Category Archives: friends
this weekend i am with a group of friends…new and old. we are eating all of pam's YUMMY food. fueled by pots of coffee. 5 sewing machines… 10 women… over 100 projects completed so far… awesome. don't worry…we will let you know all the really cute stuff you can buy for water….soon. FUN!!! do you love it or hate it when there are lots of people in your kitchen? i love it. especially when everyone is cooking alongside me. we invited jess, her mom kathy and her sister ann over for dinner after the craft fair it was an all girls' night!
we made chicken enchiladas…using the laptop as a cookbook…how very 2009. sarah was appointed queen of the cream puff squares.
kathy brought some Cora dresses for the etsy girls…they each have little girls at home.
it was so nice for all of us to get time to talk in real life….not just email. the whole weekend was a bittersweet blessing. i read this translation of Philippians 4:13 from Kenneth Wuest in our bible study… Posted on You know, I had a similar preolbm in reverse. I have two boys and the eldest (age 5) is fascinated with cooking, so me and his Mom wanted to get him an Easy Bake Oven for his birthday last February. However, they only came in pink. We knew he wouldn’t care and I really didn’t think it was a preolbm, but it still gave me pause. We ended up not getting him one for another reason (all of the mixes are made in factories that have peanut exposures and he’s allergic), but it still kinda bugged me that cooking was considered a girls-only activity. Made the chicken last night and we loved it. Thanks Made your enchiladas for Sunday dinner. OMG, so good. I couldn’t stop eating (thankfully they’re relatively healthy)! Thanks for sharing. xoxo Meg, I have been reading and learning from your blog for about a full year now! I love your house your craft and your sense of humor! Now I know who you remind me of, has anybody ever told you you look just like Carly Simon? Well, You do! Hey Happy Birthday Can’t wait to make your enchilada’s! They sound so YUMMY! Love the picture of Jess, her belly and the dresses. So encouraging for her. She seems to be so strong. Oh, wow. That last picture totally made me cry. Hope, healing. Wow. What a great post, looks like a blast. I checked out Cora’s playground link you posted, what a sad and heartwarming story. I can’t even imagine what they have gone through. Lucky she has you for support and good times 🙂 how amazing! seriously, that picture of jess’s belly in the foreground and the cora dresses in the background brought tears to my eyes. so much is conveyed in that perfect shot. you have an amazing way of capturing the moment and saying so much in an image. beautiful words. I never get tired of your posts. I just love having a peek into your life. What a fun evening…dinner with friends. That’s why we invest in them, so when hard times and good times come we can hold each other high. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your honesty and your cooking looks good too. So many wonderful things to round out your successful weekend. Happy for you guys. And, I love how Waffle always wants in on the fun. I LOVE YOUR ENCHILADAS!!!!!!! My kitchen isn’t very large, maybe 8×10 of actual moving-around-in-space, but we live with it and make it work. When family come, about half of us will be in the kitchen yacking, never mind that most have to stand. I don’t mind people in my kitchen… unless I’ve been sick and can’t get the dishes done or something. Unfortunately, my kitchen is the next room to walk through from the livingroom. Never have liked that, but oh well. So happy to see Jess healthy and with you guys… she and her family in a lot of prayers! What wonderful time spent all you gals have had. What a blessing it is to me that you share your life online like this. You are such a godly woman and it shows in all you say and do. What a wonderful night with creative, loving women. I need the Lord’s strength daily. Wonderful post. Wow it looks like such a great time! Meg, this is an awesome post…I gave you an Honest Scrap Award so if you have time, link to my blog and participate. I think your girls night looks awesome! I find myself singing the lyrics…I can do all things, who Christ who gives me strength…but sometimes I wonder what he can do through me?? So happy to see the pic of Jess’s growing belly. She’s still in so many prayers. I’m OK with most people in my kitchen…..except the MIL. When we moved into our new place she came over and rearranged my kitchen, insisting I had everything in the wrong drawers and cabinets. I TOTALLY do the whole laptop on the kitchen counter cook book thing. I am going to kick myself the say I spill something on it too! 🙂 Wow, Meg. What a memorable weekend. You have such a wonderfully big and warm heart that makes your home so welcoming. Meg, What an awesome post. I haven’t commented lately but I’m still reading every post! As I read I kept thinking, “man I wish I could have been there!” What an awesome group of women, what a wondeful night… Lauren really captured it and what a wonderful retelling of it!! I don’t like people in the kitchen, but mostly because we are in our first apartment and even when my husband is in there with me, I feel like I can’t breathe. as soon as I recognized Jess’ face in the pictures, the tears began rolling. Seems like a most beautiful weekend! What a beautiful post. I loved that visual of Christ “infusing” us with strength. I should memorize that verse. i forgot to say that lauren is VERY talented!! just like her momma! If I had a kitchen like yours I would love to have all my girlfriends helping me cook dinner! But, the military only gives ya so much room….even with 4 kiddos! :o) really lovely post…. And Lauren is very talented. Thank you so much for the beautiful updates about Jess. It’s amazing how you feel like you know someone when you are sisters in Christ. The picture of Jess’s baby-belly made me cry. I would add “courage” to your list. Such courage. Thank you for sharing such an emotional photo, it truly says everything that can be said. I want to live in Newton, KS! You all seem to be such awesome people. I read your blogs with tears and a lump in my throat. There is a reason the Macs live there. You surround them with love and comfort food. I want to live in Newton, KS! What awesome people you all seem to be. I read your blogs with tears and a lump in my throat. There is a reason the Macs live there….all of you who surround them with love and comfort food! My laptop is my cookbook most of the time, too! How glamourous I must be! My favorite verse from the Bible…Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. I like your version with Christ “infusing” strength! What a beautiful visualization. wow – lauren’s photography is impressive! great job! So heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It’s so wonderful to see that there is such a strong community of people there who can show her that love, and share it with one another as well. Lauren took some awesome pictures this past weekend! i think these are your most beautiful photos ever – for just their beauty and for the story they tell it’s so great the way God worked it all out. it’s amazing how he puts just the right people in our paths. Looks like a great time. I LOVE having my kitchen filled to the brim! Those enchi’s look yum. And I’ve been thinking so much about Cora and her Mama and Daddy lately. My Sister in Law’s best friend just suddenly lost her 6 month old this week to a brain tumor. It all happened w/in a week and it’s just devastating. And yet, we know, God is sovereign. It gets so confusing. I love the thought of God infusing them with strength even today,as they bury their precious Annie. what a beautiful post – sounds like an amazing time for all of you. Beautiful! That verse truely touched me, thank you! lauren took really good pictures!! those dresses are adorable! how awesome that you guys actually got to meet in person!!! Looks like you had a great time!!! Looks like a wonderful time. It seems , i missed the party..haha.. i had the best entertainment for 3 women coming to visit… shopping! we spent the night at carolyn's (my happy place) so we could get shopping much quicker in the morning. it was a gorgeous morning….
