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sunday/monday

craiggers took me on a hot date last night.

how awesome it is to get a break from being mom and dad and just be US!!
we sat at a quiet outdoor table.
we finally relaxed about halfway through dinner. 
we were really free spirited and wiiiiiiiild……we went to eddie bauer.

then we went to see the movie SUPER 8. 
Super-8-movie

You can watch the trailer here.   and watch 6 minutes of the movie of there too if you like that kind of thing!
i resisted going to see it because i don't like "alien" movies.
but i am telling you now…..THIS MOVIE WAS GOOD!!!
it was like ET and Goonies and Signs all mixed together.
REALLY good.
i was freaked out and squeezing craig's hand so hard.  
and at one point i jumped so big i hurt a muscle in my leg….not kidding.

i will say the boys in the movie had a little bit harsh language for their age….in my opinion.
one of my least favorite things to see in a movie….swearing kids.
but you are a grown up and you can handle it right?

go see it.
but i don't know if you should be as crazy as us and try BOTH eddie bauer and super 8 in one night.
not everyone can handle that kind of HEAT.  

ha ha ha. 

………………………………………..


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this is my FAVORITE dress of annie's.
i love love love it.
it's from target last year.
i wish it was in my size.
if you have any idea WHERE to buy that fabric please share.
i know it's by Liberty of London and i doubt it's available….but if it is…..tell me where.
it is just the best thing ever.

********holy cows it's $28 a yard**************yikes.
thanks for looking for me girls.
i knew you'd find it for me.

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it makes me want to draw and paint.

i am going to make it into a craft thursday project.
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faker.

πŸ™‚

we see this face A LOT but this time it was fake.

………………………………………… 

sean and talby got home from camp.
they had a GREAT time.
thank goodness.
seriously.
i was so happy to see their faces!
sean took a huge box (like that you buy for a concession stand) of airheads candy to camp.
i told him if he found any rainbow ones in the box to save one because i really wanted to see them sometime!
he got home from camp and opened his suitcase and handed me this. (it's a BIG package)

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i got excited and said "WOW!!! this was in that box???"  he said "no….i got it at the snack bar" 
and i smiled and handed it back to him.
he said "mom…i got that for you."
"for me? you spent your money at the snack bar on that for ME??"  
"Well yeah mom…i knew you wanted them"

and then i wiped the tears from my eyes.

it's so silly but i felt loved and validated and heard and proud all in that one sentence.

.……………………………………….. 

 

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this time it was scott who left for camp.
i feel completely different about that.
no worries at all.
he will have a BLAST.  

………………………………………… 

my talk about wanting more babies in the previous post may have made mr. duerksen look bad.

it sounded like he made the decision alone to not have more kids and didn't ask me what i thought.
he didn't.
at the time i agreed….i signed the forms….i went to the doctor with him.
i had a newborn in my arms and had just moved from IL to KS and was exhausted in every way.
and now that i am not dead tired….i wish we had discussed it at a time when my mind was clearer.
aka….more sleep.
does that make sense? 
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sooooo…..bottom line….i changed my mind and he hasn't.

i am the "problem".
not him.

God is big enough to deal with any issues i have i my head and heart the way that HE wants to.
i am ok with whatever God wants for my family.
and i know God would not want me bashing my husband all over the internets. (and the googles)
so i felt i needed to make it clear.

should i just shut up already?

ok. 

………………………………………… 

REGISTRATION OPENS MONDAY AT NOON CENTRAL TIME!!!

we sold out.
oh my.

it's awesome. 

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it's going to be such a fun time.

we have planned such a fabulous time for the girls who will be coming!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Χ˜Χ¨Χ” Χ§Χ™Χ‘Χ¨Χ™Χ” - I like all pictures above. I like most this sweet baby face expression. All are very wonderful and interesting. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

anonymous - My husband and I have three children and I was pregnant with the third when my husband had a vasectomy. I remember the doctor looking at us both and asking us if we were sure… “You don’t have this done thinking you can get it reversed one day.” That was 7 years ago.
Welllll…. lately I have felt as if somehow we have prevented children from being born that would have been ours, that God had planned to be ours. It has torn me up. Never would I have imagined seven years ago that I’d have these feelings…

Stephanie Howell - so much to say on this post.
1. i really think annie and sadie would be besties. they remind me lots of each other. including the hair and the faces. πŸ™‚
2. you guys make such a good looking couple. if we lived closer i’d let you hold one of the twinsies to soothe your baby fever. i could use an extra “holding” pair of hands right about now. πŸ™‚ after i had cate and lucy i did a blog post debating if we were “done” or not. i got SO many comments from women saying to WAIT until the hormones and exhaustion were gone. still debating…talking about adopting (shhh, you are one of the few people i’ve told that!)
3. i SO wish i could come to the crafting weekend. i’d be SO shy and starstruck…hahahahhah!

Jenn Thomas - London just saw Annie’s dress and said – “I want that dress, it is so pretty, maybe she will give it to me when it is too little for her” Very cute! Too bad the material is so expensive.

Wren - I completely understand, but in my case its the opposite. The Former Hubby had a vasectomy, but he wants more kids, now that our marriage has ended– I still don’t, but I do feel a bit bad for him.
I’m psyched for the grandkids in about…10-15 years πŸ™‚

danielle burkleo - i love you, friend! and i am praying for you as your heart aches for another baby

april - You should definitely make a pillow out of that dress when Annie out grows it πŸ™‚

Tracy Fisher - Just wanted to let you know that I get all the “baby talk”. I feel the same way. And I too believe God has fun plans for me. So, I say, get ready world… here I come… and I am going to be an awesome Grandma some day… okay, my kids are young… I mean some day in the future. haha. I love your honesty and big heart. Don’t ever change.
Tracy Fisher

Kimberly - Somebody might have already mentioned this but my Target had those rainbow sour candy strips in the dollar bins today. I bought a whole bunch of them. I saw someone make rainbow cupcakes with them on pinterest so I thought I’d try that. You might check your target on your next trip if you are wanting more. It was the first time I have ever actually seen them in person.

Amy jupin - The fake pouty pic of Annie is my most favorite ever.
I can hear her voice when I look at it, and it makes me happy.

shauna - you are a good mom and a good wife.
i think a boy that thinks about buying his mom a treat at camp is the sign of parenting and teaching gone right…
and i can tell you love your husband.
it shows on your blog.
no one who is married and honest with themselves thinks that a couple could EVER agree on all ideas about their families.
i like how you are honest about your feelings and not trying to present false same-ness, but very loving and respectful.
i appreciate that.

Lynne - I couldn’t place the fabric when I first saw it, but I actually had a wallet with it on it from Target last year. It was so bright and cheery and made me happy! I have moved on to a new one, and hopefully can find it to send to you!

Andrea@KnittyBitties - Hi Meg,
I was just going to tell you that Hobby Lobby (do you have one near you?!?) has a couple very ‘Liberty-ish’ prints. They stopped my sister & I dead in our tracks a few weeks ago and we could have sworn it was a ‘knock off’ of one of the prints they used in their Target line.
If you don’t have one let me know … I’ll take a pic while I’m there and hook ya up if ya want ;).
Happy Day!

heatherp - oh my goodness! he bought you candy while at camp…so not only did he think of you and know you wanted it, he was thinking of you while you were not with him. AND he spent his own money!! i would have cried too!!! so sweet!

Lisa - Sweet! I L-O-V-E Libery of London stuff. I love Sean’s gesture. Makes me want a son. I love being a little girl mom but there is something about a boy’s love for his mama. Precious.

james - her dress is so cute. i can’t believe the fabric is that much…wow.
so sweet of your son to remember you and even spend his money on you when it wasnt in his box. i can’t believe they let him take the candy. when i went to summer camp…well a while ago haha…we were not allowed to bring candy.
having another baby is an on going discussion with hubby and i. he doesnt want another infant. he would love to adopt a toddler though. now that i have a toddler i just want a baby and skip the toddler stage πŸ™‚

mary - i want more babies. i have 4 sons age 5,4,3,1… i agreed and drove too. i had a 3 week old in the backseat. is this really agreeing?

Sarah @ This Farm Family's Life - You have some great kids!

Emily - I love your blog and tell everyone about it. It makes me so happy everyday. I actually had a dream last night that you hired me to be your nanny…but I didn’t do a very good job because I lost one of your kids! You do an amazing job πŸ™‚ Now that summer has begun, I would love it if you did a blog post about your typical day. I wonder how you keep yourselves entertained all day long!

Deputy's Wife - When we had my step-daughter and two sons, my husband asked if it would be okay that we stopped there for children. I felt that there might be a possibility I would want more, but my husband rarely asks for anything. He is a “go along” kind of guy. For whatever reason, he felt that our family was complete and I thought so did I. (Two toddlers and a pre-tween girl, I was VERY tired too!)
One day, after drooling over a friend’s newborn baby, I asked God what his plan was. I knew my husband did not want anymore, but I wanted maybe one more. I asked Him how in the world could this be solved with both of us happy? Our answer came a year later. Jack took us REALLY by surprise. And in the end, we were BOTH head over heals happy and in love.
We both can’t imagine a moment without him. Now we are OFFICIALLY done. I can honestly say I have now more baby pangs. (I say this as middle child just tackled youngest child on the hardwood floor. Sigh.)

Vonda - I love Annie’s dress! I actually have a shirt from Target in that same fabric! I missed most of that line when they got it in and I was very upset with myself! They had the best lampshades too. My daughter also has a very cute shirt from that line. I too wish we had talked a little more about having more kids. We have 4 wonderful children, and when the youngest was about 6 months it was crazy busy and we decided we had our 3 amazing boys and adorable baby girl and a flower shop with my Mom and a dairy farm and life was way too busy to add any more! Little did I know that we would be moving off the farm and closing the flower shop both a few years later! Then when it’s quiet you have time to think. I have a lot to be thankful for, but I do so love newborns!:)I love your blog and I so wish I could go to your craft weekend!

Jenna - Very sweet things you say about your hubs. I always try to be careful how I make mine look too. But, sometimes I just open my big mouth and make him look like an idiot when really it’s me. oops πŸ™‚
Jenna

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. You and I both know the real reason you went to see Super 8….
2. Adopt a baybayyyyyyyyyyy! Our social worker just told us about the monumental demand for families to adopt AA newborns. It’s a big, big need. Maybe Mr. Duerksen just wasn’t aware that there was such a need??? That’s what I think. Because I know the two of you SO well.

alice h - I loved Super 8 also! We actually got to go see it for FREE 2 days before it came out. And I thought to myself that I wouldn’t like it and I loved it. I also agree with the kids swearing. I don’t like that or when they smoke/drink or do you know. Young kids (even actors acting) shouldn’t be exposed to that.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Love her dress. Wanna sell it to me when she outgrows it? My K would love it:) It reminds me of a vintage sheet-you could totally sew/make yourself a dress from one(a clean one obviously)if you found the right one!
xo

Kirsten P - Maybe you’ll have to get http://www.spoonflower.com to recreate the beautiful sunflower fabric for you. OR write a personal letter to Liberty of London and attach a photo of Annie in her dress and suggest they make a mom’s dress!

Kelley - I have a shirt from Target with the same fabric as Annie’s dress that I bought last year. I keep waiting for Liberty to release a new line at Target so I can find more cool shirts or dresses in fabulous fabric. I wonder how long they will make us wait. It’s not right.
Glad you had such a great date night now with Craig!

Jamie - A DATE. Hubba! Hubba!
I too shed a tear over the rainbow Air Heads. I am extra sensative today because my handsome boy turns 5-TODAY! He is very thoughtful and would probably do the same.
Took your rainbow cake idea and made cupcakes for him today. He was THRILLED! I wasn’t sure if rainbow cupcakes are hip when you turn 5 and are a boy, but it was. THANKS for the inspiration.

Joy - Meg,
Thank you SO much for saying that you wish you had waited and made the decision when your mind was clearer! I have said that a million times. I feel like we were pushed into the decision after 2 preemies and my mind was not thinking clearly either. It was sleep deprived, crashing from a long hospital stay, crazy from the beeps of a heart monitor, apnea monitor and an oxygen machine. I would have never have decided that if my head had been clear. I think they should tell couples to wait at least 9 months before making the decision. Just sayin’…

Jessica kiehn - ok I would absolutely cry if my son said that to me. just think of his sweet little mind, busy with friends at camp, and then thinks of his momma at home and that she mentioned liking something and then BUYING IT FOR YOU! it just doesn’t get any sweeter.
also, nothing you could say could make Craig look bad to me! he’s obviously such a good husband and dad. not enough of those in the world today…

jen - I too love that dress, when she out grows it, I think it should become a pillow! As for the snip snip, I know EXACTLY what you are saying my hubby was sooo against having that area cut on, and with my 4th pregnancy nearing it’s end and me having to be monitored for pre term labor, because as the dr. so kindly put it “my shocks were shot” I begged him to get a vasectomy… He agreed so when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant he did it… Ended up having a TERRIBLE experience not numbing on one side and then passing out due to PAIN… Ooops TMI? and to this VERY day I REGRET that choice… My baby will be 9 this year, I think it took… DARN… When I ask if he would consider a reversal, you can imagine the “look” I get…

Ashley B. Chandler - A little girl wore that dress yesterday at church and I fell in love with it all over again! As soon as I saw your first photo with it (in this blog post) I knew what it was. Just yummy!!!! I have no idea why I didn’t buy it for my daughter last year! Maybe it didn’t come in toddler sizes? Maybe they ran out of it? Hmmm… serious regret now.
That story ab Sean and the airhead brought tears to my eyes! That is the best sort of feeling.
Also, I just adore your blog, you, your kids…. Everytime I look at my SUMMER MM mag I think “My friend is in this!” and then I remember you are only my virtual friend. But, I do think of you as my friend.

casey - I LOVE the fabric of her dress and oh how cute is she!! and I’m glad you mentioned super 8 because I want to see that this week!

Necole - I feel the same way about wanting another baby, but I am the one that got fixed because I knew it was the best thing for our family. Anyway, we would probably have another girl, which would make four girls, and my sweet husband does not deserve that torture. lol

Amy - I am so excited about craft weekend!!!! Is it sad that I just sent my oldest 2 off with my parents for a few days and I plan on entertaining my 2 y/o at home so I can stalk the craft blog….I mean, be ready for noon registration?!?! I could be accomplishing lots w/o two extra kiddos…instead I’m setting timers so I’m not a minute late. πŸ˜‰
By the by, my last date night was a rushed dinner followed by a trip to Lowe’s. We’re just 2 wild & crazy kids.

