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Category Archives: family fun

easily entertained.

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sometimes we put the sprinkler under the trampoline 
but somedays are just too hot so we just soak them straight on with the hose.  
🙂

 

Mindy - Ah, summer the way it was meant to be…

Christine - My kids do this ALL the time. So much fun!

Tiffany - Love that! I bet right now you’re thinking the trampoline was the best investment ever!

Emilie - wet trampolines are the best! Happy Summer!

Angie - I remember doing that as a kid. So much fun!

Dawn Gross - Rainbows! Looks like they’re having a blast!
Dawn
dmg314

Alison Joy - Fun! Do you have a go yourself sometimes?

tracy fisher - i love the rainbow they made! precious. -tracy

Elaine - Love this! I just spent the afternoon laughing with my girls while they played with the hose, trampoline, slip and slide and a bottle os dish soap….I love the simple things in summer:)

Anne - They look like they’re having a grand time! I’m concerned about the safety of jumping on a wet trampoline, though …

Tracy - Love the rainbows going through the photos!

Sabrina - I totally used to do this when I was a kid! Hours of entertainment and laughs!

sharon - Theres a rainbow in almost every picture! The first one the rainbow is going right into annies head! That is so cool!

Heather - My kid used to love to fill up a bunch of water balloons and jump on the trampoline with them on hot days.

Viktoria - I wish we have that kind of fun!

angela - brings back so many memories!

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Good, old fashioned fun is always the best!

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in the summertime….

i have had a week filled with laundry and packing kids, driving kids and planning when they go to camp.

i was looking through these pics and this song came to mind…. 

i had to go to itunes and buy it of course.

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next week is when we are all home for a full week.

i am going to have to do some planning.

 

don't forget to enter the TREX OUTOOR FURNITURE giveaway!

i pick the winner tomorrow!

 

 

Laurie T - What camera are you using? Do you have a favorite “go to” lens?

Stacy - The kitten in the grass stalking the chickens is the best!

midwestmom - I also love the kitten stalking the chickens! I’m wondering how you put the words and arrows and flowers and such on the photos? Also was wondering about roasting veggies like someone else. Love your photos. Wish I could capture our summer fun the way you do !!!

Kerstie Pederson - Ok… Wicket stalking the chickens…. BEST-PHOTO-EVER-!!!!!!

Tracy - I love summer!
And I love your photos so much, too! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Katie - Dumb question here: I was wondering what kind of vehicle you have for 5 kids? We just had our 5th and our oldest is almost 9…we still fit in a minivan but not for long:)

Kristine - Ok fantastic photos as always….but Wicket and the chickens? Hilarious….I would love to see the next few pictures of that!

Jen - I love all your pictures, but especially the ones of you and Annie, Talby and Craig, and you and Craig. Looks like a great summer!

beth larson - you are THE BEST photographer! I love all these, but I too am in love with the kitty and chicks pic!!

Lynette - Love the picture of the kitty stalking the chickens!! Would you put that in your store so I could buy a copy of it?

Jen - The picture of the kitten and the chickens KILLS ME!! So funny!

Rach - I am hoping that some of these activities can help mark off some of your summer list. 🙂 I’m exhausted just looking at them. I feel like we were just looking at your icy snowy pictures just yesterday. Time is flying by.

Michelle - Hello! In one of the pictures above there is a print with the saying the glass is half full. I have done several etsy searches looking for a print I like with this saying with no luck. Would you mind mentioning who the print is from or anyone else reading this who knows??

Fran - Very unique and interesting ,plus great photos. Love The deck products and furniture.

Marthajd@msn.com - Omgoodness! The pic of the kitty stalking the chicks is a hoot!, it just quacks me up! You should tweet it. Hahaha ! Cracked myself up with that one! 🙂

Christie - Such fun pictures!!!!!!! I love them all!

Tiffany - I love your sweet little family, and seeing all the sweetness through Instagram makes me smile. Continue to enjoy summer!

Ann - Love the picture of your kitten stalking the chicks!!

Linda - Fun and everything looks so sunshiny and amazing!! Happy Summer!

Kerri - I love your photos! So cheerful and bright! And I love your entry way! Happy Summer!

Gina - I know that you’re life is far from perfect but when look at your pictures and read your little snippets of life it just makes me happy!! It make me want to go back in time when my two were young…kinda. 😉 Thank you for sharing your life and family with your readers. 🙂

Lisa - Fun just fun those pictures are wonderful, all of them. The one of the kitten stalking the chickens and Waffle’s tongue and nose just make for the best pictures.
Thanks for sharing!!

debbie lynn - Awwwww…all of that just makes me smile….
the song is also the perfect summer song.
How do you make your roasted veggies? They look so delicious!
Have a fabulous day!

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running errands

we dropped sean at his friend's house the other day and went to run ONE errand.
but then as we drove by the thrift shop there was a cool mirror in the window…
so we parked and went in. 

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they picked out books…

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checked out the furniture….

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i was very tempted to get these chairs.
very.
but once i got closer i saw they both had a rip so we passed.

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annie legit got upset when i said no about buying a 2000 piece puzzle.  
im not crazy…

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then i wanted something to eat so we went for groceries.

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i rarely give up the task of pushing the cart but i did that day.
(is it just me or can you not think clearly in a grocery store withOUT pushing the cart??) 
i knew my girls wanted to push… i always wanted to when i was little. 


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they wanted bob marley drinks…

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look at how cute this baby ice cream container?! 
it's teeny.

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self checkout is always their favorite.

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they always sign up for the giveaways.
always.

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it was happy hour.
so of course we had to stop at sonic next.
it's practically mandatory.

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we delivered the new fabulous thrift store mirror to the craft house.
what color should i paint it???

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i ate my lunch while annie cut scraps and talby read her "new" book.

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annie continued on her quilt from last week… it's coming along quite nicely.

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SO CUTE!!

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we stopped at the farm store and ended up holding puppies.

we headed to walmart for a few more things.
and i look over at checkout and seriously see this…
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she said "Michael Jackson DIED?!"

i guess i haven't kept her up on pop culture. 

