Category Archives: Uncategorizedyeah…i know it was 4 days before christmas….  but we got it done.
with minimal bribes.
i cleared a spot in the playroom for good light.
i dusted off the tripod.
 it was almost enjoyable.
  then they just got goofy.
         so nice to see that smile….
good stuff.
christmas/new year's cards will go out late this week.
i hope.
i have found it!  the floor in the laundry has been found!!
i have heard tales that it existed….but i just didn't believe it.
i do now.
 i was so happy i even vacuumed the concrete!
oh it was such a happy moment.
but in other sad news in the duerksen home….
 our couch has gone missing.
it's been missing for many days and no one seems to have noticed.
no one sees this sitting in the living room.
they sit near it.
they walk by it.
the even climbed on it.
but no one offered to start folding.
so we bribed them with ice cream.
that's just good parenting.
So funny! Great blog! my grandma used to pay me a nickel for each thing I ironed…that was big motivation for me. sometimes it ended up being like five dollars!! LOL! You are tooooooo funny! I think I’d resort to being dirty all the time! That is a crazy amount of laundry. When you find your wayward couch, ask him to send mine home, too. No hard feelings. I just miss him. Lol. as i was JUST thinking… i need to get the laundry flowing again! 🙂 If anyone could justify to sets of washers and dryers you can , but girl you need a big front loader don’t you ? and a dumb waiter I am sure. Hey Meg! I was so excited to get a comment from you! We dont call it slitching…just sledding…but we might need to start. I call it scary! Do you do it? I finally got caught up on your posts coming back from our trip…what I love most is the little boxes you have of your kids homemade ornaments. So sweet! Thats a sign of a good mom;) Merry Christmas! Gosh! I thought you were going to say you were pregnant! 🙂 Hi there, I feel your pain I really do! lol! How funny! I just posted a similar post on my blog. Crazy how much laundry consumes your life when you have five kids! Love your blog! HAHA. Yay! The laundry floor. Lol…Oh, I can relate!!!! Good luck finding the couch! Lol! If my front(?)door was as gorgeous as yours, I wouldn’t notice the piles of laundry on the couch, either. I’m sure that’s why the kids walk right by…they are transfixed by the gorgeous, leaded-glass door! That’s hilarious! Just last night I was tripped by the towels that were folded and sitting in a neat pile on the floor. …of course they were only on the floor instead of the couch so that my 3 year old niece could lay down on the couch. At least you’ve narrowed down the laundry mountain to one location. My heartfelt congratulations on finding your laundry floor – I’m sure there’s not a better Christmas present you could be given. If the kids can free the couch your Christmas miracle will be complete. Ice cream, by the way, is not a bribe – it is an essential parenting resource. hilarious. I can’t wait to have my very own laundry room so I can have these wonderful discoveries for myself. I’m excited to have a family someday, but I can’t lie- the laundry thing scares me. I hate laundry, and it’s hard enough for one person. You need an army to fold all that! But way to go on getting the floor cleaned up : ) i have that problem too…could you send over your detective?? It’s why you have a second couch. One for laundry and one to use. I love these pictures…it reminds me to enjoy the laundry I have as it means we have clothes on our backs! Oh my goodness you are funny! I can’t imagine the neverending laundry you encounter! I hope the ice cream bribe at least helped a little :0 isn’t that why we have kids? it’s a Christmas miracle! Now if only I could find mine… I often wonder if I should have two couches. One to keep the laundry comfy and one for the rest of us to sit on! LOL! OMG! I was scared for a moment that you know where I live! Then I realized your couch is a different color and I knew my secret laundry lair’s location is still safe! i always feel like laundry is all i ever do, but just at those low moments, you post about your laundry and i feel much better. the laundry room floor looks great but that poor couch. good parents use whatever methods that bring results!! what a feeling! I L*O*V*E the feeling of all the laundry done! We are iced in our home today. Probably tomorrow too. That’s when I’m going to wash every article of washable material in this house. And then I will pack…..and hope the airport thaws so we can get out of here! Oh, and a bribe that leads to the end result, is always good parenting 🙂 Awwwww, I’ve had celebrations like that, finding floors and such!! Congrats on finding of the floor. 🙂 Love the post. 🙂 ROFLOL!!!!!!! Oh mannn… that happens at MY house too!! My couch dissapears for the same reason, and all the little people think it’s a new jungle gym! Just HOW is that possible??? LOL Hoping your awesome family helps you out Meg! If not, me thinks you should hide the Christmas presents under and IN that pile! They’d never find them!! 😀 Now that’s what I call a Christmas miracle! Way to go! Haha! So funny! I am doing laundry right now. Try having your washing machine in the middle of your old country kitchen and your dryer on the back porch. Oh, my charming old home. LOL… I would SO come over and do your laundry for you. I actually enjoy it. oh gosh, lol, too funny 🙂 especially as I relate a little too well (and don’t have as many children as you!). You are TOO funny! You are just too cute! I just loaded and unloaded the dishwasher for the third time…you’d think they’d all help at least one of those times! I hope you enjoyed the ice cream at least! wow – i am the first to leave a comment on a post! that sounds like fabulous parenting to me!! love your concrete floors – but your couch does look oh, so sad.
