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Monthly Archives: May 2011

long weekend

we relaxed.
it was really nice.  
last night as i drifted in and out of that first sleep i said to craig "thank you for just hanging out this weekend"
i loved just being together and being low key.

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thank you $40 fire pit from home depot 5 years ago for bringing tradition and comfort to our family.

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thanks groupon for an awesome 2 hours of fun.

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thanks pioneer woman for your cookbook.

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thanks coffee for all you do for me.

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thanks craig for putting up the pool…..it is my summer sanity.

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thank you pasta and sauce for making my stomach so happy.
 

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thank you dairy queen for helping dry annie's tears from being left out and heart broken.
and thank you to the two 80 year old men talking so loudly to each other in the booth next to us for helping me remember Memorial Day is more than a day off.  
they were talking about riding the train with Hoover to the troops!!
and seeing Roosevelt!
it was awesome to eavesdrop.  :)

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loved it.

we are making the summer list TODAY.
i meant to do it all weekend but just didn't.
so today's the day. 

…………………………………………

LOTS of you have commented and emailed me wanting to follow my pinterest.
well…..i don't have a pinterest page.  :)

i just go and browse.

is there a benefit to following someone?  
can you see more than what is there when you look at someone's page?

i know that i could pin and like and follow….but for now…i just like to look.
it's enough for me.
for now.

 

 

Emily - 🙂 next S’Mores adventure should be served with a spread of Peanut Butter – or with Peanut Butter Cups in place of the chocolate bar … oh yea. 🙂 We checked that off our summer to do list this weekend 🙂

alicia @ la famille - you sound like jimmy fallon when he writes his thank you notes…have you ever seen that? 🙂 anyway, you do.
please do share your summer list. i want to make one tomorrow…need you’re good ideas!

Lindsay Dianne - Your photographs are so beautiful and vibrant.

Heidi Berglund - Sounds like a great weekend! Nothing better than just kicking it with the family! 🙂 My views on Pinterest are: 1.) I am in total love and dig the way it helps me catagorize what I like. 2.) If you start a pinterest of your own then those of us who love your taste can follow you and pin your ideas. I like your sidebar on your blog but it would be great to have pictures to go with it to jog my memory. 3.) Negative – Time sucker (as others have mentioned) As somebody else mentioned, I would still think you are fabulous even if you don’t join but would really love it if you did! LOL! 🙂

Amber - dad totally ROCKS at bowling! hehehe love the blog meg! thanks for inspiration! xo

Alice H - I have those pots & pans! Got them from Sam’s!! LOVE THEM!
I would like a Smores like right about NOW, please!

Leslie R. - You wrote a wonderful version of “thank you notes”…love them all! But I kept cracking up in my head b/c it was reminding me of Jimmy Fallon’s thank you notes he does on his show…so every time I’d start to read a new one (of yours), I kept feeling like I needed to hear The Roots’ keyboard player playing a nice little melody in the background! ha ha!! I just love your blog…

Carla G - Poor Annie. Why was she heartbroken? Please tell me it’s not mean girls yet? 🙁
As much as I’m a Meg fan (so devoted!), I just may be an even bigger Annie fan. I dig that cutie girl!
Thanks for sharing!

karen - looked like a great holiday! I’m happy for you 🙂
can i just say i love pinterest! I used to save images from the web onto my computer for reference (which would take up memory). Now i have it all organized and categorized for future inspirational ideas or things to do.
Like just now..i finished your rainbow wind catcher craft for my daughter’s rainbow party decor!!
It’s helpful for people who are not the most organized..like ME.
And I have also learned many new tricks and tips on various things.
Here are some of my pins just for fun… http://pinterest.com/karpy/pins/

Ellen - Ive been waiting for your summer list all winter! Excited to see what you and your family have planned 🙂

Rach - Excited about the summer list. We have ours up, but it’s more of a “just bought a house that needs work” list. Its still colorful though. 🙂

Southern Gal - Gotta get on the summer list, too.
My daughter has that same coffee cup.
Do you participate in Kids Bowl Free? Go to kidsbowlfree.com to see if there are participating bowling alleys near you. $2 per kid for two games plus a family package for cheap.
I’m scared of pinterest. I think I’d be swallowed up for long periods of time.

jill - i would LOVE you on pinterest! your linky love is one of my favorite things because you love things that i love. i like pinterest because it is a super easy way to keep track of ideas. i have pinterest boards like “crafts with the kids” or “sewing ideas” –like bookmarking a page, but you can see all of your ideas in a category all at once. but, if you don’t do pinterest i will still think you are awesome. 🙂

kathy b - I have pinned stuff from your website to my pinterest. Is that ok? Thank you for pretty photos and ideas all the time.

Courtney - You essentially have a pinterest board on your side menu of linky loves…I have one, but am following way more people than are following me…it is nice to save things there for those future projects when time and money are a bit more abundant…hope you have a great summer!

val - Looks like a great weekend!

Kelly - good for you for not jumping into pinterest just because “everybody” is doing it. I do pinterest but I don’t like to text, am not on facebook, don’t do twitter, etc. Kelly

HopefulLeigh - I love Pinterest! Following friends’ pinboards means you have access to more of the things you’re more likely to be interested in. I love being able to pin something, a fast way to save a project, recipe, or interesting item for later. I’ll send you an invitation if you want!

Kimberly Dial - Sounds like an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing it! Glad you were able to relax & enjoy it. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall & hear the old men tell war stories of long ago. Unfortunately, so many of our young military have their own war stories to tell as well & that makes me sad :*(

Kimberly Dial - Sounds like an awesome weekend! Thanks for sharing it! Glad you were able to relax & enjoy it. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall & hear the old men tell war stories of long ago. Unfortunately, so many of our young military have their own war stories to tell as well & that makes me sad :*(

Carrie - looks like a great weekend! I love our firepit too its the best!

melissa - You must follow people on Pinterest..you can see SO much more when you do.

jamie - it looks like you had an amazing weekend. i can’t wait until my zoe is old enough to do those things with.

Jessica - Looks like you had a great weekend! I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

May - LOL @ your pinterest comments… A summer list is a great idea! I’ll have to try that. (“Pinned” that idea in my head LOL)

Melissa - Wanting to make a summer list as well…will you share? I need ideas!!

angie - really enjoyed your post….i wanted to be on a boat this weekend!! i feel convicted after your post…thanks for the reminder to be thankful for little things!
Would you please do a post on your pool or at least mention about the details of it. Is it a pain to keep up? We would so enjoy it!

julia - I feel like there’s something wrong with me. I don’t “get” piniterest…just like I don’t “get” twitter.

Stephanie - yes… probably better time management to not pin… but we want to see what you pin… it is pure selfishness to want to see the rainbows that you find all over the world wide web…

hannah - great weekend! i’m thankful for coffee too, it’s my hero.
xo

happygirl - Thank you Doc Martin on Netflix for entertaining me when it got too hot outside. Sweet post Meg. Thank YOU.

gboll - Looks like a fun weekend! What kind of icing did you use on your cinnamon rolls? Do tell. 😉

shauna reed - you know i LOVE when you set boundaries…ha!
i feel kinda protective of you since it seems like everyone could want a piece of you every minute!
so i love to see you say “no thanks”
it reminds me to do the same….still, i’d follow you on pintrest baby.
(i will admit that it is another time sucker though)
ps. i haven’t rung my bell in a while….is the happiness running out?
have you rung yours lately?

Margaret - Cute post and gorgeous photos! My weekend looked pretty similar (including lots of coffee, cinnamon rolls and pool time).

Leslie - Great Photos. It looks like it was a fantastic weekend. I love days like those. Summer list? is that like your summer bucket list?
Have a great Tuesday

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Your weekend looks like mine. Family, food and fun!

Londen - sounds like a perfect weekend. we had lots and lots of rain here in Chicagoland. one question, is it a pain to drain your pool and set it up every year? my husband really wants one like that.
Londen

Katie - Thanks for being so thankful! It is contagious!

Andrea T - So funny i looked you up on pinterest this weekend too 😉

Mary - looks like wonderful fun…i found your blog while browsing through “Flea Market Style”. love it here…how you blog about the stuff of life. love the color, your style. i teach a visual journaling class at my church and in my studio…lots of young moms…will definitely pass your blog along to them and i am most sure i will be back just about every day.
Grace and Peace,
Mary

Laura Phelps - it is so important to say thank you 🙂
thank YOU for the egg casserole AND margarita recipe..BOTH very much enjoyed this long weekend at my place

amy b. - I am on pinterest but it’s not quite as fun as I thought it’d be-just being honest! Are those firepits always 40 bucks or was that on sale? I would love to be making s’mores this summer! Great pictures, as always!! Your family looks like so much fun!

ashley jensen - I have a Pinterest page. I don’t follow anyone or anything. I just have it to keep track of things I like or plan on doing eventually.

Denine - I just browse pintrest too. Your blog brings a smile to my face everyday. I think I need to go and get one of those bbq pits at HD too. By the way have you ever tried smores with a recese piece instead of a hershey chocolate? I saw it on pintrest yesterday.
Hmmm good to try.

Christy - inspired by you my son & I made our very first summer to do list! We have already marked several of the things off our list this pat weekend too, time to add more. 🙂

Kerry - Aaah looks like a stunning weekend – so chilled 🙂 Cant wait for the summer list. I cant seem to fit Pinterest in with everything else!! 🙂 Have a sweet day x

aimy - totally random, but i need to ask. do you have a lid on your big jar of apples? does it gather condensation or is it just mine?
thanks. rotten fruit.

Jennifer - Looks like you guys had a lovely weekend! Love all your pictures. I’m glad that DQ came through for Annie and made her feel better. We are big fans of DQ! 🙂
It’s so nice to have a long weekend to hang out with our loved ones…we enjoyed our time together as well–just taking it easy.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - Since it’s summer time… and feels like summer time… I make iced coffee in the mornings… :o)
love all the fun you guys had this weekend!! :o)

mandy friend - your bowling score looks like mine!:) i wish i could come visit and stay at your craft retreat:(

Courtney Walsh - I love a low key weekend. We had a semi-low key weekend, picked out paint colors for the kids’ rooms and did a little work on the new house. I am definitely getting one of those fire pits!! 🙂
Pinterest is interesting, but I try to stay off of it…just one more thing to distract me right now!! But yeah, if you’re following someone, you instantly see all the things they’ve pinned, which I guess is kind of the cool thing, especially once you know you like someone’s taste. 🙂

Shannon - Love all of your random weekend pictures. Looks like a great time with family!

Jenni Carlisle - LOVE the bowling shoes shot! Looks like a lot of summer fun wrapped into one weekend…can’t wait to see your list, it ALWAYS inspires me!

Meg B. - started playing with it today, trying to figure out how to use it with my students, I think they would love it. our house had a fire in the fire pit too and s’mores.

tiffany m gardner - Looks like fun! It was SOOOOO windy here in Oklahoma that we just tried to stand up straight when we were outside! Love that being together is enough. It is for me and my family too! 🙂

Leah - I need to learn more about this pinterest stuff too. I keep seeing it pop up and have no idea how to use it. Seems like one more thing I need to do with Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your weekend looks awesome! Those are the best kinds of days.

