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busy summer weeks

July 13, 2016

the days of summer are just flying by!
i’m loving the sunshine and that heat… everyone likes to complain about how hot it is but the heat is SO MUCH BETTER than the freezing cold winters! Give me summer heat forever!

First of all… i’m still loving the Paperworks Kit that comes every month!
each month’s design is different and fun!
CLICK HERE to find all the information you will need about THE cutest stationary, calendars & lists.

and then i wanted to share all about the amazing fire pit area that craig made for us!!!

our yard backs up to a field that is used for crops each summer.
this year is corn which i am soooo thrilled about.
i really really REALLY hope that someday it will be sunflowers.
can you imagine that?!
it would truly be a dream come true to me.
like seriously…. that is a bucket list kind of thing!

we already had the railroad ties on the back of our lot and the landscaping stones as well.
alllllllllllllllll the flower beds around our house on all four sides were filled with this rock.
so many rocks!
i get what its purpose is but it’s not what i like in a flower bed for my garden.
first craig mowed and killed the grass/weeds where the rocks would go.
next he laid down landscaping fabric to kill and block new weeds.
then he moved this rock from the flower beds to the fire pit area.
brilliant!

i feel super loved every time i look outside and see it.
now if we could not be so busy that we could sit out there more often…

we ended up getting the chairs and cushions from World Market.

it’s wonderful in the morning and the evening!

we can watch the sunset from here every night!
it is so perfect.
i could not love it more.
.

i got to have some very fun visitors to the Craft House!
my girlfriends, Tara, Kimberlee and Amy and i hung out for a long weekend doing absolutely nothing and loving every minute of it!
we watched movies, ate junk food, painted our nails, went antiquing and even stopped by to see the chickens.

talby made it home safely from her missions trip to honduras.
everyone missed her… even the dogs!
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we have a jungle of wild sunflowers in front of the coop!
since i only have to go in there every few days it isn’t that big of a deal.
unless it’s going to become grasshopper invested… then i will freak.

i encouraged this chicken to practice a little flying after i loved on her a bit.

i gardened like a maniac last week.
i had over 25 plants to get in the ground!
i was the sweatiest i have ever been. Literally!

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and these flowers are on the deck in the backyard.
the bright colors cheer me up every morning!
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scott is a life guard this summer!

our friends got THE CUTEST new puppy!
he is soooo soft and has puppy breath too.
auuuwwwww!
thank goodness we have plenty of cuteness over here so we aren’t too sad about not having an adorable puppy.

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April R - we haven’t had a traditional or “summery” summer here and it’s been difficult at times not to be really sad about it. We are moving far from our friends and it’s been dragged out by the process of selling our house :p Soooo this post was cheerful and sweet and just a reminder of what we might build and work towards when we finally arrive at the new town/home. Thank you for sharing 🙂

Katie E. - Hey that puppy was at my house today! Super cute picture(s)!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - It looks like you are having an awesome summer! Woo hoo! BTW – So happy for your weekend at the craft house! Those people are the bestest people ever.

marcie - Lots of good stuff but Yay!! to Talby for going to Honduras on a mission trip. My daughter and I went to Honduras for the 3rd year in a row in June. I hope it was as amazing for her as it always is for us!!

Chris - I never get tired of your dogs, flowers, chickens or fire pit. Lovely to look at, always!

Kimberly Dial - I loved this post. Looks like you all are having an awesome Summer!

Gabby - Yet another reason to love you and your blog: I, too MUCH prefer the heat to the cold – and I, too want to be outside even with a blanket over my legs in the summer! Thanks for the affirmation!

Jenn N - Love, love, love, the fire pit. What beautiful post; pictures are great. Summer fun!

jennibell - I agree!!! Give me summer heat ANY day over those cold, icy days of winter.
Love your landscaping and your firepit is the BEST. . .lucky you.
Glad you are enjoying your summer. . .your pups are so cute but they are a lot of work — good for you 🙂

Carolyne Hallum - We are in the thick of Winter here so I just love the photo’s you’ve put up today… summery, bright and fun.

Lori - I never get tired of seeing photos of your home. So beautiful!

Sarajane - I will need a copy of the picture of talby and ace. They both are adorable!

Lynne - OH, your yard is amazing. The sky looked a little creepy in one photo dark clouds scary. The chicken good flying. He needs goggles. HaHa. Your beverages look great for morning and night. Do you have a labordoodle? That golden puppy was so so precious The breath I totally know the breath yeah!!!!!
Happy summer!!!!!!! It is passing us by quickly. We are in a drought so our lawn looks like a hay field. SAD You would think on the New Hampshire Seacoast we would have beautiful lawn not so much. Lets hope our garden can make it with tomato, cuke, zuke, summer squash, grape tomato, and spag’s squash. OH all most forgot the butternut squash.

ENJOY THE SUMMER NIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!

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a fall walk

November 9, 2015

kansas has such a beautiful fall season with the best temperatures.
but we know how soon it will change from the colorful leaves to everything dead and brown.
so we got outside this past weekend and we brought the dogs.

you’d have thought those dogs had NEVER been outside before?!
they were so happy!

of all the leaves, my favorite trees are always the red ones.

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Andrea - GORGEOUS!!!!

Amy - Gorgeous colors!! Thanks for sharing!

Mindy - Stunning photos of the fall leaves and such cute kids and dogs : )

Kendra - Such gorgeous photos!!

library momma - What camera did you shoot with? Nice!

Lynne - Hi,

Your dogs got a very special treat this weekend. Is one of your dogs a labordoodle? We have a labordoodle and Sadie would be so happy to have gotten that great walk you had. I was also happy to see you with your children as well!!!!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - ohhhh mother nature! you win, again!!

Julie - Such stunnig leaf colours, especially against that blue sky!!

Jennifer - I love your photos and was wondering what camera you use?

Becky Fouts - your photos are stunning!! I can’t quit looking at them, thank you!

Carrie - So pretty! I always love all your posts, but I especially love photo-heavy ones!

Stephanie - What a beautiful post! I miss fall….

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four things.

April 23, 2015

1. prom

2. invisible fences

3. birthday cake

4. His Safe Haven

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scott went to prom last weekend!

it was cute to see him get dressed up and be nervous and then know that he a great time.
prom is such a fun night for all of them… they feel so grown up.

this is not scott’s car… but it was fun to sit in and take pictures.
there was a huge thunderstorm during what was supposed to be the outdoor “Promenade”
so the car part was kind of a bust… because it was POURING.
BUMMER.

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i have had some questions about our Invisible Fencing system we put in here at this house.

we bought the Innotek Basic In-Ground Pet Fencing System, SD-2000

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and since we have more than one dog we ordered the Extra Collar For Smart Dog

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our yard is bigger than the amount of wire that comes in the kit so we ordered additional wire to go around the whole yard.
PetSafe 500-foot Spool of 20-Gauge Boundary Wire

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my sons and craig put it in in a weekend and it was not difficult.
the dvd that comes with it shows easy instructions to do it yourself.
you put flags up all around the perimeter of the yard to alert the dogs to the boundary.
then you train them for a few weeks in several ways that are all taught on the dvd.
our dogs caught on really quickly.
the collar beeps when they get close to the border so they know to stop.
it also beeps when the battery is dying so you know to change it.
eventually they don’t even go near the edge to make it beep.

the only times our dogs have gotten out of the yard is when the battery has died in their collar.

even dogs blink when they get their photos taken.
HA!

i HIGHLY recommend this fence.
invisible fencing has changed my days!
walking a big dog was never pleasant for me… and with two or three dogs… forget about it!
and bathing them when they ran away to find every pond and puddle they could was not my favorite.
and worry about if they were going to come back.

this fence made my life easier and kept my dogs safer.
and i like that!

it doesn’t keep other dogs from coming into your yard but it keeps your own dogs from running away.
our dogs are friendly so if a dog happens to come in our yard it’s like they just met their new best friend!

now if only it would work on chickens…

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i made craig a birthday cake.
it was yummy and i wish i’d only made a half of a cake…. because it’s just sitting there… looking at me!
it’s calling to me from the kitchen!!!
i can see it right now!

i used this recipe from Javacaupcake for the cake.… yum.

