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five

this is an account of annie's fifth birthday.
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annie found this note on her door and started asking who made it for her.
i could tell sean had so she went to him and asked "sean…do you love me?!"  
he answered…"it's your birthday so i made you a card."
he was not going to say he loved her.
but his actions spoke it.  and he told talby "i used that because it's her favorite color"
i was smiling while listening to this hall way conversation still in my warm bed…6:45 AM.

annie is now five years old.
that is crazy.
and hard to have my baby be that age.

we took her two best buddies micah and eliza swimming…at 10:30 on a tuesday morning.
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i felt just like i was back in my daycare days.
when lauren was this age i used to take her and my daycare kids (other 3 & 4 years olds) swimming.
then we'd have to get all dried off and dressed…that was what reminded me…3 times over.

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annie chose wendy's for her birthday lunch.  
she started with pizza hut…changed her plans to sonic….then decided on wendy's 20 minutes before.
for the frosty.
which she only ate/drank half of anyway.
we took our happy meals to the park and ate on the top of the slide.
then the three of them played a game which consisted of screaming for help and running from "the boss"
weird.
but it kept them busy for 45 minutes.

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a birthday card in the mail….with money…SCORE!  thanks great grandma!!

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micah gave her some paint and it was the first thing she wanted to do when we got home.
 
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new shoes.

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i think annie was relieved to have her birthday over.
the pressure and excitement she was putting on herself for a month was exhausting her.
she told me so many times that she was "five now"…"ready for kindergarten" and "really big"

but she's my baby.

sniffle sniffle…my baby is not even close to a baby anymore.
pass the kleenex please.

Robin - I just finished copying Annie’s cake for my 4 year old’s birthday party tomorrow. It is just perfect for him. Love your style! Thanks!

elisa - Oh man, soooooo hard to watch them grow up!
Happy Birthday Annie!

Mandi - Happy birthday Annie!!

Sam - Happy birthday Annie! Looks like you had the most perfect day!!

Pineapple Princess - Happy birthday to the amazing Annie!
God bless your year!!!

Diana - What, you don’t know who “the boss” is?!?!
Okay, neither do I.
My grandkids play that game, too, LOL!
Happy Birthdayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, dear Annieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee….
Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
AWESOME shoes, Annie! Very cool in orange!

Christina - Sweet day…
I love that she wanted to paint first thing! So cute. Is she a lot like you in many ways?

Melanie - Happy birthday Annie!
Looks like you did a great job on her special day.
I am waiting for you to stop by my blog. You know I leave Florida on Saturday, headed for northern Kentucky. Might be borrowing that hot cocoa machine for those cold winters. LOL

Becca Parker - Happy Birthday Annie! Congratulations on being one whole hand, it’s a big deal. I like your new shoes!

your cool friend Cheryl - Happy birthday to your baby!

Amy - I have an Annie myself…she is 6…I totally understand the ‘baby no more’ syndrome! WAAAAA!!! Great photos…what a fun day!

Kelly - ahhh!!! happy, happy birthday! what a lovely, marshmallowey goodness kind of cake. looks like a fantastic day! sweet sean. 🙂 love the painting picture. kelly

Tonya McDaniel - Happy, happy birthday to your sweet, baby, big girl! My baby turned 5 earlier this year…it’s unbelievable.

kristin - okay. conversation at our house after the swimming time:
did you have fun?
yes!
what did you like?
everything!
did you ever cry?
yes! i cried the WHOLE way to swimming and then i never cried again.
did megan help you?
yes.
did you feel safe?
yes.
why did you cry?
i wanted you.
but then you had fun?
yes!
so next time you won’t cry because you know how to do it!
oh, i will cry. i will cry every time. and then i will stop.
:: :: ::
sorry, meg. and thank you for helping my child through this!!!

Lisa - Happy Birthday to Annie! What a wonderful looking day she had! 🙂

julie - Happy, happy day to Annie. Pass me some cake please.

alice - i love your cake – it’s so cute! happy birthday, annie!!!

Ruth - happy birthday to annie! she is just fabulous. the cake is gorgeous. and the shoes… perfection!

Carrie K - okay…i want to be five again! what a great birthday 🙂
fantastic pictures mama!!

Gratsia - Happy Birthday!!!!! Looked like a fun day…yummy cake!

Cindy Ashmore - Happy Birthday Annie!!!!

Nancy M - The 5th birthday is bittersweet. Quick, have another baby!

Stephanie Carroll - Is it weird that I want to do on my birthday exactly what Annie did on hers? Only I’ll be 26. So what?

Simies - Happy birthday, Annie!

Cami - Happy Birthday Annie!!! I love her new shoes and the cake is awesome.

meaghan - that is one sugary looking cake! so cute!! she makes me want to have a girl so badly 😉 happy day annie!

Kate - Happy Birthday, Annie! 🙂

amy - happy birthday to your little annie!
isn’t it nutty how fast they grow up?
p.s. please send me a piece of that cake.
pretty please!

kat - Happy birthday, sweet Annie! Precious pictures, incredible cake, priceless memories. She’ll always be your baby! 🙂

jen@ourdailybigtop - What a great birthday! I’ll be with you soon – my baby will turn 5 in June. Sigh.
PS: Love the marshmellows around the cake – great idea!

Ashley - That cake is fantastic… the new shoes are VERY annie… Eliza’s card is awesome. I love how she used pom poms for the finger nails! :)… the money shot (ha) is classic… and Sean is a sweetheart. It looks like Annie had an amazing day. 🙂

juliann brenner - Happy Birthday Annie! I remember being preggo at the same time; which means Olivia will be five in a MONTH! Wow, time flies…. The cake you made would be O’s dream cake; chocolate with lots of sprinkles and marshmallows…perfect!

Cori Heffernan - Happy Birthday Annie!! My baby Molly will be 5 in march. She is the youngest of 4. I almost cried in Kohls when I realized I had to move out of the 2T-4T section.I don’t have T’s anymore :(. I’ve spent the last 10 years in the T’s!!

Karina - Happy birthday Annie!!! My oldest (of three) is five and I already feel like crying because they are growing up so fast. Thanks for the gorgeous pics, as always. Annie is a doll.

Roxie's Mom - I’m still trying to figure out what’s so weird about screaming for help and running from the boss. Sounds like a pretty normal day for most folk. 🙂

Tracy - Awww…. Happy 5th Birthday, Annie! Our kids are growing up WAY TOO FAST, Meg! My “baby” will be 16 in only 17 more days – wah wah wah – pass the kleenex back to me, would ya?! :o)

Beth Ann - looked like a perfect birthday!!!!

Sophie - Happy birthday Annie!
Gosh, she’s such a gorgeous little lady. (:

Erin Johnson - That’s one super cute cake! Chocolate cake seasoned with marshmallows… magic.

Crystal - Beautiful. You are a super mom…it will be exciting to see what the next chapter brings for you. 🙂 Hope you are well! I miss chit chatting with you! 🙂

sarah - Painting topless must be so freeing. 🙂
I love that Sean made her a birthday sign!!
Looks like a wonderful day for her 🙂
*Passing you some Kleenex*

Trish - ahhhh…. why do they have to grow up so fast! it won’t fit in with the theme of addie’s strawberry shortcake birthday, but i am so making that cake for her she would absolutely freak out!!!! and that is what it’s all about.
thanks for inspiring me on a “real mom” level and not a crazy, hard to obtain level!

Mother Runner - Happy Birthday Annie! We love you!
Hope your b-day dinner and time with friends was THE BEST!

Lisa Marie - Awesome…My Maddie Love Wendy’s too… 🙂

Blanca - Happy Birthday Annie!!!!

susie whyte - the sean story is too cute. i love it when you catch those little conversations.
my almost 4 yr old daughter is usually nearby the computer when i check in on the duerksen’s and she loves to see annie’s photos. paint, playing in leaves, dress-up, etc. she asks me if that’s her friend(she has a friend in germany that she only sees through pics on the computer). ha ha.
happy birthday, annie!! hope you enjoyed your awesome cake! 🙂

Kristine - i love the card from eliza! is it appropriate to copy it for a thirty-something birthday?! i must!

pve - I love that she got relief on her birthday. Five is a great year and I love that photo with the money. Priceless.
pve

amy - this is so beautiful and makes my heart pang for my future momma days! thank you so much for sharing, it looks like it was a perfect day.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Those pics were great Meg. The one with her holding the money to her face…priceless. Happy Birthday Annie!!

adrienneK - omg this is so sweet! and what a great cake!!!! i love the card and all the paint action!! i know its so weird ,zoe just turned four and im like…no…shes still a baby 🙁
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS ANNIE!!!!!

Lane - Ok, I want Wendy’s now! 🙂
Happy Birthday to Annie!

Sarah@Clover Lane - Happy Birthday Annie! That cake looks SO good!

Kimberlee J. - Glad to see she liked the boots!

Lisa - Looks like such a happy day!

misty - {happy birthday annie!!}
I loved all of the pics, as usual~ & what a SWEETHEART you have for a son =) & what would craig say if you told him you were ready for just ONE more baby?? My husband says we’re finished and we just have one… so I will call her my baby til she’s… well, FOREVER =)

danyele @ a thorn among roses - …and she’s so precious! swimming. suckers. new shoes. chicken nuggets. friends. painting. sounds like the perfect bday to me

Kathy - AH! Annie happy birthday!WOw! she is a big girl now Mom already telling you she is ready for school! Here I’m passing you kleenx right now!

Sarah - Happy Birthday to your little one.

se7en - AAAAWWW – Cutie-pie!!! Happy Annie’s Day… I hope five is a great year for all of you!!!