Holly - what a great weekend!

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gone.

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saturday i peeked in on the birds.

they had significantly grown.

and on sunday….

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they were gone.

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bummer.

 

let's enjoy a look back….shall we?

 
Bird1
Bird2
 

 


alicia @ la famille - wow! isn’t that amazing! so fast…kinda like our kids. or so every one tells me. 🙂

elisa - just like kids! awesome capture of their short time in the nest!

Heather R. - I showed our girls the pics. That’s so cool was their response. I don’t think I realized how fast it all continues. Thank you for sharing…

Shelly - These are amazing, I have been stalking your blog for quite some time. I can’t get enough of your photography. Do you think you’ll turn this into a series?? And sell it on etsy?? so we can all buy it???
xoShelly
http://www.gslillian.com

melanie - how did you get the photos of the baby birds to line up and across like in a grid like that? how cool. thank You for always seeing the beauty in life.

marisa - just amazing. thank you for doing this post.

Heather - Oh my goodness, this was unexpected and made me cry! I’m just emotional…my baby turns 1 in one month. ;)I know, it’s a little different.
I love your blog! Thanks for sharing.

Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis - I have the SAME thing going on at my house, except my robin decided to build her nest right on my front door grapevine wreath. Mine are still beautiful blue eggs, and I am anxiously waiting to see some babies. Funny enough, my mom had this happen to here last month on her front door arrangement too. She sent me text pics every day to see their progress and now she’s all said they left the nest.

Leigh - Wow – such amazing photos!!!

FireMom - Wow. This is amazing. Thank you!

Cara - Get ready for round two!

Stefanie - Wow, that nest is very clean! We had a nest in a wreath on our front door and I think the babies finally moved out because the nest was FILLED with poo…I spent hours sanitizing my front door! I almost just threw it away and bought a new one it was so gross 🙂

Wendy - The 5/15/11 pic rocks! Makes me smile 🙂
Thanks for sharing.

Kayla - Wow! That really happened fast. I am glad human babies don’t grow up and move out that quickly!!!

Annika - They grew so quick! Thanks for sharing your birds. Next year, they’ll have babies of their own!

happygirl - btw, I’ve found robins usually use the same nest twice. If you leave it there, she will return. Of course, that assumes nothing happens to her.

leonieke - i think motherhood is so special for birds.They enjoy their eggs, birds, watch them fly out. enjoy a period without childeren and then make some new ones!

hannah - little birdies grow up so quickly!
love all of your sweet photos of them:)
have a great week! xo

AshleyAnn - that is incredible…way to go capturing it!

April M - ty for sharing. just ty ty ty.

kim - amazing. love that you kept a chronology of them. love that you shared it too. 🙂

dana - Wow. Amazing photos. Thank you for documenting that for us!

Yaz - Awww so cute. It feels like my little guy is growing just as fast.

Dawn - The pictures were beautiful. Love them. We just found a robin’s nest too.

Terrie - No Way!! Seems like my kids did the same thing! Well, it does now…sure didn’t in the middle! 🙂

se7en - I am so glad that our little human fledglings last a lot longer in our nests!!! Have a fun day!!!

Janie Fox - And now I am singing I’ll Fly Away…love that old song! Now I betcha it will be stuck in your head:)

Janie Fox - I had 3 the grand kids and I watched …they were just about a week ahead of yours. Wished I would have taken pictures.

Life with Kaishon - Oh.
My.
Goodness.
Perfect post.
Fly away little birdies.
Fly away.

Kimberly Dial - Before ya know, they’re gone (sniff, sniff) … poor momma bird. I know the feeling! 😉

Kimberly Dial - Before ya know, they’re gone (sniff, sniff) … poor momma bird. I know the feeling! 😉

Leslie - How cute are they!!!!!! I haven’t visited in a while, I am looking forward to some Whatever inspiration!
Have a great Tuesday

amy - love. it. and isn’t the blue of the eggs the most beautiful color ever?

jackie mccobb - Sad. Sometimes I feel like my girls are growing that fast. 🙁

happygirl - Wow, that went fast. The circle of life. thanks for sharing.

beth - We had some just about the same age on a very similar porch post. I was bummed to see them gone Sunday afternoon, as well.

Julia - I wad trying to think if something ….. But Tonya already said it better!

Leslie - That was fast – I had no idea. Thanks for the recap – I LOVE IT! I had been checking your blog daily to get updates 🙂

Kathy - What a neat documentation.

Kerry - aaah man! too fast! xx

Debbie - Wonderful photos! I’ve really loved this series. Maybe the mama will come back again next year!

Ali Richardson - WOW!!! I had no idea they grew so fast! Sorry you’re an empty nester. I wonder if you can spray something on it to preserve it and shadow box it. Is that weird of gross? It’s so pretty!

Cyndi Hamilton - Awe…it’s kind of sad! I too will soon have two little birdies(teenagers) leaving my nest.
http://acharmedlife08.blogspot.com/

Jenni - Aww. That makes me a little weepy.

Deanna - God is amazing isn’t he?? So neat!

Tonya - …and we thought our children grew up fast.

Shannon - I love it, they are so cute. Thanks for taking pictures and sharing your lil bird babies with us 😉

Mary - Do you think she’ll be back to have more babies this summer? We had barn swallows and they have multiple set a babies. So maybe, you’ll get the same!

anna - i am very impressed with the cleanliness of the nest. we had a turtle dove nest a few years back and let’s just say, they weren’t nearly as tidy! makes me wonder if you have bird poo all over the porch! lol

Kris - They fledge very quickly. Only two hatched? Did you take the third egg from the nest?

Ana M - How quickly they grow and go…you’re right that’s bummer…but this is the way life goes on, isn’t it? Thankfully our children take a little bit longer to “fly away”…Love

amy b. - do you think the mama has empty nest syndrome?

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I love watching sweet little birdies and I can’t help but mention that she left her little home quite tidy when she left.

Holly - but we enjoyed watching them grow up thanks to you! That sure was quick though!

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owls

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i found this craft on pinterest and knew it was happening at our house.

we already had the gift boxes.  
they were from World Market.
i am sure you can find them at craft stores or in the gift bag or mailing sections of target or walmart?
maybe.

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the feathers on the stomach and the eye balls were made from a circle punch.
(we used a creative memories punch)

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we used a low temp hot glue gun to have it go quickly.
and i see the glue strings on all of them….i don't know if we took those off or not before they gave them.
oh well.

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the wings and feet were oval shapes we just free hand cut.

we filled them with tissue paper and a gift card for our teachers.
sean, talby and annie each made them and were VERY proud to give them away.

fun craft!!!! 

boxing machine - So sweet! I don’t really understand what you used as the “base” though, I mean, what did you glue the “feathers” onto… can you explain? Thanks!!

kim - Love these~ But I’m having trouble finding the pillow pockets??
Thanks

GretchenP - ok, i know i’m probably seriously behind the times (i’m always in reader and just clicked over to pin these guys!) but i had to tell you i just LOVE the header to your blog. i was drawn straight up to those bright jellybeans then to look over and see ‘whatever’ right next to them.. couldn’t be more true! lol 🙂 thanks for the smile today!

jennyonthespot - So. Cute.

kat - Those are ADORABLE!!! Love them. I bet the teachers were super excited to get those for a gift! So cute!

Heidi Berglund - I have been following your blog for awhile now and love it! Thank you for your inspiring words, pictures, crafts and everything else you do! I also would love to follow you on pinterest! 🙂

Jenn - Those are absolutely adorable! What a great idea!!!

amac - those are super cute. can you link up your pinterest account so we can follow you? i love your style! and i’m sure SO many others do too 🙂

RebeccaH - i found those cuties on pinterest too, and they went straight into my project board. I’m thinking it will be a great summer break project… as soon as break starts!

Tami - Meg,
Hi! My name is Tami! I’ve been following your blog for awhile now. My daughter is turning 6 and wants a rainbow party. I figured who better to get ideas from than the rainbow gal! :0)
I plan on making rainbow cupcakes but that is as far as I have gotten. We are having the party at the park so really don’t need to do many decorations. I was wondering if you had any ideas for gift bags for the guests. No worries if you don’t have time to answer just thought I would throw it out there. Thanks!
tamidemann@yahoo.com

www.coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com - WHOOOO. Love these little creatures!

Amy Jo - I second the request for how to follow you on pinterest!

Cori - Do you share your pinterest username for us to follow? I’d love to see what you love!

Michele - These little guys are so cute!

mary - As a former teacher I would have loved this. They are very cute and a gift card is a very thoughtful gift, something they might actually use.

Kimberly Dial - That is the coolest idea! I can only imagine those teachers were very pleased to receive them. Enjoy your summer!

Kimberly Dial - That is the coolest idea! I can only imagine those teachers were very pleased to receive them. Enjoy your summer!

Lori - LOVE THIS!! You find the best ideas…

Cyndi Hamilton - Soo cute!! I love paper crafts!! It’s amazing what you can do with punches…I will have to make some of these up.
Thanks for the great idea!
http://acharmedlife08.blogspot.com/

Miranda - Frickin.adorable.
LURVEEEEEEEE THEM!

Vanilla Bean Crafts - OMG! These are absolutely adorable! I think they’ll be happening at our house too!

Shannon - They are so cute and how fun to give them as a gift to the teachers!

amy b. - I love the owls!! And making them teacher gifts is a great idea! I am so bad about remembering stuff like teacher gifts! I know they deserve them though! Cute idea.

sara @ it's good to be queen - so cute!!! love. this.

Michelle - cute! We might have to try this craft this weekend 😉

Jennifer Waldschmidt Keating - Oh my goodness…….LOVE! I have a little obsession with owls lately. I showed my kids that we are making these……eye rolling because they are so over owls but they did say, “OK, they are cool”. Can’t wait to try to make these! =)

ingrid - these turned out so cute – super happy and thoughtful! i’m sure the teachers were thrilled!

Tracy Fisher - HOw cute are those? Love it.
Tracy Fisher

Simply Lanny - Hi Megan, Oh how I love pinterest not sure how to follow you can you tell me how ? Lanny 🙂

jeana - LOVE this.

Amy @ dwell in the season - Too cute – I love it!

Holly - very cute!

Four Flights - oh wow I love this. thanks for sharing!

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day one complete.

christi hoffmann……i need to talk to you.  
your email address isn't working.
please email me today….. cdduerksen @ yahoo . com

thank you.

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she always looks pissed at me.
they dive at us if we stand on the porch more than just coming in or out of the house.
which i completely understand….that's what she is supposed to do.

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they are really big now.

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i love that they are there….even if i have to scream and run to get to my car.

…………………………………………

we survived our first day of summer…..quite well actually.

only 81 more to go.

