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tuesday already.

did you have a great weekend?

i feel like we never stopped going going going at all.
and that's ok.
during our prayers at bedtime i said "wow…you kids have had an awesome weekend!"
lots to be thankful for.

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no hot and steamy anniversary date would be complete without a stop here and here.

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but a yummy dinner with a really yummy margarita was awaiting us!
so glad i married that guy 17 years ago.
best thing i've ever done.

it's finally cooling off in kansas.
the 100+ for two months was ridiculous.
our windows are OPEN!
the kids are breathing fresh air!
i am so happy. 

do you recognize this box?

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click over here to see what it is inside……..

 

health information management - Because the typical hospital bill is extremely complicated, often containing several hundred.

Emily - Wait! I recognize that box! Lisa Leonard Designs! Ohhh what was inside?

Ugg Sale - Neverthele ugg tall boots ss us miserable Cheap UGG Boots UK Ugg Sale mortals could be moderate and cosy even though Uggs had been we really actually fooled β€˜hideous&rsquo,Classic UK Ugg Boots
Ugg UK Crochet is among the trendy boots; method to some plus, but when generic copies crept everywhere from Claire’s to mixture in using the eco conscious too. UGG youngsters shoes attributes precisely the same Ugg Boots Bailey Button glimpse and benefits since the grownup adaptations so your kid can sign up for in within the UGG craze.

the domestic fringe - Funny. Most of our evenings out end up in Lowe’s. It’s only because Lowe’s is closer than Home Depot. Happy Anniversary. Your dinner looks good.
~FringeGirl

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - Happy Anniversary! Glad to hear your weather has cooled down. We were at 103 today here in San Diego, but the summer overall has not been bad. Have a great week!

Michelle from Australia - Sad there is no photo of those basketball legs in this post πŸ™‚ Well done on 17 years of marriage. We are coming up to 11 years and my husband has just smiled at me and announced he would have done less time for murder. I am only **just** resisting the urge to throw something that could be classified as a blunt instrument at him!

Tonya - Happy Anniversary to you both. i got to drag my husband on our 24 wedding anniversary on the 8th of Aug to Babies r us, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and to Jo-anns, but we then got to have a wonderful dinner and a late night movie. Oh, how they love us…. πŸ™‚

Sarah D - Isn’t the weather wonderful?! We’re in Wichita and it’s divine!

Nicole - I am enjoying the cooler weather too! Thank goodness Kansas decided to cool down. It made recess duty so much more enjoyable today! Happy Anniversary Meg! And….I spy Lisa Leonard! ;0) Have a great day!

Lisa - Haha! We do the same thing on dates. I actually love running errands with my husband! πŸ™‚

Jennifer - awwww, Date Night at the Depot! Congrats on 17 years together, that is truly inspirational!

Mindy Harris - happy anniversary, you two! shawn and i have been together since oh, age 15 so we are kindof on 15! but really 8.

Denine - Hey it was our 17th wedding anniversary too this Labor day weekend. Hope you had a wonderful day.

tiffany m gardner - That looks like my dates with my hubby. Multi-tasking…that’s what we do…right? πŸ™‚

Jemm - Happy Anniversary to you guys! It looks very familiar to how ours usually go πŸ˜‰

seriouslysassymama - Yep, that would pretty much sum up an anniversary for me. I would have been cooking that dinner though. Happy Anniversary.

Holly - too funny! It is only going to be 64 here in Tn today! Crazy! It was over 100 a week ago!

Penny - Looks like a lovely dinner. I LOVE both of the stores you pictured. Hubby would go to HD but stays clear of HL! Congrats on 17 years! We will be celebrating 28 years in ten day.

Jen Brandt - Hahahaha! My husband and I almost always end up at Home Depot on our hot dates. Glad you had a nice anniversary!

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star winner…..or TWO?!

 

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how cute are these boys?


πŸ™‚Β 

happy weekend to you.
i am sewing.
and sewing.
and organizing.
and glueing.
and sewing.
and shopping.
and not sleeping.

and my husband is taking me on a hot date tonight because
it’s our 17th anniversary.

woo-hoo.

Β 

Ugg Sale - Neverthele ugg tall boots ss us miserable Cheap UGG Boots UK Ugg Sale mortals could be moderate and cosy even though Uggs had been we really actually fooled β€˜hideous&rsquo,Classic UK Ugg Boots
Ugg UK Crochet is among the trendy boots; method to some plus, but when generic copies crept everywhere from Claire’s to mixture in using the eco conscious too. UGG youngsters shoes attributes precisely the same Ugg Boots Bailey Button glimpse and benefits since the grownup adaptations so your kid can sign up for in within the UGG craze.