(i could not find espresso powder so i left it out)

for the frosting i used:

1/2 cup room temperature butter
1 cup peanut butter
4 cups powdered sugar
3- 6 T milk

Cream together the butter and peanut butter. Then add in powdered sugar slowly and add milk a little at a time until frosting is the consistency that you prefer.

i added chopped Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups to the top.
i like the minis because they come already unwrapped!
the trick… throw the bag of reese’s in the freezer and then when you are ready to chop them up it doesn’t get all messy and mushy. 🙂 🙂 🙂 trust me… i do my research on reeses! i’m no dummy.

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and saving the best for last…

These are some of the foster moms who care for the children of His Safe Haven.
do you remember a few months ago Talby raised money to give to HSH for their housing?
and SO MANY of you gave generously!!
she was able to raise enough for an entire year of housing for His Safe Haven!
THEN Christina sent this picture to Talby and said that with that money they were able to move all the moms to one location to live together!! How cool is that? Now they are a community of foster moms that can support each other! Can you imagine the joy it must bring to have women right next door to help you out… who understand the special needs of these kids? WOW!
God is doing great things with His Safe Haven!
thank you again for helping my Talby raise money for them!
i hope Talby gets to meet all these women someday. 🙂

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Leslie - I can’t stop laughing at your chicken picture – they crack me up! I think that should go in your shop 🙂

amy jupin - a couple of notes:
1. scott’s prom date is super cute! they make such a handsome couple!
2. i think your puppers are the cutest. but the chickens scare me!
3. that cake looks divine. i’m drooling. happy bday craig!
and 4. the last pic is just awesome! awesome!

Shannon R - That cake looks so delish. My hubby is allergic to peanuts so I can’t enjoy treats like that frequently. He is out of town for the next four days. I wish you could box it up and mail it to Alabama. My kids and I would gladly eat it.

Andrea - Meg…how in the world did your son grow up so quickly. What a handsome young man….he sure does resemble your husband! I just love to see pictures of your dogs….they are all so cute, but that waffle is adorable! and wowza….your chicken looks a little testy!

Terrie G - 1. Oh, to be young again!! Part of me wants to go back…part of me would dread it! 🙂

2. Those dogs! And Chickens! I Die! Oh. My. Cuteness!

3. That cake…my Dad would love it! Maybe even my son-in-law…and he doesn’t like cake! What?! I know! Who doesn’t like cake? But he Loves cheesecake…ok, he’s back in good graces! 🙂

4. And your daughter! (well, they are all awesome in their own right!!) But So proud of Talby!! I too pray that she gets to meet those ladies someday! How amazing would that be?!

5. Look at that! A bonus comment!! Your stairs! You are killing me with all your color! Will you Please come do my house? I’ll cook for you…and I’d even help! And that chalkboard wall! Fab-U-Lous! Your IG = happy part of my day!

Hugs!

Allison - Oh that cake! I’ll have to keep that in mind for my hubby’s birthday. Yum!!

Rebekah - I am secretly glad that one of my children is allergic to peanuts, such that the presence of that cake in my house would be an actual threat to life. Because if it weren’t… oh, Lordy. Also, my husband, who adores Reece’s cups is on a low-carb diet. All the world conspires against me!

Lyndi - @Kristin S. – I’m one of the #500 too!! I love finding people who love all the same things as me – Meg’s blog, Jen’s book #FortheLove Fixer Upper…so fun!

Tanya H - So, I live very near a “highway” that is also the main road and very busy and packed and 55mph speed limit. I drive it to get my son to and from school and I pass a bunch of chickens that are free to roam who NEVER go into the highway. I finally asked my husband how on earth those people ‘taught’ their chickens to not cross the road and he thought it was the invisible fences people use for dogs. We’re both allergic to everything and not pet people so we don’t know a lot about it but….maybe there IS a way?? LOL!

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - Cried happy tears when I saw the pb Reese chocolate cake . . Then REALLY cried happy tears when I saw the feedback on Safe Haven.
Thanks for the weekend kickstart!

Suz - Love the pics and am so going to try that cake for my husband’s birthday. He loves,loves Reese’s Cups and oh how divine it looks! As for the foster moms at His Safe Haven, I would love to meet them all but…..especially that one in the middle. She looks like she has some spunk to her – that face is pure joy (and mischief!!).

Tere - 1. Eeek. I see Scott and think of you and Mr. D in your dance picture from high school ….wasn’t it just yesterday?
2. How did I miss you got a 3rd dog?
3. That’s the problem with baking sometimes, I can down a cake 10x faster than my kids. I’ve got years of experience on them.
4. Talby rocks.

xoxo Tere.

Stephanie - I am so in love with the news about His Safe Haven!! Tears spring to my eyes for those women and also for Talby! Great news!!

Ellen B. - Your blog and instagram pictures are a breath of fresh air during my busy, chaotic days! Thanks so much for reminding us of how everyday life, while sometimes hard, is truly a gift to be enjoyed and celebrated.

Elizabeth gleason - Woo hoo we’ve been on the “fence” on what we should get for our yellow lab. The yard has thawed and we’ve been trying to pick what to get. Going to check it out

Ann - I enjoy your blog so much! You are a great mom & wife – we can see how much you love and support your family. Love your thoughts and posts. Love your creative ideas. I want you to come decorate my house! Hurray for Talby and His Safe Haven! What an amazing act of service she has done. I too hope that she has a chance to meet those women. How awesome would that be?

Jenny B. - YAY for His Safe Haven! Way to go, Talby! Also, I am picturing all the chickens wearing the invisible fence collars. Haha! 🙂

Lisa - Dear Meg, I will come and eat the cake with/for you and I would also like to hug and squeeze the pups, especially Waffle as he seems like such a sweet boy. Your faithful blog reader, Lisa 🙂 PS – Way to go, Talby!!!

Kim - You must be famous..someone at my office showed up with this cake today…I’m guessing they saw it on your blog or instagram. I should go find out who it was so we can be real life friends bound by reading a common blog! 🙂 Also, I want a goldendoodle sooo badly! I call every one I see anywhere “Waffle”. Even my husband knows what I’m talking about. k, hope this comment made you smile.

Debby - Great prom pics! So elegant! 35 yrs. ago for mine! Ack!! Of course, I was pretty trendy in my light blue HOOP GOWN lol.

I also love the pics of your sweet pups and those gorgeously attired foster moms! Those bright colors! So cheerful & so happy.

Did not love the picture of that sinful cake!! Made my mouth water & now I want a Reeses!!

