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who’s my favorite baby?

December 5, 2008

HA!

london was not happy to see me.

when i opened the car door to ride with them she was already crying.

her little cheeks were all red and tears rolling down her face.

i looked at jenn and said "should we do this another day?"

we decided to try it anyway.

russ was passing london some smarties and that got some smiles.

after the terror of the shoulder ride was over….

we got some good shots.

pretty pretty girls.

she warmed up a little but not her usual smiley self.

and she was not liking the shoulder ride….AT ALL!

but we thought it was kind of funny anyway.

she was being a little dramatic….

she is my favorite baby.

(i can say that because i don't have any more babies….boo hoo for me)

thanks russ and jenn.

i can't wait to see how we can upset miss london next time.

we made her cry on the hay bales…on the piano bench and now with those scary shoulder rides….

maybe we could put her on waffle next time?

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gina - Gorgeous photos and that is one adorable baby- even screaming. 🙂

Robin Laws - brilliant! simply brilliant work! i love the sepia toned ones best, every single one of ’em! and she really is adorable isn’t she..when she smiles i mean 🙂

Tracy - Meg these shots are great as usual and TOO CUTE/FUNNY of little London crying – the last is my favorite and I agree, I think the Jenn could VERY easily pass as your sister – I wouldn’t have known any different had I not been reading your blog all this time. lol Thanks for sharing the great photos and I can’t wait to see the next ones! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Amanda Rettke - Beautiful shots! Great looking family… do you have sunny skies everyday??????
Many blessigns-
Amanda

traci - Cute shots…LOVE the first one even if she is crying. Ya know, Jen looks like she could be your sister!

Ali - The two crying shots are my favorites. So REAL and they have so much humor in them as well. 🙂 Wonderful photography, Meg.

a thorn among roses - i love this set of shots…the screaming baby while mom and dad r kissing crack me up. i would blow it up and put it on the wall! so fun! so how in the world is it still pretty where you live? it stinks here…snow and nasty wind!

Traci Thorson - adorable shots meg. even the crying ones are cute. love the one of her crying while her parents are kissing.

Marnie - The look on the Dad’s face in the first pic is PRICELESS! Thanks for sharing, needed a good giggle today! 🙂

Jeremie - Great pics! Question, does his bracelet have any special meaning? I like it! Also, Jenn favors you, are you guys related?
Beautiful family!!!!

Sandy - what a nice looking family. in the last picture it looks like she’s crying because she’s jealous daddy’s kissing mommy instead of her. 🙂 That is an adorably pose though…I love it with her on the shoulders and them kissing….she could have at least acted happy. 😉

sarah - aww, poor thing.
Great pictures though! I really enjoyed the one with Daddy and London wide mouthed at each other 🙂

carissa - OMGoodness… terrific shots… tears and all!
what a beautiful family!
great job Meg!

Kelly - put her on waffle! ha! Kelly

Lorilee - The photos are so cute. I think crying photos are fine. After all, it is REAL!
Blessings,
Lorilee

krista - this family made me smile today….

Sharla - You got a lot of cute shots – love all of them. The last one cracks me up!

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food swap

December 4, 2008

my girlfriends in my bible study group decided to do a food swap.

it took us awhile to get it organized but we did it!

i was so excited about it.

some of us are kind of picky and i love that we were honest about that too.

i have a bunch of picky eaters here so it wouldn't save me anytime if i did this

and all the meals were yucky to my kids.

my meal was lasagna.

that's really is MY meal.

i make it for anyone who has a baby…family in the hospital….lost a loved one….company coming…

everyone!

and everyone tells me it's so good.

so i believe them.

i made seven.

all in my jammies, slippers and apron.

with christmas music on and all the kids at school and an entire pot of coffee by my side.

it really was such a nice morning.

it took me 3 hours exactly.

that was twice as long as i thought it would take but all the stirring and layering takes time.

after you make your meal you cover them with plenty of foil

("no air in there"….name that line)

label it with instructions and freeze them.

then you bring them to the swap already frozen.

we all opened our trunks and swapped out our casseroles for five different ones.

the different meals were:

chicken enchiladas

turkey tetrazzini

manicotti

chicken and stuffing

bierock casserole (small town german favorite)

and my lasgana

my freezer is so happy. i think it smiled and winked at me….

now for december…the busiest month…i have six meals already made!

AWESOME.

i think all of you should do this with your girlfriends.

(or with your co-workers or neighbors?)

set your rules of money, ingredients, recipes and GO FOR IT!

it was so fun.

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Betsy - I do this with my teacher friends. Many of us are single or just a couple … so cooking for ourselves takes a lot of time and then you eat that food for the next 8 meals.
My favorites are a veggie/pasta soup, a baked ziti with sausage, and a Tex Mex ravioli lasagna.
SO MUCH FUN!

Amber - Hi Meg. My name is Amber. I just started blogging. I don’t know how I came across yours but I just love your photographs. You are truly gifted. I came across this blog entry and couldn’t believe my eyes! Your shot with the pj pants and slipper shoes, I have the same shot of my pj pants and slipper shoes from Target! 😀
And if I can see your pj pants clearly I have those same ones :O
Anywhoo, nice to meet you Meg. I look forward to seeing more of your photos and your blog posts.

cathy B - that is the most clever thing i have ever heard of LOVE IT

carissa - THE BEST idea… too neat… and YUMMY too!