Sugar Mama - My husband and I made the “decision” in the EXACT same way. We had recently moved from NC to IA and I had just had our third child… I was 23. WAY too young to make a decision for no more children, but at the time we were just exhausted (and broke) ;o)
Now that I’m in my 30’s and I have a child graduating from highschool in a few years I’m sad about our decision. I changed my mind a few years back, but the husband never did. And that’s okay. I do daycare in my home to get my baby fix.

staci amy - I love date nights and getting to just be”us”!!!! More importantly….I am so bummed bc I won’t be able to put my name on the list for craft weekend =( we will be in the plane flying home from Philly =( ugggghhh!!!! Do you KNOW how sad I am about that?? But I would be more sad if me trying to use my cell phone to post a comment made the the airplane crash =( sooooooo….I am just hoping this will be the first of many craft weekends!!! Can’t wait to see who gets to come! Good luck everyone!

elz - In the same boat as you with th ebaby- we both made the decision. In fact, I forced him to go. But now, well…there are times I REALLY want another baby…
I loved the Girls Liberty for Target stuff so much last year that I bought that dress in a blue for ME! I got the largest size and wear it all the time. It’s super stretchy! I’d suggest searchign eBay and waiting for the dress to pop on sale and see if you can patchwork something together.

Shauna - I thought that was you and your husband…Noah and I were on a date of our own. We were driving by and you were crossing the street. I saw craig and was like, I know him from somewhere…I looked over and saw you and it hit me! I leaned over to Noah and said Thats Meg! The gal that took our pictures last year!
you both looked quite lovely!!!

Lela Pohlmann - I understand the baby issue far too well. I have a 12 year old and an 8 year old and secretly wish I had another. My second child had a horrendous case of colic and we both decided we were done when he was a baby and hubby had the procedure done. There are days I wish I wouldn’t have been so hasty!

Shana - saw the dress in church yesterday and loved it.
swear i had the same pattern on something as a kid – maybe it was my mom’s wedding dress! ha.

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe - we saw super 8 just before the weekend. we had pretty much the same reaction you did – esp. comparing the ‘feel’ to that of goonies/ET/signs. we also thought it was GREAT!
my hubby ‘did the deed’ this spring to ensure our family will not be growing biologically. i’ve got my hands FULL at this point in time and my pregnancies were really hard (VERY sicky) :/ and our 2nd born was sooo very colicy that those few issues combined were pretty good birth control – ha!
just think, one day all those beautiful kids of yours will be filling your arms with multitudes of grand-babies! I’m counting on both my boys giving me plenty of girls to dote on one day! πŸ™‚

Lauren - Not sure if anyone would have that specific fabric, but True Up has a really nice source guide for Liberty of London fabrics: http://www.trueup.net/liberty-of-london-fabrics-source-guide/
Hope you find it!

shelly - You guys are Wild—our dates usually end up being chipolte and groceries!
Our oldest bought me a birthday present at camp…seriously…like a really cool book…I’m shocked! (But not as shocked as I was that he didn’t blow all his money the first day!!! I’m sending candy next time–Genius idea!!!)
I totally understand the baby thing. The ol’ snip snip was my valentine’s day present after our youngest was born…get it V-Day–too funny!!! Now I just want someone to hold..who Neeeeeds me…and that baby smell! (Although I hate being pregnant..puke all 9 months..I’d adopt or foster or something!). But…my hub says No more babies…even though I SEE that twinkle in his eyes when he holds a baby…he thinks he’s so tough πŸ˜‰

Katie - After having a 4 and 2 year old my Auntie had twins. My Aunt and Uncle decided to have surgery to not have any more children, she was 34. She said she ached for a baby until she was 45…but she knew it was the right decision. She is the best Auntie…always willing to watch anyone’s children, even now at 60!
We know you love your husband and it shows even more wanting to just “make sure” we all know the story. It is my most favorite thing about you that you love and respect your man!!!! What an example for all of us! Even though marriage is hard at times for everyone you really inspire me to love and pursue and cherish and respect my husband more! Thank you!

linda anderson - the story about sean brought tears to MY eyes!! he is such a sweet boy…
πŸ™‚ linda

Kim - I feel the exact same way with our baby situation. I have three beautiful children that I love with all of my heart…but that is all I will have because we had the same procedure. While my head knows is a good decision for our family..I don’t think my heart will ever get on board…so my youngest is just going to have to deal with the fact that I am going to want to still carry him on my hip when he is a teenager…..;)

Holly - Sounds like a good movie! Love Annies little dress!

Secret Mom Thoughts - I can’t wait to see Super 8. Love that dress too. Cute photo of you and the Mr.

leigh - if annie were littler you could make her cute pillowcase dresses…have you heard of them? you could probably get some super cute prints in those. target doesnt have anything from LoL anymore- it was a limited thing :(:(

happygirl - I wanted to adopt and my husband didn’t. I really think you can’t pressure someone into more children, especially an adopted child. I know God is big enough to handle this. <3

Kimberly Dial - I’m so glad you were able to have a night out with “Craiggers”. Some times we seriously need some alone time to reconnect! BTW, I didn’t sense any hubby bashing at all. When you’re a natural nurturer that’s what happens … we would love to fill houses with precious babes if our hubbys didn’t say “whoa, wait a minute”! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - I’m so glad you were able to have a night out with “Craiggers”. Some times we seriously need some alone time to reconnect! BTW, I didn’t sense any hubby bashing at all. When you’re a natural nurturer that’s what happens … we would love to fill houses with precious babes if our hubbys didn’t say “whoa, wait a minute”! πŸ™‚

Jen - I think this is it, no? I love that fabric too πŸ™‚ Also love that you had a wonderful date night! http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=3479e766-83f4-4fc8-9305-203654f4d60e

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Hi Meg, I wish I could sign up tomorrow for your craft weekend. I live way too far away and I really don’t do much crafting so I guess that would be silly of me. The being together with other bloggers and meeting you would be super fun, but hard to justify a craft weekend for someone like me that doesn’t make anything and has 2 of the 3 kids in college and lots of bills to pay. Good luck tomorrow…hope everything goes super well.

georgia - I don’t think anyone would ever think you would be bashing craig about anything online, your so in love its sweet. πŸ™‚

Kat - Aww bless that beautiful Sean.
One of those simple, yet magical parenting moments.
Hm, date night must be an American tradition, as I see very little of it here amongst my friends (and myself) who are married with young children.
Mind you that does not mean we don’t need to be going on dates with our Husbands, because I am more than a little envious of that time you had!!
Gorgeous dress.

Elizabeth - Meg,
This line you wrote made me laugh so hard…
i was freaked out and squeezing craig’s hand so hard.
and at one point i jumped so big i hurt a muscle in my leg….not kidding.

My boy took me to see Super 8 on Saturday night as well, and there were moments during the movie that made me jump so hard that I actually injured myself. I told him afterward (while he was laughing at me) that at one point I actually managed to pull a muscle in my chest.
I thought I had a broken rib, Meg.
THANK YOU for writing this and making me feel less stupid! x

Terrie G - We almost went to see Super 8 this weekend. We got rained out of mini-golf & go-karts instead. πŸ™‚

Leah - I hear you on your date night. It’s a BIG night for us when we go to dinner AND a bookstore. I know, hold us back!

jennibell - “it’s so silly but i felt loved and validated and heard and proud all in that one sentence.” PERFECT. It’s times like that that you know you’ve done a “good job”. That it’s all going to be o.k. My 12-yr-old was at soccer camp (day camp) every day last week. On the last day, when I went to pick him up, he was concerned about getting a t-shirt for his friend that had an out-of-town family death on Wednesday and wasn’t able to finish the camp. Then, he spent 15 minutes in an over-grown field looking for a friend’s soccer ball that had been kicked back there after the friend had left. I was so proud of him, looking out for his friends like that. I’m glad God gives us “sneak peeks” like this every-now-and-again. . .it’s what we need to continue the race, yes?

alicia @ la famille - hey ms. meg. i have to say i thought super 8 was an icky, creepy, killing show…but signs and et?! that sounds good!
and way to rock it on the eddie bauer AND super 8.
you two are crazy!! πŸ™‚ haha!!
glad your kiddos made it home from camp, too!

Amber - Hi there! I looove your blog! I have a 2 yr old and a 3 mo old and it makes me so look forward to the days to come! Your children are beautiful!
Also….Liberty of London fabrics are now at fabric.com!! I just did a quick search and didnt see annies dress fabric…but there might be something similar.

sam - Now that I look at it, it’s not as bright as Annie’s dress. Sorry. πŸ™

Amber - Ok you have thoroughly convinced me on seeing super 8! And seriously that dress is awesome! When she grows out of it you must make a few pillows from the fabric!

Jennifer - Way cute dress! I sure wish they had them in our size, too. πŸ™‚
And best wishes (and hugs) to you Meg with regard to the whole wanting another baby. I can understand how the heart can yearn so deeply for a child that it literally hurts. My hubby and I have never been able to have children of our own and we have been trying to adopt a second child for over 4 years now. It has been a long and difficult road…and yes, at times, it has left my husband and I at different sides of the fence. As much as he would love for us to have more children, it is difficult for him to watch my heart get broken when an adoption doesn’t work out. So much that I think he would probably be okay if I one day decide to just walk away from the adoption journey. I think he would be okay with us just being a family of three. But for me, I just can’t seem to bring myself to let go of my dream to be the mother to more children (just yet).
A loving God will tell your heart and mind what is right for you and your family, I’m sure of it. πŸ™‚
Hugs to you…
jennifer

Talysa - Fabulous pic…love written all over it. Oh and I’m digging your hair. You cut it right?

Julia - Thanks for the movie rec’. Do you think a 5 yr old could handle it?
I lurve that pic of A. Scowls are so cute!

Sharla - Love that dress and fabric! Seriously, I look at so many little girl clothes and wish they were in my size. And I’m not being silly – I seriously think, “WHY don’t they make that in my size?!”
Love the story about the airheads – I hope my kids think of me sometimes . . . and I know they will. Sometimes I just wonder if that day will come.

Amanda - The story about Sean made me so happy. I know that feeling and it IS something to be proud of because you raised him to think of others that way! It’s a beautiful quality in a person!

deb meyers - oh yeah, super 8 was good : ) and a mashup of ET and Goonies and Signs, just like you said, that’s what we said in the car on the way home! Only we added Close Encounters to the mash. Though why all Spielberg’s boys have to potty-mouth ? …they could pass on that, please.

Short, Sweet Season - That picture of Annie rocking her baby…so awesome and beautiful. I love it!

Holly Cox - I live in Dayton, so I’m quite psyched to see Super 8!

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the most random of posts

the laundry room is finally being painted this weekend.
by my two oldest children.
"you're boooooored? you want to sleep all day? and you want our money???  well hey….i got a project for you!!"
and i have a feeling there are a few more projects to come for my boooooored kids. 


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i am dreaming of patios….

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these are elaborate…but you could bring them down to a reasonable $ level with some DIY…and some time.

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sunshine the cat has come back twice.
πŸ™‚

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i have been saying a want a baby for 6 years.

many comments were implying that i am suddenly talking about wanting a baby.
i would have had several more children than just the five we have.
but there is another person….ahem….in our house….not to name names….that says five is enough.
and that person….took care of things medically so that five would be enough…six years ago.

and says no to adoption.

so that is where my baby lust lies.
DEAD.
which sucks.

but what can be done?
i talk to God about it a lot and He hasn't given me a baby YET so until then…..
i will just keep loving on the newborns i get to take pictures of at my house.

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my new favorite spot for summer. 

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it's quiet.
but not out of reach from my kids….i can hear when they start yelling at each other.  (too often)
they can come find me easily.
and i can get my wifi out there too.

this morning with my coffee i was reading The Daily Message.
kimberlee got it….so i got it too….and it's just perfect for me.
loving it.

this morning i enjoyed THIS.

"be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works.  We pray that you'll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard.  As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work.  We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives.  It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."  Colossians 1: 9-12


what an awesome scripture to pray over your children!!   

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other colors on my porch….

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craft weekend tickets go on sale on MONDAY…june 20….at noon.

we have some A W E S O M E sponsors that are going to make the weekend EXTRA cool.
i will just say "serious swag" 

Craftwkndbutton2

so thrilled about it.

can't wait for monday……….WOOO-HOOO!!  

dying to find out WHO is coming.  

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the frame for the BE AWESOME TODAY print is from……….walmart.  :)

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i don't read books because i can't concentrate.
my mind wanders and i have to go back a REread.
it always wanders.
to laundry.
to work.
to kids.
to anything.

and i almost always fall asleep within a few minutes of reading.
for real.
it started about 8 years ago.
i make it about five minutes and then i am OUT.

weird right?

but i am reading Mennonite in a Little Black Dress right now…..s l o w l y…..as i lay in my sun chair. 
i hear it's a bit scandalous in these parts!
(i am from mennonite country….fyi…not mennonite myself but grew up in a mostly mennonite town)

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kansas is beautiful in june.

the end. 