:) 

we went to see kung fu panda 2.
with no snacks.
because i am a mean mom….or so i heard.
Kung-fu-panda-2

and i shed a tear….because i do that…everyday….all day.
the line that got me was the father (a goose) talking to his adopted panda bear son Po, says
"the beginning of your story may not have been that great…but look how well it turned out"
or something like that.
i loved it.
but the movie is mostly kung fu stuff and i held my ears for parts because it's just so loud…
(i think little kids would be scared….fyi.)

we ate spaghetti when we came home.  
and no side dishes.
just spaghetti and prego….it was perfect.

and we played with bubbles till it got dark.

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you know what?

i think it's gonna be ok.

i can do this.

{{{{{{happy sigh}}}}}}}

 

 

Alice H - Love the bubble pics! So fun.
We saw Kung Fu Panda 2 yesterday and we did the 3D showing. I took my 15.5 month old and he did so good. He even wore the glasses for a little over an hour. He did get scared in a few parts but he seemed to enjoy it. I couldn’t believe he sat still that long and was so quiet!

elisa - I’m a summer-with-kids-and-1-grandson-survivor too!
I always feel a bit guilty too when I just serve spaghetti with no side dishes. Glad to know I’m not alone.

Molly Pearce - I love Kung Fu Panda! When the first one came out I went with my brother and sister and totally embarrassed them in the theater lobby with my Kung Fu moves, ha ha ha! I can’t wait to see the second one with them. I think I will still do a few moves in the lobyy just for giggles 🙂 happy weekend Meg!
~Molly P

elizabeth of course - Oh my, I want to lie (lay?) on the driveway at sunset while people blow giant bubbles all around me!!!!!
I am totally jealous.

Rebecca - I bought the little boy I nanny a bubble wand. I think the one I bought is a bit different than the one your kids have but anyways…we finally figured it out and had such great fun with it last week. Neighbor kids even started playing with it, too.
I have a feeling there will be a lot of bubbles made this summer. 🙂

Southern Gal - Those popping bubble pics are the absolute best.

Jennifer - That’s hilarious about the bird! Such sweet little birdies in that nest… I’d be trying to sneak peeks all the time too.
Thanks for the FYI about it being a little scary. We are going to see it this week.
PS We only get snacks when its just me and my husband. When the kids are with us, never. haha! Is that bad?

Courtney Walsh - From one meanie butt mom to another, we’re going to see that movie tomorrow. We have coupons AND we’re going to a matinee and we’re still not getting snacks. lol I just see something SO wrong with a $4 soda I could buy for less than a buck at Walgreens.
(I do sneak snacks in sometimes though!) 🙂 We can’t wait to see the movie!! Looks like summer’s off to a good start!!

Stefanie - I am SO jealous! Your’e on Summer break already. We still have a week left. Ugh. But, we don’t start school until mid-September, so I guess that’s the pay off.
Loved the movie. We saw it last night and our 2 1/2 year old loved it too! Cute movie.
Fun bubbles.
Awesome pic of the bubble popping.

Christi Hoffman - I am so sorry if I frustrated you, because you could not get a hold of me.=/ I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow! Thanks for your patience. 🙂

Deb Myers - However do you take such incredibly clear sharp pictures???? For example, the bubble pics…what setting did you have your camera on? What lens did you use? Are you Nikon or Canon; what model? Do you have a camera section on your blog dedicated to photography? Maybe with hints and how-to’s? Geese, wish my pics looked like yours!!!! (I’m a Nikon D60 girl) Did you take classes, or just figure out as you went?

Julia - I just have one out of three home so far….I’m so tired I’m shaking and weepy….not sure if I’m going to make it.

Jaime A. - 81 days left.
We only have 67 days left. BOO!
So glad you survived day 1!!

andrea - Awesome pics…how on earth do you get those great bubbles??!! Please share!
🙂

alicia @ la famille - i’m gonna have to go check out your summer list posts…looks like the cool thing to do. and your first day of summer looks excellent! you’ll have a great summer 🙂

Lari - Congrats! I’m looking forward to the end of school and days like that! 3 more to go…Have a great weekend!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Mean mom…heehee…I can relate to that!

georgia - I goto the 99p shop (uk equivilent of a dolar store) and buy popcorn in a bag, m&m’s and other snacks and put them in my biggest handbag! Then its munchie time once were in!!
Go for it!!!! Although u need a bank loan for the cinema here its about £8 a ticket, so roughly $15 a ticket? That’s not normal is it? Lol
Xx

Laura - Can you give us some tips on making those giant bubbles?
I always feel bad when I don’t make “sides” then I think to myself…”do they have a plate of food for pete’s sake?” “YES!”

sara @ it's good to be queen - you can do it! i am so looking forward to all your summer posts…you always give me great ideas to make summer fun. so…thanks! 🙂

Beth - Cleaning and sorting in the art room today, Emma found a paper with a quote I’d written down about moms . . . something about mom’s needing your love too, wish I could find it now. But, anyway, Emma was like . . really mom, a quote from Blue Bloods??? I love it that you find quotes in things like movies and tv shows too 🙂

Kristin Hayne - YOU…. are a fantastic mom….only 81 more days….

Brenda H - Thanks for the I can do it power. I still have 6 more days till they are out and am scared!!!!! Going to school full time this summer too – will be interesting. I will be checking here for inspiration!!

Heidi - You give me hope. 🙂 My summer starts in a week and a half. And we only have 60-ish days. 4 kids (5 on Fridays) and all in different developmental stages.
I can do this too. 🙂

Jen - could you pass some of this warm(er)/summer like weather over to chicago. yesterday it was in the 40’s today, we’re barely pushin’ 60. we’ve been on break for a week & i think we’ve been outside once this week due to cold & rainy weather.
::knocks:: summer, if you’re out there & taking requests…chicago would like some 70* weather! thanks!

jamie - i love your bird pictures. its so neat to watch the babies grow.
haha the bubbles look like a blast

annalea - way to kick it off! i get ya on the pasta and sauce with no side dishes. sometimes it’s just enough.
also, LOVE that line from the movie. totally made me tear up just reading it. i think there are a lot of us that cry every day.
also, we made our summer list this week and the kiddos thought it was the best idea ever. thanks for the inspiration.

katie - that last shot is AWESOME!! not that there was anything wrong with your images before, but you can totally tell that you’re shooting in manual nowadays…
i want to drive to wal-mart right now to get those giant bubble maker things!

Jenna - Love the bubbles! You should try painting rocks tomorrow 🙂
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Shannon - Your first day of summer vacation sounds like it went well and the kids all look happy in those pics! I love that you have the exact number of days left down 🙂

Sarah@this farm family's life - I am so looking forward to this summer, but not the beginning of the school year. Our oldest starts kindergarten….sigh.
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

adrienne - i love the bubbles!! one time when i was counting down the days until summer (i’m a teacher)… my friend told me not to wish my time away. it really stuck with me… so in the nicest, kindest way (really really) i’m passing that along to all moms with kids (big and small) home for the summer.

Denissa - Love the pictures of the bubbles, those are great! I told my boys that we are going to be doing Craft Thursdays all summer! They were actually excited!! YAY!! Off to a good start, first project is painting little birdhouses that I picked up for $1 at Joanns :)Somehow I don’t think we’ll make it to Thursday though?? haha

Amy @ dwell in the season - The photo of Annie blowing on the bubble when it is popping is AMAZING! Nice shot!

Nichole - Mommy birds are hilarious. We had to fill a hole outside so some starlings didn’t move into the wall at our place, and they stood on the fence nearby literally screaming at us. They hadn’t even built a nest yet!
For the record, I was never allowed snacks when I went to the movie theater with my parents. We always had dinner afterward, but the movie theater was a little under an hour away from our home, lol.

April Fontenot - We have a bird nest on our porch too! She just built it Monday. I keep trying to get pics but she flys away every time I open the door and comes back as soon as I close it! May have to take some through the window…Love the bubble pics btw!

danielle burkleo - you can do it!! i have full faith in you, my friend.
i love the bubble pictures.
and i love that you are shedding a tear every day (not so much for your sake but so that i know i am not the only one)
i hope you have a great weekend!!

Holly - Meg, I am dissapointed. I know you have to have a big purse somewhere! haha! My oldest (8th grader) went on a movie field trip and cracked me up because she went to the dollar store and took her big purse! Her friends loved it!
Today is our first day and it is so cold here! Well its in the low 60s but really I was hoping for 80s.

Tangojuliet7 - WOW! I love this blog! I LOVE your daughter’s leopard dress! and I wanna be just like you when I grow up!!
http://www.coffeecleancupcake.blogspot.com

jill - okay, if you can do it with five, then i will be okay with three. 🙂 i’m so ready to see your summer list!!!!

Julie - I have decided that today is my own personal “stop lurking day.” Your blog is awesome. A daily read for me. Can’t wait to see what your summer brings! ; )

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I just had a visual of you running and screaming to the car… it was very, very funny 🙂

Kerry - You go Girl!! love those Huge-normous bubbles!!! x

Alicia - Love the one with your daughter blowing out the bubble…you actually caught it blowing up…very cool!
Happy Summer…I still have 6 days until break…I will take full advantage!

Tammy Sabourin - Ms. Robin looks like she’s got her “wing on her hip” giving attitude. 😉
Thanks for your daily updates, Meg. Enjoy every post. 🙂

Kim - Wow! Your kids have a loooooong break! My kids are in school until June 30th and go back right after Labour day. I loved the pics of your peonies. Mine still have yet to bloom….maybe in June?
Oh, and don’t forget “mean” moms are often the best moms.

Necole - Send your “i can do it” vibe to me. My oldest has one week of school left. Then it will be me and three spirited little girls.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - movies w/ no snacks… that just doesn’t seem right. ;o)
I bring my own a lot… you can get the same box candy @ dollar tree or walmart for just $1.00.
You’ll make it!! I just know you will. :o)

Kimberlee Jost - You, me and coconut cream pie.
Happy Summer.
🙂

brooke - YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!
And just remember….”it’s five o’clock somewhere” 🙂

Leah - You CAN do it! Love the bubble pictures too. Oh, and a quesiton: Is it just the three younger ones that partake in your family activities?

tiffany m gardner - me too. i can do this summer thing with 2 big kids (5 and 7 yr) and a 4 month old. yes…i can do this too. looking forward to all your ideas this summer!

donna - hahahaha. i am dying laughing at your opening line…….
“she always looked pissed at me”.

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cardis, pink glitter and oprah

to try to celebrate the end of my school-year-of-freedom…..my friend and i went out for shopping & lunch.
we are good at that.
we do it well.

i went a little wild with the cardis at target.
IMG_3229-2

it is a wardrobe staple and i was out.
so i restocked.
before i went into the dressing room….i took my size in every color because they seem to be running low.
by the time i came back to put some back and make decsisions…the rest were gone.
of course there were the XS and S but i wore that in 6th grade.
i just thought it was funny.
i was not the only one who was cardi crazy yesterday.

and we went to sam's club to look for a new trampoline….and i left with a dress for annie instead…..
IMG_3218-1

……………………………………….

i decided that summer should be brought in with neon pink nail polish with glitter on top….$2 at target.