santa and his friends came to craig's office again this year.
annie has been talking about since last december.
all summer when we would go to visit craig…we'd be in the parking lot and annie would say
"do you 'Fink Santa is don-na be derr?"
she was not as nervous as last year.
but still a little bit.
i think the crowd made her more nervous than santa.
because when he said (in his big santa voice) "Is there an ANNIE in here?"
she raised her hand and climbed right up in his lap.
(santa is collin….craig's co-worker…sees annie all the time…but annie doesn't know)
 "i want a Lillllieeest Pet Shops for Christmas"
 it's just so good.
so good for your heart to be around little kids at christmas.
even mommy and daddy sat with santa.
 niiiiiiice.
good job santa and helpers…they built that whole set from scratch.
impressive!
annie and i had lunch with craig
and went to target just ONE last time before christmas….mostly for the starbucks. :)
annie has the BEST clothes What a great pic of you, Annie and hubby. so cute and sweet. BTW- you are gorgeous, love the photo of you on Santa’s lap. Love Annie’s cute little clothing ensemble. darn cute. How sweet these photos are! I love how candid they are. I love the picture with the three of you in it with Santa. You three are adorable. I love Annie’s outfit. Did you color your hair? It looks amazing! You three, are adorable. Did you color your hair? It looks amazing! How fun! They went all out! My company does a kid party too, we love it! I love Annie’s outfits too! They just look so HAPPY! noooo! hubby’s cute! That backdrop was so big and impressive, I almost couldn’t find Annie or Santa. Luckily she had one of her signature outfits–I love those. that is so special. those are the memories that last a lifetime. annie looks so sweet with santa. never seen hubs before! cute! what did he think of you sitting on his friends’ lap? impressive backdrop…colorful and fun! love that the grinch was there too! I’m impressed she would sit with him, even I’m scared of Santa. Something about beards…. awww… she is so cute!! I love Christmas with kids!! Have a great weekend. 🙂 Annie wears the cutest clothes! I wish they came in my size! Craig’s company ROCKS! They “get it”… get the importance of family life too! VERY cool! that is too cute. neither of our kids have asked to see Santa this year, but they have written letters and Miles has even “sent” Mrs. Claus a present. Too cute. So cute! It reminds me of all those trips to the mall to see Santa when I was little. Good memories. I love Annie’s outfit! Such style. I want some tights like that! How sweet. I came across your blog and am so impressed by your home, and the fact that you have 5 kids and can manage to have a “girls craft night”…Kudos to your decorating and crafting abilities-great ideas!! So precious! And the one of all three of you is great – you look bee-utiful! Oh, and Annie’s outfit made my day. I’m loving little girls in crazy combos. She looks so cute on his lap – she BELIEVES which is so awesome.
i hosted my second annual craft night with girlfriends.
click HERE to see last year's craft night.
  we made a martha stewart craft….who else?
it was easy, inexpensive and cute.
the perfect craft.
 i was also having a brunch here the next morning with my bible study group.
(i scheduled it all together so i only needed it clean once)
i left out all the supplies for this craft to give us something to do while we chatted.
then we woke up to a bunch of snow!
so we canceled the brunch.
but then slowly everyone showed up to the canceled brunch.
no one had gotten the message!
it was so funny….and spontaneous and fun.
i had dirty dishes in the sink.
i hadn't prepared any of the food i was going to (they each brought food though)
we made and drank 2 full pots of coffee and had a blast.
it was hours and hours of complete relaxed girl time.
fabulous!
 between 2 craft sessions i made my family's initials and a few extras.
easy craft to do in front of the tv too.
go check it out on martha's site….HERE.
you DO want the 20 gauge wire and the bigger seed beads.
all can be found at a craft store in the jewelry isle (or maybe even wal-mart?)
it takes a bit of practice to get the letters just right but i know you can do it.
 one week till christmas!
oh.
my.
goodness.
UPS don't fail me now.