 

Killua - e te non saresti gsanroliita???per la miseria, se vieni confrontato con altri giornalisti famosi quelli ti fanno un baffo sei molto meglio!!!se vuoi rischiare un po la fortuna tenta di cercare un posto di lavoro come scrittore o, ancora meglio, come correttore di articoli giornalistici fanno tanti di quegli errori al giorno d’oggi che i bambini nemmeno possono piu leggere il giornale dato che non imaparano la linuga xD!!!cmq sia fine OT ma questo non solo un FPS questo una rivoluzione!!!il tipo li con gli occhiali da fighetto sta maneggiando armi inimmaginabili con una grafica strepitosa(non giudicate dagli screnshot dato che peggiorano la grafica) e per di piu contro un complotto aGlieno(la G voluta)!!!!

xavi - alloooooora per cominciare ricodro che questo gioco in cerca di Publisher e quindi tutto ci che abbiamo visto viene dalle tasche degli stessi produttori che hanno prodotto il motore e hanno pagati i vari progettisti e programmatori per creare anche il gioco, quindi Doppio lavoro = Doppio costo.Nonstante ci si mormora abbia trovato il publisher anche se non ancora chiaro.Poi, il gioco uscir nel 2009, la HV ha voglia e tenta di migliorare la grafica ergo, questa SICURAMENTE NON SARA LA GRAFICA DEFINITIVA.Terzo punto il Wii non certo la Xbox o la PS3 per ragazzi prendete RE4 e prendete questo Siamo su un’altro pianeta.Nessuno qui si mai aspettato dal wii delle prestazioni che solo 3 cell da 3gh della Xbox sanno dare, per almeno qui qualcuno che non sia nintendo lo sta spremendo o comunque utilizzando.Certo innegabile che il bump mapping spesso grezzo, che non tutte le armi non sono curatissime, ma sono comunque screenshot. Anche Unreal Turnamet III sugli screen peggio del gioco in game.Non siate cattivi anche con i giochi che tentano di smuovere le acque. Commenti come quelli di pino mi fanno semplicemente ridere.A voi la parola .

Lindsay - I just saw that fabric pinned on Pinterest today!
Here’s a link: http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=3479e766-83f4-4fc8-9305-203654f4d60e&CategoryID=a420ec7e-b715-4a85-be85-bb62b407d663&cm_mmc=CJ-_-2617611-_-3872207-_-Waverly+Fabrics
(Holy cow though, Liberty fabric is not cheap!!!)
And yeah, the Mr. and I don’t see eye to eye on the issue either. Fortunately we’ve taken no extreme measures–yet. But he wants to. πŸ™

Courtney Walsh - oh, your favorite summer spot looks so incredibly dreamy right now… i am loving it and wanting to find one of my own!! πŸ™‚

Debby Graber - Megan, I know what you can do for your baby lust. How about switching from the 3 year olds and coming to the nursery? Ha ha!! We always welcome people loving on those babies and you know what? We have like 15 mommies expecting!!! πŸ™‚ Must be something in the water at GCC!

Tiffany - I luv that zebra like pillow very nice. And you inspire and encourage me with your use of color. I like babies too, borrow some and send them home, that works for me. I hope you sell out on Monday. Bigg Huggs from PA.

Heather R. - Beautiful passage. Love the wheat pic. I look forward to grandbabies to love on. πŸ˜‰

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I love your porch. I wish I had a porch. the end πŸ™‚

Mindy W - cannot even leave a proper comment because you hit me right on! you are not alone- at all.

Tonya - You are not alone, I look at my children I have and there are no words to express my thanks to God for his gifts…..but he also knows my heart and is there when I grieve that there will be no more….he listens, I cry, he knows, then I go on…..

Kimberly Dial - I would have loved to have more children as well. My longing was always strongest in the Fall of the year. The hubs used to say “Kimberly, you can’t have a baby every Fall” … Silly guy, I didn’t want to have one every Fall, just the years I didn’t have one sitting on my lap, singing … rocking … Love the random post Meg …

Kimberly Dial - I would have loved to have more children as well. My longing was always strongest in the Fall of the year. The hubs used to say “Kimberly, you can’t have a baby every Fall” … Silly guy, I didn’t want to have one every Fall, just the years I didn’t have one sitting on my lap, singing … rocking … Love the random post Meg …

elisa - Ok I’m a little sad that you aren’t adding another one, and I so know how you feel. I know 4 is enough for us, but I would so love to adopt a sister for Eva. But Andy, well he’s done.
And I know I would go crazy with 5, right??

Cyndi Hamilton - What is it about some of us that want lots of children…I am one of those as well. My husband wanted to stop as too, but my heart always wonders “what if?” I have often thought and prayed about adopting, but I worry about being to old. I know if it is supposed to happen God will show me the path.
Thanks for sharing,
Cyndi
http://mycharmedlife-cyndi.blogspot.com/

Randi - Had to pop back in to tell you I saw you got mentioned in Parenting magazine for your summer list … so fun!

Janelle - I have baby lust too πŸ™‚ After my fourth we (actually I) took permanent measures and instantly regretted it. Four is enough according to my husband and my head knows it but my heart just doesn’t. I keep hoping that someday I will get over it (my youngest is 4) but it just seems to be getting worse! I keep looking for hospitals that will permit volunteers to rock babies but so far no luck! Pass on some tips if you have them of getting over the need for more babies πŸ™‚

Robin Smith - I have a wonderful 14 year old and 10 old that I gave birth to. I wanted more but my body just doesn’t handle being pregnant very well. I always thought I’d be a mother to a truck load of kids.
Over the last five years, our home has also become home to 3 wonderful young men that kinda found their way to us like Sunshine the cat found you guys. It started out by feeding them after sports practice and lending advice when needed. It blossomed into sharing dreams and preparing them to leave the nest.
The oldest graduated from college in December and began teaching 5th and 6th grade. The middle graduated in May and two days later went to China to lead a group of college students on a mission trip. He just got back and will be starting his job as a apprentice to the youth pastor at his church. The youngest just graduated from high school, taught Bible school with me a few weeks ago and comes back tonight from a mission trip to VA. My heart gushes when I think of these boys, our boys, truly a gift from God.
I will say there is “baby lust” going on still. As Danny left for China I told him to “bring me back something from China…like a baby!” He sensed the seriousness behind my comment and said, “I’ll bring back whatever info there is out there on adoption. So, we’ll see what happens. My husband is still on the fence about the whole thing. God’s plans are bigger and better than anything I could ever come up with so we’ll see what happens… it might just be another ray of sunshine knocking on my door around dinner time and I’d be quite alright with that.
Love your blog!! I read it every single day!! God Bless!!

Lorilee - Sleep problems can also make it hard to read or even work on the computer. My Dad has severe sleep apnea. That causes sleepiness when sitting still. Love your blog. I only have 2 boys, but no desire for more! Probably because I taught kindergarten for 18 years and now teach pre-kindergarten.
Blessings,
Lorilee

Jemm - Kansas IS beautiful in June isn’t it? We were just noticing Thursday on our way to ball game that the wheat has turned. Around where we live nobody really grows wheat, but I know they down where you are and then where we were headed to the ballgame was my hometown (St. Marys) and wheat is grown all over there. It is just a part of summer πŸ™‚ Love your little sitting nook/spot. It looks so relaxing.

Gemma - I love the ideas for a patio!
Gemma x

jennibell - Karen H. mentioned the eye problem. . .if you know of an optometrist in your area that is more into “natural” healing or therapy you should seriously check it out. I could go on and on about how much the eyes contribute to our attention, etc.

jennibell - Love the scripture verse. . .the patios. . .and I’m waiting on grandchildren. Really couldn’t imagine this body pushing out more, not to mention the sleepless nights πŸ™‚ Have a beautiful weekend Meg.

Janelle - I have to say, I only have two children (and feel like an under-acheiver next to you because of that) and I very rarely get baby fever. I’m 98% sure I do not want a third. But I LOVED the idea of living vicariously through you and was hoping your baby talk meant a bit announcement by the end of the summer. Can’t you tell your lovely hubby that women are relying on your for vicarious living??? Adoption would be awesome and he wouldn’t have to do any crazy medical reversal stuff. =)
PS I live in St. Thomas – just a 10 minute ferry ride to St. John. Do you next craft weekend in St John and I’ll totally be there!!

Debbie - I’m not Mennonite either, but I went to a Mennonite college there. It was a good experience. I’m curious about the book now.

Shannon - i love the scripture!!!!!! keep posting those babies please! love love love it!

Sugar Mama - Here’s a little something about me that most people don’t know… I grew up in an Mennonite church. Didn’t seem weird as a kid, but people find it intriguing now.
And the “I’m bored” comment gets said a lot around here. So I have the oldest son helping with the dry wall on our new project. He is too exhausted now to complain.

Catherine Arnett - Oh my! Kansas wheat is way ahead of wheat in my neighborhood.
I’m 43 and we recently took ‘permanent measures’. It feels bittersweet, closing the door on the baby years. BUT…My oldest is 18, my youngest is 12 and I know that it will be only a blink (hopefully a loonnnggg blink) before there are grandchildren on my lap.
Blessings…

May - Meg, I just want to say that i LOVE your blog. Everything about it is awesome. I try to check it every day and all your pictures bring a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing!

Kristi Visser - Oh my word. I just wrote this totally long and random comment for you and “poof” it’s gone.
Second try.
I’ve been stopping by. You, your posts, your style, and your talents are just very very fun and refreshing.
So, do you think randomness comes from having children and being interrupted constantly and never having a complete thought and never taking a break and having to just keep moving and multi-tasking while listening and thinking and talking to multiple little and big people all day long? I do.
After four children, we are adopting. My “Mr.” had the same feelings as your “Mr.” and I’d love for you to visit and read the rest of the story sometime. mathildasgarden.blogspot
I love Colossians. What translation is that? Beautiful.
How is that for random commenting? πŸ™‚
~Kristi

Courtney Henson - My parents grew up Mennonite and a whole lot of our food traditions pull from that! Yay for yummy Mennonite food! My Mom and sister read the book and I tried reading it and couldn’t even finish it. And I’m a big reader…for me to not finish a book says a lot about the book! The main character just bugged the heck out of me. But good luck to you! And my sister says after reading that book, my Mom makes a whole lot more sense to her… loved seeing glimpses of your porch by the way – super cute!

Randi - I love the random post. LOVE that Scripture to pray over the kids.

Cassie - I, too, dream of patios…daily! And we have the same issue with reading. I also fall asleep within 5 min and have could re-read the same page 5 times due to my wandering mind! πŸ™‚ Loved this post πŸ™‚

Holly - yay for randomness! That seems to be all I have lately!

Shirley Martin - That third picture of the circular patio and the seating spaces around the outdoor fireplace – MAN, it’s so beautiful! I want to live in the country! My current backyard is not quite big enough for that. πŸ™ Lovely post.

Jaclyn - haha I love random posts =) they are great!

Rachel - I lived in northern Alberta (waaaay north) for 8 years. Lots of Mennonites up there. Lots of Duerksens up there, for that matter. I may know some of your relatives haha.
My daughter (18 y/o) is fascinated with Mennonite, Hutterite, FLDS communities. She’s reading a book right now called The Valley about a Mennonite community in British Columbia. I may read it next, then look for your Little Black Dress book for her.
I love your photos and your random posts and hearing about your five kids and Waffle. I wish I had more kids (I have one) but it just didn’t happen.

Molly - love these types of posts!!! perfect for my randomness:)

happygirl - Love the randomness. And they just harvested the wheat here in MD. I miss it.

Ashlyn@Pinecone - Thanks for showing a little bit more of the porch…great color! Don’t you just love when kids say they’re bored…it’s the greatest πŸ™‚ xo Happy weekending – and supervising painting

margi - I read Mennonite in a Little Black Dress last summer. I am not Mennonite, but have many relatives who are. I laughed out loud in parts! Enjoy!

alicia @ la famille - i’m so random it isn’t even funny…so this is perfect πŸ™‚ i love your little place to read…i’ll have to check out that book too. have a great weekend πŸ™‚ oh! almost forgot! we made little butterfly canvases like you and your girlies did and OH MY WORD!! can’t wait to post on it!! i’ll let you know when i do….

Karen Gerstenberger - I love that translation of that scripture. Thanks for sharing it! And Happy Father’s Day to Craig, even though he thinks 5 is enough. =)

Jenna - My back porch summer set-up looks similar to that. Heavenly! And I LOVE the wheat picture — thank you for giving me that little bit of home πŸ™‚

Michelle - I love brain dumps. I am thinking if you turn up pregnant and tell Mr D that God gave you a baby he *may* be a little suspicious.
πŸ™‚

Secret Mom Thoughts - I love those patios too. I love how bright and colorful your home is. Love the randomness of this post.

Melissa - I am searching high and low for a kittle metal table…to paint sunshine-y yellow.

Kacey - I love your random posts!
I’m right there with you on wanting more babies and having an uncooperative husband. I always thought I wanted two kids, then I had two and after spending both pregnancies on bedrest, we decided that we would stop at two. My husband has also been medically altered πŸ˜‰ and is unwilling to adopt, but I wish for more kids every. single. day. I just have to remind myself to be happy that I have two who are healthy and bring me so much joy.
Happy weekend!
Kacey

lisa biedebach - Random rocks!
I also have major baby lust and a husband who is done and not wanting to adopt. I’m 47, so I think it’s safe to say that we are done. I kept praying about it and God unexpectantly sent me a sister in law that has given me a 2 and 5 yr old. It was unexpected but exactly right. Who knew? Except I do still want to adopt ………..

Rachel B. - Love the random-ness! Reminds me I’m not alone–ha!
Also, I married a menny πŸ˜‰

Danielle H. - So, is that green table the one you found on clearance? It’s cute!

georgia - Wish I could come to craft weekend, maybe another time πŸ™‚
Just think one day you will have grandkids, and you can nurture them and spoil them rotten!!
I love to read, but I get distracted easily too.
Can’t wait to see your laundry room!
X

Christy - Love the bits of randomness. I can’t read either, always too many other things I think I should be doing & it makes me sleepy, thought I was broken. My great grandmother was a mennonite, always intrigued me.
My inexpensive DIY paver-patio, fire pit lounging area was a major budget intsall (featured on YHL a few yrs back), fairly easy work & so worth it.

susan ponder - What is up with the sleepy reading? I have that too….acquired in the last 10 years since becoming a parent. It takes me forever to read a book which is not very conducive to being in a book club, which I am. πŸ˜‰

erica - love random posts – hate the “im bored” game, too!
i also have the same vintage coca cola bin – found that gem in my inlaws boathouse – full of old nails – took it out, gave it a nice clean up job and it rests in my kitchen (for now).
πŸ™‚
have a great weekend!

Karen H. - Not to sound weird but do your eyes have a “convergence” problem? Or a “tracking” problem? Just wondering…. I know more about it than I want too! My daughter sees an eye therapist. When your eyes can’t see things together, it makes the brain want to zone out and here come the zzzzzzz’s.

