. . . major procrastination going on there
working for the hubster
preparing the rest of my BSF lesson
trying to think about what to serve for dinner tonite
i’m exhausted just thinking about all of this!
but thanks for the reminder to accomplish something today!

Kate - Hi! I am working… then getting the kids at two… off to religous education and choir practice… then (maybe) off to a benefit concert for a sweet girl who needs our prayers… I haven’t decided on the concert yet… my heart is torn…

Natalie Battitori - Working till 4 then off to watch two of my kids play soccer then pick up other kid from volleyball practice. Fix supper. Do at least one load of laundry. Grade one kid’s homework (teacher requests it). It’s a beautiful fall day in Kansas, so really looking forward to watching the soccer game later!
Meg–I’m sure you’ve been told this many times, but you really do do more laundry than anyone else! Is there a Queen of Laundry award out there I could nominate you for? Probably not, huh?! Luv the pics above of your daughter! I hope it makes you smile like it does me.

Nicole - Today . . . . planning my October menu and grocery list! Makes me hungry all day!! Your “hair AND make up in the same day” comment made me laugh! Today is a make up day for me but not hair day!! Have a good day Meg! Hope biblestudy is uplifting and encouraging!!

Jill - Still in my p.j.’s and your post just motivated me to get up and get going. Thanks!!! 🙂 ~Jill

Staci - I AM going to work out!!! Yes I am….just started back yesterday….and wow! Sore today! It’s a baseball cap and no make up day for me though 🙂 And of course a little laundry…and clean out the fish bowl!!! Sounds like an easy day….oh but I can’t wait to see how all the things that crop up out of the blue that will hinder me from getting it done 🙁 LIKE BLOG READING 🙂

amber - hi girl! i hear ya. i fixed my hair and put on makeup today too!! it really does make me fee better. today i am homeschooling my girl, goin to the bank, taking a walk to the downtown library in this beautiful fall weather, then walking to the park to fly kites with my sassy. and tonights menu: steak-ums, fresh green beans, and homemade cake!!! 🙂

Jo - Working until 5! Payroll, trying to start my Mary Kay business 🙂 I feel blessed today!! Did some laundry yesterday, will finish today. There is only two of us in the household and I feel like I never get done….??????

gabrielle - don’t cry you have a lovely home and a lovely family and so much that I admire in a mother, wish I was you sometimes. Really I do.
but today I’m not working so I’ll try and get my giveaway post up and do some more crafty stuff and start decorating for fall because it seems like it a bit more this week than last. I love your waffle too…i want to give him a kiss.

Nancy-The Goat and The Kid - I think I may actually get out of the house. Back to school sickness has ravaged my house. No fun! But amazingly, I feel peaceful amidst the chaos. I think some baking is in order today, too. What to make???

Jess - laundry as well, shopping, not the fun kind…groceries.
trying to take in every day slowly, just one day at a time.

Victoria - Wow, makeup AND hair! You go girl. 😉
I am washing my sheets today, gonna take a walk with my 4 year old since it feels like fall in Atlanta (very rare) and finishing a project! Very low key day.

Annette - totally am on board with the laundry. You win with number of loads. Hair and Makeup………….

Vera - Today I am home sick hoping I don’t have The Flu.

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entertainment

i had the best entertainment for 3 women coming to visit…  

shopping!

we spent the night at carolyn's (my happy place) so we could get shopping much quicker in the morning.

it was a gorgeous morning….

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we had happy baby janey by our side and we were ready to shop.
our destination was the hillsboro arts & crafts fair…a yearly event the 3rd saturday of september.
rain or shine…thankfully this year it was SHINE!
i love the craft fair booths but i also think the antique stores in town are great too.
we found all kinds of treasures.

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all three women bought the locally famous granny's mustard…craig would have been so proud. 
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lunch was all kinds of yumminess…funnel cake…tater twisters…noodle soup…homemade pie…mmm!
we had lots of girls shopping and eating together.

and we found some not-so-special treasures.

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if you are looking for a birthday gift for julie…she really wanted that angry bear wall hanging.
ha ha ha ha ha

at the end of the craft fair my friend kerry called me and said "you HAVE to come to this barn sale!"and i was so happy my guests wanted to go too.
we followed homemade signs down a gravel road to what i will now call my dream world
it was everything i love and ten times more.

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do you see why i was in love?
when i went into the first barn…of the three….i almost cried….i am not kidding.
i have been looking for THIS since i moved to kansas.  
i didn't think it was here.

i felt like i was on a junk buying high.  

buzzed on rust and chippy paint.  :)

here is my take away from a day of craft fair bliss.

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yummy.

kristen - Just curious where is that barn and is it open year around.

Amy R. - Your weekend looked like so much fun! That barn sale was to die for! Wish I lived closer. That metal turquoise stool is awesome. Would love to see what you do with it. I enjoy your blog!
Amy

kate b - I also would have cried walking into that barn. AMAZING. I would have died taking pictures there. What a treat! And those Kansas morning shots are amazing!

Kristine Robb - i need me some rusty chairs!

Jen H. - I’m loving that green toolbox. That sale would be my idea of heaven too. I have a favourite antiques barn near me that is like that all the time. I only allow myself to visit it about twice a year!
That antler chair is one of the creepiest things I’ve ever seen.

Rachel / cREaTe - WOW! unbelievable stuff! i’m in KC … i’ll have to look up hillsboro. 🙂 i LOVE your finds. those dishes are BEAUTIFUL [the ivory ones] and that wood divider thing ROCKS & i would love to know how you’re going to use it. unfortunately, i almost lost my lunch … my page was stuck loading on the hide & antler photo … *urp* … that kind of stuff doesn’t usually bother me that much, but i guess staring at it for so long, i started to really take it all in. i had to look away. and well … now i might have become a vegetarian. 🙂

Dina - Can I just come and hang with you??? I live in Wichita and feel like I could just stalk you….I’m so joking…that’s kind of creepy..:-)…but I do love your style and also live in an old house.
LOVE every picture you post. I’m so sad I didn’t go to Hillsboro last weekend and soooo jealous of all your finds:-)

Christina - Meg, I love how you are able to see beauty in the not-so-obvious places. That is such a gift. It reminds me of how God looks at us. You are able to look at something that others might see as useless or worthless and find purpose and value.
Your treasures are wonderful and you are a treasure. I’m so glad I can learn from you.

Lisa - How can it be that I live an hour from Hillsboro and have never heard of this sale?! I’m kicking myself. Next year…
I would love to know about the barn too. Great stuff!

Tiffany Morris - Seriously… I think my imagination is stuck in your body! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your style. I wish you could help me with my house. I know what I want, but can’t DO IT for some reason! 🙂
Hugs – Tiffany

Mandi - Okay…I am officially jealous of Kansas!
And, about the crock pot quesadillas…they were as amazing (and easy) as they sound. I made them for my sister and her friend tonight and it was a huge hit. I see these again in my near future!

Annette - Hello, it is Annette I have to know if the barn sale was just a one time thing or is it something that is open to the public? It looks like to much fun

Sara Cameli - OOOOh Meg, loved these. That barn would make an awesome art studio…and I LOVE your picture of the chairs lined up with the beautiful background of farmland – the yellow, green and blue…and the morning shots of hay and mist…so lovely.

Tammy - Wow, I would have loved to tag along too! You really picked up some great treasures!

Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!} - And so many people think Kansas has nothing to offer! My heart started beating a little bit faster when I saw your photos. I used to live in Emporia and would drive over for the craft show. Such fun! But that barn sale?! Wow! I’ve never seen one quite like that. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures with us.

Shannon - I HAVE to visit those barns! Where are they exactly?

Debra Cripps - Ooh lovely things, lucky, lucky girls!!

Ashley - Pure Heaven!
I need the barn and all it’s contents!
So glad you had a wonderful time!

Adrienne Anderson - Wow!! My heart just dropped when I saw the pics of the barn sale. Is it still going on?? I’ll come down from Chicago this weekend!!

Courtney - Oh my GOSH that place rules!!!

Leigh Ann - Ohhh MYYYY!!!! Whay can’t I find a barn sale like that!

Amanda - Wow! I’m from Kansas and now live in Colorado. It’s funny how the things you’ve been searching for are always hiding in plan sight. I so love your blog! You bring a fresh and beautiful perspective to a world that is often times gloomy and somber.
Thank for sharing your life and heart with all of us!

Jodi - Hey Meg –
Can you tell me where the barn is? Is the sale only once a year?

Jenny Wenzel - Meg…it’s Jenny from the garage sale. Can you tell me where those barns are…I NEED to go!!! Or at least the contact info? THANKS – Jenny Wenzel

Jess - You would have to drag me kicking and screaming outta there! The barns look like giant treasure boxes for grown-ups. And how cute is baby Janey?
The blue chair you scored….I remember having a red one at my grandparents house. I would love to find one of those.