Debby, also in KS

Routhie - That is so great for Talby and those women!

tiffany day - hi meg! I have been telling myself for months that i need/should email you and “introduce” myself! I feel a tad stalkerish! i have been reading your blog for – awhile now – i like it – i like you! i want to come to craft weekend as a helper! i follow you on instragram – i think you are funny, smart, easy going, down to earth, a girl after my own heart and someone I wish i could have coffee with! i live on the west coast! I try and blog but find it hard to find a groove. Instragram is good but it definately does not replace blogging – sometimes you need to write and share more, so I am trying!

I am here finally commenting after your instragram of the yummy piece of cake! Hope you have a great rest of the day!

xoTiffany

kelly - totally teary about His Safe Haven…what a gift to those women to have each other for community! thank you for sharing with us here.

Kristin - I thought I’d better comment, since you asked us to on Instagram! I LOVE the chicken photo! Scott & his date look fabulous! The dogs are adorable. I would be eating the cake all day long! And whoo hoo to Talby!

Heidi Durant - Love!the cake looks amazing, your son and his date were so beautiful, and your puppies? Oh so cute. I love the rainbow stairs!I showed my husband and we both agreed our next house will have stairs! Happy Thursday.

chrissi - you had me at that cake with 4 birthdays quickly approaching, but then then the photo of his safe house…..the very best thing i will see today. thanks for sharing it♥

Makila - I’m still reading every post! Keep blogging!!!!!!

Kelly S - We use the same exact fencing for our 3-acre property, and have NEVER had a problem. It works so well on our lab, Dakota, that even when the battery is dead in his collar, he is afraid of going out of the yard 🙂 He has only gotten shocked once at the start of us showing him the ropes with the fencing, and he went too close and got shocked (as hard as it was, it was needed, because he will never forget, and it works on saving his life, to keep him in his yard). It’s so awesome. Like your family, we bought extra since our yard is big (3 acres) and my husband and son put it in and it was super easy. And it was EASY to train our dog, from the DVD that came with it. I also highly suggest it. It works so well on our dog, that he won’t even chase a ball (his favorite thing on planet earth) if it goes out of his boundary. He stops cold in his tracks and barks since he can’t reach his ball. 🙂

Christi {Jealous Hands} - I so second Kelly – rainbows always make me think of Meg! That cake – fantastic! And I’m totally gonna cheat & make one tonight – but using a devil’s food cake mix. I know I’m probably missing some of the fantastic, but hey, we have baseball practice & the icing sounds so amazing I think it’ll make up for it. Loved hearing the update on HSH – that is awesome!

It does not appear that comment on blogs is a thing anymore – but I sure wish it was! xo

Robin - Complying with your IG request for comments. Cake looks very delicious – my family would have devoured it in three seconds flat! Going to look into invisible fencing – this winter with our four feet of snow made going to put the dog out on his lead AWFUL! Keep up the good work 🙂

Kelly - okay, you asked for it… 🙂

1) thank you and thank you for sharing the Hatmaker Podcast
2) I do not thank you for sharing the cake… jk (I’m printing that for my sons bday cake in October)
3) On a serious note, I never got the chance to tell you and Kimberly at HS, but I wanted you to know that finding your blog a few years back was awesome and I so enjoy it, but once IG became a deal– the snippets that you two shared of Jesus calling and the Message bible changed so many things for me and opened my eyes to Jesus and reading and trying to figure things out. I have always felt like an outsider when it comes to church and the bible and all that, but meeting you guys and being able to connect thru IG has been such an awesome thing in my life..

4) Every time I see a rainbow, I think…. Meg!!

Have a great day girl…

Brittany - Visiting from Instagram and leaving a comment like the old days 😉 So glad to hear about your invisible fence!! We have a golden doodle who likes to go tromping through everything that he shouldn’t!! I am thinking maybe this fence will do the trick. I wouldn’t mind sharing a slice of cake :). Thanks for always sharing your happiness. I recently found you on Instagram and you sure have a happy feed.

Diane - I’m going to have to try that recipe for my husbands birthday in June!

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sunshine is like… the best.

May 10, 2014

the trampoline has been set up once again.
this old thing has served us so well.
annie asked “can we just get a new one?” and both sean and talby shouted “NO!!! This one is perfect! It bounces so high!!”
🙂

everyone is enjoying our new back yard.
we are hoping to put invisible fencing in SOON because i need some peace of mind with these two crazies.
can you get a little closer please?that’s better.
spanky
i pretty much said i am not gardening this year.
i just want to see what comes up… what kind of sun/wind/water this house gets….
but then the flowers start blooming and the colors start to pop…
and i find myself thinking about going to the nursery later.
all this sun and warm weather makes moods much lighter.
people stay at the table longer when we eat outside.
sponge bob is replaced by games of catch and bike rides to sonic.
s’mores and campfires make up bedtime routines instead of “just one more show please mom?”
we spend more time together we are outside.
summer is so close!
the pool opens in 2 weeks!

there was even some talk about camping this summer? oh my.
why does that make me start sweating?
i LOVED it as a kid.
so we should probably provide them with some memories like that.
i guess.
hmmmm…. still sweaty.

1. do you love or hate camping?

2. are you a gardener? flower or vegetable or both?

3. can you smell stanley’s breath through your screen?

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meredith - Love camping! We are so excited because we are moving from a condo with no yard to a house with a big back yard. We plan on a camping night or two with the fire pit that the precious owners put in! 🙂 Our only child is 14 months, wish us luck. At least the door to the house will be close by. 🙂

Defiantly a gardener but totally understand not doing anything this year. I am going to pot some tomatoes, herbs and maybe some flowers for fun but other than that, I totally agree. Why? Wait til next year and have the ultimate plan.

I can smell Stanley’s breath, tell him it’s not too bad. 🙂

Lisa - I love camping!!! It really is so fun. All those things you mentioned about being outside and lingering at the table longer? Those happen camping. Ideally if you could borrow or rent a trailer or rv, it’s better for sleeping. But even tent camping is a blast. I’m high maintenance with my sleep so make sure you have a good air mattress or cot. Good luck!!!

Jenn - love camping
we went a lot as a kid and we just took our kids for the first time this past weekend
gardener…..veggie (sometimes) would love to be a flower gardener but they usually die

Jenn - i love camping. we did it alot as a kid and we actually just went this weekend. it was our first time to camp with our kids (tent camp at least)
we had such a great time
gardener……veggie (sort of)
would love to be a flower gardener but they usually die.

Kristin - My husband & I grew up camping, and continued after we got married. Best trip ever was to the Tetons with our kids. We haven’t had much time to family camp in recent years because my husband & son camp with Scouts once/month. I did get to camp once with them last year, and will again in June. THAT’S an experience…being the only mom with all of those males. Using the facilities (there AREN’T any) is interesting!

I garden…both flowers & veggies. Love, love, love being out in my garden.

Debby Benson - I LOVED camping as a kid. We went over every 3 day weekend and vacation. I grew up in Cali so it was usually Sequoia, Yosemite, & Lake Tahoe. Even the beach a couple of times. Nowadays, as an *old* lady, all I think about is the dirt and pit toilets lol. I’ve gotten too soft.

Gardening….I love the idea, but I’m afraid of flying buzzing things. i’m sure the neighbors would love the daily laugh of my gardening. “Hey, there’s our crazy neighbor running around slapping her head and screaming again!!” Kansas has some GIANT flying things. They skeer me.