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and one more farm store…. where we ended up leaving with four surprises.

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fun day of errands with my girls.

we picked up sean on our way home and craig pulled up at home the same time we did.

all those little moments make up for great memories.
even at the grocery store.

 

 

Racheal - I love that you take pictures of everyday moments! I’m really trying to get better about capturing the seemingly mundane times because those really are the best memories. Do you take your camera with you everywhere, or use your phone?

Mindy - How did you ever leave without that sweet puppy?! I have a soft spot for Dachshunds – our daughter has two mini’s.

Linda - what a great day. You almost make me look forward to taking my kids on errands. But I have boys I don’t think its as fun with boys. The mirror is awesome I vote either yellow or green.. I’d usually say turquoise but you have one that color. Question for you. Were these photos all taken on your phone or do you take your DSLR camera everywhere? Oh and a side note I wish my thrift store was as fabulous as yours!!!

Vonda - The mirror, turquoise or fuschia!!!!

Kate - No paint! Gold, gold, gold!

Barbara (WA) - My mom had chairs exactly like those! Memory has been majorly jogged!!
http://northislandcottage.blogspot.com/

Kerri - oh my word! Can I just tell you that I spent a good part of today reading almost a year’s worth of your blog posts! I discovered you when Becky mentioned Craft Weekend on her blog but I teach full time so I couldn’t keep up with reading blogs. Now that summer is here I have more time! I am going to save my money and come! Also, I can’t believe Cathy from MA attended Craft weekend last year. She lives in the town next to me and I just discovered her the other day from Shannan’s blog! Becky was the very first blog I ever read! I could just sit and read your blog all day,lol! But I am sure my 4 and 5 year old girls would probably not like mommy to be on the computer that much! So happy to have found your blog!

Debby Graber - You’ll like this, Meg. We were talking the other day and mentioned something about Mindy and adopting her at 3 months. Sophie looked at me and said “Aunt Mindy is adopted??!!” Yes, from Korea. Guess she just fits in!! LOVE!

lauren - the best. “michael jackson died??”

Lisa M. - I think you should paint that mirror sunshine yellow or the color of your sandals in that same picture!

Tracy - How fun! I love days like that with my daughter…my boys not so much haha 😉
I think you should paint the mirror the green of the sandals you’re wearing! I love green 🙂

Jeri - Paint that mirror a bright turquoise! My vote anyway. Do your kids not fight on errands? I walked my girls out of Hobby Lobby yesterday because of their fighting. Seriously, I hate running errands with my kids.

Colleen - What a fun Mama you are! Sounds like the prefect day!

Dena - I vote for turqoise for the mirror 🙂 it’s lovely.
and I think you should name your chicks name your chicks after things you did that day… thrifty, sonic, grocery store name, etc.

amatson@usg.com - I love to run errands with my two kids. If I pay close attention I learn alot about them in a short amount of time.

Jenn - Three things…
Annie looks exactly like you – in that Sonic pic she’s your mini me!
I become a confused mess in the grocery store if I don’t push the cart…what is that about???
Love the thrift store find! A bright coral color would be fresh and fun, but whatever you do your magic touch will make it awesome!

Gemma - I love days like that too! Relaxed and simple yet busy!
Much love,
Gemma xxx

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Yes, you’re right all great memories for sure! Love, love your new mirror. I’m thinking yellow! but whatever your do, it will look amazing I’m sure. Happy summer to you and your family. My fave time of year yippiee!!!

Lori Austin - Fun, simple days are the best aren’t they?!
Love that mirror for sure (and love how the girls are framed in it).
Oh and that puppy!!! 🙂

Southern Gal - Three things:
1. Annie looks so much like you!
2. My 14th birthday gift was a dachshund puppy much like the one in the picture except her ears were as long as her face. We had to hold them up when she ate. Lady Tiffany “Tiffy” was her name. She died when I was 25. I miss that dog so much.
3. My grandmother had chairs just like that with avocado as the main color instead of the yellow. You took me back!

Kristen - I always enjoy following along on your adventures. Makes me want to move home again.

Siobhan - Prayers for her and for you to have peace. Cancer sucks so much.

Tiffany - I just got news that my friend (and Olivia’s preschool teacher) is losing her battle with cancer. My heart aches and I want to cry. (But am holding back now so the kids don’t see.) I wanted you to know that for the few minutes I take to read your blog, my mind is transported to a happy place. Even something as simple as looking to see what your running errands looks like. It’s a perfect distraction. Thank you.

Mary Jo - Annie looks exactly like you! I need to push the cart to think clearly as well. Shocked you didn’t come home with a puppy and seriously what does your husband say when you keep coming home with more chickens?

Heidi Jo the Artist - I bet your girls will remember that day of fun! The little things I think are what our children will remember most.
I think you should paint the mirror lavender! But um, yeah, not sure you would go for that… I think a nice peachy color would look great too. Or yellow? You can never go wrong with yellow. But probably depends on what room you put it in… If it is a room with a lot of yellow, I would go with a different color. 😉

Christie - Oh, what a fabulous find!!! The mirror is darling!!! Your pictures are amazing! Enjoy your day! be blessed.

anita - If you made that made that salad please share a tutorial because I never have a salad look that good.

Suzanne Gallagher - Mirror is awesome!!! I think I would paint it a high gloss black 🙂

Andrea in AK - Hmmmm…at first I thought yellow. But then I read other commenters saying turquoise and/or red. Any of the three…that’s helpful, right? 😉

Mark - When I was little, I once took an egg from a farm because I desperately wanted a baby chicken. Alas, it never hatched. You just skipped that step entirely and cut right to the chase. Coolest. Mom. Ever! 🙂

Su@TheIntentionalHome - I think those were the exact kitchen chairs I grew up with.
Your thrift store is so organized. I am a tad jealous.
The mirror. . orange! Well more like a melon color. I found a great oragnish coral color at Lowes. . in their new paint sample summer collection. . called Sonora Rose. . just painted my bedside table that color. And love it so much I am thinking of painting my dresser that color too.
Fun cherry post. . thanks for sharing.