Kacey - Oh, what fun! All the color – that must have been incredible. Great finds!

Laura Phelps - I will be honest. I am in a grumpy mood this morning. And the pictures are making ME cry. I saw THREE things that I have been searching for. I am feeling jealous and bitter.

Staci - HOW fun!!!!!!! I’m with Misty…..I only live ONE state away from you in OK….why don’t we have great Barn Places like that??? I guess….we get football 🙂 hee heee (Although…your Jayhawks are gonna give us a run for our money this year!!!! YIKES!)

jennifer - LOVIN’ all the color!

Schrag - Where in the world are those barns?!?! I live close to Hillsboro and could totally find them. Need details – please! 🙂

Tracy - I wondered if that wood piece was yours at Molly’s…I saw it and wanted it, but then it said Megan on it…rats. Where was the barn sale….I want some of those old chairs to put on our deck. Looks like you had a fabulous weekend….what fun!!!

Summer - Loved looking at these pictures….I have to bring myself down out of the clouds now. Thanks for sharing!

Alicia - How do you do it???!! Your pictures always amaze me Meg! I love the shot with the chairs in a row and a beautiful field of KS sunflowers in the background…perfect KS! CO is very nice but I do miss KS sometimes! Happy Day!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - Lovely!!! Yeah, I’ve been looking for a place like that here in Arizona… After seeing your pictures, makes me want to look harder!! 🙂

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - Lovely!!! Yeah, I’ve been looking for a place like that here in Arizona… After seeing your pictures, makes me want to look harder!! 🙂

cally - Oh my heavens. Where is that barn. I’m in the car.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I think I could cry too! What an amazing place you found there…so jealous. Beautiful eye candy Meg. Thanks for the gorgeous pics.

kasey - I’m so sorry my invite was lost in the mail! I would have had a blast with you guys.
xo

coffeeanddaisies - my heart stopped beating briefly when i saw your pictures….
oh my goodness….
so MUCH goodness…
nice to read that someone else appreciates that historic value of things….
they all have a story don’t they?
i’ve gotta get my butt down to kansas!! 🙂
great pictures. thanks.

Sharla - Great stuff. I wasn’t feeling bad about missing the craft fair this year until I saw your pictures. And like others, tell us more about this barn sale. All the time or was this a one-day thing?! Love those rocks/gems!

kristi rediske - Your pictures are great-I went to the Hillsboro Craft show too-drove to Kansas to take my mom to that and the fair. I wish I would have known about that barn-where is it? Sure would like to go to that next time I am in Newton.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’ve nearly cried before, too. No one else seems to understand it. LOVE your finds. I would have been drawn to all the same exact stuff, except for the pink polka dotted tub thingy. (sorry)
By the way, did you ever find your chicken feeder/coop thing you were looking for last Summer? I still think of you when I see one out at a flea.

valerie - You got some gorgeous pictures of what looks like a beautiful morning!
And I agree with Julie. I think I need that angry bear. Even if it’s just to hide it in cabinets and scare my husband. 🙂

traci - yep, i think you died and went to junk heaven. that barn is awesome. i would get lost for days in there. great treasures. love the clock!!!

Sue K. - having flashbacks of kane county with you…those were good times!!! i miss them and you :(. looks like you had the BEST time. i especially love the old aluminum chairs…those COLORS…

chris - Love it all what fun , I linked to you today in my post .
Chris
Just beachy

Trasie - OH MY GOSH……Tell me more about this barn sale? Is this place open all of the time or was it just a weekend thing? I so want to go there!!!!! Tell me more!

kristin - i. want. one. of. those. bikes.
and that green box you have.
and that clock.
oh, it is all so good.

HomageBlog - That sounds like my ideal Saturday! I need to find something like that around here! Love, K

Holly - Oh MY! I am coming to visit. What, you don’t know me? Sorry about that detail, but we will be BFFs in no time flat!

Julia - WHY IS LIFE SO UNFAIR??? I gasped, I cried and then I ate breakfast.

Michelle B - oh my! Wonderful! Can I come next time?

Sarah M - I wish I could find places like this in the UK. We only have expensive antique shops near me 🙁 I love those 7up bottles.

Kathy - Great finds…I want to shop there too!OMG I have to come to Kansas! You take the most amazing pictures!

Grace Matthews - I love these pictures. They are awesome. What kind of camera do you have? I just started a photography class and I am so loving it.

Heather - Looks like so much fun! I need to find me some antique/barn yard sales in my neck of the woods. I think it could be a dangerous hobby:)

sarah - It’s really unfair at how much stuff I wanted to bring home, and couldn’t figure out how to get back on the plane with me.
The picture of that bike, is amazing.
I love your EYE!
It was so fun, especially the barn sale!
Thanks for taking us 🙂

pve - i can taste the lead paint….

Jill - OOOOOhhhh, I am dying over the rusty patio chairs!!

CherryTreeLane - Oh my word…I am so jealous of all you took away–what an amazing find! I wish they had something like that in So Cal…..

Kristin - It looks like you had a blast. If you have any specific info on the barn sale. When and where, I would appreciate it. My Sister lives in Hutch and I visit her often, we would love to check it out. : )

Lori - Ooooo, envious. Such fun! Glad you had a good time!

Shealynn Benner - Great shots! Sounds like fun! Julie and I are friends. 🙂 I made the camera strap slipcover she gave you! Hope you like it! 😉

Nicole - I crack up thinking of you 4 girls who have never met walking the streets of Hillsboro!! Seems surreal!! WHAT FUN!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t been to the arts and crafts fair in FOREVER, need to do it now that we closer. I’m excited for all your awesome buys!! I need an old bench for our laundry room, I bet I could have found one at the barn sale!!

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - good stuff!

adrienneK - i would DIE at the barn sale sooo much goodness…hmmm kevins family lives in newton…we might need to consider moving lol what lucky ladies you had visiting you!!!

jody - my dreamworld as well.
love those hidden gems in the midwest…so fun to come upon. your finds look delicious!

Sarah - It looks like you girls had so much fun! I am super jealous.

Ashley Ann - I want those outdoor chairs at the Barn Sale…I want a Barn Sale! Next time you hear of one, feel free to send me an email!

dawn - OOOOH. MY. GOSH!!! I need to get to Kansas!!! Seriously, I think there needs to be a road trip next summer. My baby — and a U-Haul! She’ll be five by then — she can even help carry! (As long as we find something fun for her — she’s good to go for hours, bless her heart!)
I totally understand why you had so much fun. Completely and totally understand.

Lori Danelle - You make me want to move back home!!!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Sarah - What great stuff! Those looks like really awesome places to buy fun things at. I love that pink polka dotted bucket! All those old bikes make me swoon! I think I need to visit Kansas sometime!

Trish - Um, yes I can see why you almost cried, cause I was holdin’ back the tears. So jealous right now! Why can’t I find a barn sale like that?

misty - i love it- do you know where i can get the ring that says Birthday girls have more fun?
i wish we had stuff like that in Ok!

DreamGirlLisa - What fun! Those beautiful white plates and that pink polka dot bucket are my favorites, you found some great stuff! I really enjoy your blog, it takes me to a happy, comfy place…kind of weird maybe, but who cares, right?

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re-post because of spammers.

**i am posting this again because this post gets so much spam for awful gross stuff.   i re-named it and took a couple words out….deleted the old post…we'll see if this helps.  please don't feel like you need to read it if you read it last year.  :) 

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10 months ago we began working on this room.

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removinging the vintage blue rose wallpaper. (it just wasn't workin' for me)

removing the matching drapes.

painting the walls and trim.

replacing the very ugly brass/wicker wobbly ceiling fan with a nice new fixture.

and now….it's done.

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this is the kids' toys room and also the guest room.

we (try to) read books together in this bed every night.

it's so cozy all piled in there. 

this room has five windows on one wall.

it has a huge tree right outside where you can watch squirrels and birds right in front of you.

and once while up in the night feeding a baby i saw a big fat raccoon.  

i knocked on the window and he just looked at me – yuck.

the point is…the view is pretty.  

it gets all the afternoon sun.

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behind the map is a pocket door that goes into my bedroom so it's always closed.

i found this red trunk at the flea market years ago.  

it smelled awful and the inside was covered with swastikas.

now it holds costumes and dress up clothes. (ahh…much better)

the map is an old school map that my mother-in-law gave me.

it's one of my favorite things.

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a big comfy bed calls for great big super-sized pillows!

and i made the polka dot lampshade too.  

it is very basic and imperfect but that's OK.