Toni :O) - I LOVE the birthday shot of her and her friend jumping into the pool with their swimmies…SO C.U.T.E.! Great, great shot! Glad she had a fun birthday, she is just adorable!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Have you tried asking her to “please stay little”? I ask both of mine at least once a week and it hasn’t worked yet, but I’m not giving up.
I wish Calvin and Annie could play together. He would bring his Bob Ross palette.

traci - So sweet. happy birthday annie. i love her new shoes – they are so her!!!

sandy toe - You really capture the colorfulness of childhood…that cake is just great!
sandy toe

Erin V. - Oh my goodness, Annie is such a sweetheart! I’m glad she had a great 5th birthday! She will always be your baby no matter how old she is!

Lindy - Happy Birthday Dear Annie! My “baby” is 28, soon to have another baby of her own. Now, that makes you feel old.

Anna Marie - You need to give all of us Craig’s email list so we can talk him into letting you have another 😉
Happy birthday sweet little Annie!
{cute cake}

Nancy - I am right with you.. My little one will be 5 in a few months. That is a big year. LIke you said, Kindergarten. Just big stuff. I am sniffling for you. A dress rehearsal, warm up for me in March!

Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - Awww! Sweet Annie is five already! It looks like she had a great birthday. I love that she was painting topless. Oh to be that young again! That cake looks amazing, by the way. I can only imagine how good it probably tasted! Here’s to many more years of birthdays, because even though she may not be a baby, she will still be around the house for a long time! 🙂

Beth Ann - Awww, Happy Birthday, Annie! Looks like it was a great day.

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cloverleaf

i have wanted to go to cloverleaf for a long time.
i saw them in country living a few years ago.
i thought the only one was in Ardmore, OK…but kim discovered there were two!
one right in oklahoma city.
 

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"get in here"
there was pink everywhere.

it was a cowboy meets shabby chic boutique…with a little crazy thrown in for fun!

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glitter everywhere.
pumpkins covered in glitter…glitter letters…even the floor was gold glitter!
 

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mama-licious….HA!
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you know if i ever did decide to start decorating the house for halloween…
i think a life size glitter covered skeleton would be where i would start.

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look at that display jacket.  
is that from a marching band?  a nashville cowgirl?  i am so curious…it's decoration, not for sale.
but it's so cute!
and a  yellow and turquoise mushroom?

love this stuff.

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kim and i kept coming back to these.
we loved them.
beautiful boots embroidered and colorful…made to feel like you've had them forever.
if only i had a spare $438.

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i didn't notice that lamp until i was posting these pictures…it's pretty!
i liked the birdhouse art in the background.
and all the pink girlie books.

 
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now i want pink poodle statues for my front door.

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i seriously want to make this.
i know i could.
but what a fun gift to pick up for the girl who has everything….

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kim ended up with gorgeous earrings that look fabulous with her eyes.
i picked a big chunky necklace that said it was "vintage".
cool.

if you are close to OK City you need to go to cloverleaf.
and bring $438 and get me a pair of those boots…size 8…please.

and i know that the Ardmore, OK. store is much bigger adn more full even…hard to imagine.
so i want to go there someday too.

SO MUCH FUN!

Anne - The merchandise is great (Ardmore, OK store) But the ladies who work there are beyond rude! Sorry to be negative after all these positive posts, But if customer service is as important as cute inventory… Visitor beware!

Rachel at Pencil Shavings - OMG! i can’t believe you came to Cloverleaf! I live 2 miles from there, and I have a glitter ADDICTION, so I can’t let myself go in there too often. It’s like waving a martini in front of an alcoholic.
I’ve never made it to the Ardmore location, although I’ve passed it on the interstate at 70 mph many a time on the way to Dallas!

Valerie - Ten years ago I lived in the little yellow house across from Cloverleaf. If only Cloverleaf had already moved in to that OKC location — that would have been a girl’s dream for sure, to have it across the street! I love to visit my brother and sister-in-law in OKC because it always means I get the chance to run over to Cloverleaf for a quick peep. And I have been to the Ardmore store as well, but personally I think I like the OKC one better, although you must see the Ardmore one simply for the fabulous pink bicycles that line the drive.

DreamGirlLisa - Oh what a darling store! How fun! Thanks for your blog Megan, I really love reading it. I like to imagine I am a stay at home mom again and that my prince didn’t really turn out to be a frog…oh well, life happens, right?

Becky - It is so funny that you mention the Cloverleaf in Ardmore. I live in Ardmore. I have been following your blog for awhile now. The Cloverlead is one of my favorite stores. What a surprise when I’m reading your blog and you mention Ardmore.
Becky in Ardmore

emily - seriously . . . that has to be the most fantastic store ever!!!! i want one in new orleans!!!!

Trina McNeilly - Wow this is place looks super fun! I could get really lost in there and I am so with you on the poodle.. I WANT that…. how much was it?

jess - i think they should send you a pair of those beautiful boots for such a great post!!!(and an extra pair for a giveaway!!! a girl can dream…..

Peggy Rice - LOVE the photos. Now I want $438 for a pair of those boots to wear around Paris!

Christina - Whoa! I think I wouldn’t know what to do in there. No picture of your necklace?!

your cool friend Cheryl - How cool! Can I move in?

griswold fun - Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of this but Ardmore is the our Christmas traveling path. I think my husband might protest when he sees the pink exterior, though 🙂

Dawn - I love that Mamalicious T-shirt! And the salt shakers filled with glitter, how cool! I wish there was one of those stores close to me.

Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - Wow!!! What a great store! I need to find something like this in Minnesota! I really love the pink poodle statue. I bet you could spend all day there and never get bored. 🙂

Lorilee - Wow, that place looks awesome. I love the salt shakers of glitter and the cowboy hat edged with bottlecaps. I also gasped when I saw the locker basket with the Kaspar Wire Works, Shiner, TX label. I live about an hour from Shiner, Texas. I want to go there to tour the Brewery and taste the beer!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Tonya McDaniel - how stinkin’ fun is that store?! i’ve never heard of it, but i’m already in love! thanks for making me slobber on my laptop!

MeBBof3 - I can’t believe you didn’t get a picture of the floor! I love it… I asked how they did it and they painted it with Bass Boat paint and then covered it with Basketball Court sealer- I had to reach down and touch it. I am actuallt from Ardmore and lived in OKC for almost 20 years. The one in Ardmore is very different you got the best of both worlds! I love your Blog it is a fun way to wind down and treat myself…Thanks for the fun!

Mother Runner - Wow! That’s a whole lotta girl in one little shop!
Phew!

Stephanie Carroll - 1. I love this post even though I don’t really like pink
2. Come to Texas; maybe we can find you some cute cheaper boots!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Wow what a store. Talk about eye candy. That was a perfect photo op for you. Loved the boots. I’d like some too please:)

jennifer - So cool! Loved that lamp!
But seriously, what I’d really like is a picture of Kim so I can take it to my hairdresser and copy her haircut. Mine is very similar, but hers is way better.
Kim, you out there? 🙂

Heather Giustino - Chandeleirs, glitter AND all that pink?!? I wish I was a few states closer!

donna - Oh my goodness….that looks like fun! I used to live in Oklahoma many years ago….I actually had child #1 there – I love that part of the country – so peaceful!!! We lived in Tulsa…..you make me miss it!

Laura Phelps - OK Meg, let’s talk here.
You put me up for a week. Make me breakfast and pots and pots of coffee in your fabulous kitchen.
Take me shopping.
And I will buy you those boots.
I just have to sell 438 cakes. And then…I will buy you those boots.
Deal?

carissa... brown eyed fox - i need to go to OK… more specific… Cloverleaf!
looks like sheer happiness… one of those places you can’t stop smiling. your description was perfect too… well… since i’ve never been… i don’t really know… :)… but… cowboy chic… goodness… for sure!
HOW fun!
you’d look SO cute in those boots too!

susie whyte - wow. it’s like a little glittery heaven. 🙂 ha ha. i feel the same way when i go visit country bumpkins(douglas and hillside-wichita). there’s not an abundance of pink and glitter everywhere, but it’s still beautiful(www.countrybumpkinsofwichita.com), especially at Christmas! cyndi always has the best stuff in her store. i have to make 2 trips through her store everytime cause i always miss something. 🙂 next time you make a sugar sister’s run, stop in and check it out.
and okc…i will be seeing you soon!:)

Wendy robinson - Looks like a fun place I will have to remember this store next time I go to visit the inlaws.

Karen - Cloverleaf has been one of my favorite stores FOREVER! My mom grew up in Ardmore and I MUST stop there everytime we head that way or even any where near that direction. I LOVE the OKC one too but you must check out the original Cloverleaf someday! SO FABULOUS!!!

sara's art house - What a fun store! Beautiful pics as always.

Fidgeting Gidget - Wow! I love these photos! That store looked like a blast! I’ve been yearning for a pair of cowboy boots for a while, but they’re SO EXPENSIVE!
And that wire glittery contraption reminded me of my junior high gym locker (or should I say, wire basket?) 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!

pve - Elvis lives! Looks like a fun spot for a little sparkle!
pve

Beth Ann - That looks like an awesome store.

adrienneK - OMG i am in LOVE!!!!!!!

Staci - Yup! That store is about 20 minutes away from where I live…and it gets me in a little trouble EVERY time I go there 🙂 LOVE those boots too!!! If Craig gets all crazy and wants to know what you want for Christmas (other than water)….just slip him my email and I’ll go pick up a pair for you 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I now have the uncontrollable urge to dump out my salt and pepper shakers and fill them with GLITTER!

Kelly O. - fabulousness!