all three women bought the locally famous granny's mustard…craig would have been so proud.
and we found some not-so-special treasures.
at the end of the craft fair my friend kerry called me and said "you HAVE to come to this barn sale!"and i was so happy my guests wanted to go too.
do you see why i was in love? i felt like i was on a junk buying high. buzzed on rust and chippy paint. :) here is my take away from a day of craft fair bliss.
yummy. Just curious where is that barn and is it open year around. Your weekend looked like so much fun! That barn sale was to die for! Wish I lived closer. That metal turquoise stool is awesome. Would love to see what you do with it. I enjoy your blog! I also would have cried walking into that barn. AMAZING. I would have died taking pictures there. What a treat! And those Kansas morning shots are amazing! i need me some rusty chairs! I’m loving that green toolbox. That sale would be my idea of heaven too. I have a favourite antiques barn near me that is like that all the time. I only allow myself to visit it about twice a year! WOW! unbelievable stuff! i’m in KC … i’ll have to look up hillsboro. 🙂 i LOVE your finds. those dishes are BEAUTIFUL [the ivory ones] and that wood divider thing ROCKS & i would love to know how you’re going to use it. unfortunately, i almost lost my lunch … my page was stuck loading on the hide & antler photo … *urp* … that kind of stuff doesn’t usually bother me that much, but i guess staring at it for so long, i started to really take it all in. i had to look away. and well … now i might have become a vegetarian. 🙂 Can I just come and hang with you??? I live in Wichita and feel like I could just stalk you….I’m so joking…that’s kind of creepy..:-)…but I do love your style and also live in an old house. Meg, I love how you are able to see beauty in the not-so-obvious places. That is such a gift. It reminds me of how God looks at us. You are able to look at something that others might see as useless or worthless and find purpose and value. How can it be that I live an hour from Hillsboro and have never heard of this sale?! I’m kicking myself. Next year… Seriously… I think my imagination is stuck in your body! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your style. I wish you could help me with my house. I know what I want, but can’t DO IT for some reason! 🙂 Okay…I am officially jealous of Kansas! Hello, it is Annette I have to know if the barn sale was just a one time thing or is it something that is open to the public? It looks like to much fun OOOOh Meg, loved these. That barn would make an awesome art studio…and I LOVE your picture of the chairs lined up with the beautiful background of farmland – the yellow, green and blue…and the morning shots of hay and mist…so lovely. Wow, I would have loved to tag along too! You really picked up some great treasures! And so many people think Kansas has nothing to offer! My heart started beating a little bit faster when I saw your photos. I used to live in Emporia and would drive over for the craft show. Such fun! But that barn sale?! Wow! I’ve never seen one quite like that. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures with us. I HAVE to visit those barns! Where are they exactly? Ooh lovely things, lucky, lucky girls!! Pure Heaven! Wow!! My heart just dropped when I saw the pics of the barn sale. Is it still going on?? I’ll come down from Chicago this weekend!! Oh my GOSH that place rules!!! Ohhh MYYYY!!!! Whay can’t I find a barn sale like that! Wow! I’m from Kansas and now live in Colorado. It’s funny how the things you’ve been searching for are always hiding in plan sight. I so love your blog! You bring a fresh and beautiful perspective to a world that is often times gloomy and somber. Hey Meg – Meg…it’s Jenny from the garage sale. Can you tell me where those barns are…I NEED to go!!! Or at least the contact info? THANKS – Jenny Wenzel You would have to drag me kicking and screaming outta there! The barns look like giant treasure boxes for grown-ups. And how cute is baby Janey? Oh, what fun! All the color – that must have been incredible. Great finds! I will be honest. I am in a grumpy mood this morning. And the pictures are making ME cry. I saw THREE things that I have been searching for. I am feeling jealous and bitter. HOW fun!!!!!!! I’m with Misty…..I only live ONE state away from you in OK….why don’t we have great Barn Places like that??? I guess….we get football 🙂 hee heee (Although…your Jayhawks are gonna give us a run for our money this year!!!! YIKES!) LOVIN’ all the color! Where in the world are those barns?!?! I live close to Hillsboro and could totally find them. Need details – please! 🙂 I wondered if that wood piece was yours at Molly’s…I saw it and wanted it, but then it said Megan on it…rats. Where was the barn sale….I want some of those old chairs to put on our deck. Looks like you had a fabulous weekend….what fun!!! Loved looking at these pictures….I have to bring myself down out of the clouds now. Thanks for sharing! How do you do it???!! Your pictures always amaze me Meg! I love the shot with the chairs in a row and a beautiful field of KS sunflowers in the background…perfect KS! CO is very nice but I do miss KS sometimes! Happy Day! Lovely!!! Yeah, I’ve been looking for a place like that here in Arizona… After seeing your pictures, makes me want to look harder!! 