Nicole - Happy Anniversary and congrats to the winners!!

Doris - Happy anniversary!
my husband and me celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary in July.

Jessica Johnson - happy anniversary! we celebrate 12 years on the 11th. september is a great month to get married! have a fun date! πŸ™‚

Gray - Happy Anniversary to you both! We’re celebrating our 5th anniverary this weekend. My parents have the kids, so we’re having a fabulous time just being by ourselves!

Dawn - What a busy weekend. Happy Anniversary.

brooke - Congrats to you both πŸ™‚

Julie - Happy Anniversary Meg!!!
Can’t wait to see and hear all the details from Craft Weekend after it’s over! Sounds like a great time!

Kerry - Happy Anniversary Duerksens! Hope you had a HOT date.
Those lads hair is just tooooooo gorgeous!!
xxx

Shaina Brown - Happy, Happy Anniversary! We just got home from celebrating my parents 40th anniversary and my lil’ guys 3rd birthday! Happy Celebrating!

Michelle Torres - Happy Anniversary!!!!!!Hope you had a Awesome time celebrating!!!!!!!!!

heather - happy anniversary to you and your hubs!
17 years of awesome. πŸ™‚

happygirl - happy anniversary, 17 years, wow. my husband and I always say the first 25 years are the toughest. You guys ROCK.

Kimberly Dial - Happy 17th anniversary! Enjoy your date night! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - Happy 17th anniversary! Enjoy your date night! πŸ™‚

Maria - Happy Anniversary…we celebrate our 14th next month…have fun!

Lori Austin - Happy date night for your 17 years. Enjoy!!

Angela Storm - Happy Anniversary! My husband and I are celebrating our first!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Deurksen!:) Wishing you many, many more.

Southern Gal - Congratulations to the winners!
And happy anniversary to you two.

Tiffany - Happy Anniversary, yay!!!!!!!! for HOT dates. Extra points for steamy, enjoy enjoy enjoy!

se7en - Wonderful!!! Happy Anniversary!!! It goes so fast!!! Wishing you many many and then some more!!!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Those boys are SO cute. I am such a sucker for curly hair. Both of my girls have it and it makes me melt. πŸ™‚ Have fun on your date and congrats to you and Craig on 17 years!! You rock!

Jennifer - Those boys are too cute! Happy Anniversary to you and your husband! Congratulations! πŸ™‚

Christie - it must of been a good day to get married…it’s my 5 year anniversary….Happy anniversary everyone!!

Karen Gerstenberger - Happy Anniversary to you & Craig!

Terrie G - Today is your anniversary?? Mine too!! 28 years…crap I’m old! Darn it all anyway!
Happy Celebrating!!
Happy 17th – We’ll toast you!
Hugs! Terrie

sue - 17 yrs. Cool Its going to take you a while to catch up to me 33yrs. Have fun tonight.

Shannon - Wow 17 years awesome!

Melissa - happy anniversary!
those boys all have amazing hair!!!!

Sandy - Happy Anniversary. I never tire of your love story.

Holly - happy anniversary!

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need sleepy.

i miss my sleep.
i loved my late nights of the summer and sleeping in.
this 6 AM stuff is something else.
so sleepy.
can't stay awake if i sit still.

today i took some baby photos.
she is my neighbor.
and she made me work for it.
πŸ™‚
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this sweet little baby is not even 6 pounds yet.
my smallest baby was lauren at 7.9….so when i see this baby girl i am amazed.
 
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…………………………………………

this came in the mail for me today!
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it is from TheAdventureProject.org…you can get one too!
i am impressed over and over with the work that jody and becky are doing in the world.
makes me want to do more….help more.

it really makes me want to go back to africa. 

Uganda's poor recount how Living Goods has changed their lives and improved their health. from Living Goods on Vimeo.

…………………………………………

i have started thinking about craft weekend on an hourly basis.
the planning is in full force.

pages and pages of notes….mulitiple trips to craft stores….menus being tested…packages of swag goodies arriving at my house everyday for over a week….
it is SO exciting!!

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you can read more over here on the craft weekend blog.
…………………………………………

My family tried Edy's Milkshakes and Smoothies.
Come over here and see what we thought and enter to win a $100 Vise gift card!

…………………………………………

have a really super weekend people!

i mean that.
make it great!!! 