Kirsten - Okay, that sounds so fun – smart, too! Questions abound…how did the money work out? And I’d be curious about the lasagna recipe you use – I usually use cottage cheese, but last time used ricotta and I think that’s why it was kind of dry. I need to remember to use more sauce, too. Thanks for your constant inspiration – and congrats on the ohdeedoh gig!

Diana Cornielle - This is a wonderful idea! Specially for someone like me who doesn’t have that much time to cook. Thanks.

Tracy - Hi Meg – great concept! Wish I had people close by that would be willing to do this but all of my friends and family are back home in Arkansas – lol. However, I would LOVE to have your Lasagna recipe – care to share?! Hugs, Trac~:o)

Bri - Megan, could I trouble you to get that Bierock casserole recipe for me? I LOoOoOvE!! bierocks, and casseroles are right up my alley!!!!

Linda@ Restyled Home - Genius…literally…now to find a few friends not too lazy to do it with me!!
I just got caught up with your blog, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute!
Linda

Lorilee - That sounds like fun! I have done the Once-A-Month Cooking a few times. Well, I don’t do it exactly. I picked out some of the recipes and adapted some of my own. I usually cook the batch of beef recipes one day and the chicken another. I do all the onion chopping etc in bulk. As I assemble, I have the various recipes posted all around my kitchen.
Blessings,
Lorilee

Mandi - I stumbled upon your website (literally–stumbleupon.com)…and it is my new favorite, guilty pleasure.
I check it everyday and cannot wait to see the new crafts you have come up with.
and your kids–totally amazing, not to mention beautiful.
thanks for making my day a little more fun!

Trina - That is some serious cooking!!!! Looks like fun though! Jammies, cooking, coffee, music, quiet! And then getting all those meals in December, you’re right that is a good thing!

Jenny - Great idea.

Kelly - okay, I LOVE that y’all swapped out of your trunks! GREATNESS! I don’t use eggs or “yellow” cheese in my lasagna so I’m intrigued! Looks yummy. Where do the eggs go? Kelly

Tami - Wow! This is really kewl!!!!

Marie - What a great idea! I am SO going to do this!

lee ann - Love it! I did this all last year, but it sort of fizzled out. Everyone should try it. My group even had wheat AND dairy allergies and we still made it work. Doesn’t it just make you so happy?

a thorn among roses - i did this a few years ago…and now, i want in on it again!!! good reminder for me…i’m making some calls. 🙂

Amanda Rettke - Wow. That was intense. You did SEVEN lasagnas in three hours? CRAZY! But cool. Very cool.
You have pink slippers. Have you always liked pink? Just wondering.
God bless-
Amanda

MGF - Great idea. I think I may try

carrie - fantastic idea! would love to do this but unfortunately what i am able to eat isn’t on most recipes so i’d likely get lots of food i’d WANT to eat but sadly could not. i’m going to try and see if i can figure a way to do a variation on this idea though as if nothing else, i’d love the excuse it would give my friends and i to spend more time together.
hugs!

Staci - Mmmmmm. Yummy! I did this one time about a year ago and was such a great thing. Don’t ya just love it when you know there is a meal already ready??!! Much less…SIX! It’s the best feeling!

amy j. - I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I stared at that first freezer picture for awhile… trying to figure out what meal was in the bucket. Duh. 🙂

Andrea - LOVE that swapping idea. What a great thing to do.
Though I’d be all for swapping at a festive party instead of out of my trunk. Not sure if this speaks to my love for a good party, great food, or the abhorent state of my trunk. Nobody would eat anything they saw coming out of there.

Jenn Thomas - Meg – this has nothing to do with your current post but here is a compliment to you. At noon I ran to WalMart to print some pictures quickly (ones you took for us). I am going to make my own christmas cards tomorrow evening. So I print off 65 of them – (one of the family, London in the milo field and me holding her while she is sleeping) okay. She I give the lady the receipt and she starts looking through my pictures and asks (snotty) “did you take these?” I said no, my friend did. “well is she is professional?” No, just a friend. “Well, they are questionable, they look professional” Yes, she enjoys taking pictures and is very good at it. “Well, next time you come in to print pictures she has taken, you need a form from her stating that she is not a professional – these are very questionable. That won’t be necessary, next time I will be ordering them online where the customer service is more friendly. Hats off to you Meg – they questioned my prints about being professional. Whoot Whew

Aubrey - Are you going to put the recipe on the side? My last few attempts at lasagna were not so tasty and I have resorted to Stauffers, but should figure out how to make it good on my own and save us the money and extra preservatives, since it hasn’t yet been proven that they preserve against wrinkles or pregnancy weight gain, and I suppose I don’t need them.

traci - That is actually a super, fun idea!!! One ?…how much did it set you back? I realize you save because you dont have to spend on the other dinners but I bet making lasagna set you back A LOT.

Traci Thorson - my stomach is growling now. lasagna sounds wonderful. actually all the meals are great. what a wonderful idea!! what are you having tonight?