IMG_3233-4

IMG_3232-3
i call these my princess jasmine flip flops…..

it's my way of saying "summer….i accept you with open arms…..even though i already miss the quiet house"

……………………………………….

so did you watch the oprah farewells???

Oprah_winfrey

i have always had oprah on the dvr in my bathroom.
i could see what was on….decide if it was interesting…..watch or delete.

and now it's over.
as much as i disagree with some of oprah's beliefs….i have to give her credit.
she is amazing.
and she is generous.
just to know where she came from to where she is now.
and to know that she changed our lives….SHE DID.  
people treat each other differently than the previous generations…they know how to communicate more clearly because of oprah and her guests…..dr. phil….dr. laura berman….to name a few.
she talked about issues that no one would.
she brought things out of the dark.
she was not afraid to do hard things and ask hard questions and get to the real issue.

really she IS in everyone's world….everyone knows her name and what she stands for.  
what an accomplished life she has led so far!
 
so that's all i wanted to say.
i wanted to acknowledge that she is a truly strong and special person.
and i am so glad that i got to watch her on tv for 25 years.
i can't imagine anyone that could replace her.
and if i am being honest….i will really miss her show.

………………………………………

 


Leila - koduri vijayakumarafsar gaaru adonukunkaa ee interview chadivaanu monne voka email pampinchaanu..choosaroo ledoo nizame 1998 lo nenu hyderabad shift ayinappudu choosina saahithya vaathavaranam koodaa ippudu ledu..edainaa voka sabhalo kaastha janam vunnarante adi e vv gaari pusthakam leka shivareddy gaari pusthakam sabha ayi vuntene saadhyam .kaani hyderabad gurinchi . saahithya vaathavaranam gurinchi anthagaa niraasha padaalsindi kooda ledanukuntaa nenu naa anubhavame chebuthaanu.. ippatikee shivareddy dwaarka friends, darbhashayanam, khadeer, akbar geetha mari kontha mandimi frequent gaa kalusthune vuntaamu Interviewer emi adigaadu anedi pakkana pedithe, mee gurinchina visheshaalu ee vidhangaa thelusukovadam santhoshangaa vundiRaaboye rojullonainaa meeru mee chinnappati sangathulni aathmakatha maadirigaa’ raasthe (mukhyangaa mee naanna gaaritho meeru gadipina rojulni gurinchi) chaala baguntundani anukuntunnaKODURI VIJAYAKUMAR

Alexa - shiva bandaruమంచి సైట్స్ కు సహాయం అవసరం ఉంటే ప్రస్తుత పరిస్తుతులలో యాడ్స్ కన్నా డొనేషన్స్ స్వీకరించటం ఆలోచించండి. Paypal ను ట్రై చేయండి.ముందు ముందు Chandana bteohrrs లాంటి లోకల్ వారు యాడ్స్ ఇచ్చే పరిస్తితులు వస్తాయు.మంచి సమాచారంతో , సౌకర్యాలతో వీక్సకులను సంపాదించడం అవసరం. రేపు మంచి భవిష్యత్తు ఉంటుంది.Best of luck .In my opinion wordpress is not good at web site monitisation .look at joomla (joomla.org)Content management system , it is more easy and more interactive and best banner ad management system and easy integration with other ad networks. with it you can easily sell add impressions eg : 1000 impressions (CPM)at Rs 100, et. and easily manage advertisers , ads and impressions.You can also add paid classified systems, job boards,matrimony ads,real estate ads, to your content rich web magazine. Some important things :

Debbie Sedita-Kosiarski - One year later, I have decided to ring the summer in with the very same combination of colors…. Sinful Colors, 24/7 (neon pink) and Pinky Glitter… and putting them on tonight.

Doris - Discovered your site today. I’m also a mom and a wife so this is all close to me, and my interests 🙂
I loved Oprah’s show always. Sent her e-mail on that new address she gave,
and I got reply, with others she wrote back to.
She wrote us again, yesterday. That’s sweet that she added people who wrote her on list, and that she took time while on vacation, and wrote a nice e-mail.

tami@talkingwithtami.com - Your toes are fab Meg! You did a good job and coming from a former nail tech you did good chica! xoxo

kristi rediske - Ok-thanks so much-because of your post I had to go to Target and try to get me a cardigan-because you made it look so good-anyway-they had 1 in my size and its the same color as yours but the problem is-I ended up with a necklace to match, a purse, some capris , 2 t-shirts, and then I had to go to TJ Maxx and see what they had and i ended up with capris and a t-shirt-so – your blog cost me about $150.00 , if I was going to be honest, more than that! HA! I am glad you posted it all-I NEEDED something new!

Robin Smith - I stumbled upon your blog a while back and have read it daily ever since. Thanks for making me laugh, think, and relish in the awesomeness that is motherhood. You are just like all my dear friends back here in Nebraska… delightful and a breath of fresh air. God bless you, Meg.

Kathy - Wow. What a great first day of Summer. I feel spurred on to bust out the bubbles. We homeschool and the line between Summer and the schol year is a little blurred. My older kids have hit this odd age and arent too on board with anything. Not sure what to do about that:( We need some fun days but right now we are drowning in laundry and spilled cereal and sinus headaches:( Can we come over and play bubbles? and paint our toes glittery pink?

Flower Patch Farmgirl - All true, but I still feel oddly bad for James Frey.

deborah@applesinwonderland - love the self-portrait. i like to focus on things other than a messy house most days.
i will miss oprah. i think that i would disagree with ANYONE that i would spend 25 years with, you know?
she has brought light to many and been the hands and feet of love in many ways. i don’t have it in me to criticize any of it. that’s all. peace.

Jessie - I just love your blog. You are real and you make me feel good. Thank you for all your awesome bogging 😉

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe - my toes are in need of some pink sparkle to welcome summer, too! 🙂
thought of you and your ‘summer lists’ when i read this post today…
http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/05/20-summertime-projects.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FOivM+%28Tatertots+and+Jello%29
cheers!
~h

beki - dang, i should have made it to Target yesterday!! hopefully my local tar-jay isn’t as popular as yours and I’ll still score 😉

amy jupin - great minds think alike.
i bought FOUR!
hello. my name is amy and i am addicted to cardigans.
love annie’s dress!

adrienne - i hear you… i wonder how i’ll feel at 4:00 on a quiet afternoon and she’s not there to keep me company.

Jen - You tempt me to try Target clothes again but I am resisting! Everything is soooo cute on the wrack but looks terrible on me. I have better luck at New York and Co. at the mall. – though the prices are as good.
You look very cute and summery! I am feeling your same pain/excitment over summer vacation! Thanks for posting honesty.
Oprah has accomplished the best the world can offer. Will it stand in eternity? Only what is done in the name of Jesus. That said I will miss her show. So many years at home with little ones—making “it” unil 4 pm and Oprah was signifcant ;O
Off to get a haircut/color/eyebrow wax- my treat to myself before going boldly into summer vacation!!
God Bless~

Dena - Love cardis! They’re a staple in a cold office in the summer. I love your dress also, is that from T too?

Sugar Mama - I love that you said that about Oprah because for some reason I find women saying this a lot: “Oh, i record Oprah, but I don’t love her. I just watch the show if I’m bored. I won’t miss it though.”
It’s like no one can own (no pun intended) that they enjoy Oprah. I really liked her show. I learned a lot. I cried sometimes. And times I rolled my eyes. But she was always authentic, in my opinion. And that’s what is appealing to me about people… I LOVE when they can stay true to their mission.
That dress on Annie is so cute! My daughter lives in sundresses… maybe some day I’ll learn how to sew a few.

Meg - I LOVE cardis! They are the perfect all-season staple – my office is freezing today even though it’s 80 degrees out. Add a cardi! 🙂

alyssa - well said. exactly how I feel about oprah, too.

Jenna - Loving the pink glitter polish. If this 32 week belly wasn’t in my way, it would totally be on my toes. Maybe my husband can do it…
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Jennifer - Who the heck has used Oprah as a spiritual guide? When I think about it though… I’ll agree that there are a lot of people who lack critical thinking skills which is why I worry way more about the people who use Rush Limbaugh as any sort of a guide.
Anyway, love how you are preparing for summer.
Great nail polish!

Danett - I have that same cardi! I went crazy on the cardi’s and the long tanks. I think I bought everycolor… something for everyday this spring! =)

donna - i totally agree with you about oprah – i really haven’t watched her show in years, however in saying that there was some comfort in just knowing the show was on at 4:00 – i mean if there was nothing else to do at that time. i did like her show – i just kind of got tired of it.
love your blog meg!!! thanks for being my daily read – you! i will never get sick of.
have a great weekend.

Carol S. - Also love the cardi (new word for me)…so that’s how people look cute and put together…they shop! I should try it sometime. Wish I liked it. Happy summer. Isn’t there a part of you that is relieved about no backpacks/lunches/science tests/papers to sign/early morning hustle? I’m relieved that part is over! I work part time, so I’m out of the house part of most days, so that part will be interesting to see how they manage on their own.

leonie - do you know I love Oprah… not because I agreed with everything she did or said but because a woman has incited love, freedom and thoughfulness amongst us all…(and more I am sure of), I think she would love that we don’t ‘agree’ or ‘love’ her all of the time… I really think that was her message and purpose…. and the final shows… were tasteful, respectful and appreciative of the life that the Oprah Winfrey show had given her….
and Miss Meg….. love the cardi…. OMG I love mine!!!

Stefanie - I love your posts. I don’t always comment because sometimes I’m in a hurry, reading down my favorite blog list. But I always read your posts and usually come away feeling like I had a fun chat with a dear friend.
I’ve not watched Oprah more than 2 or 3 times, but I’ve heard such kind, good things about her. Didn’t she just start her very own TV network? I doubt we’ve seen the last of her 🙂

bobbie - I really don’t like Oprah and I won’t miss her show at all.. I’m going to go hide from all the shoes being thrown at my head for saying that. But before I go.. super cute cardi and dress for annie. I’m choosing to sport wild nail polish all summer, no pink at all! tonight’s choice was sea blue.

Life with Kaishon - Oh my gosh! That nail polish is SO fantastic! You are so right. It screams HELLO SUMMER : )
I love her little dress. Way better than a trampoline. We need one of those too. I love your pictures and your cardigans. I always liked Oprah because of the kindness thing. I am a fan of anyone that promotes kindness. Anyone at all.

Laura Phelps - I think you can replace Oprah 🙂

julia - I saw that pink glitter polish – I didn’t know it was on sale though.

~ Lollipop Doodles ~ - LOVE your spirit! Your personality is just so carefree! Wish you could do one of your weekend crafts in ATLANTA! Would love to have you here!

melissa*320 sycamore - When you say googly eyes it totally reminds me of googly bear on Monsters Inc! I love Oprah (she is quite controversial in my family..)and think the world truly is a better place because she has been in it. I especially enjoyed the farewell shows~I will miss having her in my dvr too!