Oh, that’s right, I want that starbucks ornament. These are so pretty! I think they will make great gifts! What a gorgeous group of girls! 🙂 So glad we have a crafty friend like you… who buys all the supplies and tells us what to do. You’re the best! Lovely! I saw Kristi’s and I was so jealous! I have to try them! I’m in total denial that Christmas is in a week (or less)!!! This is a great craft, and I love the idea of an annual craft night with girlfriends. Fun! I spy a michigan state sweatshirt. :o) love those! love the funky hodgepodge tree. just what it’s supposed to be! my gracious. can i be your friend? can i come to your craft party? i am there in spirit, for sure. When all the craziness comes together and we actually get to enjoy it-love that christmas part!! Just love it! Wish I could have come to craft night. I love the little initials. Great for topping gifts. Or a neighbor gift topped on a plate of treats. too bad I still have a list that is longer than the amound of sense I have left in my brain!!1 🙂 Can I be your friend? neighbor? kid, even? what fun! can i be your friend and move to kansas too?? ya’ll look like a wonderful bunch…and waking up to snow???? “if only in my dreams…” Hi there. Jennifer Peterson sent me over here to see your house. WOW! I LOVE it! I love everything about it. And your blog is wonderful. Your photography is beautiful. All the colors you use are inspiring. We have a goldendoodle so I can appreciate your cute Waffle. Do you mind if I link you on my blogroll? You have inspired me to be a little more crafty. That is such an awesome craft, thanks for sharing. i’m all over your blog today. I ADORE those initials! What a festive evening…AND morning! Wow. You sure did handle it better than I. I NEVER do Martha crafts….until I see YOU doing Martha crafts, and then it’s like, hmmmm…if Meg can do it :)…. looks like so much fun! I just may have to give it a try. Yahhhh, is what I would of thought if they all showed up. At least everyone knows what dirty dishes look like. fun bead letters meg. i love them. looks like you ladies had a great time. aren’t you glad no one got the message. Those are cute–where are yours and Waffle’s? I’d like to make some for my family, but I don’t think I’m brave or patient enough–there would be far too many serenity nows! going on. VERY fun… and SO needed in the middle of all this nuttyness! sheer nuttyness! super funny…i love mongrams and initials so i think this is fab! So fun! I love how they all were willing to brave the snow and wintry weather for brunch with the girls!!! Sounds like my kind of group! Those letters do look super fun! Gotta love Martha. I just discovered her craft kits at Michael’s over the weekend. I’m going to snap some up when they go on sale! sounds and looks like such a wonderful, relaxed time!! What a fun time. I wish I could show up in the snow for coffee talk with you! I love how much personality your tree shows – a starbucks ornament, Chiefs players, an EEEEE-gle, a train, a cow in overalls, and now a cute beaded “A”. Also the pom-pom garland is just right. Can’t wait to see it in person. I think I can do that!! Whoa! I have been following your blog for some time and love it. You have great ideas and a awesome craft room. Looks like you had a blast on craft night and at brunch. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year. The craft is cute. I did the exact same thing for place cards at my wedding for the family. We made their initial and put their name below it on a name tent. How funny. super cute, super fun….
   i am feeling the pressure now.
feeling the christmas eve meltdown coming on…..
i have been saying to myself all day long –
"keep calm and carry on"
"serenity now"
"deep cleansing breaths"
there is just so much yet to do.
i have been so busy crafting that i am behind on everything else.
but i am thinking everyone is feeling this way….right?
ahhhhhhh…..
i think a hot bath is necessary for me tonight.
(with a special grown up drink just for me.)
goodnight.