PamperingBeki - I think your freezer is happy because of that big ol’ tub of cookies and cream ice cream! 😉
The food swap looks fun. It is soooo cold outside!
Do you want to get together for coffee one day next week? I could use the break.

Ali - What a fun idea! And it made me laugh to see all your colby jack cheese bags piled up like that, as you had mentioned that is the only kind you buy. I think that would make lasagna extra delicious. My husband refuses to eat “orange” cheese, so I don’t get to enjoy cheese like I should. LOL.
I have been reading through your archives over the past day and I love your blog so much. I am not a native Kansas girl, and well, our life here over the past 1 1/2 years has not been very enjoyable (as far as enjoying the state, getting out and exploring, etc.) but you really make Kansas look FUN and beautiful.
After reading through old entries, I feel really inspired just to have more fun with my daughter and it gave me a different outlook on Kansas.
Wish I lived on a block like yours, with neighbors that actually talk to one another, and have block parties. Maybe someday we will find a town like that. 🙂
Thank you again for such a wonderful blog. It is truly inspiring — the good parts and the hard parts of raising kids, finding time to find color in your life, all little lessons I’m learning from your posts. Thanks.

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feeling famous

December 3, 2008

i am the room tour today on ohdeedoh!!!

i am feeling quite happy.

thank you for such a nice write up alex.

you can read it here.

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comidademama - Grazie mille Megan! Thanks a lot Megan!
i will write as soon as possible and will send a link.
Bravissima!

comidademama - Really amazing! I love the colors and the picture is beautifull! I’m an Italian blogger and I’d love to publish this picture in my blog writing about you and your talent to chanhe 4 walls in somethis really special.
Please, please,please,please,please,please,please,please,please,please,please,please allow me.
Ciao
Elena.comidademama

Robin Laws - awwww…you so deserve that! this is one wonderful room and you did it all by yourself too!
XO

carissa - you ARE famous… you rock… so glad they featured you!
let that sun shine on your face… wow! 🙂

Kelly - VERY nice! Kelly

Diana Cornielle - Congrats! Hard job always pays off somehow….!

princess lasertron - I like that room a lot, and that’s a really nice write-up. you’re a great inspiration to me, meg 🙂

sara's art house - I LOVE that room!!!!! Gorgeousness in red and white!!!

a thorn among roses - now that, is super fun! great job…congrats!

Jamie Sampson - Congrats! Whoo Hoo for you! I am just so proud I want to squeeze your cheeks and feed you chocolate chips cookies! 🙂

Rachel - I gotta say again I love this room!

MGF - Congrats. That’s awesome to feel famous.
Got any more projects working??? or always…..

alyssa - from the amount of comments you recieve on this blog, I’d say you are definitely famous. But I do love that room. I believe I will be making a trip to hobby lobby soon for some letters…

Taddie Tales - You go girl!
Congrats!

sandi - Hi Meg
I LOVE that playroom! Everything about it just so happy and cheerful. Did you use vintage fabric on the pillows?
I know it is hard to reply to all who comment on your blog but I would love for you to visit my blog and say Hi. I got inspired by your polka dot lamp and did something simular to a lampshade of mine but the dots are gold on a barn red color with white fringe on the bottom. Not exactly the same but you inspired me. I will be posting a pic very soon. Come visit me.. Sandi

callie grayson - fun, playful and cosy! love this room!!!!

Melanie - Congrats on the photos on that website. That room makes me so happy! I love all the colors and it looks just like you:)

Darby - You are famous and I love that ROOM!!

maribeth - i have been following your blog for almost a year now. i am in love with your house and the way you have chosen to decorate it. this room is no different. how cool! i hope you win! thank you for the inspiration in decorating and child rearing (we are expecting number 3 in about a month)!

Jenny - That is fantastic.
The room looks great – I love it.

Holly - So very proud of you!!!!!
All of the rooms in your home could win prizes. I admire the way you decorate with a great eye for colors….and lots of love. That guest/play room is spectacular. Your talent is inspiring.
Congrats, Meg. I was hoping you’d win…..your room was the most beautiful and clever!!!!! =-)

Staci - YAY! Does this mean you won?? I do hope so!! Coolest room around!

Michelle - Congratulations! Love your room, love your photos, love it all!

Amanda - Rock on Designer Momma! Obviously you are now not only feeling famous, but you ARE famous!
Now, if you could just let me come and liv in your kitchen, I would be happy.
God bless-
Amanda

diana g - Congrats Meg!!! The recognition is well deserved – love the room and your photos!
PS. You should have won the ohdeedoh contest!

Deb - Hello, I found you via ohdeedoh. I love your outlook (I am exactly the same re the Christmas tree) – chaos usually reigns here too as I have five. The playroom looks cool too!
I wanted to ask – how do you get your pics on typepad so big? Mine come out smaller than I’d like despite me fiddling with the custom settings.
Debx

chris - Your famous to me , always love everything you do , you are amazing , its nice to see you recognized .

kristin at prairie daze - oh! hooray for you!
it is wonderful, wonderful.

traci - congrats meg. very exciting!!

Aubrey - Seriously so fabulous. Hmm, duh aubrey moment, let your kids have input on how to decorate their rooms. So smart. Except, what do I do when I’m constantly switching my kids in between the two rooms we have to try and make them fit better (which they never do).