Caroline - Orange red would be great too!

Caroline - Fun/busy day!!!! I would lay painters tape across the mirror about one inch thick and stand right above and spray painted it *lightly* with mint blue color. Take the tape off and you’ll have some cool stripes. If it doesn’t look good, then just paint over the stripes, but I think it could look real cool!!!!

Julie - Fabulous mirror – how about crimson. Never see these in op shops in NZ.

rachel - adore the mirror and love your dress. 😉 as for paint, i would got with turquoise.
rachel
http://wildflowercreative.blogspot.com/

Maegan C - Do you still have your other chickens and just go some additions? Cute!

CHD - I recently discovered your blog and am glad I did. Your thrift store looks amazing compared to what we have in NZ. The mirror is great. I’d paint it yellow. I have a thing about yellow at the moment, but any bright colour would look good.

Sue - I’m pretty sure those chairs were part of the “dinette set” we had in our kitchen when I was growing up!

Shara - “Michael Jackson died?” Um, that made me giggle!! A lot!! Love all those little chickies and your patience letting them sign up for give-a-ways!!

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - I loved this post – great snapshots of a day with your younger girls. It brought back so many memories of running errands with my mom during the summer as a kid. They would usually end with a trip to the library to pick up an old yellow Nancy Drew book.
I can’t believe how big you’re girls are getting! It feels like just yesterday you were posting about Annie and she was just this little thing. They’re growing into such lovely girls. I especially love the picture of them in the mirror taking a photo of you. Too cute.

jeanie - That mirror is golden – literally and figuratively! And the baby chicks so sweet. Great photos!

Alicia @ La Famille - you’re gonna have sooo many chickens!!! lots of eggs 🙂 love your random posts like this.

Shannon - Love errand running days especially when it goes smoothly with the kids 😉
I would paint the mirror a mint color or maybe turquoise!
What a fun day.

Lori H - Love that mirror – I would paint it turquoise. And I can’t stay focused in the grocery store when I am not pushing the cart!

heather e - ooooh, that mirror is fab-u-lous! I would paint it a really bold color like red, or a burnt-orange. looks like you had a nice day with your girlies!

Meredith - i could see the mirror staying the way it is but if i had to choose i see turquoise or orange!

Michelle Whitlow - Love days like that! And that mirror is FAB!!! I would paint it yellow!!! And then maybe distress it a little 🙂

Barbara Smith Wilke - Always enjoy your blog, but rarely comment– so lazy ha!
Your errands are so fun and cheery!! Awesome find on the mirror– I would say don’t paint it! I think the goldfish color could add a nice contrast to the painted bits and pieces at your neat house(s) 😉
http://Www.barbarasmithwilke.com

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summer.

it's here!!!
i am so ready to just relax.
sitting in the sun… nothing going on.
i think maybe that will happen next week.   

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annie and i were talking on the patio and suddenly we realized we were being spied on….

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scott FINALLY let me cut his hair short… i have been begging for months.

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my kids were super helpers getting the house ready for craft weekend last week.
i am so glad they are getting old enough to pitch in.

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the chickens gather where ever it's quiet.
funny.

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we have a new kitten… she is named Wicket.

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waffle was so over excited about the kitten.
he couldn't stop panting.
for hours!

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they drew the kitten.

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there were only enough peonies left for one vase but it was worth it.

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talby is as tall as her kindergarten teacher! what a difference five years makes.

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waffle took a few days to get used to the kitten.  
but it's looking good… he may not eat her.

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softball has started for talby and annie. 

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peaceful way to start the day…

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our cousins came for a visit!

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chasing chickens and jumping on the trampoline is so much fun.

all these girls in one house is always loud and crazy.
always.

 

what is going on in your summer so far?

 

Tiffany - I had my last day of teaching today, so summer will just be starting for me! I’m excited to write up our summer fun list. Will you be posting one? I missed it last year.

Meaghan - I have been following for a while so i feel authorized to answer this. Ha ha. The craft house and the farm house are in different places. I believe they said they moved to the farm house to be closer to the kids school but i could be wrong. I also know that they are renting the farm house so it is not permanent but also not short,term. 🙂

Lindsey - Your flowers are beautiful!
I am not in the swing of summer yet. I still need to go dig out shorts and tank tops.

Lori Austin - I just love your patio. So inviting. Looks like a wonderful place to share a meal with family and friends.

Tracy - I’m with you! Summer, I wish you’d never end!!
We still have activities and a bit of a schedule, but it’s much more laid back. And not every day.
My babies (twins) are turning 14 tomorrow. 14!!!??!!! I can’t believe it. I will have 4 in high school next year. Send help!

Seamingly Sarah - Oh I love peonies! I wish I could smell them through the computer right now. The only downside is the ants and spiders that come inside with them.

Gemma - That food looks so good! Are you going to be doing a summer list this year? It would be fun to compare it to years ago now your kids are much older!
Gemma xXx

Susan @SugarBeans - Just found your amazing blog; so creative and free- Lovely! We are hanging by the pool this summer and getting our senior ready for an eventful final year of high school. Just trying to relax with my 5 kiddos and ENJOY all that comes our way!
Blessings…

Heidi Jo the Artist - Looks like you guys are enjoying the “farm” life! So far, picnicking, gardening, camping, and just exploring new places. It has been good, really good. Hope you guys enjoy your summer together. It sure does fly by, doesn’t it!?

beth larson - I want to be your friend and neighbor…real bad! loved all the pictures.
Meg, I’ve asked this before- but haven’t figured it out- is the craft house on your farm or at another location? If I win the lottery I’m going to try to come to it some weekend. Looks like a dream come true. : )
xo

Susan - Love all the pictures! My daughter says she will explode if she sees another picture of Wicket! She says she wants that kitten so bad it physically hurts her to see it….drama much? Good thing you live far from Fort Worth!

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - I L O V E summer too. You spend it the way we do. I might just take a trip to Kansas and take that adorable kitty cat. Soooo precious!

Victoria - Love the colors on your patio! Beautiful.
We had our first real lazy day of summer today – make our bucket list, made stepping stones and read books.

melodee - beautiful pix, and that kitty is so adorable!