Tam - I have to agree with Dana….your random posts rock! Have a great weekend!

amy - oh we have much in common today. i too am dreaming and fantasizing about porches and patios…i come up with the most wonderful ideas, now just to win the lottery and actually DO it. i too hav e a serious case of baby lust along with my husband and 2 kids ( 4 & 6) …hmmm….guess we’ll wait a little longer but this mama is gettin’ old !! i love random posts, it’s a random kind of day.

amy b. - I really don’t enjoy the “i’m bored” line over here either! That’s usually when the bathroom gets a good cleaning! I am such a mean mother! Love your spot on the porch! Does it get humid in Kansas? I start sweating the minute i step outside here in TN!

Mindy Harris - i believe i could make myself mighty cozy on your beautiful front porch.
and about the baby thing: the Lord knows the desires of our hearts!
also i may be @ your church this wknd as my friend is being baptized and i don’t want to miss it!
love!

Terrie - LOVE the wheat picture!! Miss it so much…the beauty of the waves of grain! Not that I can’t see it, we just don’t live on the farm anymore. We get to go help Randy’s uncle this weekend, so I will get my fill of harvest pictures! Have a great weekend!

Chaos-Jamie - I read Mennonite in a Little Black Dress. I thought some parts were hilarious and some v-e-r-y slow and over the top.
kansas is lovely. Especially during harvest.

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - I particularly feel you slay random posts. I think they are my fav.
Dana

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random.

annie came running inside during the wiffle ball game with everyone while i was fixing dinner and yelled

"mom…did you see me out there?!  i was beasting it up!!!"
 

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we both thought her new swimsuit looked like a leotard for gymnastics.
which is perfect for jumping on the trampoline….or playing wiffle ball….or walking the dog…..

………………………………………………………………..

our baby birds on saturday.

unbelievable how quickly they change!!

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………………………………………………………………..

on thursday night craig took me to see Tim Mcgraw in concert.

oh my.

i have loved tim since i was in high school.
we had no camera and we have crummy cameras in our phones…..but there he is.

IMG00106-20110519-2247

he is timeless.
and handsome.
and lovely.

i was so happy.
i think i kept saying "i am so happy!" 

craig isn't a big country music fan…..not much at least….so he gets big points for bringing me.
his friend bought him a shirt to wear to play basketball in at the gym .
πŸ™‚

IMG_2845-1
 
HA HA HA

but seriously now…..tim mcgraw is awesome.
i have all his music.
and i had a surreal moment at that concert thinking
"i have loved this song so much for so long and here i am with him singing it in front of me….wow." 

not this song…but this one is a recent, catchy, happy one and looked like what i saw at the concert.

as much as i love kings of leon, U2 and the black keys…..i love country music that much too.

and he is my favorite of all the cowboys.

best thursday night evah……

 

 

Walter Tully - Tim McGraw is awesome with a capital A, isn’t he? He’s so electrifying on stage. Even if you’re not a fan, you can’t help but admire and respect the man. He is country music at its best.

melissa @ theshabbyfarmchick.blogspot.com - k i want to know if you slightly suggest these outings or plan it your self or does he surprise you ALL BY HIMSELF??? just want to know how stellar he is because he sounds pretty stellar.
of course he would have to be to snag you πŸ™‚

Michelle - SWEET!!!!! I like tim McGraw too. and I love that his marriage has stood the test of time.
That picture of your husband in his tshirt is awesome.
Found you under hte Blogher ad.

Elizabeth Leitko - Annies Comment totally make my day!! I am a kindergarten teacher and she would be AWESOME to have in class!!! I too love me some Tim McGraw!!! Happy Monday!!!!!

Kim Wickerham - Hey Meg,
For months now I have wondered…what is the schedule that you have up on your chalkboard? I have seen bits and pieces of it, but haven’t ever been able to put it all together. I am a busy Mom in dire need of some more organization. So, any help is appreciated. is it a chore chart? Thanks! Kim

Jenna - That video made my rainy, wet Monday! Country music is the BEST, and not a lot beats a hot cowboy like Tim πŸ™‚

Jenna - “beasting it up” Gotta start using that!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

meghan - i felt like that at U2 this weekend. i may have shed a tear.

Laura - I couldn’t remember where in Kansas you live. I hope it’s not anywhere near where the tornado came through. I’ve checked here several times this morning, hoping to see something from you. Praying you’re okay….

amy b. - I live near Nashville and was shopping at Old Navy one day and guess who walked in…yes, Tim McGraw…I thought I was gonna wet my pants!!! He was on the phone and nobody bothered him. He picked up a pair of jeans and threw them over his shoulder!! Who’d of thought that he bought his jeans at Old Navy!! He is very handsome in person,btw!! And I loooove Annie’s leotard!! So cute!

happygirl - LOVE Tim McGraw. I’m not really a country fan, but LOVE him. I saw him on Who Do You Think You Are. It was really good and he seemed so real. Rich, but real. Isn’t he the guy married to Faith Hill? I love Annie’s suit. cute.

holly - that girl is a hoot.
your husband is beast.
tim mcgraw is dreamy.

Heather - It’s nice to see someone else has as eclectic taste in music as I do!

Elizabeth - that song makes me happy!
and so does watching annie happy

Ann Griffin - Love country music and Tim McGraw! Craig does get big brownie points for this – maybe he could talk to my husband. . . :o)

colleen from alabama - Love country music but my all time favorite anything is James Taylor and my hubby is taking me to see him tomorrow night!!!! YIPPPPEEEEEEE!!!! Have seen him multiple times before but every time is special! He is amazing in concert. Anyway, i get the whole surreal thing, have had those moments myself. Glad ya’ll had such and awesome time together. πŸ™‚

lisa reed - Love TIM. Love. Haven’t seen him in concert since the last Soul to Soul tour with Faith Hill; he is so great onstage. My all time favorite song of his is Angry All the Time. No idea why, it just has always been my fav. (Even though I am not particularly angry all the time.) πŸ˜‰
Loved Summer magazine! Have a great day!

james - That is so awesome. I love me some Tim too.

Alicia - You just went up 10 points in my book for being a country music lover πŸ™‚
My friends tease me like crazy for liking it- let’s just say that here in Sydney, Aus, country music isn’t the coolest thing πŸ˜‰

Carol S - Whoah, that guy is a major stud, how hot is he? That basic tshirt and jeans (practically skin tight?) with the big guns, oh my. So cute. Great stage movement, thanks for sharing on a Monday morning. I believe he’s tight with Faith Hill so I guess there’s no chance for the two of us, huh? lol

Donna - Tim McGraw – say no more. He oozes with “hot NESS”. I saw him in Las Vegas and I also saw him many years ago and Faith Hill was his warm up – before they were married.
Got my Summer Magazine – I really enjoyed the spread on you. I love that magazine read it from cover to cover.
Annie is adorable as always πŸ™‚
Have a great day Meg.

danielle burkleo - i love that annie says beasting it up..my kinda girl

Jen - OK…have you ever seen Keith Urban live? I sort of liked his music before last summer, when I saw him at an outdoor concert…and I have been the biggest fan ever since. He is also amazing. And his songs….swoony.

Kerry - aaaah – i love country music, and LOVE that song! Your man is hilarious – such a ‘Tim’ pose.. haha – way to go Craig πŸ™‚

Mindy Harris - glad you got some time away with your hottie!

Sarah Wolfe - I love the trampoline pic!

Kristin Bommer - hahaah go annie!! lookin good little lady! πŸ™‚
i LOVE tim mcgraw. when i was in college, all my girlfriends went to a tim mcgraw concert and made t-shirts based on his lyrics. mine said “Tim! Don’t Take the Girl! TAKE ME!”

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Tim McGraw, my heart be still. Glad you had a great time with your hubby that definitely gets points for taking you to his concert.

pam - those baby birds are so ding dong ugly. πŸ™‚
we made people sing george straight at our wedding. it was like my 1 year of love for country music and then it ended. right after my wedding. πŸ™‚
miss you. hope i see you soon.

Janie Fox - I had baby birds and before I took pictures, I kept meaning to and kept forgetting to, they grew and flew! I also love Tim McGraw . Saw him once in Champaign IL with Martina McBride. Awesome! Glad you had fun. Annie is a doll! My Annie is almost 29 *tears*

Necole - I am a girl from Texas, so my all time fav cowboy is George Strait! That cute swimsuit gave me some ideas for my girls.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Annie cracks me up. Love her “leosuit” and her “beasting it up.” Shes awesome:)
xo,
Sarah

Flower Patch Farmgirl - It’s hard for me to fully trust anyone who dislikes country music. Just fyi.

shelly - I love that Annie walked the dog in that outfit—we would be perfect neighbors–our son rides his bike in full iron man costume, except the helmet hurts so he drapes a bath towel down the back of his head under the helmet (I think he likes the way it flaps when he rushes down the sidewalk!).
Tim McGraw hands down fav! (We’ve listened to him since high school too..one of the few country singers we listen to). So jealous!

michele fry - I knwew you were a girl after my own heart and cut from the same cloth….this post proves it!!! Love me some Tim McGraw!!!!

jennibell - There was something about that Tim McGraw video that reminded me of Friday Night Lights (the television show). . .ha! Wasn’t he in the movie version? Love Craig’s picture — what a good sport.

Holly - So funny you post about Tim Mcgraw. I feel the same way about Jason Aldean. I lurve Jason Aldean! SO cute too, ha!
Annie does look cute in her swim suit. I taught Brian (my kindergartener soon to be first grader, booooo) how to do laundry after reading about Annie. He is obsessed. He begs to wash a load, haha!
The birds are getting so big! Crazy!

Dishes in the Dryer - Dude I just posted about how big our baby birds got!!!! http://www.dishesinthedryer.blogspot.com. We saw them one day and it was only a few weeks before they busted out of the nest and we were lucky enough to be there when they did!!! Our kids loved these little guys.
Congrats on your “babies”.

Jennifer christians - Yes Tim was fantastic! Great meeting you! What about Luke Bryan… HOT! Fantastic Thursday night!

Sandy - I love Annie’s style and Tim McGraw….and Garth Brooks. I need to find my old CDs…. Thanks for the video too – he’s fun to watch!

Kelly - Love the swimsuit and love Tim. What a great midweek date! Good for you. ~Kelly
http://deniablydomestic.blogspot.com/2011/05/behind-scenes.html

Jenni Carlisle - Annie in the swimsuit as a leotard stand in…awesome! I like how this girl thinks. Walking Waffle, that much better.
Craig in the TM shirt…cracking me up!
Tim McGraw is the real deal. Love him! Saw him in Dallas a few years ago and Faith came out to sing with him! LOVED IT!
PS My Best Friend is our wedding dance song, his voice reminds me always of the love oozing from my hubs on our wedding day….gives me goose bumps every time I hear him sing in a very innocent way! πŸ˜‰

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stuff i saw this week…..

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this was not my breakfast but i wish it was.
this looks DELISH.

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this laundry room makes me happy.
the yellow is perfection.
…………………………………………… 

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blowing my mind!!!
in every way. 
i LOVE this shark watermelon.    
i think maybe this would be a rad way to start the summer….carving a shark head.  YES! 

……………………………………………

Breakfastbuffet2-2
does this make you smile???
it does for me.
i am going to make these too!

……………………………………………

AcR5m
i can't believe that this is her real hair…..but i love it.
i wonder what her profession is that allows this hair??
something that is free spirited for sure.
it's pretty amazing…i think it's because of the pink that i love it so much.

……………………………………………

i forgot to tell you that as of spring break this year my kids have been doing
all of their own laundry.

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i am so happy about this.
they are in charge of it.
if they want clean socks then they need to think about it….
if they need their uniform clean….they had better make sure it's clean.
LIFE SKILLS baby.
they also benefit because we don't have to have family folding nights.
if you wash your own clothes then you only have to fold your own clothes!
 
one of you blog readers were the one who said that you do this and i would love it.
well YOU WERE RIGHT! 

i help annie by putting it in the dryer for her because she is too short.
but otherwise even annie brings it downstairs, washes, folds and puts it away on her own.

 

……………………………………………

annie came into my dark bedroom to my bed and woke me up to ask if she could have oatmeal.
i sleepily said yes.
"mom….i can't remember how to make it."
i said "yes you do….2 of the 1/3 measuring cups of water and microwave for one-five-zero."

"please can you help me mom?"

"ok….i will be right there"

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 i am glad i went.

it's not oatmeal.

HA.

 

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here are our babies this morning….in one day they grew SO much…and have teeny feathers too.
sadly the day that the third was hatching was the last we've seen of it.
there is no third baby any where to be found. 
bummer.

i found this sweet short video on youtube of a robin hatching.
you can pretend it's our robin because it looks the same.
it was interesting to see the mama take the shell after they hatch….where?  where does it go? 
i am going to find out these facts.
and we are going to craft about it for sure!

 

 

happy friday!

elisa - You have been on pinterest- I marked that shark watermelon too. Love it!

Jennifer Rubeck - I love this shark watermelon!!! My son is a huuuuge sea life/shark fan. He is going to love this. Thanks for posting it.

ashley jensen - First I have to tell you my husband took me to Target to buy a new purse and I picked up this cute yellow bag. When we got home with it I thought it looked familiar and sure enough it is the same one you got from The Pleated Poppy (only without the cute flowers)! Second, my inlaws have a birds nest that had 7 eggs (3 blue and 4 brown) and now there are just 3 babies. No sign of the brown eggs or birds. It makes me wonder if there were 2 different birds going to the same nest.

Jessica Jackson - Are you on Pinterest? I would love to follow you if you are. πŸ™‚ I’ve seen that rainbow braid on there is why I ask. And oh lordy, when my babies are old enough for laundry it.is.on!

Karen Lehmann - YOU MAKE MY DAYS HAPPY πŸ™‚ that is all. oh..except…. Can a person who is not crafty but wants to learn to be crafty come to the craft weekend? just checking. {insert giggle}

mandi@herbanhomestead - Wow! that video is awesome! The mama taking the egg shells- that explains why I sometimes find robin’s eggs in random places, with no trees about! I think they must just dump them wherever to keep the nest clean.
Oh- and french toast kabobs! Genius! That is going on my birthday breakfast list for my little buddy!