Ali - That is so cool!
I actually saw your entry into the color contest and I emailed it to my mom cause I just loved it so much.
And another cool thing, I’m in Kansas too! 🙂

kasey - wonderful write-up!

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tree trimming chaos

December 2, 2008

craig put the (artificial) tree up this weekend.

then the kids had begged for three days straight to decorate it.

i was finally ready (as i could be) to do it.

it was (and always is) chaos.

this year they each had their special ornaments in their own box.

it made a difference in the amount of fighting & grabbing ornaments from each other.

i decided something this year….

the way the tree looks is not a big deal.

the ornaments can go wherever the kids want.

they CAN hang them….by themselves….they don't need my help.

and they WANT to do it.

we did it together and i didn't un-do all the work they just did when they weren't looking.

maybe everyone reading this has already had this AHA! moment

but i think so many mommies still want a perfect tree that is not for touching.

why?

why does it have to be matchy-matchy and perfectly decorated?

i have decided that ours will be just how the kids want it to be…however they decorate it.

and i can't wait to see what they come up with.

ahhhhh…..now i will get off my soapbox.

we finished and it was time for pie.

i will admit that i was crabby during all this "family time" but i tried my best to control it.

the chaos gets to be a bit much sometimes…even for me.

but in the end they will remember the decorating and not my mood.

i hope.

and only 2 ornaments got broken….by ME!

want to play find-the-teenager-who-can't-stand-her-family again…..

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Diana Cornielle - I can totally relate to you in so many ways! The-teenager-who-can’t-stand-her-family, the chaos during “family times”, the moodiness of a mom who just wants peace and quiet, the urge to fix things up after the kids decorate their own tree but most of all the fun and memories these times bring to us, as well!! Great photos!

Ashlie - First off, I love the new header pic! Have you decided on a name for your new business yet? Because you so need to offer your talent for sale!
And I completely agree with your thoughts about the tree, even though I don’t have kids yet. But I’m sure I’ll have to remind myself of it when I do have kids. Since I tend to be a little controlling when it comes to decorating and all. 😉
Thanks for sharing your family time with us!

Rachel - My hubby wants more kids…yes he wants to have another baby…because of times like these…Christmas and the laughter and chaos. You have a beautiful family…that pie looks yummy!

Tonya - “the way the tree looks is not a big deal.”
ummm…amen to that! My tree is so silly looking and we ended up with all ornaments on the top half due to Mia’s obsession with trowing them across the room! Love it though..such a blessing and reminder of the little ones that roam my home…
hope you have a very merry christmas!

meredith - Too funny. I just read this post and laughed with great empathy. I did a post yesterday which is so similar, even down to the three days to get the energy to trim the tree and the individual portions of decorations to alleviate arguments. I didn’t write it, but I was also thinking how I can be a fun vacuum at this time of year, wanting everything to be perfect and why do I do that? Thanks for the reminder.

krista - great pics as always…but now i’m in trouble because my youngest wants to know all about your furball dog in the pictures….we already have one!

carissa - loving the new festive banner…
AND…
okay…. i am raising my right hand… i promise to be BETTER about letting the ornaments “BE”… at the bottom of the tree where the girls put them! 🙂
you rock mmama!

Lisa - Good for you Meg! I’m sure no matter where the decorations hang, the tree will be filled with the beauty of your family and the wonderful pie you shared afterwords. Even -the-teenager-who-can’t-stand-her-family fills it with love 🙂
take care,
Lisa

Sandy - Is that her in the background of the last picture? I did notice her in her coat and shorts helping with the tree. She’s a doll…just like my 15 year old son that can’t be around the family without thinking we’re complete morons. 🙂
Love the new attitude, the tree, the pie and Waffle (what a great name!).

Brooke - Goodness…I am SO like that…the ladies put up an ornament…and the second they turn around I cruise over there and put it where I telepathically had told them to put it. Maybe this year will be my AHA moment and I will just enjoy it….but knowing me probably not…haha! At least I think my ladies are begining to realize how nuts their mother is…so they expect and accept it.
I totally love the individual boxes idea…I will definitely have to incorporate that into our way of storage next year!

Aubrey - Oh yeah–the ‘can i wipe my nose on your shirt?’ so so funny–that annie.

Aubrey - I try not to make our tree perfect because I can still remember my mom telling us where to put our ornaments and being so picky and I hated it.
We box our ornaments individually too, but in ugly shoeboxes. Did you find those boxes at Michaels? I like the car ornament, did you make it? My son would love it. My husband has an uglier-than-heck superhero ornament I alwys make him hid in the back, maybe I’ll let him show it this year.

Nina - the tree will be perfect!
and when they are all grown like mine, then you can do it your way……which is what I do now!
cute pics…….

Holly - I FOUND HER!!!! She is participating- all bundle up. I so understand the strong desire to rearrange and tweek yo tree. I also have given up. I don’t think I have had an AHA moment but I just ran out of steam and totally gave up. I used to put up a full size tree in our family room, dining room, sunroom, Master bedroom, and then the kids had a 4 ft tree in their rooms. I don’t have it in me anymore. That is part of adapting- allowing myself to let it go and not stress out over trying to do too much.

traci - I found Lauren but she looked like she was participating.
As for the tree being matchy, matchy and perfect. That is one thing I have FINALLY GOT!!! I also did the whole rearrange when they werent looking thing but decided to stop. I do give some tips on not too many same color bulbs all together, etc, but I let them…I think this yr. they did the whole thing (almost). Love your pictures and your dog is getting SOOOOO BIG and adorable.