And Stanley…I can smell his sweet puppy breath. It’s delicious! 🙂

Karina - I hate camping! Give me a few days at a rustic cottage – the shower can be on the outside, all meals can be on a bbq – but for heaven’s sake let me have a bed to fall into at night! I like having a wild garden – I will pull up the worst weeds, like dandelions and those prickly monsters that sprout under the trampoline, but that is about the extent of my gardening. OK, I came here for inspiration and now I feel very unaccomplished, at least as far as the great outdoors go. However, that photo of four of you and your husband smooching your happy face makes up for it! (Now please get back inside and tell me how you painted your banisters. 🙂 )

Tanya H - I loooved camping as a kid! It was always a favorite thing! I’ve gone two whole nights (separate nights) as a mom and um…not so much… it’s a TON of work and stresses me out. And my kids are way too old for me to be that stressed! 🙂
I’ve planted flowers but I wouldn’t say that makes me any kind of gardener… I am hoping to plant a few veggies this summer…like…this week… 😛
And really, I love that pic of the four of you all squished in and happy! 🙂

Stephanie - I loved camping as a kid! But now we live in Florida. Land of endless summers and bus sized bugs of every kind. No way would I go camping here in the summer. The late fall here is perfect camping weather and our kids have done it quite a bit in our backyard.
I am a veggie gardener mostly, but also have some fruit trees. I dream of having an orchard.
Stanley is SO cute. I have not had a dog since I was 3, but my kids are dying to have one. I think I am giving in. When I see your happy pups I think “it can’t be that bad…..right?”. 🙂

layla bb solms - love camping (never go, husband hates)
gardener – of flowers – in training
I wish I could smell Stanley’s breath! I LOVE dogs. we have a cat; I love him, but I need a dog. I would hug and squeeze and roll around in the grass with Stanley!

our trampoline has bounced its last behind; when school’s out in a few weeks, our kids will be disassembling it. the end of an era. boo hoo.

Amy Woods - 1. L♥ve camping! As long as it’s in an RV. We used to tent camp, but now I’m 41, and I want some A/C when I’m sleeping!

2. kinda both…well, mostly I pick out pretty flowers and help hubby plant and then forget about watering them. Luckily my 16 year old son is excellent at remembering to water! And the veggie garden…I’m more into the harvesting, but I help out the hubs and son with each step. 🙂

3. No…could you have him smile a little bigger? 🙂

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love camping. We are planning something for this summer. I like to plant flowers, but living in Texas, there is always a drought, water restrictions, and everything dies. My flowers in the front flower bed are still blooming, and that makes me happy.

Jennifer B. - I love camping! My family had a small pop-up camper when I was a kid, and I begged my husband to keep it when my parents decided to get rid of it. At the time, we didn’t have a good spot for it or a car to tow it.

So now my 4-year-old son and I camp in a tent, and it’s a little more work, but I still love it. And he is growing to love it too! I keep it super simple and we only go for about 2 nights. Air mattress is a must-have for me. And I just bought us a new tent so we’ll have a little more room to spread out.

Your kids would LOVE it, and I bet they could entertain themselves while you relax/read/photograph. You might even find a place where you could rent an RV if you wanted to take a longer vacation.

As for gardening, I love the planting. Not much on the upkeep. I usually garden all Mother’s Day weekend, but we had other stuff going on this year. I just planted a bunch of container flowers to put by my front steps. The rest will have to wait. And I really wanted to try vegetables this year, but a bad sprain put a crimp in that plan. Maybe next year?

KATIE NC - what happened to Spanky’s kittens? and the chickens, when are they moving over to the new house?

Rebecca - Camping, in my opinion, is a Holliday Inn Express….Stanley…I can definitely smell your stinky breath. You need a Greenie!
I’m not a gardener either..I wish i was!

Mollie @Sprinkles of Life - What an awesome location and yard you have!! Seems so big and not surrounded by multiple other houses on top of each other!

Kristen K. - I consider myself to be “the queen of all things INDOORS” :-), but I married an Eagle Scout…so how did I think I was going to avoid camping? Our 4 kiddos are Scouts, so they camp a bit with them…but we go tent camping about 4 times / year, summer through fall. And I HATE HATE HATE to admit it, but we have made so many amazing memories by being together, unplugged, under the stars out in nature. I just wish that nature didn’t have so many bugs, poison ivy, and rocks that jump out of nowhere to trip us! You and your family are amazing, and God will be camping with you, too – I say, add it to your summer bucket list, and bail if it’s too crazy! (and bring a cot or air mattress…the ground is HARD!) 😉

Wendy - I have a vintage aqua and white trailer … kids love it just as much as I do. It is a lot a work, but makes some wonderful memories. ADVICE: Keep things simple and electricity is a must.

Meg - The last pic of Stanley. Oh my gosh. Love it! You totally need that as a print in your shop!

Tiffany - Meg, I just love catching up on your blog. You always put a smile on my face or make me laugh! Stanley is cute!

Chris - I love all these happy pics! Your new yard is so pretty.

Nikki - I have yet to camp with my kids. I loved it when I was a kid too! Except, I grew up in Colorado and it got super cold at night, that part I remember not liking. We just moved to Hawaii, though (military) and I find myself much more eager to camp here because the weather is good, even in the middle of the night. So maybe this is the year to get those camping memories going!

Andrea @ This Pug Life - I’m mostly a vegetable gardener. It still amazes me that a tiny little seed turns into a huge plant and produces FOOD all summer. I guess I’m easily amazed/amused. 🙂

Jenn - I only camp in a camper, no tents. I would love to be a veggie gardener, I’m not really a gardener at all. I plant around twice a year and that’s enough for this gal! I’m not a huge fan of the summer heat…it gets really hot down here in Texas, but I am looking forward to no homework and easy breezy nights.

Tracy - Oh no! I’m sweating thinking about camping, too!! Luckily my husband feels the same way…phew! Strength in numbers over here. Good luck with that!!

Marsha Kern - Your new yard looks beautiful! Looks like your pets are adjusting to the new place. Gardening all the way flowers and veggies both-it is may favorite, my idea of crafting. Have a great day.

Suzelle - fabulous photos !!!

Seamingly Sarah - I like camping, but camping with kids is such a hassle. They hate going to do it, yet rave about when we finally go back home. I don’t get it.

I LOVE to grow vegetables and fruit. I even got into fruit trees/bushes. We were so lucky to have bought a house with two apple trees that are young enough to train and prune properly! And we put in two blueberry bushes and there were already strawberries growing everywhere AND two rhubarb bushes!!! So excited for the fruit this summer. The only thing that doesn’t seem to want to grow for me is spinach. Go figure.

And doggy breath, yet another reason I couldn’t handle a dog right now. =)

martha - Camping is for Boy Scouts!! Only!!! 🙂

katie p - I grew up camping and really loved it and still do, BUT I really enjoy it when I can get in a good nights sleep. So if that means a camper, or an air mattress then so be it! Some say that’s not real camping and my response to that is, who cares 🙂

Lydia Davis - I grew up camping every summer with my family, and I met my (then) future husband on a big group camping trip! We just took our 7 month old daughter on her first camping trip last weekend, and she loved every minute of it! Take them. It’ll be worth it. 🙂

Laura H - Wonderful pictures filled with so much happiness!
I like camping for about the first 20 minutes, then I start to whine, and look for my Oprah magazine….
I love flowers, but they do not love me! I have been planting lots of succulents this year, and a fairy garden 🙂
Your dogs are so stinkin cute!! Also the kitties! Were these your outdoor kitties? You brought them with? That is so awesome!! xo
Happy Mothers Day to you!