Rachel Reeves - Love this. Love your pictures. Love your life.
Love you.

stephanie - That has got to be the world’s most beautiful kitten! I have never seen eyes like those!

Lisa - 1. That very first picture is gorgeous! So many bold colors. I love it!
2. I’m not a cat lover but that kitten is too cute.
3. My kids still have 5 days of school left. I hate school at this point. Please just be over already! 😉
4. Looking forward to a relaxing schedule this summer. Lots of play time. 🙂

kerry - Our summer holiday only starts at the end of July until 3rd Sept here in the UK 🙂 Spent a few minutes catching up on your blog – it’s such a happy place to visit, like chatting with a friend! I’m always amazed how you just Get.Stuff.Done – with a whole lotta pizazz thrown in too… how dooooo you do it! let me in on the trade secret!! hope you all have an amazing summer 🙂 Kerry xx

Jeana - We are in the middle of 2 boys in soccer, and I’m planning tons of reading and pool time! Yay! Your pictures are beautiful as always. Your kitten is precious. We just had to put our kitten down yesterday. She ate something that got stuck in her intestines. So sad!

CathyC - Our summer has not started yet. The kids go until June 27!!! Yikes!!! Looking so forward to it–beach, pool, beach, pool, repeat!!!!

Southern Gal - Catching lightning bugs and a going away party for my oldest boy. Looks like fun at your house.

Mia - Summer starts next wee for us. Am envisioning lazy pajama mornings, afternoon swimming and a tub of ice cream each night. 🙂
Love your patio and all of the colors — so festive!

Seriously Sassy Mama - We have basketball camp next week. Our list is full of fun things to do.

Lori A - It’s not summer here quite yet. Last day of finals tomorrow. Oh, and the weather hasn’t gotten the memo that it’s June here. North of Chicago and it feels more like April.

Kimberly - Oh and that kitten? Totally adorifying!

Kimberly - Summer… it’s still a few weeks away around here, although I did spend a couple hours on the deck yesterday and have the pink skin to prove it! Our kids have a week and a bit left of school and then we’re home free! Now, if only the pool would start to warm up…

Marsha Kern - I love short haircuts on boys! I made your Mom’s margarita’s this weekend! They are so good! Thanks for sharing!

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friday

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this is probably my favorite picture of the year so far.

i can't stop looking at it.

 

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we now have a hedgehog living at our house.
it is from the pet store.
it is pokey.
it is also very cute.
it's name is Percy.
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while we were all admiring Percy suddenly annie shouted "HEY IS THAT A TURTLE IN THE YARD?!"

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it was.

we brought it to the patio and enjoyed it for awhile.

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we took lots of pictures of it.
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we introduced the turtle to Percy.
they both were completely uninterested in each other. 
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and then nature time was over.

the turtle went on his merry way and percy went back to his home in laurens room.

later there was pie making by lauren.
which is always nice surprise. 

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this shirt is from Moxie Clothing Co. and i love it!
my family got quite a laugh out of it.
(they are working out their shop details… you can find it sometime over here at houseofbelonging on IG)
 
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we were discussing freckles at the track meet and annie asked "do I have any freckles?"
ummm….yes!
just a few.

lauren made it all the way to State in Track!
she competed today in Javelin. 
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we were so proud!
it's pretty impressive to watch those girls throw!

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pretty flowers when i stopped by the craft house today.

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i took my little girls to see Epic this afternoon.
it was very pretty.
the graphics were stunning…. i can't believe they can make animated movies look so real!
your kids will like it.
and you will enjoy it enough just looking at all the details.
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i had to pull over again tonight because LOOK AT THAT beautiful sky!!
i am crazy for a farm sky all of may and june in kansas. 
we ate little caesares pizza on the patio.
the kids jumped on the trampoline while i started working on th is blog.
it was a very nice day.
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the summer list is not done yet.
we are working on the rough draft still.
what i am most excited about tonight?
nothing on the calendar for this weekend.

N O T H I N G

i like that.
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Deb Meyers - Lauren has such pretty and capable-looking hands.
deb meyers

Kristin S - I keep going back to this post. Love it.

Kate - We loved epic! Very cute!

Melissa - The slug in Epic was HIlarious. Love the freckles. My daughter was convinced for the longest time that she got hers from drinking too much strawberry milk.

Michelle - Did you paint the little bit of blue on the turtle shell? We do that, too (but we use red nail polish) so we can tell if the same turtle visits us again.

Seriously Sassy Mama - I could use that beer.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - So much Lauren! I love it.
And that hedgehog. Please don’t show Calvin.

Lisa Biedebach - Meg:
How do your flowers do in the galvanized buckets once it gets hot? I love how it looks.

Stephanie - You make me miss Kansas with every post.
Lauren has gorgeous hair. I’m in love with the pic of dad and daughter.
Annie is a cutie.
Your blog is cheerful and lovely.

Mindy - Such a cute little hedgehog (but not as cute as that girl attached to the freckles)! I had no idea people kept them as pets. And I love that the turtle just showed up to visit.

danielle - Now I want a hedgehog…

Lisa M. - This weekend we are working in our yard. Good stuff. We’re ready for some color after this dreary winter.
Your flowers are so beautiful! I have been admiring them these past couple of posts. I also do mostly containers and I have been taking some cues off of you this year 🙂 I have a question maybe you can answer since you seem to paint alot of things 🙂 I have and old galvanized tub that I think used to be used for canning. Do you think I could paint it? I was going to poke holes in the bottom and use it as a planter, but I’m concerned I will ruin the inside of it if I put soil in it (some might say I’m going to ruin it if I paint it!:). If you have time, I’d love to hear your opinion! Thanks!

Mac - The hedgehog and turtle are too cute ! Thanks for sharing all the beautiful photos and Happy Summer !