Art Cant Hurt - Your new banner looks great!
Did you get a stocking for Waffle yet?

Amanda Rettke - Well…I will leave the aha moment to you… my kids are still too young to be able to decorate a tree… is what I keep telling myself! I LIKE matchy matchy and pretty! You are a good woman.
God bless-
Amanda

Jill - Looks great… the tree and the pie!! You’ve got an award over at my blog. 🙂

amy d - that waffle! such a helper. CUTENESS ALL AROUND!

Kelly - good for you! the pic of the car ornament and your sweet girl below is really good and I love that waffle’s in on the game. Kelly

Amy - muah!
I have the most imperfect tree ever! I love that we let them decorate it…it’s a good memory for them…we’ve all had those crabby moments! It’s alright! Hang in there…you are just like the rest of us!
by the way, I’m not ready for teenagers…I have a 7 year old who thinks he’s the boss…oh, I’m not ready!

Tami - I am joining you on that whole “let the kids do it and don’t fix it behind their backs” thing this year. Our tree has NO ornaments on the bottom foot, but I am thinking that may work to my advantage with our little “Abe-y Baby” anyway.
We only broke one ornament this year – Ashleigh’s new one!

danyele - pie after tree trimming…what a good idea. now, i want some pie!

Staci - Ahhh. So glad to hear that it’s chaotic at other people’s homes too! Yet another reason why I love to blog 🙂 Makes me feel…normal! Actually, I must admit, this year was not so bad 🙂 I had my AHA moment this year as well. I generally am an “all white light” kinda girl…this year, Brian and Connor wanted multicolored…and you know what…it’s really kinda pretty! Sometimes, it’s just not worth the fuss 🙂 AHAAAAA!!!!! (in the biggest vibrato voice I have!)

chris - Looks like fun for the kids , you earn a big gold star for that .
All I need at Christmas is a decorated tree , fake real , fancy or crazy doesn’t matter , its the spirit that counts, glowing lights .
Pumpkin pie is on my list now , asap.
Chris

chris - Yum yummy ,I need to make a pumpkin pie soon , seeing all the thanksgiving feasting across the boarder puts me in the mood too .
The tree is lovely , normally my girls are very involved but they didn’t seem to care this year , well my 7 yr old did help put up her ornaments as well .
Your tree looks perfect , I would have thought it was real if you hadn’t mentioned , they really look great in photos , well I have always had fake so they are very wonderful to me, a decorated tree is all I need decorated any way .
Bring on Christmas

cynthia - love your new banner too!

cynthia - yes…i’m guilty of that too! but the past two years have been different and as you with the same attitude! my little guy absolutely loved filling the tree with ornaments this year and so he did…wherever he found a place AND it wasn’t too bad after all. i haven’t even moved one single ornament!
it’s not like i don’t have several trees to choose from at our house…and mine is in the kitchen! now that one…stay away!
fun times!

callie grayson - the first thing I noticed was the white ipod cords as she is separating the ear buds. i giggled, i was exactly the same way. i am the oldest and didn’t want to be around my younger siblings much less my parents. but hey i got over it and i am very close with my family now and my sister is my best friend. give her a about 8 years and then she will be over the phase!
great photos! everyone looks like they are having a great time. great idea with each one having their own box of ornaments.
I would have to say my favorite photo is the one with your youngest looking up as her brother hanging the ornament. it is very sweet!!!

Trina - It’s too bad that has to be an Aha moment for everyone.. I am hoping that I can just take your advice before I need my own Aha moment about decorating the tree. My tree never looks perfect but I want it to look pretty but mostly that ruins the fun for everyone. So I am reading this at just the right time and hoping to just go with the flow. Thanks…..
xx trina
oh- and I love the individual box idea.. so clever!

Jamie Sampson - I love little moments like that, when you just realize something completely profound and your life is so much better because of it. I used to be a complete clean freak, I am not any more, I don’t have the time or the energy and does to really matter if I have multiple loads of laundry sittng in the laundry basket, nope! 🙂
Love the photos!

Kelly - I love it, your tree looks great! We actually have two trees – one is supposed to be a kid tree, and one my fancy looking tree. Well, guess who is too lazy to put up two trees (and we technically don’t have a good spot for the second). So the kid ornaments go on the one tree that is up, along with my pretty gold ones. And this year the three year old helped so all the ornaments are on the bottom 1/4 of the tree and multiple ornaments on each branch. What can you do though, you know? She is so proud of helping.
And I was that moody teenager just a few short (10) years ago and I’ve grown out of it for the most part. 😉 At least there is hope!

kasey - nice talk from the “soap box”. I love it.
I of course HAVE to have MY tree decorated and look pretty.
why, cuz i’m neurotic. luny. crazy.
I wish i had a house big enough to have 2 tree’s. the family one, and the pretty one.