Heather S. - Hate camping. I’m a hotel girl. In fact, forget the hotel and book me a nice condo please. I love to work hard and play hard all day, in the outdoors even. But then the night falls and I want a nice long shower and a cozy bed and air conditioning if the humidity is high.
Total gardener here. Flowers only. Vegetables dn’t bring me the joy my flowers do.
The breath – pretty sure it’s kitty breath I’m getting a whiff of right now, but that would be from the fur ball in my lap.

Jessica Johnson - I only camp in cabins. With showers.

And Waffle and Lincoln are twins.

Debbie - Hate camping. I’ll take Hilton over a tent any day.

Yes to gardening. Flowers and vegetables. We run our community garden after my dad started it years ago and passed away last summer. Our local rotary built a huge greenhouse on the property in his honor and we have no idea what to do with it 🙂 But there’s nothing better than home grown tomatoes!

Dog breath ranks higher than the wet dog smell for me. Ewwwww.

Great pictures and I’m loving the current Midwest weather. I’ll appreciate it even more poolside two weeks from today!

Jenny B. - I remember when Sean’s only birthday request was to have the trampoline set up at the farm house. 🙂 Your yard makes me want to move to Kansas. I do not love camping. I loved it as a kid, but now… not so much. Usually, the boys go, and then I drive out for the campfire, and then drive back home to sleep in my own bed. 🙂 I am not a gardener, but my husband decided he wanted to become a peanut farmer, so we now have cultivated earth in our used-to-be landscaping beds in the front yard. Peanut seeds (which are just peanuts, I think?) arrived in the mail last week, and he’s planting them sometime this week. So… we’ll see how that goes! 🙂

Shannon - I LOVE camping. Its my favorite! Did you know that at the major KS lakes you can rent a cabin? They are super cute, well stocked. It may be too late to get one for weekends during the summer, but I highly recommend them for your first trip! They are super reasonably priced and you get the “camping” experience without too much roughing it!

Shannon - My husband got us all set up to camp as a family two years ago when we were living in Colorado. I was skeptical….we have 4 kids (5th due any day!). BUT…after we got our routine down…and I decided to take flannel sheets, pillows & a down comforter for MY air mattress, I was a much happier camper! 🙂 And, wine…and coffee. Seriously, the comforter can roll up as small as a sleeping bag, so why not?! The kids LOVE the whole experience. In fact, one of our last camping trips was near Kenosha Pass where you had posted pics of your kids in a makeshift fort that my kids randomly happened to play in the very next day! Find a nice place with toilets nearby…and you should try it!

Laura - Love camping – not with a 2 year old though! In my heart I am a grower – in reality, not so much! I wish I could rub behind his ears! But seeing that picture of the girls on the trampoline – that is killer – it makes me wonder how long I’ve been reading, they look SO big! Putting away the exclamation marks now! 🙂

Becky - Our last attempt at camping (in the backyard, mind you :)) was fraught with disaster. Vomiting, sleeplessness, crying, coming in in at 5 a.m. We’ll stick to a camp out in the living room this summer 🙂

I wish I liked camping. I wish I wanted to like camping! Maybe someday…

Rhonda - I’ve read your blog for years, and think this is my first comment. Hi friend! I only check two blogs every day, and yours is one. 🙂 I hate camping. It’s probably my dad’s fault because he took our family “camping” in a big motorhome with every luxury. We tell our son, “Camping is for other people.” We’ve also told our son playing soccer is for other children. Living in Oregon, a mom needs to purchase a wetsuit to sit through soccer season. We love basketball. It doesn’t rain in the gym. I love to flower garden, and dabble in vegetables…enough to make salsa or pico de gallo. If you lived next door, I’d bring you fresh salsa. Happy Mother’s Day!

Julie - I love summer camping – especially when the weather is hot and sunny the whole time, and we can spend long days at the beach, swimming and boogie boarding. I don’t like midnight treks to the toilet though.
I am a gardener – flowers and vegetable – as we are coming into winter in New Zealand, I don’t get a lot of sun on my garden, so it is not as pretty or prolific as my summer garden.

Love your family shots, you always look like you have so much fun together, and are all so happy.

Ka - I do love camping, but it is a lot of work. But the memories are worth it. My wish is for a camper, so I can store my camping stuff in it. Then, just hit the store and go.

I thought about a garden, but I like Bountiful Baskets (bountifulbaskets.org) and we live so close to hutterites and they sell their produce locally. Why work so hard. HA!

Enjoy the sun. I got a sunburn yesterday and it’s raining today.

april R - lol Jenni “I only camp for Jesus”
Guess I have to do some camping to find out if I like it or if I’m on Jenni’s team 🙂

I love gardening but haven’t had a chance to try veggies yet, we move a lot.

and I can imagine Stanley’s doggie-ness bc mine does the same thing right in everyone’s face

yeah summer 🙂

Lisa - Love, love camping and our older children ADORE camping. We have found in our state (Vermont) that the state run campgrounds are cleaner, more natural and overall less expensive. Wonderful memories for kids!

Rachel S - I loved camping as a kid, now it just feels like work, which makes me feel guilty. But give me a fire in our yard with s’mores any night and that kinda feels like camping. 🙂 I really wish I had a green thumb. I love looking at everyone else’s awesome landscaping and dream of someday having that. Today is our first REALLY nice day here in northern Wisconsin. Spring was so late in coming – and now I’m ready for summer! Two weeks till I host our first graduation party. Tell me I will survive and it will all work out!

Barbara (WA) - I hate camping. Mostly a flower gardener. I’m a cat person so I love the photo of the kitties 🙂

Jenni - I told my husband yesterday, “I only camp for Jesus”. For real, the only time I can do it is for a big purpose, like a mission trip. Otherwise, book me a Marriott!

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this week….

May 17, 2013

we have had a FULL week with more excitement still to come.

life skills being taught….

waffle was naughty and completely dorky as usual.
he got on the couch while i was still home!
how is he smart enough to know not to get on when craig is home and that i won't do anything?
it's crazy.
he slept with his leg up in the air for a long time.

ha ha haaaaaaa

read this in The Message this week….

"His love was not cautious but extravagant"

the kids tried to dress up the chickens with american girl doll clothes.
but realized chickens don't have arms to make it work.
it was funny to try though.

one of these days those chicks will be gone & we will know that they learned how to hot wire Barbie's car…

i like having lunch with my kids.
i wish i had done it with my older kids.
i didn't know that was a thing that people did.
your kids would love it if you showed up too. (with no other siblings… just you… and fast food)

campfires are pretty much the best thing ever.
i have tried my best to keep all s'more ingredients stocked all all times at our house.

mother's day was a very nice day.
i try very hard to keep expectations VERY low and that helps to keep the day flowing well.
i was treated to homemade cards by the little girls…. and cashed in that free coffee immediately.

after church i went in my bedroom and shut the door and relaxed while my family made the entire lunch.
what a nice treat to come out to a completely set table AND food.

then i went straight back in my room while they cleaned it up.

best mother's day i have had in many years.

gardening this year in pots only….this is a huge relief to me.
the thought of gardening was LOOMING over me and i wasn't excited about it.
but this is perfect!

lauren is done with high school.
forever.
it's so crazy how fast that passed!
we are so proud that she made it through with excellent grades and can't wait to see her future unfold.

her graduation is sunday afternoon.
it's been an emotional week….

this is what happens on a daily basis here.
if we don't do the dishes every 18-24 hours… it looks like this.
NO JOKE.
we even ate on paper plates that day!

i sported pigtails today.
after a 3 week break…. i went out for a run with my friends this morning.

it was short & sweet but felt so good to remember that i did still know how to run. :)

as i drank my second cup of coffee i looked down and realized i was a rainbow of colors.

so… we have a very busy weekend filled with parties to attend & to give, basketball, shopping, cleaning, rainbow cake making, graduation cermony and grandparents coming.

what do you have going on in your life?

