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a few answers.

well…i got up today with a plan in my head.
i would go running, take a nice hot relaxing bath at the craft house
and then make Vlog answering some of your questions.
i did go for my run but then the school called and said Scott was throwing up.
so…i am stuck at home still in my stinky running clothes and i will be writing and not vlogging today. 

you guys ask great questions. 

let's see….

1. Did you ever convert the attic in the craft house?  

nope.
we just never had the energy and the money at the same time.  :)
who knows what will happen though….we may still do it.
i have dreams for it.  Maybe a store? Maybe more work space? Maybe more bunk space? Maybe a little apartment? My running buddies suggested making it a full gym so we could workout together all year long. 
and i am LOVING that idea.

2. Are you on Pinterest?

ummm….i am.  
but it's the only place online that i am private….i have a fake name.
i just like having all the ideas i like in one place but not sharing what i love with everyone.
that may seem weird but… it's what i am doing and i like it that way.  

3. which is your favorite camera and lens?

i have a canon 50D and the 24-70 f/2.8 Canon lens.
and that is all.
i own one lens.  :)
it works for my needs…i dream of the 70 – 200 and the 35mm….and a 5D camera body.
but for now and the past two years….just that.
nothing else.
so that is what is in my camera bag.
and by camera bag i mean my purse.  HA!

4.  How do you edit your photos?

i upload my photos into LightRoom and i use their settings to edit.
i usually bump up the exposure…the vibrance….the fill light….sharpen and that's it.

5.  what settings do you use on your camera?

i almost always shoot in AV mode.  i shoot at an ISO of 200 and at 2.8 or 3.5.  does that help?
someome asked about my settings for indoor shots in the evening…well i just try not to shoot indoors in the evening.  because i think those pictures are always bad.  So i have no settings to share for that.
 
i love wendy&tyler from blue lily and they have helped me immensely with understanding my camera. they have workshops where YOU can learn about your camera too. you should go.
and Ashley from Under the Sycamore has an AWESOME online class that you can learn about photography…her next course is coming up soon.  

i have never felt great at explaining cameras or putting it into words but both of those blogs do it well!

6. Will you come to Washington?  

yes.  :)
i would love to do that sometime…. 

also i was worried it was going to be raining for my run this morning and your quote went through my head Leann "once you're wet, you're wet" and had decided i was going anyway.  thankfully… it stopped before i ran.

7. where are the glasses from in the post with the happy things to look at?  And the afgans?

i found that pic of the glasses on pinterest….and it linked to martha stewart…who else? but the link was not for the pic…but i think it probably came from her site.

and the afgans linked to flikr….just plain old flikr.

that is the downside of pinterest…messed up links and not getting a real source.

8.  does having a GOOD dlsr camera make that much difference?

well… 
i think i wouldn't want to go without my dslr.  But getting a dlsr won't make you take good pictures.  there is a lot more that goes into getting good photos than the camera.  instagram is great example of that.  it's figuring out the lighting, composition and your angle.  and that is where having a nice dslr camera comes in…and makes the shot clear and crisp.  where a point and shoot may have a grainier shot? possibly.
if you just want snapshots to keep your memories then a point and shoot is fine.
if you have an interest in photography…any desire to learn more….i think you need a dslr.  

9. Can i get a top ten book list of your favorite books?

this is a funny question mommyjulia.
because i don't know that i have read ten books in the last ten years!
but i will share again what i have read the past few months…

i read 7 and then Interrupted….loved.
Now i am reading "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years"  and this book is making me think in ways i never have!!! it's challenging me.  it's making me do hard things.  it's so good.

i love the book Crazy Love.
i loved Calm My Anxious Heart….good for a mom.
Long Way Gone was a book to prepare for africa and it was so good.

i don't read very much….i get so distracted and i don't make time for it.

i definitely don't read fiction.
IF i am reading a book it's going to be about something that i want to learn about…change in myself…get a new direction.
and thankfully i got glasses so at least i don't fall asleep as soon as i start reading.

10. can i have your pattern for the apron? can you tell me how make all the stuff you make at craft weekend?  can you do tutorials on all those things that the craft weekenders paid for?  (i am paraphrasing here)

nope…sorry.  :)
that would not be fair to all those Craft Weekend girls at all.
but i will be selling these things in my shop someday.
and i can't wait for you girls to get your hands on them… everything takes time.
i have five kids and i am running a business so things take a long time to get done.
i wish i could snap my fingers and have my shop filled and everything done…but i just cant.

i am grateful you are patient.

11. tell us about Lauren….you never do…she is ignored….why don't you talk about her…WHY?!?
(again…paraphrasing)

lauren is 17…almost 18.  She requested quite a few years ago for me to not blog about her.
so i don't.
i love her.  she is crazy smart.  she works on the weekends.  she is an awesome volleyball player.  she wants to be a doctor. 

maybe someday i will be able to talk more about what it's been like raising our first teenager but for now she doesn't want me to talk about her here.  

and that is that.

12. Kirsten J asked all these at once:  do you make lists?  yes…very messy lists   Do you ever ask for help?  yes. a lot. YOU HAVE TO or you will drown.  Do you ever future trip?  i don't what that is…dreaming about the future? not much i guess.  Will Lauren go away to college?  yes she will.  we don't where yet but she will.  Did you ever have a penpal? YES! i used to write letters constantly.  when craig got home from one year of college he had TONS of letters from me.  i had two from him.  ha ha haaa.  also my sister got letters from me constantly. My grandpa and i wrote too.  i always signed my letters to him Love,  Megan the GREAT!! i would tell him my grades and about my boyfriends and my dance recitals and he would send me money for good grades and call me out on my bad ones.   my 101 year great aunt and i wrote for my entire marriage until she passed away this year. i love writing letters.  Do you ever just veg out in front of the tv? Reality tv? Or talk shows? NCIS? i do occasionally veg with tv… Parenthood of course, Office, Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy and Saturday Night Live.  NO reality tv.  i can't take it.  NO singing shows…or dancing shows…or dating shows. it makes me want to poke my eyes out.  i did like Amazing Race and Survivor…in the beginning…but not anymore. AND i miss Oprah…really really miss her show.  What blogs do you read regularly?  Julie,  Ashley, Kimberlee, Shauna, Jess, Megan, Leslie, amy, shannon, sarah, lisa and michelle just to name a few….i have over 50 more in my reader.  :)

———————————————————————————————————————–

i wish there were some pictures to go along with this post.
how about some george?

George
 
yes…i did just take 15 minutes and made a george collage in picmonkey.
don't judge.
just enjoy….it's easy….

 

there over 100 comments on that post so it will take me awhile to get through them all.

hope you made it through all those answers.

ok…i am going to make all the appointments i have been putting off forever since i am stuck at home.
you know what i mean…. dentist, eye doctor, exterminator, ob/gyn, sewing machine guy, specialist and anything else i can think of.
the part i hate more than making the appointment….GOING to the appointments! 

wish me luck.

 

Penny Smith - You handed me your camera and asked me if I “back focused” and I froze… then I read this-I too shoot in AV (and do the “focus and shift” (that made me think of “bend and snap” from legally blonde. Ha!)… though I also have the 50mm f1.8 (it’s $100) for those inside shots you speak of! πŸ™‚ I have a Tamron lenses when the reviews had little difference (yet hundreds of dollars less) so that is how I have more than one. (28-75 f2.8, 17-50 f2.8, and 70-300 (but that came with the camera-and isn’t a fixed f). I think I used the 50mm and dialed the AV for my first couple years of my rebel, and even a lot at first with my 50D a couple years back (Karen Russel influenced-but I am still in LOVE with this lens!!)
OK-I’m babbling… I was happy to hear you edit with lightroom… cuz I was thinking that Blue Lily only uses photoshop and would basically expect everyone should too (regarding the workshop), so I would be lost on it from the get go)… good to know…
πŸ™‚

amber reece - HAHAHAHA! Loved all your responses and the collage of George! FUN! Your blog always brightens my day! Thanks for posting about Jen Hatmaker too, just got finished reading both the interrupted and 7 books and LOVED them! God Bless You and your Sweet Family!!!! xoxoxo

Michael Kors Monogram - Via artikolo estas bone skribita Yeah,

Tere - To think, you answered some of my questions when I didn’t even ask any. And you are coming to Washington? This “Washington” is coming to see you soon!!

shauna - i really love adam too.
but, is my marriage stable?
i’ll have to think about that….

shauna - get out.
you bragger.

shauna - oh gosh! good call on the george collage. that is a real gift.

megan@contentedsparrow - my only comment…..
george.
i die.

Kim Barlow - I love you…thanks for sharing!

cassidynoga - I read “A Million Miles…” a while back. It sticks with you, for always. It was a wonderful book and I have hit many of my friends over the head with it so they would read it. They always do and then we gush about how great it was and how it relates to our lives. I’m a writer so it was twice as rewarding.
I just wanted to share that you won’t forget this book easily! (:

Jeannine - Haha love the George collage. You’re awesome!
Thanks for answering some of our questions! And I think it’s wonderful you’re respecting Lauren’s wishes about her privacy.
If you go to Washington State, I’ll drive down from Vancouver to buy you a cup of coffee and maybe go for a run πŸ™‚

Su@TheIntentionalHome - Oh I never thought of having a fake name on Pinterest. You are brillant!!! I so wanted Pinterest to create a way to have some boards private. . .you know for research I am doing, future blog posts, etc. But now I know how to do that. Oh, thanks for sharing that!!!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - Me too. . plus I am a faster reader than I am a video watcher πŸ™‚

Karen - For those asking about the flower glasses, they are old sour cream jars found fairly easily in antique stores (I have no idea where your picture is from πŸ™‚ ). I have lots of them. They are really fun! Well, except for the fact that you should really wash by hand and not by dishwasher to preserve the integrity of the flowers!

Amy - Hey Meg, regarding Question #7…the afgans…I totally knew those afgans the second I saw them! I have pinned them, swooned over them and even hooked up a couple of her patterns for my own collection. They are part of a beautiful handcrafted and well loved collection by Lucy of Attic24. She is a sweet bloggy friend from England. If you or any of your readers are “happy hookers” {as in CROCHETERS}! Check out her Attic24 blog! Just wanted to help give credit where credit is due.

Kori - So I had a fake name on Facebook in the beginning and then my friend made fun of me. I TOTALLY wanted a fake on on Pinterest because I also wanted to be private with the things I loved. I went ahead with my real name and it’s still weird to me when my friends start following me there. Not such a big deal with strangers, though. Go figure. Maybe I worry my friends will think me crazy for having as many pins as I do. πŸ˜‰
I LOVE GEORGE. In fact I’m watching “Out of Sight” right now. πŸ™‚ And I don’t think twice about you spending 15 minutes making a collage. In fact it doesn’t sound like very much time to peruse pics of him.
HA!