🙂 Lovely!!! Yeah, I’ve been looking for a place like that here in Arizona… After seeing your pictures, makes me want to look harder!! 🙂 Oh my heavens. Where is that barn. I’m in the car. I think I could cry too! What an amazing place you found there…so jealous. Beautiful eye candy Meg. Thanks for the gorgeous pics. I’m so sorry my invite was lost in the mail! I would have had a blast with you guys. my heart stopped beating briefly when i saw your pictures…. Great stuff. I wasn’t feeling bad about missing the craft fair this year until I saw your pictures. And like others, tell us more about this barn sale. All the time or was this a one-day thing?! Love those rocks/gems! Your pictures are great-I went to the Hillsboro Craft show too-drove to Kansas to take my mom to that and the fair. I wish I would have known about that barn-where is it? Sure would like to go to that next time I am in Newton. I’ve nearly cried before, too. No one else seems to understand it. LOVE your finds. I would have been drawn to all the same exact stuff, except for the pink polka dotted tub thingy. (sorry) You got some gorgeous pictures of what looks like a beautiful morning! yep, i think you died and went to junk heaven. that barn is awesome. i would get lost for days in there. great treasures. love the clock!!! having flashbacks of kane county with you…those were good times!!! i miss them and you :(. looks like you had the BEST time. i especially love the old aluminum chairs…those COLORS… Love it all what fun , I linked to you today in my post . OH MY GOSH……Tell me more about this barn sale? Is this place open all of the time or was it just a weekend thing? I so want to go there!!!!! Tell me more! i. want. one. of. those. bikes. That sounds like my ideal Saturday! I need to find something like that around here! Love, K Oh MY! I am coming to visit. What, you don’t know me? Sorry about that detail, but we will be BFFs in no time flat! WHY IS LIFE SO UNFAIR??? I gasped, I cried and then I ate breakfast. oh my! Wonderful! Can I come next time? I wish I could find places like this in the UK. We only have expensive antique shops near me 🙁 I love those 7up bottles. Great finds…I want to shop there too!OMG I have to come to Kansas! You take the most amazing pictures! I love these pictures. They are awesome. What kind of camera do you have? I just started a photography class and I am so loving it. Looks like so much fun! I need to find me some antique/barn yard sales in my neck of the woods. I think it could be a dangerous hobby:) It’s really unfair at how much stuff I wanted to bring home, and couldn’t figure out how to get back on the plane with me. i can taste the lead paint…. OOOOOhhhh, I am dying over the rusty patio chairs!! Oh my word…I am so jealous of all you took away–what an amazing find! I wish they had something like that in So Cal….. It looks like you had a blast. If you have any specific info on the barn sale. When and where, I would appreciate it. My Sister lives in Hutch and I visit her often, we would love to check it out. : ) Ooooo, envious. Such fun! Glad you had a good time! Great shots! Sounds like fun! Julie and I are friends. 🙂 I made the camera strap slipcover she gave you! Hope you like it! 😉 I crack up thinking of you 4 girls who have never met walking the streets of Hillsboro!! Seems surreal!! WHAT FUN!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t been to the arts and crafts fair in FOREVER, need to do it now that we closer. I’m excited for all your awesome buys!! I need an old bench for our laundry room, I bet I could have found one at the barn sale!! good stuff! i would DIE at the barn sale sooo much goodness…hmmm kevins family lives in newton…we might need to consider moving lol what lucky ladies you had visiting you!!! my dreamworld as well. It looks like you girls had so much fun! I am super jealous. I want those outdoor chairs at the Barn Sale…I want a Barn Sale! Next time you hear of one, feel free to send me an email! OOOOH. MY. GOSH!!! I need to get to Kansas!!! Seriously, I think there needs to be a road trip next summer. My baby — and a U-Haul! She’ll be five by then — she can even help carry! (As long as we find something fun for her — she’s good to go for hours, bless her heart!) You make me want to move back home!!! What great stuff! Those looks like really awesome places to buy fun things at. I love that pink polka dotted bucket! All those old bikes make me swoon! I think I need to visit Kansas sometime! Um, yes I can see why you almost cried, cause I was holdin’ back the tears. So jealous right now! Why can’t I find a barn sale like that? i love it- do you know where i can get the ring that says Birthday girls have more fun? What fun! Those beautiful white plates and that pink polka dot bucket are my favorites, you found some great stuff! I really enjoy your blog, it takes me to a happy, comfy place…kind of weird maybe, but who cares, right? we had such a good time with the hill's. i am so glad they made the 12 hour drive to visit us.