Abby - Looks like a fun store – the pics reminded me once again to find some locker baskets ASAP!! I like the verse on the side with the licorice background – would make a great print for your etsy shop someday… One last thing, what brand are your jeans in the picture?
ps – Faith’s pictures are amazing, she was so excited to pick them up last night!

purejoy - i want to move in there!! just think with about $900 you could have TWO pair of them boots, honey!!
they law!! if dolly parton ever caught wind of this place we could downright transform dollywood!! looks like all we need is a 5 gallon drum of glitter.
awesome.

Gratsia - hmm cant link to their site but it looks fun from your pics

Gratsia - Oh wow never heard of the place but it looks awesome im going to google it now.
🙂

Amy at The Red Chair Blog - What a fun, funky place! LOVE the pics of those boots in a row!
On an unrelated note, I remembered reading in an earlier post of yours that “meal planning” was on your to do list, so I thought you might like this meal planning magnet tutorial that I posted on my blog today:
http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-own-meal-planning-magnets.html
Amy

Adrian - Oh how cute I was I closer to actually see this place LOVE it!! We’re in Al-dang-bama!! Roll Tide!!

misty - omgosh meg!!! I am in OKC at LEAST TWICE A MONTH & didn’t even know this was there!! I remember seeing a post with a bracelet that says ‘whatever’ and you had the link on here, but when i clicked it the page had changed~ I was wondering where this was! This is one of my FAVORITE posts on your blog & I am emailing it out to everyone I know. I need to convince my mother in law to take me there next weekend while we’re in OKC. PS If I win the lottery, I will buy you a pair of boots since you helped me figure out where this store is! I made a mental note~ (meg: size 8 boots) =)

sarah - WOW so fun. I want some of those boots too.
If I had an extra $876 to spare, I’d buy us both a pair.
I’m going to have to go to the one in Ardmore, it’s just over an hour and a half away from me. I’m gonna have to grab a girlfriend or a few, and head there. ASAP.
Thanks for pointing me in their direction. 🙂

Kimberlee J. - Oh those boots—too bad we don’t wear the same size, we could have split the cost!

A pocket full of posies... - LORD-HAVE-MERCY!!!! I have just died and gone to Heaven!!! I see a road trip in the VERY near future!!!
Blessings!
Jill

Jo - I didn’t know you were the close to Oklahoma? 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the store!

missye - Oh man! What a fun place. And too far away from me!:(

Jennifer - What a fun place! I think there might be a ‘girls trip’ in my future!!

mom - Glad you finally got to go – Nancy and I knew you’d love it!

amy d - wow!! i didn’t know there were 2 of them either! didn’t you feel like you couldn’t leave, cause you know there’s no way you could of seen it all, it makes you want to stay for days to take it all in…now i will have to go find this one for sure.

The Persimmon Perch - What a fun store…I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the city!

CherryTreeLane - I am OBSESSED with this place. Geez…..why aren’t there more cool things like this in California? (complain, complain….whine,whine…)

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where did october go?

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we finally got to carving our pumpkins at 5:00 on halloween.
better late then never.

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craig was cleaning the gutters….
 
halloween costumes were figured out last minute again this year…like always.
annie was the classic lion (circa 1999).                    talby scored a costume from the thrift shop.
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sean repeated his skeleton from last year.  
he wants to be scary & i keep saying no..this is as scary as i can handle – a skeleton tee & face paint.

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we hit the streets to trick or treat.
the neighbors were just coming out…so much fun to watch the kids see each other all dressed up.

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our block had 3 witches, a cowboy, yoda, tinkerbell, a lion, a giraffe and the skeleton dude.
 

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seven pumpkins…so messy…but so worth it when you see them all lit up together….love it!

where did october go?  
how is halloween already over? 
 
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our house is now bursting with candy like everyone else.
just before bed annie said "mom…i'm gonna save this and eat it ALL tomorrow after church"
oh my.

Christina - I love the crooked smile pumpkin. 🙂
My kids wanted to carve pumpkins this year so badly, but I just never carved out the time to do it. Maybe next year…
It seems like a weird phenomenon in which all people everywhere are wondering where October went! I have heard this so many times in the last two days.

pam - i especially like craig’s costume. the leaf blower guy was in a horror movie or something, right? what was YOUR costume? 😉 the kids look so happy and fun!

jimaie.marie - i LOVE the picture of all the pumpkins together!!! Your family makes me smile Meg <3

linda@LimeintheCoconut - All I know is that I have had a full compliment of stolen dots and almond Joy and red licorice…so now November feels about right!
LOVE that gaggle of pumpkins!
And that teensy giraffe…be still my heart!

akmichelle.blogspot.com - Adorable pumpkins! Next year I am going to carve more than one… you’re right, they are just so perfect all together like that!

KELLY - ONE Q FOR YOU, HOW IS IT THAT YOU CELEBRATE THAT HOLIDAY, WELL FOR ONE YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN RIGHT? DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOUR CELEBRATING? WOW MEG I WAS A REAL FOLLOWER OF YOUR BLOG BUT THIS HAS ME THINKIN, WHAT ARE WE NOW A CHRISTIAN CHURCH GOING GOD BELIEVING PEOPLE, WITH ALL THE WORLDLY HOLIDAYS, SAD BECAUSE AS A BELIEVER IN OUR JESUS, HOW IS IT THAT WE CAN ADORE OR WORSHIP THE OTHER SO CALLED god OF THIS WORLD.

Gratsia - Hope halloween was fun …awwww what a cute little giraffe

jerilyn - wow – you really go all out – love the Halloween picts!

Rach - Ooo, I can’t wait for Halloween next year when we can go trick or treating with out little one ! Looks like you guys had a blast. Great costumes on the kids too.

Patti - i must confess…our pumpkins are still sitting on the porch – unscathed. i can’t believe i forgot about carving them. i’m a bad mom…bad i tell ya! very cute costumes, by the way! happy november!

Sarah@Clover Lane - So cute…love the costumes!

Beth - I know. Can’t believe Oct. is gone. We put off pumpkins until Sat. PM too and then had a crisis finding pumpkins locally!!! Newton was OUT OF PUMPKINS. Imagine that. We got some in Hesston, though! Last minute costumes are the best . . . I put together a pilgrim hat at 7:15 on Friday morning 🙂

Renee - A week from today I will turn 39. Where did October go??? I still can’t believe I’m married with a house and three kids! Does anyone else ever feel this way? Awesome pictures as usual, Meg. xoxo

Tracy - LOVE it – the pumpkins and the costumes! Everyone looked SO CUTE! :O)

elizabeth - why does it get so difficult, year after year, to think up and execute the costumes? maybe it’s our (at least mine) ever-increasing age. your costumes and pumpkins looked perfectly sweet and a tiny bit scary! thanks for the wonderful post, as always.

Jen@thecottagenest - I feel the same way about October! I think mine passed in a frenzy of Silver Bella prep! I look forward to seeing you there!

sarah - I woke up today and thought the same thing… How is it already the 2nd of November?! Where did October go. So Crazy!
We didn’t even get to carve pumpkins or go to a pumpkin patch this year. I’m very sad about that. And this year Kenzie would have really enjoyed it. Oh well. Hawaii was what got in the way, so I guess we’ll live 😉
Your kids costumes were so cute. I love that you found one at a thrift store. I wish that was possible here, maybe it is and i just don’t know where to look….

Laura Phelps - ya know what MY Annie said?
After the FIRST door we trick or treated at, she looked up at me and asked, “So, mom? Next is Christmas, right???”
love that. should go and post that one on my own blog, really.

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - Hey, that’s when we carved pumpkins too! What a cute little lion. Based on our visit and the popsicles, Annie’s church sugar challenges scare me! Did she do it?!

Sharri - Here’s a tip: Cut the pumpkin hole at the bottom of the pumpkin not the top. It is easier to lift the pumpkin up by the stem and place it over a candle vs sticking your hand inside the pumpkin.
I agree where did October go?
Love your blog.
Sharri

misty - I agree~ October went by in a FLASH! Thanks to your post last year about being creative with the costumes, I made my daughters lady bug costume and grabbed a lion costume for a $1 at a garage sale in case it was freezing halloween night~ It was so fun making her costume, I am going to do it every year! thanks for being an inspiration! and I LOVE all of the cute things annie says =)

Sara - I had to laugh at your hubby cleaning the gutters. Mine does the same thing. He blows off the driveway too. It is my opinion that it calms him. Every time it gets crazy around here, he dissapears and you will hear the blower. LOL

susie whyte - craig is so funny. i guess you’d have to get up there with the leaf blower. you probably get a load of leaves in your gutters and on the roof. 🙂
october is gone, sista!! i got the a-ok to get out some christmas stuff from the hubby. i think he was too busy sulking about turning 30 to care. ha ha. 🙂
glad you guys had fun!

Sarah - Great documentation of the day!

pve - Last year my son was carving the pumpkin and nearly cut his finger off. After the trip to the ER, I said, next year we will light up the house with torches and black lights and that is what we did….we went to get a pumpkin and they were sold out. I took it as a sign, an omen of sorts.
love your tricksters…..what a treat!
pve

se7en - Your day looks so fun and the pumpkins turned out brilliantly – love them!!!

Erin Johnson - I ADORE those orange and black tights. So cute!

Cate O'Malley - Love Halloween pics! We had a soccer playing vampire here, along with Raggedy Ann. Raggedy Ann has mastered the art of finding trick-or-treat stash that I have hidden, along with unwrapping lollipops. The fun begins!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh those are so good. I am anti-mess, anti carved pumpkins…but when I see yours all lit up I feel like reconsidering for next year:)

Ashley - Annie’s costume was SO cute! And Talby’s was the best witch costume. The thrift store is awesome. Sean’s face makeup looked good and creepy 🙂 And gosh, I love jack-o-lanterns… who did which? Did you save any of the seeds to bake? Baked pumpkin seeds are excellent.
And I just noticed… 14 popcicles? Really? Sounds like me when I was little… 🙂

adrienneK - so fun!!october flew by for me! we had so many pumpkin, halloween ,related things going on it made my head spin ha! im ready for christmas!!