Leslie @topofthepage - I always think of you now when I watch Parenthood since last year you threw down for Team Adam. As you know, I’m on Team Crosby. Which is maybe why you have a stable marriage and mine, well, keeps me on my toes :). Somehow, I know that’s just where God wants us too…

Jenn - LOVE the fake name! I so am going to do this too! Thanks for the idea!!!

mommyjulia - You answered my question!!! Yay! Thanks, Meg! 6 books is better than 10, anyway πŸ˜‰ Loved your answer about Lauren- she seems like a pretty awesome young lady. Anywho, I need to go purchase some books and get reading. Thanks again for taking the time to answer me!

Tiffany - Oh Meg, you crack me up. Your “It makes me want to poke my eyes out” comment was so true! Nice little Q&A… It’s fun getting to know you better!

Andrea - Thank you for sharing!! And thanks for the eye candy. I have another question- do you think you will ever stop blogging? I love reading about your life. You’re so real and honest too. Love that. I would be sad if you did, because I am not attached to you and your family! Is that weird? Please dont ever stop!

Kelly - Go you with a fake name on pinterest!! LOVE IT! I like my privacy from time to time too. Is it funny that my pinterest “fake name” is totally tied to my blog and I don’t care about that but I didn’t want to put my real name? hmm . . . have a great one! Oh and do you ever go see what people have pinned from your blog? I’ll bet there is a lot. I know I myself have pinned stuff from your craft room (before it became the whole craft house) as inspiration as I continue to create my craft room and the whole reason I came to your blog right now is to look back at bathroom pics and pin as a bathroom remodel just *might* get to be in the works soon. Trying not to get my hopes up and remember to the upheaval that would come with it. Kelly

Amy - Thanks for the George…what a wonderful way to end Monday!!!

ginny - Thank you for typing it out, and not vlogging it. (even though you maybe seemed a tad annoyed with some of the questions lol). I don’t like to watch videos. I’m usually on the couch with laptop while hubby watches tv. He doesn’t want to listen to what I’m doing. So I would so much rather read that watch videos. πŸ™‚ JMO πŸ™‚

Lisa - Its funny to me that people would think Lauren is ignored or question you not sharing much about her here. Anyone who knows teens would understand that most of them want their privacy and space. From your blog you seem like a great mom. Not perfect but loving, purposeful and invested. πŸ™‚ btw this post was fun to read. And keep your pinterest secret. You deserve that!!

Anne - I love/hate that you’ve got a fake name on Pinterest. Completely respect your privacy, and think its quite clever to have a fake name, but its killing me to know you’ve pinned some amazing ideas that I don’t have access to. Ha! πŸ™‚

Jocelyn Pascall - I really loved this post. Great answers and also, the pictures of George made me laugh out loud.

April R - Me too πŸ™‚ Sassy, mysterious, and free
(And I think it’s funny people didn’t guess why you don’t blog about Lauren much)

Kimberlee Jost - Is this a good time for me to mention (again!) that I met George Clooney on my honeymoon? Just checking.
πŸ™‚
I love you more than I could ever love George.
For real.

Molly - I love reading your blog. You are a great example and inspiration for me. I really appreciate that you listened to Lauren and don’t blog about her. I need to remember that. Also, I totally get that you have a fake name on pinterest! sometimes you just want to keep those ideas to yourself!!!

Terri Christian - Can you get through one episode of Parenthood without crying…..cause I can’t! Terri

lc - Thank you for answering the question about Lauren. I think a lot of parents overshare on their blogs. Thank you for respecting your almost adult daughter. If Lauren wants her business on the internets, she can start her own blog!

Terrie - I will live in your apt. and clean before and after craft weekends…
of course, I may have to take full advantage of a craft house and craft until dawn each day!
So proud of you for respecting your daughter’s privacy.
Reading Crazy Love now…loving it!
I agree with you on the dslr…loving mine!
Dreaming of the 70-200 lens and the 5D…sigh
although…shooting in av confuses me.
Crazy, right?!
I’ve been shooting in manual ever since I took ashley’s course online
two weeks after I got my camera last year. She was fabulous!!
Totally recommend her online course if you are new to dslr cameras.
And you can never go wrong with a little george! Happy Monday!

SammaMichelle - Hey Meg!!! Loved the answers to the questions but I mostly wanted to tell you that the 15 minutes you spent making a George collage WAS NOT WASTED!! ;0) Love it and him and you!!!! Thanks for always reminding me to be happy!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i think you’re great. πŸ™‚

Lisa M. - Thank you for sharing, Meg!
Love your blog!

seriously sassy mama - My sister has a super big crush on George Clooney. Pinterest is my crack. I am on the computer more than the TV. I cannot stand reality TV. I like the store idea for yur attic. I need a big old house!

happygirl - I like looking at George, I don’t like hearing him talk. πŸ™‚ Thanks for doing a post like this. You remind me it’s the talent that cannot be bought. It has to be developed. Love it.

Angela A - Loved this post. And you should just put pictures of George on here everyday.

Alicia @ La Famille - lovely stuff! thanks for the share πŸ™‚

Heather S. - I totally wondered if Lauren wasn’t on b/c of a request made by her! I can see that. Totally. And George, while I’m not really a fan, really does just get better and better with age. πŸ™‚

Tiffany - cracking up. loved your answers. you really are human, nooooo? meg on pinterest: private, eh? – good.for.you! lauren wants to be private too – good for her! even stevie wonder could figure this one out. teenagers like their privacy, readers. duh. also hooray for her wanting to be a doctor, luv that – girl power!!! reality shows blow, real actors need jobs, not those clowns. ok that may have been harsh, but man some of those shows stink to high heaven. one day, craft weekend, i need/deserve/want it. i was wondering if maybe you would do a craft weekend “guest” giveaway?! just sayin, consider it, they would have to be a helper of course. i would recommend, say….myself? ha! πŸ™‚ Happy Monday!

danielle - Oh my word! I love that you have a fake pinterest name. I would love one, it would make me feel sassy and mysterious!

Kristin S - This post is yet further proof that you are my favorite blogger! I have about 200 in my reader and am cutting more each day. Yours will only leave when you stop blogging.
Thanks for sharing Meg!
And I love that you are honoring Lauren’s request.

Amy - if you come to Washington State I want to buy you dinner!! πŸ™‚ And go for run and I’ll show you the most beautiful mountains!!!

Kerry - Hey Meg, I’ve checked back onto your blog for most of the day – mainly because I was interested to see if you answered the question about Lauren, I’m so glad you did! My 12 year old daughter has also requested I blog ‘only if I really have to’ about her as her friends are so into Social Media and they click through to my blog posts from there – she gets a little embarrassed πŸ™‚ So I’m so glad I’m not alone!
Great blog list too by the way – I already read Kimberlee’s, Joy’s & Lisa’s on your recommendation – I just signed up to the rest too!
Happy Monday Meg xx

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wednesday.

i have not much to say today….but lots of happy things to see. 

Happy2
Happy1
Happy4
Happy3
Happy6
Happy5

it's my birthday week.
so i feel good…happy…ready for a BIG year.
it's going to be.

i am positive.

like everyone else….i am loving the new Mumford & Sons.
so so good.

hey….craig says i never answered the questions you asked last time.
is that true?
i know a lot of you asked me to do a tour of the craft house…but it's hard because we work so hard to get it ready for Craft Weekend and then we run out of time to take a ton of pics or video and then everyone comes for CW and the tour doesn't happen. 
but someday i will do it…i promise.
i will make it worth the wait.  :) 

SO…do you have other questions?  do you have stuff you wish i would blog about but don't?

what would you like to ask…what do you want to know….bring it on.

 

 

Jacci in Ohio - Oooh… style evolving over time. Like that idea! πŸ˜€ I think we all kind of go through stages… I noticed that your own style kind of blossomed a few years back when you started taking colorful pictures on purpose to fight winter blues. I’d love to hear your thoughts on your style developing.

Jacci in Ohio - ha ha – I *wondered* when I read that! πŸ˜€

amber reece - MEEE too! I need those glasses, where are they from??????

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1407964423 - How do we find you on Pinterest? I actually think you invented pinterest or should have. Your links and likes are a big reason as to why I follow your blog but not the only reason;) Did I miss the answer to that question? As for your teenager, my daughter is almost 17 and she would freak if I put her in my blog, lol! She freaks if I post pics of her on my FB. It’s a touchy subject and I totally respect that.
love to you and yours! Jen

Amy - Love the pretty pics– so colorful.
Kind of a personal question here: Through other blog posts, I felt led to believe that your first pregnancy was not 100% planned and occurred prior to marriage. Do you talk to your older kids about this topic? Are you a ‘lay it all out on the table’ or a ‘mums the word’ kinda gal when it comes to the risque topics of growing up. What do you teach your own kiddos about it? How do your religious belief tie in or conflict with this happening in your life? How did your own mom and sister react?

Ani G W - I think it would be fun to know some of your kiddos favorite things!

Tammy - Happy Birthday Meg! I love your blog! Someday I hope to be able to put myself on the CW list!
As for questions… everyone has asked such wonderful ones! Some of the ones I like, are the ones for tutorials for the wire words, aprons and the headbands, and the ones about how Lauren is doing.
However, the biggest question listed that I love is, are you planning on posting a tour of the new country home?

elma - Well when you have many kids the older ones get jobs and go to school so they are never home. I have six left at home but only have the three littles ones home with me everyday.

Chelsea - I’d love to hear more about your craft weekends, how you decide what to make, how much you charge, what things you supply, how many ladies attend, how do you get sponsors? all that fun stuff, it sounds like lots of fun (and lots of work)
Happy Birthday!

megan - I’m not surprised at all! I’m sure so many readers can connect with Meg because of what she shares about her kids and family life… Lauren’s definitely got the least blog time, if she doesn’t mind I’d love to hear just a little more about her just like Annie and Talby, especially since college is coming up (I think?)

megan - marion, ks

Siobhan - Im really suprised at all the Lauren questions. Tht is all.

lauren - Happy Birthday Meg. I am a daily visitor and appreciate you so much. Love your candid observations on life and parenting and faith. I have laughed out loud at your thoughts, been inspired by your ideas and prayed for you like a friend. Have a wonderful year and, trust me, from what I see (and I know it’s limited), your kids will grown into amazing adults…..not because you are a perfect parent but because you are an intentional parent. None of us can be perfect, and it’s not easy, but you are a hard worker and a woman of prayer and great faith. He has you (and your kids) covered.

