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no-school friday

i don't like change in my routine….

so no-school days throw me off.
but i was happy to get one extra hour of sleep this morning…to the minute.
waffle came into my room exactly one hour later than i usually get up.

annie still had preschool and the two new creation preschool graduates 
came along for the drop off.

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they noticed right away that ms. kristin was wearing the hoodie we made her for rainbow week.
talby whispered "MOM! she's wearing it!!" with a big smile to me.
sean wanted her to zip it up…so he did it for her!  
for sean to feel that comfortable, it makes my heart happy.  (thank you kristin)

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i told talby before we left the house "if you come with me…we'll get D, O, N, U, T, S."
she looked confused….ran and got a piece of paper and a pen and said "spell it again."
i did and when she wrote the S she gasped out loud!  
it was the cutest.

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i got the peanut butter donut.
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sean brought his crazy straw from home.  he's been saving it for a special occasion.  :)

after donuts, sewing and preschool pick up….
we hit the pool.
with friends…for mommy and for the kids.

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boys love splashing.
why?
i hate being splashed…freaks me out…always has.

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annie had so much fun.
it was the first time she swam without me IN the water with her.
it's a tiny pool so she just floated around the big kids…going from group to group…in her floaty.

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pruney.

seriously shana and pam….this time at the pool made my whole day good.
we all had such a good time.
and now they are getting ready for bed and i am packing up more etsy stuff.

i should have it all mailed out soon.
thanks for your patience…that part of the shop is so new to me…and overwhelming.
then i will get right back to the fun part…CREATING!!

Lori - I LOVE DRUBER’S PEANUT BUTTER KNOTS!!!!!!! You have no idea how jealous you’ve just made me.
I now live in Nashville, TN and every time I’m back in town I drag my husband there for my fix.
I’ve wanted to say “hi” for awhile now and let you know how much I enjoy your blog. You seem familiar, but I’m not sure we’ve actually ever metβ€”however, we do know a lot of the same people. In fact, I believe you know my Momβ€”Diane Walter. She says she failed your valentine’s day craft at Mom-to-Mom. . .??? Just be glad you didn’t give her a hot glue gun.
I wanted to say thanks for you showing off your messy, fun creative spirit. I’m a graphic designer in a job I don’t love wishing I could do more fun, creative things. You’ve inspired me to quit wishing and just start doing. I’m not picky about what area I’m creating in, so I’ve just got to make time and do the things that are going to make me happy.
Thanks for letting all of us into you beautiful, bright and warm world!!!

Sheryl - Meg, I have an idea for you. Maybe one of your friends who is not as creative as you are but willing to help with the Cora project could organize, pack up and mail your stuff for you. It’s that whole hands and feet thing that the Bible talks about. Romans 12, 4-6. I love your site and feel like you guys are part of my real life not just my blog-hopping life. πŸ™‚

katy - Fun day! Donuts, LOVE ‘EM lots…I want one right now and I even ate one this morning at my parents house, but I still want one.
The rainbow sweatshirt is fabulous!

amy - hi meg! i chose to give you an award on my blog. please head over to one day at a time (jupinfamily.blogspot.com) to see what it’s all about! πŸ™‚
amy

sandy toe - Okay..I love this post…each water picture is so fun…Have a great day.
sandy toe

jodi - hey, if you ever want to make your etsy shop a regular business, you could add a shipping center to your studio.
check this out: http://makingitlovely.com/2008/10/27/studio-tour/
i thought of you right away–
great pictures, meg!
jodi

Julia - I love the photo of your older daughter with her “hair roll”. I remember doing that!

Amanda - do you have any plans of selling hoodies for adults like the rainbow one on etsy? I am in love with it!

angela - That’s funny….I hate splashing too. It only causes fights in the end! What a fun day. Those pool days usually wear the kids out and they sleep good! Hope it worked for YOU!

callie grayson - what a fantastic day you had with your kids!!!

katie - great pics!
i want to see more of that classroom, i love all the art work. looks like such a fun room!

Gini - I just love sitting back and watching kids in a pool. Even though my kids swim competitively and workout 6 days a week for 2 hours – they never tire of it. They could stay in another hour just to fool around with their friends! Makes me exhausted just thinking about it. Your’s looked to be in their glory!

Lazy Mom Leslie - What a great hoodie you made! That almost makes me want to be a pre-school teacher. Almost! But then I realize it would also make me pull my hair out. So, I guess I won’t be a pre-school teacher. But I sure am thankful that some people are!

Aubrey - You’re such a good mom–our days off from school turn into PBS marathons. Yeah, I’m totally lame. whatever.
Talby’s so cute–my daughter asks me what I spelled when I spell something I don’t want her to hear. It’s fun watching them learn.
Next school day, I’ll consider swimming. Except I have to get in because I have a 2-yr-old.

Stephanie Loitz - What a fun day Meg! I’m a new reader as well, and just LOVE your blog. You inspired me to start my own. lol
I love your photos and your kids are so cute! It looks like a day of no school turned out to be a wonderful day. That art preschool looks AMAZING!

Suzanne - what a great way to kick off the weekend!!
hoping you got my e-mail about 3 custom tees??? i know you’re super, crazy busy so i just wanted to double check…
enjoy the weekend!

Jill - What a fun day!! I love the pictures. And your son is so sweet to help his sister swim.
I am a new reader of your blog and I love it!
Have a great weekend!

Jill - What a fun day!! I love the pictures. And your son is so sweet to help his sister swim.
I am a new reader of your blog and I love it!
Have a great weekend!

ang - Please tell me you were eating donuts at Drubers!!! I haven’t eaten those donuts since my bethel days and haven’t found any that taste quite as good! Nothing like a good chocolate/peanut butter donut at 11:30 p.m.!!! Looks like a fun day!