sarah - I love that Waffles looks as though he’s trying to help.
and i completely understand,
I have the same ornament issue. I want each ornament to have even spacing and for the tree to look perfect. Luckily, McKenzie doesn’t care what way it’s done, yet. Once she starts to really help, I’ll have to let go of my need for perfectionism.

jennifer - Ah! So many things… where to begin?
I love the idea of the boxes for each kid. My kids also have their own special ornaments but they’re just packed away in the same box as all the others. Not this year!
I had that AHA! moment with the Christmas tree decorating last year and it was so incredibly freeing and made the whole thing much more enjoyable. What ended up being incredibly hilarious was sitting on the couch watching my husband micro-manage the kids the entire time, re-doing half of what they did. He was horrified that I was content to let it just be a “kid tree”. Who knew?!
Love the tell-tale white cords hanging from the puffy jacket pocket. And who’s that on the computer when everyone else is eating pie? 🙂 That was so me at that age. Except we didn’t have iPods in the olden days…
Ok, gotta go break up a fight and then figure out what’s for dinner.
Thanks for sharing your fun night!

Chelsea jones - I love your blog. It’s very real mom Martha Stewart.
We never decorated our tree. We would come home from school one day after Thanksgiving, and my mom would have the house all spiffy and the decorations in place. I would always love that element of surprise.

lee ann - Way to go Meg! I was crabby too. I think I always am. No matter how much I tell myself I’m not going to be. My 5 and 2 year olds decorated the tree….minus 4 ornaments I did taller than 3.5 feet. But….they were very happy, no arguing, so I let them do it. And that’s just the way it is! No perfect tree in our house. Just happy kids.

Tracy - Well, unfortunately, I seem to be one of “those” moms who prefer the matchy/color coordinated tree – *lol* My kids are 15 now but still don’t help out much. I think I ruined them when they were little and wouldn’t let them help so that nothing got broke and/or didn’t match – much to my husband’s disappointment. But, I can’t turn back time to let them have the freedom of the casual family tree – although, I honestly can’t say I would IF I could either – I guess I am a “mom tree snob” – lol – oh well. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the pie looks Delicious! :o)

amy j. - How many oraments has waffle eaten? So far only 1 by marley. That I know of. Half a gingerbread something. I couldn’t tell what was left. -Corey (not Amy)

PamperingBeki - Very cute! It’s killing me to not have access to my pictures right now. 🙁
I’m definitely one who likes a family/casual/kid decorated tree. Our’s looks like it’s wearing an ornament belt because they’re all in a cluster in the middle, but that’s fine. 🙂
I also got them each a little tree for their bedrooms this year and they are LOVING that!

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kristi

December 1, 2008

from a week ago….

(sidenote: it is so much easier photographing older kids than babies and toddlers!)

thanks kristi and eric for asking me to take your family pictures.

i had a really good time….i promise.

sorry we didn't get more of abby.

and i thought tyler was fun. he cracks me up.

hope your day is good today kristi….back to work.

i will be thinking about you.

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Amanda Jo - What a sweet looking family! They look like they’re having so much fun!

Aubrey - Good photos–as always. I love black and white.
I was wondering, since your family produces a lot of art work–what do you do with it all, after you’ve displayed it? How do you decide what to keep and treasure and then how to store it? I am OVERWHELMED with all the stuff my daughter brings home and feel bad throwing any of it away, but I can’t keep everything. I think I better start a good system before her siblings start doing artwork too!

kitchendoor - Hi! I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I’m loving the new banner–and your blog in general. Your photos are lovely, and you’re such a hoot 🙂
Happy Holidays!

Liz - These are really good Meg.

Cori - I just wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. You are a bright spot in my day!
I love that you have posted recipes! I have tried 3 of them and my family loves them!
THANK YOU!

Rachel - Cute Family

carissa - sooooo great!

meaghan easterhaus - i can’t wait to see what happens over at your place this christmas!!!!

kasey - fun photo’s.
you are getting good:)

Amanda Rettke - That is one young looking mommy. And one happy family. Great shots. I especially like the guys posing in the doorway… is this your place or do you have locations that you use? Very neat-o.
God bless-
Amanda

traci - meg those are beautiful. they are going to love them. you can tell they are a lively, fun, loving family. your black and whites are really stunning. how do you edit those? i am struggling with that. any tips? great new blog header too.

Jamie Sampson - Oh… love the new blog header. super cute and super fun and super fabulous! 🙂

Jamie Sampson - you rocked it! Way to go! I love subjects that listen instead of just run away! 🙂 The 18 month to 2 year olds are always a challenge for me!

a thorn among roses - i love how happy they are…and kissing pics always make me blush, but in a good way.

traci - You truly do have a talent. The pictures are just fabulous…love the last one!!!!
And, like some others have said…LOVE your header!!!!

sarah - Beautiful photos! Love the one of the brother and sister together. His face is priceless.

Kelly - Your blog headers always BLOW ME AWAY!! Kelly

Shana - Perfect representation of that family! Tyler funny…Abby cute…Kristi & Eric – GET A ROOM! I’ve always loved the obvious connection between the two of them. Sweet!

Heather - Wow – gorgeous photos. Abby looks like Phoebe Cates — lucky girl!!