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - I’ve said it before, but I love when you post vlogs. πŸ™‚
Also, I would loooove a ruffled apron tutorial!

Michelle - Hi Meg! Happy birthday. Are you regretting asking us to ask you questions yet? Because you’ve got a lot here!! Thank you for inspiring me to add more color to my life and to do more art with my kids. πŸ™‚ I’ll limit myself to one: what the heck is that delicious looking chocolate peanut butter looking concoction in those pretty, pretty pix?
Thanks!

Christina - Happy Birthday, Meg! We share a birthday week. πŸ™‚ Mine was yesterday. I love your happy pictures…they always make me smile. Always!

Shannon - Happy Birthday! Check out this etsy listing. Saw it and thought “I bet Meg with all the rainbow stuff would LOVE this”. Wishing you a beautiful year of happy days.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/104610906/sale-rainbow-spectrum-big-size-bubble

the whyte house - i just need the inside scoop…did the salvation army by the skating rink move or close permanently? i made a special trip today and it was no more! agh! πŸ™‚
completely not what you were expecting, huh?

Julie - Happy Birthday week!
I recognize so many of those beautiful colorful images from Pinterest! If you had a Pinterest account, it would be awesome!
I’d love to see more of your current home…decorated or not!

Peggy - I want to know two things:
First, do you have a game room in your dining room at the farmhouse?
Second, will you tell me where “the barn” is? Can’t afford to go to CW but I live in Nebraska and it really can not be unreasonable for me to drive there.
Thanks.

misty - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I would LOVE it if you would share a little more about photography. I love every picture you take :)editing.lens.camera bag…. all that fun stuff πŸ™‚

Meredith - Happy Birthday Meg!!! Hope you have a wonderful year. I have a couple of those daisy jars (they were for sour cream back in the day). I would love to get more. Love the images you posted. I really want those light grey polka dot chucks. Would love to see a tour of the craft house. Wish I had a craft house. Wish I could come to your craft house. Okay I am done, have a great day!!!!

Mindy W - Happy Birthday a million times over!! What an absolute blessing you are to me! You find the good. You search for the sunny-side up. Even when it’s not. You don’t cover up life. L-O-V-E that!!!!
Now, if you could pretty please, from the bottom of your birthday heart just link up all your Happy things to look at. Not during birthday week, of course. Party. Celebrate. Work on Monday. πŸ™‚

Zoryana - First of all, Happy Birthday week! I love your blog and have a couple questions. How do you motivate yourself to work out all the time? Also how do you motivate yourself to be so positive and cheerful? I would love a tour of both homes too! What does a typical day look like for you? Do you go to church every Sunday?

Lachalle - Cannot wait to CW in October . But heres a few questions.
Whats in your purse ?? with photos of course .
What do you carry in your camera bag . Gear? Extras?
~L~

Ali - What kind of hair products/make-up do you use? You always look so put together and beautiful!

Sara Torbett - Hi Meg! First, thanks for being you, being real, and such a place of honest inspiration for us gals on the web! I’m wondering how you got from here, to there so to speak with your dreams for Craft Weekend. Like, was it clear which steps to take from Point A to Pont B? God is confirming a few dreams to me over and over lately. I just keep trying to do the next right thing, but not rush His timing!

Heidi - Happy Birthday, Meg! Hope your day or week is as special as you! I love every part of you and your perfectly imperfect beautiful life!
Would love more details of CW weekends and craft tutorials. Of course, keep the George and family post coming.

Amy Petz - *5 posts a week…not a day…I’m not superwoman…

Kathie M. - Do you really have a house dedicated to just Craftweekends?? I would also love to see a tutorial on the headbands you guys make! I love them! πŸ˜€

Eva Scott - Happy birthday week! I’d love if you did an Apron tutorial AND a headband tutorial (the one you just did at CW). PLEASE!!!! Oh and please always do CW. I need my kids to be a *bit* older before I can possibly come. πŸ™‚

Elizabeth Malchoff - yes, more about lauren!!!

Marsha P. - I thought of one more. As the Holidays get closer and closer, could you give us stocking stuffer ideas? I have the hardest time coming up with something for my kids, mine are in the teen (boy) and tween (two girls) age groups.

Marsha P. - TV show favorites? Did you watch Downton Abbey? What are your goto beauty products? Do you have a favorite scent for your bath/shower? Are you into candles. Do you have any new favorite clothing stores? What is your favorite Sonic drink?
Does Waffle (love him!) enjoy the country life?
Enjoy your blog, seeing pics of your family, and all of the colorful stuff that you enjoy!

Katie - I would like to hear more about Lauren! And also more about your kid’s daily lives and your family life in general.

Michelle Whitlow - I have a questions – do you have some links to those photos??? Cause I see some yummy treats in there πŸ™‚ Pretty please??!!

Hollie - I’d like to see the bunting on the front of your house. Did you make it out of oilcloth so that it would be weather proof?

Vonda - My question is, up there, in those group of pictures, WHERE was that pile of afghans in the bright colors taken. If you tell me they are all yours, well I am just gonna cry. LOVE THOSE THINGS!!!!

andi k. - i’m wondering how you are in real life? how does that compare to how you are in your blog? just wondering.

Samantha - Just wondering when your oldest child is going to get blog time? She seems like a great kid. She seems to have been forgotten. Just wondering why we never see her on your blog?

roganne - happy birthday! it is my daughter’s 2nd birthday this week too, so september has a special place in my heart. have a great week πŸ™‚

Shara - Happy Birthday Week Meg!!! I feel like I bombarded you with questions during CW, so I don’t have any at the moment! Can’t wait to see all the ones you DO answer!!!

Kerrin - Happy Birthday! My question is this. How did your blog get so popular? I recently started a blog and I would love to reach a larger audience.
Thanks so much for all you do. It makes a difference in my life.

Janelle - Oh dear…thanks for asking…I have too many questions! My first and foremost (because I need some assistance with my four kiddos) is how do you manage all their activities, homework, fun family time, etc. It is SOOO much harder than when they were all little! I’d love to try some more of your recipes..hmmm…How did you become so strong with your faith? I’d love to be but unfortunately at this time am not πŸ™

Tinaehb3 - When I saw George Clooney I literally laughed out loud !! Happy birthday:)

Molly - Happy Birthday Meg!
I would like to know how you started taking pics and I am considering a DLSR camera and want to know what is the best type to start out with and what types of lens/ses do you recommend? You might have already coverd this but I missed it.
Also, how do you carve out time for yourself, in the midst of raising 5 kids? I have two and it’s hard sometimes to find time to myself.
Also, can you do a craft post of all the favorite crafts you and your kids have done? (Gearing up for the holiday breaks).
Hope you enjoy your bday week.

Gittygitt1196 - Happy Birthday week to you!
Just wanted to say I LOVE how colorful your posts always are!
I just started a blog…www.homespunstephanie.blogpspot.com and am still getting the hang of it.
Do you have any advice for a blogging newbie!!?
Steph

Molly - I like Linday’s questions……

Jeannine - Happy Birthday Week, Meg! You’re awesome β™₯
I was just wondering if you have any advice for new moms? I’m just getting into the whole being-a-mom thing… my daughter is 7 weeks old tomorrow πŸ™‚ and you seem like you’re a fantastic mom! Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated, haha.
Oh, and do you have any tips for taking pictures of your children as they grow? Are there any tricks you’ve picked up for taking baby pictures? Does having a good DSLR camera make a HUGE difference? I’m afraid I’ve fallen into the habit of taking 99% of my pictures of my daughter on my phone because that’s what I have most readily available.
Thanks Meg! Hope you have a wonderful birthday πŸ™‚

mommyjulia - i’d like to know more about Lauren! πŸ™‚ but, i get that she’s probably not super cool with that idea! but, does she have post high-school plans? any volleyball scholarships for her? she certainly seems pro in your pictures!
also, what advice would you give to a young mom in regards to the burden/privilege of raising my young ones to choose & follow after Christ? i’m sometimes completely burdened by the responsibility, yet sometimes count it a blessing to show them the way. what are your thoughts?
oh, & one more thing! can you give a top ten books list? i’ve been wanting to read some of the books you’ve been reading lately but i always forget to take note of the titles. could you hook me up with some literature?

Alice H - you should totally sell tutorials in your etsy shop!!!

Alice H - I like these questions too!!

Alice H - WHERE are those glasses from??? I think I need them.
Happpy birthday week! My oldest son will be 12 on the 4th. Growing up too fast. Ugh!
I’d like to know more about your kids, your parenting style and technique. How you discipline? What kind of chores your kids do? Things like that. Are you and Lauren close? I feel like my daughter and I aren’t as close as I’d like to be. Any tips?
I only have 3 kids. A 13 year old daughter Emilee, an almost 12 year old son Zackary, and a 2.5 year old named Colton.

Lisa M. - Wow. There’s alot of questions already posted here πŸ™‚ Good luck!
First, Happy Birthday week!! I hope you (or someone does) have some fun stuff planned!
I have one question…just a curiosity…Do you miss living in the Craft House (when it wasn’t entirely the Craft House:)?
You are my top blog and I wish I lived closer so I could go to Craft Weekend JUST to make one of those aprons!! I don’t sew, but you always say in your posts you can teach people how to sew. That would be awesome!!!!
Thanks for all you share!

Linda - needed this beautiful bit of cheer on my foggy fall day! Your blog always makes my day. Everything you blog about is amazing! I’d love to see the house you living in. Just to see how you’ve decorated it. I love your style!

Kirsten J - Ok. Reading all of these questions is giving me anxiety. How do you do it?
First. Happy birthday week, mine was last week and when I went to Starbucks the other day and used my happy birthday free drink postcard and the guy said “happy birthday” to me, it made my heart happy. My sister and my mom forgot my birthday -wah!
Second. George. *sigh* I have a picture saved on my computer my sister emailed me from when they were filming Ocean’s titled “proof that God exists” with Brad and George sitting by the pool. Tongue in cheek about the proof of God, but really? I replied to her “if that is proof, I should be sitting between them!”
And. Questions? Picturing us sitting at Starbucks yakking….hmmmm….do you make lists? Do you ever ask for help? Do you ever future trip? Will Lauren go away to college? Did you ever have a penpal? Do you ever just veg out in front of the tv? Reality tv? Or talk shows? NCIS? What blogs do you read regularly?

Laura - Happy Birthday, Meg! I was wondering what size the mat and frame for the Urban Outfitters Butterfly poster is.