BULLYMAMA - I just bought the same cardi yesterday!! Unfortunately I wanted that beautiful blue that you have on and they didn’t have it in my size so I settled for black but you’ve got me thinking about that blue and I might just have to check out a couple of more targets in my area…I am very lucky to have at least 4 in a 20 min. radius!! This past fall I started to really like the cardigan for pulling an outfit together and making me feel stylish in a grown-up sort of way!
I will miss Oprah. I was never an addict but always nice to know she was there at 4pm on a cold, dark winters day.

karen - HOT with the darrrrk hair! Your eyes POP!
Oprah is awesome. She did so much for so many…and i’m not talking about her Christmas shows.
I don’t see how she could have led people wrong ‘spiritually’ as one reader sort of mentioned. I think she will continue doing good for the world…I’m also thinking i need me some glitter now 😉

Courtney Walsh - I want that sparkly pink nail polish!!!! I LOVE it! 🙂
And the cardis? Brilliant. I haven’t gotten any!
PS You do not have googly eyes. (But I know what you mean I ALWAYS have googly eyes in pictures!)

Kimberly Dial - I love the cardi & the nail polish. As for Oprah, for the last couple of years I thought she got a little out there so unless I was very interested in the subject matter I didn’t watch. With that said I liked what she said on her last show (yes, I watched it … it’s been 25 years & that’s a long time.

Kimberly Dial - I love the cardi & the nail polish. As for Oprah, for the last couple of years I thought she got a little out there so unless I was very interested in the subject matter I didn’t watch. With that said I liked what she said on her last show (yes, I watched it … it’s been 25 years & that’s a long time.

Stephanie C. - Oh and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I’m jealous!

Stephanie C. - Wait can we go back to the part where you have a dvr in your BATHROOM!? THAT’S INSANE!

Jennifer - You crack me up with the cardi’s! I’m a proud cardigan wearer as well, and double LOL that you wore the XS in 6th grade!! awesomsauce

staci amy - I brought in Summer with turquoise glittery polish! Totaly agree with everythin you said about OPrah =) well…..tomorrow is it for us….then I a sleeping in until at least 9 every day this Summer…..bring on the lucky charms for breakfast =) heeehee

Kerry - Me again.. how CUTE is that cushion next to you in the first pic?? I have not seen this one on your blog before? IT IS TOO FLIPPING CUTE!! K x

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - I know this has nothing to do with your post, but may I just say that you have the cutest darn hairstyle ever! I will miss Oprah too. I think she is an amazing woman even though like you I don’t agree with everything she says.

Tiffany - duh, annies dress is ke-ute!

Tiffany - I’m interested in hearing more about Oprah. I don’t watch her EVER, but I’d love to hear more….intriguing. She keeps it decent and yes, she has TRULY made a name for herself without taking her clothes off (which seems to be all the rage, that and reality shows, puke puke puke). I like what Nicole said about her giving God the Glory, let the church say…AMEN cause he deserves it. I think she has an honest heart and that speaks to me.
Plus. I am sooooo a believer in cardis they are the perfect outfit polisher. Lata toots.

lauren - i’m not sure i can give oprah credit for changing our lives. i think she’s probably had positive influence on many but also, potentially, horrible influence on those who have looked to her as a ‘spiritual’ guide. i’ve watched and even enjoyed over the years but i can’t say i’ll miss her.
as for her generousity, i don’t have any idea what she gives personally. it might be huge. but the gifts she’s given over the years on her show were not purchased by her. it’s called ‘promotional consideration.’ if ford gives a focus to 100 audience members the value to them is beyond anything they could get in a 60 second spot. certainly, if nothing else, oprah has used her influence in many positive and generous ways.
i feel kind of like a wet blanket…i don’t mean to. i love your blog and think you and your family are adorable.

Jilly - Love the cardi, BUT where is your dress from?

nicole @ deliajude - I appreciate that Oprah gave God the glory at the end of it all.

happygirl - Love the cardigans, sorry if my other comment sounded like spam. I just was thrilled with what oprah can do.

Chantelle - I just wanted to say how much I’ve been appreciating you and your special blog lately. Your attitude about life is teaching me much needed lessons. God bless and keep on sharing.

shannon - Ok Meg….so our closest sams club and target is an HOUR away and i NEVER get to go without a child or both….I have been trying to come up with a bribe for the hubby so I could go to sams and target…..and then today there was this post from you. alas….i am craving target even more! I want that cardi and the nail polish……

Holly - cute post! Our summer has started with a little weather chaos but tomorrow is a new day and I cant wait!

Maria - Cute dress…may have to pick that one up for my niece…
We had our summer is here lunch and it was good…those are over for a couple of months, but we will still some girls’ night out (outs?) to look for forward to…

Gemma - Lovely nail polish!!
Gemma x

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - loving the nail polish!
I’m not a big Oprah fan… that’s about all I need to say about that. :o)

Leah - I thought the Oprah farewell was a really good last episode. It showcased what she’s been doing for 25 years. I agree with you that I don’t always agree with her completely, but she has done tremendous good. I’m glad the last show wasn’t filled with giveaways and surprises. It was the perfect ending. … And I love the cardis! Might need to run to Target myself.

Kerry - Meg.. you crack me up every day 🙂 Love the pic of you – thats my fave colour. It reminds me of one of those crazy 1950’s housewife-cartoon-postcard-pics where she looks all perfect but is thinking totally the opposite – haha! I (heart) Oprah, we are a little behind here in the UK but will flick around online in a little while to check the celebrations.
Our kids still have 2 months before summer break.. weird how much they differ?
Have a swwweeeet day, Kerry x

Cindy - You are so funny! Seriously, I had to tell you just so that you know. Your wit and sarcasm (the bubble thought above your head, for example, is comedy) crack me up! Love how “whatever goes” with you, which I suppose is quite appropriate considering the name of your blog. HA! You brighten my day.

Mindy Harris - also if you need help with the craft retreat (since i am local) feel free to use me as a resource. 🙂 (like lead a craft or bake something or decorate?). just thought i’d offer!
xoxo

Mindy Harris - bugs me when s/xs are the ONLY size on the racks…you look super cute in that pic.
also, i will miss oprah. when wilder was a newborn we watched it together; i haven’t watched it much since but there was always comfort knowing there was a famous, rich person out there doing lots and lots of good.

Jaime A. - Summer; ah!
Love the cardi- that color looks great on you! 😉

Terrie - Love the pink polish & the glitter!! I agree with everything you said about Oprah…I didn’t always agree with her, but she helped me. I always said that I could go on her show for a month and never talk about the same story twice. Lots of drama in my family…well, there was…not so much anymore. I haven’t watched her regularly in a long time, but I’ll miss her. You are my new Oprah….LOL!! Do you feel the pressure Megan? Oprah didn’t have very many fun craft ideas anyway…. 🙂

Melissa - Love the cardi, annie’s new dress {I almost got McKinley the same one…they didn’t have her size}, and the nail polish. I will not miss Oprah. Something she said a few years ago completely turned me off of her and now I just can’t stand to watch her. One has to agree that she has done lots of good in this world though!!

amy - Seems you and my daughters have similar taste in nail polish… this isn’t the first time you’ve posted a color that we just bought the week before 🙂

Lindsay - Cute Nail Polish! I just did the same exact thing yesterday to welcome summer! Except mine is purple glitter nail polish. 🙂

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butterflies

i saw this craft after the years of different butterfly punch art and i was finally ready.

i had pictures of annie painting the paper but they have disappeared.

the first step is to watercolor paint on paper.
paint all over with pattern or with out….less water makes for brighter colored paint.
and let it dry.

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then punch out as many butterflies as you can.

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i bought this martha stewart butterfly punch at joann’s.
they are not cheap but it was on sale and they do have 40% off coupons quite often.
and THAT punch is really cool.
VERY easy to use!
it’s in two pieces so you can punch out from any part of the paper not just on the edge.
VERY COOL.
i get why it costs more than the other brands….quality.
it’s martha!  what would you expect?

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we used 10×10 canvases also from joann’s….i wished i had bigger canvases….like 20 x 20 would have been great!

the girls painted them with acrylic paint.
it was fine to have the streaks in the paint….i liked it.

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when the paint was dry they plugged in their glue guns and got to work with a pile of colorful butterflies.
we bent them in the middle and put a tiny dot of hot glue in the center of the back of the butterfly.

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i couldn’t love it more.
it’s so pretty.
talby’s was turquoise…..annie wanted turquoise….there were tears….sigh.

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…………………..H-A-P-P-I-N-E-S-S……………………..

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annie’s was yellow.
much to her disappointment.
but still lovely and sunny.

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i wanted to make 10 of them.
for me.
i love this.
you should make one too.
your kids will be very proud of themselves for making REAL art for the walls.

………………………………………………………….

my kids get out of school today.
i am not ready for that.
<
/span>
i AM ready for….

sleeping in.
swimming.
sun tans.
lightning bugs.
watermelon.
iced coffee.
flip flops for 3 months.
popsicles.
bike rides.
sonic happy hour.
sunshine.
vacation.

but just hope that i can handle being a full time mommy again.
i have had all these quiet days since september…and now that is long gone.
adjustment to summer is hard.
but there is no going back.
just gotta jump in with both feet.
give myself a pep talk…..
YOU CAN DO IT…..BE STRONG…..it’s only 3 MONTHS….MAKE IT FUN…..GO MEG!….
you’re good enough you’re smart enough…..

i hope that works.

we need to make our summer list 2011.
that always cheers me up.

 

 

 

Angry Birds - This looks like great fun and can not wait till my kids are a little older. I am always looking for easy crafts for them to do. Thank you

magdalenamena199@hotmail.com - que sencillo y tan hermoso trabajo, felicidades!!

Trinh - This is an awesome idea. I will def be trying this with my daughter!

Mario Games Online - Great work, I like it. The idea is creative.

Karen - I loved this craft – I was so lucky my good friend tagged me on her pin on pinterest about this as she knew my girls would love it, and loved it they did – we blogged about it today thank you so much for a brilliant craft – http://thetravellingchaplins.blogspot.com/2012/07/crafty-days.html

andika - Beautiful craft, I like the moment when the kids involved and beautiful butterflies.