i LOVE all the santa cups. they remind me of my childhood xmas’s at my grandmas. i love how you have different sizes and used them as decorations as well as for their intended function. Meg, I love your cut-in-half silver lid turned sconce. Did you do that?! Meg, I love your cut-in-half silver lid turned sconce. Did you do that?! Here is what I told myself just yesterday: when we look back at our memories, we tend to only remember the good, positive stuff (example-childbirth) so next year I won’t remember the urrrrrrrrrg, and will blissfully remember the ahhhhhhhhh in my memories! So even though I have fabric, beads and other projects strewn all over and covering every flat surface in my house…all I will remember is the glow of the tree, the roar of the fire, and homemade cookies. Good luck my friend! i haven’t checked in in awhile so i sat here in awe catching up hee hee a grown up drink I’d love to come over and help…. Well, if you are feeling pressure, you apparently work well under pressure! All of this looks fantastic! I love your bowl full of Santa mugs … I may have to copy that although I think I need to collect a few more mugs first! I love that in the States you celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving so joyously, but it must place alot of pressure on all you Mums. I think you deserve a medal for 1. still being on speaking terms with your family 2. having a smile on your face and 3. being able to string a sentence together. Well done Meg – enjoy your grown-up drink (or three). Love the Santa Mugs and the pretty setups . I think I need a ‘special grown up drink’ tonight, too! Love all your Christmas photos! It looks like you’ve got everything under control! You aren’t the only one having adult beverages….serenity now…serenity now….maybe if we keep saying that! I’m telling ya, the stress-free Christmas I’m doing this year is the way to go! LOVE the Santa mugs! Do you throw your hands in the air and yell, “serenity now!” like George’s dad on Seinfeld? i hear ya loud & clear! 🙂 Apparently I am in the advice giving mood today! Lucky you. I love the vintage Santa mugs and the white plate! It is all beautiful! I have already been having my “grown-up” drink in the evenings. YUM Egg Nog with a splash of Bourbon. Talking about behind and panic, I still have to TAKE the family photo and create the family Christmas card, along with shopping, and baking. And 2 more days of teaching! your whole santa table thing got me really inspired to get this show on the road! i am so with ya on the crafting thing. i have yet to get my christmas cards out the door….yikes! let alone plan the christmas meal! hope the bath and grown-up drink was just what you needed. Looks lovely to me!! when it is all over…..you will wonder “what was I so worried about?” :0) On a different note I LOVE, LOVE those red striped bowls….could you tell me who made them please? cherishedroses@hotmail.com Thanks, Jodi i have Santa love now…love those mugs! That second photo is absolutely perfect! In fact, all of the photos do a great job of masking your jitters. Perhaps a round of grievance airing by the Festivus pole would work to further calm you? It always works for us. Yes! I feel it too…and I haven’t crafted anything! Okay, maybe helped with kid things, but otherwise…PHEW! So who is coming for dinner? It looks wonderful. Is there anything I can do for you? My stuff is almost done. But then, I didn’t craft anything this year! all your serving pieces are great. love those santas. i think my mom had a couple of those when we were young – but she didn’t save them. i am starting to feel the pressure too. few gifts left to get, all the wrapping yet to do, and no menu planned for christmas eve or christmas morning. better get a move on. but it feels good to know that i am not the only one. I hear you. Last night I divvied up all that’s left for the days that are remaining. I hope it all works out! Megan i can’t even tell how i love visting everyday, and yes i’m there with you! Christmas is coming up fast, see you soon… Oh MEG!! Those SANTAS…. Mmmmmm! I love ’em! FABULOUS just fabulous! Keep taking those deep breaths… you’ll be just fine! I love visiting you each day. You are real and take the most amazing pictures!! I have this new thing I have been trying…it seems to work better than anything else I’ve tried. I go to a very quiet place and sing/song in my head, “The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength” You should probably know that sometimes it takes 30 seconds, sometimes it takes 2 days! (I have a 15 year old son) i think Susan Powter said it best when she said “Stop the Insanity”! Oh my, what Santa mug goodness. I just love the little ones. Love your santa collection! the table settings are perfect with the santas and the red and white dishes!!!
our second gingerbread house!
made by GB again….worth every penny….no pressure on me that i will burn or break it.
my only job is to build it with the pieces she baked and cut for me.
and to provide the artists all their supplies.
 
annie was using her wal-mart gift card as a reference….
   sean worked the longest…very detailed.
talby's side was symmetrical and pretty.
scott's side was full and beautifully messy and overflowing with candy.
annie's side was just focusing on yellow.
lauren chose not to decorate a side.
thank you GB for helping me make memories with my kids.
i would be perfectly happy decorating my own personal gingerbread house sometime.
it's very calming.
maybe i could make a gingerbread craft room?!
or a gingerbread starbucks?
mmmmm……now i am thirsty for a spiced gingerbread latte.