Christie-Childhood 101 - That shark is awesome! My three year old loves watermelon and would love a shark like that πŸ™‚

Erica - So, I clicked on the picture of the french toast, then clicked on the picture again, then clicked on the link in that post, then read the original author’s post, but she never says exactly how she made those french toast kabobs. I assume she just made regular french toast and then cut it up and stuck it on. They must have been cold by the time she served them. The bridal shower she made them for looked awesome, though!
I love seeing what people link to in their blogs. The bloggy world is getting so big; there are so many fun things I would never see otherwise. Thanks for sharing, Meg!

Rachel Newswanger - The laundry room–awesome! The rainbow hair–eww. Tell me how a mother robin can just bop around the nest & poke & prod & her baby thrives, but whenever bb birds were discovered in my childhood we could never keep’em alive, even the best of efforts. Must be God.

Molly - In case you wanted to see more of the rainbow hair, here is her photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisely-chosen/

xβ™₯xβ™₯, gina - LOVE the laundry idea – the best part would be the no mountains of laundry to fold!!! And I bet it would cut down on number of outfit changes per day – I have four girls -the number is RIDICULOUSLY high!!!

lindsey - Hello Meg,
I just wanted to let you know how much your blog means to my wife, Lindsey. Our entire family, including 4 foster children we love as our own, has been through a lot in this past year. Nobody has bore more of the burden than my wife. She is the glue that holds our entire immediate and extended family together, a true example of a “salt of the earth” woman who exudes love to everyone. We lost a very beloved brother in law to a long, tough battle with cancer. He was 22 and only married to my sister in law for 6 months. My wife is/was the main person taking care of her sister in this very tragic situation. Her sisters situation continues to be a struggle. We then found out our babies (then our 5th foster child) mother was murdered, and after caring for him for nearly a year he went back to an uneasy situation, to put it best. We continue to struggle with that reality. Lindsey’s very beloved grandmother also died amidst this mess. All of this while opening a new business. But God is Love, and God is good, and he continues to be with our family. You just never know how big of an impact your blog, or any other act of random kindness, can have. You have been a friend without knowing it, thank you for that. I have a story for you, from page 262 of The Hole in The Gospel, by Richard Stearns. But it won’t fit here, so i am not going to type it. But it is about the conversion of Billy Graham. Please read it sometime.
Thanks for Everything and May God bless you and yours,
Dan

Danielle - I love the french toast kabobs! We did those for my husband on Father’s Day a few years ago and were a big hit:) I saw a lady at the grocery store today that had rainbow hair and it looked totally cute! I think you should still do the pink:)

Stephanie - We did that exact shark watermelon about 2 years ago, I saw it in the newspaper and my husband said he could do it. We made it for a party and had to transport it (that was kinda hard). It sat on my lap the whole drive to the friends house!! Hit of the party though!!

Natasha - Thought you might like to make these for your robin-inspired crafty thing… your nest photos reminded me of them. http://oakhillsacademy.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/im-nesting/

Michele - That laundry room could be my happy place, for real. The watermelon shark is rad. I don’t think I’ve used the word rad in 10 yrs. I may just need to bring it back to my vocab. If Annie accidentally ate the onion soup instead of oatmeal she may have never ever wanted oatmeal again. That experience just might ruin a person. Glad you stopped that from happening. Have a great weekend, Meg!

Karmen - In response to Quinn’s post… It is amazing to see (although it’s poop)… they position their little bottoms toward the outside of the nest! Then when mom (or dad) comes to feed – they clean the nest too!! These birds are fantastic!

Quinn - I found your answer… unless someone else already posted it hhahahah.
“The female robin could not have moved the chicks to a different location. However,
adult robins will try to detour predators from their nest site if they can by using
a fake injury behavior as if the females wing was broken, or make a lot of noise
and lead the animal away from the nest. Females will even remove the egg shells
after hatching to a far away location and collect the fecal pouches the young
deposit and drop them far from the nest site. Both of these behaviors are to
avoid detection of the nest site. Yes, the young birds deposit their waste in
little pouches! ”
(via. http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/zoo00/zoo00904.htm)

Amy Petz - I can only go from personal experience with our pet chickens, but I think the mama ate the shell. Our chickens do it all the time, but maybe robins are more sophisticated than that.

Mrs. - I know it’s weird but we have a collection of robin’s eggs in my family. When we are out for a walk or anything, if we see them, we pick them up. I will e-mail you a photo.

Karmen - The mother (and father) clean the nest! Crazy! Not only do they take away the eggs once they’ve hatched… they clean the poo too! I included our story in the link with my name, we just saw our first 2 babies leave the nest successfully!

Cassie - I totally saw that rainbow hair on Pinterest a few days ago and thought of you! πŸ™‚
Cassie
lifethroughthislens.blogspot.com

Jenna - Hello Meg!
I am new to your blog, and I’m lovin’ the oatmeal story! Can’t wait to read more πŸ™‚
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

becky@oursweetpeas - “did I ever tell you you’re my hero”
kids doing laundry LOVE LOVE LOVE it
mine are 10 months, 4 years and 4 years but they help me as much as I can stand (not the 10 month old) πŸ™‚
seriously meg, that is “wind beneath my wings” stuff, sister!!!!
amen!

Dawn - I love the food. So creative and fun. Also I have loved looking at all the bird photos. Thanks for those.

katie - just watched that video (and saw annie doing her OWN laundry) with my 5 year old. we were both very impressed by both. i was explaining to her what “instinct” means…like how the mommy bird knows to take the shell out of the nest. too bad it doesn’t mean that kids automatically know how to do/want to do laundry.

erica - omgoodness! i am so trying to make that shark for the last day of school party!
thankyou:)
you’re the bomb for the laundry!
laughing about the oatmeal:)

Holly - My kids are starting their own laundry also. Its good.
That first picture with the fruit and yogurt….yummo!

Su@The Intentional Home - an older mom of 6 told me the secret of each kid keeping their laundry basket in their own room. .and then each doing their own clothes. . .it has transformed my life!!! We used to all just throw our clothes down this laundry shoot and a mountain would grow in the basement. . not anymore. I sometimes will do a load for a kid as a special way to love up on them. . .but even that is way easier cause you do not have to sort and try to figure out whose socks are whose. . .I love this laundry system!!! And yes, our kids will leave the house knowing how to do laundry!! Thanks for your regular posts. . I stop in almost daily. . .love the inspiration and happiness.

julia - So, when are you going to do your hair like that?? It would probably make a hair dresser cry.
What do you think happened to the third baby? Sad and strange.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I don’t think it was me that gave you the idea of having your kids do their own laundry, but mine do too. I used to feel guilty, like I’m a bad mom for making them do their own, but it really is a great thing. Not only do I not have the burden of making sure it gets all done and keeping track of what they need when they need it, i.e. baseball uniforms, etc., it does give them life skills and responsibility. I think we are actually good moms for having them learn to do their own. Yay for you Meg, good mom award! P.S. that is a really fun watermelon monster…might have to try that one!

Terrie - P.S. – Thanks for stopping by! Sorry it made you cry…if it’s any consolation…I cry every time I read it too, and I wrote the darn thing! LOL!! I’ll say it again…you are easy to be kind to! I LOVE your blog…I can’t tell you how many days you have perked me up with your pictures and words. I went back and got ‘caught up’ so to speak. It’s a little sad, your blog was my before bed read. My husband is probably glad though…’cause now I don’t wake him up with my laughing out loud!! Seriously…thanks for your kind words! hugs!

sara @ it's good to be queen - wow, i’m impressed with how independent your kids are. i’m thinking i need to give my kids some more responsibility. thanks!

Tam - HI Meg, I believe Kate S. (above) is right about the egg shells. We have a robin family nesting on my truck tire and I found the egg shells in my melon patch about 50 feet away from the nest.
I love the colored hair, for the last three months I’ve had some of my hair dyed (teal and now purple, next hot pink) it’s fun and unexpected! I love it.
You are an awesome, inspring Mama-I’m going to teach my boys laundry this weekend!
The food looks delicious, thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚
Have a great weekend.

alamama - Meg, I know I don’t comment here much but I read your blog ALL of the time. Anyway, the kids and I just made silhouettes, inspired by you. Here’s the blog post: http://pressedpetals.blogspot.com/2011/05/profile-of-inspiration.html
Have a great day!

Jenny B. - The laundry. Wow. I am in awe. I have hope for the future! Too funny about the “oatmeal.” I didn’t even notice the words on the package until you said it wasn’t oatmeal. πŸ™‚ Oh, and I’m pinning that laundry room!

Karen - Oh how funny (the onion packet)! And just today I was thinking (while dealing with mounds of laundry), this is silly – one person taking care of 5 people’s laundry. Not silly… INSANE! So I will be training my troops this weekend!!! Yay for me!!! I think I will be making the French toast kabobs this weekend too! Thanks for sharing! Have a happy weekend!

Heather R. - Love the rainbow hair. I let our girls get a couple of strands of colored hair put in for the summer only. They think they are cool. I’m glad you went and checked out the oatmeal situation. LOL. AND I’m so all over the do your own laundry. Great idea. Are you doin’ your summer list this year? Love the shark head, and birdies, too. πŸ™‚

Mandy - Oh how I wish we werent STILL having those family laundry folding nights! I also have five kids, so I know the amount of clothes we’re talking about here. Ahhh, maybe this summer they can begin to learn this task, only two weeks of school left, hooray!

Esther Dee - what a great Friday post!!!! little bits of everything from food to decor to baby birds!!! Happy Friday Meg <3

happygirl - Love the post. Awesome mom teaching of life skills. Laundry on their own. Perfection. And now, all I can think of is mango.

elisa - Great post…..you sure saw a lot of stuff this week.
Love the video, can’t wait for the kids to get out of school so I can show them.

Kate S. - We have a bird garden and the birds greatly appreciate it. Every year robins nest in the Silver Maple there, above a large stone birdbath. And, every year, I find the cracked robin’s eggs in the birdbath . . . a sweet little sign the chicks have hatched: ) Supposedly, the robins are supposed to carry the eggshells and fecal matter far away from the nest to help deter predators from finding their hatchlings, but ours seem to figure the birdbath below is far enough.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - Okay… that video freaks me out a bit.
And now… I MUST paint my laundry room walls yellow.
Hurray for your kids doing their own laundry!!! It’s high time I teach Christen, she’s a senior in HS and will be moving out next summer to attend college. She needs to learn. :o)

Jemm - That hair is amazing! I would love to have the kabob recipe too. Yum! And I think I’m going to make granola and buy some clementines and mangoes to have on my yogurt!! πŸ™‚ Fun random post.

Leah - That’s great about the laundry! My daughter is only 3, but I’ve started getting her involved by having her bring her laundry down and she puts it in the washer. We make it a fun thing to do. Hopefully she’ll still think it’s fun when she gets older!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - What a great post- F.T.Kebabs(gotta try em!), rainbow hair(I flippin LOVE it but would never do it), that laundry room(I have it pinned in Pinterest myself…total LR envy here), the shark watermelon(so fun, esp for a pool party!), Annie doing her own laundry(go Mama Meg!), the birdies( I almost cried when you said the 3rd one is nowhere to be found…sniff sniff) and the onion soup mix/oatmeal story…awesome.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
Sarah

shelly - Ok…if little Annie can do it, my boys sure the heck can…but what happens when they wash a crayon…or toilet paper (don’t ask…I don’t even want to know)
Love the shark watermelon!! Just need an excuse to make one πŸ™‚

sarah - i used to wake my mom up to ask what the weather was going to be like. i know one day my payback will come… hopefully it has a funny ending like your “oatmeal” story

Cindy - The “oatmeal” CRACKED ME UP!!!

Lelia - So, I was hungry when I first started reading this post …. then I watched the hatching video – yikes!!! That was kind of … weird – for lack of a better word! I don’t like birds much though, but I am intrigued – where does the mama take the egg shells??? Happy weekend!

kerry - These pics have all made me smile πŸ˜‰
Meg you have added happiness to my day ! Thank you so o o much. Happy Friday to you too x

Sarah Wolfe - Wow. Love that shark head too. Maybe for a beach party??!!
Love the laundry idea for my boys as they get older.

Terrie - My nephews are with me this weekend and I was leaning towards chocolate chip pancakes….but man those french toast kabobs look awesome! And what’s up with baby #3? Seriously gone?? Strange and sad…

Christine - When I read there was no third baby, I really was sad. I’m curious too where she takes the shells?
And the watermelon shark is too cool. πŸ™‚

Oberheu.wordpress.com - Ok! I think I’m gonna try it…the laundry thing, not the rainbow hair:). I don’t think I’m a rainbow hair kind of girl.
I have three teenage boys and LOTS of laundry! The oldest does his own sometimes because he hates his clothes being lost in the abyss that is our laundry piles. Once clothes go in they can be lost for weeks! It is the biggest source of my frustration in our home. I think one of my boys may go everywhere in the same outfit…for a while. Or, maybe it will be me with no clothes to wear?! That would awful. And would probably make my guys laugh:).
Thanks for the motivation!

Jen - Hi Meg!
I wondered if you could tell me where you found the “french toast kebob” recipie….my daughter is
graduating from high school next week and we are having some family stay with us. This would be
perfect for breakfast.
Thanks,
Jen

Carla G - Thank you for the new birdie picture. And for finding the video! Very thoughtful, Mrs. D.! School children everywhere will appreciate it! πŸ™‚

amy b. - ok,so now I’m craving french toast…and rainbow hair! And we are outta bread!Dang it!

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four random things…..

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i have a new running partner.

i have to say "heel" about 100 times per run….but he'll get it pretty soon.
just bought a harness to help me out.

i missed running. 

i think i will finish jillian too….but this IS perfect weather to run.
perfect temps.
and i like to wear long sleeves so it's great.
so jillian may lose.
(don't tell her….i'm afraid of her)

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soccer season is over.
it was a long one…..softball starts friday.
thank goodness we have a two day break!!!

ridiculous.

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i don't like geese.
they freak me out.
but i faced my fears (and zoomed in my lens) and got a few shots at the park tonight.
bleck.
they are so creepy.

 

SUMMER magazine starts shipping next week.

MM_COVER7-4
 
isn't that a beautiful cover???
love it.
you can just feel that breeze…..

matthew asked me to tell you this:

Head on over to Matthew Mead’s blog  to purchase your copy of SUMMER with Matthew Mead.

If you order your copy by May 6th, you may be one of the lucky readers who receive a GOLDEN TICKET, tucked away inside of your magazine!