"what is there to do in kansas?" you may wonder.
take a look at all we did in five days.
*gave waffle lots of treats
*jumped on the trampoline
*threw the football over the house
*drank lots of coffee
*driving range within the first two hours
*watched NCAA basketball
*played the Wii (they brought their Wii from chicago)
*went on a date…with steak AND a movie
*played Whoonu..abby won
*walked to a german buffet
*played pool
*played foozball
*looked at photo albums of the good ol' days
*went antique/thrift shopping
*played memory, pretty pretty pincess, chutes & ladders, guess who and zingo
*did lots of dishes (dave)
*golfed in the wind
*drove in a very severe rain storm with hail at 12:30 AM
*passed a storm chaser truck in the middle of a storm
*got drubers donuts hot after midnight
*played littlest pet shops
*shot baskets
*went to sonic and saw the waiter on roller skates
*ate classic duerksen meals (stuffed shells, chicken enchiladas, apple pancake, cream puff)
*went for ice cream
*played Sequence two different nights (and the girls WON again)
*had a fashion show
*stayed up really late every night
*watched the office, 30 rock and casino royale
see….just some of the amazingly awesome things you could do in kansas.
i got a little collage crazy over at picnik….
        picnik is addictive!
jenny and dave you are deeply missed.
you can never be replaced.
you can make us laugh like no one else.
you get our humor and we get yours.
you complete us.
🙂
We drove through Kansas on our way from FL to Co; very long state…but in Salina…awesome italian restaurant called Martinelli’s a must to visit. What a great time you guys had! How fun! You girls look beautiful in the dresses. 🙂 Looks like you had a great time! I love spending time with best friends – it never seems long enough. I have nominated you for an award, though you are not required to participate, I just appreciate getting to read your great blog! Whoonu is one of my favorite games. The fact that “making lists” is in that pile means that these people know me better than I know myself. LOl- love the fashion show… are bows big this Spring? 🙂 you’re a gal after my own heart!!!sequence, the office, thrifting…..great stuff. you should get crazy with the collage more often, that was cool! So nice to see people enjoy each other. Friendships are sooo special and you obviously realize and value your dear friends. Looks like you had lots of fun…and in Kansas of all places:) If it weren’t for the martini glasses in your hands you would look like sisterwives. So great! Thank you for telling my about picnik! I think I lost my morning, but I am GREAT with that! what a blast!! love the photos. i am going to have to try picnik for that. sequence is a great game. one of my favorites. how fun………….Now I am calling our bff’s in Peoria and telling them to bring their 5 kids to visit us and our 6 kids…………isn’t it fun??? Well, you certainly know how to make a girl’s day!!! My little fish quilt is one of your happy things???? Thank you so very much!!!! i want to thrift/antique with you! you always seem to find such fun stuff! and, i love, love, love your home! and, you have a sonic, so i could totally survive! It sounds like the best visit ever. I bet you would choose that over IKEA any day!!!! y’all are too cute!! divine in those dresses my dear… DIVINE! i see you liked the picnik chalenge. I am a picnick loser. couldn’t get it to work. tried last night til mid night. gave up. I think I’m going to start using Picnik. Love your collages! Great friends are a treasure! I’ve seen your house. You threw a football OVER it?! Amazing. Waaaay fun!!! I love Talby’s “poker face”! Friends that get your humor are THE BEST! You’re right, there’s no replacing them once they get you!!! Oh yea…and those mini eggs….from your last post…oh man…I can one up you on those…you’ve GOT TO TRY Miniature cadbury eggs….OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!! It’s a good thing they are only around at Easter. (But not so good when you buy 8 bags to stock up to get you through the year and only make it halfway! 😮 ) They don’t have that yucky filling inside…it’s just chocolate and oh my, please promise me you’ll get a bag…or four 🙂 If I knew your address, I’d send you some!!! Have a great weekend…sounds like you might be snowbound!!!! Wow! Can I come visit too? It looks like you had a wonderful and hilarious time together. There is nothing like spending time with great friends! How awesome 🙂 Good friends who get you are key. I just realized that apron says “diet” not “dishes”! LOL!! Works for me either way!!! Those dresses are great! Hey Meg – looks like you guys had a BLAST! I live so far from home and friends/family now that I live in NYC that I LOVE it when people come to visit! Speaking of which – when are you coming? :o) We have plenty of room for you and your family! Come anytime! I’d love to meet you in person and show you the “big apple”! Hugs, Trac~ :o) I discovered picnik a few weeks ago and am in love. (Especially the soften feature. Fine lines? GONE!) Nothing like great friends! Good friends are worth more than their weight in gold. Especially “couple friends”. Love your pigtails. I wonder if I could pull that off. Hmmm… Thanks for the heads-up on picnik!!!! I LOVVVVVVVE THIS INSTEAD OF A PICTURE HERE, ANOTHER PICTURE TO FOLLOW. THIS TELLS THE STORY… AWESOME!!! I JUST HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE IS CORRECTLY. I’M COMPUTER STUPID. BUT I DO HAVE TEENAGERS. THEY DO COME IN HANDY IN EXPLAINING THINGS LIKE THIS TO ME. IF I CAN EVER GET THEM TO SPEND 5 MINUTES WITH ME. oh my goodness…those dress up photos are hilarious! too fun! good friends are the best….and speaking of the best…kailyn LOVES her green flower shirt…posted photos…it is so cute…thank you. you make kansas look so fun!!! my mother and father in law would be thrilled if we moved there (they too live in newton!!) but i dont think they have as much fun as you do lol Looks like a great time! It’s hard to be so far from good friends. But makes seeing them that much more special. looks like a total blast 🙂 i want to have a weekend like that… need to have some friends over 🙂 Sequence iS addicting too. Sounds like ya’ll had great times! Looks like too much fun!! Can I be your BFF from Texas?!? Loved the fashion show!! And the “to hell with the dishes” apron! I really, really NEED that!!! I ADORE friends that “get” you…they are the best and few and far between! 🙂 Looks like you had lots of fun! 🙂 It’s official, I would like to move in. on saturday we were invited to a surprise 40th birthday party for my friend kerry.  she was.