Amanda - and after 14 popsicles one day, I totally believe that she WOULD eat it ALL after church. Good luck with that!

Scrappy Girl - I can’t believe October is gone either…we are in New Orleans for the first weekend in Nov. and that is going to make November fly too.

Darby - Meg, What fun! I love all the festive pictures! Especially those creative jack-o-lanterns! Glad you all had a wonderful weekend!!

Nancy - Baby Yoda… perfect. I think babies naturally look like yoda sometimes. My husband is IN LOVE with his leaf blower. He would jump at the chance to get on the roof for a new adventure. Happy November!

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happy birthday chicago jenny.

IMG_1980
today is her birthday.
she is getting really old.

chicago jenny does not read my blog.

i know!!!!

you read that correctly.  
chicago jenny…my best friend…the woman who helped me birth my babies….who took care of my kids when i was too hungover sick…the friend who has been to see me in kansas 5 times…

does not read my blog.

it's not clear as to why she doesn't read it.

maybe it's because she thinks i am too happy on the blog? 
 (i do complain a lot to my friends in real life)
maybe she misses me so much that reading the blog makes her sad?
 
maybe she knows that in real life i talk/laugh/joke about s*x (it's true!)
          and it bugs her that i don't on the blog? (my grandma reads this blog jenny…)
maybe she thinks i am so funny in person and the blog is no comparison????
maybe she wants to be mentioned in every blog post? 
maybe her internet can only get facebook and can't open my blog?
maybe she can't read?
maybe she thinks i don't play sequence well enough?
maybe she can't stand the all-lowercase-letters-rule i have here?

maybe she's mad about the photos i posted of her in the gown from thrift store?
maybe she thinks i am boring?
maybe it's because she is a chemist and only likes to read blogs about chemistry?

i guess maybe it's because she works a few different jobs.
and her husband is always making her go go go to all kinds of fun places.
and she is involved in the school and committees
and she has a big extended family that she spends lots of time with.
and she reads books.

and MAYBE it's because we are already best friends without the blog…she just doesn't need it.
 

but i hope today (after or before her sister's wedding) she will see her
happy birthday blog post so you can all wish her a happy birthday 

and i can tell everyone, including her how much i love her.

happy birthday jenny! 

Rebecca - Happy Birthday! 🙂 My sister and/or best friends doesn’t read my blog either! 🙂

Chicago Jen - Thank you all for your happy birthday wishes. I spent a delicious day in sunny California for my sister’s wedding. My awesome hubby put balloons and streamers in the dining area of the hotel lobby. BTW, I don’t check the blog because when (or IF) she ever calls me, we will have nothing to say since I know it already. Perhaps with my new Itouch, I can keep up with her a little better. love ya meg

pam - happy, happy, happy birthday Chicago Jenny!!! Cheers to BFF’s! 🙂

Jenny - No way!!! I know Chicago Jenny! I am another Chicago Jenny who went to Christian Heritage Academy with YOUR Chicago Jenny. SOOOOOOO weird! What was her maiden name? I’m sure it is the same Jenny…I was Jenny Liace (sounds like Leeachee) back then. You’ve got to let me know…

Tammy - Happy Birthday Chicago Jenny, all the way from SW Ohio!

Kimberlee J. - Hysterical. Laughing through the entire thing.

Mandi - Happy birthday Jenny, all the way from Tennessee!

Mother Runner - Hey. Can you give Jenny a message for me…”HAPPY BIRTHDAY”!

Diana - ROTFL!!
But, honey, she doesn’t NEED to read your blog… she already has you as her best friend in real life!
Happy Birthday, Chicago Jenny!
😀

your cool friend Cheryl - Happy birthday Chicago Jenny! Thanks for sharing your friend with us 🙂
I think it’s funny that the people we know don’t read our blogs. I only know 2 of my readers in real life!
I live in Chicago…does that make me Chicago Cheryl? 😉

Amy at The Red Chair Blog - Cute post. I can relate. Your best friend doesn’t read my blog either 🙂

Jill J - It’s SO true! Only a few of my friends read too. (Hi back Jennifer!!! She started me on your blog) Which is SO depressing. 🙁 Especially because I have a closed blog and only my friends and family can read my blog.
Well, I hope that Chicago Jenny reads your blog today. Because that is so sweet!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Happy Birthday, Jenny!!!

Kate - Oh wow! Me too 🙂 And my best friend – Chicago Jen (weird, huh?!) just became DC Jen… I’m glad it’s not just me… 🙂

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh happy birthday Jenny. I don’t understood why some of my closest friends don’t read my blog either…I mean complete strangers seem to love me, but my friends??? HA! Love your writing style Meg…so fun to read:)

Simies - Happy birthday, Jenny! You are lucky girl to have such a best friend!

jennifer - Oh this is so funny and I’m so glad I’m not alone. I started my blog several months ago when we moved as way to keep in touch with my friends and only one reads it. (Hi Jill!)
Of course I’ve posted nothing new in weeks, but I’m sure that has nothing to do with it. 🙂
Happy Birthday Chicago Jenny! And thanks for sharing Meg with us!

Lorilee - I know what you mean! I have many friends who don’t know what blogging is! I even have some friends who choose not to have computers in their homes.
Blessings,
Lorilee

linda@LimeintheCoconut - Ok…I am not alone. My closest friends don’t read my blog either (although I catch my mother sneaking a peak).
I’m going with answer 7. They can’t read.
Yep. 7
So there Chicago Jenny… and my friends(who probably read YOUR blog…Hey, maybe Chicago J reads mine. I feel better now.)
Happy Day Chicago J!

Staci - Happy Birthday Chicago Jenny!!!!!!!!!! READ MEG’S BLOG 🙂 hee hee!

pve - I know it is a weird phenomena that best friends do not read the blog, but that those we never have met can immediately know that if you did meet you would be instant friends and maybe it makes those friends just a tad jealous. that could be why your friend does not read it, unless, maybe she does not really like you anyway…..ha!
happy birthday to your friend jenny that does not read your blog.
pve

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PW…she rocked.

my friend kim emailed me a few weeks ago and asked "want to go meet PW?"
to which i responded "uh…YES!!!"
we picked a date…arranged our babysitters…she scoped out oklahoma city for shopping…and we did it!

we were way giddy about meeting THE pioneer woman.

we were shopping for clothes and craig called my cell.
c: hi…are you having fun?  where are you?
m: trying on clothes…yes having so much fun.
c: what time is pioneer woman?
m: 6:30…what time is it now?
c: 5:15.  you aren't there already!!?!  are you kidding?  you drove all the way there and you aren't waiting in line yet?
m:  good point….we'll go now.

craig saved the day.

it was across the street at full circle books.  (very quaint bookstore that i would love to spend time in)
we arrived at 5:30 and we were at least #100?  or higher.
what dorks that we didn't go sooner!
IMG_1192
that is a sign behind me…i am not wearing a green and yellow bonnet…i promise.
(by the way…how cute is kim?! so cute!) 

we got comfy in line and there we stood…and stood…and stood.
we had nothing to do but talk, good thing i like talking! 
we met the ladies in line with us.
IMG_1206

mickie on the left and amy on the right…both from oklahoma…but kansas natives.

IMG_1193
this was the line behind us…going on a long long LONG way…

finally at 8:40
yes…3 hours later…we made it to Ree.

it was worth it.

IMG_1234
she was just as she appears on her blog…and that was just what i wanted to know.
kind eyes.
super personable.
easy to talk to.
beautiful voice.
just like i thought.

IMG_1246

and i didn't even cry!
i was worried that i might…i just never can gauge my emotions…i can't control my crying!
so thankfully i didn't.

she posted her OKC book signing today.
those girls (with the leopard cardigan) were right behind us!
you should have heard them squeal when Marlboro Man appeared in the hall way!  
hysterical.

her family was there…kids, sister & baby, MM and more.
i enjoyed seeing that her boys did exactly what my boys' would've.

IMG_1252
 
it was a great night.
kim…thank you for being so spontaneous and willing to go.
i learned so many cool things about you yesterday.

and i don't know what to cook first!

if you go to see her in your area…
1. get there early.
   (go early & grab a stack of books, a coffee and plant yourself in front of her table.) 
   we heard the first people were there at 4:00…for a 6:30 signing.
2. bring snacks in your purse.
3. don't forget your camera.
4. wear comfy shoes….seriously.
5. get a babysitter.  i was glad to not be one of the moms holding babies all that time.

I LOVE PIONEER WOMAN…could you tell?

IMG_1268
the news team (watch it here) set up right beside us to get their shot.
they started filming the long line starting at us…so we aren't shown.
i dared kim to jump right out at the camera man as he was walking for his shot of the crowd.  
she said no.
the girl they interviewed was just in front of us.
i'm glad they didn't chose me…"I loooooove pioneer woman…i just LOOOOVVVVE her…i really love her"
and then i would stare into the camera like a deer in headlights.  

then i would start crying.    

we got home from Oklahoma at 1:00 AM-ish.
24 hours ago.
i am still beaming.  
i have a pioneer woman glow all about me.
 

i can't wait to try my first recipe. 