There are ten fabulous prizes (check Matthew’s blog for details) and ONE of those lucky readers will win a grand prize of a $1000 Visa travel card to take you wherever you would like to go!! And visit our website to see the other fantastic prizes you can win (each golden ticket will be assigned one of the prizes)!

Please note, all readers who have already purchased a copy of SUMMER with Matthew Mead have secured their chance to win. But if you haven’t yet ordered your issue,
head on over here 
and get yours now!

You just might be the lucky recipient of one of the coveted Golden Tickets!!!


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

and finally……YOU ROCK.

my entire photography season is FULL.
every single spot is taken.

so cool.

you will have fun.
i will have fun.

yay!

 

 

Lisa Currie-Gurney - HEY MEG, A GENTLE LEAD WORKED SO MUCH BETTER FOR ME.
HUGS FROM MY HEART

Four Flights - you best be scared of Jillian. She does not mess around and I could just hear her now “you’re not QUITTING are you?!?! You’re a quitter!” oh that woman gives me chills. CHILLS I tell you! but yeah, running when is nice outside cannot be beat πŸ™‚

Amy @ dwell in the season - Waffle looks wiped out, how far did you go? Nice job, by the way, I’ve been seriously slacking in my running lately. I think I need a fluffy dog to come with me, OR scary geese to chase me.

Diana - Heyyyyyyy, those geese are my buds. (Those specific gray ones welcomed us to our new home way back in 2002!) LOL! I know, lots of people don’t care for geese. We just happen to enjoy their antics.
Don’tcha love that park with all the new playgrounds! It’s just across the creek from us (basically), we love to take the grandkids there when they’re having overnights with us.
Hehe, Waffle is gonna get buff runnin’ with you! LOL! πŸ˜€
β™₯

the.mrs - Those shots of the geese were worth the fear factor part of it! So fun!

karen - ooooo..love those jelly beans!!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - great new profile pic meg…sassy:)

Jennifer in VA - Have fun running, the gentle leader will make a big difference. My 85lb lab could pull me all over the place without it. It works on the same premise as a horse halter – where the nose goes, the body goes.
Just a quick tip though… after a week or so of use, it started to rub the hair off Beauregard’s nose and it got pretty bare. Then I got the idea to wrap that top nose strap with moleskin (look for it in the first aid/bandaid section). I bought the large sheets and just cut two pieces that were long enough to each cover from the middle of the top strap down to his chin and all the way around the strap. Anyway, no more rubbed off hair and the bare spots grew back in.
Blessings,
Jennifer

Julie - the new blog banner is beautiful!!!! i love it!

Genevieve - Too funny how the creepy geese photo seems to have struck a chord. I too confess to being creeped out by geese. My grandfather had a whole gaggle on his farm and I was scared to death of them when I was a child. In my mind, they were about 5 feet tall and mean as snakes. I’m probably off on on the height, but not on the meanness.

Carol S - good for you, running! gotta stop sitting so much over here, heading out to garden and garage cleanup tomorrow. ok your friends won’t like me for saying this, but if you sold out in two days your prices are just a little low. I know it’s a fine line, and you want to be fair, but…you’re clearly talented and in demand, sooooo…might have to make a little adjustment up next summer, just your basic supply and demand economics girl talking over here. don’t hate me customers!!

Lin - The geese at our park attacked my dog so often, she eventaully refused to get out of the car. She wouldn’t budge.

happygirl - I hate running. I need to start exercising again. I’m a slacker. And, I agree with you about the geese. Hate ’em.

Kristy - I have a very hyper Australian Labradoodle who started out as a very hyper running partner but now he’s awesome at it – doesn’t pull, ignores the barking dogs and will even manage 4 miles. I find my runs are actually easier with him because he helps keep the pace (without pulling). And it wears him out which is always a good thing! Ordered my magazine the first time you posted about it…can’t wait! “Summer time and the livin’s easy…..”

Amber - so glad i’m not the only one that thinks geese are totally creepy. also i need you to come to ohio for 2 things: to take my family pics, and also to give me running/working out motivation. k?

Wendy - Ordered his magazine! Love your blog!
Thanks.

Nichole - Geese are creepy! We had them by the hundreds recently at my workplace. They just sort of stood in the grass making noise or stood in the road making noise. I probably would have stayed as far away as possible from them, nevermind taking photos!

Jennifer - I don’t like geese either, but yours are much better looking than the ones we have here. There’s even a sign outside one of our libraries to beware of the geese because they are NOT friendly.

Staci - Not a huge fan of geese either…I hate it when they open their little mouths and kind of hiss at you with their gross little tongues ;( But your Talby sure is a cutie pie πŸ˜‰ Wish I liked running…or any type of exercise for that matter…whyyy can’t I get addicted to exercise like some people….instead of being addicted to sugar?????????????? UGGGGHHH!!!

lisa - you are the woman for even doing jillian … i can barely even see her commercials on tv (or watch biggest loser) without saying ‘that woman is psycho’. scares me for sure. and your pics of the geese … awesome.
jillian and geese … need to keep their yappers shut and the world would be a quieter place. scary.

Danielle - So I guess that was five, lol! Did I ever tell you I was horrible at math in school?

Danielle - Okay so here’s my four random things:) Is that picture of Waffle before or after the run?:) And look at those skinny legs you have lady, woo hoo!!:) Believe me when I tell you, say no to the puppy feeling, just let it pass you on by you’ll thank me later. And that Talby is GORGEOUS!! You guys make beautiful kids:)

Kim - Geese scare me. We always stay away from the Canadian Geese here. Too scary! Have fun running with Waffle.

Heather - The geese pictures made me shudder. I’m not afraid of snakes or spiders, but certain birds really freak me out! (when I think they’re getting too close to me.) I’m glad I’m not the only goose-phobe.

Short, Sweet Season - I can’t even believe you got close enough to those freaky geese to take that photo. I literally have chills on my arms and neck right now.

melinda - Hope the gentle leader works with you and your dog. We just got a gentle leader and wished we had it sooner, but it works great!

Tiffany - Talby is adorable & we should get her on contract NOW to continue to smile for the camera. Such sweetness in her face. Mattie’s magazine is a lil pricey…I was afraid to say it because sometimes I can be cheap, but another commenter said it so I have to 2nd that. Does he offer any coupons? discounts? sneak peeks? Aha, maybe I can get it for Mother’s Day, I don’t want any gifts, flowers yes, gifts no. I will tell the hubbs. Meg, this will be my FIRST photography season with you. I CAN’T EVEN WAIT to see the gorgeous photos. Will you share tips? Please share tips. P.S. I luvd seeing the brown boy in your photos yesterday, I didn’t know there were any in Kansas, just being honest πŸ™‚

Trish - not only are geese creepy, they are mean and so are swans! bravo to you for taking the pics!

sara @ it's good to be queen - talby is adorable. geese are el creepo. i was attacked by one in the park when i was 9 months pregnant with my second son. it was awesome. imagine big fat prego girl carrying a 2 year old, running through the park away from a geese who would not let go. good memories. luckily another mom came to my rescue. i hate geese.

Heidi - Yep- baseball ends soon for us. Is it bad it say I’m semi-thankful for a child’s knee surgery that gives us THREE WHOLE WEEKS OFF before kid sports starts again? Because I kind of am. It’s a nice break after 6 years of year-round no breaks. πŸ™‚

Meg B. - Those geese are creepy, in fact I spotted them last night and walked the other way. However the great blue herons are really cool.

Trina Curran - I. Love. Your. Posts. πŸ™‚ They are just funny, and serious, and inspiring all rolled into one. The geese crack me up. We used to have one that chased us and would bite. Haha! The cover of Summer magazine is BEAUTIFUL! Can’t wait to read it!

Kirsten - you should get together with my son – he loves geese! not creepy – just loud (HONK)! πŸ™‚

Libby - We use the same collar for our Australian Shepherd and it works great! Some people think it’s a muzzle for a vicious dog, but really it’s to keep our big goof from jumping on and loving everyone he sees!

Sandy - I’ll be sad when Talby gets older and doesn’t want to pose for the camera anymore. πŸ™

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Ive always WANTED to be a runner. To enjoy it. But I dont. You see, I hate to sweat. Isnt that the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? But I swear, its true. I hate sweating. I hate hurting. Yet my waistline and my overall health are screamin at me to get off my duff and try it out.
Itd probably also really help my marriage(not that we’re in a bad spot mind you; we’re more in love today than when we married 10 years ago). But hubby is a hardcore runner. And a track coach. He loves to run.
Stupid sweat.
xo,
Sarah

Jen - I thought…I’m going to do it…I’m going to buy the Summer issue of this “magazine”….but YIKES…it’s almost $30.00 for this Canadian gal to order one! Too much for my frugal sensibilities. I was thinking it was half that price….oh well. Hopeully you’ll show us some pics. πŸ™‚

Gemma @ Musings Of A Gem - The pictures of the geese are enough to freak me out a little!
I like your new running parter…if I ran with my dog he’d be dragging me along the street…pulls way too much!
Gemma x

Kori - ha-ha! When I saw the pics of the geese I thought “I don’t like geese. They freak me out!” πŸ™‚
Once at the park my son and I were being semi-attacked by some (we had a bit of crackers for the calmer ones) and as they got more aggressive we left. They rounded on a poor granny and her granddaughter. Yikes!
We felt bad, but were too scared to help. So we ran for it…..

georgia - That goose is like ‘hello, what do we have here’ lol
I tried running with my two jack russels, but they both try to run different directions and it ends with me tripping up all over the place… LOL

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I agree, geese are super creepy. One day I was being good and walking/exercising and a whole flock, gander, whatever, flew right at my head. They literally missed me by 2 inches. I still swear they did it on purpose. My kids think I’m crazy when I tell the story. They don’t believe me πŸ˜‰

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checkin’ in with you…..

ok….

i have some stuff to tell you and some questions to ask.

1.  i am still doing Ripped in 30 with jillian michaels.

     IMG_1227-2

     so far…..i am not ripped.
     there is the one day of the month left & i should be done tomorrow but i am only on work out #17 today.
     i am not sure if she means ripped in 30 days or 30 workouts.
     but i am going to do 30 workouts either way.
     

2.  yesterdays video.
     thanks for all the encouragement!
     talby came up with her questions and annie stole some….which made her mad.
     sean came up with his own.
     the original video was 8 minutes long….so you got the best 4 minutes.
     it was fun.  
     i will definitely do it again.

 

3.  did you see that we helped raise $17,093 for sergey!!!
     that is amazing….GOD is amazing!
     God's timing is perfect.
     i am so thankful that danielle gave me the opportunity to serve.

     Danielle_fund_logo

     and grateful for each of you that GAVE!! 
     i mean really….you are helping a baby get a mama!  AWESOME. 

     go check and see if you won any of those fabulous prizes….especially if your name is jennifer!
     lucky girl! 

4.   should i be on twitter?  

      2382680812_34858bec65

      why?
      what do you people talk about over there?  
      what am i missing out on?

 

5.  there is one more day for the gatorade giveaway.
     go over there and leave a comment and you might win a $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.

      Gatorade-g-series

     if i won i would use it for sports bras.
     exciting right?
     not really cool shoes or cute workout clothes…….boring bras.
     because if you need a serious sports bra they are expensive.
     jillian….doesn't even wear one!

     some of her "moves" i can't physically do because there is stuff in the way….if you know what i mean.

     but you can spend your $100 any way you'd like.

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and that's it for my friday.

it's pizza for dinner and a movie on the couch.

and i got a netflix for me after the kids go to bed….Parenthood….the MOVIE.
one of my most favorite movies ever. 
(probably a PG rated trailer….fyi) 

the show is so good because the movie was so good.
and REAL.

 

Natasha - Twitter and FB are VERY different… FB is more static, whereas Twitter is an ongoing conversation (think telephone party line, but without the creepy, scuzzy connotation). Should you be on twitter? Depends what you hope to gain…
I loved FB from the moment I started. I like that your profile page is your landing point to post photos and let friends know what’s going on in your life. By contrast, I’ve found Twitter most useful when I’m at a public event/location or watching something major on tv (e.i. Royal Wedding, news-worthy item, current episode of American Idol) and I want to know what others think about it, right now, as it’s happening…
In general, I’ve found that with Twitter I don’t use my “profile” as the primary point of interaction, like I would with FB; instead, I use the search feature. You can search any topic under the sun that you would want to have a conversation about. Most often I can just throw in my 2 cents with a tweet, but sometimes I’ll also respond to something someone else has said.
Did that make sense? If not, just email me, and I’ll try to say it better!

andrea - just a comment on the exercising: yes, you probably are supposed to do 30 in 30 days but… does she have 5 kids? does she clean the house? wash the clothes? fix their dinner? drive them here, there and everywhere? I look at it as you did MORE THAN one every other day (17 in 30)! THAT IS AWESOME!
Also, understand the sports bra thing, that is why I will never, ever be a runner!

Whitney S - I have Twitter, but to be honest I am not sure what the point of it is. Maybe I just am not funny enough πŸ™‚
It doesn’t matter if you’re not “ripped” after 30 days- at least you’re doing it. I did Slim in 6 from Beach Body and noticed some results, but not the results they said I would. I guess it depends on what your definition of “ripped” is πŸ™‚
AND I love Both Parenthoods too! When he loses his retainer it makes me think back to searching for mine in the McDonald’s trash again- Steve Martin is a lot funnier looking for it than my dad! πŸ™‚

Shaina Brown - I have to admit you inspired me to go out and by Jillian’s dvd, did a solid 10 days and pulled my “hammi” so bad that I had to take 2 days off. darn squats! I will be back at it tomorrow, but I think I will be mixing in some yoga as well. thinking my body needs a little extra stretching and not so much squatting! not sure if your cable provider has on demand, but on the exercise channel you can do all of her workouts for free!!!

Corinne - Im sure you’re kicking some major bootie in your jillian workout!
I had to weigh in on the twitter…umm, maybe not…bc if you tweeted I would have to join to see your awesome tweets…and well, I don’t really want to understand the whole twitter craze…so its for selfish reason! πŸ˜‰
either way…love love your blog…thank you for letting into your fun life and your creative ideas!
Enjoy your weekend!