very surprised.
  it was so fun to see her shock
and then scanning the room at all the people there….lots of family and friends.
 then she saw her mom was there!
so much fun.
she started to cry happy tears as she made the rounds and gave hugs.
her husband dan threw her a great party…really good BBQ and comfort food…yummy cake.
 those coconut cupcakes were divine and the chocolate cake had coffee frosting!
i wanted seconds but i had seconds on the pasta and potato salad already.
her family is good at cookin'!
we watched a slideshow of her life in photos.
she was a teenager in the 80's…..need i say more?
 she was given lovely gifts….
   this her youngest daughter…sweetie poo-pie as kerry would say.
kerry has sweet nick names for everyone.
  they had a time of sharing your favorite memories of kerry.
and i wanted share….but i didn't…for two reasons.
1. i have been extra emotional lately and knew if i stood in front of everyone i would cry.
2. everyone was telling wild crazy stories and mine didn't fit.
so kerry….i'd like give my speech now…where i won't cry in front of all your family and friends.
here goes…
pretend i have a microphone…clear my throat..check that it's on…testing tesing….
"i am a fairly new friend of kerry's. we go to tuesday morning bible study together.
i think that she is one of the kindest women i know. she is compassionate of others.
she cares about her friends deeply. she calls and checks on me when i miss our study.
she calls to go for coffee.
she offered to help (offered dan to help) insulate our attic when they had a rain day on the farm.
she loves her family so dearly…her kids are respectful and kind. they always give me big hugs.
bottom line kerry….i really like you.
you are fun and funny and crack me up.
and all these crazy stories of you make me want to know you more.
i am excited for our friendship that is to come….we could get in some real trouble.
i feel blessed to be your friend.
and i promise never to give you a snake or make you look at a snake or talk about snakes.
happy birthday."
good job dan.
holy cow i loved that “facebook in reality” clip. i think i’m the only person i know not on facebook! ha! This is a sweet reminder to let my dear girlfriends know how much I love and appreciate them! Thanks. Awe. Your speech reminds me of how blessed I am to have the fantastic friends I do in my life. And how fun surprise parties are!!! 🙂 Goof reminder to be thankful to great friends in LIFe. I love posts that remind me of what a blessing it is to be a girl and have girlfriends. And if they talk about coconut cupcakes, then all the better. This is awesome!!! What a wonderful way to spend some time! Meg…this is totally off subject. But…do you have any money saving tips; groceries, entertainment,etc? With all those kids I would guess you have learned some things! Thanks! I’m a friend of Kathy and Don Beverlin and I have a question about your photography. Could you email me please? Thank you! In the second photo with three women (the one on the left has an argyle sweater) if the woman on the right is KrisAnn let me know. She looks just like a relative of ours! very sweet speech! this circle of friends you have…AMAZING!! Wow..what a wonderful party…she is so cute and surprise…friends are a treasure! What a great speech!!! She sounds like a great person! That WAS a nice speech–I’d probably say something banal and would be getting weird looks from people. Who would be wondering why I was invited. What a great speech! Now I want to be Kerry’s friend too! i turn 40 this year. i hope to be as lucky as kerry to have a wonderful day and not wallow in “ugh…i’m 40” 🙂 LOVE GOOD FRIENDS BEING LOVED ON. that’s awesome…i’m glad u gave her your speech here…and that kerri is a beautiful lady. Really sweet of her husband to throw her such a nice party w/ lots of friends and family! The food pics. and descriptions are making me so hungry. Looks like she was truly surprised 🙂 How fun and how sweet of her hubby! Brian threw a surprise party for me when I was 7 months pregnant…he told everyone not to yell too loud when I walked in for fear of shocking me into childbirth 🙂 Your little speech to her was so sweet…I can tell, you are such a sweet friend to your “real” friends too! yeah, i was a teenager in the 80’s too. i completely understand. she sounds like a wonderful person. and it looks like you all had a great time. last week we got miss london for the entire weekend!  she was positively delightful.
no crying.
loves to cuddle…even with craig.
slept 11 hours the second night….too long…made me nervous.
she likes to go on walks and catch bubbles in our driveway.
and waffle loves having her here.
 more snacks for him.
london learned very quickly that if she threw food on the floor…he'd come get it.
it was a constant flurry of people and action during her visit.
but we loved it.
 anytime you need us russ and jenn…we are ready for london.
it's a lot easier than actually having another baby.
we'll just borrow yours.