MGF - A good trip to the pool. Did you even have to get in? If not that is even better.

sara's art house - Adorable hoodie!!! And that preschool classroom is great.

Michelle - Very cool way to spend a no-school day. My kids would totally love it. πŸ™‚
http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/

Karli - I really love your photography. Really. A LOT!!!

kasey - do you know what i noticed? you are not in the pool, but holding the camera.
nice.
bet you didn’t even have to put a suit on.
xo

Amber - Sounds like a fun Friday…especially the donut part πŸ™‚ I love the look of that rainbow color chart. Those pool pictures are great too. Splashing, pool hair, bathing suit bums and pruney hands…all too funny.

Heather Mattos - Don’t worry, I have sent out absolutely nothing!
That classroom SO reminds me of my old room {the one I had before kiddos, when work involved kids other than my own. i miss it. boo-hoo.}
xo

Ashley Ann - A pool?! I am so jealous. I want a pool to drop in at right now. The picture you took over Annie’s head looking down at the steps and floatie…I LOVE THAT SHOT. I think I am going to have to copy it this summer, so cute and tells such a great story. I just love it! All the pool pictures are fun, you did a great job telling the story of your time there without the need for words.

Starnes Fam - Love the swim pictures. Reminds me of my childhood. So fun!

lee ann - As always, great/fun pictures. Love the one of Talby and her friend…..she just looks beautiful, missing teeth and all πŸ™‚

kristin - hee hee hee
my heart was warmed being with sean again.
a sweet soul, he is.

jimaiemarie - i love the pruney hand pic!!! πŸ˜€ it made me smile

sarah - LOL. I love that she ran and got paper so she could see it spelled out…and love how excited she was once she realized what it said. Awesome!
and yeah. I don’t understand the splashing. Freaks me out too for some reason. I was the kid who HATED water in her face.

vicki - My most favorite thing when I was growing up was staying in the pool till I turned into a prune….I always craved orange juice after swimming….no idea why!

Staci - Wow! So many things to comment in on this post!!! I LOVE that Sean brought his own crazy straw from home πŸ™‚ How cute! I LOVE Talby’s hair in the one picture at the pool! I LOVE Annie’s strong face in another πŸ™‚ Oh yea…and I don’t get why boys love splashing either πŸ™ Makes me very angry to get splashed…maybe it’s because I have naturally curly hair…and I spend waaaay too much time straightening it…to only get it wet (I know, then why should I be in the pool anyway?) UGGH! You are such an amazing person Meg! Have a great weekend!

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i am messy.

it's true.

as crazy as messes can make you feel (after awhile) they can also be so pretty too.
the craft room is a major huge mess.
and it feels good and happy.

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pillows stacked over my head.
fabric piled everywhere.
scraps all over the place.
i am sure these pictures will make some of you cringe from all the mess…but it's just me.

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my friend susan dropped off these boxes of ribbon just to be nice.
she thought i could use them on a cora project.
they are so happy just to look at and i can't wait for the perfect project.

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i have stacks of shirts and hoodies to keep me busy yet.
i have been through many big boxes of stuffing.
my scrapbook supplies are buried back there somewhere…i will get back to that someday.

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as i sew and cut i just let it fall on the floor.
i have only slipped on it once….
we've have been able to have the windows open even….so refreshing and sunny.

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just after the funerals….i decided to paint the craft room.
it was something i could control.
nothing sad would come of me painting a wall.
i did the whole wall in chalkboard paint.
IT IS SO COOL!
the little girls have been busy while i sew so it's win/win.

and are you wondering where the craft room is?
remember the new bathroom?
you have to go through my bedroom, through the new bathroom to get to it….
like a secret room just for me.

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if i had a computer up there….i may never come out!

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ok…..time for some shop talk.

i have lots more items to list.
my neighbor made a bunch of things for me to list.
i made many more pillows and shirts.
my PLAN is to list it all today.
then ship everything that sold last week tomorrow and friday.
and then start making things again.

but that was my plan yesterday too.  
i screwed up my pictures…i was very crabby…so were my kids….and i had a headache.
in effort to be proactive, today i MADE myself go for a walk for sunshine and exercise and health.
and i feel much better.

check tonight for the new stuff in the shop.

just so you know…i am LOVING the shop.
LOVING that you like it.
LOVING that the playground project is going so well.

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it is beautiful.
she's beautiful….oh those cheeks and blue blue eyes!

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Ashley @ Domestic Fashionista - Those pillows are delicious! I love your fabric! And oddly, admidst the mess, I took in some organizational ideas from you! πŸ™‚
Ashley

Trina - I like your mess!
Are you selling any of those fabulous pillows on your etsy site????? LOVE them!

jennifer Ramos - Hello Meg,
Thanks for visiting my blog, I also LOVE yours! Your home is soo cute…and I see your frame! You should go on an make one, it’s quite simple actually. I am in the process of getting a new camera, same as yours…or newer version. Canon Rebel….because I really love all the shots on your site, makes a HUGE difference no?? Are you happy with it?? : )
Jen Ramos
‘Cards & Prints You’ll Love…’
http://www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Amanda - I have to confess that I am obsessed with your blog! You are SOOOOOO inspiring! I dream of having a craft room like this one day!

Gini - This is the only place I can come and look at a mess that actually makes me happy. For one thing – it is a colorful, happy mess. and secondly – it’s not mine and that makes it fantastic. WOW!

Amber - I love all the color! I was wondering where I could find that awesome red and white damask fabric? Thank you soo much!
Amber

susanne p. - the pic above the chalkboard picture just screams happiness to me. i love it!!