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that door goes to the back stairway, lauren's room and a bathroom.

these chairs were trash picked in illinois.

they have seen better days but i still like them.

the rug came with our house.  it used in the craft room.

it has holes but it's the perfect color in here.

the little blue cabinet was from salvation army.

the READ letters came from hobby lobby…they were gold leafed 

before i spray painted them.

i heart spray paint.

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some of our favorite books.

children's books are so colorful and happy.

my dad has had this where the wild things are print since i was kid.

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all the toys and books are inside the closet.

it's a mess in there.

there are toys and a tv in the armoire also.

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i made the duvet and ruffle on the curtains out of sheet sets from target.

my mom makes duvets too.  

you just sew two flat sheets together leaving one end open for button hole closure.

or ribbon instead of buttons….much easier.

feels good to check so much off the list.

now….who is coming to visit?

Sangeeta - sex shop δονητες products and secivres, Contrary to common belief, online sex shops are not pornographic in nature as numerous would assume. There are lots of online sex shops all around the web causing all of them offer some unique products that will go quite a distance in transforming the sex lives of numerous adults.Bekinky.co.uk is one of the many online sex shops with some unique range of products and secivres. This perhaps should bring us towards the most important question that many people would ask as concerns online sex shops. What should one consider when searching for online sex shops just to make sure that they don’t end up dealing with the wrong online sex shop δονητεςwhile there are numerous other online sex shops that would have given better secivres?In reality that you simply cannot tell straight away as soon clicking onto a hyperlink and you end up at one of the many online sex shops. It has to therefore take some consideration before you can actually decide on the best idea online sex shop. Some important tips about how to identify the very best online sex shop δονητεςinclude the following:First and fore most, the buyer must be able to define properly just what they want to get form the online sex shop. After detailing the list of requirements you would like met through the online sex shop. Some things that you need to bother to discover form the online sex shop δονητεςbefore you commit to coming to a invest in them include their delivery service and also the after sale service that they will offer should the need arise.Other detail that may go unnoticed by many very first time clients from any online retailers including the online sex shops is the delivery time frame. Although if not completely online sex shops will explain that they have a delivery service, they might not come out clean concerning the exact time frame that they will decide to try get your purchase for your door step. It’s quite frustrating to order one thing form a web-based sex shop δονητεςand then watch for it for near to per month or maybe more. This always comes about when you simply click and add an item to the basket without bothering to enquire on the exact time.Such complications can however be overcome by trying to be careful in selecting a web-based sex shop. Some important advice is to try and make inquiries regarding the distance between your online sex shops’ location and your residence as this will most likely affect the delivery time line otherwise the price too. Getting an online sex shop δονητεςthat’s closer to your residence should help you to get your purchased item sooner as compared to one that is miles away.

Rene - I noticed your room because the READ wall was pinned to Pinterest. I was wondering if I might be able to pin this on my Pinterest account. I have a board with Reading Nooks for the Family. I love what you have done with this wall.
If you don’t want me to pin this on my board, I will remove it. You will see it at:
http://pinterest.com/readingtutor/reading-nooks-for-the-family
Rene

Carla - Great room, so much fun! Love the colors, love the combinations, just love the room. Thanks for posting it. I feel so inspired now. Just have to choose which room to tackle first.
Thanks.

Viney - You saved me a lot of hsalse just now.

Chanel Handbags - IT IS hard to look at the Capitol in Washington, DC, without a frisson of excitement

Debs - i so love the happy colours, the room is goreous! 🙂

Melbourne Road - what a FUN room! My absolute favorite is the pillow with the crewel (?) flowers embroidered on it…LOVE
Lori

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures - Oh what a fun room. Made me smile.

Sara Taylor - I just found your blog, and I love it! So good to find someone who loves the Lord when randomly clicking on a cute picture of a bedroom.

Lise - I love, love, love this room!! All the colors together are so cheerful and wonderful.

Heidi - I’m in love with this room! I’d marry it if I could! I love it so much it’s going to show up on my blog next week (linking back to your lovely blog of course) so I have the precious lovely pics stored there. You’re creativity is delightful, as usual!

Chloe - Thanks for the repost… I am new to your blog so it was new to me! I love the eclectic and vintage feel of your home and this room is yummy! I think you have an eye for EVERYTHING! LOVE LOVE LOVE your photography. It all makes me smile!

Michelle - You inspired me with “READ”… Here is my daughter’s new room.
http://candyjamamas.blogspot.com/2009/09/before-after-chloes-room.html

Karen - I love this room. :0) Where did you find the embroidered pillows on the bed?

Karina - I absolutely love everything about thing room. I sew duvet covers too – so easy and fun! (and easy to sew matching pillow slips, quite addictive actually…) Don’t you love decorating the kids’ rooms best – you can go wild with colour and it’s never too much. I’m also inspired to frame dust jackets, thank you for that one…And thank you, spammers, for re-inspiring so many of us!! Oh, and visit? I agree with another commenter; I’m moving in!!!

Elise - ME, ME, ME!!! {Waving hands wildly!!!} Oh my goodness, I love your home!! It is such a happy looking place!!
Elise

Kim - I’m glad you re-posted this! I am in my office/guest room right now, getting ready for my in-laws to come. I rearrange this room just about every time we have a guest. 10 months ago I saw this post and loved it, I have been trying to recreate the same “feeling” here(with different colors). I’m getting closer, thanks for the refresher and inspiration!

Nicole - Oh my gosh! Thanks so much for re-posting this. I’ve fell upon your blog from…somewhere…and haven’t been reading long, so I never saw this before. I love it! I *so* want to save every picture to my Inspiration folder!

Micah - What a great room. I mean, if you had to get rid of the blue flowered wall paper with matching curtains (who ever thought that was a good idea???)… This is such an inspiring room. If only I had an unfinished room…

Angela - Awww….I *love* it!! I hadn’t seen this one before, so thanks for reposting it! 🙂

Allison - oh, love love love. it should be inside the covers of a glossy magazine. very cute.

Jennifer T - I think I know – your husband leaked something to mine – blog friends from California for a special dedication? Do I win a prize?

Heather - This room is SOOOO adorable! I LOVE it!

Grace Matthews - I love this! I wished I had a creative spark. I’m just not good at looking at things at a flea market or garage sale and knowing that I could do something with them. This is great and very inspiring.

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - Dear Spammers,
For once, I must say thank you!
I’m so glad you forced Meg to re-post the playroom! I hadn’t seen these pics in a long time, and I needed see all those happy, creative goodies.
With love,
An Inspired Meg-aholic

jessica - love your room…and your blog! quick question…i absolutely love the color on the blue dresser/nightstand next to the bed. do you know what color it is? am looking to paint a desk for my son and would love to know.

adrienneK - wait im confused why did you re-post?! anyhoo it’s still just as adorable!!

Kirsten - Loved it the first time, love it the second time. Why am I not brave enough to try a duvet cover?

Sandy - WOW! That was a year ago – I guess I didn’t realize how long I’ve been reading your blog…must be close to two years now??? Anyway, loved the room then and love the room now. Sorry you have to put up with spammers. Creeps.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I absolutely love this room. It is me all the way. Love your pillows and bedding. It just looks so happy and the colors mesh so perfectly. What a wonderful space for your family to read, laugh and play together. Thanks for sharing:)

Stacey - I love this room and your blog- thanks for the repost!

Jen - Meg, I could move into your house and not change a thing. So cozy.

sarah - Meg, I wish you would come to my house and decorate it. Your style make me feel all cozy!!

Rebekah - Seeing this room on Oodeeoh was what brought me to your blog, and I’m so glad I came! I’ve been saving the dust jackets from my daughter’s books ever since to I can frame them eventually. LOVE that idea! Thanks for posting this again. 🙂

Wendy - Meg! Awesome room. I love the crewel pillow. YOu are soo good with colors. an inspiration for sure. i wish I had the space that you have.

Jane Weston - Great looking room!!
Just an FYI…there may be a way to disable comments on a single post..if that’s where you are getting spammed. I’ve had to do it for a couple of my posts in blogger.

Kathy - OMG I love that room.The colors, the furniture, everything! You have an amazing eye for decorating. I love the people house on the dresser blocking the pocket door. I had one growing up loved the door bell. Great job!

Sarah L - Not visiting – MOVING IN! Ill be there soon. I love and adore this room. I want it for my own!

Erin - I’m glad you reposted this! I am coming to stay at your house. Even tho my parents live in your town. Think they’d be offended?? 🙂

se7en - Loved it the first time round and still loving it! I would love to come and visit it looks like a great place to put my feet up and read a bazillion stories!!!

suzanne b. - What an incredible room.

melissa@afamiliarpath - so pretty and cozy.

MMW - This was the original post that got me hooked on your blog. Fantastic. It’s been so fun following your adventures and photos.

Gaia - I love the way you decorate. The colours are bright, cheerful, and they blend so well. Inspired.