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s - Love the kitchen sink pic…I keep up with the dishes but not so much the clutter and piles…sigh

misty - meg, you have to read this blog post
http://lullabylubbock.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbows.html
Kristen loves a rainbow as much as you 🙂 She is another fave blogger of mine & I messaged her about your blog too. I think you’ll love her sweet post

Rachel S - I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you I’m addicted. I love how you show your real life, (with real messes in kitchens), the Scriptures, life with kids, the crafts (oh how I’d LOVE to be able to come to a craft weekend!!), the photos, etc. I have 3 kids and my oldest will graduate next year. It’s already hard on me, so I look forward to hearing how you make it through the change in seasons. So thank you for sharing your life with us! 🙂 Have a happy day!

miranda - Love your post today I laughed at those crazy chicks~~ and congrats on everything!!!!

Whitney - Oh my goodness, how is she old enough to graduate! They are growing up (too quickly) before our very eyes! Congratulations Lauren! Excited to see what the next step for her is!

mary - Love that you showed your dishes. my three kids are under five and this is how my kitchen looks after 24 hours of no doing dishes. Refreshing to see real life with kids. I used to panic when there would be a knock on the door when the kitchen looked like this, I am learning more and more that this is real life and it is good to share real life with people. Thanks for being real it helps me continue to be authentic too.

Victoria - Congratulations on the graduate! I know you guys must be proud.
Loving the littles dressing the chickens up in clothes!

Mindy - Oh, those chicken pictures make my heart happy – and the verse from the message makes it happier yet!

Connie - Congratulations to your daughter!! Thanks for the honest picture of your kitchen….nice to know I’m not alone!

Kari - congrats to lauren! that is great…
glad to see mine is not the only kitchen that looks like that 🙂 my oldest is playing 60 baseball games this year – youngest playing also – add in all the other end of the year stuff with a dance recital in there too and it’s been CRAZY! have a great weekend!

Vera - My three year old boy (who happened to be naked at the time) saw the chickens in the car and said “MOMMY! Get my clothes on! I want to go to that family’s house!” 🙂

colleen - Such a great post… I love the part about keeping expectations low on mother’s day so you can enjoy it. Congrats to your oldest graduating from high school.. how wonderful that she let you announce it on the blog… 12 years of school done.. not a small achievement for her or for you.
Love your spirit as well as your ability to “roll” with whatever life gives you!
Colleen

Barb - Hi Meg, could you please tell me what translation of the Bible you have? Thanks for the beautiful post! Barb

Tiffany - I love that you and your family love those chickens so much! I’m so glad you had a nice Mother’s Day too. Congratulations to Lauren! What a beautiful young woman (must take after her mama!).
Hubby is gone on a 4-wheeling weekend, so I’ve got the single parent gig going on. I hope to plant our flowers tomorrow, and hit up the Children’s Museum Sunday. Not nearly as exciting as your weekend, but I love my family time!
I hope you enjoy yours this weekend too!

Kori - Animal teeth always crack me up!
I had lunch with my son weekly if not a couple times a week when he was younger and loved it…it was a great way (better than volunteering in class, I think) to meet more of his friends and see what *really* goes on at lunch – both with the kids and the playground staff. He loved when I got there to stay and hated when I tried to make it a ‘going out’ lunch…he wanted to eat and then be able to run off to play, not be stuck with me in a car!!
Hope you have time to catch your breath in the coming days…
🙂

Michelle from Australia - My Dad has shingles 🙁 My daughter who has been vaccinated against chicken pox got them this week. Blisters, itchiness and one upset girl who couldn’t go to school. My son goes into hospital next Monday for surgery. We asked him what he wanted for a treat dinner the night before his operation. He said SMORES. We had them at Yosemite NP last year. So I went out and got ingredients as close to SMORES as you could find in Australia. And we are all ready for SMORES tonight and tomorrow. Here’s hoping we get through next week with God’s help and grace.

Tiffany - My son just turned 17, i am mentally wigging out about graduation next year. Dogs are smart! Waffle had got your #. Please photograph the Chicken Run, hilarious. Its so hard not to vent with your girls, but God is right there is a dofference between venting and back-biting, sigggh. How did none of your kids get your eyes? They are striking! Enjoy your weekend, im off to have another malibu-bu. TGIF.

Jennifer - Love all your pictures…and that Waffle….he is a hoot! 🙂

Sara Torbett - What a lovely post! The chicken pictures and Waffle’s close-up made me laugh :). Congrats to Lauren! I imagine it’s a bittersweet time for you…..I hope all your graduation festivities are lovely (I’d be bawling like a baby…..I’m tearing up at the thought even and I still have two tiny babies! Oh dear)
Your flowers are gorgeous…and who has time for massive flowerbeds when there are crafts to make and meals to cook? We don’t-we use flower pots too. 🙂 This weekend we’re getting some family pics made..wish me luck (two babies under two)

Kerry @ Made For Real - That looks like our dog. Exactly! Love the potted plants and love having an older set and younger set of kids as well : )

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - WOW, Congratulations Lauren! Seriously where does the time go?! My oldest(9) is at a two day sleepover and Im getting ready to take my baby girl(ahem…7) to gymnastics. I remember the days of crying in the church nursery thinking “I’m NEVER gonna sit in another adult service ever again…I’ll be here FOREVER!!!” I blinked and those days are gone. But yet theres so much great stuff to look forward to also.
Have a wonderful weekend! Keep the tissues close by.

Amy - I try to eat with my boys at least once a month at school. Of course, little sister is usually with me. But they love that. One likes to go off campus, one likes to have it brought to him and eat in the cafeteria. Hilarious. But it’s always fun. Of course, despite saying I’d shoot for once a month, I think this second semester I did it twice. And that includes this week. {ouch} By the way, love that pic of Lauren. She’s beautiful!!!

Hanny Norton-van der Valk - congratulations to Lauren, well done. Here in the UK it is still quite cold and I.ve just put the heating on to warm it up a bit. Also still having a lot of rain. We were hoping to go sailing tomorrow, but the winds will be too strong, so I probably will do a bit of gardening. I hope your weather is a lot better. Have a lovely time Sunday, you must be so proud of your daughter.

amy jupin - i’m totally tripping that lauren is graduating.
waffle is a dork and i love him.
annie looks like she’s in middle school and i want it all to stop.
the growing, the maturing, the time slipping by so quickly.
love you meg.

sally - Awww, your daughter is so beautiful!! Congrats to her and so happy we got to see her. 😉 I’m sure you are proud! I just read depressing news in the local newspaper about the economy and I came here and now I am smiling and Happy!! That is why I LOVE your blog…I leave happy!! 🙂

Shelly Massey - My happy moment this week was when the canvas of your wet watercolors photo arrived here! HAPPY DAY! I smile every time I walk by it. Thank you!