Kathy Travis - I love it love it love it! Mine is even messier, but not nearly as colorful, so it just looks like a junk room. And I’m in the basement with not a lot of light. I envy your window! The chalkboard wall is awesome. I may have to just do that…

Chiot's Run - At least it’s a colorful mess! That makes it more bearable. I like messy colorful things in my gardens, no neatness here. No little round bushes with mulch at their feet, nope a big exuberant mess of blooms and weeds.
Love the pillows with the little ball fringe.

chas at the wild raspberry - oh, man. i would love to rummage through your craft room. i must admit, i would probably be folding things as i went but i would love it!!! beatiful fabrics and ribbons…a crafter’s heaven.
so nice to visit…{it’s my first time here and i liked it a lot}
warmly,
chasity

Julia - holy cannoli

Alyssa - hey there! i’m not sure if i should request a custom order here or on your shop, but my daughter’s bday is march 16. i would really like to have her an outfit like you did for annie. i already have the tutu. halle will be 5. mostly just pinks, white & black. would love for the 5 to be black & white polka dot.. but whatever you come up with will be great. in a size 5. and would you like for me to prepay???

Liz - Meg… I wish we lived in the same town. I would so be your friend. πŸ™‚

Debbie - Makes me feel right at home! You should see mine. Nice to see I’m not the only one. I tend to take over the whole house. Here a project, there a project! It’s all good though. Keeps me happy : )……..
Debbie

jen - Wow. I am going to be lost in your blog for a while. It is refreshing and fun. Thank you!
πŸ™‚

Wendy - Love the chalkboard wall. I have one over my stove. I think everyone needs a little chalkboard paint somewhere in their home. As always, beautiful colors.

meleea - what a great craft room – you are a lucky girl!! continuing to follow cora’s blog and praying every day!

DONNA - I JUST RECENTLY FOUND YOUR BLOG, IT IS AMAZING! IT’S ONE OF THE BEST ON THE INTERNET! I LOVE YOUR HOUSE, IT’S BEAUTIFUL, I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE THERE! ARE ALL THE PILLOWS SOLD OUT? I WENT TO YOUR STORE TO BUY ONE AND I DIDN’T SEE THEM, IF THERE SOLD OUT WHEN WILL YOU BE LISTING MORE? I ALSO HAVE TWO OTHER QUESTIONS-FIRST CAN YOU MAKE A CHARM WITH A PHOTOGRAPH IN IT? SECOND QUESTION-I LOOKED AT ALL YOUR ARCHIVES AND SAW YOUR BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS, WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO SPECIAL ORDER THOSE EXACTLY LIKE THE ONES ON YOUR MANTEL? I LOVE THEM!!!!!YOU ARE A VERY TALENTED LADY! GOD BLESS !!!!!!

Christine - hi Meg,
would you consider shipping to canada if you increased shipping/handling?
πŸ™‚

Kathleen - LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!! It’s so happy! Where did you get the large letter M in your craft/sewing room? I’m searching for a large letter

Tammi - HI Meg, great mess!! Do you think you might could make some of your super cool and funky bottle-cap magnet thingies for your Etsy store??…love those things!! Um, possibly some with pics of cupcakes in them?? You are SO creative…

jerusalem G - Can’t wait to see what is new in the shop. That room is so happy and fun! It reminds me of my mom’s sewing room which is always a beautiful mess too!

Alyssa - PS. I told my hubby we need a new room and I need a craft room….LOL, I am not sure if I will get a new house just so I can have a craft room.

Alyssa - Love the “mess” I would welcome that creative mess anytime at my house. I just adore your stuff. LOVE IT. I ordered something.

katy - I think your mess is beautiful and colorfully happy! I love the chalkboard wall and am very jealous of your craft room. I want one! πŸ™‚

sara's art house - Love the pillows and the chalkboard wall!!! I have chalkboard walls in my kitchen and LOVE it.

elisa - Oh Meg it is all so perfect. And your mess looks very familiar!

crystal - man how i wish i had your craft room and your talent. i’ve always wanted to sew but have a fear of it.

amy - yipee! i see a few of my pillows in those piles. so superdedooper excited to get them!
meg, please consider moving to alabama and being my bff! you are just too cool for school!
(why do i keep talking like an eighth grader??!!)

Kate Eschbach - I love the mess. I’m glad it’s not just me. Thank you for being beautiful.

Tami Reed - I loove all the colors some of your fabrics looks like Lily Pulitzer my favorite!

Kim - I love the craft room! I love the color in the pictures! and I love the mess!!!! My craft room is neglected and it is messy too!

Lazy Mom Leslie - I love that you are creating! I wish I had it in me to do that right now!

kristin - i want to move in there. you could rent it like a retreat.
thank you for my surprise. it is so wonderful, wonderful in so many ways.

Courtney - I don’t think you can be creative without a bit of a mess πŸ™‚

Ashley Ann - That looks like crazy fun…and majorly theraputic (I know I spelled that wrong!). I have my eye on ones of those pillows…off to your shop to see if I can score it!

danyele - i look about 25 times a day at the etsy–cora stuff. there were like 625 items still for sale…i’m so happy! and your stuff is uber fab!

ang - Love your messes, love your craftiness! Have got to get some of those pillows!!!!! Keep up the amazing work!!