Staci - I’m cracking up…”it’s been 30 days…and I am not ripped!” I love it πŸ˜‰ We need to stream Parenthood…haven’t seen it in a lonnnng time πŸ˜‰ Happpy Weekending Duerksen FamilY!!!

Holly - Laughing at your Jillian video because I have been ignoring her lately. I need to talk with her though because my junk food habit is kicking my booty!

Stefanie @ eatsleepandrun.blogspot.com - Stick with the workout! I did it for 2 months before I hit a “giving up” day. And I never hit that day because I got toned (I’m not ripped) and lost 32 pounds! Stop drinking soda (if you do drink it) its not doing any favors for ya πŸ™‚
I eat healthy, but I don’t “diet” – you’ll see results. Hang in there. I also do her yoga workout which I love, even though I hate yoga and I do her No More Trouble Zones DVD too – its 50 minutes long and gets rid of all those areas that you get after pregnancy. You know, those areas we pretend to be proud of but we really hate πŸ™‚
Twitter is AWESOME! You’re not on there? I knew someone was missing. I love it. Its way better than Facebook. A great way to stay up with news and current events with out all the photos and jabber and back and forth. I love it. You will too. Its the opposite of Facebook because its takes seconds to get through, where FB can take hours of your day.

Alicia @ La Famille - i was doing jullian’s 30 day shred…maybe i should try yours…looks like it’s going well πŸ™‚ definately do another video…very cool! and i don’t have a clue what twitter is/does. seems like another time zapper πŸ™‚ ha!!

Carrie - Awesome fund raising…just amazing what you have accomplished so far! Keep it upβ™₯
You should be proud of your hard work with Jillian…she is not an easy trainer to please!

betsy - Have to give my 2 cents on Twitter … I’m on it & share more there than I do on my (writing) blog or FB these days. Even if you don’t share a lot on Twitter, it’s a nice way to find people that have the same interests as you do: crafts, photography, kids, sewing, charity, etc. and then share ideas and support.
I’d definitely follow you … but if you feel like you’re overwhelmed with what is already on your plate, then it might not be for you.
I DO have to tell you that I’m L-O-V-I-N-G that you’ve had a new post every day for quite some time. I come from work each night and check all of my Top Sites on my MBP that are updated … in order from sort-of care about, to like to read, to LOVE to read as the last ones I check. I always check your blog updates right before I check updates about my niece on my sister’s blog.
Keep it up!
P.S. Thank goodness Spring has finally decided to show up in Kansas πŸ™‚

Carol S - Oh, Parenthood is SUCH a classic! Loved it then, haven’t seen it in awhile. Liked your video yesterday, too, super fun, did I tell you that? You are so real and your kids are cool and totally normal. That’s nice. Thanks for blogging so much, it’s fun to read new stuff daily. I have Jillian…have tried her two months with mixed success, never more than 15 days. It’s the darn weekends that kill me…Mon-Fri keep me on the wagon. Just keep going!!

Necole - Twitter is fun. It is just another way to express yourself. I wish I knew what it was like to need a sports bra. Nothing has ever gotten in my way but my bug butt. Parenthood is such a great movie.

Jessica Johnson - i give you a big, huge green light on twitter. it’s weird at first but fun, too. but still weird. oh jillian. i wanted to rip her eyes out in 30 seconds. i LOVE that you drew on her. especially a pirate hat.

Routhie - Don’t waste your time. I was on twitter ages ago and it was only fun when a few friends were on, which was usually a holiday. Otherwise, it’s lost on anyone who actually has things to get done during the day. Prolly why so many celebs are on. I had friends who would think it funny to tweet about 60 times in a row. That got old and it took longer to see what other friends were tweeting. FB is distracting enough.

Jenniferjkeating - I was going to send you a note and let you know that one of your followers was the big winner in Sergy’s fundraiser. I feel very lucky but Terrie is right on….Sergy is the luckier one! He is going to be surrounded by so much love! We have two kids that are adopted and two that are biological and it’s all the same love. My husband was also adopted when he was three so adoption is very close to my heart. I am so happy that they are closer to bringing him home. I can’t wait to see pictures of him in his new home surrounded by his brother and sisters and his Mom and Dad. πŸ™‚

Terrie - 1. Love that I’m excited about the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie from your drawing on Jillian.
2. Loved the ‘normalness’ of the video…Mad Mommy…LOL!!
3. Lucky Jennifer…but even LUCKIER Sergey!!
4. I don’t get Twitter…but I love facebook! I can interact with many peeps I wouldn’t normally get to stay connected with.
5. Almost missed the gatorade giveaway
6. I’ll get right online and get my Summer mag order in! πŸ™‚
Enjoy your movie…I’m going to catch up on Grey’s & Private Practice while doing a pedi. I’ve spent the whole day watching the royal wedding. Now I’m going to catch up on some other dvr’d goodies while the men are out of the house! Have a great weekend!!

Jennifer W - My husband told me that twitter is like facebook without the games.
You made my heart skip a beat when you stated that someone named Jennifer won! It wasn’t me but, still happy I donated to bring that sweet baby home!
Happy weekend!

Michelle from Australia - I’m not a fan of Twitter. To me blogs are written with purpose. Twitter isn’t. Just my thought for what it is worth….

happygirl - You should do twitter. It will increase your traffic. just sayin’ I’m trying to increase traffic and all the cool blog experts say to do it. That’s all I have. And, I tweeted about Parenthood (the movie) yesterday as being TRUTH. Great minds, eh?

Mindy Harris - meg–i too would spend the $100 on 1.5 sports bras.
i am on twitter but don’t spend alot of time on it. it’s just another way for me to network as i grow my blog. and you can be a bit more confident (ballsy–sorry to use that word) on there because you know you may never meet the people.
i follow brook burke on twitter and tweet to her. she never writes back but at least she knows a kansas girl finds her beautiful and inspiring (she’s a good mom and eats right).
happy wknd!

jeannett - ha! we watched parenthood on on demand a few nights ago. loved. it. loved. but i like the tv show better.
as for twitter, don’t do it. it’s a time suck. the end.

Kacey - Well, I’m really not one to be offering advice, given that I didn’t make it through the full 30 days myself, but I say go for it and don’t worry if it’s supposed to be 30 days in a row. You’ll feel accomplished and you’ll feel better physically. Me, I’m a wimp and I’m going to stick with my fat-burning Pilates, which I actually love. That reminds me…
Have a lovely weekend!
Kacey
P.S. I’m on the fence about Twitter. I can’t keep up and my life is too boring for regular updates about what I’m doing (same thing with Facebook) but I’m there anyway. I just tweet occasionally when there’s something worth tweeting about!

nicole @ deliajude - parenthood is the best ever…especially the roller coaster of it all.

Linda@Restyled Home - Don’t waste your time with Twitter. it is boring…truly. An outlet for way too much randomness, if you ask me.
Or maybe I jsut haven’t really figured it out. I don’t know. I jsut know that there are enough time suckers and it will infringe upon your being such a fun mum. Real life is so much more fun!
Love your Gillian Micheals doodles. Especially the angry belly button. It is probably saying, “feed me!” ;0)

Adrienne S - I am so with you on the sports bra! Why are they so expensive? Next up you should try P90X. Totally worth it.

alyssa - I stopped reading this post so I could say this. Her boobs hang out all the time. It drives me nuts. Maybe you should use your gift card to get her a bra!

Leah - I vote for no Twitter. Don’t get me wrong; I’m on Twitter and I use it. But honestly, it’s just one more thing to manage. You don’t need it. You have such a great group of loyal followers to your blog and we’re going to read you no matter what. So I really don’t think you need to add Twitter to your mix. But if you do, I’ll follow you.

julia - Didn’t want to be a downer but I have a 30 vid of Jillian’s and it totally bulked me up and I didn’t lose any weight. She actually says in her video that your muscles will get bigger and that your bigger leg muscles will make your ankles look smaller (IKIDYOUNOT).
I do posts titled “I don’t do Twitter, but if I did,this is what I would Tweet”

Diana - Love the drawing on Jillian, LOL! Very… original. Hehe. My son and daughter-in-law did the whole Biggest Loser thing, all the dvds and such (they lost 75 and 65 pounds!)… I asked DIL and she says it means ripped in 30 days.
I was on twitter for several months. For me, it became a fad whose time had passed. I prefer my facebook because I can do everything on it, even blog.

janene - I like twitter–not as universal as FB (which I quit eight weeks ago and don’t miss: )–can check out posts of people I follow…don’t have all the family/friends following and I can just keep up or check out what friends in the blogosphere are up to.

sue - Did you watch the Royal Wedding Meg.?

Sophie - I think you should get a Twitter and give it a go! You can just tweet things about your day and talk to all your readers and stuff. I make it sound boring, but it’s really not. I’d follow you!
Also, I’ve talked to some of my favourite celebrities on there (the best one being Tom Felton who plays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, who is pretty much my idol) so it’s a great opportunity to talk to your favourite stars.
Danielle should feel so blessed that you helped to raise so much for Sergey. I donated $80, and ended up winning Charlaanne’s pink flower pin which was unexpected. Totally not why I donated, obviously, but a nice surprise none the less.
The video was super cute and I can’t wait to see more! (:

amy - I think I need to go back and watch Parenthood now that I am in the thick of it, I forgot how funny that movie was πŸ™‚

georgia - I think Jillians dvd is for 30days, but 30 workouts would be the same im guessing as you only doi it once a day… ?
Im just getting round to the Twitter idea.. its like facebook but you can only write status’s and reply to other peoples, like celebritys, friends etc
Did you see the royal wedding on tv? made me feel totally patriotic was nice watching it on tv..

Janelle - I vote no for Twitter.
I ordered Jillian but now I have decided just to see how ripped you are in 30 to determine if I should do it or not πŸ™‚ Just my way of procrastinating once again!

april - um meg….Im pretty sure jillain is pissed you drew all over her, but I love it!!! Dont worry I wont forward this to her…hahahaha The video WAS awesome and I cant wait to see the next one! I thought it was so cute that julie won your hoodie….fate man…fate!
xoxo

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random monday morning

everyone asked about my photo collages.
that is so random.
i love it.

IMG_0537-11

i made them at picnik.com 
back on this post….talking about my favorite posts from 2010.
it's part of the collage section.
it's a premium feature though not in the free version.

i hung them on pom pom trim (joann's or walmart or hobby lobby has it) from little clothes pins in the craft dept.

i printed them as 12×12's at scrapbookpictures.com.

their website is a little bit….lame.

but their product is fabulous.
great prices.
great shipping.
i use them for everything i have printed in the past 5 years.
so don't give up when you first go to their site.

———————————————————————————————–

someone asked me about my awesome wreath….

IMG_0527-8

it's from danielle.
she is saving her pennies and getting crafty to go to blog sugar.
you should get one and help her out!
they are cute!
i canNOT wait to meet her!

———————————————————————————————-

i think that "wildflowers" by tom petty could be the best song in the history of all songs. 

———————————————————————————————–  

sometimes i have the thought: 
"if i have to go to the grocery store ONE MORE TIME i may lose my mind."

this month i have been thinking that all the time.

even if i was more organized……

i would still have to go.

i am tired of that chore….over and over and over. 

BUT….as i type those words….i can hear my spoiled little mind…..so lame….boo hoo you have to buy food.
i need to change my thinking.

make it a positive.

i GET to provide my family with healthy food.
i GET to go to a giant store with more food than i could eat my entire lifetime.
i need to quit whining.

———————————————————————————————-

IMG_0660-1
 
i got to see her.  :)
she looked very grown up and pretty.

thanks for sharing all your prom stories…it was a nice distraction! 

——————————————————————————————— 

i have lots to do today….if i can stay motivated.
leaves are coming out of the flower beds finally.
phone calls and errands.
and the groceries.
AND JILLIAN….week 3 starts today….i am kind of afraid of what it involves….sore muscles for sure.

what does your monday have going on?
 

 update:   SQUAT JACKS in week 3  
               pushup/headstands
               and jumping on one foot….who knew that this would be difficult?
               annie just showed me that jumping on one foot was going to be her talent for  the church 
               talent show next week.
               and apparently it IS a talent because i can't do it more than three times.
               what have i done to this body?!
               why didn't i appreciate it when it looked like it did for prom 1991????? 


Hayley - I keep referring back to this post and now I am FINALLY ordering collages…what resolution do you save the collage in to have clear 12×12 print outs?

Annie - Oh Meg—I can so relate to the grocery comment. Seriously—we are so blessed here in the United States–I have 2 full grocery stores less than a mile from me where i can get ANYTHING I WANT. Oh MY GOSH….I have NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT! I have been following your blog for awhile and I think this is the first time I’ve commented. I so enjoy your candor, freshness, spunkiness, and you are just plain fun. I pray God’s blessings on you and your lovely family. Signed–a now “uninvisible blog follower!

the whyte house - thanks for the tip on the photos. i’ve been trying to put some together for my son’s birthday party. i already have premium picnik and that site will help out a lot.
lauren–don’t you know that wearing trench coats over prom dresses is all the rage now?? seriously. it was in on E! last night. πŸ™‚ lol.
she looked soooo pretty!

Michele - OMGorgeous! That’s it. Gorgeous.

jeannie - Lauren is absolutely gorgeous. It’s nice to see and read about her on your blog pages. She is stunning! Hope she had fun:)

Sheridan Eketone - Wow.. Lauren is STUNNING! Ok… ABSOLUTELY HATE FOOD Shopping! Something I dread on a regular basis! On the upside… this weekend (in New Zealand) I’m heading to SHOUT conference to see Israel Houghton & New Breed! How could life be bad?? Hope you have a lovely EASTER!!! Thanks for your posts, you are one FABULOUS lady! Sheridan x

Tammy - Lauren looks beautiful, love her dress & hair!
Also love your photo collages & your random posts! Hope you had a great day!

Lia - hii so overall do you like 30 day shred? is it really effective? im trying to decide if i should order it. i have started gaining weight since being married and HATE running and dont really have the money for gym membership – plus i dont think id ever go. would you recommend jillian?

tiffany - the collage was good. the wreath sweet. but your daughter in her prom dress was truly priceless.