If a man does not make new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. “lauren chose not to decorate a side” …. you know you say so much by saying so little! I *do* love decorating a gingerbread house! Kelly Is it wrong that I want to lick the computer screen. ha.. looks so pretty and yummy! i just finished my gingerbread latte. Your kids are so creative : ) And I love the magnet idea, I’ll have to try that sometime. Were you standing on a chair in your kitchen to get that first shot? Wow. Talk about WAY MORE detail and fun and extravagance then I could ever imagine. Its simply beautiful! Who is this mysterious GB and can I get one in my town? Your cute ideas are just killing me!!! Wanted you to know I linked back to your site after posting my version of your hot chocolate gifts. And, I think I’ll make the alphabet crayons for my daughter’s 5th birthday as a favor. You are so clever and creative. I love it. This looks like so much fun! I saw they have pre-made kits at Walmart. I think I will have to go buy one! What fun! Great idea to let each kid do his/her own side. Annie with her handy pocket reference is a hoot. 🙂 what a fun project. love the colors of all the candy. such sweet memories for the kids. isn’t it amazing how you can give the kids the same candy and their sides are all so different. i have never made a gingerbread house. Looks like great fun and wonderful memories!! Too bad about the missing teen – again. She wishes she had participated, but she ‘couldn’t’ allow herself; I’m sure of it! sooo cute! it’s amazing how a little age and more girls make a house look better. my three yr old and hubby didn’t do so hot So fun! We are going to do our’s over Christmas Break!!! I hope I don’t get frustrated 🙂 Deep breath! And, I missed your post yesterday! That’s some craftin’ you’ve been doin girl! LOVE.IT…ALL! Before I left this comment, I got sidetracked at Amazon and bought some of your bottle caps and silicone ABC’s!!! Ya know, cause the kids will be out of school for 2 weeks…gotta have somethin’ fun to do 🙂 Here’s to hoping mine turn out at least half as cute as your’s ! oh, you are living my childhood memories. lovely pictures and what fun kids must have had Perfect! I am curious how you get those over the counter pictures…the first one? Are you in some crazy position to get perfectly above the counter?! I am laughing thinking of that! Perfect! I am curious how you get those over the counter pictures…the first one? Are you in some crazy position to get perfectly above the counter?! I am laughing thinking of that! My kiddos also had fun making a gingerbread house! There’s just something magical about a house made with candy 🙂 Can I be your child?? love it! now i want to eat it! Oh, SO fun!!! And so colorfully delicious looking! I love all your pictures!! FUN! I have only decorated one gingerbread house–a pre-made kit. I want to do a replica of the church where my parents were married some day. It is a small county church! Another thing for my “When I retire” list. Your children will have such wonderful memories. My youngest always wanted to help me decorate cakes–you know squeeze the icing from the tube. One weekend I made a cake just for him to decorate with frosting leftover from my cake. He didn’t last long. His hands got tired! Meg, Are those gum drops fruit-flavored? They look fruity and I can’t find fruit-flavored ones ANYWHERE. I’ve looked in so many places! I love it–I never thought to wrap the base with wrapping paper instead of foil! Smart and sassy and styling–and so obvious, why didn’t I think of it too? You’re so clever. And cool. A very cool mom you are. The force is with you. I’m a total dork. Good think I’M not Lauren’s mom. She’d go around with a paper bag over her head. Oooo yummy! what a house,it’s got Christmas all over it… Megan thank you so much for all your wonderful idea’s we all are Thankful to have you! ginger bread goodness in deed! LOVE IT!!! Im so sad that Lauren didnt contribute 🙁
 just a notebook
but it's all hopped up on cuteness.
simple fun notebooks from wal-mart….with many many ribbons tied to the side.
that's it.
 this is the mysterious crayon project!
using old crayons…i made new ones.
i bought these silicon letter trays.
(you can make ice or bake in them too.)
first break the crayons up and put the pieces into the shapes on the trays.
set the silicone trays on a cookie sheet for stability.
preheat your oven to 250-ish.
put sheet of trays into the warm oven and check at 10 minutes.
when all the crayons pieces have become liquid….they are done!
remove the sheet from the oven and let cool for at least an hour…or 3 or 4.
the liquid wax was beautiful! it was such bright colors.
i was loving it!
i wanted to pour it all over something and paint with it.
maybe another time….
 each letter crayon is about 2 inches tall.
they are still crayons….
just now instead of being dull shaped old crayons in the bottom of the box
they are adorable bright alphabet shapes.
i love them.
i saw this on someone's blog in september and can't find it again…so props to you – whoever you are!
and now for the new obsession.
who knew i would love this craft so much?
 these are mega bottle caps…2 inches across.
 fill the bottle cap with whatever you want….
 then pour glossy accents (also found in your scrapbook isle near stamping stuff)
over the entire little scene you've created.
 it's SO EXCITING!!!
then when you come in the next morning….
the sun shines on all your little creations.
the "glue" has dried and made a clear seal over your scene.
 glue magnets to the back of each bottle cap.
and voila!
a new addiction is born.
a few things i have learned….
* everything red turns orange – so avoid red papers.
* keep the bottle upside down all the time and don't shake it (to avoid air bubbles.)
* adhesive magnets probably still need to be glued on.
i could make little scenes for hours!
this idea came straight from ali edwards.
she rocks.
i am still crazy busy.
i bet you are too.
but first….a quick nap.
need sleepy.