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Cori Heffernan - I’ve only been reading your blog for a few weeks and I love it. I saw the post about PW and I said who the heck is PW !! But I loved Little House on the Prairie so I gave her a try and now …I’m all caught up!!In fact I may try and see her when she comes to NY in Dec.(I live in Long Island) My kids think we’re related coz I read through your blogs and they see your kids and keep asking me if they’re cousins!! You are inspiring to a craft challenged person like myself. Keep writing and taking pictures.

Meridith Smith - So I meant to say 3rd pic, not 3rd green sweater. Oooopsie.

Meridith Smith - Great blog! My friend is the girl in the first pic with the 3rd green sweater:) You must’ve been in line with her the whole time. You’re blog is very entertaining! I will be back!

Melissa - Aren’t these the girls that were standing behind you that REE is blogging about???
http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2009/10/well_get_back_to_this_baby_in_a_minute/
Funny!

Jan - I am so very jealous! I loooovvvveeee PW too! It is very strange to have such a strong bond to a woman I have never meet 🙂 I do think it’s funny that you didn’t even get a dead on shot of MM….he is so mysterious 🙂

Louise - Did you see the leopard cardigan group made Pioneer Woman’s blog?? Oh, you should have been louder like them! Jealous of your fun trip!

julie - Pretty much not fair. THis is on my Christmas/ birthday list, which means I have to wait a whole stinking 39 days before I see it. But you have it, and to make it worse you met her. Lucky, lucky lady. Cook me something good and send it my way. Pretty please.

Jilly - I love P-dub too! I pre-ordered my book and I cannot wait to have her sign it, she will be at the Mall of America on November 21st, I am sure she is going to draw a big crowd so thanks for the tips!

Melissa - I’m planning on going to the Nashville signing. My husband thinks I’m nuts! I am so there!

traci - that is so fun meg. glad you had fun. i got her book yesterday and couldn’t wait to sit my butt down last night and start reading it. i don’t know what to cook first either. everything looks so yummy. i love that she made it so personal.

Christina - So funny…this makes me excited to do the same thing!
Love the bonnet comment.
Love your imaginary interview.
I’m a crier too. 🙂

Becca Parker - I’m from Oklahoma City, but living in Northwest Arkansas now, and had just read about Pioneer Woman in this month’s Southern Living. She sounded so interesting, I planned to check out her blog, but I’m going to find it right now. Thanks for your blog, I laugh out loud, smile, and sometime cry too. It’s just Mommer @ Blog Spot.

Valerie - Oh girl — you haven’t tried one of her recipes yet?! They are ALL so good. Every one I have tried has been a blue-ribbon winner. This will be my 3rd annual PW Thanksgiving, in fact. I got to meet her yesterday in Tulsa — so fun! She even cracked jokes to me about her armpits being sweaty. Gotta love that.

Melanie - That is so great. I love her too. I ordered her cookbook from Amazon but they are late getting it to me. I wish she were coming to where I am located.
I feel the same way about Karen Russell as you do PW:) I am Karen’s Florida stalker as she has come to know me by! I am fixing to have to change it Kentucky stalker. I LOVE me some Karen. She was all the things that I thought she would be.
I am glad that you got to go and meet her. I would drive a ways to see her too.

Carol S. - Fun story. Sooooo….did she know who you were or has she checked out your blog? I forget how I found your blog…lol…did she have a link here? She’ll be in Chicago where I live but I wonder what kind of a madhouse it will be? Plus I think it’s a weeknight. We’ll see!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - This has to feel so surreal to her! I would freak out if people screamed when Cory walked into the room! (And yet, I would have done the same thing if I spied MM…) Her punks are so up on those ladders. Love it.
And I love it that you advised bringing snacks in the purse. Wiser words…

Cris - You are so lucky. The closest she will be to me is Chicago, and it is on a night I have college classes…I received my cookbook several days ago, I can’t wait to start cooking from it.

Diana - AWESOME!! What fun!

Lisa - SOOOOOOO COOOOOOL!
SHE SOUNDS AWESOME !
HUGS FROM MAINE

Erin - Lucky you! My cookbook was on my doorstep this morning. Not sure why I’m on the computer and not reading that! Can’t wait to hear what you make first!!!

Kate - Oh my goodness! I am so jealous! She will be here in Phoenix – next week! And I’ll be in Texas for work 🙁 so sad…. (think my hubby will go stand in line for me? Ha!)

pve - Good for you. I hope I get to stand on line, and have you sign your book for me someday.
I think you deserve a book with your awesome photos. You look amazing too.
(Pioneer Woman rocks)
pve

Gratsia - Oh how fun is that 🙂 Happy by Halloween as well hope you enjoy yourselves!

Jocelyn Stott - I so jealous of you! I live up in Portland, OR and she doesn’t have any book signings scheduled anywhere near here but I hope that changes!!!!

Miranda - very cool. so happy you had such a great time!

Penny - Lucky you!! I don’t believe she is coming anywhere near Michigan. 🙁 I would love to meet her. Love her blog. I would also stand in line to meet you, but only if you brought Waffle!! LOL

Mickie - Great post about our experience and it was so fun to spend it with the 3 of you. I am still basking in the PW glow myself but promised my friends and family I would try to let it go… a little. Something to remember for sure!

Amber - I was watched PW on The Bonnie Hunt Show last week, so cute. I was able to meet my favorite author a few weeks ago (stood in line for hours to meet Diana Gabaldon) and it sounds so lame, but that moment is on the list next to WEDDING and GIVING BIRTH.

lora - You are SO living THE LIFE!

lora - You are SO living THE life!

susie whyte - oh, man. i think i laughed through that ENTIRE post. ha ha. glad you had so much fun.

Lee Ann - When is she coming to Washington? 🙂
Seriously!!! That is the coolest thing! Honestly though, I’d reather meet YOU!!!! So if you come to the PNW (pacific northwest), you let me know! I’ll drive hours and stay up til 1am to see you anytime 🙂 I’m serious!

griswold fun - Thanks for sharing the pictures and the tips for standing in line! Having to wait a month before the Dallas stop!

Vera - This made me SO giddy!!! I’m meeting her a week from Monday and I can’t wait – thanks for the tips. You look so adorable!

Mother Runner - Meg! That looked fun. I’m jealous. ‘Nuf said.

Tiffany - I am so excited to know she’s the same in person. She’s amazing and I have a girl crush on her!! LOVE HER!!

kat - How fun! Wish she was coming to my neck of the woods! Seriously, I am sure many, many people would like to meet you too! Glad you had a fun time!!! I loved your comment about the green and yellow bonnet, because I had to look twice and thought, only you could pull off a green and yellow bonnet and make it look cool.

Trish - yes i cry at almost anything… the weirdest things make me cry and the things you think would make me cry don’t…
how do you know where the PW is going next? i’m curious!

kristi rediske - Sounds like you had a really great day-The Pioneer woman does sound special. My daughter and a friend went to Tulsa and saw her this week-they said she was really neat. She spoke first before the book signing so that was neat-they waited about 4 hours to get their books signed but they had seats so it wasn’t to bad. I ordered her book from wal-mart(it was cheaper to order it) and mine should be here any day-can’t wait-wish mine was signed but thats ok. Have a great week and have fun cooking from the book.

misty - that is so awesome! I didn’t know who PW was until your blog, but I just looked at her site and I enjoyed reading it! I saw that she did a signing in Tulsa literally 10 miles (if that far) from my house. I may have to pick up this cookbook today because I have been trying to cook one new thing each sunday after church. thanks for sharing this!

kelli - verrrry cool megan! so glad craig saved the day!

Liz - And there was me thinking you looked so sweet in your bonnet!

Courtney - She’s coming to. Austin on 12/3 I have yet to find anyone to drive the 1.5 hours north and stand in line forever with me. I may have to do it solo but OMGosh it’d be so worth it! Glad you had fun and she was exactly what you expected.

danyele @ a thorn among roses - how much fun! oh, i just wanted to go and jump in line with you while reading! i love that you guys got to meet her…and that her boy wasn’t perfect! love that…and are you sure you don’t have a green halo?

Kelly - Fun! I would totally stand in that line to meet her. I highly doubt she’s coming all the way to Boise though. 🙂 Did she call MM by his real name by chance?

Carisa - Yes that Kimberlee IS cute. And her make-up looked GREAT in every picture. I’d take good make-up over a leopard print cardigan every day. I’m sure PW noticed that too! Glad you had a great time.

Ashlee Archibald - I’m so jealous!! even in all the pictures, she looks so humble! I would of def. cried.. but I’m a crier. And I think that would of made her cry and that would of been cute 🙂 Maybe she’ll come to seattle one day so I can get a book signed 🙂

Lori - I know exactly how you feel about PW. I was going to ask for her cookbook for Christmas, but my gosh I can’t wait that long! Glad you got to meet her. I don’t think VA was on her book tour, but I will check again. I am feeling some reflected PW glow from you!

se7en - Oh my goodness – this is so exciting!!! Wow….sometimes I wish we lived on a different continent! I will have to get her book I so feel like I know her, just from watching her cute little punks grow up!!! We went to book signing this week a local celebrity chef and lets just say things are done on a much smaller scale out here in Africa!!! But my kids got to climb on their hero “outdoor adventure” chef and get their cook book signed – so on a smaller scale we are just as happy to be alive as you are… I will have to blog our joy later in the week as some of us are far too busy trying out recipes on our fire in the back garden!!!

Lisa Liddell - She is super famous in the states or what????

Keri ~ Forever Folding Laundry - Yay for Pioneer Woman!!! So exciting. My book came in the mail yesterday. I want to make EVERYTHING. I bought a copy for my mom for Christmas and ended up giving it to her today. I couldn’t help myself. Post pics of what you make!

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for reals….