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black friday

November 29, 2008

so how was it?

did you shop before the sun came up?

did you get what you waited for?

we slept in.

then my sister and i shopped local.

at the thrift shop….everything was 50% off….wow!

i got this chair for .50 cents.

my sister got an artificial christmas tree for $10.

we went to the antique store and the fabric store.

princess lasertron…you were discussed at the antique store. :)

we did go out to the mall in the evening (when the the crazy shoppers were done)

talby got to go to build-a-bear with her cousin….finally!

and now it's snowing.

we are going upstairs to craft in the craft room.

and listen christmas music.

and drink coffee.

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Danielle - I recently started reading your blog, love it! I noticed the cups you had up top… when I was a little girl my grandpa would visit and stay at his families “old farm” a few weeks and weekends. Cups of all colors just like these were there 🙂 Every time I would visit I would go out to the pump and get myself a glass of fresh well water in one of these beauties! I have to get mine out of my hope chest. So many memories! Thanks for the reminder 🙂

deb meyers - Love your new header, looks like I Spy : )
deb meyers

eryn - OOOH, LOVE those fabrics. I just made myself an apron out of that cute blue fabric with pears and apples on it, LOVE it!
I did the late start shopping also. SO much nicer than the pushy crowds at Target at 5am!I would much rather be at a fabric store too…now, if only I could find the motivation to sew all those flannel jammies I aspire to finish by Christmas!

carissa - fifty cents… shut up!
we went thrifting too! way fun!

Jamie Sampson - love the photos!

Rebecca Kriner and Tom Burke - Meg- Thanks for asking! Tom Burke and I went to Wal-Mart at 4:20 a.m.!!!! Only the finest folks were there! We did get a great deal on a TV so it was worth it!!! Hey- Did the houses in your neighborhood sell?? Where are the pics? LOL!

Trina - Sounds perfect.. I love all your pictures of buttons, and boxes and fabric and things… ahhh! Stop by my site for a giveaway!
xx Trina

Jennifer P. - I only shopped online–but made out pretty well. I would have for SURE snatched up those metal tumblers at the thrift store! We use to have glasses like that when I was little and my Mom would make the best chocolate malt milkshakes to go in them!
I HAVE been reading all along, just not commenting as much. I’m sorry! It was so good to get a comment from you the other day! And I have LOVED seeing your photography skills being put to such good use taking pictures of others!
Happy December!

Kelle - Thank you for your lovely comment. I have loved your blog for a long time through my sister! Keep writing, photographing, loving, enjoying, creating and making life colorful!

Rachel - We stayed home and decorated the house and listened to Christmas music…it was great! I love your new header!

Amanda - I did not shop black Friday. I never have. I dont think I ever will. Bunch of crazy people desperate for stuff tehy dont need paying for it with money they dont have. (thats not cynical is it?)
But I do enjoy seeing what YOU got!
Many blessings-
Amanda

Kambria - What a lovely day…..

Jan - I just discovered your blog this morning via Bella Della’s Farm. Am enjoying! I hope it’s okay, but I linked to you from my blog because I wrote you a little thank you for just a little something you mentioned in a post.
I love your polka dot pj’s!!

McGee - What a fun day!
I had to work the morning of black Friday (I work part-time from home), but my workload was fairly light and I was done by mid-morning. We then went to Amazon.com and ordered a few things for Meredith. That was the extent of our shopping that day.
We spent the rest of the day putting up the (artificial) tree and decorating it. We made a massively long garland for it using some of my stash of scrapbooking paper. 🙂 And then we spent the rest of the day constantly telling Meredith, “DON’T TOUCH THE TREE” and “LEAVE THE ORNAMENTS ALONE!”

Joni - Meg. Can I just be related to you for ONE day so maybe you could share some of your inherent craftiness with me? You rock, and you inspire. Awesome.

michelle allen - This looks like my kind of Black Friday! I should have been there with you! : ) Those cups are FANTASTIC! So jealous! I think our thrift shops around here are shopped out, everytime I go all I can find is serious junk never treasures like these.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Can’t wait to see your Christmas decorating posts. : )

traci - nope, no shopping for me. i think i am kind of a scrooge that way. i should go later in the day. maybe next year. looks like you had a good shopping day. good for you? i need to get going.

Darby - Absolutely DELIGHTFUL… all of it- the chair, the fabric, the glasses, the buttons… and I’m jealous of time in the craft room with carols & coffee! 🙂

princess lasertron - aww, you scored!! your button jar even included special sprinkles 😀
we went to marshall’s and target later in the day…like 7pm. I had planned to get up early but I forgot to factor in how lazy I am in my morning plans and ended up sleeping till like 3pm.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful and relaxing thanksgiving.

Mary Beth Hunt - I am totally Jealous of those metal cups.
Kool-Aid tastes SO GOOD in those.
I wonder if Grown-Up-Kool-Aid (just add vodka) would taste even BETTER!!!
Princess Lasertron’s Mom!

Tami Reed - I forgot to mention that I also took my family to the thrift store and I found a brand new BCBG jean trench coat.Wore it today and everyone was like woo wee where did you get that coat? lol I told them I paid five dollars for it at the thrift store they couldnt believe it lol!
I also found a black sequin skirt in mint condition which Im going to pair up with a white tuxedo shirt and black patent leather belt and heels and thats my new years outfit! I loove thrift stores!