Wow! I never knew bottle caps can be that useful. It was a nice gift idea. Thanks for sharing this one. 🙂 [url=”http://www.nfljerseysleague.com/specials”]wholesale nfl jerseys[/url] the bottle caps are really cool here is the blog you may have gotten the idea for the letter crayons from: awesome post. DG3 gel and Diamond Glaze work great in the bottle caps too and will not bubble as much. Love the way your turned out .. they are the best gifts for folks. My kids are always playing with the ones I make on the fridge LOL. Giving gifts is a way of expressing your feelings towards your loved one. All above gifts are looking beautiful. There are some great ideas here. I like the bottle cap the most. beautigul!! 🙂 perfect!!! thanks Thanks for the information…I bookmarked your site, and I appreciate your time and effort to make your blog a success! I love your ideas especially the one with the notebook, I am so glad I stumbled upon your website That’s awesome! Where do you get the giant bottlecaps from? Awesome job! 🙂 I’m so in love the bottle caps and I have bunches I may have to head to my craft room tonight…Happy Holidays, Lisa Oh, you caught me! Thank you for the inspiration and directions to make those cute marshmallow hot cocoa packets. My neighbors really loved them and they were so easy to make. Just what I was looking for. I love, love, love those darling bottlecap magnets too. I was all gung-ho to tackle that project but I haven’t been able to find the bottlecaps anywhere! I tried Mayan Road but wasn’t able to order any. Do you have to be a retailer to order? Any tips on how to get my hands on them? Love both those ideas … the magnets are fantastic! I love the ABC crayons!! that is great idea seriously. your blog always makes my day…but this post? the best yet….ok…or on the top ten….:) i was gifted a whole thing of bottle caps…now i have found a purpose for them! You take the most beautiful photos. I can’t believe how beautiful you make “normal” life look. love, love, love the bottlecaps… I am so finding time to make these. Thanks! 🙂 quit stealing all my ideas! TRIPLE LOVE THE NOTEBOOK….how stinkin easy to get such a cute look. I adore the lettter crayons also but you need to share where you get the letter forms??? The bottle caps are just too cute for words. You seriously need to sell those on etsy! I want some!!! THE BOTTLECAPS ARE FANTASTIC!! so cute and clever. i want to come over & play… YES… i just invited myself to YOUR house! 🙂 you are just TOO fun! LOVE. LOVE! The crayon idea – Love it! Will have to make that for the munchkins I know. The alphabet crayons are amazing!! Who knew!!! love your little ideas. may I ask, who do you give these creative gifts too, your kids friends (crayons), relatives, teachers?? Just curious. Love the magnets. I’m too cheap to buy those online, but maybe I’ll have to scrounge up some regular sized ones! Now those are adorable. Very creative. Very pretty. Very Miss Meg! Love the pictures of them! I LOVE it when YOu are creative and I can watch! he he I agree, can you tell us where you found the big bottle caps?? I would love to make those!! You are really making me look bad. HOmemade magnets? I wish that I was a receiptant er…friend so I could get some of your fabulous creations! I am loving the crayons! What a fantastic idea! You are so brilliant! You rock! You are so brilliant! You rock! can u post where you found the letter trays your hot coa coa kit and re made crayons are being done in my home this week!!thanks for the great ideas!! Gah! Great. Idea. Overload. LOL. I just found your blog and I am in love. You pics are so colorful and amazing and I totally relate with your sarcasm and humor. Can’t wait to read more! I am sooooo happy! My new modem makes your page load up all lickity-quickity split now! Yaaaaay! i just stopped in to say hi. such a busy, busy happy bee! you are such a talented crafty girl. honestly everything looks fun the way you do it. peeling paper off of crayons? now who would think that part was fun…? you! oh and i guess casey Ohmen above thinks it is fun too 🙂 love to you meg and all your not-so-little-anymore babies! oh and merry christmas! Crazy crafting going on at your casa, how to do you have time for sleep?????? Oh my! My heart definitely just did a little pitter patter and flip flop when I saw these FUN crafts! Crafting is my BIGGEST stress reliever! These are going on my “to do” list. Thanks so much! Is there anything better than great projects…that are DONE!!! That craft room must be smok’n hot right now! Just found your blog today and I can tell it is going to be a favorite! Love the bottle cap scenes, thanks for sharing. OMG! You are so good. I feel so inspired!!! You are simply amazing. Just want you to know that your blog is my favorite on my list. I always save it to read last. Love the ideas, love all the colors, love the pictures. I feel like I am hearing about my friend’s day as I read it and I always enjoy it….even if you are having a grumpy day. Because even our friends are grumpy sometimes and that’s OK. Hope you got some rest, can’t wait to try the alphabet crayons! The bottle caps- LOVE IT!!!!!! I can see why you would be addicted. Love the crayons too. How cute and crafty are you!!! LOVE the crayons! What a good Christmas/Birthday present. I will have to try that for my nieces. GET OUT!!!!!! sooooo