IMG_1270
oh yes i did meet her…in the flesh…last night!

i will tell you all about it
after a morning nap and two more cups of coffee.

i can't stop smiling today.
{{{sigh}}} 

Krissy - Again, I know this is an old post, but you are a LUCKY LADY!!!! lol Totally jealous. :))))

eds - awesome! so my two favorite bloggers finally met…

danyele @ a thorn among roses - ok, now, i really wanna meet her too! how much fun!

Nina - wow….I’m jealous!! but happy for you but still…jealous 🙂

Christina - No joke!! So fun…I am hoping to have the same experience in December when she comes to Dallas.

lauren - ok…this is weird…i had a dream about you too! i never dream! and i didn’t remember it until i read the other post where someone said they had a dream about you! i don’t remember any laundry though…i do enough of that in real life…
i have never dreamed about a blogger.

Diana - She was HERE???? Oh wowwwwwwww!
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor-blogger’s life.
Yeah, right… SO ENVIOUS!! So cool you got that!!! 😀

pve - Exactly how I would feel if I met you. I hope you took her photo.
pve

Sara Cameli - You are too cute.

angela - …….surely you have finished those two cups of coffee by now!

Tiffany - So FREAKING jealous!!! I love her!!

Lisa - Two more weeks until it’s my turn – Overland Park. Can’t WAIT! My husband laughs at me for being so starstruck. 🙂

Amy - Yeah! I’ve got my ticket to see her in November in KC…wanna make it a day trip and come see her again?
😉 amy

traci - that’s awesome. I think she’ll be in chicago on the 19th of november. very exciting.

Donje - Too cool! I just bought her cookbook yesterday. So cool that you got to meet her and get her to sign it! LUCKY!!!

Wendy - I’m so jealous!!! 😀

Annette - You lucky duck. I love her blog too. I cannot wait to get the cookbook. Did you go to Tulsa to see her???

Candy - Awesome! That is great for you! I would love to meet her, I am asking for her cookbook for Christmas! Did you see her on her book tour???

Jenni - Yeah! I got mine today….I think the postman has a crush on me, because it may be the BEST thing I’ve ever received in the mail!

Mindy - YOu lucky duck! I am asking for her cookbook for christmas

Cate O'Malley - Very cool! Got her cookbook the other day – can’t wait to break it in.

Tera - So jealous…

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Oh no you di’int….

Keri R. - I am soooooo jealous!

Dawn - You are so lucky! I’m so jealous!

Dina - LOVVVVEEEE her!
I’m so jealous! I ordered her cookbook as soon as she mentioned on her blog….waiting…waiting…waiting…
Too bad mine won’t have an AU-TO-GRAPHED signature….LuCkY!!!

Debra - Oh lucky you! I just received my copy of her cookbook in the mail today.

Kate - I can’t believe it!!! I’m so jealous! 🙂

Gratsia - Oh wow how awesome is that! I read her blog too 🙂

Janie Lanningham - I just love both of your blogs…you are my favorites. I look to see what you are doing every morning with my coffee. My family is in KC area so love to see the fields of sunflowers and just the area.
Didn’t you have a entry on jewelry some time back? I should have bookmarked it…could you send it my way for gifts??? thanks so much!!!

Mindy Harris - If she was in KS I’m going to be so bummed I missed her…

Beth Ann - Exciting! She is coming to KC in November and I can’t wait!

Hillary @ The Other Mama - YAY!! How exciting! I’m begging a friend to get a copy signed for my sis in law for Christmas. She’s a PW groupie, too! Who isn’t?
Anyway, very exciting!!

Jess - Lucky. Can’t wait to hear about it!

Brooke - sweeet! 😉 Can’t wait to hear more!

Marquita - Hey I totaly seen you last night. I was at the book signing in OKC that line was crazy. But I saw you as you were leaving with your friend. I had finally made it to the ladder in the book store. It was a fun night.

Bobbie - I almost just peed in my pants. So jealous!

Lori - Lucky duck! I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Trish - sa-weet!

Lorelei Eurto - Good for you Megan, that sounds wonderful! I love reading her website.
Funny story,
I had a dream last night that I went to your house. It was so funny… I was there and you were in your pajamas. And you showed me your house. I helped you fold laundry. We crafted. It was so real. and bizarre.
🙂
Hope that wasn’t TMI. I just thought it was funny.

cori barney - you and PW are 2 of my favorite bloggers! Fun to see you both in one place!

Sarah@Clover Lane - can wait to hear the story!

Peggy Rice - So cool! I met french bloggers Petite Anglaise and French Word a Day, such a neat feeling to meet virtual “friends” in real life:)

Katie - I met her Tuesday night! I got there 20 minutes before the event started and all her books were already gone =( But I did get to meet her and take photo with the Marlboro Man. Can’t wait to make that post!

Miranda - No WAY! Am jealous. Can’t wait to try and meet her when she comes to Denver next month.

Sharla - I just got her cookbook in the mail last night and LOVE it! Unfortunately I got it for a friend’s bday – will have to order another one for myself. So cool that you got to meet her!!

Mother Runner - We both got to see our loves. Lucky.

Staci - WOW!!!!!! YOU are really big time!!!! I would post a note from you if I ever met you in real life 🙂 Can’t wait to hear more 🙂

susie whyte - how nice of her!!
my friends rant and rave about her so much!!

Patti - seriously jealous. unfortunately, she won’t be stopping here in sacramento, ca. but, i do have my copy of the book making its way from amazon in a couple days!

Lisa - I’m so envious!!!!! 🙂

se7en - Oh Wow!!! And you have the book and it’s signed – You will have a great weekend!!!

Beth - so jealous! wow!

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answered (longest post ever made in the history of the world…)

cindy asked "where do you live in Kansas?"

well cindy…that feels strange to just blurt it out to the world…so i will say 
in the very middle of the state.
the good part.

and she asked "what tips do you have for starting a photography business?"

i decided to just give it a try…said yes when people asked me…even though it made me feel sick to my stomach the first 10 times at least.
but i put no pressure on myself.
meaning i said "if this doesn't work, if i am away from my family too much, if i am not good enough, if i am not happy then i will say at least i tried it."  and that would be that.
i have not put any money into marketing the business yet.
it has all been word of mouth…
so my biggest tip is get out there and try.

misty asked me "how do you edit your photos?"

i use the software with iPhoto for all my personal pictures.
i use that and Picnik for my work photos.  i want to learn photoshop but i am big fat chicken.
but it's on my 35 things list so sometime this year i will do it.

she also asked "how do you get so many people to follow your blog?"  

misty…you meant that in a nice way right?
i am sure you did.
i think people come here because….it's colorful…bright…cheerful….focuses on the good…
lots of fun places to click that aren't ads..
or maybe it's to laugh at how cooky i am to have five kids and drag them all over the country for photos?
my first big break was today's creative blog.  and the inspired room after that.  
those were when my stats jumped big time for the first time.
but i am certain they don't come for long wordy post like this one that focus on ME ME ME.
 
and she asked "can you give tutorial on tye dye?"

maybe someday…but it was so stressful this summer that i couldn't focus.  
i just use the box they sell at walmart in the craft dept. and followed the instructions…you can do that!

AND SHE ASKED…"how did i learn to sew?"

i took home ec in high school and made a lovely maroon and yellow Trojans sweatshirt that was never worn because i made it way too small for me on accident.
but then when i quit selling Creative Memories (fun fact right there)
i had a small amount of money to spend…
i bought a wicker loveseat (that my husband threw away when we moved to ks…w/out asking me!!!)
a chenille bedspread (that is now been made into pillows all over etsy)
and a $99 sewing machine from sears with my mother.
she taught me how to thread it, sew a straight stitch and even make a button hole…that was awesome.
thanks mom.

sara asked "what is your favorite room in your house?"

i guess it's the kitchen.  i spend 98% of the day in there so…
the kitchen.

and she asked "what is your favorite restaurant?"

in wichita?  Red Rock Canyon…i love it for dinners with craig on a date.  
it's dark..i have a thing for lighting in restaurants…i don't like to see other people.
and it's good food..a real treat.  
but i will never order the Moo, Cluck and Oink because it's just WRONG.
on a date you should never have to say those words.  
period. 
 
so i order the steak and glazed carrots and smashed potatoes and i am one happy woman.

and my MIL makes cinnamon rolls so i don't think i have had the breadbasket's. 
but i do love their coconut cream merrengae pie.

mindy asked for some "tips on organizing"
ha ha ha.
good one mindy!  you have my family crying with laughter.

i apologize profusely if i have given the illusion that i am organized…
i am not.
we have a few routines but i usually mess those up too.
the chore chart is probably as organized as i get.
and the two middle kids switch off unloading the dishwasher and the two oldest switch off loading it. 

i also do things like forget to pick my kids up from events…
miss programs or promotions…
lock my babies in the car with the keys accidently which resulted in mall security rescuing us…
burn food almost every meal…
and my house is a mess!

abby and sara asked "how did you choose your children's names?"

lauren is named after my sister Lorel.
scott is named after craig's brother that was still born…sweet baby scott.
sean is a name we both liked.
talby is a name i heard (friend of craig's whom i have never met) when sean was a baby and i saved in my head for the next baby.  i love it.  it's so perfect for her.  (it's pronounced like talbot's but it's tal-bee)
and miss annie…we decided when we looked at her.  ann is a family name too.

cassie asked me "have you learned how to cook pork yet?"

it's only been two weeks!!! the answer is no.
but craig made some kind of pork in the crockpot on sunday and it was goooooood.

Heather asked me
"why don't my pictures with my new SLR look any better than with my point & shoot?"

you have to mess with your settings…read photography blogs and do what they say…read books… 
ashleyannkaren russell…they give great tips and i have learned a lot from them.
but just using your auto green square setting won't get you better pictures.
i change my settings almost every time i pick up my camera…because your light is different each time.

and she asked (and many people have asked me this) "how do you get your picture so big on your blog?"

i don't know anything about blogspot.
sorry.