Janelle - I adore your messy kitchen picture. Wish more people would share those 😉

Heather Simnitt - My eye caught “basketball.” Basketball? In May? Really? It’s all baseball and soccer around here now. And recitals – oh the recitals! Last week piano, this week ballet. After that it’s all planning for vacay. It’s T-11 days! So READY!!!

shar y - Oh, how I cried when my first child graduated. Happy and sad all at the same time.
And, the chickens in the Barbie car, funniest thing I have seen all week. What a hoot!
thanks!

Nancy - I love the honesty of your kitchen picture. I have been reading your blog forever but I am not much of a commenter. My youngest is graduating from HS and I have a grad party pin board – http://pinterest.com/nancyhts/graduation/
Enjoy!

Cathy - Hey..hey what are you doing taking pictures of MY kitchen.. he he.. our kitchen always looks like that.. I have to stop ask myself, “why when I fill the dishwasher are there still dishes left that won’t fit”

Jessica - High school graduation, how exciting!!! Congrats to Lauren!

Tonya - Congrates to you and your daughter. my oldest son just graduated from College. Take tissue with you to the ceramony!!!

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friday

September 14, 2012

it got cold here yesterday….now it's fall.
so there are no outside baths and swimsuits going on this weekend.
poor waffle is in desperate need of a haircut.
he has to wait till wednesday though.

i made THIS SOUP last night….yummmm.
perfect for the first cold night of september!

and i made THIS DESSERT for mr. duerksen this week.
i love when i can surprise my family.
it's like they say "really??? oh yeah…i forgot you know how cook!"

ha!

we are going to a home high school football game tonight to see the little girls do a cheer routine…very cute.
then saturday morning we head out to 2 soccer games, one 5th grade volleyball game, one 6th grade football game and one high school volleyball tournament.
i don't think there wil be any relaxing whatsoever.

this weather just makes me want to curl up and take a nap.

what are YOU doing this weekend?

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Kari - Going to the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair!!

Tracy - Which High school football game did you go to? Was it Hutchinson vs Rockhurst?? We are in Kansas City and my son played on the Rockhurst team. Great game (for Rockhurst)!!

Mum of all trades - Your Saturday sounds similar to ours. We had a football tournament this morning, then onto a charity fun run. My husband has taken the 4 boys for a round of golf now and I am just getting warmed up on the couch with my youngest. It is very cold here in Ireland too, but I love this time of year. It brings out the best in us mums I think, feeding the brood up and keeping them protected against the elements. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Terri - Oops! I don’t know what happened to my spelling! I meant do you remember where you bought the adorable polka dot COLLAR that Waffle wears? I love it!

Terri - Do you remember where you bought the adorable polka dot solar that Waffle wears? I love it and would love to get one for my golden retriever!

Gittygitt1196 - Hi! This is my first comment post…..yay!
Fall has arrived in Northern Ohio too our days are getting colder and our nights are just about ready to make a cozy fire. I am heading to a huge craft show today, The Village Peddlar! Hoping to score some cool finds to bring Fall into our home. Have a great “sporty” day!

Leah - I envy your start of fall. San Diego decided to hit 108-degrees today. There was no fall in sight. Hopefully it cools down so I can get out the fall decor and make soup and chili. I can’t stand this weather, especially when it’s nearly fall.

Cheryl E. - Spent the day at a flea market & antique show with my hubby! It’s a good thing though because the rest of the weekend involves driving kids to and from sports and other activities!

Debbie S. - 7 soccer games and 2 baseball games! Puttin’ the miles on my mini-van this weekend 🙂

April R - We’re doin’ the same thing – desperately need to get the garage under control 🙂
Putting some good music on and getting started tonight!

Rach - Could you send some cold this way please? It’s 103 today!! I want to make some Fall soup and sit on the front porch in a blanket and drink warm cider in the morning. Please post some cool weather pictures so I can live vicariously until it cools down here.

Kristin S - These pics make me wonder…. was I ever free enough to just run around the yard in a swimsuit and not care? Maybe? Probably? I don’t remember that, though.
Now I have to deal with cover ups, tanks, shorts, self-tanner, hair-remover….
They have no idea how great they have it?!?!?
Weekend? Last free weekend until December so I’m doing housework and burning fall smelling candles.

Alicia @ La Famille - it’s starting to get cool in the mountains of NC too. i love this time of year. we picked apples today…very fallish 😉 happy (busy) weekend to yOU!

Shannon - Jealous you have cold weather! It’s still in the high 90’s here in CA, not good weather for Fall 🙁 I want soup, pumpkin candles lit all day and blankets right away!

Barbara - Tonight I think I’ll be making Mr. D’s Peanut Butter pie. Thought I might try putting it on an Oreo cookie crust. We’re going to some friend’s house tomorrow night so this will be the perfect thing to bring – if it makes it til then! Thanks!

Amber - Helping a friend learn to use power tools and build a custom baby gate and maybe, just maybe meeting my new niece or nephew if (s)he decides to come out into the world.

Michelle - It got cold here too! We’re relaxing this weekend, after travelling last weekend and a crazy weekend upcoming, we’ve decided to do a whole lot of nothing.

Jocelyn Pascall - I WISH it would get cold here. I live in Portland, OR and we are still in the 90s over here, which is very unusual. Anyway, my husband and I are going to tackle cleaning out the garage this weekend. Not a fun project, but something that desperately needs doing. Have a great weekend!

Tiffany - ick!ick!ick to fall. more summer for me please. its our annual block party, turned ice cream social with the neighborhood. come over, guests are always welcome.

Maria - 2 soccer games, watching some friends in Grease, one scout campout for the older boys and youth group for the older boys, hopefully a movie for the younger ones..the calm before the storm, “easy” weekend for once…and maybe a stop by olive garden for some soup!

happygirl - You remind me that our dog really needs a bath. And I need to make soup. Now I’m tired just thinking about doing those two things. 🙂

elisa - Love seeing Waffle in his collar 🙂 just posted your post link on my fb page. I didn’t forget about your armband- someone bought the one I had laid out to send. I will get you one soon. Waffles need a new collar? It’s halloween time ya know!
Have a great weekend!

Christy K - This weekend the plan is to clean the craft room (insert horror movie music here)and drive up to the cottage for the day to see the progress on some construction we’re having done. It’s been cool here too, it was zero degrees when I woke up this morning! Made for a rather brisk wait at the school bus stop, haha. Sounds like you’ve got quite the weekend ahead, here’s hoping you have a few moments to relax and breathe! Happy Friday!

Sophie - Waffle always looks like such fun! 🙂
This weekend I’m packing to go visit my best friend from high school who’s moved away to another city for college – I get to spend a whole six days with her but it’ll probably be the last time I get to see her before Christmas and New Year.

Terrie - Oh how I miss all those games!! I don’t miss all the running that came with them.. Ha!
No more kids in school…but there still seems to be crazy schedules…somehow I thought that would end.
Silly thinking on my part.
We walked into the Lion King on Wednesday night and it as all hot…walked out and it’s like we were in a different season…
just like that!.
My weekend involves a funeral for a Bible study leader…so sudden and unexpected.
Then to the KSU football game, visiting with the in-laws.
Sunday…so excited…going to pick up my daughter and my grandson so they can spend a week with us while her hubby is at an out-of-town audit. Trying to baby-proof my house today…since he’s walking already! Wish me luck!!
Have a great weekend!!
🙂

Alice H - almost the same as you…high school football game tonight. Go BA Tigers!! Then I am meeting up with some friends to watch a band at a bar. Tomorrow I have a 6th grade football game. Then laundry and more laundry, and cleaning, and cooking/preparing meals for the week. Exhausting! But I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Denise V. - How funny–we had the very same exact soup for dinner last night. I fixed ours in the crockpot and it was ready when I got home. I must have gotten this recipe from you originally in another post. So good!