Patti - that’s the most beautiful mess i’ve ever seen!

traci - what a wonderful, creative mess it is. i think creative messes are the only good kind of messes. you are on a roll. good for you. they are so lucky to have you on their team. cora’s playground is going to be the best ever. i am headed to the shop now. keep up the good work.

meredith - Umm, any comment would be superfluous, but…. well done on balancing beauty, mayhem and joy so deliciously!

jesse Peak - All of the colors and patterns, the things that make us girls happy! I love looking at it!

sandy toe - There are so many fun things in that room…It’s a good mess..a fun mess!
~Sandy Toe

Amanda B - I love it all Megan! Those pictures bring some brightness to these days. Do you think it’s okay if I just go broke buying all this cute stuff…oh wait, NO! That is the one thing Jess’s mom said…”now you girls don’t go broke!” You inspire me to be crafty….haha, that makes me laugh. If only I could get my sewing machine out of the box and set up! I AM getting Mason’s shirt for his bday done, hooray for me…but I think I’ll be running to gma’s to borrow the machine!

Rachel Reeves - I think it’s pretty πŸ™‚

Carmen - What a wonderful mess! You are so talented and you have inspired me to get my sewing machine out and create something.

Blanca - What a beautiful mess!

Leah - My messes never look that colorful and bright! Mine are more like husbands dirty socks and lots of cereal bowls. Maybe I should invest in some colorful dishes πŸ˜‰

Sarah - I would love to have enough stuff and space to have a mess like that! I love your site, your house and pictures. You are an inspiration to me. I don’t know how you find time to do ALL that you do! Keep up the good work.

katherine - I want your craft room… mess and all!

Trish - Ha, your room is a MESS, but so DIVINE πŸ™‚
I love all that color against the white! I have also been wanting to do a chalkboard wall, i might just have to splurge. now i just have to pick a wall πŸ™‚
thanks for bringing some of your sunshine into my dreary day!

katie - craft room envy! love it. i work best like that!

carissa... brown eyed fox - i think i could pee with glee over all that good stuff!
what an amazing blessing you are!
that is the MOST dreamy room any gal could ever dream of!
πŸ™‚
i must get some of those pillows! πŸ™‚
meg… make sure to take more time for you!

Karli - Now THAT is a beautiful mess. I wish my messes looked like that. And your photography is inspirational.

lee ann - I love your mess!
It would stress me out though. Can you find things? That’s when I quit crafting…throw in the towel, when I can’t fine the pins…..or the velcro. I just get so irritated and mad at myself. In my dreams I could craft in that messy room with you πŸ™‚

Beth Ann - Oh I wish I lived closer – organization is my thing. I’d bee-oop on over and get everything boxed up & out the door, and help get items listed (but would not touch the supplies, it seems like an methodical organized mess).

kathy b - Thank you for being real. You make me smile, daily!
God bless you! Kathy b

Brooke - love all the color splashing out of these photos!!! honestly i would love to have that mess….all of it…oh and that chalkboard paint looks awesome! I have been wanting to do the crayola pink and purple in the playroom…but better save that for a house we’ll get to stay in for more than a year or two.

Sara - I love all of those pillows! Especially the red and white. And I love what is being done to raise money for the playground – what a great way to come together in memory of a sweet baby girl.
OK, question: do you make or take requests for the t-shirts for little boys? I really LOVE them, but it’s all boys in my house (except for me, of course).
Thanks!

Jamie - Messy? It all looks normal to me! I only wish I had as terrific a space to contain my mess! And I LOVE the chalkboard wall!

Brittany - I love that mess! It is beautiful! BTW…yours is my favorite blog EVER.

Katy - Love the chalkboard wall!!! We’ve been wanting to do that to the toy room for a while now…not sure if I should do the bottom half of the wall or all of it. Loving the items in your shop too!! You’re inspiring me to try to make some of those flower shirts! I bought my sewing machine back in October and finally got it out last week and have been practicing.

MGF - You are doing such a wonderful thing.
It awesome to see some one esle’s mess, make us feel normal

beckley - looks like a fun room to me!
as soon as i get my photography studio finished, i’m getting work done to transform my “office” to studio central—from which all the art of life emerges…slowly getting there. then i might never leave! fun to see what you have!

Wendy - What a fun, colorful mess! I’d love to have a messy craft room like that!

chris - Wow lady , you are lucky to have such an escape , maybe my mudroom will be a craft storage utility room, hmmm!
yummy work , you are a machine.

Shelly H. (in Overland Park, KS) - That is so cool!! You have creativity spilling everywhere!! Love it!!
I’m also very excited when I seen my name on the wall πŸ˜‰
I may have to buy up some of those oh so cute pillows too!!

sarah - I LOVE your mess!!
I wish my messes were that pretty.
I need to fancy up my space.
And open my windows.
I LOVE all of the things you are making.
I really need…ok..I really WANT one of your pillows.

Sara - I am hoping in our next bigger house I will get a craft room!!!! I love all the material you are using!!! Love the colors!!!! Sara

Shannan - Just what I needed to see on this closed-window day! Bring on the pillows! And, ps, your yellow metal table on casters? I have the exact one in green. πŸ™‚

Tami Veer - every single picture makes me so happy!!! i love all the colors, I LOVE the fabric! can’t wait to see what else you put in your shop! i made my mom buy the brown/orange polka dot pillow!!

Michelle - Oh!
The bird w/ the french fry print is one of my favorite things! I have it on my desktop. πŸ™‚ LOVE IT!
Love that you share your life with the rest of us. You’re refreshing.
Michelle
http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/

Carly - i so need that room. and all the wonderful, colorful, perfect mess in it. when you’re finished, please let me have it.

April Meek - Ok first it all looks great to me…crafting is messy! I NEED that patchwork pillow. I have been watching and waiting for you to list one. If you would be so kind to list it just for me as a special order I would like to buy it or I can just buy it from you. I work 3-11p.m tonight for skills, I am a nurse and I don’t want to miss it when you list it! Do I sound crazy or what…I LOVE that pillow!!
Thanks,
April
makinmecrazy.blogspot.com or you can email me!

angela - Love the craft room and everything you are doing for the Cora Paige Project! Just curious where you bought the hex tile in your bathroom? Love it!

AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage - Wow, what a great explosion of color! That’s so much fun.
Oh, by the way, I thought I’d mention that your master bath has been a major inspiration to me during my bath update. Mine won’t look exactly like yours by any means, but I love the whole peaceful vibe you have going on in there. So…thanks!

AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage - Wow, what a great explosion of color! That’s so much fun.
Oh, by the way, I thought I’d mention that your master bath has been a major inspiration to me during my bath update. Mine won’t look exactly like yours by any means, but I love the whole peaceful vibe you have going on in there. So…thanks!

Kate - but your craft room is so cheerful and whimsical EVEN when it isn’t the tidiest ever! and it’s beautiful, and that’s real life. it’s how it goes.
keep on rockin’.
-kate

Aubrey - I wish I had a room like that too–I need a place to be messy that no one sees as soon as they walk in the front door! My messes aren’t pretty though. I sonder what that tells me about my creations. yeesh.

Abby - What a wonderful “mess”! Love your shop, looking forward to tonight’s additions.

Alyssa - i am loving that mess! it’s gorgeous!! and i love that your craft room is in such a cool, hard to get to place! how fun! i haven’t bought anything from the shop yet b/c every time i check it you are cleared out!! but i’m glad it’s going so well!!

Courtney Walsh - Looks like an inspiring mess to me! I’m the same way. They say ‘creatives’ are like this… our brains just don’t organize the way other people’s do. at least, that’s what I tell myself when things get out of control. lol

Lisa - I NEEEEEEEEEED THOSE RED AND WHITE PILLOWS. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE… TELL ME HOW, I CAN GET THEM. IF I SOUND CRAZY DESPRATE, I AM. I’VE BEEN COVETING THOSE CURTAINS FROM YOUR MUD ROOM SINCE YOU POSTED. I THINK I’M HYPERVENTILATING.
HUGS FROM MAINE
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/

Sharla - Such a fun place! I love the “give more hugs” sign – who made it?!

Jenn Thomas - I just love it – I wish I had a sewing room to make a mess like that. I am still working on a few more things to add to the shop – Russ is gone this week – soooo we will see what I can get done with London’s help. I have seen you light on in the craft a night when I am on my way up the stairs to bed. buring the midnight oil??

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forty.

on saturday we were invited to a surprise 40th birthday party for my friend kerry.

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she was.
very surprised.
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it was so fun to see her shock 
and then scanning the room at all the people there….lots of family and friends.
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then she saw her mom was there!
so much fun.
she started to cry happy tears as she made the rounds and gave hugs.

her husband dan threw her a great party…really good BBQ and comfort food…yummy cake.
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those coconut cupcakes were divine and the chocolate cake had coffee frosting!
i wanted seconds but i had seconds on the pasta and potato salad already.
her family is good at cookin'!

we watched a slideshow of her life in photos.
she was a teenager in the 80's…..need i say more?  
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she was given lovely gifts….

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this her youngest daughter…sweetie poo-pie as kerry would say.
kerry has sweet nick names for everyone.
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they had a time of sharing your favorite memories of kerry.
and i wanted share….but i didn't…for two reasons.
1.  i have been extra emotional lately and knew if i stood in front of everyone i would cry.
2.  everyone was telling wild crazy stories and mine didn't fit.

so kerry….i'd like give my speech now…where i won't cry in front of all your family and friends.
here goes…
pretend i have a microphone…clear my throat..check that it's on…testing tesing….

"i am a fairly new friend of kerry's.  we go to tuesday morning bible study together.
i think that she is one of the kindest women i know.  she is compassionate of others.
she cares about her friends deeply.  she calls and checks on me when i miss our study.
she calls to go for coffee.
she offered to help (offered dan to help) insulate our attic when they had a rain day on the farm.
she loves her family so dearly…her kids are respectful and kind.  they always give me big hugs.
bottom line kerry….i really like you.  
you are fun and funny and crack me up.
and all these crazy stories of you make me want to know you more.
i am excited for our friendship that is to come….we could get in some real trouble.  
i feel blessed to be your friend.
and i promise never to give you a snake or make you look at a snake or talk about snakes.
happy birthday."
good job dan.

Alyssa - holy cow i loved that “facebook in reality” clip. i think i’m the only person i know not on facebook! ha!

Jeanne - This is a sweet reminder to let my dear girlfriends know how much I love and appreciate them! Thanks.

Jessie - Awe. Your speech reminds me of how blessed I am to have the fantastic friends I do in my life. And how fun surprise parties are!!! πŸ™‚

MGF - Goof reminder to be thankful to great friends in LIFe.

Shannan - I love posts that remind me of what a blessing it is to be a girl and have girlfriends. And if they talk about coconut cupcakes, then all the better.

Amanda Rettke - This is awesome!!! What a wonderful way to spend some time!
Many blessings-
Amanda

Leah - Meg…this is totally off subject. But…do you have any money saving tips; groceries, entertainment,etc? With all those kids I would guess you have learned some things! Thanks!

Robin Dennis - I’m a friend of Kathy and Don Beverlin and I have a question about your photography. Could you email me please? Thank you!
Robin
wdennis77@comcast.net

Holly - In the second photo with three women (the one on the left has an argyle sweater) if the woman on the right is KrisAnn let me know. She looks just like a relative of ours!

Suzanne - very sweet speech! this circle of friends you have…AMAZING!!
and you are MOST DEFINITELY a girl after my own heart…i get seconds on everything!!! that’s why i always love your recipes/food posts so much!
what fun!

sandy toe - Wow..what a wonderful party…she is so cute and surprise…friends are a treasure!
-sandy toe

Rachel - What a great speech!!! She sounds like a great person!
Her husband pulled off a great surprise!