AND she as
ked "will you sell your prints on etsy?"

maybe someday i will heather…when i have some time to focus on the shop…this winter?  hopefully.

meaghen wanted to know "how are your indoor shots so bright."

i shoot in bright rooms.  our kitchen has two walls that are all windows…so it's bright.
i don't shoot in the dark rooms.

 and she asked "what does craig do for a living"

he's a latex salesman.
he's an architect.
he works for the yankees.

another heather wants to know "how can i see chippendales in kansas with you?"

oh heather…i tried to take you…but you insisted on going on a week long trip to hawaii with your husband instead.  ha ha ha ha ha

Kelly asked "can i move in with you" 
 

i might consider this kelly if you agree to take the morning carpool run.
i really dislike getting up at 6:30 and driving all around our town in the near dark listening to 
fighting kids and radio disney.
and you'd have to take over the laundry too…my enemy.

erica asked
"did you always want a big family?"

yes erica, i did.  
always.
craig says five is enough.  
and i respect him because he is my wonderful husband.  
so i only bring up how i long for more babies once a week or so.

but i will agree with him very much that it is not easy having such differing ages in the house.
a high schooler and a baby would be hard for me.
i could do it…but it would be exhausting.  

jennifer asked "can i set up a photo session with you?"

yes.  but in the spring.
i took my last photo session of 2009 today!  
i will use november to finish editing every shoot i have left
and then i will spend december with my family.
then i will sew and fill my etsy shop all winter.
then i will start back up with photo sessions in the spring.
i only take pictures outside (except newborns…they are done in my kitchen all year round) so 
with this weather…i am done till spring.  
jennifer…i will put your email address on my spring schedule list…thanks!

 who else would like to be on that list?  email me.  

diana asked "are we related?"

you have duerksen spelled differently in your comment…so probably not.
but if that was a typo then probably yes.
you know these communities…we are all related pretty much…it's that mennonite blood.
not mine but craig's.

keri asked "what bible study are you doing right now?"

i was going to write a post on that this week!  thanks for asking.
we are studying Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.
i really really like it…and i don't get anxious.

and she asked "are you dressing up for halloween?"

no.  craig even suggested we skip it this year all together…but the kids wont' agree to that!
we quit buying new costumes a few years ago.
they have to use what we have or come up with something on their own.
no one is ready in the least…it's one day away for school parade, etc.
  

AND she asked "what is your dream job?"

ok…this is corny…i know…
i have my dream job keri.
i am serious.  
i love being a mom and a wife…and now a little bit of a photographer/artist thrown in.
i don't think anything else could satisfy me.

but if you want me to DREAM…let's see…
george clooney's assistant?
i wouldn't get anything done though because i would just be staring into his eyes all day long!

and the last question was from erin… "what did you decide to do with the 3rd floor?"

boring answer for the last question…nothing.
we have many projects in our heads but nothing that we are ready to start on soon.
but i liked the idea of filling it with beds like a dorm…think Facts of Life.

ok…my fingers hurt.
and my eyes are burning from staring at this computer screen.
that was the longest blog post i have ever seen.
go get some visine so you can carry on with your day…i am so sorry.

thanks for asking.
if you like this…let me know in the comments and maybe we'll do it more often.

MaryBeth - yes! ESP for the newbies. i have no idea how i got to you– maybe trina? anyway…i of course needed some back story since you’ve become a daily comfort food for me 🙂
and thanks SOOOO much for saying you are not organized..it makes you more lovable and inspiring..

eds - These q&as are my favorite! I do hope you do more.
Since you shared with us, here’s a confession from me: My parents graduated from your alma mater, so even though we didn’t live there, sometimes we would go to your basketball games. When I was a little girl, I thought your husband was a superstar (and I guess he was!)!

danyele @ a thorn among roses - love that you are real…and forget to pick up your kids too! love it! and well, you are just fun!

Melissa - Your husband is mennonite? Isn’t that like Amish? So, did he leave? I guess so. I would love to hear more! We just moved to KY and there are lots of Amish and Mennonites around here.
Melissa

Logan - You didn’t seem to enjoy the q & a so much. If you don’t like it, you shouldn’t do it. Those of you who blog are probably accustomed to all the questions. It would make me nervous!
I think you did a great job with your answers, though, and I certainly do enjoy your blog and get nosy myself sometime, but I won’t ask the nosy questions. Promise!

Julie - Love it!!! I’d write more, but my 5 year old keeps getting out of bed. He’s not excited about Halloween or anything. Nope, not him!

Simies - Yes, i liked it! Thank you 🙂

Tiffany - Love it!!

mel - This was so fun to read. I am a newer reader to your blog (LOVE it!!) We have “friends” in common (Heather & Julie) It was fun learning more about you. I loved the advice on the photography business. I recently started doing photography on the side (occasionally) because people asked me if I would take pics for them. It has been scary, but so fun! Glad to know you were scared at first also!
And, photoshop will change your life!!! It is an amazing program. If you come to cali for julie’s bday I can teach you 🙂

Sara - This was great! I liked the Q&A, it didn’t get boring. 😀 Great blog!

Beth - I really like your blog. I know that it will make me happy when I read it. Thank you for that. Also, I have a friend who has a little boy named Talbey (spelled different than your daughter’s name, but pronouced the same) and it’s such a cute name.

traci - great post meg. i love questions and answers. thanks for the link to ashleyann’s site. i have never been there before. beautiful.

Danielle Townsend - You’re my very favorite blog to read! 🙂

Joni Lloyd - okay, i’ve been mulling it over for a while and i just decided that i have to share the easiest, most delicious pork meal that i have for you. It literally has 4 ingredients. Pork Chops, Butter, Cracked Black Pepper, and Balsamic Vinegar. I hope you adore it as much as my family and I do. It’s called “Balsamic Pork Chops.”
Get breakfast pork chops (not to thick…delish if they still have the bone in them)
Saute’ them in butter (about 1/4 of a stick) until they brown up.
Reduce the heat a bit and add cracked black pepper to flavor, be generous… and approx 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar. (you want it to cover the bottom of your pan)
It’s going to steam up really quickly so at this point cover them and let them cook until the pink is out of the middle.
Make sure the balsamic has soaked into the pork chops as they have cooked, if not, don’t be afraid to add some more balsamic.
Once the pork is cooked, remove from the pan, but DO NOT dump the balsamic/pepper drippings.
Now you are going to add the rest of the butter (approx 3/4 of the stick), turn up the heat and add lots of balsamic to make the gravy. Bring it to a boil so it has the consistency of gravy. Remove from heat.
We serve it with mashed potatoes, peas, and a small side salad. The “gravy” gets poured over the pork chops and the mashed potatoes. My daughter adds the peas to her potatoes. It’s one dish that my entire family raves over and I make it a lot for guests because it’s fast, pretty healthy, and is SUPER easy. Even my 16 mo. old loves it. I hope you will try it and let me know if you liked it.
Happy Cooking!
Smiles,
Joni

Cris - I want to George’s assistant too…isn’t he dreamy??

Stacie - thanks for sharing yourself! i loved it. i didn’t get to ask anything this time. maybe next time. you are amazing! keep up all the great work.

Amy Bryant - You rock! I read only three blogs daily and yours is where I come for my happy, normal, feel-good fix. Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You may not be perfect, but you are perfectly special. I will likely never meet you, but reading your blog daily feels like a little visit with a friend.

Melanie - That was a fun post. I like to learn different things about my blog friends.
I come to your blog because you are fun, real, and colorful!
http://southerncomfortinanorthernlife.blogspot.com

Lori - I liked it. Definitely do it again sometime!

Wendy - Have you ever been told you look like the actress Cheryl Hines???? Everytime I watch “Curb your Enthusiasm”, I think of you. 🙂

Sandy - I missed the post asking for questions, but loved reading the answers! As for the one asking why you have so many followers…I can only answer for myself, but it’s because you’re REAL. All the time. Dirty laundry, hide & seek teen, everything we can relate to. My sister has a blog that I can’t even read anymore because it’s so sugar coated it makes me sick to my stomach. Lets just say I’m close enough to her to know life isn’t always as great as she wants to make it appear.
Love that you received recognition for your cake!!

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - clever rephrasing of my ACTUAL QUESTION!
HAHA!
i’m still kicking myself for choosing boring old kauai.

Jessica F - Loved the Q and A!! I’m sorry I missed it. I was wondering what fabric the brown and floral pillow in your shop was made out of (with the vintage chenille and pom poms). I really hoped to buy one, but I was to late! And are you going to open your shop again????

Ruth - love it! never too long 🙂 i always wondered about talby’s name, it’s so cute!

Jenny - Okay, I just found your blog…so many “likes”! I can’t even list them all. Just want you to know that I am enjoying it and following along! Also, it’s always fun to find another blogger who loves the Lord.
If you have the time, come by the Southern Institute for Domestice Arts and Crafts at http://sidac.blogspot.com! Follow along if you’d like!

Diana - This was truly fun and interesting! I’m sure everyone could come up with more questions for you to skirt around *wink*
Yep, that was a typo for the name in my post… BUT! I have several spelling variations in the genealogy of most all the surnames, and yeah, they’re all Mennonite. Would be cool to know the family link maybe someday.
Thank you for always sharing your life with us… and showing us that there IS so much happiness in the world if people will just take hold of it!

Jen - This was great, but you forgot that your husband is also a marine biologist. 😉

Melody - I’m new here, how do I find your etsy store?