 

Dlackenphotography.wordpress.com - I love your site!! Is there a Facebook link to follow daily? Please let me know! So glad a friend shared πŸ™‚

heather mattos - okay, you know i need to know what that alphabet fabric is!

Molly - what adorable fabric in the first photo – where is that from??? love this blog – i’m always checking out your posts (i have you listed as a favorite on my blog). love it all!
molly

Alexis - So adorable, it’s hard to not have baby fever! lol

Shivaun - Need sleepy! Housekeeping… Tommy Boy!
I just looked that up on you tube and my husband and I were cracking up πŸ™‚
Love ya, Miss Meg!!

Julie - Please oh please tell me where the letter fabric came from. I’m in love!!!!
juliecross@charter.net
inahappynest.blogspot.com

Kelli Seawright - Where did you get that top fabric with the letters, it is soooo cute!

Oh the Fun We will Have - Oh My cuteness, frowns and all…It is such a great thing to be able to take pics of other peoples little ones, it tends to keep us grounded, for a minute πŸ™‚
Very Fun, and beautiful pics.. I’m sure your friend will be very thankful.

Marla Rae - Please tell me how big the Africa bag is. (jazzy@minot.com)

Melissa - Craft weekend sound slike so much fun!!! I so wish I could come! maybe one day when my littles are a little bigger πŸ™‚

n - Look at those little chicken legs! My first baby was 9 lbs, so when my second was born and weighed in at 7lbs 11 oz, I kept asking if she was okay because she just looked so small to me!

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - Love your baby picture…how fun for you!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m going to Chicaaaaaaaaaaagoooooooooo (said in my loudest Oprah voice) tomorrow!!! With no kids. Overnight.
All we can talk about is the sleeping in. And we have 3 eat-outs, so the pressure is on. We must choose correctly….
Happy weekend to you, too!

kasey - school starts here at 740….and the roosters wake us all up at about 5…sometimes even 4.
Hope you get some sleep….i like a little Advil pm on occasion…with the help of a few glasses of wine to wash it down with.

Wendy - Newborn babies …. nothing else can bring a smile to my face as fast as that. So precious … so blessed πŸ™‚

D. Jean - Very cute little neighbor. Have a great weekend.

Kirsten J - BAH!!! Can’t stand the early start times!!! (and really? it’s all good….when my little one was 3, my big one was 9 and I “didn’t have time”….and 2 years ago when he SUDDENLY graduated, I tried to get involved and “oh we’re fine, we don’t need any help” made me quickly realize I needed to put my foot in the door!!)sleeping in isn’t so important now.
Anyway, lame way to make you see that those hours when you can sleep in are fleeting….but here we go!!!

happygirl - Oh my goodness. What a precious little child. You are the BEST photographer for kids. You have the eye.

Kerry - Oh what a precious little thing! I have the same bedspread thingie – gorgeous πŸ™‚ I so wish i could come to Craft Weekend… it would be Awesome-Dawson. Kerry x

kat - That baby is soooooooooooooo adorable!!! I so wish I was coming to your craft weekend. Y’all are going to have THE best time!!!

Shar - Love how her fingers are in the same position on each hand. I can’t stop looking at that photo. Soooooo cute!

tiffany m gardner - Wish I could be at your craft weekend. πŸ™ I will be excited to see all the photos and fun from that weekend. (a little jealous…but also excited) xoxo

dani - so cute and tiny!

Lori Austin - Love that fabric 3rd from the top (green/white). Love!
I’ve been a bit spoiled sleeping in this summer also (you know…sleeping in for a momma is like 7:30/8:00). We head back
to school Monday so I’m totally going to be whining right along
with you. Blah!
Have a great weekend yourself πŸ™‚

Jenna - Love that baby! After having my own, I am so gaga over babies. I never knew how much joy they could bring!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Terrie - Need help checking out the menus…going to the craft store! I’m game!!! πŸ™‚
going to see my prego daughter tonight! can’t wait to see how big my grandbaby-to-be is getting! I love prego bellies! Especially when they are carrying my 1st grandone!!
Happy Weekend to You!!

Cathy - My baby was 4 1/2 pounds when she was born. Talk about tiny. Now she uses her very own preemie clothes for her baby dolls.

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - That baby is ADORABLE! I wouldn’t know what to do w/ a tiny thing like that… my only baby was 8lbs 2ou

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i am so happy it’s here.

the day before school starts.

it's here.
i made it.
barely.
on friday i had to go sit on the porch just to escape the noise and craziness that is my house.
i thought about crying.
i felt like it.
but i fell asleep instead….in the chair on the porch.
i love being with my kids.
but seriously…….. i. am. losing. my. mind!!

here are some pics of what we did this weekend.