Aubrey - That WAS a nice speech–I’d probably say something banal and would be getting weird looks from people. Who would be wondering why I was invited.
her face was so priceless good. and that chocolate cake looks so priceless good. and my grammar sounds so priceless bad.

Lazy Mom Leslie - What a great speech! Now I want to be Kerry’s friend too!

patti - i turn 40 this year. i hope to be as lucky as kerry to have a wonderful day and not wallow in “ugh…i’m 40” πŸ™‚

Lisa - LOVE GOOD FRIENDS BEING LOVED ON.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR FRIEND
HUGS FROM MAINE
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/

danyele - that’s awesome…i’m glad u gave her your speech here…and that kerri is a beautiful lady.
for the record, i turn 40 this year and i despise surprise parties…i will be so mad if i get one. ok, well, maybe not. i mean if i got one of those bras, i would love it!

katy - Really sweet of her husband to throw her such a nice party w/ lots of friends and family! The food pics. and descriptions are making me so hungry.

Staci - Looks like she was truly surprised πŸ™‚ How fun and how sweet of her hubby! Brian threw a surprise party for me when I was 7 months pregnant…he told everyone not to yell too loud when I walked in for fear of shocking me into childbirth πŸ™‚ Your little speech to her was so sweet…I can tell, you are such a sweet friend to your “real” friends too!

traci - yeah, i was a teenager in the 80’s too. i completely understand. she sounds like a wonderful person. and it looks like you all had a great time.

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the oscars

i haven't watched them yet.
i haven't seen any of the movies.  
it's on the dvr so while i sew i may have it on in the background.
but this is what i like to see on my oscars.

"del tacooooo!"

and this is funny too.

looking forward to seeing what was funny tonight.

*****************************************************************

My First Kitchen - I just watched my DVR’d Oscars yesterday. REEEEALLY good. Surprisingly. And, yes, they cut to Brad and Angelina when Jennifer Aniston presents an award. TWICE.

Hannah Devries - Your blog is fabulous. I am going through major blog envy right now. I hope one day I can be as cool as you.
My friend showed me your site. We love it.

vicki - That’s some good funny right there! Thanks!

amy bell - hey girlie…
i have lots of vintage rick rack, some fabric scraps and some sewing odds and ends to donate for your new shop. i would love to help with the fund raising to honor sweet cora.
xoxo
amy

Laura Phelps - I was at the Oscars!!!! It was fantastic! Go and watch!

Lazy Mom Leslie - Too bad it’s not always that funny!

Kelly O. - thanks for a laugh! we don’t have cable, so I miss out on this stuff!

carly - i just wanted to let you know, i was at old navy this weekend, and there is a red and white polka dotted hooddie there with your name on it! you cannot be 19.50!

Julia - That’s why I didn’t bother with watching the Oscars – how can I get excited for a movie if I haven’t seen it? Once they come out on DVD then I’ll be excited for them!

Suzanne - just got through commenting on MY blog about what i thought was funny on the oscars…they were really good this year, even though i hadn’t seen any of the movies either…come share whether you & i thought the same thing:)

Kim - Likewise – I haven’t seen any of the movies and I rarely get to watch the Oscars. I’ll catch up on what everyone wore by looking at the Today Show!

villapacis@blogspot.com - I love love love your blog. it’s so colorful and warm, and always brings a smile to my face. you make me want to be more crafty and spontaneous than I actually am… and I have the urge to have many more children… I think that’s a good thing too!:-) thanks for sharing.

Wendy - Okay, those were really funny clips… Why can’t the Oscars always be so fun?

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february 22

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happy birthday to my big sister.

you are so smart.
you are so caring.
your laugh makes me laugh.
i miss you.
you are so creative.
you are a deep thinker (you are always thinking things i never have).
you love music and going dancing.
and i miss you.

hope your day is great.
eat a piece of cake for me….i mean it!  you must eat 2 pieces!!
(she won't…she's good like that)

i love you so much lorel!
you have been the best sister anyone could want for 33 years.
i am so glad we are sisters.

(((((HUGS))))))

Aubrey - Happy Birthday to Lorel!
End of February birthdays are the absolute best (because sometimes it’s warm and you think spring will come early just for you). I know from experience (mine’s the day after Lorel’s).

carissa... brown eyed fox - hAppY BiRthdAy Lorel!
sisters… a gift like no other!

lorel - Thanks for such a great post. I love you so much!

Lisa - I just saw Davids dentist video on HLN. SO AWESOME
I’VE BEEN SHOWING EVERYONE SINCE I SAW IT LAST WEEK.
WE LAUGH SO HARD. SWEETIE. HE HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR.
HUGS FROM MAINE
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/

aimee - I made cupcakes today and I am just waiting on them to cool so I can make “real” frosting and my little girl cant wait to sprinkle them…thanks for the inspiration..we get so busy day to day that we forget that it is really worth the time to make things from scratch…I also made the “icebox cake” today too..you need to post that recipe..(so easy and WONDERFUL!)

Rachel Reeves - I have always wondered what it would be like to have a sister I was close with. What a blessing….

pve design - This makes me so happy as I have lovely and caring sisters and then a little sad, since my little girl only has 2 big brothers but no sis.
Wonderful photo!
pve

Lazy Mom Leslie - Happy Birthday Lorel! What a great present to give to her, a personal note detailing your love. That’s the best!

Sara - Meg, great picture the of the fabulous Lorel and sweet Macy. Are you giving her a copy for her bday? πŸ™‚

danyele - i have always wanted a sister…i do have super fab SIL’s now, though. happy bday to your sis!