Tarek - 統一教会だから何をやっても認めない すばらしくカルトチックな記事です カルト脳全開といったところだね アメリカじゃSeijin君のことはexaminer.com topix.com 他でも記事にされています 統一教会だからというバイアスなしでダメなものはダメ 良いものは良いと云えなければダメダメ記者と新聞もどきでしょう そういえば統一教会に関する良いことは書かない それが藤倉のポリシーでしたね すばらしい英語力でSeijin君の記事でも読んでくださいな Dallas, TX) Salutations from Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings will be read at the Faith, Freedom and Family Rally at Dallas City Hall Plaza at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Mayor Rawlings’ welcoming rerakms will be read by talk-show host Ester Davis, who joins local civic and religious leaders, as well as Japanese-Americans wearing kimonos, to welcome two university students who have embarked on a 2,300-mile bicycle ride to raise awareness of religious freedom in Japan and other countries. The cyclists began the tour at Atlanta’s Gold Dome State Capitol on Dec. 15, 2012. The keynote speaker at the rally will be Bishop Harold Edwards, leader of the Church of the Living God in Dallas. Organizers say the goal of the tour is to raise public awareness of the fact that since 1966 more than 4,000 Unification Church members in Japan, as well as significant numbers of members of other faiths, have been abducted and confined for months or years of psychological and physical abuse in an effort to break their faith. Houston resident Mrs. Taeko White will recount her experience of abduction and deprogramming in 1981. Jeffrey White, 24, her son, will read a tribute to his mother. Mr. Luke Higuchi, a Japanese survivor of abduction and forced conversion, will report his experience at the rally.Advertisement Mr. Seijin Tranberg and Mr. Joshua Wildman, both 22, began their Freedom Ride on December 15, 2011 in Atlanta, the birthplace of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, under the banner of Faith, Freedom, and Family. Prior to starting their tour, Mr. Tranberg briefed twelve congressmen at their offices on Capitol Hill. All 12, representing states from Georgia to California, expressed support for persecuted religious people of the world by signing Mr. Tranberg’s route map and posing with him for photographs. Mr. Tranberg also is calling the rally to raise awareness of the rights abuses against religious minorities the world over, including Baptists in Russia, Coptic Christians in Egypt, Bahai’s in Iran, and many others. Representatives of several persecuted minority groups, including African Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and others will be on hand. The rally has sparked supportive comment from local leaders. Rev. Don E. Peavy, Sr., Associate Minister, New Vision Christian Church in Fort Worth has written: We wish Seijin and Joshua Godspeed in their momentous adventure to spread the Gospel of the common bond we all share as children of God. Their mission is particularly critical at this moment given the mass killings in Nigeria on Christmas Day and the religious insensitivity and intolerance which continue to keep far too many people from living the abundant life for which Jesus the Christ came into the world. Contact: Laura Lea media relations HSA UWC Unification Church of Texas

Monis - They look wonderful Rach, and wow, no mess? When I let my kids go at the craft table, they are so happy, I can see so many sklils being practised while creating. It is so wonderful, but I really don’t do it enough. Gorgeous, really gorgoeus. x

Idayu - Apr14bashanta raj i think its duty and where ever you the Islam and Muslim are a kind of threat its prveod because of their agrishive behaviour and radical thinking so its not a big deal its natural for me the media have nothing to do so they these non sensce issue as a news. as i know indian media house are the home of propoganda for their business news

Valeri - You know, you can also consider that the woman we see isn’t the main sujecbt at all! Think of what those people on the train all see: they’ve been laughing at this man, at his idea that love exists, at his declarations that anyone would ever want to reach out and connect . . . . and here is this woman, proving him right. Yes, it was only a sketch but those people on the train have also learned.

Fiston - Your take on it is very probable. However, for me I sort of felt this rahetr plain, middle-aged woman may have resolved herself to being alone. She went day to day not seeking or hoping for love, assuming she’d never find it or maybe thinking no one would want her. Then this happens and she is confronted with her own desire to be loved. She is exposed. Her heart does yearn for love after all. Even though you may see this as humiliating for her, it’s actually a wake up call. She surrendered to the idea of love. It’s sorta uplifting, actually.

Gems - Well, it’s early January and I have just found this artwork…it made me think of summer and I had a huge smile on my face! How beautiful and inspiring.

kids flip flops - I really love the artwork. I think doing this artwork with my kid’s will be a nice bonding with them.

Perkey - I love it! It’s so adorable artwork with much colorful ideas.
It make me get some inspiration ^__^
Thanks for sharing…

שיווק באינטרנט - Amazing butterfly tutorial. Blog is very informative and useful. I like it. I never found a great and amazing tutorial regarding butterflies.

Thriftymommy - We’re making this soon. We got the Martha Stewart stamper and the paint at Michael’s last week using our 40% off coupons. This week we’ll get the canvas. Thanks for the idea. 🙂

Krista from The Playdate Crashers Podcast - This is beautiful! Love it!

Beth - Those are beautiful!

Abel - My daughter will love this! This is so much fun and so pretty. Thanks for sharing.

Julie Hickey - Meg, my kids and I did this craft today and they LOVED it. Turned out great and we sort of, um, have two canvasses that look like total copy-cats of yours! (ie: one is turquoise and one is yellow, the third one is royal blue). Thank you for posting this blog! Can’t wait to make more art with the kiddos.

Karen - This is so cute. I’ve been looking for some inexpensive and cute artwork for my daughter’s room. We may give this a try. Thanks for the idea.

Katrina - I was fully inspired by this project. If you’d like to take a look at what we’d come up with you can find it here: http://katandcompany.net/2011/06/28/craft-night-collage-disks/
Thank you for the inspiration. I love Craft Thursdays.

Amy | She Wears Many Hats - So fun!
And yeah, mine have been out 2 weeks and I’m still not ready.

Carolyn - The butterflies look fantastic!

Gina - PERFECT rainy day craft for my girls, THANKS!

ghada - Nice

Carin - This is such a fun project! I saw it over here last week and just knew my 4 year old would love it too. Just posted about it today, with links here:
http://createdwithlove.typepad.com/created-with-love/2011/06/half-term.html

Carolyn - This craft idea is fantastic! And looks like your girls enjoyed it also.

Faith - what a great idea!!!! I bought all the supplies this week and am starting the project now!! how fun! the only thing i’ve been having trouble with so far is the water colors. what brand did you use? because the color ones i have will hardly come out on the paper!! i think they are crayola. please help and let me know what watercolors are best for this project!!

Elaan - That’s an excellent craft! I might have to do that with my nieces… and nephew – hmm… is there an insect punch too?
What kind of paper did you use?

Blaire - This looks so fun! I am making one this week with my niece. Michael’s has all the supplies on sale this week too. Seems like it was meant to be. I think I am most excited about having one to hang in our bedroom. (The canvas comes in a two pack, YAY!) Very exciting! Thanks for sharing.

hire a web programmer - Beautiful crafts. Great going excitement. I was also a keen planner of art and crafts during my school life. Hope Those days can come back once again in my life.

Denine - We absolutly loved this craft.
All my kids except the teenage boy made one, I loved it so much I made one myself.
Thanks for a great blog.

Sarah - I came across your blog using stumbleupon…and let me say how inspired I am! First of all, this craft is fantastic and I think I will have to plan to do it with my step daughter next weekend! Secondly, you are a beautiful woman with a beautiful heart and beautiful kids. May God’s blessings continue to pour into your house and life – and thank you for the inspiration and motivation to strive for a little more today 🙂

Iris - I have been a lurker for far too long on your blog and have never left a comment, even though I love many of your posts/ideas. I LOVE this artwork and have included it on my project to-do list! Fantastic! 🙂

Jennifer Lundqvist - i never comment, but i always read. and i just wanted to thank you for the smiles… i always leave your page with a smile on my face.

www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmlGCOwwabE1fYswWy2kEMtGAD9tIxZvUI - Absolutely beautiful!! I cannot wait to make one of my own, and have each of my kids make one too (doing the happy dance in my seat right now!)
Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.bethhorn73.blogspot.com

Cindy - LOVE THIS SO MUCH! And yellow is soo cute! I think we will do this with a funky green color. Thanks for the idea and the daily giggle. I much enjoy reading your blog.

Jaime - Those are GORGEOUS!!! Love them!! And love yellow. 🙂

Crystal - Oops, never mind. I see it now. 🙂

Crystal - Gorgeous!! Is that scrapbook paper? My kids would LOVE to do this.

Trina McNeilly - This project is so cool… I love it and def want to try it this summer and speaking of summer. Our just started this morning and I think I”m already going crazy. Oh boy I’ll focus on the good like the list you made above.
xo Trina

Julie - I love the butterfly artwork. I went today to Michael and was able to use coupons and some of their bonus coupons to get the supplies. I am anxious to do it, but I think that I will wait till I can have a mother daughter day, and my husband and son go do some boy stuff. A friend of mine loves butterfly so we may make one for her as well. Thanks so much for sharing!

Jaime A. - Meg –
I haven’t left a comment in awhile; shame on me.
This here is your official invitation to come do Craft Thursday with my kids, each Thursday this summer. I can’t imagine the flight would be too bad from AZ to KS… I could have you home by dinner. 😉
My favorite thing about this project?!? Remembering all of the projects that have come before it – the kids have grown (not just vertically, but also skillfully!)
Your summer posts are my all-time favorite!!

sarah - my favorite craft yet!

Phoenix_Rising - Where do you put all the older artwork? Things like this craft are obviously nothing you could ever part with.

Beth - Hey Meg….I love this project and went and bought one of those martha punches on ebay. Living in a small town and good ways away from any store that has crafting items. I can’t wait for me and Lexi to make our summer list also. Thanks for sharing all your great ideas!

erica - love this – filing it away in our summer to do pile.
on another note, thanks to you, we (as in my awesome husband) made the watermelon shark today for my son’s graduation from prek. it was the hit of the school picnic and according to my hus, it was pretty easy. i had the easy part, placing the gummies in mouth!
thank you!
(if i could figure out how to share the pic with you, i would LOL). but, it’s so darn cute!

Amy - I’ll be stealing this idea to use with my girl guides in the UK – they will love it!

Jenn Thomas - Love it! I might over to borrow that punch – would look cute in London’s room or my bathroom. Great ideas you keep finding and sharing. Hope to see you around some time.

kristin - tell annie that yellow is my favorite color lately. she did great. : )

Amanda - Wow, I LOVE this! I am SO putting this on our list! And I am definitely with you about not being quite ready for full time mommyhood, although I only have one in school all day. Luckily I have in-laws that love to take them out of town with them 😉

Southern Gal - Amazing.

Tracie - These are beautiful! I can’t believe your kids are done. We don’t get out until the 17th of June! My son finished preschool last week and we’ve been struggling to find stuff to do. I too am looking forward to sleeping in!

aubrey - I love this project, expecialy this canvas colors. How could Annie not love that yellow? It’s so fabulous–it reminds me of your dining room lamps’ bases.
By the way, what shade of paint did you use for those? Was it spraypaint? I want the same shadeof yellow for something and was so disappointed in my Home Depot’s options of yellow Rustoleum. I want to add a little sunshine to my home.

alicia @ la famille - i LOVE this craft with allll my heart! gonna have to add this to this craft list this summer!

Kat - Gorgeous!! Wonder where I can get a butterly hole punch in Aus? Hm.
While you are heading into summer hols, we are heading into winter here, which is much more heavy going.
Enjoy the sunshine, fun and hanging with the kids. (I hope you can get some down time in amongst this to stay sane too!!)

the.mrs - love love LOVE this! Totally doing it.. a flower one would be cute, too..

Beth - These are so cool!!! I love that you do these things with your kids. When I told all my classes to “keep doing art” this summer, I knew for sure that your kids definitely would!!! Thank you for that!! And the owl is so stinkin’ cute — and the note 🙂 Thank you!