Lachalle - You can tell Annie I once heard that freckles are kisses from angels. My daughter has quite a few too! Super cute hedgehog, although I don’t think I would be a brave mama to allow one in our house . So brave and open to let your kids have all those opportunities to them , awesome shirt as well.
~L~

Tracy - We have nothing on the calendar this weekend either. AHHHH! I’ve been looking forward to this w/e for months! Schools out. Graduations over. Quiet. 3 day weekend 🙂
It’s nice to see Lauren on the blog 🙂 Beautiful pie!

Melissa Hillier - So much Lauren in one post!! I love it! She’s grown up so much!
Love the pie. Can I borrow her?

Lisa - I love turtles and Percy is adorable! Curious what the blue mark is on the turtles shell? Enjoy your weekend. We have nothing this weekend too!!! So glad. 🙂

SmithShack71 - Awesome day!
🙂
Angie

Jill - Nothing better than a weekend with nothing planned. Enjoy! I noticed how lovely Lauren’s hands are…. I have a thing for hands. She is beautiful! And… farm skies are gorgeous… up here in Nebraska as well!

Annette - Lauren has the most beautiful hands! Strong and graceful at the same time.

Southern Gal - That is the cutest hedgehog. He looks like a stuffed animal. My daughter is getting goats;the boy’s name is Percy Cedric. 😉
I notice you have LightRoom to edit photos. I have a question. Do you use the same size/pixels, etc for blog photos that you do for those you print? I have blogger and have to use 800×800 and I use less pixels. Then I find I have to redo them to print. Am I missing something?

Lori H - I am in love with Percy! When my son was in elementary school, his friend brought a hedgehog to school when his mother read a couple of books to the class that featured one. Adorable.

angela - I love a post like this! Highlights of your week with pictures…gorgeous pictures!!! I know you are so proud of Lauren! She is a beautiful girl and so talented! What a blessing!

Sara Torbett - Lauren’s pie looks delicious and fancy. Percy makes me eeeeeek 🙂 Daisies and farm skies are heaven on earth. I never knew how much I would fall head over heels in love with the farm/country life. Yet here I am. 🙂 I picked up a turtle once on our farm and tried to drive it to my classroom, back when I used to teach. The crazy turtle escaped in my car and was about to crawl under my feet! He was hissing at me and everything. YIKES. No more turtle catching for me…
Enjoy your lovely weekend….I worked on my blog the same way you did tonight. So I’d say we’re both off to a great start to the weekend! 🙂

laura @ luckypennylove.com - I didn’t even know you could have a hedgehog as a pet. So cute. And that sunset….gorgeous. You make me want to sell it all and move to the wide open land. With grass and sky. We’re working on our summer bucket list too! Yeah summer!
laura @ luckypennylove.com

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smiling.

this week has been packed.
but school has ended for four of my kids.
i plan on sleeping in tomorrow…. FINALLY. 

nevermind i was just told i need to give a ride to the last one in school.

darn.

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talby wanted rainbow cake for school but we settled on rainbow cupcakes instead… quicker.

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we finally let waffle outside while the chickens were outside.
together.
it was… decent.
he was very curious and probably would have been naughty if we weren't there.
but he won't ever be with them without us there so we should all be fine.

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"who's a good boy? who's the best dog?"

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their last day to ride the bus because today i drove them in… and we were even late!
i was going to take them for donuts but they said "can you make pumpkin muffins instead?"
umm… and not have to get out of my pajamas or brush my teeth?  yes please.  :) 

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the peonies have juuuuust started to bloom around here.
they are each so incredibly gorgeous. 

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on tuesday i took the entire day for myself.
no one else.
just me… because i knew that school was almost done and my alone time would be gone soon.
i searched the mall for a swimsuit….
i tried on no less that 75 suits.  i kid you not. 

and finally FINALLY they have started selling suits based on your BUST size.
thank goodness.
what a brilliant idea someone had!
because out of 75+… i picked one… based on my bust.

and check out how hip and with it JCPENNY looked yesterday?!
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i was totally impressed.

 

i got home from my swimsuit shopping and these cows were eating across the road from the house.
i am so happy to see them back again.

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living out here is beautiful.
everywhere you look! 


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talby got this paper at school and took a LOT of time  coloring it in.

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lovely.

 

school's out.
we have a Summer List to make.
i am so behind on laundry.
and sleep.

what are your big plans coming up this summer?

 

 

tara - I tried on suits last Monday….took my 6 year old daughter with me…mistake. epic.
she laughed…not because she’s mean, but bc the sight was hilarious. 🙂
I finally landed on land’s end…black tankini. love it…and I never love a bathing suit.
glad you found one.

Jenny B. - Where did you end up buying your suit? I need one, and my bust is usually the deal breaker. Underwires? Yes, please. 🙂

Shelly Massey - Aimee… the girls have school for FIVE more weeks?! I cannot decide if that’s awesome or terrible.

Jenna - Oh that dirt road looks like home! I’m spending the summer with my baby boy and could not be more excited. And because of that baby boy, I need a new swimsuit. 😉 Where is yours from?

kate@stillroomtogrow - i too was in JCP recently and was super impressed with them! what happened? They have got it going on for sure! happy summer!

Alicia @ La Famille - we are moving to a new house and decorating that…doing lots of projects! yay!!

Katia de France - Je me décide enfin a vous donnez Un petit bonjour de France. Je suis depuis quelques temps ( environ 1 an) votre blog. Je le trouve merveilleux vos photos sont si belles et les week-end craft ohhh!! qu’est ce que j ‘aimerai avoir la possibilité d’ en faire moi aussi…
Et je voulais vous remerciez de tout ce que vous partagé, de vos créations, vos idées, vos tranches de vie et même votre buanderie…. La moindre des choses était de vous dire que vous avez une Fan en France.( Et mon mari est un fan de Waffle!!! )
Je suis maman de quatre filles âgées de 9 ans à 2 mois, nous vivons dans le Beaujolais au milieu des vignes, je ne sais pas si vous connaissez…
Nous aimons partager des moments créatifs ensemble et bien d ‘autre chose…
J’essayerai de vous laisser des commentaires de temps en temps.En attendant je souhaites à vos enfants de bonne et belles vacances…
Pour nous il va falloir attendre encore deux mois, les enfants ont pourtant hâte.
C ‘est avec hâtes que j ‘attends votre prochain post qui me donne temps d’idée…
En espérant que votre traducteur fonctionne bien.
je vous souhaites une Bonne semaine soyer heureux.
Katia

colleen - we are in CT.. we had hurricane sandy and 36 inches of snow in February…. my kids don’t get out until well june 27th….thank God!
good luck… love this post.. you don’t seem at all anxious, just relaxed and happy…. as they are saying nearby to me in Newtown…. may you have an Invincible Summer.