Christine - hi meg,
i just wanted you to know that your taste and style have really inspired me.
i call your blog “color therapy”, your love of bright colors got me to think that i should be adding more to our home. so i’ve spent time painting wooden chairs RED (my favorite)
and be a little bolder with color choices all around.
I admire you for other things too but will just comment on your decor for now :).
thank you for taking time to fill our days with some of yours.
God bless.

Jenni - What an absolutely gorgeous room. It makes me sigh with pleasure and delight! BUT…
Why is a racoon “yuck”?

Donna - I so Heart that room . It is awesome. I love all the bright colors. I need to be more brave with color in my house. Great Job!!

Wendy - So cheery and bright! I love it! And don’t you just love “Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon”?! She is just too cute (and her little grandma too). 🙂 Duvet question. Do you use the next size larger to sew together? I have a queen comforter that I’d like to cover. Do I use 2 queen sheets or 2 kings?

Christina - To answer your question…me, me, me, please?
That room is FAB-YOU-LOUS. Note the middle of that word.
Actually, will you come here and help me with this house?!

Naomi - I comment very randomly, but read always. We are currently in the middle of de-color-ating a new house and there are some struggles as there is no hobby lobby, michaels or target here, BUT your post gives me hope and ideas and sets my creativity juices flowing.
Beautiful and functional and FUN room!

erin - Love this room! Come do my whole house! 🙂

The Paper Note - Wow awesome,,,can you come redo are room meaning the girls room it needs a make over and I have no idea where to start that room is awesome, Lisa

Rach - I loved it the first time so it was fun to read again.

Bevy - Absolutely gorgeous!! LOVE IT!!

Trish - delish… I am in love with the colors in this room!

pve - 1 problem, I would never leave.

Laura - Yes, me too, this was the reason a friend(another Meg) sent me to your blog- thanks for posting this fabulous room- again,

Marjorie - What a happy room!

elizabeth - Me! Me! I want to come visit. I love this room — all the color and the sunshine. You’ve done such a beautiful job…

Naomi Williams - I am a complete lurker who fell in love with your blog b/c of this room the first time you posted it.
I never knew what my “style” was (and I still don’t to be honest) but this was probably the first time I actually found a space that resonated with me from top to bottom that actually EXISTS somewhere and is USED and contains JUNK that is AWESOME…and did I mention I love that you USE IT!!!
It is a big time inspiration to me!
SO glad you reposted this…very “meant to be” for me.
Inspiration!

Vera - Oh and I have to say… the wallpaper with the matching drapes cracks me up – I mean, really, what were people thinking?!? I guess if you REALLY REALLY REALLY love those flowers and want to feel like you’ve been swallowed by a giant flower-bellied monster, it’s a good idea.

Vera - YAY!! It’s my favorite room in your house (I’m sorry if it’s creepy that I have a favorite room in your house)… in fact, I sewed a crib bumper out of that green sheet set and, in a little over a week, when we hopefully find out whether the bean in my belly is boy or girl flavored, I’m going to ask you to help me figure out how to decorate the nursery. Seriously 🙂

amber - Love it! Love it! Love it! Come decorate my house please!

Melanie - It made me happy the first time and again today:)

Kristin - Oh I love this room! I am so happy you posted it again. I so want your little blue dresser! if you ever want to get rid of it let me know. : ) And all the little details soooo great! Thanks for sharing.

Beth - I don’t even know you, but I want to come visit! What an AWESOME room! My kid’s nursery deco is all children’s book art… so that caught my eye right away! LOVE it!

Patty - Your room looks like it should be in a catalog or magazine. I love everything about it!!

Lori - Thanks for re-posting this one. This was the first post of yours that I ever read. I think I found you through Bower Power blog…she posted about your reading room. I had just started reading a couple blogs, and when I saw this post, I was blown away! And I have enjoyed it here ever since. 🙂

Ashley - Meg,
I loved it then and I love it re-posted. Its a great room with so much to offer! Brilliant!
~Ashley

julie - I’m coming to visit. Janey has plans to jump on the bed.
what creepy spam were you getting? boo.

pam ferrari - What a beautiful room so glad you posted it again. I love your blog.

Victoria~ - I *love* your toy/guest room! It’s so inviting! I bet it’s hard to get your guest to leave! lol…Thanks for sharing.

Mary - Glad you reposted … what a fun and cozy room! Would you mind sharing what your wall color is … I want to repaint my bedroom and I think that’s exactly the color I’ve had in mind but can’t quite pick out when I stare at all those paint chips!

Shannon - What a wonderful cozy room you created! I love it.

Kate - Goodness gracious. I feel in love with this post last year and tried it in our gameroom… it is still SO inspiring and amazing.

andrea - i didn’t read this last year, so this is the first time and cant help but wonder what words or why you were getting icky stuff. i love how you can make a room look perfect out of all kinds of stuff i would never imagine go together. very nice i love it, i to also have a one huge room just for the little people, it makes it kinda nice to keep all the mess contaded for the most part

Sarah @ In A Dream - I have fell in love with this room before, but I love that I got to read it all again! There is so much inspiration there for people who like to do things themselves, and the colors are phenomenal. Love it even more now!

Iman - I’m glad you re-posted. I love this room!!
(sorry about the spammers)

alice - gorgeous redo! everything is bright and colorful and fun! i love it 🙂

Debby Graber - Love it!! You are just so creative!

Lori - We were oohing and aahing over your make-over and then my daughter asked when we could come and visit.:) Then I read your last sentence and just HAD to leave a comment.:) Lori

Pineapple Princess - It’s so colorful and happy! I want to move in! Awesome before and after!!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - *oops, meant HOUSE! 😀 can’t type today!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - *oops, meant HOUSE! 😀 can’t type today!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - What a beautiful has you have. Love the idea of getting all cozy in that bed, reading to the kids.

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - What a beautiful has you have. Love the idea of getting all cozy in that bed, reading to the kids.

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pink! pink! pink!

annie asked me if we could make cupcakes.

what i wanted to say was "no honey mommy is blogging."

but instead i said "yes!"  

a friend of mind told me to try saying YES more often with my kids and see how it goes.

hmmmm…turns out it makes them happy.

i am not sure what i think about that yet…HA.

we decided to make Pinkalicious cupcakes!

(after i finished blogging)

Pink

because the only cake mix we had was strawberry.

but it was perfect because it's currently annie's favorite book.

do you have it?

you can get it here…

Pink2

it's a cute book.

perfect for girls who love pink…or cupcakes….or throwing tantrums.

Pink5

they were very tasty.

i had four…over the course of two days…not all at once.

do you feel like your automatic response is no when your kids ask for something?

i do.

so i am working on it…

my first thought is usually "No…i am too tired/busy/crabby/lazy/blogging…"

but if i try hard to think first before i give my auto pilot answer….

can we make cookies?  well….yes, as soon as these dishes are done we sure can.

can we read 4 books?  yes…if you can sit still we can read four.

can you drop me off at the gym?  will you be able to walk home…then YES.

i don't know….it's hard to break a habit.

at least this time there were cupcakes to eat.

Thays - Grandpa Campbell – I was totally ameazd at how great your pics were of Little LUKE’s Event. So many favorites! And when I look back on the Party, I was cannot get over how you were able to shoot from so many great angles and perspectives without impeding on any of the activity.So professional . Great Job!

Renato - Jonathan I keep a supply of homdamee cupcake wrappers with my baking supplies because I like to make cupcakes. I have done these manually and with my Cricut machine. I think this is also and excellent idea for inexpensive Christmas gifts especially using the cupcake box. The recipient can put them in their bathroom for their next party. I might add a slip of paper (like in fortune cookies) to let the guest know this is for them for keeps just in case they use the bathroom more than once.Boy was Oprah wrong for not calling you. Truly her loss.

Adela - Everyone’s cupcakes loekod so good. Unfortunately I can’t do any baking until our ant problem is taken care of. I have the ingredients so hopefully I can make them soon.

Anggara - You are so incredibly tetlnead! Your fondant bow is FABULOUS. YOu should be very proud of yourself! I can’t believe it was your first one—I’d never have known. You’re an expert!

kathy b - Oh my goodness, I just bought this book yesterday. I bought it for Gwyn who is 3, lives next door and loves pink. I loved the story. Did you turn pink from eating the cupcakes?
kathy b

Tecla - We had a Pinkalicious party in January – just because. It wasn’t a birthday, we just thought, “wouldn’t it be fun?”. We kept it pretty low key (read: easy for Mom!). We had a great time!! Your cupcakes are definitely prettier, though! 🙂 http://quirkymess.blogspot.com/2009/01/pinkalicious.html

jess - we love pinkalicious! just the other day my 5 year old told my 3 year old…”ya get what ya get and ya don’t get upset!” any cupcakes left?!

amy smith - I am linking your post to mine…you’ve inspired me. http://thebradsmithbunch.blogspot.com thanks! amy

Amy - We made the pinkalicious cupcakes too!! What fun! Have you tried the purplelicious? (I haven’t been brave enough to, just yet) Thanks for all your beautiful posts and great ideas!