Desiree - This is so Happy!! I always love visiting your blog because I know there will always be something colorful and amazing and smile-inspiring! Happy birthday-week!! πŸ˜€
-Desi @ Matilda Jane Clothing
http://matildajaneclothing.com

Juli - what is the source for the upper right hand picture in the “happy 1” segment? i want to pin it, it’s beautiful! also, i looked for you on pinterest as well???

stephanie - Happy Birthday! I would love to see more pictures of the house you are in now.

Dianne - That picture of George Clooney made me laugh! I think you’re the long lost sister I never had!

Heather - Happy Birthday! Thanks for the beautiful posts every week.

Lindsey - I love all the pictures in this post! Funny that you snuck George in there – tee hee! Happy Birthday! I hope the coming year is an amazing one for you! My questions are the same as many others: how do you do the fabric wrapped letters, are you on Pinterest? You blog is my go-to every. single. day.

Christina - Happy Birthday it is your one day that is meant just for you & only comes once a year. Do something very special & I hope it turns out great. Thank you for your blog & your time.

Jen - HAPPY HAPPY Birthday week! My hubby came home from work one evening with those gray polka dot Chucks for me only my accent color is RED instead of pink! I super LOVE them!

Rachel - How about a ” Day in the life of Megalicious?” :)Or any of your crafty make overs of this that and the other? Or a tour of the farm house? Some new recipes?
Basically we love you no matter what you blog about:)
PS. I hope the “Megalicious” thing isn’t too annoying!

Marla - I used to live in Newton and I love your blog! Now, I live just a little bit south in ICT.:) I am wondering why you and Beki from the Rusted Chain have never mentioned each other or worked together? You are both pretty high profile, nationally known bloggers who seem to live in the same vacinity, and yet, neither of you have ever mentioned the other. I just find it odd that you both love photography and farm life and all things vintage. I don’t know either of you, but it’s something that I’ve been curious about. Enquiring minds…:)

Christina - I would like a more of an about me post. From where you grew up, met your husband where you have lived? Do you plan on staying in Kansas? Did you work prior to having kids. Maybe some more advice on raising teens? I have a 14 & 17 year old. Also my son is thinking about going to Kansas State & I would love to know your favorite things about Kansas

sarah j - merry birthday week!

Krista - Happy Birthday week! Thanks for sneaking a little George eye candy in there for us in all of your colorful loveliness!

Kait - I’m going to echo the request for a tutorial on the fabric wrapped wire words/letters/whatever. I’m not terribly good at craft stuff but I want to give that a go.
I’m also curious about your relationship with Lauren and how she’s doing. I’m assuming she’s not on the blog much because you’re respecting her privacy so if this gets ignored, I totally understand.
And last but not least, how did the idea of Craft Weekend happen and evolve to this level?

Becky J - Meg I would love to hear more about your faith and how it impacts your family and your daily life πŸ™‚ I purchased Jen Hatmaker’s books 7 and Interrupted..WOW..have you finished them and how have you processed all that they are? I think she is spot on- which means I need to do some soul-searching and changing!! Have you read Francis Chan’s Crazy Love? Blessings…

Hollie - Happy Birthday! I would love a tutorial on the fabric wrapped letters. I’ve looked around and yours are the cutest by far! Also, how about a CW apron tutorial? or could you sell a tutorial in your Etsy shop? Would love to start making a few for Christmas πŸ™‚

sara m. - I’d like to know what denomination your family is. I know a lot of craft bloggers are Mormon, but you say a lot of things on your blog that lead me to think that you believe something closer to my own beliefs (I am not Mormon).
Just wondering :o)

Tiffany - Hey there, wishing you a very Happy Birthday – from the East Coast!

Hollie - Happy Birthday! Could you give us a tutorial on your fabric wrapped wire letters? I’ve looked online but none are as cute as yours. How about a CW Apron tutorial? or could you sell your pattern in your Etsy shop?
Thank you for your daily inspiration…you help in ways you don’t even know.

Alisa - I want to know what the country house looks like inside and how you manage both!

Molly - here is my question…..i too am a “cardi-girl”. I love me some cardigans. however i am not quite sure how to keep them clean. ya know how often should i wash them, hand wash vs. machine, line dry or dryer. what are your thoughts….any suggestions πŸ™‚

Kelly - Those polka-dot Converse have been on my wish list for so long! So cute!

Andrea - This is my “go to every day never fail” blog. You are so inspiring as a mom, as a child of God, as a crafter!
I encourage any recipes – I have made many you’ve shared in the past, including the cookies and Pam’s cheesecake (which should be illegal).
My question: are you still crafting for your Etsy shop? I could understand, with the CW business, if you’re not, but if you are I want to be ready to shop/spend when it opens!

Liesl - George Clooney is a very happy thing to look at–love how you had in amongst all the other beauty!
Happy Birthday!!

Katie N. - Happy Birthday Week!!! I love you blog – it always brightly colors my day! May you have a blessed week and year!

robin allen - George just makes my day…as does George STrait, Bon Jovi, Patrick Swayze, Love LOVE your style, color, talent, energy, honesty, Photos, the fact that you love Kansas…SO DO I!!!…my question…do you have a job appl… I want to work at craft weekend…tee hee…

happygirl - Happy Birthday. πŸ™‚

Jo - Hi, Meg. Happy birthday (week)! I would love to know more about your wardrobe. Maybe some outfit posts or where you like to shop. How young will you be this week? πŸ˜‰

Su@TheIntentionalHome - You are my all time favorite blog (really!!!). . .cause I love your use of color and your pictures. . .it is just pure inspiration. It is like flipping thru a magazine for me. I’d love to see more pictures of the details of your house. .either house. . .your pictures make me smile. Happy. I get excited when your blog posts are in my email box. I also like when you share some of your favorite bloggers, etsy shops, etc. And then I would like to know a typical week schedule for you. . .do you set aside a whole day to craft? Do you do clean on a certain day? Do you grocery shop on a certain day?. . .I guess how you handle crafting, your business/blog, managing the home and 5 kiddos, and taking time to nurture yourself emotionally, physically, mentally, etc. Happy Bday!

CathyC - Happy Happy Birthday Meg!!!!!

donna - thanks for including that picture of George – drool drool.

Su@TheIntentionalHome - I want to know that too. . I tried looking for you and could not find you.

Allyson - that was my question too! πŸ™‚
so cheery. so positive. the images and you!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - Oh I agree with that statement. . .parenting teenagers (I have a 15, 13, and 12 yr old) aer harder than when they were into everything toddlers. You are not alone.

W. - Happy birthday week!

Gemma - Did you ever convert the attic in the craft house? Also out of the two houses which do you prefer to live in?
Gemma x

Denise - I would like to know the name of the chicken fabric from Craft Weekend 3. Thanks for letting us see inside your life.

Amy Petz - Hi Meg! I am wondering how you keep yourself motivated. How do you fight the burnout? Also, how do you balance private/public? And finally how do you deal with haters/doubters.
I ask these questions because, I was posting an average of 5 posts a day on my blog for over a year and then I just couldn’t motivate myself to do it at all this September. Someone very close to me said they just don’t “get” why I would want to share so much of my life with strangers and I was stumped for an answer that satisfied him and that lead me to wondering if I was just being narcissistic, which lead to more over processing, which sucked the will right out of me. I hope to start back up again, but it’s hard to stay motivated when there are so many amazing, informative and beautiful blogs already out there.

Lindsay - brace yourself, i have too many questions…
yes i would like to know if we can follow you on pinterest?
and i would like to know more of what you were like when you were a mom to just one or two…were you a typical first time mom (stressed out by little things (like me)) or have you always been laid back?
did you always make time for crafts or have you eased into that?
have you always loved color and been bold with your fun choices or did it take you a long time/a lot of trial and error to figure out your style?
and of course everyone wants to know about the farm house πŸ™‚ both houses are amazing, what a sweet life!

sue - Hi Susan. i was wondering the same thing but if you times the number of people to the amount meg charges for craft weekend once a month I would think thats how she can afford both.

robin - i would love, love, LOVE for you (or Annie…or any of your kids) to sing that birthday song that is sung at one of your kids’ schools…. πŸ™‚ on your birthday the angels sang…or something like that…. πŸ™‚ please share…………. πŸ™‚ record it…post it…i wanna hear it, please πŸ™‚ pretty please…
i also would love to know more about your oldest daughter… i know she’s a teenager and probably doesn’t want to be “featured,” but i would love to know more about her… πŸ™‚ i feel like your other kiddos are featured a lot and you can tell a lot about their personality from your pics… πŸ™‚ Lauren, however, remains to be a lil mystery πŸ™‚

sue - Which is your favorite camera lens and why ?

Jessica - I would love to know about how your marriage has been through the years with kids and also what you do to keep it awesome, particularly in the baby/toddler years. Also, more about your relationship with Lauren. And the move/2 houses like everyone else.

midwestmom - How many are on “the list” that’s a great question. How do you handle your kids grades? Reward good grades? Punishment for bad grades? Today midterms came out and there was a D. (for my freshman) I got too mad and feel guilty now. I threatened taking everything under the sun away. While the D is bad, it’s not world ending. (other grades were As and Bs). I swear parenting 10 & 14 yr olds is harder than when they were babies and crazy toddlers!!!

Susan - I will go ahead and ask what everyone has been wondering…how do you afford 2 houses?

Janine - Happy Birthday! I love your blog πŸ™‚ We share the same birthday and I am not feeling so optimistic about it this year. I am having a tough time with this one. Definitely not feeling it. Please send some of that positive energy my way!

Susan - like many others, I was shocked at the move to the “country house”. I will just ask what everyone else wants to…..how do you afford to keep two houses? oh, and have you considered posting recipes for the meals served at craft weekend?
susan

beth - i need to know where the glasses with the flowers come from. i need them in my home.

Amanda - Happy, happy birthday week! Can you do a little tutorial of how you made those lovely fabric-covered wire words, pretty please? Thanks so much sharing your world with us, whether it be a sweet little chippy paint treasure from The Barn or a tough mothering moment. You are special!

Jessica @ This Blessed Life - I’d love to know that, too, please! Those would be a perfect Christmas gift for my best friend! πŸ™‚

maggie - i, like everyone before, love reading your blog. i love all the color that you infuse in your pictures. it has made me want to use more color in my home. i would love to know more about your move to the farm and your decision to make your amazing home into the Craft home….what was your reasoning??? just curious, i think it is awesome and brave…

Libby Smith - Hi, you are so inspiring! Thank you for all you share. You are a true gift. You once blogged about your manual settings on your camera for indoor, evening photos…can’t find it???? Also, just curious in general about what settings you use for much of your photography in various settings. Thank you and Happy Birthday!