cute and fun and fabulous and… OOPs! I just realized that the questions I asked are answered by the links(highlighted words). I couldn’t see the color difference. It must be my computer,certainly it isn’t my 43 year old eyes. Do you know if the bottlecaps are available at any stores?? What a sweet idea! I luv your cute little scenes! You are a crafty super star- LOVE all the ideas and the pictures of course—fab-u-lous! OH.MY.GOSH. You are amazing!!! I love it all! Oh miss Megan, I love you! your so fun thanks for all the grand ideas! you rock… Meg~ Thanks for answering my question about the crayons! I’m excited to try some of these wonderfully creative and bright, happy projects! You rock, too! Wow. You HAVE been busy–makes me feel lazy. Everything is so dang cute. And you’re quickly converting me from dull, muted colors to bright and fun ones. All I can say is that you put Martha Stewart to shame – You rock Megan. I wish I had more time. Great fun ideas. great ideas, thanks Meg 🙂 I also melt crayons and use molds. Peeling the paper off is a good tv watching activity. The bottle caps are a great idea. I have some, not that big, but could see using them in a scrapbook. Thanks for sharing. oops…nevermind, i found the answer to my question within your post….duh! 🙂 i am SO excited to try these ideas!! thank you! thank you!! Meg, |
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kim Scrap to my lu - What a great shot! Adorable!
I still can’t believe you have all those children!
You look like you’re about 22.
cjs - smiling…you all look like
SIBLINGS.
yes. that is right. all seven of you.
great pics.
meg rocks.
princess lasertron - lauren is beautiful. I love her smile in the picture of her laughing. I love all of your girls and your boys look so much like dad!
nice photos 🙂 the silly ones are the best ones because then end up meaning the most and reminding you of everyone’s personality.
Tracy - I am also wondering what kind of dog you have. Such a cute family.
Cottage Lifestyle - Your family photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing the Joel Dewberry fabric. As a quilter I am always interested in finding new fabric. I checked out Joel’s collection on his website…wonderful selection.
Happy Holidays!
Renee
Jill - Your family is beautiful, but I have a crush on Waffle. :o) What kind of dog is he? Merry Christmas to all!
michelle allen - What a darling family you have Meg. I especially love the “silly” shots. Those are always my fave. Merry Christmas Eve!
Brooke Masters - Merry Christmas Meg!! I love your family photos!!! I don’t know what part of Kansas you live in, but my family and I did a 2000 mile trek from Alabama to Utah to surprise my dad for a Christmas visit and we briefly drove through Kansas City, KS and I loved it!! The weather will be too bad to head back that way so we will be traveling through the Southern part this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more eye appealing states to travel through!
Rachel - Oh what memories!!! These are so great…you have a beautiful family!
I wish you and your family all the best this Christmas!
Keep the beautiful posts coming in the New Year!
Jhoni - Great photos and what a beautiful family!! (I really must figure out how to use the timer on my camera.) Merry Christmas to you!
Kristi - I love the b&w one of the fam. The ones of Lauren, esp. the last one…wow…it takes my breath away.
Ashley - What a beautiful family!
Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad from Colombia!!
Alyssa - You have such a beautiful family. Love the photos. I cannot believe you have a teenage daughter. You look so young and youthful to have 5 kids. I have 3 and I do not look half as good as you.
Anna - HI!
I ran into your blog a few months ago and have checked in on occasion. You have a beautiful family, and I am so impressed with ya’lls group photo. I have a family of 3 (with a 1 1/2 year old), and we have quite a time trying to get our family photos taken. I need to invest in a tripod!
Have a merry Christmas!
danyele - love the pics…and ur still a few days ahead of us! i don’t have ours done yet. why is it that pics are so hard of ur own fam?? anyway, silly is the best…love ur fam pics! merry christmas
traci - HOLY MOLY….HOW did you get Lauren to not just smile but she was actually clowning for the camera???? I almost got teary eyed! The pics just kept getting better and better…LOVE THEM. I dont know how you got them to all coooperate but you must have bribed well..lol
Linda@ Restyled Home - Beautiful, beautiful family…and you are a champion photographer!!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Linda
xo
Liz - Your photographs are, as always, fabulous. Sending you and your family merry Christmas wishes from England.
Erin - Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family! I started reading your blog last summer when I was searching for “photography” on google. I now check in a couple of times a week! I am so inspired by your fun stories and creativity. I am a middle school art teacher in Indiana and I am thinking about the same age as you. Thanks for allowing me to read about your life
Becca - awesome pictures. Love the goofy ones the most. Hope you have a very merry christmas.
cecilia löfholm - Wonderful pictures! I love it when the photos aren’t “stiff”. Beautiful family you’ve got.