Jenna - I’m starting Ripped in 30 today and I’m scared πŸ™ Lauren looks beautiful … I love her purple and her hair!

jennibell - Megan, thought of this when you posted the bit about being grateful for being able to grocery shop. . .just an attitude adjustment. . .this is a really good clip that I think you’d like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&feature=share

georgia - I wish I had the motivation to do more workouts!!
I need to lose 2 stone in 5 months to fit in my wedding dress, feeling slightly depressed as only lost 7lbs in the past 4 months!!!!!!!! Arghhhh

jennibell - Today. . .played tennis, took the kids out for donuts, hit the library, and an impromptu lunch at Sam’s Club with my husband πŸ™‚ Now. . .schoolwork (for the kids — I finished up my Master’s theses yesterday – ya!), make dinner, get one to soccer practice and fit in Jillian somewhere. I’ll start week 2 today.
Thanks for the info on the college pictures. One of my 2011 goals is to take a “picture of the day”. . .this might be a good way to document them πŸ™‚
For grocery shopping. . .something that has helped me. . .I keep a constant list going on a pad in my kitchen. I have “trained” everyone to write down when they open the last box of cereal, get the last gallon of milk out, etc. and that makes it so much easier for me not to overlook something and have to make a quick trip back. Of course weekly menus cut down on the grocery shopping trips too but I haven’t mastered those yet. Wish I could since our closest grocery is 13 miles away. Hope you get all your stuff done today!

Rach - Oh don’t get me started on my list for today or for the next 2 weeks. I am due to give birth next Friday (c-section), we just moved into our new house last weekend (it’s not a fixer, but it’s not perfect either… lots of projects in the works), we are still 1/2 in boxes and in the process of finishing the 2nd bath, I am the size of a whale at 38 weeks pregnant and trying to run around after a 2 year old and a puppy is exhausting, and I have a laundry list of stuff to get done before my parents get here to help tomorrow night. Phew. At least today I dropped off my laundry to have someone else do it for me (yay for fluff and fold) since our washer and drier are buried by boxes and not hooked up yet. Busy busy busy.
On a lighter side, I am so glad you got to see your daughter before prom. She looks gorgeous! Oh how dresses have changed since the 80’s. πŸ™‚

Nichole - I thought I’d get stuff done this Monday, then it became so windy that everyone is having issues keeping their cars going straight on the road. *sigh* So now that works over, I’m staying in. And probably doing counted cross stitch.
I’m not really sure I could jump up and down on one foot either. Maybe I’ll try later.

Leah - Lauren looks SO pretty! Glad she let you take her photo and share it with us. I LOVE Picnik and that collage feature is my favorite. I hadn’t though of printing them out and hanging them though. I’ve been doing Project 365 (photo a day) on my blog and making a collage at the end of each month. I think I’ll print those out and display them. Thanks for the inspiration.

julia - daannngg! what a babe!

elizabeth pilling - so glad you got to see her off. she’s beautiful. i spent my prom in the er getting 17 stitches in my forehead after i knocked myself out running into a pole that was hiding behind streamers. HA!

Heidi - She looked so pretty! I had to laugh- I have a dress in black that is almost identical to that one and my husband’s favorite suit is exactly like the one her date is wearing. πŸ™‚ Except they look much better than we do. πŸ˜‰

Shaina Brown - starting week one of jillian. all the while my 2.5 yr. old and my 3 yr. old niece tear apart the house. wish me luck!!!

karen - do you have a vegetable garden meg? that could help some trips mayyyybe!?
Best Garden salad:
cut tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, celery stick and leaf, (hot banana pepper if you like it hot), glorious olive oil and salt! the best salad ever!! and fresh crusty italian bread to soak up all the freshly grown juice goodness!!

Ali - I’m starting week 2 tomorrow,,is Ripped in 30 working for you?
I am following the diet too, mostly,, except for dinner,,I eat what I feed my family..just a few more veggies, and smaller portions of everything else,,,except yesterday,,I ate tortilla chips!
I have lost a little weight, and am getting stronger for sure…but I want major results:) Like, swimsuit worthy results!

Danielle Thompson - I too am glad you got to see Lauren! Evidently you saw some of my family too that backyard is my brother’s house. Hopefully their group had a fantastic time!
This Monday I’m working.

Janelle - So I have to admit I was a little sad when my Get Ripped With Jillian finally arrived from Amazon…I figured if I don’t have it, I can’t do it…right??? I ATTEMPTED the first week yesterday…and laid down on the floor about 1/2 way through. I can do it though…I think!
How do you just not cry looking at that pic of Lauren? I know it is happy…growing up…but just looking at her picture (and she’s not even mine!) just truly tugs on my heart strings!

Sara W - This morning I was just wondering if you got to see Lauren-so happy for you. She looks fabulous.
And yes, level three is oh my HARD! I follow the easy girl more times than not.

Lacy Brauner - Today Meg, I clean up after Hurricane payton and Hurricane Jacob..both born durin Hurricanes, Rita and Ike..Not a good combo..if you live in Houston, it has to be a bad omen to have babies during Hurricane season..Also, cleaning up after our baby lab/hearder mix who tears up the backyars. Also, I have to do mass amount of laundry and also, hit the dreaded grocery store. Its not the shopping i hate, its the money i spent and bringing hurricanes with me is never easy.. I wish i was more organized.. but..you make a good point.. waa i have so many clothes( i hate) i have to wash them, (in my house) i have to feed my family waaa waaa i need to be more positve as well.. thanks meg for always being so positvly REAL. as a feshly new single mom, most days are hard, but i look at my hurricanes faces, and it is all worth it..and there are people out there who have it soo much harder then me, i need to stop feeling sorry for myself:]

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - I’ve tried and tried to go to scrapbook.com and order pictures… I’ve given up over and over… one day…
You’re daughter is BEAUTIFUL! My baby girl is going to her Jr. Prom on the 30th. sigh…

Katy - Ooookay.. πŸ™‚ Can I just say, Lauren looks GORGEOUS! Thank you for sharing that print site! I have Picnik premium so I am going to whip up some collages and have them printed out. Gotta hit up Wal Mart for some pom pom trim, too. πŸ˜‰
I wonder, do you have Pinterest? I would love to see your pin boards, if so! If not.. Let me send you an invite! πŸ˜€

BriBedell - The grocery store is the devil. Love the pictures, I really wish I had a nice camera. Not that I would have any clue how to use it but I’m just saying it would be nice!!! Lauren looks so cute! My younger sister is her age, so although I don’t parent her I know how stressful they can be/act!!!

Nicole - I think Wildflowers could also be the best album ever! Also, I’m loving those collages & the way you hung them up!

Melissa - Today is day one of spring break for my kiddos. I’m being a bum. We might do a craft. Other than that, it’ll be a lazy day!

Necole - Monday is usually my detox day from working all weekend. I am a nurse, an sometimes the work can take a toll on you like any job. Unfortunately, I have a to do list that consist of driving in traffic. I hate traffic.

AshleyAnn - Lauren looks amazing! She picked the perfect color – just gorgeous on her. I am so glad you got to see her.
Sometimes it is hard not to whine πŸ˜‰

Alicia @ La Famille - monday: change sheets, make a TON of phone calls, a few errands, and finish a few things for a new “line” of fun things for my shop. oh, and school my children πŸ™‚

Katie - I am so glad you got to see her!
Today is cleaning up from celebrating my birthday (a bit early since it is on Good Friday) with both sides of the family! And probably eating really healthy and going to the gym because of all the delicious food. Can’t complain about that I guess!

Wendy - I’m doing taxes today … can u say procrastination?!
U are blessed … Lauren is beautiful!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - LOVE Lauren’s hair the most but everything about her looked beautiful!
My Monday? Sewing, sewing, sewing. Then violin lessons for the 7 year old(skipping little ones gymnastics class to take big one to her lesson. UGH)
Every time I hear the words Blog Sugar I get all happy inside:) I cannot WAIT!
xo,
Sarah

susan ponder - The Petty song has long been a fave! I’m happy you were able to see your daughter off to prom.

Lisa Currie-Gurney - SO GLAD YOU GOT TO SEE HER!!! SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL “GIRL”, MEG.
THEY DO GROW UP WAY TO FAST!!!
DON’T FORGET TO HAVE A BIT OF TIME FOR YOURSELF TODAY… AND I DON’T MEAN JILLIAN. THAT DOESN’T COUNT. ITS GOOD BUT TAKE MEG TIME. EVEN IF ITS JUST A QUIET MOMENT TO SIT AND BE WITH, Him.
HUGS FROM MY HEART

danielle - bahahha. that’s my evil laugh.
i cannot wait to embrace you…does that creep you out?
a little?
just a little?
i wish i was doing jillian michaels…sort of… i wish i was getting the results and not doing it actually.
lauren is stunning!!

Lauren - I feel the same way about the grocery store, I’m sick of shopping and it is so expensive.
But then I thank God that I have the money to feed my family, to nourish them and watch them grow. I thank God that I haven’t ever had to put them to bed hungry as millions of mothers around the world have to do. So yes, we have to keep it in perspective πŸ™‚

Jen - OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!! I only got through about 10 minutes of Week 3 today. OY. I’m trying not to get discouraged and go back to week 2 and telling myself that it doesn’t have to be perfect this time around. What are you doing to stay on it??

happygirl - Lauren looks GREAT. LOVE the wreath. HATE grocery shopping. My Monday includes going to work and coming home and making food for everyone and going to bed. I guess you can see why I don’t have pictures on my blog.

Sophie - Wow, Lauren looked gorgeous! What a knock out!
My Monday is very relaxed as I’m on Spring Break right now. My friend’s 18th birthday is tonight though, so I’m going to her party.
Have a happy day! (:

flowerpowermomma - Lauren looks lovely and her date sharp too. I hope they had lots of fun. Most importantly, I’m glad you got to see her AND take a picture. woohoo!!
hmm, today I should get laundry done, some main dishes made ahead and in the freezer for ‘wedding week’, and I want to try out my new electric (yeah) hedge trimmers.
Then finish off the day with a small family birthday party for my adorably cute great nephew who just turned 2.

Alissa - Your daughter looks gorgeous! My son had prom this weekend also…..so hard to see them so grown up!
I am working today and then starting an extreme fitness class tonight….I am very nervous, I’ve been assured I will be unable to move for a few days. Will be drinking lots of water throughout the day to get ready! Enjoy your Monday:)))

Sarah - Love your random colorful posts! Lauren looks amazing! Love the collages….I’ve got to do some!

Georgia - Love the Collages!!! going to do that myself i think!
Lauren looks stunning!! – lovely dress!

Kat - Lauren is an absolute stunner! Glad you got to see her and take a pic.
Love the photo collages, very inspiring. IF I had room to put one up in our tiny house with six people in it!
As for groceries we try to only go once a fortnight. Yes you read that right and then top up weekly for fruit and veg, bread and milk.
My Monday included water aerobics, a hot choc with my two youngest, errands and a quiet afternoon at home procrastinating and feeling rather blah on a dreary, grey autumn day here in Aus.
Kids are now heading to bed, so I am going to do lunch boxes.
Hope yours was productive!
Better go listen to the Tom Petty song now.

Michelle from Australia - Dear Meg. I’m reading and reading and thinking ‘oh how sad we won’t get to see how Lauren looked’ and WOW, there was the picture as I scrolled down. WOW. She looks fabulous. Just like her Mum.
And in my Monday here in Australia was paddling around in the pouring rain trying to get things done before we scoop up our little family and some friends and fly to Fiji for a week over Easter. Only 3-1/2 hours flying time from here. An easy flight for us πŸ™‚ Not like the 14 hours to Los Angeles or 9 hours to Honolulu.
Thank you for your writings. I love them. I love the colour of your life. I love the inspiration. Thank you again.

Hannah - This is a lovely post – your daughter looks stunning! Thanks for sharing about where you got your mosaic prints done – I’d spotted them & wondered about them, so I’m glad others asked the question rather than just wondering! I hadn’t heard this Tom Petty song before – I love it now though. As soon as it finished I had to click replay I liked it that much : )

Gemma @ Musings Of A Gem - Hi Meg!
I have to admit I love the collage pictures too…great way to show lots of memories!
Today I am going to try and create some new designs for cushions…great stuff.
Gemma x

shelley - Your daughter looks amazing !! wowzie !! I would lock her up in her room NOW ! I loved your pompom trim so much and i didnt even get a pillow..boo hoo..so i went out and bought some to hang Jude’s art from in his room !! He loves it. Calls it his “lotsa balls hanger” (hee hee). I detest the grocery store! I think food is the biggest waste of money (although I love it!!)…i mean come on…we buy it..hall it into the house..put it away…have to cook it..then we…well you know what happens to it after it is eaten…money pooped out !! sorry i had to say that. I love the wreath..wish it went with my home decor. I wish i could change all my home decor, but we are broke so i just deal with it. Its not bad….just old.
Happy Monday to you !

Alicia - My Monday has one thing going on – finishing an assignment about teaching the Creative Arts to primary (elementary) school children. We have to write up a unit for each of the art forms- Music, Dance, Drama & Visual Arts. I’m basing my units on the book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”.
I think you would like it πŸ™‚
I would normally too, but I’ve been working on it alllll weekend, and now I’m up to the part where we have to write a mini-essay justifying the implementation of the creative arts in the classroom. Interesting, yes… but ugh. Theory. Give me the hands-on, instruments being played, paint on your hands, clay under your fingernails, anyday!

Brook - Your daughter looks so pretty! I hate the grocery store too. Do you have an iphone or itouch? I have this amazing app called mealboard and it’s been LIFE CHANGING!! Lame that an app about menus can change my life but it has. You just enter your favorite recipes and it saves them forever and then when you are at the store you can just click a few of the meals and it makes you a little grocery list with the ingredients you need. I still hate the store but the thing I hated more then the store was the deciding what to eat and listmaking. Now I can even click on a few things and email the list to my hubby and he can stop and grab the stuff. If only I could find an app that would just bring bread, diapers and milk to my door!

Valerie @ Chateau a La Mode - Your daughter looks amazing…love her dress. I almost didn’t get to see my son go to his prom last year….long story, but bottom line I totally relate so I’m glad you did get that picture. It’s so important to us mommies!

laurenjean - she looks beautiful !! I can not wait for Blog Sugar !! And I hear you on the hatred of grocery shopping. i HATE IT !!!

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