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clean.

April 9, 2012

oh these goofball dogs.
they loooove to wrestle.

L O V E.

they wrestled for at least 30 minutes straight without stopping.
rolling and running and tackling each other…..like maniacs.
in the dirt and my weeds.
all for fun…not hurting each other….just full on PLAY time.

waffle is the happiest he's ever been.

and then this happened….

they sat.
together.
just totally chill.

first time ever.

they were TIRED.

it's about time!!!

i think waffle was having the best day ever.

until i declared "BATHTIME!"

ha ha ha.
wet dogs are so funny.
they always look so crazy and scrawny.

shake it. shake it.

shake it like a polaroid picture.

he actually doesn't mind any part of a bath but his favorite part is when when we towel dry him.
he enjoys the massage.
he's a smart dog!
he hangs out for towel drying….he doesn't want us to stop!

since the girls had their suits on and were already wet they said "let's have a carwash!"
even though i thought it was totally cold outside, they were fine in their suits and cold hose water. brrrrr.

brilliant plan.
my truck was filthy.
and so was craig's car.
country living in white cars….dirty dirty dirty.

annie's suit is new this year from the walmarts.

clean dog.
clean cars.
clean kids….they took a bubble bath inside after this.

we have had such a good weekend!
my kids are still off school today….who knows what we will do.
maybe some art.
it's been awhile that we have gotten crafty.

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Katie - I love that your girls are NOT wearing skimpy ‘lil suits they make for young girls! They look very sweet!
Also, what kind of car do you have??? with baby 5 on the way, we are trying to figure out what is best!

jean anne chez - I just experienced carma from your post. relived my life for a few moments through your beautiful pics. ;0)
I too wanted to marry a farmer, live on a ranch..on a lake instead and loving every moment. We have a standard poodle who romped around with his dog cousin (just like Waffle) until they were completely content…ahh such bliss. thank you.

Jamie - Great photos.. We have a black lab that needs a buddy like Waffle to play with. He would FREAK OUT to be able to play with a four-legged friend to the point of exhaustion. And we love Wal*mart bathing suits around here too.

Christy Brenneman - Oh my goodness…..Waffle is smiling so huge. And they actually reached a “chill” moment together. It took a lot of wrestling to get to that point I’m sure. I’m so happy for them and for you. Ky began to really grow on me and I was quite attached to that girl when we left. Perhaps I will bring Josie out to help her get some energy out when it warms a bit. Thanks for sharing your special memories! They make me smile as big as Waffle was in that photo! Christy B.

Sara - I love your blog, your dog, your spontaneity. Waffle posts and photos are the best! You’re a fun and easygoing mama. I hope I can remember to laugh about messes and embrace the moment! Thanks for the bursts of happy your blog provides. 🙂

Lynne - The dogs are just priceless. That really made my day! Waffle looks like one happy pup!

Becky Smith - Ahhh. A dog and picture post. Nothin’ better!

jackie - Cars got a bath last week, then it rained. Dogs will get a bath before traveling this weekend. How long do you think Waffle will stay clean?

The Lovely One - Happy dogs! They look so stinkin’ cute!

Donna R - Love your doggie pics and that super happy pic of Waffle. Super cute swimsuit find at Wally World…of all places!

Aby - TLOL (Totally lauging out loud) (I just made that up) lol. “the Walmarts” I thought my 80 year old mother in law was the only one that said that! Too funny! Except she’s not making a joke.

Sarah Wolfe - I love Annie’s suit. Do they have one in my size? Also love the car wash pics, and how the sun is setting in them. Looks like the country suits you 🙂

susan - LOVE the backlight in your photos, especially the one of Talby and the hose! Gorgeous!
It’s nice to see that everybody is enjoying the country life.

Mary - so cute!
but oh my, it makes me shiver! 🙂
have a wonderful week!

Lisa - Ohhh! I’m so happy for Waffle! Dogs need friends, too 😉

Shannon - love it! waffle cracks me up! loved this whole post. especially the great photos of the sun behind the water droplets!!!

Stephanie - Enjoy your blog,but i just don’t get why you call Walmart “Walmarts”? 🙂

shauna - that looks so fun.
what perfect light!
who knew dog and car washing could be so fun…

elisa - Waffle looked so sad during his bath- haha!

Adrienne s - I was going to ask about the black dog also. New?

Kelly - Never pass up the car wash request! I am cold from the picture of the hose on the head!! Swimsuits and flip flops… wow!! I was in a sweater today. Glad you had a wonderful weekend!

Vonda - Awwww, I think Waffle is a country dog at heart. He looks SO happy. And the picture of him right before your daughter with the hose, I SWEAR that dog is smiling in that picture, eyes closed tight smiling. Cracked me up.

Lori H - The difference between the laughing Waffle and the next picture (bath time- bummer) was hilarious. I love to see dogs play!

LadiesHoliday - There are few things better that puppy-dog and little kid smiles!

Marianne - Aw. so happy that Waffle has found a best friend! They look so cute together.

Leah - Waffle and the other dog look so cute! You can really tell how much dogs are pack animals when they find a doggy-friend playmate! I love the pic of them sitting together, just chillin’.

Jennifer - Ahhh…a prelude to Summer!! It all looks like it was such fun. Sometimes I think our black lab mix goes out into the rain just so he can get his towel drying. He loves it! Especially around the face. So glad you all are enjoying the country!

jessicakiehn - Show us pictures of the inside of your house, please?! Can’t wait to see what you do with your space. So fun and exciting to get to make such a big change as a family.

Sara Torbett - Loved the simplicity and fun in this post! The shot of Talby with the hose is awesome! 🙂

Melanie - Waffle DOES look happy – he actually smiles! I got a good laugh out of how dirty he was; even his tongue had dirt all over it! Looks like you’re having so much fun living out in the country. I love how you chronicle every day life with gorgeous photos and great writing. Ya know, it’s kinda fun to live vicariously through you with young kids still at home and a dirty dog. 😉

Shar - I would so love to have a goldendoodle! My daughter has a golden (regular) and I have 2 std poodles (regular. Great combo!!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I need your kiddos to come on over and wash my van.

happygirl - Doggie BFFs, so cute. We dog wash and car wash together, too. You know what they say about the Great Minds. 🙂

Lia - I think I forgot to comment this. At the end of February we brought home a 8 week old goldendoodle puppy!! Waffle was the first goldendoodle I had seen so I wanted to thank you for posting about him. We couldn’t imagine a better breed of dog for us and love our Pippa girl! Have a great monday!!

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - I was wondering the same thing — new dog or neighbor’s dog?
Looks like everyone had a blast, water play in all forms is always a big hit around here.
Girls are playing playdough and eating jelly beans from their easter baskets this morning, I’m cleaning out the pantry. Might make a batch of homemade watercolor paints later too! : )
A crafty day sounds like the perfect way to wrap up the last day of spring break. That’s what we’re planning to do!

Lyn-de-lou - Is the black dog an addition to the Duerksen household or new neighbour??

Dee - How fun! My kids love washing the dog, cars, or anything else that involves getting to use the hose.

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