Christy - I usually say “suuuurrreee” & then hope he forgets. See, not much better. 🙂 This morning it was purple cupcakes, which we haven’t made yet, yesterday it was a new lego set, which he will forget about until he sees the commercial again.

Emily - Those are lovely cupcakes! Makes me almost want to give up on my “no white sugar” pledge! I agree with the saying no. As I think about it I probably do say no a lot- no wonder my two three year olds say it back to me so much! Thanks for a thought-provoking idea–saying yes. I’ll try it!

The Paper Note - I’m an auto pilot NO mommy too… 🙂 just because I have two girls who ask for something 24/7
Mommy can we get a hamster? NO
Mommy can I get that barbie? NO
Mommy can we go swimming? NO
Mommy can I have 3 choc chip cookies? NO
Mommy can I blah blah blah blah…. all day long… hehehe… I just get so used to crazy question I auto say NO then sometimes I’m going “What did you ask? are YOU serious?”
Here’s the Best Maddies asked
“Mommy can I get an Elephant? Sure Honey I’ll get right on that. LOL…
Today is a Yes though we are headed to the Fair…
Bless you for being a normal Mommy this was an Awesome Post… hugs, Lisa

K - They look adorable AND delicious! I love all things girly 🙂

pve - YES – 3 letters with so much meaning.

Jenn - YUM. I can almost taste the sugar sweetness.

Debby Graber - I remember hearing james dobson saying that we need to say more “yes’s” to our kids than “no’s”. There are definite times for a firm “no” though. What did you put on top of those cupcakes?

Sarah - pure yummness. what a great idea!

DreamGirlLisa - I already say yes a lot, find myself exhausted most of the time too, but it’s worth it. I bought Pinkalicious for my niece last year, I loved reading it to her 🙂 I have a strawberry cake mix on hand too (on sale at Target ), those cupcakes look good, and pink is my favorite color. I am trying the rainbow cake this weekend for my daughter’s 18th birthday, wish me luck! Love your blog:)

Allison - Those cupcakes look divine!!!

seleta - Ohhhhh, I love the fancy new pic in the header!!!
Yes, I feel like I always start with “No.” It’s a shame, but it’s the truth. Maybe because their questions are always so crazy? Like on a school night after dinner I’ll get the question, “can we have family movie night tonight?” I look at my trashed kitchen and dining table then look back at them with “are you kidding? No!” Really I’d rather be selfish and take a shower or {blog} and I’m so tired I could collapse on the floor. Eeeek, I’m a scary mommy.
My husband never says no. Even if his answer is really no. It’s always, “sure we can eat chocolate cookies…..next time.” Or “yes, we can stay up until 10….really soon.” Smart. He’s much more positive than me. Okay, I’m going to work on this.
Thanks for the inspiration.

Krista - Love love love the cupcakes, love love love your blog.
Look out for Purplicious, it’s just as good as Pinkalicious. We bought Goldilicious, but I don’t think it’s as good as the first two. But my girls love all of them.
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, I can’t stop reading it, I love your ideas and the gorgeous pictures. I am amazed that you manage a post every day, even with your 5 kids. Believe me, it is most appreciated by this reader!

Christina - Oh, I would have eaten four all at once!
This is a great post…I am totally in that habit. I’ve tried to play a game or do something with my middle son while my youngest is napping these days.
And those are gorgeous cupcakes!

andrea - i almost always say no, but i too have been trying to say yes more, it is hard

Ashley - We LOVE Pinkalicious too! We Also love purplelicious- if you don’t have a copy, I have two and would love to send you my extra for Annie! I just noticed goldilicious in the store today and am dying for it!
Love the cupcakes and I also struggle with saying no too often. I think it’s a have a lot of kids thing…
As always, LOVE the blog, your pictures are amazing!
Ashley

Leslie - YES!!! That seems to be working for us too these days. Not only saying YES but also more of the positive feedback they get from us than the negative…. It’s been working great for me lately!!!
And by the way, my 4 year old son likes Pinkalicious and gigi God’s Little Princess from time to time when it’s not dinosaurs and superhero’s 😀

jody - We love pinkalicious here, too! Even the boys get a kick out if it. I’ve been trying YES more often, too…and it works! xxoo

Kristen - My almost 3 year old’s favorite book is Pinkalicious too!!!! and I have been planning on making Pinkalicious cupcakes for over a week now, haven’t gotten around to it yet…..maybe you’ll inspire me! I am gonna try the yes thing….I do try to do that, but maybe I’ll work harder on it. and also, I’ve stalked your blog for a few months now…finally popping in, i LOVE to read here! One of my favorite things is to pop on her and see a new post! You are a wonderful mom and I wish I had half your creativity! You inspire me to do fun things with my kids too. Keep it up, you have lots of fans!!!

Kristine Robb - what’s wrong with four cupcakes at once?!
i like your entry b/c you are articulating my thoughts…
this am i had a playdate with a mom of two and she said YES to letting them open umbrellas in the house and running with them! they went out in the rain and back inside they came jumping with water droplets flying around. i was watching in awe and she said, “it’s only water.” which it IS. and it’s only itty bitty drops. AND their laughter was worth a few sprinkles. YES TO UMBRELLAS INDOORS!
nevermind the safety factor…. 🙂

Tiffany Morris - I’m stopping over from Cora’s page. OMG… if I only had HALF of your talent. I looked through your house pictures and they are GORGEOUS! I only wish I could decorate like that!
Hugs – Tiffany

Staci - I’m really impressed you only had four…I would’ve had four…just licking the batter…and four once they were actually MADE 🙂 I’m gonna give the “yes” thing a try 🙂 Have an awesome COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEKEND 🙂 YIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Dawn - That book is a favorite at our house! We also love Purplicious, and I can’t wait to get Goldilicious!
Like you, I feel that ‘no’ comes out of my mouth so easily. I really do need to make an effort to say ‘yes’ a lot more. I’m sure there would be a definite upgrade in the mood around our house!

Miranda - My baby adores this book. Saying yes today led to a kitchen floor covered with water and happily…I loved it. 🙂

Wendy - I can totally relate to the “auto pilot answer”. I’ll try to say “yes” more often and see if my kids are any happier. The cupcakes look yummy and I’ll have to check out Pinkalicious next time I’m at the book store. 🙂 Wonderful pics as always.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - We have that book too. There is pretty much nothing food wise that I love better than cupcakes. Those were gorgeous. Thanks for the pictures. I saved one to make as a screen saver:) That’s probably not a good idea…cravings will do me in. Have a great long weekend Meg.

amy j. - I read that somewhere once… try to figure out a way to say YES. Can I have a snack? Yes! After you eat your supper! Good reminder. I’m so tired right now, it’s way too easy to say no.
Have you read “Purplicious?” Those are two of Sophie’s favorites right now. (Lawson, too!) 🙂

sandy toe - We love that book…..one of our favorite!
sandy toe

Iman - p.s. Have you seen the movie Yes Man! 😉

Iman - Wow!! This could not have come at a better time. Just this week I was thinking how I say no, a lot to my kids.
So yesterday I started trying to say yes more often.
I think it’s time for this Mama to start initiating some cupcake making.
Thanks for the post and the inspiration.

Sarah B - We (my daughter and I) LOVE Pinkalicious, and Purplicious, and just bought Goldilicous! And I need to start practicing saying yes more often. The cupcakes look delicious. 🙂

Sarah V. - A good reminder of something I need to work on. I do good for a while then I turn back into the “No Mommy”. And a great idea! We are having a sleepover tonight and I think the girls would love them.

Laura Phelps - YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are TOTALLY on the same page!!!!!!!!!
Not only does saying YES make them happy…it makes ME happy…AND.drum roll please….
TEACHES THE CHILDREN to say YES to ME when I ask them to do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The easiest lessons are always the hardest and yet SIMPLEST.
And my YES on Tuesday was BROWNIES.
“Can we make them mom?”
YES.
And ate three. In one sitting.

adrienneK - so sweet!

Victoria - Oooooh those cupcakes look YUMMY!
I have been trying to say “yes” too! Too often I am just stuck in a rut of “no, no, no” and when I think about it, I can say yes to certain things and it makes my 4 year olds day!

Shana - Yes!

Vera - I really, really have to fight saying “just a minute” pretty much anytime my kids want anything. It must be very frustrating for them, and I hate that it could make them think they’re less important than EVERYTHING. So I have a rule – I try not to say it at all on weekends.