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i made waffles for lunch.

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waffle made sad faces that said "please cut my hair….pleeeease"

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saw a lovely rainbow.
soooo beautiful.

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shopped for shoes for all the kids.
oh my.
man shoes are expensive….i liked the kid shoe prices better…..a lot better.

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we ate donuts.
to celebrate mom surviving this summer  school starting.

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i made pam's cheesecake.
twice.
it's so good.
amazing.
i don't think anything tastes better in the world.
have you tried it yet….it's worth it.

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there was a lemonade stand in our yard.
it turned into a neighborhood affair.
very fun….and cute.
they were listening to Diary of a Wimpy Kid audio book while waiting for customers.
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sometimes there was a long wait between….

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AND……i took my mom to see The Help for her birthday!

soooo so good.
GO SEE IT.
you must.

how was your weekend?

tami - i reviewed the movie and got to interview Actresses Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer,The Director Tate Taylor and the author Kathryn Stockett! It was so fun! The movie was excellent and a must see! xoxo

Dasi - Long time lurker, love your blog. It’s the first time I leave a comment, but I just have to say that I so love your Waffle. Even without the hair cut. πŸ™‚

Katie - Those shoes are quite literally twice the price here in Australia. Along with everything else!

Tracy - I’m the opposite of you….I’m soo soo depressed my kids are going back to school. I’m trying to see the positive though!

Doris - we had nice weekend, been out twice with our daughter and twice alone (husband and me)… weather got more hot here in Belgrade, but at least there’s no snow like in some parts of world πŸ™‚
Hope school started good for your kids.
enjoy more free time!
lovely pics as always πŸ™‚

Kerry Wiebe - I made Pam’s cheesecake this weekend also and I finished the book “THe Help” yesterday and I’m going to see the movie on Friday can’t wait! can’t wait! can’t wait!! Love Ya Girl!

Kari - My kids went back last week – it was a quiet, peaceful day that first day…. I love my kids too but they were making me nutty those last few weeks. We need the structure of a school day. LOVE your blog!

Emily - I just finished reading the book and can’t wait to see the movie. I am so happy to hear it is good! Enjoy the new school year.

kat - I cannot wait to see that movie. Those lemonade stand pictures are adorable!

deb meyers - oh I WISH i could take my mom to see The Help for her birthday! Went with my daughter last night and we LOVED it : )

Shannon - I have been griping all weekend about the cost of MAN shoes! Glad I’m not the only one

Laura - thank you thank you thank you for saying you are being driven crazy and want your kids to go back to school. Me too! I still have to wait until Monday AND my hubby is travelling this week. Exactly how will I survive?

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Megan~ I love that you show your kids reading and listening to books on tape. Please share how you fostered that love of reading in them. Or, were they just born into this world as kids that love to read? I love to read, but my kids just don’t seem to feel the same way!

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - If The Help is even half as good as the book, it will be amazing. Have you tried Under The Sycamore Pancakes? They are to die for.
Dana

Betsey - I also saw The Help! Amazing! Can’t wait to see it again in the theater!

Jen Brandt - Meg,
You posted pictures of beautiful pillows that you were going to give your girls. I can’t remember who you bought them from or when you posted it though. If you get a chance, do you mind sending me the link? Thank you, Jen

Jen Brandt - You make me smile! Love the donut comment the best. Pool with good friends Friday night, annual neighborhood fry party Saturday night. Every neighborhood should do this. Like two salads and besides that all fried food – eggplant, onion rings, coconut shrimp, donuts, candy bars, stuffed jalapenos, pork tenderloin, etc. and Tums as the centerpieces. Oh! and lots of alcoholic beverages and cornhole. Do you play cornhold in KS?? My Texan husband was like, “What is cornhole?!”

Lisa - Oh my goodness….I loved loved loved The Help!! Such a powerful movie. Want my husband to see it too. πŸ™‚

tiffaniboren - Good weekend..going to see The Help next week with my mom and my girl! Can’t wait!!

Aimee - Good weekend here, too…final swim meet (finally!) and pool party to celebrate. I even dove off the board. Go me!
Three full weeks until school starts here, but as it got out much too late (June 22!!!!), and summer weather didn’t hit Seattle until about two weeks ago, I’m okay with that. It’s a pleasant, lazy summer.