Shannon - We still have school for another 9 days!! I can’t wait for a 3 day weekend and sleeping in. I LOVE your pictures they always make me so happy, the bright colors in every picture is amazing.
Happy Summertime to you!

holly - I love your posts!! Your blog is wonderful!! I love your house pictures and Kansas looks so beautiful! I was born and raised in California. Its all I know! Your blog posts always inspire me!! I would so love to come to one of your craft weekends@@ Waffle is adorable!! Happy Summer!

Whitney - Kansas looks so beautiful!!! I must come to a craft weekend 🙂

Carrie - This is the first summer that I have to work and I thought I would be ok with it, I am not, I am so not. I am a teacher and I recently switched to working as a preschool special ed itinerant teacher. I only work 2 days a week for 4 1/2 weeks this summer and I am whining about. I need to stop! I have 3 weeks off in the beginning and 3 weeks off at the end of the summer. We signed my 5 year old up for swim team and we joined the pool. We will also spend a large amount of time at a local arboretum and Longwood Gardens along with the library and end the summer with a 2 week trip to the beach. Then my youngest goes to Kindergarten, sigh.

Cindy - Yeah for taking a day for yourself!!! Just curious, how do you make rainbow cupcakes? I have never made a rainbow cake but I would guess that it is made in
different layers with each layer a different color. It is finally warmer & the sun is out here in Nebraska. Have a wonderful summer!!! Hope that you get to sleep in sometime soon & get rested up.

Becca - Going to London and Paris with my daughter, it’s our dream trip and we are finally going in June. Yay us!

stephanie - siiiiigh….I love peonies…and Kansas. I want to move back.

Seriously Sassy Mama - Our last day is today too. Tomorrow morning we are waking up and having breakfast at IHOP where we will have a meeting and discuss out summer to do list. Then, we are going to watch Iron Man 3. I was very excited until they just started yelling at each other over the play doh.

Kelly - I also want to know who sells swimsuits based on bust size. It has been a problem for me as well, especially this year.

Tracy - As of yesterday, all 4 of my kids are out too! YAY! I love summer! 🙂

Barbara - I was in JCP a couple weeks ago yes they have changed so much better and your town is just a sight, love the cow sticking her tongue out so silly.

Lindsey - I love all your potted plants in the pictures – they look gorgeous! No fun summer plans yet. I was going to make a list then decided I would wait to see if you posted one, then go off that! Ha! But seriously… post it. 🙂

Rachel Reeves - My one plan this summer: RELAX and be PEACEFUL! {out side in the kiddie pool, of course}

Kristin S - Clearly, we all want to know. This 34DDDD wants to know. Who sells swimsuits in bust sizes!?!?!?

aimee - what Shelly said! You make me miss Kansas, too. I have five more weeks of packing school lunches and getting my caboose out the door on time!

colleen from alabama - Where do they sell bathing suits by bust size? Are any of them cute enough for a 13 year old? preferably a tankini? I have a 13 who is a size 2/4 and has a 32DD bra! I am an AA so I am in totally uncharted territory. For right now she is okay with swim team suits. But I know that won’t last long. Would LOVE some help!

Shelly Massey - Ahhh… your photos made me miss Kansas. (I grew up there, but I still get to visit all my family there, so YAY.) And that’s a whole lotta hip packed into one space at jcpenney. After seeing your post, my big summer plan is to go to the mall to steal that banner from Sears.

Melissa - Love that you live in the country – someday I will. JcPenny has become quite hip lately it seems

beth larson - I loved your blog post today….. I soooo want to come to one of your craft weekends some time Meg, and am so curious- is the house you use for that on your farm?
p.s. I want some chickens….. are they really messy to have around?
the sun is finally, finally shining here today in Minnesota and it’s making me feel like a new woman!
xo beth

angela - Kansas is gorgeous!! Reminds me a little of our North Carolina…so green!!! I was just thinking yesterday about making a summer list!

Mary Peterson - Good Morning! Thanks for posting the pics of the beautiful Kansas spring! We’re making our annual trip to McPherson, Lindsborg and Hutch for my husbands family reunion this weekend. We always love the landscape in Kansas! Any place we should not miss while there?
Thanks, I always enjoy your blog posts and pics!
Mary

Su@TheIntentionalHome - so what store did you end up buying your swimsuit at?

Penny - We have a litter of Goldendoodles and Saturday and Sunday are puppy pick days. Nine families will come and pick which puppy will go home with them in a few weeks! Love your chickens and of course we LOVE Waffle. He is the best. Goldendoodles are such wonderful family dogs! Love the cows! I grew up near cows and miss seeing them. I hope your summer can be full of relaxation and fun. What are Lauren’s plans for her future? Maybe you said and I missed it. or maybe she doesn’t want to share.

Martha - Where did u find a swimsuit? I am having same problem?

Jennifer - My friends five year old daughter recently had trouble finding a swimsuit herself…because she said, “Oh, they are all so beautiful!” When did we lose that sense of wonder and decide they all looked so ugly? I wish I could shop the way she does instead of just finding the passable outfit.

misty - we are moving in july {from Tulsa to Stillwater}
my sister in law is getting married to a fantastic guy & my husband, myself & my girls are all in the wedding {I LOVE weddings}
I’m taking a photography class
taking the girls to the zoo, splashpad, movies in the park, riverwalk in Jenks…. we are still making the list {but we have made one every year since 2009 (saw it on your blog} 🙂
The house we are buying is literally my dream home. It is where we had our wedding reception & we have wanted it for over a year, things finally fell into place. It needs a lot of updating & the lawn/landscaping has gone straight downhill, but I think it’s exciting to work on all of it & I just can’t wait to start picking out paint colors.
I’m making a bucket list for my 30’s
it’s going to be a long list…
chopping my hair is on there… i’m nervous about it, so I might make that the 1st thing I do for the summer.
go to a craft weekend is also on there… skydive, grow a huge garden, learn to knit, take a painting class, family music video….. several more things & I think I am going to take the scariest ones & start there 🙂
happy summer!