Sarah - Cute!!! I don’t have kids, but I think I should say yes more, too. I usually say yes if someone asks me to do something for them, but making plans with others makes me want to say no right away, even if there is no reason to back up my answer.
Love the cupcakes!! I want one!

callie grayson - You’re awesome!!
thanks for the tip on the book, my niece loves cupcakes, adores pink and throws tanrums on a daily basis!! She is just like me!
xx
callie

Jimaiemarie - These look sooo cute and sooo delicious!!!!

Angela - I have two boys, so I don’t think we have very many pink things in the house. Maybe that will change come March. 😉
I tend to say “no” too much, too. I’m always on my own agenda–laundry, cleaning, blogging, clearing my DVR. LOL
And while I like it that my kids can entertain themselves (thank goodness!!!), I do hate it that it makes them easier to put at the bottom of the list. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

Summer - Yum! I really needed that pep talk, I’m working on the yes thing.

Shari Barnes - Oh… that gives me a great homeschool idea for next week! We will read and make those cupcakes. She will love that! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! Your cupcakes are LOVELY!!

Cate O'Malley - I think pink cupcakes can just about cure anything. Yours look fab!

Renee - my kids love that book! how sweet for Annie. you have the healthiest approach on life and kids, man. i wish i could hang out with you…more often, ever, whatever! lol cheers, girlie! xoxo

Kara - this was a really sweet reminder… no pun intended. 🙂 I love your blog… now I’ve got to go find some pink cupcakes, they look so good!

purejoy - mmmmm. i’d say yes to everything if there was a pink payoff in the end!! so precious and of course, the colors. . . amazing. thanks for the eyecandy!

Marjorie - My kids love that book! The cupcakes look yummy!

Lori Danelle - Such pretty and girl-y pink cupcakes!!! We tend to be a bit girl-y at our house since there’s no reason not to be!! ( I try to give the man of the house stuff for him too. . .) Fancy should be a part of every day.
That and twirling.
and tutus for twirling.
(my 2 year old has already learned that you have to have the perfect skirt or tutu for twirling)
I haven’t heard of this book yet, but it looks like I’ll be checking it out at the book store very soon!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

pam - 4? over 2 days? that is total self control. maybe 1 after each meal? and right before your exercise with jillian? see, not that bad. it’s all in how you spin it.
AHHHH!!! you are a fabulous mommy. lucy has asked me if she could make a pink cake out of her PINK PRINCESS cookbook every day this week. i even bought the groceries. now you are inspiring me. i should be a good mommy and get off the computer. 😉
the pinkalicious picture with YOUR cupcakes looks so yummy and professional.

Nancy - Can you be my mommy? I want someone to tell me YES when I ask for things.
Can you make dinner?
Can you do the laundry?
Can you put gas in my car?
Can you pay for my car?
You get the idea…..
Maybe I need a Sugar Daddy.

Mary - I think I was always a “no” mom until I thought one day about my kid’s day from their view, always walking out their room to ask for something, always walking back in with the same no answer. How sad to grow up with a mom who was always more busy with dishes, dinner and laundry than playing. I made a vow to be better and change. It takes lots of hard work, but I’m doing better at yes’s now. Thanks for the inspiration. I think I’m going to stop by the grocery store after work and pick up some pinkalicious cake mix and icing. That should be a fun treat for the Friday of Labor Day weekend.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. In fact, I didn’t get the whole blogging craze until I discovered you and Pioneer Woman. Now I’m hooked on both of you.

Sandy - I’ve heard that before, but sadly had forgotten over time. My 15 y/o son will be thrilled you reminded me. 🙂
The cupcakes look yummy! I’m sure I would have had more than 4 by now.

Ruth - they look amazing!!! and so cute that they’re just like the ones in the book. (and that they’re in the garden. on a cake stand. sigh! perfection.)

Sherryl Mascarinas - It’s my daughter’s favorite book – we are going to have a pinkalicious themed birthday party for her!

Jess - Yeah, I guess I say “no” way more than I mean to. However, I rarely say no to baking! It’s my other therapy.

Nancy-The Goat and The Kid - I love that book and the cupcakes are so fun! Cupcakes make anyone happy and a day so much better.
I am with you on trying to say yes more often and just relishing in the time with the kiddos. That makes life truly DELICIOUS! 🙂

jennifer - Somebody told me the say yes thing waaay back when, when my oldest was little. MAN is it hard! But I try. Some days go better than others. But if they were asking to make cupcakes, I could SO get on board with that one!

Dina - Oh I say no waaaayyy too often. Thanks for the inspiration:-) I think back to all the fun things my mom did with us and she was a ‘work-outside-the-home’ mom. I stay at home with my kids and don’t do nearly what she managed to do with us. Daily affirmation: YES, YES, YES! … but I draw the line at the pet toad (who lives in the garage) coming inside – ain’t gonna happen:-)
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!
I’m with Carissa – I need a cupcake!

elizabeth - Thank you for this simple lesson. I’m going to try it today. Wish me luck.

Kacey - Oh, I love pink and cupcakes! But…I have two boys. 🙂
I have been trying to catch myself when my automatic response is “No” or “Later”. It’s hard. But, yes – I’ve also found the kids are happier, so it’s worth it!

adrienne - good for you mom! this is so hard for me and i need to work on it too, for sure. the cupcakes are soooo pretty!

amanda - Pinkalicious is my 3 year olds FAVORITE book!
I think we’ll make some pinkalicious cupcakes today!

Sara - Love your new picture on the sidebar. 🙂
Ummm, yeah, no is my automatic response. 🙁 I realize I do that a lot…too busy/tired/cranky/checking my email, etc. Someone told me the other day to try to spend quality AND quantity time with the kids.
This is encouraging…I’m gonna work on this. THANKS.

Kathy - Mine response is usually No! I’ll have to try to Yes response not as effective with teens! They already milk us for everything…..omg oops sorry that was negative! Maybe if I can have one or two of your cup cakes all will be good.

www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmdHu7ccHz4OtAGywokg7ophJ1cSCY5btQ - My daughter loves that book too! She made pink cupcakes with her mom-mom yesterday. It made her super happy!

theelizabethhighsmith.blogspot.com - i love pink and cupcakes and tantrums and children’s books i might should be concerned that i’m 28 and love those things, but i’m not and now i want that book and a cupcake…which might bring on a tantrum……..

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - YES… and YUM!!!

Simply Lanny... - WoW yes you do rock and yummy 🙂 puts me in the mood to bake some myself Hmmm… Have a happy week-end !
Lanny

carissa... brown eyed fox - you’re such rock star! i want to be you! 🙂
girrrrl… i am queen of crabby sometimes… but DO love to jump in & make cupcakes too!
what a GREAT theme for a birthday party too! you KNOW that is Riley’s FAVORITE book too! loves it! and all the new fun colors they are adding too…Purplicious… Goldilicious! you just spurred the best idea ever… THANKS! miss thing… lil bit turns five in OCT! oh PLEASE let me steal your idea! pretty please! please!!!!
i want to EAT a cupcake right NOW!

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my happy place

i have many happy places in my life and this is one of them.

i love to bring our kids to carolyn and mike's.

i want to live at carolyn and mike's.  

we even brought waffle.

i had a bunch of pictures of him in the water but realized after that one of my children 

changed my camera settings without telling me so they were all ruined.

IMG_7823

even without photos you can imagine how excited waffle was 

to swim for the first time and play with their dogs max and cash.

we swam and the boys got in the kayaks.

then scott hit sean in the head with an oar and there was a lot of crying.

craig and i floated on a raft while the kids played…it was heavenly.

i love getting time to just sit(float) and talk with him.

mike gave into annie's begging him to fish.

he got out the poles and baited their hooks for them.

IMG_7784

IMG_7815

IMG_7817

and fish started biting.

on annie's first of course…she has a way with the fish.

i think it has something to do with that little finding nemo fishing pole.

IMG_7790

we tried to get talby to hold it…not going to happen.

so i tried.

first i screamed like a girl and dropped it…then i did it.

woo-hoo!

IMG_7804

IMG_7793  IMG_7794

annie threw her fish back in.

IMG_7806

sean caught two fish that day…both catfish.

i did not grab that one.

it's just too gross with those whisker things.

IMG_7833 IMG_7832 IMG_7835

waffle did not know what to think.

IMG_7820

mike and carolyn had to leave after awhile so we were on our own with the fishing.

annie started to cry "it's not going to be fun without mike"

no problem i thought…i can put a worm on a hook.

then they caught two fish…ummm…MIKE?  MIKE?  who is going to take this fish off the hook?

they were long gone.

yuck.

together craig and i did it…but it was gross.

and then we promptly announced "fishing time is over!"

ok…i saved this picture for the end.

it's the grossest picture i have ever taken.

by far.

so gross.

are you ready?