Lora ~ Charmed - I’m right there with ya on school starting! I would like my bedroom back thank you very much.

Southern Gal - I read The Help on the beach last week and will go with my daughter to see it tomorrow. i can’t wait! I’m going to look at that cheesecake recipe now…thanks a lot. πŸ˜‰

flor - So glad you survived it! My kids started school today and all I can say “is thank the Lord!.” Seriously. I don’t know how I got through it.. He got me through it though. My house was really loud all summer long. Next year, I will have to plan it better. I WILL plan it better. pinky promise
Good luck with school! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - Bravo Meg! You survived & did it beautifully! I went to see ‘The Help’ with a couple of gals who had read the book as well and thoroughly enjoyed it! My weekend also included a trip with the hubs to Columbus, OH to visit the MIL (who has a new place & is doing fabulously! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - Bravo Meg! You survived & did it beautifully! I went to see ‘The Help’ with a couple of gals who had read the book as well and thoroughly enjoyed it! My weekend also included a trip with the hubs to Columbus, OH to visit the MIL (who has a new place & is doing fabulously! πŸ™‚

Kerry - oh wow, those lemonade bikkies are just TOO cute! looks like a fun weekend, well done for surviving…. we still have 3.5 weeks to go…help… xxx

Heidi - This is my first time commenting but, I love your Blog. Love all your crafts that you do. I am so feeling it is time for school to start have to wait till the 6th here so ugh. But it is coming however.
Heidi

Marydon - IF I had known you were doing waffles, i’d have been right over! Love that pooch! Gorgeous rainbow capture.
Would you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY (no emails) thru the 18th, for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Denise - wanted to comment on your close-ups post…
I feel like I know the kids…just from your incredible photos!
thanks for continuing to share your life with us
I love it. It is always inspiring and often thought provoking.
wanted you to know…

Katie - I can’t wait to see The Help, it’s the best book I’ve read in a long time! Looks like a fun weekend! xo

Jen - Meg, so glad you posted this! Everyone I talk to is so bummed about school starting again. Me…not so much! I was really beginning to feel like a terrible parent. I love my kids, but I am ready for school to start again. So glad i’m not alone!
Enjoy the quiet that tomorrow will bring!!!!!

Heather - The Help is awesome! We started school today, but I homeschool so there is no “time to myself.” I love it this way though! What’s great about starting back to school when you homeschool is the sense of routine that is restored when you get going again. πŸ™‚
Looks like you had a fab last weekend before school!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, I want to see that movie! So glad you made it through summer! Have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Jessica Johnson - 100% jealous. I still have two more weeks of mind losing. And I don’t think I have two weeks of mind left. Problematic. CANNOT wait to see The Help. Wanted the book to go on and on…

Kristine - I say amen to buying MAN shoes…had to buy for two boys for a while now! EEK!
Love the dougnut run!
πŸ™‚

casey - I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one losing my mind! Although my kid is now 2 so he wont be leaving anytime soon to go to school (c:
But I’m more that 100% positive that when the day actually does come I would wish he wasn’t going!
Oh the irony!

Holly - Well I want to thank you for all of your posts involving that sweet cat in your neighborhood! We went and adopted two this weekend! They come home today after they get fixed. Our kids dont know yet! They will be so excited!

Maria Bryan - I spent my weekend following my 7 month old crawling and attempting to walk all weekend….my nerves are on edge….I can’t handle him falling! But….it’s worth every anxious moment every stinkin pound I put on….can’t shed those last eight pounds and the mister already wants to have #4! Your weekend looked like the perfect last weekend of summer…we don’t start back until September 7th….we will try to use it up as much as we can on the beach!

Nicole G - Can I just say how glad I am that you posted this? I feel/felt the same way this summer, and I only have two kiddos. But, this summer. was. so. loud. I can completely relate. Plus, it was ridiculously hot. I mean like a whole month of 100+ degree temps (and that was before the heat index was added on). We spent many a day holed up in the house, trying to escape the heat. The kids became bored and my 6 year old is actually really excited to return to school. I have a feeling it is going to be a great year! (now only if our house would sell, I’d be on cloud 9!)

Gretchen - Our weekend was great until my son fell and broke his arm!! He is doing great, just a little scary for mom!! I am ready for school to start too. We don’t go back until the 23rd. Almost there!!

Bethany - That movie looks great… I didn’t even know about it. Then again, I rarely get to go to a movie anymore so I usually don’t know what’s coming out.
We went to my fabulous nephew’s 1st birthday party, which was over the top awesome and I went to see The Little Mermaid with some of my family. These things would have been a lot more enjoyable if the baby didn’t have a cold and was sleeping well, poor little guy.