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the cora playground project is underway.
thank you for all your etsy shop suggestions.
my mind is going 100 miles an hour.
i hope my hands can keep up with all the wonderful ideas you gave me.
i can't wait to get busy in the craft room…i cleaned it….that's a start.
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i love your blog iam tryin to get started. and waffle is to cute… I love this blog. Are your countertops zinc? Waffle is sooo cute! Your dog looks exactly like my dog; I think they are twins. I just stumbled onto your site from a recommendation from Lanny at Simply ME. I love it!!! Your house is absolutely beautiful… I look forward to following along with your blog. Beautiful family too:) that wicker high chair is awesome! London is too cute. I am amazed at the size of Waffle. I know everytime I comment I have to say something about him. He is just BIG and FLUFFY. I want one! Love your floors. I mean the kids are cute too, but wow. LOVE those floors. Okay, that sounds incredibly insensitive. I promise I love children. And that video of your son with the tooth drugs… that’s the best blackmail material I’ve ever seen. look at that precious little girlie! and waffle looks like there’s a little more weight in the middle! ha! LOVE your blog- I’ve been a stalker for a while – your family is beautiful and you have a way with words and pictures- and I just love reading it everyday! I didn’t know Waffle was THAT big – love him! And he’s so stylish with a little turquoise hanging around his neck. 🙂 Sounds like a fun time with Miss London. it’s like she was the ~star~ of the day for everyone! waffle looks so goofy big 🙂 How cute? Love your blog and your family. Borrowing babies is fun. We do that with the nieces and nephews often. Love them and then send them home! I absolutely love Waffle. We have two Golden Retrievers. We will be breeding our female with a standard poodle very soon. So we may have a bunch of little waffles too! Lauren looks so peaceful/in a good mood/loving in the picture of her and London…that sweet little baby should come around more often, might do wonders for Lauren… I am coming over from Simply Me…what a fun blog…I think I may be here to stay:)! London is adorable! Waffle is almost as cute! He looks like a huge muppet. This Lazy Mom loved getting a dog when my kids were toddlers. Tootsie ate up all the crumbs off the floor. And with toddlers there are tons! she is getting so big. her blue eyes are beautiful. i bet you all had a great time. that’s the best way to have a child, for the weekend, they you can send her home. I thought for sure I’d be the only one to fully appreciate that high chair…wrong again. What a find! And it’s true, Waffle is ginormous! And it’s also true that London is a gem. I love her name. I love your house. When we buy a house, I plan on it being a combo of your house and Nie Nie and Mr. Nielson’s house. Love them both. Um…the post was so sweet, but the only thing I could concentrate on was the highchair! WHERE?!?! Did you get that?!?!?!?! That last pic with Talby looks like YOU!!! wow! 6 kiddos in the house…you’re incredible!! we’re really seriously thinking of trying for #4 here before long & i just need to keep reading your blog & see how you handle it all…the good/bad & ugly & even host other’s children:) Meg, That dog is huge , wow , and a wicker high chair come on where do you get this stuff . Waffle is a B-I-G dog!! hehehe! Meg.. I know you get a million questions a day… but that Waffle… he’s really something. I must know… does he shed? I got really close to the computer screen and looked at your floors and I can’t see any hair… either London is precious!! You have the BIGGEST HONKIN DOG I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW…is he going to stop growing?????? Seriously, he is HUGE!!!!! Its good he is a sweet dog or you would clearly be in trouble..lol Cannot wait to see what you come up with for Etsy! i've got super bowl fever. (elaine on seinfeld) we partied like rock stars.
or at least we we ATE like rock stars.
mid-westerners know what to bring to a super bowl party.
and i am so irritated i didn't get a good picture of just the food!
but here is shot with NOTES.
 click on it if the words are too small.
it was ALL very yummy.
everyone brought such good stuff.
 annie fell asleep about 30 minutes before the party.
and slept right there in the middle of everything….surround sound blaring…
over 50 people around her….
out cold.
she slept until half time!
she must have really needed a nap.
            we covered the dining room table with paper and set out the playdoh
and markers, crayons, stickers and pipe cleaners.
it was a big hit.
   sean won this game….he was very proud of himself.
  the barbies were out in full force. later i found sean and beth….the only ones upstairs quietly watching sponge bob.
that is so like sean.
crazy party going on…people everywhere….sean somewhere quiet away from it all.
   waffle got to come out of the kennel when their were about 10 people still here.
he went NUTS.
goofy dog.
i think i saw 3 commercials and i watched the last minute of the game.
we had over 30 kids here and no fights or trips to the ER.
that was cool.
and no left overs.
gotta love that.
although…some of those hot wings would be really good right now.