IMG_7841

yikes.

but it's still my happy place.

even with fish guts and hooks stuck in fish mouths.

IMG_7851

thank you letting us come and making us feel so welcome.

can't wait to come back!

Holly Rhodes - I am enjoying going back through your blog!! Looks like an amazing place! One day I will live on the water… even if its just a pool! haha
Maybe this next move we are gearing up for will bring a pool into our future =)

Nicole - Haha, not gross at all…that’s a super cool picture! My husband is getting ready to leave on his annual 10-day fishing trip to Canada, but they wash their worms before leaving (no American dirt allowed in Canada), so it’s not *as* gross. =)

carissa... brown eyed fox - i think i’d find it happy too… just as long as i didn’t have to touch one of those worms!

April G - I just found your blog today. I was scrolling along thinking “oh what a beautiful family”. THEN I get to the fish picture and I screamed.
Thanks. Thanks for scaring me. I could have gone my whole life…
P.S. Even though I sound snotty, I am really just sarcastic and I really love your blog.

Secret Mom Thoughts - Awesome photos. Definitely a happy place.

christine - Looks like it was a wonderful day, fish guts and all!! Thanks so much for sharing your happy place.

tabitha - i actually think the “gross” picture is pretty cool! these pictures remind me of the one i saw in country living a few months back, i think it was of your youngest daughter? i know it was a terribly cute picture! 🙂

pam - your happy place is awesome. 🙂
you look cute holding that fish!

Tracy - Love the photos and especially the ones of the worms and fish (and of course Waffle and the kiddos too) – but the fish pictures remind me so much of when we would go camping and fishing as a family when I was growing up – I miss those days tremendously now! *sigh* However, where we live in our new house is a dock that my kids can fish off anytime they want and they are really enjoying themselves.
Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Mindy Harris - eww, icky fishy!
Have you ever though of going to the BlogHer conference? The next one is August 2010 in NYC. Just curious. I’m thinking of going–roadtrip, maybe?

Kelly - You are one brave woman touching those fish. I tried to reach down and just touch the back of one salmon in the stream with one fingertip on our trip to Alaska last week and when I got close to it, it began swishing that big tail around and I squealed and jumped back. ha ha ha I was a scaredy cat. 🙂 Kelly

Angela - LOL–The worm pic was grosser to me!!!

erika - the series of pictures of waffle and that fish crack me up! what an awesome place!!

My First Kitchen - Yeah, that’s definitely the grossest picture you’ve ever taken. 🙂 Looks like the perfect summer day. I love seeing families outside enjoying whatever is around. Lovely.

Cate O'Malley - so many fun pics! the last one is definitely gross but in a very cool way. 😉

Danielle - Your grossest picture ever still manages to be beautiful…what color!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - What a fun filled day. You LOOK really happy!

Staci - I LOVE the second picture of Annie letting her fish go!!!! We have a pond…and two boys…and I REFUSE to bait a hook or remove fish of their line 🙂 I’m mean like that 🙂 It’s just Daddy’s job I say!!!! What a great place for your family to go 🙂 (Oh yea..we have 3 GIANT catfish in our pond…SERIOUSLY…GIANT!!! I’m scared they might eat me…I WON’T get in!!! I just like to feed them!)

Jen - That gross picture looks like a cucumber with teeth!!

se7en - Oh you have inspired me to get out of the house and take a trip. Just an everyday trip into the great outdoors because well we haven’t ventured forth in a while and it just looks so lovely out there!!! Thank-you for the pure delight, even the hideous fish.

down pillow - Great pictures, but I’m right there with you on the fishing thing. No chance I’d bait or “unhook” a fish! YUCK! lol

Lorilee - I want to live there too!
Blessings,
Lorilee

PS~Erin - Oh my: what awesome pictures! You can definitely feel the happy place vibe through your photos! And I just love your dog.

Sophie - Looks like such a fun place! Waffle is so sweet with his short fur.
And you’re right, that IS a gross picture 😛

Kathy - Looks like it’s the whole family happy place love all the smiles.

erica - what a beautiful place! i wanna go!!!

Stephanie - Mmm…looks so peaceful and relaxing. My cousin & his family live on a farm in OH. I love when we have family gatherings at their place. There is something about the quiet, and the open space, and nature all around. I would love to live in the country – if I was so spoiled with the conveniences of the city!

Brooke - your happy place looks very peaceful. i’m not really into fish, but it still looked awesome 🙂

Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home - love the photos! camera settings…ugh, as I just got the editing thing down I finally got my very own cannon rebel..so sweet! but oh, so much to learn! love, love your shots thanks for sharing and the inspiration!

AshleyR - Love the pictures.. especially the gross one!
Looks like everyone had a great time. Love those summer days.

alice - that shot down the insides of the fish is awesome! by far my favorite one – although all are fun.

Renee - Great pictures, my favorite is of you! You look so happy and relaxed. My turn come the 15th — woo hoo! Hope the fish don’t bite. Ewe is right. xoxo

kasey - sounds like so much fun.
xo

charlane - LOL the reason I don’t fish is my father had a rule – if you caught it, you had to clean it. no way

mom - I’m going to book my retreat time at Carolyn and Mike’s right now. That was so nice last year. Arts & Crafts seems so far away!

kelly - Such happy shots… 🙂 Waffle looks just like Roscoe when he’s trimmed. Except for the tail, they could almost be twins. 🙂

Starnes Fam - Your hair looks cute! Shorter than usual, it seems.
Cute post….fish pic is awesome….so fun!
We just got back from Cali and had a fabulous time. Enjoyed the tide pools very much – thanks for the inspiration from your blog. What a way to see nature…..and sea life…..in person, rather than behind aquarium glass.

emily :] - EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
gaah i hate fish.
but very fun post.

Lanny Stanard - Love the picture of waffle and that fish… once again great picture’s looks like you had a wonderful time 😀
Lanny

elizabeth - remarkable photos! Thanks for taking us fishing with you…

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beautiful day

have i said before that kansas is beautiful?

i think i have.

but i am saying it again.

 

yesterday i had 3 different friends watch four of my kids…lauren didn’t need a sitter.

thank you friends.

and drove for a peaceful quiet hour into the country to meet nancy and her family for pictures.

they were a really fun family.

i got to get in the water and a frog jumped on me too…it was an adventure.

 

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there are about 200 more pics to edit that i will get to in the next few weeks.

 

i snapped pictures all the way home.

i was the only car for miles.

it was 75 degrees…blue skies…the grass and fields are so lush and green as can be.

i felt so grateful to be right there in that moment.

thank you nancy for that opportunity on a thursday afternoon.

 

so here is some of what i saw.

i want to go back to get more….

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it was a beautiful day.

i had U2 turned up loud…didn’t have share my snack or drink…

no one got car sick from my crazy start-stop photo taking driving.

it was just me and the cows.

 

i think deep (DEEP) down i am a country girl.

not a hardworking-clean-out-the-barn-milk-the-cows-feed-the-pigs kind of country girl…

just one who likes to BE in the country.

i want to live there too….if someone else could do that hard stuff for me.

now i sound like a brat so i will be quiet.

 

have to take my kids to the dentist.

good times.

Liza - Love the road!

amber - I loved all of those country pictures. Wonderful! I think I wouldn’t mind the country either if I could just quilt a lot. Maybe make my kids be outside a lot – working. That sounds nice. I like your blog!

robin bird - i am loving this entire set! the family photo up top is so perfect it could make a mom cry…did she cry when she saw those beautiful girls of hers? i would have! and the long quiet highway capture is something i will try and emulate you can be sure of that! , the barn with the old truck and that cow looking over his herds shoulder to ask you; “hey, you looking at me?” are both perfection. you are on a roll honey!
XOX

Amy Walker - Megan, I laughed out loud when I read this! All your photography is great, I’d love to have you do our family sometime. I’ll have to get in touch with you, maybe sometime this fall when the tree’s are changing.

pinkmilkisyummy - I love the brown cow and the barn/truck shot. Fabulous!
My girls are nearly 4 and 2, and whenever they happen to fall asleep in the car at the same time, I do exactly this (provided I have my camera along!). My music on (currently Green Day) instead of endless repeats of High School Musical or Hi-5. Camera on seat beside me, and just mooching about the little country roads stoppng whenever I feel the urge. I had a motorcyclist nearly fall off his bike as he tried to see what it was I was standing on the front seat of my car, with my head out the door trying to capture.

erika - absolutely LOVE these pictures! Especially the one with the brown cow peeking her head up between the black cows- so precious!!!