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class of 2013

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well… she graduated.
we are VERY proud of her.
the ceremony was outdoors and the sky was so dark… even lightening in the distance.
it was nice to not be SO HOT but the weather was very iffy and made me nervous.
as soon as it ended the entire stadium emptied almost immediately.
it was raining shortly after. 

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so we did not get photos of her afterward with friends or with her tassel,etc.
but we got this one really quick before the ceremony.
she got a new dress and looked so pretty! 

 

our party almost didn't happen because of the weather.
there was even a tornado 30 minutes away!
i said "well… it's not a TRUE Kansas party without a tornado watch"

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she requested rainbow cake.
i hadn't made one in a few years…. remember when i first made it?
way back before they were EVERYWHERE.
BEFORE martha stewart.
granted martha's was very professional looking and perfect.
but mine is filled with a mama's love.
🙂
perfection is not the goal. 

it was so fun to make it again.
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we kept the snacks and drink very simple.
and credit to my boys… they helped me big time preparing the food.
they rocked yesterday!
it was "Duerksen Team Effort" for sure all week long.
that was a huge blessing we kept it simple since it POURED hard rain just before the party.
anything elaborate we would have done would've been ruined.

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every party should have a baby.
it should be a rule.
so many of craig's family came by to wish lauren good luck in college and give her hugs.
one great thing about big milestones like graduations or weddings is seeing the family you don't see as often.

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lauren with my mom and lauren with craig's mom.

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it was so fun to have my friends show up to love on me as well as lauren. 
high school graduation is big deal for the kids but also a BIG DEAL for the parents too!
and they snuck off and were cleaning up in my kitchen and doing dishes when i wasn't looking.
grown up friends are the best! 

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although… i prefer babies at parties that are not wearing K-State onesies.
he is so cute that i made an exception.
i was so busy that i never even got to hold this guy! lauren took over as baby holder for this party. 

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family friends that we have had since i was 8 years old came to celebrate. 
(my dad did not get the memo about the black shirt…)

i LOVE that they came.
that is love ya know?  showing up for your people.   taking the time.  it is meaningful. 
it makes me teary.  

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craig was face timing with his sister during the party.
🙂
isn't that fun?  she got a little tour of the party and said hello.  
2013 is pretty awesome. 

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i took an after photo this morning since it was too crazy yesterday.
our new little patio that we put in and all the pots of flowers make this place even happier.
it's so peaceful out there.
my chippy painted metal benches got new cushions. (home depot online)
i used all old pots, buckets and planters i already had to plant flowers inside.
the bunting is the same as what i sell in my shop…not weather proof but who cares.
it holds up just fine.

great party.

i think lauren felt loved.
and that was the most important part of yesterday for me.

 

and now i am going to go sit on that yellow bench.
🙂

 

Lynn - Congratulations and many blessings to you and your family. Your daughter Lauren has such a God blessed sweet spirit. Kudos to you as parents.

TAB - What a lovely party, lovely family and lovely grad. She’s beautiful.

Heidi - Beautiful post all-around. Our family recently drove 8 hours round trip (with two small kids) to attend a family graduation and we were so glad we did!

Rhonda Quaney - She is such a beauty. I can just feel her gentleness from here. Had to pray for your sweet girl. And every party should definitely have a baby. Your graduation party was complete with love, darling-ness, ….and the baby. Thanks for sharing it all.

Barbara (WA) - What a special day beautifully done! Time flies (my sons are in their 30’s now). Have a great after the big event weekend!
http://northislandcottage.blogspot.com/

Kat - I got all teary seeing Lauren so grown up, so I can only imagine how you feel.
What a gorgeous girl.
You have inspired me with your potted colour everywhere. So many beautiful flowers and I adore the pots.
Simple but oh so effective. One of those things that I often think I must do but rarely get around to.
We need some pops of colour on our deck as it is autumn and soon to be winter here in Aus.
It looked like a beautiful, colourful party, full of love.

Whitney - Love your patio, I want those benches!
Second- I cannot believe how grown up Lauren is! Gorgeous girl! I wish she let you tell us more about her life… so happy for you all, the party looked wonderful. Best wishes for Lauren in the future!

Angie - Congrats to Lauren! What a huge moment in all your lives
The party looked amazing. Your rainbow cake turned out just perfect
Wishing Lauren a future full of blessings 🙂

Bree - Congratulations to your daughter and to you all! Prayers for her transition into this new season of life. On another note-new pictures for the shop- yellow daisy picture, flowers with the green chair, and the fabulous yellow chick in the Barbie car! Love it! Happy and blessed week to you.

Barbara - Congratulations HS so many memories made in those short four years, love the patio all of it!

Kayla - Lauren, you are beautiful. You look so happy in your pictures! Congratulations on your graduation. Thanks for letting us get a glimpse of your life….we don’t see you enough on your mom’s blog. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!

Rach - I never knew until I became a parent how emotional all of our children’s milestones are on us as the parents. Our eldest is just finishing her first year in pre-school next week (which I am sure seems like so long ago for you after watching your eldest just graduate from high-school) and I find myself filled with heartache at the passing of such a milestone in her life. There will be so many more of these end of the school year events in her life and with each I will shed a tear as I watch her grow and thrive and get one step closer to leaving our home to become her own person and start her own life. Congratulations Meg on raising a wonderful young woman. May she only continue to thrive and grow outside the shelter of your heart and home.

elisa - I love the pic with your daughter surrounded with older women on the porch. We all need older women to look up too and help shape us.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - She did it!!!!! I remember my HS grad and party like it was YESTERDAY. Weird??
Your party was awesome. You looked so pretty. Lauren, too.
I’m glad your people showed up for you. 🙂
Hope you all felt way loved.
And I was going to tell you that I’m probably going to steal your bunting idea but I figured it was waterproof. Since it’s not, I’m extra-on it!