Tami Reed - Like a fool I got up, (which I didnt mind because Im a morning person lol)and drove to target down the street and the line was wrapped around the bldg omg! I did sponge the line once they opened doors I was not the only one lol. Found my daughters nintendo ds game and got the heck outta dodge.
I then went to the mall but really didnt see any cool savings. Came back home and went back to bed. My family is still in town, so weve been having fun watching movies and chit chatting. This is fun!

Lorilee - Fabric and Thrift stores are much more fun than the busy retail stores!! Oh, and I SO envy your gorgeous craft room!!!!
Blessings,
Lorilee

sara's art house - We slept in too- but now that I hear there was 50% off at your thrift store I am kicking myself that I did not check out our thrift stores around here. Love your pictures, as always.

jerusalem - Sounds like the perfect day. Sisters and thrifting are always a good mix.

kasey - i think i’ll go shopping tonight.

Staci - I never get up that early for anything! Not even a great bargain. BUT, my dear husband does! It’s a “family tradition” of sorts…started back when Connor (6 now) was 3. They get up at 3:30 and go to JC Penney’s (opens at 4:00) to get their yearly snowglobe. While I sleep in after all the feasting and festivities from the day before! This year…little brother (Jake-3) got to get his first snowglobe! And whoa! How exciting it was for them! Me, I was snuggled in bed…until the newest addition (Mac–our 9 week old little Westie) needed to go do some business! I’m so glad you got to go shopping with your sister and that Talby got to Build-A-Bear! Don’t you wish you would’ve thought of that!??!! Can’t wait to see what you do with that fabulous fabric!

Lanny Stanard - What fabric store did you get all that cute fabric at? do tell… Looks like a fun day with family, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I sure did=)
LaNnY

PamperingBeki - I was one of the crazies at the mall eariler in the day. 🙂 LOVE it.
I wonder if the thrift store is still 50% off today? I’m headed back out in a little bit to do more shopping. I may have to pop in and see.
The snow couldn’t have come at a better time, huh? It just sets the perfect holiday mood! Shopping, music, crafting, coffee, chocolate… mmmmmmm. Happy Happy!

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charity: water

November 25, 2008

my friend amy told me about this organization called

charity: water.

i think it's awesome.

the statistics will make you feel sick.

you will feel sad, selfish and disgusted.

but we can do something.

we can't all go to africa or liberia.

but we probably can all give $20 for clean water for a whole village.

can you even BEGIN to imagine this?

we wouldn't let our kids touch that water…let alone use it.

or DRINK IT?!!

the founder is scott harrison.

he is 33….like me.

he changed everything and went to serve the poor…totally UN-like me.

you can give through their site….badge in the sidebar.

you can give through jody's site (i think….)

you can get cool merchandise to encourage others to give.

but just give.

if you have any extra this christmas…

just give water.

and if you have the time you can watch this.

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Rachel - What a great cause. Thanks for sharing.

Art Cant Hurt - Wow – it makes me feel guilty that I showered today. Such a waste of good water.
Thanks for continuously putting your ‘public platform’ to good use! Your blog is truly tidbits of inspiration!
Take care Duerksen family!

pam - thanks for posting this Meg!! i can’t tell you how much I appreciate you getting the word out. I might just HUG you next time I see you. 🙂 (ha ha)

traci - thanks meg. something we all take for granted.

Aubrey - I feel so guilty–and so glad we have fresh, clean, running water all the time.

Robin Laws - you are a good soul megan. this is such a heartfelt post and full of compassion.
XOX you are dear to me. thanks for this and so much more.

The Rauths - it’s scary. i did a post that i think would interest you too.
http://therauths.blogspot.com/2008/11/advent-conspiracy.html

melissa @ the inspired room - Aw, this is amazing. Thanks for sharing the need. heart wrenching.
Thanksgiving blessings to you,
Melissa

Ann Marie - Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m going to look into it more…I have a September birthday, and so does my son, two brothers, my dad, and two sisters-in-law. We could raise a bunch of money!

Ashley - Great post…crazy how much we take for granted and how little it takes to make a life saving difference in someone’s life. Seriously, when are you coming to Okla. so we can grab a Starbucks and roam through a craft store together?

Sharla - Thanks Megan, this is a great cause. I’ve put the information on my blog (and linked to yours).

amy j. - Tears on my face, too… because I know how many people read Jody’s blog, and I know how many people read your blog, and now, all those people together, knowing about this… wow. Only $20. Or even $10. (Look for info on Jody’s blog about $10 Fridays) What a huge difference a few moms can make in the world. Thank you, thank you, for sharing this.

Amanda - I think its great you are so gung ho about this… your eagerness excitement is contagious…
I will definitely offer up some prayers for this nobel cause.
God bless-
Amanda

Shana - I have had dreams about this since I went on the website a few weeks ago. It is now “one of my favorite things”. I may not be Oprah, but I think everyone needs to know about this.

Lanny Stanard - Tears, are rolling down my face! Thank You Megan…
BiG hUgS! Lanny

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