Jen - I would love to know how you decided to move and keep the CW house just for CW?? That’s amazing to me! What a blessing to be able to have a whole house, a TOTALLY COOL house, to use just for CW!!!
I think my kids would revolt if we left such a big house and moved to something smaller. How did your kids react? Although the farm life seems to suit you all just beautifully! πŸ™‚

Andrea - Happy bday week! Judy love reading your blog!!
I’d love for you to share more about being a young mom and how you and mr. d made it through. Statistics show otherwise you seem like you have a strong healthy marriage!! I’m so intrigued with young moms as a teacher of high school kids, many of whom have gotten pregnant.

Gwen - WHERE?!?!? Did you find those flowered glasses at the top, under the photo of the red door? They are wonderful!
I am also very interested in what you to do edit your photos. What software do you use? What is your system for processing through so many photos?
Have a very Happy Birthday!

Chrissie grace - These pictures make me smile:)
Happy birthday friend!

Nicole Gjeldum - Have a great birthday! Mumford & Sons are just divine! Thanks for sharing the great pics of color and happiness!

Valerie @ Chateau Ala Mode - Happy birthday to one of my very favorite bloggers! I love your blog so much and it never disappoints. You rock the blog! I wish you a very happy birthday. Hope it’s happy. I love the smiling quote from Elf…such a funny movie. It always makes me laugh. I would love to have you blog about any decorating you can. Your new home, the craft house or whatever…HA that’s your blog. Sorry, now I’m getting slap happy. I better go now!

mollie's mom - Happy Birthday!!! It’s MY birthday week, too πŸ™‚ Enjoy your day and week!!! Marcie

colleen sullivan - I, for one, I am more interested in pics of the house you live in currently!
Also, i’m sure you’ve heard this before but your “spirit” is truly inspiring! and it feels very real and not faked.. so you are special! Happy Birthday!

KirstenP - Hey, Meg, you mentioned that you have to edit photos after a photo shoot. Could you tell us (or maybe show us in a video) what is involved in editing photos? Thank you.

Jennifer - I’d love to see some how you decorated your old house in Chicago… see how your style has evolved over time…
And, I’d love to know your beauty routine.

Lee Ann - Will you please come to Washington? It’s beautiful here and we can go for a run. Probably in the rain. But we runners have a chant we say before heading out in the rain, “once you’re wet you’re wet.” We repeat it over and over. And it’s true. So will you come? πŸ™‚ Michelle Allen will run with us. I know you love her. Cuz how could you not?

Chavala - Last Craft weekend there was a pic from your trip to the barn and it had an awesome rabbit head on a plaque. Could you tell me how much it was and if its still there. My sister would LOVE it!

jenny - How many are on the “list” for craft weekend???

elma - I would love seeing more pictures of your vintage goodness and your decorating!!!

jen - Meg-are you on Pinterest?????

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31Bits…i love them.

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one of my favorite companies out there is 31Bits.
they make beautiful jewelry that gives women in Uganda the ability to overcome poverty.
it's awesome.

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i love going through their website and reading about the women who design the jewelry.
all those smiles….sigh.
it's a beautiful thing.

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they launched their fall/winter line yesterday.
it's really cool stuff….lots of different and unique designs.
they are works of art.
the new line has cool new colors too!

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i am a bracelet kind of girl…i almost always wear three or four at a time.
so this new page or two of bracelets made me very happy.
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and guess what my dear sweet blog readers….

you can enter the code MEG20 and get 20% your order!!!

woo-hoo!!!
and i know that it works because i placed my order last night!  :) 

now click on over to 31Bits for some shopping and be sure to click through and read their blog too!

(it's not too early to shop for christmas… for reals)

 

Karen - Just shared this on Facebook and off to do a little shopping! Thanks Meg!

Dawn Eshnaur - Thank you for the code! It saved me shipping plus more! I love 31 Bits! Have ordered many of their designs. I Love Them!

trade plumbing supplies - I really admire those people that doing their best not only for self but also for helping other people specially when it comes to economic needs. We are aware that although there are abundant countries but still there are less fortunate people. These people needs our support. And giving them a source of income is a good idea.

ko. s - I just did a WHOLE LOTTA shopping!! Thanks lady πŸ™‚ All the girls in our families will be rocking some gorgeous bracelets this Christmas and I love that there is a wonderful story behind each piece πŸ™‚

Jocelyn Pascall - Wow – how cool is this??!?! I am going to have to check them out as I think these would make some great birthday gifts for my friends!

Sheri Flatt - Awesome, I am going to have to check this out. I work with a small non profit. We help in Uganda in a small village north of Kampala. Our core belief is sustainability. We try to put programs in place for hunger, medical, education, and clean water that will hopefully thrive on their own and our role will lessen till they don’t need us at all anymore. Please check us out http://www.project-restore.org
p.s. on a personal note. I have been to Uganda 4 times. I totally feel you when you talk about missing it there and wanting to go back and feeling part of your heart is there. I totally connected the first time I went and I can’t imagine my life without Africa in it.

Cheryl E. - Me, too! Just placed an order for a friend for her birthday! Thanks for the code!!!!!!!

Molly - Thank you I just placed an order, very nice jewelry.

Alexandra Marie - Just made my first purchases!
&&& It is about time I did so, a good friend of mine lives on the compound with these beautiful women.

Sharla - Thanks! I’ve been thinking about giving all the women something from here for XMAS this year – one stop shopping!

Stephanie - Reading about companies like this brings tears to my eyes. Reminds me to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.

Christy K - LOVE 31 Bits! I gave my Mom the necklace I bought when I was down for Craft Weekend and it is her favourite! I was thinking of picking up a few more to give out as Christmas gifts, I think this blog post (and coupon code!) is a sign that I should! Thank you! : )

Lindsay - i love all of it! do you know how long your code is good for? i want to order some things but can’t do it today.

tiffany gardner - YAY! So excited… I was just going to order something yesterday and thought I better wait! So thankful for this code!!

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paint fight awesomeness!

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a few weeks ago wendy & tyler of Blue Lily Photography came through kansas.

i had a paint fight with wendy and some friends at our GoPro reunion and wanted to try it with my family.
it was quite an experience.

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it was the opposite of everything we have told them before.
which made it hard to accept your brother throwing paint right in your face.
or your mom!
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but they caught on quickly.
and it got fun.
and super messy.

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why do boys always have to tackle?

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annie was overwhelmed.
she was probably about two years too young for this.
she had a really hard time with paint on her face, on her mouth and near her eyes.
it was a lot for a seven year old…she did great for what we put her through.

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fyi….it was non-toxic washable tempra paint from hobby lobby.

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tyler threw the last jar of paint on us all at the same time.

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she hit her limit.

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oh my goodness i sure do like that guy.

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i told wendy i have always wanted pictures in the sunflowers.
πŸ™‚

i got my wish.
even better covered in paint.
we went to pick up pizza afterwards and annie was suddenly happy again.
she ran into the restaurant and pointed to herself and said "oh yeah!!!! OH YEAH!"  
she is such a goofy little girl.
cracks me up ALL. DAY. LONG.
i chose to wait in the car for our pizza.

thank you Blue Lily for a super FUN way to do family pictures.
my kids will always remember it.

and i doubt we will ever do normal pictures again.
this was too fun.

have you gotten on the Blue Lily photo schedule?
they go all over the world.
seriously.
asia, coasta rica, new zealand, australia, holland, canada, london, NYC and all over the united states.
they even came through KANSAS!!!

yeah…it was only for an hour but still…they were here.

family pictures are a way to freeze time.
a special treasure of your kids staying that size in your mind forever.
because you never know what a gift those pictures will be….your family right now….just as we are.

what if it's the only ones you have?
that sounds a little dramatic but it's the truth.
capturing your family together is important.
even if it's in a field of weeds throwing paint on each other.
these are a gift.
thank you wendy & tyler so very much.
 

Danielle - After seeing your post about the paint fight at the retreat I had my friend take pics of my family doing it! It was so much fun! They are actually younger 4&6 but it went really well, maybe because they are boys? I also did clear ketchup bottles intead so we could squirt each other! It worked great! Thanks for sharing a great idea!

betsy - Best. Family. Pictures. Ever!
Why did I tear up seeing all of your happy faces? That’s weird, right? Right.
Love the sunflowers & sun flare & all the bright colors.
Oh, and just for the record … I’d totally be crying with Annie. I won’t even carve pumpkins because I don’t like to get messy πŸ™‚

Barbara (WA) - The coolest family portrait I’ve ever seen!!!

stacie bowers - you are an amazing and beautiful woman, meg!
i’m so glad i know you.
i hope our paths cross again someday.
these family pics are incredible!!
all seven of you will treasure them forever.
i totally agree with you in doing family pictures because life changes quickly.
much love, stacie

Courtney - I think this would be a DARLING Christmas card. We all need bright colors in the Winter πŸ™‚ This would brighten anyones day! How fun!

Katey Deasy - Yes why do boys always have to tackle. Even my husband still gets in on the action. I don’t think they EVER grow out of it. Great photos. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see your older daughter. Been missing seeing her. She is so pretty.

Michelle - Your blog makes me smile πŸ™‚

Lori - Oh my goodness, your eyes have always been so stunning. I remember Shane D. and I talking about them in the cafeteria in 2nd grade. (Weird that I have that memory but true!) And here they are still so stunning in a sunflower field. Beautiful photos! πŸ™‚

April R - thanks for sharing these πŸ™‚ how fun!
<3 the sunflowers and beautiful smiles and Annie's "oh Yeah!"

sarah j - I. LOVE. THIS.
your kids all look so tall and leggy!

Stacey - Love these pictures! Your family is so awesome! I especially love the pic of you & your husband…..looks like he’s looking at you saying, “I love you know matter what you look like!” this reminds me of my families experience at the color me rad run in Columbus, Ohio….so fun & great memories!

Jen Boyd - Entirely too cool!!!!

Valerie @ Chateau Ala Mode - I would so be just like Annie even though I’m just a little older than seven πŸ˜‰ What great memories and they are captured forever. Such a blessing.

Angela A - Wonderful pictures of everyone together. Maybe next time everyone of the kids are going crazy you need to drag them all outside with the paint again and let them work it out. I guess that could get ugly (keep Annie inside) but maybe it would work?

Kristin S - As challenging as this was (I’m sure) to meet all ages and personalities, you’ll be so glad to have this memory and these photos!
I love it when all 7 of you are together. I’m sure you do too as they all get older.