Shannan - Reading this makes me miss my little Sis – she’s all the way in Africa! πŸ™

Staci - Happy Birthday Lorel!!!!! ( I love that name by the way!) And we are soooo making cupcakes today…thanks for posting your recipe πŸ™‚

Karena - Hi Meg, I read your post on PVE. I was really stirred by your comments’ and just wanted to say, go for it! Take a painting class, or start with some inexpensive supplies. Visit my site as I am giving away a painiting so I hope you enter, today is the last day!

Morgan - Hey Aunt Megan this is Morgan!!!!! The frosting looks good!!

Starnes Fam - There is nothing in the world like the bond of sisters. I have 3 and feel so very blessed.
Happy Birthday!

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frosting

i think most of you will think "you can buy frosting."

"i know how to make frosting"
or "everyone knows how to make frosting"

if so….then i guess don't read this and come back tomorrow.

i have had several people ask me how i make my frosting so i thought i would share.

like every good food in life….
you start with butter.

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i always use real butter.
it needs to be room temperture….this is very important.
it should smoosh when you touch it.
if it's not room temp your frosting will have little clumps of butter in it….not pretty.

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then i use the mixer to cream the butter till it's smooth…no clumps.

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then i dump in half or 3/4 of the bag of powdered sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla.
turn you mixer on the very lowest setting and start to mix this in.

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but it still may fly out and hit your shoe….even if you are careful.

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it should be very thick…too thick but mostly mixed together after a minute.
then you add milk.

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just a tiny bit at a time….about a tablsespoon.
then mix.
if it seems really thick then add another TBS. and mix again.
that should be enough but you your own good judgement to see if you need more milk.

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in this semi-blurry picture you can see that the frosting is thick enough to stand on the knife.
but thin enough to easily spread on the cake.
no drippiness.

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then the FUN begins.  
enjoy.

one other thing…..
when i make this  frosting (shown below…not the same as above) 
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i do all the steps above and then i fold in a container of cool whip.
then i pour it all into a gallon ziploc bag…close it up…
cut a small hole in the corner and squeeze the frosting on in a spiral motion.

have fun.
and maybe if your lucky a little first grader will ask you 
"is this homemade?"
ME – "yes it is"

"well…….it tastes disgusting."

Anime Cosplay - Thanks a lot for blogging this, it was unbelieveably informative and helped me tons.

Katherine Heigl - The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.

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fashion news - I usually donοΏ½t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful οΏ½

Designer news - Hello. Great job. I did not expect this on a Wednesday. This is a great story. Thanks!

rossignol axium bindings - I donοΏ½t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. WoW πŸ™‚

jeanne - i wanted you to know that I just made the tie dye cupcakes and my kids are FREAKING out thinking I am the coolest mom EVER:-) I just made this frosting and it is soooo good.

Bastien boots - Please, can you PM me and tell me few more thinks about this, I am really fan of your blog…gets solved properly asap.

coach purses - The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.

adrienne - just reading off your frosting recipe to a friend whose little girl is having a baking b-day party. theyll decorate the cupcakes themselves. fun! thanks πŸ™‚

gina - Funny I tried this cool whip trick for Shaye’s party in March and the grownups liked it but not the kids. Hmm…

ElizabethE - so, so funny — you gotta love them, right?

Alyssa - Gotta love those 1 st graders and their thoughful comments.

traci - it doesn’t look like it tastes disgusting. lol! don’t ya just love ’em. thanks for the instructions. i don’t make homemade frosting. but it looks easy enough. i just need one of those fancy mixers.

sarah - LOL. Kids are hilarious!
I may need to try the cool whip the next time I do cupcakes.
Making frosting is so much better than buying it in the tub. Tons more fun too!

cjs - I have those shoes :o)

Marisol - Gotta love kids, huh? Thanks for the recipe & for making me laugh out loud. πŸ™‚

Michelle - Of course! Homemade things made with love are usually generously given to children, and are universally under-appreciated. My mom made a cookie when I was a child that was labor intensive, so she called it the “grown up cookie” and wouldn’t serve it to children for they couldn’t appreciate it! Kudos to you for doing making it anyway!
I have made homemade icing too (though the cool whip trick is new for me, I’ll try it) and I want to report, you can use lemon or orange extract as well, and/or, a little zest of either of these things can be SUPER YUM. I recently made a carrot cake with orange cream cheese frosting that was so good, we ate the excess icing with a spoon!
One more thing…Mr. is in the food business, and you are ABSOLUTELY right about the butter needing to be room temp. Important too that it gets that way naturally, not with any microwave action. Butter’s perfect temp is around 65-67 degrees, warmer than that and the consistency starts to break down and it doesn’t hold as many air bubbles. Most people wouldn’t notice, but it can make the icing runny.

Jen R Sanctuary arts at home - Oh. Yummy.mmmmmmmmm.

pve design - Can I lick the bowl or the spoon? Please.

Julia - Oooh thanks for this – it’s different from my recipe..and sounds way better!

danyele - you are def my icing hero!

MGF - We make our frosting with the same recipe, but yours seem whiter???? Hmmm…..
Too funny of a comment from the kid….

Patty - Why, oh why, would someone ruin HOMEMADE frosting by adding Cool Whip to it?!!! And, that first grader was probably used to Cool Whip-type stuff!

gina - I have wanted to know forever how to make that fluffier looking frosting I see on everyone’s cupcakes- thanks for sharing the cool whip tip!

Kim - I always love homemade frosting the best! Especially cream cheese frosting on carrot cake!

Stevie - Looks delicious. I love your first grader’s comments. I’ve heard that more than once from my two boys.

carissa... brown eyed fox - the very fact that you make your own frosting… yet ANOTHER reason i want to be Meg! πŸ˜€
i now NEED something sweet… and fast!