Christmas wishes from sweden
Cissi
jennifer - So fun! I love the one of the three girls. Adorable. And your oldest is gorgeous.
And by the way, I found sprinkles at Michaels. Go figure!
Oh and the laundry room floor post made me laugh out loud. I can so relate! And it was funny because just that day my middle son said about his younger brothers bedroom floor after he cleaned his room, “You can see the floor of his room Mom. I didn’t think he had one!” Kids are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
Staci - What a beautiful family!!! I can’t get OVER how big Waffle is….those tall legs! I can’t stand it! I love ’em! I also loved Lauren’s smile 🙂
stljoie - Your family is just beautiful…and even the dog posed!?!
Wendy - Cute family. I’m impressed you did that yourself I’ve gotta get a tripod. Would save me lots of money. 🙂
I have a Lauren myself and it IS good when a smile makes an appearance. Love those teen girls!
We also have a Waffle. She was too crazy to make the pictures, though we tried. Good girl Waffle!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Aby - They are all so beautiful! I love all of the pictures!! What a great family. Can I come live with you?
Molly Pearce - What beautiful pictures. Have a Merry Christmas!!!
~ Molly P
MGF - Fun…
How many shots did you have to take it get it right? Probably only a few.
Glad to see your oldest. She is very beautiful.
Shannan - Lauren is so pretty! I love the one with her and her two sisters. I had to think…one day, she will want to be around them as much as she possibly can. At least that’s what happened with my and my younger (by 5 years) sis!
Also, loved the shot of her shoes on the green chair!
meaghan easterhaus - these are sooooo great! i adore the goofy pics!
Ashley - It is so fun to see pictures of your entire family. Your oldest is gorgeous! Those are really some great family shots – I love big families, there is always personality in every shot. Enjoy your week…I know you’ll be busy!
carissa - and with a tripod… you go girl!
REALLY great! so happy Waffle was there too…!
i need to try the tripod thing… mine always end up being the girlies!
very pretty… the “goofy” shots are way fun too!
Leah - Can you guys get any cuter?? I love the one of the three girls together…Annie is so sassy in it!
anne - what a gorgeous and fun family!
🙂 merriest little christmas to you and yours!
♥
Lanny Stanard - Oh My Goodness! I love them all and you all look so cute and I must say being the dog lover that i am Waffle eat him up yum! Love it love it love it… Thanks so much for sharing and Merry CHRISTmas!
with love, Lanny
sara's art house - Love them all!
Kelly - I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures of your oldest before. She’s lovely. Your whole family is beautiful – nice pictures, they turned out great!!
jesse Peak - You have a truly adorable family! Merry Christmas!
Jennifer - hi, i’m a new reader to your blog. i found you via “confessions of a sometimes serendipitous girl” we’re snowed in up here in seattle so i have been spending some time getting caught up on blog reading. i am enjoying reading through yours…you have had me laughing out loud on many occasions! Anyways, just wanted to tell you that i love your blog and your pictures. you are a great photographer! you have an adorable family too. happy holidays to you all
Tami - Cute family pics!This is ours:
http://talkingwithtami.wordpress.com/
Jenn Thomas - First of all – Lauren is just beautiful! Not a cute little girl anymore but a beautiful young lady! Whoot whoo and the rest of the family – they also look great. Waffle he just completes the “All American Family” look.
Lee Ann - I’m all about the New Year’s card! And what great shots. They look like you were having fun….even Lauren! So nice of you to have those photos to cherish.
traci - oh meg – those are fantastic. everyone looks so cute. it’s so nice to see lauren having fun with you all. such a beautiful young lady. i love the goofy ones!! they are so fun.
sarah - You have SUCH a beautiful family.
I love the third one with just the kids….I love all of them, but I was drawn to this one for some reason..
Alyssa - Your family is so beautiful. You are so blessed. I love the laundry floor, great news that you found it. Hope you find the missing couch soon.
Christy - Glad to know I am not alone! I still haven’t done mine, and I only have 1 kid (well & 2 dogs), not 5 to wrangle.
Love all the shots, even the goofy ones at the end. The last family shot & the last one with all of the kids, those are my favs of the groups, although they are all great! Would be great for a gallery wall.
Nina - I think the pics are wonderful…….especially the “goofy” ones. They are my fav!
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
crystal - looks like you got some wonderful shots!!! And is it just me or did Lauren maybe,almost enjoy herself? 🙂 hope your week is good neighbor!!!
mom - I get to be the first to comment! They turned out very good. Love Waffle being squished in the 2nd photo!