I love the pic of Annie asleep on the couch. Cracks me up that kids can just fall asleep anywhere, anytime. Wait, isn’t there an affliction like that? wow! what fun! you amaze & inspire me everytime i read your blog! thanks! So fun! And your house looks gorgeous too! Somehow when I get a bunch of people in our house, it starts to look like something exploded. But not yours! And sweet Annie. That’s a girl after my own heart. 🙂 i’m now fully addicted to your blog. LOVE IT! 🙂 question, is there a way to search for things on your blog? like if I’m trying to go back and find a specific idea or something I remember reading? I know how to search on blogspot blogs but not on typepad. Thanks. Kelly Meg, Did I tell you yet to come check out my giveaway? If I didn’t…come on over, I think you’ll like it for your home. 🙂 I love Waffle. I have my own version of Waffle – Daisy, aka “Crazy Daisy” the Goldendoodle. I blogged about her a couple of weeks ago because she brings me joy. She goes crazy when we have people over too ’cause she’s just so dang excited to see everyone! I happened to stumble upon your blog and I LOVE IT! It is such a colorful and encouraging blog… thanks for making my night! Seriously:) Dang, now that is the kind of party I want to be invited to! I love the kid friendly idea. Your house looks like so much fun. I wanna come to a party at your house! 🙂 You are the house everyone must love to come to! How cool is that. What a great party! Yes, I think I might need an invite to your party next year! Okay, when can you come to my house and help me EDIT? I need someone to help me get rid of the stuff I don’t need (decor wise). Let me know when you are up for a trip to Cincinnati, kids and dog are welcome too, they will blend right in here. Been reading your blog for awhile, but I think this is my first comment. Your pictures are worth as much as your words. 🙂 I was just going to mention that I don’t think you missed much with the commercials this time. Some were entirely inappropriate…. looks like you had a ball! My 3 best friends are addicted to your blog and now I am too! meg- I seriously LOVE Waffle! Oh he is soooo cute!!! I absolutely LOVE coming to your blog. I always want to jump right into your house, it looks so inviting. Thank you for sharing your home and game night with us. Looks like a wonderful time!! you’re amazing. what a party! the paper on the table with crafts. brilliant! Love it all……..the house, the kids, all the food making me hungry now and of course, Waffle is in my book of cool dogs. Life wouldn’t be complete without our Doodles! This morning ours got stuck under our bed……..she’s big! What a bash!! I can just see you walking around the house snapping pics-I am always THAT person too! haha Love this. And I love all the kids there! I spent the weekend with 20 high school girls, so I came home on Sunday, got in my pjs, cooked some pizza, and watched the game with my husband who was equally pj’d. It was nice. And I think we might have eaten as much food as your whole party did. No joke. Hey Meg, Watch your “counter” {as if you actually have time to do so}… my sis just linked to you… you may get an influx of views… like several thousand extra! 🙂 Here’s her post on Waffle… Love your blog! I agree with your measure of success. The kid vs ER/injury ratio is my ultimate consideration. My other test of a good party is if someone/anyone is carried out screaming and yelling– against their will! Hopefully that someone will be 10 and under! wow, looks like a blast. Looks Like a Perfect Super Bowl Sunday to me. How fun… Looks like lots of fun. Great photos! I just love Waffle! What a big lump! He almost looks like a stuffed animal or a rug in that picture! What a party! And what a GREAT person you are for hosting…I’m sure you are still cleaning PlayDoh today 🙁 oh well…it was alllll worth it I’m sure 🙂 terrific post. always love the photos. any tips on getting nice pretty pictures in the night time lighting??? yours are so crisp and clear. I can’t throw big parties like that because then I worry about who the heck is going to clean up aftewards, but wow that looked like everyone had FUN! And the food – wowowow. What fun! Gotta love party food! I just love your blog… your personality shines through in your words and photos! I aspire to have a blog half as good as yours! Great pics–I’m hungry ALL OVER AGAIN! Darn it! Poor little Annie was out cold for sure. What a sweetheart! Looks like you guys had a blast. I must say, every time I see Waffle I think he looks like a giant stuffed animal. He is so cute and perfectly poofy that he doesn’t look real. This looks very similar to the party we went to! I’m no real sports fan, but the Super Bowl provides a very good reason for a party, just when we need one. Now this is a party I’ld like to come to!!! I just gave you an award over at my blog 🙂 Happy Monday! Once again you amaza me. Your house loooks super huge. The pool table looks small and you have a fooozball table too and your house is so cute and cozy. Can you find me a huge house like that under 300,000? and my husband a good job? Wow! My hero. I wish I had the courage and energy and general “with-itness” to plan such a fabulous party. The super bowl went unnoticed for the most part at my house but I could so use a reason for a get together with good eats! Every time I read your blog I find myself wishing I lived close to you so I could be your friend. LOL now THAT’s the kind of super bowl i like! I also threw a big superbowl party…and made your cream puff dessert for the first time. It was the HIT of the party!! My husband won’t stop talking about it (and still eating it). My next dessert to try is your Mom’s mint brownies…those look yummy too! Houston, we have a problem. It’s double posting. Sorry:( I can’t believe how big Waffle is. He is huge. I think Sean belongs to me. He’s off doing his own thing in the peace & quiet:) I can’t believe how big Waffle is. He’s huge! I think Sean belongs to me. The one that is off doing his own thing in the quiet:) you know how to throw a party. lots of fun stuff for the kids too. love that. looks like you all had a great time. i can’t believe annie fell asleep like that – adorable. I love the pic where the young girl is reading a book amid a sea of sports fans. That is so me. Wow what a great party! Looks like everyone had a lot of fun. Your home looks so warm and inviting. I’m joining Jimaie and moving! Looks like a very fun time! Great party & lots of food. We watched the game at my sis’s house, our AZ Cards! I am orginally from St Louis area. It was double sweet, even if we lost, we still palyed well. ok…um, we’re selling everything and moving out to be your neighbors, you guys always have SO MUCH FUN! This party looks like a blast! and the food? omg, the food!! lol! so delish. Annie is SO stinkin cute!!!! How sweet that she just slept through all of that…looks like a party that even I would love and I HATE sports!! 🙂 Could you please photoshop my smiling face into your party. I’d like of each of those dishes… Mmmm! Looks like a fantastic time! wow, you sure can give a party. looks like your guest had a great time. i would freak with 30 and play dough out, eek. Wow! Looks like a way fun party! Thanks soooo much for commenting on blog. I’m so sorry I’m such a major copycat of your ideas. My daughter LOVES her curtains & I thank you for that. It is awesome when your 10 year old hugs you every 20 minutes because she loves her room so much. Looks like a lot of fun. Okay, can Waffle get any bigger I want one of those dogs.