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Congrats to your beautiful Lauren!

Tracy - Congratulations to Lauren and your whole family! Next year we will be celebrating my oldest’s high school graduation. I can’t believe it! Where has the time gone??
Where has Lauren decided to go to school? I’m in KC and went to KU. My husband went to Missouri. My son is leaning toward Mizzou 🙁 I feel the same way about K-State as you do!!
BTW I love your blog!

chrissi - congrats to lauren. what a wonderful circle of family and friends that came to show their love for such a pretty girl. (congrats to mom and dad too for getting through a graduation day/party.)

Lisa - Such a big deal having a child graduate high school! Congratulations to both of you!

Lori Austin - Congrats to Lauren (btw, she is so beautiful!).
Looks like a wonderful celebration with family.
You bright, fun patio is fantastic.
Container flowers turned out beautiful as well.

Rachel Reeves - It looked special and sweet, Meg.
A day that she won’t soon forget.

susan - Congratulations to Lauren! Love to read about FAMILY gatherings. Memories
to keep forever.
Meg, you have a beautiful family. Blessed by your writing.

Carol S. - It all looks wonderful. Congrats to you and your family. Good things are coming next! Freshman college son just home now and we are enjoying a “new and improved” version of him. After a year of independence, he seems engaged and appreciates of home and our family. Yay! Gotta plant more large buckets of flowers and get some festive bunting…fantastic inspiration pics. Awesome patio.

Tiffany - This makes me happy. I’m so glad you have such fantastic family and friends around you. What a blessing. (And your place looks SUPER cute!) (AND, Martha has nothing on you.)

Amy - I just love everything about you. (As much as I can know from reading your blog for the last four+ years) Except the fact that you don’t love K-State. Oh well. No one is perfect. 🙂
Just kidding.
Congratulations!! The party looks amazing! Your family is beautiful!

Dawn Gross - Congratulations! That’s a big milestone.
Your house looks super cute – patio is lovely.
Glad you all are safe & sound.
Dawn
dmg314

Mac - Congratulations to Lauren and your family on her graduation. Your rainbow cake which I saw on the Poppytalk blog a couple of years ago is what inspired me to start following your blog. It certainly is a great symbol for your happy, optimistic but always realistic blog which I continue to enjoy every morning once my 4 children are off to school.

Kristin S - Beautiful!

misty - congratulations lauren!!! I have been following your blog since july of 2008 & it doesn’t seem possible that your lauren is graduating!
love your seating area & those striped cushions. what a fun party. I alway associate a rainbow cake with you meg! not martha! i think martha must have ppl reading your blog to find out what’s cool 😉
stay safe from this crazy weather! we have been taking cover & praying.

elma - What a wonderful party!! Congratulations to Lauren may the Lord be with her and Bless her!!

The Domestic Fringe - Congrats to your daughter! Looks like a fabulous party. Love the cake.
~FringeGirl

vicki - You, my darling, can make anywhere feel like a home. What a lovely way to go through life. Your daughter is breathtaking. Congratulations family. And friends. And family friends. I firmly believe it takes a village….congratulations village…what a lovely woman you have all raised. Happy summer to you and your dear family. Good luck young lady on what lies ahead.

Pat - congratulations to Lauren on her big day! I must say, that yard looked like the perfect place for a party. I’m a little jealous, wished that was my happy patio!! You guys did an amazing job!

Alicia @ La Famille - congrats to your little girl!!! and your pictures are so happy! glad the weather held up for you. 🙂

Kimberlee Jost - Beautiful.
I am happy that Lauren feels loved, and that you do, too.

Georgia - Love the photos, lauren looks so grown up!
Good luck to her, college next?
I dont know how it works in the USA, as she would still be in 6th form, or college in the uk.. confusing! 🙂 x

Cindy in WA - Congrats to Lauren!!! My oldest is graduating in a few weeks too! Is she going to a local college or far away?

jerusalem - ok, now I am weepy too! I have a yellow glider like yours-it was my great-grandmothers and came here all the way from Mississippi. I love it and I love your little patio area.

Chantelle - Congrats to you all. Lauren is a beautiful girl! PS: love the cake!

Susan - Congratulations to your pretty daughter, Lauren. She will treasure this moment forever. Congratulations to you and your husband. These moments are bittersweet. However, she will still need you both and she will seek your counsel in the days and years to come. Then, one day, you will discover that not only do you love her but you like her! Those are precious moments also. From a mom who has already traveled that road, it seems that you did a GOOD JOB!

lisa currie-gurney - Congratulations to you and Craig.
You’ve done it.
God is good.
So good.
Hugs From My Heart

Katey - Congratulations to the Whole Family!!! My son graduated last year and I will have another one next year. It goes by way too fast!! It’s tough. Tough on everyone. Glad you had a nice party and loving memories of the day.

Terrie G - Congrats to Lauren & You & Craig!! You are so right…it is a big deal for the parents too!
I worried about all of the graduations going on with our crazy weather yesterday!
Glad that you were able to celebrate & all were safe.
LOVED the rainbow cake! And your home was decorated beautifully.
Lauren is growing up into quite a beautiful young lady!
And that baby!! I must say, I had to make sure I was reading your blog
when I saw the K-State onsie..but I thought it was the cutest outfit EVER!! Wink, Wink!!
Hope your week is relaxing!! 🙂
I’m off to buy flowers…well, maybe after this storm passes!
Can you believe I haven’t even purchased one yet this year!

Jennifer - So fun, a day she will remember forever!

sally - Awww, everything was beautiful…Lauren, you , family, flowers, just everything!! 🙂 I love having family get togethers like this at my home over a restaurant or other place any day!! 🙂

Ana - Congrats Lauren!!! Best Wishes for her in this brand new fase of her life. This is awesome. Congrats for you too Meg!! Beautiful party, flowers, cake and FAMILY.

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