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - I think you should make a video of your first day homes alone. πŸ™‚ I miss your videos!

Darcie L. - We took our 3-year old and 3-month old to Austin, TX because hubby had a speaking engagement there for college students at a camp. Camp life isn’t conducive to babies who don’t sleep through the night yet! But, now I know… and next time the kids and I will stay home. πŸ™‚
There’s no “going back to school” for the little ones… guess I’ve gotta wait my turn for them to grow up, and enjoy the little times in the meantime!

Dee Stephens - Yay for school! such a cute picture of Waffle πŸ™‚

katie phillips - Your weekend looked great!!
We moved! UGHHHHHHH! I am so glad the bulk of it is past and it is our 1st house, so I won’t complain. I feel very blessed for my life today! <3 On a MAJOR happyhappyexcitinghappy note-- my almost 14 month old FINALLY decided to walk this past week!! ;D She is soo stinking cute when she walks around! But,apparently I failed to HEAR how difficult and EVERYWHERE they are once they start walking! Cest la vie!

Christy - The Help was GREAT! Saw it yesterday w/my mom & sis. I haven’t read the book yet, soon. Loved the movie.
Did a little back to school shopping & a little mom shopping too. Bought 3 new cardis at Target. πŸ™‚ Thought of you, I have a bit of a cardi thing too.

Terrie - B.U.S.Y. but, quiet…sorry, My 20 year old doesn’t make much noise & hubby was working outside. I miss the noise. πŸ™‚
I got to play with my camera, still learning.
worked on game night for the women of the church last night.
and…I’m trying to finish a baby blanket for a friend…yeah, she had the baby a week early! arghhhh!!
Enjoy the peace and quiet tomorrow…whatever will you do?

Sarah - Its official – I need a waffle maker. To me, they are WAYYYY better than pancakes.
Happy first day of no kids tomorrow πŸ™‚

Leah - I don’t think you should feel bad about wanting your kids to go back to school. Yesterday, my daughter – whom I usually love spending time with – was driving me insane! It seemed like she was especially needy. All I wanted to do was escape. I did take a nap too.

Stephanie - It’s a DOUBLE!!! The rainbow I mean! I absolutely love rainbows!! Your fun family pictures are always the best! My weekend consisted of taking my mom and children on an hour long car ride to the closest JoAnn’s Fabric store! Retail therapy for me was kinda fun for once! But our fun will be this coming weekend – as we are FINALLY getting back to our annual trip up north to Grand Marais MI!!! In the beautiful Upper Penninsula of MI on the glorious Lake Superior!! I will blog my pics when we get back so I can share them with you! It truly is HEAVEN on Earth!! Have a super quiet week – we don’t start until the Tuesday after Labor Day!!

Katy - i love waffles. yum.

Stephanie@Geezees - I wish my kids went back to school this soon, I’m jealous! πŸ™‚
I saw the Help yesterday and loved it, it’s my favorite book i have ever read.

Jen Joy - My weekend was, overall, lovely. But, I have to admit that I’m right there with you being ready for some peace and quiet during my days. School starts on Wednesday for us. I *think* I can make it! And by the way, I lurve the picture of Waffle. πŸ™‚

Peggy in TN - Sounds like a really nice last weekend of summer! Now back to the daily school grind…which means free time for you. Yay!

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monday stuff


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this is your reminder to buy markers & crayons for the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for november.
right now markers are .99 instead $2.97.

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the winner for the Katie Daisy prints is…….

I love the Be Kind To Others and the Teach Love prints!

Posted by: Leslie Davison | August 05, 2011 at 03:27 PM

congratulations!!! email me Leslie at cdduerksen at yahoo dot com.

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this is katie's print i just bought…..and looooove the happiness of.

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i set it in front of the kids and we studied the detail she used on her turtle:
the separate squares on the shell….the eye….the claws….the un-squareness of the "squares"….
and then we each drew one and painted it with water color.

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annie's turtle….love the use of color!
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talby's turtle…..fabulous shell….and the head with lovely eyes!
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sean's turtle…..love the color blocking and the blue body….and it makes me laugh.  :)

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and mine.
i was REALLY cranky and knew that if i sat down and drew and painted it would help.
i took a loooong time on mine.
slowly like a turtle.
and it did help my mood a whole bunch!
craft thursdays help me too! 