Sabrina L - Awesome!! I love these…one day maybe I’ll be able to convince my family to do something similar! We had our first ever family photos taken about a week ago by Blue Lily in Detroit…I CANNOT wait to see them!

tiffany gardner - YOU. GUYS. ROCK.

Amber D. McNabb - That was awesome! Too bad the paint was washable. Your hubby’s shirt turned out great. I would have wanted to keep it and wear it for the memories.

Verna Lantz - That is fantastic! What a special memory for all of your guys, not just the kids. It’s the moments like these that make our lives wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

rebekah - Your photos are wonderful! We had the pleasure of shooting with Wendy just a week and a half ago. Waiting on the pictures is so hard!

Martha - This just makes me smile

Laura - Nov 5 with Blue Lily-Can’t wait! Thanks Meg and your paint pictures are amazing!

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - Beautiful and colorful — a perfect way to capture you and your family!! Love!

donna - I LOVE it. those pictures are priceless. You have such a beautiful family. I was lucky enough to get Tyler and Wendy to photograph my daughter for her senior pictures while they were in Michigan. I was hoping for a family photo session, but 3 of my kids are away at college πŸ™ Anyhow, Wendy and Tyler are not only wonderful at what they do, they are wonderful people – we Loved them.

Jocelyn Pascall - Uhm…I love this SO. MUCH. You have a beautiful family and I love all of the colors. What a fun way to capture a moment in time.

christy - LOVE,love the photos! I was just thinking the other day that I have next to NO pictures of me & my son together, let alone one with my husband, son & I. I need to get over my body image issues & just.do.it. Thank you!

Shelley - The most beautiful family pictures ever, seriously looove them! Your smile is as lovely in person as it is in photos! I Sooo enjoyed craft weekend with you, Kimberly and all the others. Can’t wait to do it again!! xo Shelley C

Kate - i’m seeing them in nov and I can’t wait! You are so beautiful Meg. love your face.

Ashley F. - SO much fun!

Karen Gerstenberger - I love this idea…and I believe that Annie will love these photos in a few years.
What a great batch of photos you have there.
I finished my thrift-shop table – the first thing I have spray-painted, due to your inspiration. I put beach glass on the top, and would love it if you would hop on over and take a look. It’s on my new blog:
http://www.abundantlivingaftercatastrophe.wordpress.com
Thanks for inspiring me, Meg!
-Karen

Jenna@CallHerHappy - It reminds me of that Modern Family episode with the muddy family picture. It’s the messy moments we remember most πŸ™‚

Trysha - Fun!! I love your family. πŸ™‚ It’s so awesome to look at your kids and see which one looks like you or Craig.
We’re having family photos done this November. We’re definitely not a “sit Dad on the ground and everyone crowd around him” in our matchy-matchy outfits family. We’ve picked out our super hero shirts and have us a Big Bang Themed shoot ready to go. I really think picking the right photographer is a HUGE deal. It’s more than “that person takes pretty pictures”. Those are the photos that you look at everyday in your own home.

Helen Wall - Love this. And love your family. When did sean get so darned big?!

Helen Wall - Love this. And love your family. When did sean get so darned big?!

happygirl - It is so good to see your WHOLE family together. Sweet Annie and your compassion and understanding for her inspire me to be kinder to people. Great pics and it looked like a lot of fun. Cool that you can convince your family to do these things.

Tiffany - What a cool mom you are!

danad@hotmail.com - What a unique and memorable experience!
And if your Lauren gets any more beautiful, you’re going to have to lock her away! πŸ™‚

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it’s monday.

hi.
how was your weekend?

craft weekend was wonderful.
i am so happy about it.
can i just say….how awesome is the internet?  
i know that it can have really awful stuff but for me it has been AMAZING!
God has blessed me with SO many friends, so many ideas, so much inspiration, so much FUN through the internet the past few years.  I get to connect with and meet women that are so completely awesome that i never would have met otherwise because of the internet!  
i love LOVE LOVE that God is in the details of everything…even the internet.

(these are instagram pics from the past few days.)
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michelle allen from close2myart was my blogger/teacher/helper this craft weekend.
i don't even know who found who as far as blogs and how we connected.
we have been emails friends for a few years now and we finally got to meet.
she is a life long friend now i can guarantee.
i loved her.
(and her hair was soooo rad)
she was even better than i imagined and i had made her pretty great in my mind already! πŸ™‚

so yeah….i love the internet and i am not afraid to say it. 

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this is my loot from the barn on saturday.
an old RC crate that is really rough (which is why i like it), a old metal box that seems like maybe it was a breadbox, a Super Nutro Hog feed bag, an embroidered runner with horses, a little quilt to make into pillows, a small candy jar and some doilies. 
i love the internet AND i love old junk.
:) 

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these three books arrived for me this week.
i am starting with A Million Miles in a Thousand Years tonight.
i have basically been told by God in about 10 different ways that i am supposed to read this book.
seriously.
He couldn't have been more clear.  
so i will let you know how it goes…. 

i read Interuppted and my world has been ROCKED.
so i am equal parts nervous and excited to read this one.
because i knew i was supposed to read Interrupted too. 

 

was i just too open right there?
i feel a little vulnerable about those two paragraphs. 

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here is my front seat on my way to craft weekend.
my backseat looked the same.
happy car!

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right now i am sitting at the craft house (because i came to town for paint & the internet is so slow at the farm)
i stopped by the thrift store this morning and picked up a few dishes, some fabric and a globe.
i can't NOT buy a globe when it's at a thrift shop because they are so much cheaper than at an antique shop.
i made mini bunting here last night while my husband attempted to fix the dryer we got on craigslist.
it's a bummer when people are dishonest on craigslist don't ya think?
i guess ANYTIME people are dishonest it is sad but when they take your money….ugh.
(so that would be a down side to the internet…)
i picked up a gallon of Kilz to start a big paint project this week.
and i have now finished off the candy corn we had left from CW….for lunch

 

i need to get working.
i have stuff to paint.

are you on instagram? i am @megduerksen if you aren't following me yet.
it's so fun.
i am….addicted.

happy monday to you.

 

 

 

Georgia - I love the internet too, as without it i wouldnt have found your blog!!! xx

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Hey Meg I saw these rainbow donuts and thought of you. πŸ™‚
http://justbakedbyme.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/mini-rainbow-vanilla-bean-donuts/

Kate - Meg! I have really enjoyed reading your blog after finding it a few months ago. I’ve bought several books because of your recommendations! Don’t ever feel afraid to share where God is leading you!! Can’t wait to hear what you get out of the most recent ones.

Sarah - i just had the same problem. just type her name without the @ symbol and with a space between first and last. that finds her!

Tracie - I just got “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” to read. Did you read “Blue Like Jazz?” That is a beautiful book too. “Radical” was a tough read, but a wonderfully convicting book. And Happy Monday!

Stephanie - Love her kiwi earrings!!!

Shannon Phillips - A million miles in a thousand years is absolutely one of the most life changing books I have ever read!!! It is going to rock your face off!

Marla - Donald Miller is totally awesome I loved Blue Like Jazz…didn’t know he had another book out…I’ll check it out on my nook….The Irresistible Revolution is very interesting…I was upset at times reading it…it’s been a few years but I remember not being sure about the whole thing…be interested to see what you think

Amy - Don Miller is an amazing writer and you’ll love the book. I reread it immediately after finishing it just so I could soak in his words. It’s a great book to hand to a nonbeliever in hopes that they might consider the gospel as they choose a new story. He speaks about a man named Bob Goff and I’m currently reading his book, Love Does. Try it next.

Angela - Vulnerable, sure. But we were made to live in community (…and the internet community totally counts), and vulnerability is just a part of living in community. Too open, never. YOU just might be one of the thousand ways God is leading OTHERS to read a book that will drive them closer to Him. So sure, feel vulnerable, but never ever feel sorry for opening your life and your faith to the world.

Lisa - I started Irresistible Revolution last week. Oh. my. Haven’t read A Million Miles…guess I need to check into that one! Looks like a happy couple of days at your house. πŸ™‚

Heather Crawford - For some reason, I can’t find you in Instagram? Weird…

beth - Hey Meg….
Just wanted to say not to feel vulnerable about the books. I wish to hear more about your faith walk on this blog. ….and picking up tips on good books at the same time is just bonus!

Terrie G - Not too vulnerable…I love how authentic you are!
I <3 instagram too! so much fun!
looking for a washer/dryer for our son...think I'll stay away from craigslist...
sorry you got swindled...makes me frustrated when people are dishonest.
gorgeous flowers and so happy you had a great craft weekend!!

Julie Kittredge - I just finished “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” It was good! An easy read. πŸ™‚ Plenty of earmarks … in the book that belongs to the library. Maybe I’ll pick up “Inturrupted.” πŸ™‚ Sounds like a winner!

Christy - Irresistible revolution is pretty intense as well! I have radical on my list, but my husband read it first. Irresistible is a tough read, but I feel God used it to change my perspective on a lot of things! Good for you for listening to the still, small voice even when it makes you uncomfortable!

Kara - Curious where you heard about Jen Hatmaker? I was able to meet her and hear her in person this spring at a women’s retreat. (The one Nicole Quiring headed up!) Jen was AMAZING! She has challenged me more than anyone else in how I’m living my life. I have loved reading Seven and Interrupted and am leading the Interrupted book study at church. I am hopeful the church as a whole is turning around and more people are getting on board with her message!

Lisa - Not too vulnerable. I think God is using your blog to tell ME to read Interrupted. I keep hearing about it and you keep mentioning it. I’m addicted to instagram too. Like seriously addicted. πŸ™‚

ko. s - I love that you can put it all out there in your posts! The way you give glory to God, be you, be honest, be vulnerable, it’s why I keep coming back to read! You ROCK my dear! Thanks for being a huge light πŸ™‚

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Can flip phones do Instagram? Haha.
Your stack of books pretty much seals the deal: We must debrief. M to the U to the S to the T.

Martha - Finding a globe at the thrift store is a major score! I’m interested in how the book turns out. πŸ™‚

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - Not too open at all!
It was HONEST!
That’s why we love you!
And, I love it when God shows me things clearly, sometimes my ADHD-self truly needs Him to be crystal clear!

Katie - Isn’t it crazy when you know that it’s God leading you to do something? The results can be mind-blowing. Happy Monday!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - Michelle’s chalkboard art looked so great – wish I had the skills on the chalkboard!
Too bad about the Craigslist dryer – I don’t know why people want to do stuff like that?! Weird πŸ™
Happy Monday ; ) xo

April R - <3 instagram
and I'm glad to see you there now too

Siobhan - Your awesome everything about you. Your transperancy makes me love you more. Thankyou for trusting us with your vulnerbility.