Marie - Fun! I have an awesome pork crockpot recipe for you if like mexican food…it’s so good I’m dreaming about it right now!

TRACI - LOVED IT and I have also been wondering what your husband does for a living. I know houses are less expensive in Ks but even with that you do live a grand life for a family as large as yours 🙂 THANKS FOR SHARING MEG and please do it again!!!!!

Jilly - Love this and I don’t think it is too long at all. I KNOW there are more questions too (only because I am just catching up from the week so I didn’t get to ask all of my intriguing questions!). I love that you love your life, you are inspirational on so many levels!

Sara @ Queen of the House - Yes I love it! very entertaining. 🙂

Gina - I liked it! You should keep answering questions! 🙂

your cool friend Cheryl - I loved it!
Your husband has some interesting occupations…does he also have a house in the Hamptons?

dawn - You should do this again sometime. 🙂 I love your blog. Its one I actually check on a regular basis (in fact, if you can tell if people click on your page — you might think I’m a stalker — but I’m not, I promise.) I like that you share a lot — without sharing too much. Oh — and I have the rainbow cake on my list of “things I need to do this year”. And the mint brownies. And that breakfast dish…I think it was French toast in a pan… Thank you!

Lisa - Fantastic post. You really are an inspiration to new moms like me. I agree that a dream job would be stay at home mom and wife with a little me time for craftiness. I love how fun filled and exciting your life seems, even when you are doing the everyday normal stuff. Thanks for a great read today – yes I read the whole thing 🙂
Take care,
Lisa

Gratsia - What a great blog Thanks for sharing with us. Its lovely to see 🙂 Have a good weekend!!

Amber - Meg….i loved this post. esp your answer on already having your dream job. i certainly have my moments…but i’m right there with ya!

BriBedell - Seriously that was not long by any means. I read some other blogs where moms go on and on and on and on and well you get the picture 🙂 I think you are a fun, real, cool person! Thanks for sharing!!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Here is a crazy-good tutorial on how to make your photos larger in Blogger and other blog hosts. It’s not mine! But I have used her advice with success on my own blog- http://memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-your-photos-appear-bigger.html
She has a pretty neat blog, too!
Meg- Loved the q&a! Can’t wait for the next one! And congrats on the Urban Outfitters post! That is so cool!

purejoy - i loved it. i feel like i live next door to you. (kinda wish i did. i could borrow your little ones for a mommy/girly fix)

Janelle - Thanks for posting – I just love your blog. And you’re right, one of the reasons I continue to come back is because I think you must be insane to have FIVE kids! I totally admire you for it – I have two that drive me batty, can’t image three more on top of that! I think it’s wonderful though and I really enjoy looking at your photos and your beautiful home. I grew up in an old Victorian, really wish I could do the same for my own children sometimes. One Q I would have asked though (and I’m sure I would find the A to if I really went through your blog a bit closer) but how old are all the kiddos?

misty - one of my favorite posts & YES I MEANT MY QUESTION IN A GOOD WAY! =) I found your blog when i was on HGTV’s rate my space and mysweetsavannah’s home is wonderful & she said to check out her blog~ then I read the blogs that she follows & you are one of them~ now it’s my favorite one to read and the only one I read daily. I am so glad you answered the photography questions. I am wanting to buy a good camera to take pics of my daughter & was CLUELESS. thanks for answering my questions!! =)

pve - Dang, I usually check here daily and did not the day of the Q & A —
What do you eat for breakfast? Are you human? Do you sleep?
I love your photos and your blog and your love for life!
pve

Renee - Would you consider coming to Washington DC to take pictures of my brood??? xoxo

Keri ~ Forever Folding Laundry - Very fun…thanks for answering. 🙂

Jamie - MORE MORE MORE. please.

Kacey - Oh, I loved it! It was fun to learn more about you. You seem to have such an amazing life – it was nice to see more about how you make it all happen.

Heather - I liked it. 🙂

Heather - I come here for all of the reasons you listed and because I agree with Susie- because it is HONEST! I have been reading blogs and have my own for over a year now. Most of the blogs I go to are sunshine and daisies all of the time. I started feeling inferior about myself as a mother and wife- Why can’t I keep my house spotless, keep the laundry put away, bake amazing gourmet meals, cupcakes and still have time to do fun art projects with my kids??? I stumbled on your post where you showed your laundry piled everywhere and I was hooked at that moment. To me- that made you more of a superwoman than the ones who claim to have it all together. Thank You!!
LOVED the Q&A!!!
Heather:)

Patti - thanks so much for making me smile this morning! ok, the coffee sitting in front of me helped a little, but you have a way with words that keeps me wanting to come back for more! thanks for making our world a little bit lighter and brighter each day!!

Rachel - Meg, Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself…I enjoyed it…have a wonderful day!!!
Rachel

Michelle Richmond - Yes, I did enjoy this post. It’s a little way of getting to know you a bit more. Thanks for sharing….Michelle.

Kelly - Love the Q&A feature-keep it up! Your blog is my favorite-I especially like your Happy Things on the right side.

Lori Danelle - fun fun!! Looks like we’ll be making a quick trip home at Christmas. Would love to get together. . .maybe show you a little bit of Photoshop. . .Grab coffee. . .something. 🙂 Oh, and I think you had mentioned something about business cards. I know someone who could help you get those. . .Me!! The expensive piece of paper on my wall says I’m qualified. 🙂
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

susie whyte - oh, megan you made me laugh so hard! especially the ‘craig’s job’, ‘where do you live’ and ‘can you take my family photos’ questions. the first two because of our ‘stalker’ish’ conversation and the fact that i know the answers and then the photos one because THAT’S MY BESTEST FRIEND ASKING IT!!! ha ha!
i’ve heard with typepad since it’s a marketing type of page, that the pics can be larger than on a blogspot(which is why i want one..even though i have nothing to market!).
i THINK about stepping out and taking people’s photos when i get my dslr and i get the twisty tummy. i don’t like it.
the reason for so many hits on your page is due to the type of blog you have:
HONEST
there are so few anymore that it’s such a delight and inspiration to people when they find them, that they refuse to let it go. even when they start to feel “stalker’ish” reading them. 🙂 thanks for the laugh this morning! i look forward to more q&a’s in the future.

Nancy - Love the George Costanza reference. I used to love “Ya’Ya’s” in Wichita. Is it still there on Rock Road? I haven’t been back there since we moved in 2000. Good times!

Liz - And so we get to know more about you. Love it!

meaghan - that post was awesome!!! great idea, and not at all too long! i’m assuming your answer to “what does craig do” was multiple choice 😉 you just seem so cute and fun and like the friend everyone wants to have 😉

Sarah - Great way to get to know you!
I’ve been reading your blog off and one and love it. I started reading when your header was the colored licorice. I found you from the inspired room.
I’m in Kansas too.

Amy - Yeah for Q & A’s! Thanks for sharing!
I am still kicking myself for spotting you in good ol’ Overland Park a while back and not saying something. I can’t believe I missed my chance! Next time I see you in my area, I promise to run up and smile…
🙂 amy

Kimberly - I love it, thank you for sharing!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Loved it. Thanks for spilling the beans, so to speak:)

Jill - Thank you so much for this post! I have been following your blog since I stopped working to stay home with my boys this August. It was hard adjusting to my new “job” during those first weeks, but your blog has always been able to calm MY anxious heart. When it gets trying, I come to your blog, look at the pictures and happy moments, and remember why I am here with my own children. It feels good to know there are other people out there who put their families and values first.

Kelly - What fun! Thanks! 🙂
And I do love mornings and I already do carpool stuff here so it looks like I get to move in. And since the 3rd floor is still empty I can bring all my kids with me. I forgot to mention that little part didn’t I? 🙂
Seriously though, I do love your blog. It’s a must-read for me! Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better. 🙂

kristi rediske - wow-I really liked this-it wasn’t to long at all. I have actually wondered some of these things too so it was fun reading your comments. You are an inspiration-I think you have motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and try some new things-Thanks. I have written you before because I am from the same town you live in-don’t live there anymore but do visit my mom so I like hearing about things from there.

Sally Mangham - I discovered your blog through Cookie Monday’s and I love your house and all that you have shared. I love photography too, but I am scared to step out there…so many thanks for sharing your journey! You are inspiring! The Q&A was great too!!

Kyleigh - Loved it! but I missed it! DOH! I think I was asleep… the time difference between Kansas and the south of England being what it is.
Deffo do it again!

Meredith - Thanks for the q & a, Meg. I’d been wondering about that third floor….Love, love, love Linda Dillow’s book Calm My Anxious Heart. I keep on buying it and giving it away to friends who ask about it…it’s that sort of book, right? It’s on my “to do” list to buy another one this month. Like you, I’m not generally anxious, but I just simply adore her perspective and “real-ness” – so encouraging. Hope you’re having a great week. Meredith xo.
p.s. radio Disney? Talk about taking one for the team.

Anna Marie - Oh yes I love it. Lets do it again sometime 😉

sandy toe - How fun! I loved reading your answers!
sandy toe

donna - I loved your q & a post………..I love being a mom too – I have one more than you, it’s exhausting and sometimes very difficult(like just a minute ago when my son and I had a verbal war), but it is rewarding!!!
I don’t know how I missed your post to ask you a question – I am a daily follower – oh well next time!!
Do you have any crafts for the upcoming holidays that you can blog about????
Have a great day!

Jess - I can’t even remember when I first came across your blog, but you are right. I became hooked on your colorful, bright, cheerful, and focusing on the good blog. It’s my happy place!

Kara - Oh, I love your blog! I liked the Q & A. Is your husband also an importer/exporter? 🙂

Kathy - I love it, thanks for sharing a little bit of your life!

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