———————————————–

Verselove
 
i like this.
it called out to me.
i love being known.
by people of course but when you realize how less important it is compared to being KNOWN by God.
and being reminded YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED.

———————————————–

i am making THIS  and THIS.  
my kitchen is CRAZY messy.
there were 8 kids at my house today.
our sewer line backed up and the drain guys are here.
four people rang our doorbell today….so far.
usually weeks go by without anyone. 
this day feels a little bonkers.

πŸ™‚

 

 

 

josy - I would buy your turtle painting! Love it.

Heather - That verse just spoke to me loud and clear. I’m in a place right now where I’m feeling very unknown. Loved, to be sure, but very unknown. It can be lonely.

heather - i’m so so so glad you put the reminder about operation shoebox!!
i’m adding it to my wally world, i mean wal-mart, shopping list right this minute.

Tabitha - Long time blog stalker – you are one of my hands down favorites! – but I don’t think I’ve ever come out of the shadows to comment.
Just wanted to let you know that I’m so glad you posted the Katie Daisy giveaway. Finally had a chance to go through her images and realized that a computer image I have at home but had no idea where it came from was one of her gorgeous peices. So excited to buy the real one! … And ten more, when I can afford it!
It’s a blessing to watch your family grow – you are very inspiring to me. Much Love.

deb meyers - Definitely Shoebox shopping season! I love Target sales in September just for that reason. You’re a dear, Meg.
deb meyers

casey - where did you find the markers on sale? I check in at my local target and walmart and couldn’t find them for that cheap.

emily hope - love each of the turtles! so fun. if my kids weren’t out playing in the water, I’d start an art project right now πŸ™‚ oh, and i need to find where markers are on sale right now! I’ve been looking and haven’t seen them cheap yet …

Karen Gerstenberger - Thank you – I needed that Bible quote! God bless you, Meg.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - we just moved to va this summer and i long to be known by people. i want friends so badly and to feel like i belong here. such a great reminder to me that i am known by my savior. He’s with me. oh and your turtle rocked. seriously that was good. you are an artist!

Kerry - Man that lasagne just made me HUNGRY!! love the art – they’re all fab, what a great idea πŸ™‚
Kerry
http://mylovebumps.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-8-something-i-hate.html

Alice H - I made lasagna the other day! And I used this recipe!
SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
1 POUND GROUND BEEF
1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED
2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED
1 29-OUNCE CAN TOMATO SAUCE
1 CUP WATER
1 6-OUNCE CAN TOMATO PASTE
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO
1 8-OUNCE PACKAGE NO-BOIL LASAGNA NOODLES
4 CUPS SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
1 1/2 CUPS SMALL-CURD COTTAGE CHEESE
1/2 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
1. IN A SKILLET, COOK BEEF, ONION AND GARLIC OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL MEAT IS NO LONGER PINK; DRAIN. ADD THE TOMATO SAUCE, WATER, TOMATO PASTE, SALT AND OREGANO; MIX WELL.
2. SPREAD A FOURTH OF THE MEAT SAUCE IN AN UNGREASED 5-QUART SLOW COOKER. ARRANGE A THIRD OF THE NOODLES OVER SAUCE (BREAK NOODLES IF NECESSARY).
3. COMBINE THE CHEESES; SPOON A THIRD OF THE MIXTURE OVER NOODLES. REPEAT LAYERS TWICE. TOP WITH REMAINING MEAT SAUCE. COVER AND COOK ON LOW 4 TO 5 HORS OR UNTIL NOODLES ARE TENDER.

Rosana Santos - Hi!
Just wanted to tell you you’re a great inspiration. I absolutely love your blog πŸ™‚
Rosana
(from Portugal)

alicia @ la famille - SOOO sad I didn’t win the Katie Daisy giveway…I’ll just have to buy the 24 prints I want πŸ™‚ And LOVE your turtles…so fun! Who knew turtles were so cute?! Also, good thinkin with the Operation Christmas Child…way to plan ahead!

Lisa - I love, love, love your lasagna recipe!! Doesn’t hurt that the fam does too! πŸ˜‰ Have made it many times and shared with friends. PS – Can I have your turtle? πŸ™‚ Beautiful!

Doris - we need crayons too!
Those drawings are amazing! Your kids are you and very talented.
have a good day!

Heather aka moreygirl - LOVE that verse! I’m thinkin I need some lasagna now! Thanks a lot! I’m trying to be good:) good post

Chris - Next time you want something a little different, try mixing instant chocolate pudding with creamcheese, spreading that on the creampuff base, then topping it with whipped cream- divine!
Love the verse you chose, always love coming here to see your heart in action, even with the bumping and bruising.