Brooke - I love that you said you were a little too open in those two paragraphs. BAH! Let’s get real. Tell them about your cw devotionals. That might be too open. I love when God is CLEAR about what to do. So often, I’m left waiting and asking, so I’ll take clear (slap me in the face) answers any day. I am in a craft fog today, so tired. I didn’t get to nap yesterday! LOVE the internet, love that we got to hang out. You were super fun. If I lived in Newton, KS, I believe I would force myself into your friendship circle. Or just show up at the farm. with chickens. You would be so happy.
My new globe just found a new place in globe city at my house. Snuck the wire baskets in so my hubby wouldn’t complain about the massive amount of things he hauled to storage while I was gone this weekend (while I proceed to haul new stuff in!). Good times. Happy Monday!

Cheryl E. - Just finished reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years thank to your friend, Kimberlee! I read her blog, too and once she posted about that book, I knew I had to read it.
LOVE the new finds, by the way. Such fun!!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Totally weird, random comment but your mums? Love em. I got the biggest one Ive ever seen over the weekend at Sams Club. Its burgundy and I cant wait to put it out on the front porch to welcome fall.
Have a great day! (Boo to dishonest Craigslisters)

Cori - A Million Miles in a Thousand Years may just be my favorite non-fiction book of all time. Radical was amazing, too! Enjoy πŸ™‚

Alicia @ La Famille - full fun day indeed! happy monday to you, ms. meg πŸ™‚

Trysha - I’ll have to look up those books! I’m looking forward to Joel Osteen’s “I Declare”.
I was reminded of God’s love this weekend as I photographed a wedding. We didn’t have pens to sign the Marriage Certificate, there was a mad scramble and I sought out a guest who had a purse. She managed to find two pens at the bottom of her purse, matching from a random local church. The Bride looked at her and said “See, The Lord will always provide. Always.” πŸ™‚

Amy - InterRupted….AMAZING!! Radical will be a good follow up….
I may have to go pick up the one you just mentioned! Don’t you just love it when the Spirit leads you….you just HAVE to do it….Enjoy the quiet time on Monday!!

Suzanne - Happy Monday! I hope you enjoy your books, and I hope God rocks your world. I love it when He does that ~ and hate it… but mostly love it! Have a great week!

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more.

i know these look like the same pictures of that sunflower patch i posted about in july….but they are different.
i promise.
i went back a week later with no kids, my cowboy boots and my camera. 

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i was so happy out there clickin' away on an overcast morning with no one asking me "how much longer mom?"
"can we go now?"
"are you almost finished?"
i just clicked and clicked and clicked until i decided i was done.
that is an awesome feeling.

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this time they were ALL open and smiling at the sun.

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spider playing hide-and-seek at the bottom…
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i love the water droplets and pollen all over the leaves.  :)

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this one just needed another hour probably and all its petals would be open.

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that was the whole patch.
not a field but just enough and all about 5 feet tall.  
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and this one is my most favorite.
i love it.

i think i should just become a flower farmer.
i could just grow fields of flowers and take pictures all day long.
zinnias, black eyed susans, coneflowers, daisies and of course sunflowers.
wouldn't that be a completely dreamy job?

what do you dream about becoming?

just share…it's safe here.  :) 

 

Jen H. - Hi Meg,
You have probably answered this question a bazillion and one times, but can you please tell me the type of camera you use? What is your favorite, everyday-type lens?
Because I dream of being a photographer! πŸ™‚
Thanks so much!
Love,
Jen Honeycutt
Littleton, CO
jmcutt4@gmail.com

Tiffany - Ice cream taste-tester. πŸ™‚

Heather R. - Bee one=my favorite! πŸ™‚

April R - we lived in Europe for a short time and they had flower fields with a little stand or post with a box and you could pick them and then put some money in the box. honor system. It is a little sad that I’m still like, really? they just trust people? wow…
Kat’s reply made me think of Peter Pan. It’s longish but I love it.
[Mrs. Darling speaking quietly with Wendy, John, and Michael just before putting them to bed and going out with Mr. Darling to an important business party…]
Mrs. Darling: Your Father is a brave man, but he will need a special kiss before he can face his colleagues tonight.
John: Father? Brave?
Mrs. Darling: There are different kinds of bravery, John. There is the bravery of a thinking of others before oneself. Your father has never brandished a sword or fired a pistol – thank heavens – but he has made many sacrifices for his family and put away many dreams.
Michael: Where did he put them?
Mrs. Darling: (with a smile) He put them in a drawer. And sometimes late at night we take them out and admire them.
Michael: Are they pretty?
Mrs. Darling: Oh, yes. A put-away dream grows prettier every day. So pretty, it is harder and harder to close the drawer. But he does. And that is why he is brave.

karen gerstenberger - I would love to help those in the medical field by sharing what I’ve learned as the mother of a patient, so that they can empathize (without getting hurt) as they care for families. I would love to do more writing on all kinds of topics, and help others who have been through catastrophes to have hope; would love to grow in faith and service. I guess my dream job is writer/artist, and I am doing it part-time now…but it would help A LOT to get paid for it!
Also want to let you know that you inspired me to get some spray paint and get started! Thank you, Meg. Check out the table – it’s nearly done: http://www.karengberger.blogspot.com/2012/09/goodbye-august-hello-september.html

lisa - That last picture is amazing! Wow.
I dream of owning a stationery/paper store. Stationery, notecards, notepads…I love it and can’t have enough!

Dani - Beautiful! I saw a sunflower field this weekend and begged my husband to stop so I could take pictures. But, we were right in the last parts of the hurricane.
What do I want to be? I want to be a psychologist for the hearing impaired. Sounds strange? Yes, but I’m sure they need to have their thoughts heard too!
Maybe someday, I will do this!!

Rachel - All lovely photos but that last one is just excellent!

Angela A - You need to print some of those pics to sell when you open your Etsy shop. Please.
I am still working on my dreams–just now getting to where I can mentally do that. My right now dream is to keep working part time to have time to make quilts and other stuff and just to have space in my days so I’m a better mom and wife.

Natasha - I dream about running a bar in Key West that opens onto the sand and faces the sea. Some haunt that the locals hang out in, where I can live in flipflops and serve beer.

jenni@talkinghairdryer - I love the barn in this patch. It really adds to the character. Great pics!

Clare Heuer - Oh.my.goodness…absolutely LOVE the sunflowers!! They are my favorite flower and you just have to be happy around them!!
The real reason for my message is that I saw a quick preview for PARENTHOOD last night and it’s back on Sept. 11. I love, love, love that show and I know you do too. Tuesday nights just haven’t been the same lately without the Braverman family. πŸ™‚
Blessings – Clare

jen - dreams are so amazing aren’t they? i have tucked my dreams away in a drawer and peek at them sometimes but know they are not possible for me right now. they include running a farm, being a photographer, learning graphic design, honing my sewing skills and opening my party/wedding planning business. those are mine. i hold them close.

Jen - Gorgeous, happy pictures! Thank you, Meg.
When I grow up, I’m either going to be one of Janet Jackson’s back-up dancers or Pink.

Su@TheIntentionalHome - love reading your readers’ dreams. . .makes me smile. Mine. . to speak at women’s conferences, retreats, etc on following God with reckless abandon. I feel alive. . I feel God’s pleasure when I speak. I’d also like to run parenting workshops, speak on parenting. . encourage young mothers. Your blog makes me smile. . .

Courtney - This flower farm is about an hour down the road from me, and it’s AMAZING http://www.wildseedfarms.com/
Funny you should ask about a dream job, my husband and I have been talking about it lately too – big crazy audacious goals if you had no restrictions what would you do type things.
I want to start a ministry and write a book for women and families dealing with pregnancy loss
I want to run a children’s ranch for anyone who needs a place to live and be loved
I want to be a farmer and run a CSA
I want to own and run a bed and breakfast
In the mean time I just want to work hard at whatever God tells me to.

Kat - I wish I knew what my dream was.
ten years at home with four gorgeous kids and the baby starts part time school next year, which I am partly dreading. sigh.
Maybe then I will rediscover what my dream is.
It was to be a Mum to four and that happened, so now I need a new dream…

Audrey - the sunflowers are gorgeous πŸ™‚ I dream of owning my own bakery

Kate - I dream of opening a home photography studio…. specializing in kiddos. I dream of recording a CD one day. I dream of teaching other women how to start a photography business. I dream of adoption and wonder if God has that in store for me.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Have you ever heard of those farms of U-Pick flowers??? I have read about them… It’s my dream to show up at a place like that with shears and some Mason jars. Give me zinnias or give me death.
I know I didn’t answer your question, but this seemed more pressing.

Amber - Have you ever read Harvey potter’s balloon farm to your kids? It just all of a sudden made me think of you when you mentioned being a flower farmer (which does sound dreamy:)…).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0688158455/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1346815084&sr=8-1
It’s a fun book & a little odd…but my daughter loves the pictures:). And I think you might too…

Nicole - …a wife, mama, and published writer. πŸ™‚

Katie Beth - These are gorgeous. Hard to pick a favorite, but the last one is fun! I hope you print I sent arrived safely…if not, please let me know!

happygirl - I would love to learn how to take pictures and add them to my blog. Or, I’d like to learn how to be a wonderful cook and make wonderful food. A girl can dream. Oh yeah, and move to Daytona Beach, FL or SD, CA. πŸ™‚

Amanda Kay - Meg! I found your dream school (would have emailed but it wasn’t working with my computer). http://www.veetje.be/kleur-op-school/
You’re so great and I LOVE the sunflower photo with the little honeybee! Makes my heart sing!

Amy Lynne - Ha! Love it!! πŸ™‚

Amy Lynne - I would love to have my own fabric shop and be able to create all day long! I guess that is what I do on my summers off, minus owning the fabric shop πŸ˜‰

Stephanie - A lottery winner.

Tracy Fisher - ps… i dream of living on the water one day and having a little art studio next to my home. tracy

Tracy Fisher - I think you should make a copy of one of those photos and put a bible verse in the center of the flowers. Just thinking. And would love one. πŸ™‚ tracy

Amanda - I’ve always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. Or host my own craft weekends.:-)

Tanya - a writer…and own a bakery.
I believe both will happen πŸ™‚
lovely pics ~ I’d be running from the bees πŸ˜‰

Valerie @ Chateau a La Mode - I wish I could design wedding dresses. Wouldn’t that be a romantic job? I would love that. Loving your sunny sunflowers!

the domestic fringe - Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! I love sunflowers.
~FringeGirl
thedomesticfringe.com

Tina I - I always dreamt of being a stay-at-home mom….some dreams do come true:-) My next dream is to find an old house, fix it up without killing its charm and sell it, then find another and another and another…..