BeckyB - So beautiful! Am I too old to make one for myself? I think I’ll do this with my nieces – we often do your crafts! Thank you!

Becky - This is the second time I have seen this craft online, and I can’t tell you how much I love it! Are you going to hang them in a room? I’d looove to see pics of them hanging!

james - i am so going to have to get some punches. i’m sure my two year old would love to paint some paper too.

Tina I - Not crafty at all, but might have to try this one. Perhaps I’ll add it to OUR summer list. I knew we weren’t the only ones who made one!!!! Looking forward to sleeping in, fireworks, pool days, the zoo, the children’s museum, and the beach with my hubby and 5 kids, but like you, not sure I’m quite ready for Friday afternoon when that bus drops them off for the last time this school year!

Anne - …and by gosh people like you!! Happy summer! I’m going to add this craft to my list of fun things to do with the kids this summer. Cuteness!

HopefulLeigh - Love the butterflies! What a cool project.

Cathy - I love the butterflies! I pinned this to my For the Kids board on Pinterest. That way I won’t lose it.

shauna reed - love the butterflies friend!
i think i saw that craft somewhere too..couldn’t remember where though….
yours turned out delightful!
maybe one of your best!?
i am gonna do that for watercolor wednesday this summer for-sure!
can’t believe your kids are out!
cra-zy.

lori - I posted earlier about your process for your lists, but please ignore. I snooped around your blog some and found your summer lists from previous years. I think I got your summer list confused with maybe a birthday list you have done in the past or goals for the new year.

lori - I quit my job in December to be a stay at home mom and have loved being with my soon to be 3 year old daughter during the day while my older boys are at school. My soon to be 5 year old finished school last week and my 15 year old finishes Friday. I’m looking forward to summer, but I am a little anxious about it…what activities we will do, how I will cope with sibling rivalry, etc. I love the idea of your lists and have started jotting down things I would like for us to do. I would love to make my list colorful like yours. Mind sharing how you do it? Thanks!

Dee - Love this. Totally making these with the kids Friday afternoon.

julia - I love this craft!
Obviously I missed the opportunity to make a ton of money. If I had the idea for that hole punch thingy. It’s always annoyed me that you can’t get to the rest of a page with those things.

Laura Gentle - First I want to say that I love, love, love your blog. I read it every day.
Please enjoy your summer with your children. I work full time and have to send my son to day camp at our local Rec. Dept. He really enjoys it, however, I carry a ton of guilt not being able to spend more time with him while he is out of school.

Kimberly Dial - You’re good enough. You’re smart enough. And doggone people like you! 😉 I can only imagine you & your kiddos will have a fantabulous summer! BTW, this just might be my favorite craft of yours. My grandgirlies, who dig butterflies, will love it too. Thanks for sharing sweet Meg!

Kimberly Dial - You’re good enough. You’re smart enough. And doggone people like you! 😉 I can only imagine you & your kiddos will have a fantabulous summer! BTW, this just might be my favorite craft of yours. My grandgirlies, who dig butterflies, will love it too. Thanks for sharing sweet Meg!

myrnie - I’m always impressed when I see moms handing glue guns to their babies…..I can’t even handle a glue gun myself!

Courtney Walsh - Super cute craft! I am making a summer list too–I have a friend who always does that and I just love the whole idea! 🙂
I’m worried for the kids to be home all day–afraid I’ll fail them with my crazed “to do lists”…I blogged about that today, actually. Hopefully I can just chill out!!
PS I HATE hot glue because I always burn myself and it never seems to hold for me. You are a brave soul!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - That is a great craft! Believe me, enjoy having your days to yourself while the kids are little. For some reason as mine grow older the house is constantly buzzing. I have 2 college students who still live at home and between their work and school schedules there is always someone home with me…not that there’s anything wrong with that ?!

Midwest Magnolia - Melissa Lewis - This is such a fun idea for the kiddo’s. But so pretty for me to look at too. I love all the color! Color makes me happy. What a cute idea:)

Catherine Arnett - I’ve just been casting about for a kids craft to do during our openhouse this weekend and this is it! So bright & fun.

Drea - pinnned!!!!! awesome!

amy d - those are so pretty!!! i may have to make one too!

sarah - I’m adding this craft to our summer list. I love it!

Cindy in WA - I LOVE IT!! I’m going to copy it. 🙂 It will look great in my daughter’s room in her colors! I even googled and printed a 40% off Joanne coupon! Thank you!

Staci - “….and gosh darnit…people love you!!!!” heeeheeee Love that SNL 🙂 My kids are out on Friday…only two boys…but they are still loud…for 2 1/2 months…but I am ready…I say, BRING IT!!! I am soooo ready to sleep in…I’ll make sure the pantry is stocked with cereal for the kids when they get up at 7:00 🙂 heeheee Oh yea…the butterfly art is GORGEOUS!!! Sooo making these this Summer! Thanks!

tiffany m gardner - today was feeling kinda down. recovering from having the stomach bug in my house…going through us all…me twice for 2 weeks! ugh. then…tomorrow…major dental work…for me. double ugh. today checking in with you as usual and saw the butterflies (which is something my son so loves) and the craft made me smile. i can always count on you for that. thanks. 🙂

Rebecca W - SUCH a cool craft!! One day i’ll have to do that!

Maria - Love this! I have wanting to get some of those Martha punches….this seems like the perfect excuse to get one…such a cute craft! We are definitely adding it to our list of summer crafts…
The boys were out since last Friday, and although I do miss my quiet days, I do not miss early morning alarm clocks…we have all been sleeping in…especially with our late baseball nights lately…
Love summertime days at the pool and Popsicles…

Terrie - So Pretty! No kids in my house, but I think I’ll make one with fish for my craft room! I’m all about the crafts.
You will do fab as a full-time Mom this summer! While sitting out in the sun on Sunday afternoon, hubba and I started making our summer-to-do list. I think he liked the idea. I think my brother’s family is making one too! Look at how many people you are influencing with your great list idea! I think that you will become my new ‘Oprah’…now that she is done! LOL!! (Even though the last 2 weeks are the first in a long time that I’ve watched her!!)
Remember…happiness is only a Sonic Happy Hour away!

Jessica Kujawa - love your list. a few years ago we started making a summer fun list and i just told the kids that we would work on ours this weekend. i adore this project and am making my list for joann’s today. wondering if you are going to do craft thursdays again this summer…so inspiring!!!! my kids and i love to “follow along”. happy summer!!!! deep breaths! lol

jeny - b e a u t i f u l

Shana - guess what?
I’m going to have K make that craft!
I like it. Pretty. Colorful. And she would totally dig it.

kat - THOSE ARE GORGEOUS!!!! we may have to try this one, my girls would love this craft! thanks for sharing!

ashley jensen - I will trade you 3 months at home with kids and you could come work in my office Monday thru Friday 8-5 plus(fill in the blanks)? No. Dang. But that is a super cute project and I love love love using canvas for different projects.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I love, love, love those ! I definitely see these in our future!

Jes - everything u do is beautiful, and so inspiring!!
I loved the pics from your photo sessions (an aspiring photogr. myself) and such beautiful families must make it easy 🙂
I loved the butterfly art, the yellow canvas reminded me of the beach(cheers to Annie!)
I have used some funky scrap book paper and hand cut butterflies stuck (using zots of course) to big white Chinese lanterns we hung outside. But i love the idea of cutting them from your own painting 🙂 This is something I could see my two year old and twelve year old doing together!

Mindy Harris - gorgeous art. i really love the idea for all ages and wouldn’t a wall full of a ton of them be so beautiful?
you will do great this summer. thanks for the heads-up on what’s yet to come (wilder is 2, story is 1 so we have awhile).
love to u.

Kirsten - HA. You make me laugh. A lot. Thank you!
I am really looking forward to summer (we still have three weeks of school left) – but dreading summer boredom. I will give myself your pep talk. 🙂
P.S. Love the craft. Totally stealing that. A boy can do butterflies, right? 😉

Sarah Wolfe - Agreed. This may be my favorite craft of yours. Maybe we’ll do it this summer? What would be the boy equivalent? I’ll have to think about that! 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - New Favorite.

stephany - I LOVE this craft! I will be making some of these and giving them as gifts…
My little guy gets out of school tomorrow. It was his first year of school…and my first break from him in 3 years. I was still home all day with his little sister, but the break was nice.
I am excited to spend our first “summer break” together.
I, too, have plans to make our summer list this week.
It includes a lot of the same as yours…although we don’t have lightning bugs.

megan - loved the craft! looks beautiful! can you believe my kids still have 3 more weeks of school.
that is good and bad! can’t wait to see you summer 2011 list!
megan

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - Oooh Love love love the butterflies!! So beautiful!
I’m not ready for summer either….but then again I am. It’s nice having all these quiet moments without the kids, but then I love summer…the sun, the warmth, the fun, etc. I’m just not ready for th fighting, crying and whining over not having anything to do.
So, I can totally see the mixed feelings. I think we all have those! By August we’ll all be begging for school again LOL!

Denine - I just came across your lovely blog thanks to “Matthew Mead” summer magazine. I ordered it online off of Stephanie Nielson’s blog.
Your blog makes me happy.
I love rainbows, infact there is one on Stephanie’s blog today.
This is a beautiful post, my kids get off of school every thursday at noon. This will be a fun activity for tomorrow.
Thanks for being you.
Denine
Canada

Heather - Ha! I homeschool so the only difference between summer and “the school year” around here is that we are less structured in our time together. You CAN do it – and you will love the time you get to spend with your children. Especially Annie – is she growing up way too fast or what???
I LOVE this craft! I am not crafty at all, but my daughters are very crafty and they would LOVE to do this one! I think I may just have to do it for them! REAL art – not “junk” crafts – I like it. 🙂

Cyndi Hamilton - Hi…Cyndi again…when I followed my blogspot link it took me to someone elses blog. Not sure what is going on with that, but here is my blog.. http://acharmedlife08.blogspot.com/

Acharmedlife08.blogspot.com - I think this will be a perfect project for our rainy days!! Thanks for continuing to inspire me. Can’t wait to hear more about the craft weekend.

Leah - Wow, I want to run out and do this craft now! Thanks for the inspiration! I’ll be going to Joann’s very soon. Good luck with the summer.

alaina - Meg – These are so BEAUTIFUL! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! And must do at my house!!! Tell Talby and Annie I think they did an amazing job and I would absolutely hang their beautiful art in my house! That turqouise background with be so pretty with an aquarium theme…maybe a starfish punch (do they even make those?).

Denissa - How fun! I need to do one that is boy themed..don’t think they would be into the butterflies! haha 🙂
My boys are out on Friday and I’m not ready either, right there with you! We’re going to be making a summer list this year, hopefully that will give them some motivation for not fighting! ugh..