Barb - Hi….I’m de-lurking only to say this is the second thing i’ve seen in 24 hrs that’s made me say ‘I’ve gotta get me a kitchen aid’!! Also, inspired by you I appliqued/sewed a polka dot duck on a tee for my 3 and 1/2yo son and showed it to him as he walked in the door from pre-kindy…he took one look said YUK kept walking…….
What is cool whip??? Same as how I make it -we call it icing-except I melt the butter as I’m mixing by hand-but what is cool whip…doesn’t translate to these parts!![Australia]
Still loving every bit of your blog and amazed by your etsy efforts! Congratulations!! [wonder how expensive it would be to post here???]

Shawn - Thanks–I’m glad I’m not the only one who wanted to know. I think I will squeeze a little lemon juice in too. In California you have to do something besides make Limoncello with those lemons.

Heathe - The first picture instantly made me think of Paula Dean and her butter infatuation.
Those look so good! At lease they are visually stimulating my sweet tooth since I cant ACTUALLY do so right now πŸ™

Rachel - This looks so yummy and I must try it! Thanks for sharing…a lot of us don’t know how to make it…me being one of them!

Lazy Mom Leslie - I love it when you fold in the cool whip! I always enjoy the pictures of cupcakes!

JulieKP - Are we long lost sisters? I say that you cannot cook/bake without using real butter. There is never too much butter either. Everything is just a vehicle for butter.
Also that is the exact same way I make frosting for my cupcakes. Delicious! That and my first grader loves the frosting. Though I am pretty sure she would eat anything and love it.

Shannan - I’ve always wondered if it’s hard to pipe it out of a ziploc like that…I can get intimidated by the strangest things! You make it look easy and delicious (never thought about adding Cool Whip). I think I may just give it a try… πŸ™‚

Sue - Looks very yummy! I have one question. What size bag of powdered sugar to you use? I need an approximate amount. Otherwise I might mess this up. Thanks for sharing. xoxo

CathyC - Delicious! you cannot go wrong with butter, sugar, vanilla, and some Cool Whip! πŸ™‚

Leah - Haha…poor thing. What a little butthead!

Starnes Fam - Kids! I just made my own frosting recently and it’s so worth the effort. I will try your version, too. Thanks!

PamperingBeki - Ha! I had a first grader ask me the exact same thing!!

jamie - Loved it, Thank you.. Gotta Love the Honesty of Kids. They look Delicious..

Lori - Love these directions, I am going to try it soon! And I actually snorted when I read your 1st grader’s comment. As you know, the occasional condescending comments only get worse when they are teenagers! Thanks for the laugh (again).

Sara - So THAT’s the key to the fluffiness! Thanks for sharing!

Aubrey - I might actually make cupcakes just to try adding whipped cream to the frosting. Now I’ve got to go out and search for those ball sprinkles–they look the most fun.
Are all 1st graders idiots? Should I have my daughter skip over that to 2nd to avoid that phase?

Trina - I love you!!!!! I have been wanting to know about his secret frosting of yours (in the last photo).. the frosting that looks like fluffy clouds!!! Cool Whip!! Lovely. And I almost spit out my tea when I read the list bit about the first grader asking if it was home made and then saying it tastes disgusting! That would happen to me.. probably by my own daughter! Happy weekend!

Patti - i can’t keep up with the cool terms these days. does disgusting mean “good”? πŸ™‚
it sure looks good to me. excuse me while i head to the gym to burn off the calories i’m sure i obtained while viewing this lovely post!
have a great saturday!

Ana - Oh, so milk is the secret ingredient! I kept doing it without the milk and it NEVER looked right..thank you! Would you show us how to make chocolate too…please?

Tess S. - gotta love children.

Trish - i’m gonna try that yummy looking frosting!
yay for cora making her debut on Etsy!
do you know the family personally?

AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage - Wow – I love your explanation! I don’t have a cooking bone in my body (seriously…I messed up mac ‘n cheese the other day), but this almost makes me want to try. Yum!

kasey - love the idea of adding cool whip!!

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WOW.

check out etsy now.

very cool write up about the McClenahans.
and sending more people to the Cora Paige etsy items.

God is so BIG.

garage house plans - he Steens have also provide valuable information on earthen plasters, wall finishes, moisture, and ways to retrofit a home with straw bales in this delightful gem of a book.

Amy Warden - I can’t tell you how amazed I am at how far & wide Cora’s story has spread. There is a soaper friend of mine who has recently heard the story and is donating to the cause because it has touched her heart. I hope Jesus touches her heart as well. She needs him – bad.

LIana - That is awesome!
Any plans for anything for boys? Your designs are great (and I’ll order a pillow if I’m quick enough) but think a shirt with a truck or something would be too cute…in 3T…for my 16 month old. Hint hint…
Keep up the good work!

christine - Oh, I’m so excited about this!! I’ve been scratching my head this week trying to figure out what I could sell and finally listed something this morning – YAY! Your stuff is darling and I am thrilled to see such a great reception for this benefit! I can’t wait to see what God is going to do!

Amanda - Such a wonderful thing to come out of such loss… this family is such an inspiration…
Many blessings-
Amanda

Christy - Watching a movie with my own little one & I popped on the computer for a sec. Glad I did. This is just amazing. The power of the people. Simply amazing, may Cora’s memory live on forever.

jamie - Thats Wonderful!

Cyrena - Thanks so much for coming up with the Cora Paige Etsy project! I feel so honored to participate and am having a fabulous time coming up with items that truly celebrate the time little Cora had here on this earth. I can’t wait to see the outcome and what God’s plans are for this project. I know they will be BIG (and already are) because he is BIG!! God Bless!!

carissa... brown eyed fox - fAntAsTiC… that is SO great!
sooooo BIG!

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