Liesl - I dream of fields and fields of sunflowers like you have! They are hard to come by in Northern New Jersey! I just satisfy my desire to take pictures of sunflowers by heading to my sister’s patch of 6 πŸ™‚

Jessica - I dream of seeing those sunflowers in person!!

Jenny Joy - I love those photos. Sunflowers are my favorite… by a mile.
I want to become a professional cake decorator. The kind that has worker bees to actually BAKE the cake (it takes forever, and isn’t really my forte.) But I would spend most of my waking moments decorating. Fondant and gum paste and buttercream, OH MY! Cakes that fool the eye. Cakes that make people squeal. Cakes that people don’t want to cut into because they are just too darn pretty. It’s a nice thought. πŸ™‚

sandee prince - a hip hop dancer. no joke.
gorgeous pics Meg.

Lisa - I particularly love the fifth picture from the top.
I dream about being a photographer. πŸ™‚

amy cornwell - I love the sunflowers…I’d love to have a whole backyard full of flowers like you said: sunflowers, purple cone flowers, lavender, zinnias…all of the pretty ones to photograph. They’d call me the crazy flower lady, but I wouldn’t care. Love your shots, they brighten the day!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - I love that last one too…b/c hubby is a beekeeper on the side. Most people hate “bees”(they classify all kinds under one title)but our honeybees are pretty darned amazing and the honey is a really good natural combatant for allergies and such.

Alicia @ La Famille - i think a new fall header is in order with one of these babies!

Erica Haude - Where is this?!?! I really want to take Christmas pictures in sunflowers, as we just moved back to Kansas. I live close to you…so, if you could kindly point me in the direction of some sunflowers, I’d be much obliged to ya πŸ™‚
oh, and I dream of being an Equine Therapist for abused children.

Molly - Owning my own jewelry business. You should sell these on Etsy. Love sunflowers. I’d love to grow them but don’t really have a place for them. Trying to see if I could grow them in my backyard somewhere.

Tiffany - Dreams…I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business. And I’m all over dat. Hellooo etsy. P.S. I saw a sunflower calendar at bn a week or so ago and thought of your blog, whatever!

Tracy - Gorgeous photos as always, Meg. The last one is awesome!! Thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚

stephany - I would grow the exact same flowers…

Lisa M. - Beautiful pictures, thank you! Sadly, no dreams. Isn’t that horrible? I’m a wife, mom, and I stay at home running a business. Life is busy and it just seems hard to dream sometimes, ya know? Being a wife and mother are two of the most gratifying things I have ever done in my life, but the business end of life isn’t something I’d choose to do again (the actual business I’m in, not actually being in business for myself. That part of it is great and has allowed me to be home with my son. Something I thank God for.). But it’s where I’m at now and just pray that God will help me through it and that I will eventually discover His will. I know He puts each one of us on this earth with special gifts and a plan for our lives and I’m hoping to discover what that is. I know He has something great planned and I know He will reveal it to me when the time is right. Anyhow, enough of that. I have an awesome life and a wonderful family. God has already blessed me in countless ways!

Maria - Simply beautiful photos! Would love to take a road trip to Kansas for the blooming sunflowers!
when I grow up I would love to be a photographer and fiber artist….

Terrie G - I wasn’t able to get super pics of sunflowers this summer. The field just didn’t cooperate. Not enough rain… πŸ™
I’m with you! I would come and take pics of flowers in your fields all day long.
I’ve been blessed to live the best dream of my life…momma and now grandma.
But, a year ago…I knew I needed something else.
My dream is to learn photography…
And I’ve had so much fun learning all facets the past year.
I have a lot to learn…but it’s why I took it up.
There will always be something new to learn and
never a shortage of pictures to take!
Thanks for all your pics…you always inspire me!!

Beth McClintock - Love this post and I actually borrowed a picture and made it my screen saver on my phone πŸ™‚

Southern Gal - Lovely shots. The last is my favorite, too.
My dream is to grow in my photography. I’d like to take some courses to help me get there. I want to take beautiful portraits of my children and granddaughters just for me and my family.

Lori H - Secretly I would love to be a photographer, but as I don’t even own a working camera at the moment (point and shoot died) that isn’t really possible. Also want to be a reading tutor for elementary kids. Reading is soooo important!!

Paula S. - Good for you for going back without the kids! I would love to be a stay at home mom most of all. A bonus would be to have time for a flower garden, money to redo my house and the chance to do small photography jobs from time to time.

Stacy - Current dream is to work, and be paid, to do curriculum development. Specifically, arts for children’s education & camp. Performing arts, visual arts – including wicked projects. I feel like I’ve been working towards this place for a few years. I’m good at it. Now, to find employment in this area that will still allow me to pick my kiddo up when school is over and to stay home with her during school breaks. So, big dream with those requirements….Thanks for the safe place to dream.

elma - Love these pictures!!!

Janelle - I dream of becoming a professional newborn baby rocker πŸ˜‰

amy jupin - i am so glad i clicked over just as you were posting these.
(in my mind anyways, no scheduling posts!)
i just wrote about owning a shop, a little piece of beauty, with a striped awning and big flower boxes and vintage goodies stacked tall, chippy hutches and pretty candles and, and, and…
it’s all there.
my dream.
and you can come take pictures of it for me!
and kimberlee will bring cinnamon rolls and we’ll have lovely lattes and oh my, it will be wonderful!
πŸ™‚
so happy to have this dream.

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Mercy Project

today i would love to tell you about Mercy Project.

Mercy project

Heather Hendrick of the Mercy Project wrote these words about the group and their mission:

There’s an estimated 7,000 children who work in the Ghana fishing industry. Some of
these children are as young as 5 and 6 years old.  All of these children are slaves.

Today many in our country will take a day off from our jobs to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers.  
No matter if we’re celebrating at home or at the beach, we’re entering into a tradition that has largely been shaped by Labor Unions – organizations that are dedicated to protecting workers’ interests and improving their wages, hours, and working conditions.  
Today as we lounge around or hang out with friends and family, we’re not only celebrating hard work, we’re honoring fair, ethical working practices and the laws that prevent discrimination, abuse, and child labor in our country.  
Without these laws in place (and enforced), the most vulnerable members of society suffer.  

Who are the most vulnerable? Children. 

Mercyproject2

Today as we’re celebrating the systems in our own country that strive to prevent injustices like child trafficking and child labor, we’re mindful of the many child slaves around the world who are unprotected and the organizations, like Mercy Project, who are working to free them.
 
As a mother, it’s difficult for me to imagine my children working 14 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
I’m unable to wrap my brain around the thought of my children engaged in long, hard days of physical labor, eating one meal a day, and then falling asleep at night on a dirt floor filled with other slave children.  
Yet this is the daily reality for kids who have been trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana, Africa.  
As with much of Africa, there is a great deal of poverty in Ghana.
Unfortunately, this leaves many mothers in an unimaginable position: sell their children to someone who can take better care of them or watch them starve to death.
Most of the mothers are told their children will be given food, housing, and an education.
Instead, the kids are often taken to Lake Volta where they become child slaves and their mothers never see them again.  
Thankfully, Mercy Project is working to break the cycles of trafficking around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more efficient, sustainable, fishing methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves.  
Because of the work Mercy Project is doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake Volta.

*******please watch this documentary about the issues in Ghana and the HOPE Mercy Project is bringing! *******

 

Mercy Project is the only NGO working on Lake Volta addressing the injustice of child labor and child trafficking at its root – by strengthening the Ghanaian economy and eliminating the structures that cause the demand for trafficked children.

Whether these ideas of child labor, child trafficking, and modern-day slavery are new to you or you’re aware of these injustices, but need to hear some good news every once in awhile, we invite you to become a part of what Mercy Project is doing in Ghana.  
When Mercy Project frees their first group of children this month, we can all celebrate together.

Mercy project1

………………………………………………..

thank you Heather….

i don't know about you, but when i hear about another kind of injustice i get to where i think about those children constantly.  
i worry for them.  
i hurt for them.
but i am so excited when i hear about REAL programs that are trying to fix things one step at a time.
one step at a time is better than no steps!

what would you do if this was happening HERE to our children?
these are children just like ours.
no different.
everyone deserves a chance! 

let's support Mercy Project today.
can you donate today?
i would LOVE, love, looooove if ALL of my readers donated something today.
any amount is worth it.
i would love to say "WE support you Mercy Project" 

$5.00 can buy you a fancy coffee or make a difference to a child in Ghana.
that is pretty amazing when you think about the impact your money can have!
you really do count in making a change!

i can't wait to see what can be done through these awesome willing servants!

Mercy Project Facebook and Twitter can you keep you up to date on what's going on daily.

 

β€œWhen the lives and the rights of children are at stake,
there must be no silent witnesses.” – Carol Bellamy

 

thanks for joining me.

 

 

 

Mike Cornelia - The Mercy Project sounds like a great organization. I have been reviewing human trafficking statistics and it is truly sickening to see how prevalent it has gotten around the world. I am even more discouraged with the fact that it has reached it’s way into the United States. It is so infuriating that people engage in this practice to make a living. My hope is that, if enough people find out about child trafficking it will slowly be brought to an end.

sara @ it's good to be queen - this is good stuff. thank you so much for sharing. i so needed to get out of my own head and own space today. thank you.

Carla - It’s a noble cause no doubt and it’s heartbreaking to think of these families broken up in such a horrendous way but it would be wrong to think that child slavery only happens in poor countries like Ghana. Check out Human RIghts Watch new campaign against the abuse of child labor (especially migrant child labor) in the US (hope this link works but if not just google migrant child labor US) http://www.hrw.org/news/2010/05/05/us-child-farmworkers-dangerous-lives
So perhaps while you and your readers support the children in Ghana, you would also take time to read about the plight of migrant children in the US, also victims of poor circumstances, whose parents have also had to make unimaginable decisions. It doesnt even merd to cost you a dime, just try to ensure the food you buy is properly and ethically sourced from
Farms that use properly paid workers whose human and legal rights are respected, ttell your politicians this issue matters to you, small actions add up!!

Katy - i found out about mercy project last december when i ran a local half marathon that benefitted them. i’ve been following them closely on Facebook ever since and was so excited to post about the work they are doing today! this is great- thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚

Lisa - I love the day to day stuff you share and what you shared today. God is using you. Through the computer I can see your hearts desire to glorify Him. Some people may not hear about human trafficking and child slavery except from your blog. And others like me who are striving to make a difference needs to be reminded on days like today. Thank you!

Tanya - no silent witnesses…

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