Lori - I have never been to Kansas, but you really make me want to go there! Have you considered offering your photos in your Etsy store? I would buy some! (Color and b/w)

Vera - I LOVE love love love old barns… like I sometimes cry when I drive by them, thinking that this is something my grandchildren may never see, because they are disappearing so fast around here. Wonderful pictures!!

cre8ivegirl - “have to take my kids to the dentist.” Poof! Back to reality! Beautiful shots of the barns. Lucky girl to live in the country.

pve - Growing up in Kentucky, my Dad loves to “drive” and see the countryside.
There is something cleansing about seeing wide open spaces and as a Mom of 3, having a little time just to hear yourself think.
Thanks for the countryside tour, ahh.
pve

Kathy - Love your pictures! I think I could be a weekend country girl..but like you no hard stuff just fun! Have a great weekend.

Sally - Lovin’ Kansas! I, too, am a country girl at heart……without all the hard work.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Nothing better than some cow, barn and old dirt road pics. You are my kind of gal. Love the one of the brown cow looking directly at you…priceless.

Allison - I grew up in Kansas City and went to college in Newton. Every late spring and summer drive between the two was exactly like these photos. I can’t take my eyes off the prairie in the summer (which makes for dangerous driving, really). I got married in June and I *so* wanted wedding pictures taken in the Flint Hills, but didn’t get any.

Roxie's Mom - Love that “How Now, Brown Cow” shot. Classic!

Treemama - i have a drive like this too that i take every few months without the kids. it’s on the way to my best friend’s house, but i’ve always been in to much of a rush to take the camera along and take my time. may pencil in some extra time.
i love your cow photos!
there is something about the country that invited peace isn’t there?

Laura - I always want to be your neighbor when I look at photos of Kansas, or photos of your fun! this morning I was having coffee on my porch and a hummingbird hovered in front of me… if I’d been you I’d have had my camera ready!
Have a super weekend- Laura

wendy - I live in the country but I’m not sure this is where, deep in my heart, I belong. But it’s nice while it lasts I guess. My post today looks much like yours. Lots of country stuff going on. Glad you enjoyed your country drive. You got some great shots Megan!

jody - What great pictures…Reminds me of where I live…nearby in Iowa. LOVE it…I love the country life, too…but of course haven’t really lived it…it’s the simple, striking beauty…of land that’s loved and taken care of…I don’t want to sound bratty either, but it’s romantic and peaceful.
Your photos are always just amazing!

Dana - I love looking at your blogs. You inspire me to be a better mother, homemaker, and person. For that I thank you. I was born and raised in NorthWestern Kansas and I LOVE KANSAS. I moved to California when I was in Elementary School, but continue to visit my family every single summer. I still feel like Kansas is home. Thanks for the pictures, you totally made my day, I’m going to go call my Dad…

katy - I love the pictures you took! My husband and kids and I drove around this evening taking pictures of country life, it was GREAT!!!!!! I love living here in our small town, just a jump on the golf cart and we’re out in a pasture or dirt road amongst the cattle.
I’m hoping to get my pictures downloaded, but I’m pretty sure they’re not as wonderful as yours.

mary - love the brown cow looking up !

danyele - i really really want to go on a drive trip with you bc my fam won’t stop for me top shoot everything. i get some, but well, i would love it!!!

Erin - I always want to stop when I see things like this to take pics of but we’re always headed somewhere.
I’ll have to go by myself sometime here in NE – looks wonderful.

Julia - that cow sure looks like he has a lot of attitude.

LibraryGirl62 - I have pictures like that from my family home in KY~it just speaks to your heart, doesn’t it? I have an inner country girl too~I just can’t get out of Florida to cut her loose 🙂

emily :] - i love the picture with the truck 🙂 & i also think you and i are the same in that i like to pretend to be a country girl. i could never be on the farm, but being out there is just relaxing.

TRACI - Sooooo many do not appreciate the beauty of Ks. Glad you do and I know I DO.

Elma Riedstra - What beautiful pictures!!! Love the green grass and the old barns. What true country. Love the cows to. I love to see cows out in the fields. We live on the farm with 3900 milking cows and they are so beautiful:) Have a wonderful day!!!

Amber - Gosh every time you post pictures of Kansas it makes me wanna move away from city life. But like you said I’d be the one enjoying the country perks without all the hard work. And I almost spit out my drink laughing at that meth addicts part. 😉 God bless, have a good day.

Jamie Sampson - what a lovley afternoon. I love moments like that, where you just feel happy and like you are doing just what you were meant to do. Gorgeous photos, lov ehte old barns and the cows are pretty cute too.

Erin - Just curious I am a Kansas girl, where exactly were you taking pictures? The weather here yesterday was gorgeous!! I can only imagine how nice it was to drive down the country roads with the window down and the nice breeze blowing in your hair. I too wished we live in the country…we live in a small town but we are in a subdivision, I hope one day to be way out in the country with no neighbors.
So live in Kansas as well?

Jodi - Beautiful pictures. U2 makes everything that much more awesome. 🙂

Leah - The pictures of the road and field makes me think of the movie Twister. Do you guys worry about tornadoes?

jennifer - Those are beautiful pictures! My favorite is the one of the open road. There’s just something so peaceful about it.

Cate O'Malley - Love the picture of the long open road with nothing on it, and the cows. Oh how I love cows. Would love to have a big open field with cows just to look at and take pictures. And with someone else to do all the work that comes with them. 😉

purejoy - thanks for taking me to the country. i don’t think you sound like a brat. more like a realist. i’d like a big house in the country with all the animals and land. and an entire staff to clean my house and make mint juleps so i can sit and sip on the veranda. yeah, something kind of scarlette-y, but minus the drama. and the poverty. simple, yet provisional.

juliann brenner - Beautiful! Don’t you just want to “reclaim” some of the read barn wood for a project??

anna - oh. my. word. i l.o.v.e. those pictures! if i had a fancy camera, that is what i would take pictures of. i have a thing for old farms, farmhouses and old falling down bars.
thanks for sharing those pictures!

sarah - I live north of Kansas City and I agree- it is beautiful here. I always think the Midwest is underrated: no mountains or gigantic lakes or coastline, but beautiful all the same.

Carrie K - You make me want to live in kansas too!
gorgeous pics!! and good job on escaping the methheads…lol

Aubrey - That’s the kind of country girl I wish I were too. Sometimes I think it would be fun to live right in the heart of the city for a little tiny bit.
What’s the job market like out there? Because now I REALLY want to move to Kansas. 😉 I so love your pictures–every time.

anne - i love these pics. remind me of home (North Dakota) 🙂
thanks for the smile today.

evan - you make me laugh. the one of the old truck is my favorite. u2 loud in the car out on the road driving alone is THE BEST way to hear them. well, maybe it’s neck-and-neck with driving with u2 loud and your kids are behind you singing loudly. (but that one often gets interrupted when someone starts screaming behind you loudly) 🙂

erin j - I love Kansas: the big, open skies with the beautiful sunsets, the lonely roads, the cattle, the fields. Everything is so lovely. Your pictures make me homesick.

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - I’ve never been to the middle of the US, just the coasts. CANNOT WAIT to visit that beauty. (There may be a countdown involved.)

Sandra - Oh how beautiful — I love the pic of the Cow looking at you as if to say, “did you ask permission to take my picture?” Very cool.
Sandy

charlane - love the shots and I’m a girl that likes to be in the country during the day and a city girl at heart at night. I’m a brat too perhaps? LOL
I would love to be the only car for miles with no time limits.

sheryl - Beautiful moments. Beautiful pictures!

Lisa K in FL - What a gift you have, Meg!! I know darn well that if I took those same pictures they would look like boring shots of cows and farms. But yours are so very beautiful!!

Penny - I love the one of the three cows. The middle one looks mad. LOL Mad cow! Great pic’s. I am glad you were able to enjoy your alone time. I know I really enjoy being alone sometimes too. Sunday I am flying to Colorado by myself to deliver our last puppy to a family there. I will spend the night and plan to take a tour of Denver and then fly home. I am looking forward to the time to enjoy myself all alone!

Hannah - You take such beautiful pictures! You have such talent!
But yeah, good idea to steer clear of the Meth Addict barn. Eeek!
Good luck at the dentist! 😀

amy d - det. craig wants to know where the barn with the empty house is :)….and a vaca update, you & your camera would be sooo happy here in maine so pretty up & down the coast & in the middle too. BEAUTIFUL!!!

Anna Marie - Same here…I like to BE in the country but wouldn’t really care for all of that other stuff {or at least I don’t think so}.
I love old barn photos!
Glad you didn’t have a run in with the meth-heads 😛

Kristine - When I was 14 my family moved from the suburbs of hicago to the farms of northern IL (Belvidere). Like you, I just like to BE in the country. I love the sounds, the feel, the lack of buildings/people, and I think most, the simplicity.
Your photos brought me right back wo when I was learning to drive between the fields. Although, I never had the guts to get out and walk into a barn-let along a possible meth house (I don’t think Meth was even around then) ;). But, what do I know?!!?!
Great shots…!

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