Linda - Love this! I saw it on pinterest and went out to buy the butterfly punch so we could do it. Now, I’m really excited to try it!

karen - Loveeeee this! I’m Pinning it! Are you on Pinterest? Your boards would be so cool!
Oh..good luck with the kids being home!!

sara's art house - LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - I think this is my favorite art project you and the kids have done!!
Mine don’t get out until June 21st…boo!! Plus we have to move this summer 🙁

Linda - Love this craft! It could be one of my favorites that you have done. Wow your kids get out early. We still have more than 3 weeks. Happy Summer to you enjoy your last day of quiet!

Shannon - Love the colors on the butterfly art!
I’m sending you good luck for your summer with the kiddos. You always make it fun, just be sure to share your fun ideas with us so we can get through summer too 😉

Georgia - Im going to make one of them pictures for me!!!!
That would look schweeeeeeet in my bedroom!
oooooh 3 months off for summer!? can we switch i’ll come ‘play’ mum for 3 months and you can come work in car rental in the uk.. lol

april - go meg! you can do it!!! RAH RAH RAH!!! how was that? hahahah
ok so that canvas is like the raddest crafts ever!!! If I had girls i would totally do it! Well maybe they have a boy cut out i could use right? I will have to do some research on that….:)

Alissa - Beautiful butterfly art! Will definitely do this with my kids this summer!

happygirl - I used to LIVE for summer break. School was our nemesis. The ENEMY. Enjoy the watermelon and fireflies (I call them lightning bugs). Love the art. You are SO clever. 🙂

tara pollard pakosta - pretty craft!!!
WE need to do our summer list again and hang it up where we can be reminded of it!
I know how you feel about them being gone all day and then no time for YOU! but think of me this year, mine had attended public school all the way up until last year and then CRAZY ME decides to homeschool this year! 5th and 4th grade, what was I thinking???!!!!
and now we all loved it (them more than me) and they are thriving, so we have to keep doing it!!! UGH! no time for me ever again!
tara

Kerry - I saw this craft on one of your linkies recently 🙂 Its too flippin cute! Both girls did soooo well, defo will get my Three on it next week during the holidays. you know what stuck out at me about what you’re looking forward to? Flip Flops – oh sigh, I luurve my flip flops! haha! Cant wait for your summer list for some inspiration x

Vanessa - We did the summer list last year, thanks to you! It was such a hit! Can’t wait to get out the colorful markers and get busy with the kids on that!

Katie - Love the Art!!!! My kids will LOVE this!!!
Yes I need a peptalk too! I went to my thinking spot yesterday and cried out to God for grace for today, this week and this summer! I sure do need his help! I want to be a fun mom, a happy mom, an engaged in their world mom!

Stephanie - LOVE LOVE LOVE the yellow!!! Tell Annie that her butterflies *POP* out beautifully on the yellow background!! WAY TO GO!!! I will definately be whipping these out sometime this summer – (when my to do list disappears! – it will disappear someday right?)
Thanks for sharing – love your creativness!

Lynn - I read your blog everyday (almost!). Everything you say about being a Mom and, especially these words about summer, I totally identify with! I often feel like such a bad mother for my thoughts, but reading your words makes me feel like I’m not alone! I’m not usually this corny, but my kids will be out of school in June and all I keep thinking is “what are we going to do all summer?” I have four kids 12 to 6 years old and the oldest does not get along with the youngest (both are girls). My boys are like two peas in a pod even though they are 4 years apart.
Anyway, thank you for saying what I feel and making me feel better! I love your crafts too!

emily@remodelingthislife - I gave my daughter’s bathroom a makeover a couple months ago and keep meaning to finish it off with this exact project that I have seen around blog land but I keep putting it off. You’ve inspired me to just do it. These look so great and will be the perfect finishing touch to my little girl’s butterfly bathroom.
Your girls did a great job!!

Mindi - Love the artwork!! I read your blog daily and love love love it!! You’re such an inspiration! We will be doing this art!! Also, last year we copied your summer list and all but one thing got crossed off and my kids have been talking about this years for weeks!! (my son doesn’t get out of school until next week… we have to make up 3 calamity days due to all of the snow)
Thanks for all the fun!!!

Tam - OMGSH! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the butterfly art! I want to make one for myself! Good luck with the summer, you are an amazing Mama!

Marisa - My kids will be all over this. Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

andrea - Today is the last day of school for my kids too. Sigh. I totally agree with you – excited they are going to be home and yet know I will miss my quiet time. BUT have really missed having Eian home since he started kindergarten this year! LOVE, LOVE, Love the butterflies! We are totally going to do this!

Tiffany Kraght - i am in love with this craft. we are going to do it today!! really, i’m getting my clothes on and we are headed to joann’s!!!! thank you so much for posting this! it’s AH-MA-ZING!

Lisa - Love, love, love it!!! Gorgeous! You should sell some on you Etsy store. Original art by Talby and Annie. 🙂 Tell Annie I <3 the yellow!

Jenna - This is beyond cute! My little bun in the oven won’t be able to do it for a while, but nothing is stopping me. Off to the craft store!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Sarah B - I’m not crafty or artistic…I wish I was. I was always the athlete who doesn’t understand art. My daughter is an artist, like for her birthday it is gift cards to Michael’s artist. She prepares art projects for when her friends come over, for when MY friends come over. I always stand back and watch. BUT I love this one. I am definitely going to have to surprise her with this one…she will love it, I will love it…we can do it together. And put it up in the house..or even better, a gift for Grandma. Thanks for the idea!

Steph - Oh Meg, you make me smile! I love the pep talk! I am going to give myself the same one! Love the art… I am having art day at our house once a week or so with the neighbors, this one will be perfect! Thank you for the inspiration!

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - VERY cool! must have my niece do this the next time she’s over

Wendy - I love this! My girls would have a blast doing this.

jill - i was totally just thinking of your summer list this morning! we are going to make ours soon, too! thanks for the fabulous idea!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - love their artwork. I can totally relate to the tears. SOmetimes life is so unfair for these children of ours..haha:)
xo,
Sarah

Holly - Mine get out tomorrow! I am excited! I have seen the butterfly thing before. Love it! Tell Annie that I think the yellow is beautiful!

Sarah@this farm family's life - Planning my trip to JoAnn’s now. Love this!
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

Laura Phelps - OUT OF SCHOOL????????????? ALREADY!?????????
WOW
I was just at church, thinking about how much I LOVE that I started to go to daily mass…and then I realized…
KIDS ARE HOME IN THE SUMMER!
I might lose that sacred hour…
but yes
sleeping in
no lunches to pack
…good stuff is ahead
and funny…
I just (as in a few weeks ago) painted a canvas all green…then let it sit…with no plan..
me thinks I need to buy a hole punch now…:-)

Margie C - I LOVE this idea. We will have to do it this weekend. Thanks:) Summer will be awesome:)

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Really really love this idea!! I’m looking forward to your summer posts…!!!
Gemma x

Cindy - Simply beautiful! I’ve been wanting to make something like this with my girlies for awhile now too! I think you just inspired me to jump in and get it done! Our walls couuld use a burst of color around here!

Sherry Cartwright - Beautiful wall art!

Chrissie grace - Ha! I just bought the canvases and butterfly punch too! We are having a mini art camp at out house in June and this is one of the projects! I love it!

Necole - My girls will love making these. Summer list, holy moly I need to get working on that.

Trish - oh my this is by far my most favorite art project that you have done! (i love them all, but this one is almost going to make me cry… happy tear!) i am so doing this with my girls!

deborah@applesinwonderland - love the turquiose AND i love the yellow. together? smashing combination:) now i need to go to joanne’s–thanks meg. love summer–and flip-flops, watermelon, sleeping in, birds chirping, the smell of grass, an iced cold oberon, fresh strawberries, tomatoes from the vine….ah, love summer. but, i need a pep talk too. it’s full-time-all-the-time mom-mode.

amy b. - Love the artwork!! it looks like something that would be on etsy! Gonna have to try that one myself. Oh, and to finish your quote…and gosh darn it, people like you!

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photos

hello people.

i have been taking pictures again.
and i am loving it.
one picture from each of my first five sessions of the year…..

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it's going to be a FUN season!


sona bran - “Would love to know where to find out about how to pose people and how to get those lovely natural smiles. any help?

Tiffany - these are good, u should come to PA. i think i ask u that every week. i think u should give photography tips, look how happy those kids are!

Emily B - These are lovely! So happy for your good and busy photography season. What a blessing to get to do something you love and to help provide for your family! Great work!

Lori Danelle - Ha! I grew up with Craig! Fun to catch a glimpse of his family.
I’ve been waiting patiently to see your “official” photos post workshop. Love them!!! Great job. 🙂

Sugar Mama - Great pictures and happy looking faces!

Emily - Love Brody’s pic…can’t wait to see them all!

Tammy @ The Sabourin Family - Beautiful! Oh how I wish we lived closer. My family needs to be captured like THAT. Great job, Meg. 🙂

Michelle from Australia - 3 options:
1. The cutest people in the world get you to take their pic?
2. You are the world’s best photographer?
3. A combo of the above?
Great pics Meg!

Keri ~ Forever Folding Laundry - Just checking in to see if you guys are in an area affected by the tornadoes. Hope you all are well….

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - beautiful pictures!! you are such a grand inspiration! 🙂

Kerry - yay.. that means SUMMER is on its way 🙂 Beautiful pics Meg xx

lauren - yeah for picture time!!! i love seeing your work… and it is so fun seeing how much you have learned and grown as a photographer… inspiration left and right. 🙂

Tracey Garcia - I love that the baby girl only has one sandal on
http://garciamania.blogpspot.com

Tricia - Meg: I think that your pictures are wonderful and I’m glad that you are enjoying the process so much! Isn’t it a great feeling to be able to do something that brings so much joy to your life?
On a different note, I am trying to spread the word about a wonderful quilt raffle to benefit Joplin, MO tornado victims. Please check out the beautiful quilt that Dana is giving away at http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/
Have a wonderful day!

April M - lovely!

Amanda - You know the Stutzman’s! I live in Georgia and have been following your blog for a while now. I really had no idea where you were from. Imagine my surprise when I see my college roommate in one of your pictures! It really is a small world!

Valerie Page - Love these photos. Oh, how I wish you would come to Las Vegas and take photos of my family.

happygirl - Gorgeous pics. My hubby bought me a new camera, but still not an slr. 🙁 So, I’m trying to learn how to rock the automatic.
btw, I’m blogging on gratitude if you’d like to stop by.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Love it! I wish I had your mad photog skills. But alas, I do not.
xo,
Sarah
Last Post: It Happens Every Time
http://handbagsnpigtails.blogspot.com/2011/05/it-happens-every-time.html

Sarah@this farm family's life - LOVE them and you can tell that you have fun doing it!
http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com

Penny - I wish you lived closer or I lived closer… You do beautifu work.

Shannon - What beautiful families and pictures!

Jennifer - Beautiful…especially the one of the little fella staring up at you with those beautiful blue eyes and that cute spiked hair! Oh my goodness…so precious. 🙂

Holly - very nice!

Melissa - Beautiful! I love the bricks!

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