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eryn - I’m sure your cute goods will sell out right away…but I MUST have something with Africa on it. We’re adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia, and we love Charity Water and support it everymonth! Please please, tell us what is available! Eryn
julie - happy tears. i love africa. i love all of you spending time together using your talents and hearts for a cause so much bigger than yourself. i can’t wait to shop and want in on the project. pretty. messy. africa. done.
susie whyte - i sent the ‘craft retreat’ link to my youth minister here in wichita. he loved it!! he’s very into the ‘invisible children’ org. definitely can’t wait to hear more about this!
Jerri - Looks like a fun weekend and all for a most worthy cause!
Jenn N - I must have one of those Africa shirts – actually three would be great. Can’t wait to see when/where we can buy.
Looks like and awesome ladies weekend.
LIz M - wow what a small world….
kasey - how fun.
xo
traci - what a wonderful weekend it must have been. glad you had fun and got lots accomplished for a great cause!!
and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEG!! so sorry that i am late.
Secret Mom Thoughts - Awesome projects. Looks like a fun time too.
Sarah V. - Looks like a lot of fun! I love the idea of a craft retreat.
amy s - hysterical jody.. i was thinking.. is it weird that i miss these girls? and then you said it. 🙂 so now i can too… miss you meg.
Lisa - YOU GIRLS ARE GREAT AND VERY INSPIRATIONAL!
http://sophie4me.blogspot.com/
HUGS FROM MAINE
Cassie - thanks, meg! what a great weekend. your shirts are going to sell like hot cakes!
and now i’m heading back to my blog to link you. i learned much this weekend about the world of blog!
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Fun! Love the idea of a craft retreat…and for a good cause even better:)
jody - would it be weird that I kind of miss you guys? 🙂
So much fun. Thank you. Thank you.
And I will be sure to watch my linking etiquette in order to avoid the wrath of Meg…the glimpse we got was very, very scary. 🙂
Debra Cripps - You are so blessed to have so many friends and creative ones too!
God bless
Lora - You just do the funnest things! Good for you! Looking forward to more info!
amy j. - Sad that I couldn’t join you. Glad you all are having fun and crafting like crazy! 🙂
Kristine Robb - LOVE IT! love crafting in jammies! and for a good cause too! you go girl! looking forward to see what’s available to buy!
abby - I found your blog through Jody’s Blog.
First of all…so jealous of your crafting weekend. It looks like fun!.
Second…I can’t wait til it goes up in the shop. Christmas shopping for the family will be complete as soon as you post it.
Thanks for all your hard work.
Bec - I have a friend from Rwanda and when she told me her story, I immediately had a heart for Africa and would love to someday be able to do a mission trip of some sort there. This would be a neat way to be involved from far away!
Trish - awww, this reminds me of my sissy that is currently living in Africa 🙂 Maybe I’ll have to get her a shirt for Christmas 🙂 What a great idea and a fabulous way to use all of your talents! I am so asking for a coffee pot for Christmas!!! Mine broke and I just haven’t replaced it
duchess.of.reel - Can’t wait to see the finished products! Don’t keep us waiting too long….
DreamGirlLisa - Sounds like a blast!
Jacqui - i am sitting here in 4 degree weather beside the fire in complete envie of you ladies …. craft retreat ….. just the words sound like bliss!
patricia - you all deserve medals!!!
Summer - Love that shirt!
kristi rediske - wow-sounds like a good project for some of us here in Arkansas-what would we need to do to get items for that cause? I think it would be fun and it is such a neat cause. My son supports The Invisible Children-have you heard of that?
Sara @ Queen of the House - Wow, I’m jealous!!! That looks so fun! I’m thinking I need to organize one of those.
Julie - That sounds like a fantastic weekend! I can’t wait to see the results!
Kimberlee J. - Love the long sleeve t. Do you think you can make that in my size? 🙂
Amber - I love how much time you put into doing the things you love but that will benefit others!! God bless you.
simone - Oh wow, I’ve only seen your header and your first post and already I am impressed – and want to join in!!! Wow, your sewing looks amazing!!
Meredith mentioned you on her blog and said such lovely things about you…..so I came to visit and am glad I did 🙂
Happy Sunday!
Simone
London, England 🙂
Heidi Jo the Artist - That’s awesome!
Happy belated birthday too!
Kathy - What a great cause I can’t wait to see what you all made. Have a wonderful weekend.
Keri ~ ForeverFoldingLaundry - Sewing…fun…treats…and a great cause. Happy weekend!!
Heather @ Cookie Mondays - SO jealous!! It’s just me & my sewing machine all by our lonesome. Have a blast 🙂
DanaD @ BoysMyJoys - Can’t wait to see what wonderful goodies y’all create! Have a wonderful weekend!
Christina - This looks great! I can’t wait for more info.
carissa... brown eyed fox - what fun AND what a wonderful cause!
blessings & hugs to you all! xo