Annika - Mmmhhh. Cream Puffs and Lasagna. I’d eat it in exactly that order! :o)
P.S.: I really love how you get creative with your kids.

Tessa Brungardt - I’m a new reader from Wichita and found your blog through my sis-in-law in KC. I love the verse you posted. Sometimes we need those reminders that we do have all we need. Also, your dessert looks very yummy! (http://www.tbbrungardt.blogspot.com)

Tiffany - Meg, painting helps me relax too, what is it about painting that does that? I wish I had mad skills like Katie*Daisy, but I know I have my own skills, so I shouldn’t covet Katie’s. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful, I am, even when I’m cranky.

Secret Mom Thoughts - The turtles are fabulous!

Crissie - I check in with your blog every day. Love it, identify with it, reflect on things you say sometimes, sometimes I get warm and fuzzy inside and wish I had your life-lol-, and it makes me try to be a better mom. I usually click on your little links on the right side of the blog each day when you add new ones. I love the little surpises that pop up since I can’t tell what most of them are just by the title or by your mouse roll-over typings (whatever that is called LOL). Sooooo, I clicked on Jamie the Giraffe today. I read the first post about the necklace and think, that’s weird…Meg usually has a direct link as if to buy the giraffe necklace. So, confused, I continue reading back in time. Within 2 minutes I am bawling my eyes out!!! Girl, you needed a warning with that link!! Put “Jamie the Giraffe-grab kleenex” or something like that!! I’m so depressed and amazed at the parents and just so sad for them. Ugh…thanks a lot my dear! πŸ˜‰

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - I love Lasagna. Looks like a good recipe. I just made one the other night and it was soooo delish!

Kat - You are amazing to be cooking all of that with 8 kids in the house. I have 4 and that is enough to send me “bonkers” most days. Love the beautiful chaos of it all though!
Beautiful turtle pics. You are all very talented artists.

amanda - I saw the turtle picture on pinterest tonight. I think it’s a sign. I’m supposed to buy it. πŸ™‚

Lori Austin - Not sure how I found your blog, but so thankful I did. Thank you for speaking from your heart, keeping it real and reminding us that there are many mommas out there just treading water most days. A few areas that have clicked since I started reading your blog: 1) crafting more with my kiddos 2) stepping out of my comfort zone in the kitchen and trying some new recipes 3) being okay with “just okay” days and most important 4) working on my relationship with God and how much time I’m giving Him each day. Thanks Meg – I feel like you are a new found friend that I can’t wait to check in with each day πŸ™‚ p.s. hope tomorrow includes nothing “bonkers” πŸ™‚

tiffany m gardner - Thanks for the AWESOME blog today!! I needed it. God has been knocking on my heart to know him more intimately…and today realizing I am known by Him! Your turtles are also a reminder of how different we are all created. Again…AWESOME! Thanks my blog friend!

seriouslysassymama - It has been bonkers here also. I think all this heat is finally getting to my kids. There is only so much to do inside.

Tanya - Love that verse too…it spoke to me. Thanks.

Sarai - Love your blog!! The turtles are adorable.
I live in wichita. It’s nice to finally find a blog close to home πŸ™‚

Jenny Logan - I made your cream puff squares for a teacher appreciation lunch this last year & they were a hit! Just thought I would share. =)

Terrie - Thanks for the reminder to go and buy markers!! We partner with 3 schools here in town & do ‘operation christmas’ like things for them. Every student…it’s so cool!!
Your turtles are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! Can you teach me to draw? I can only trace! πŸ™‚
I heart cream puff dessert!!
Sorry about your sewer back up… ;(

Holly - oh sewer back ups are no fun. We have a septic system and I dont like it at all!
I stocked up opn lots of inexpensive school supplies this weekend! yay!
The turtles are cute..for reals! They are boss. That is the new cool word in our house!

sara @ it's good to be queen - oooh, thank you so much for reminding me about the OCC shoeboxes!!

Loni - Where are markers 99 cents!?
I was horrible at doing craft Thursdays with my kids, but you sure are a pro at it.

sara's art house - EEEEK!!!!!!!!!! Those turtles are the cutest thing I have seen in a long while. We are going to do those tomorrow! thanks for the idea πŸ™‚

Katie - The tortoises look great, what a talented family of Monet’s! πŸ™‚

se7en - Those tortoises are too cute for words!!! Gotta love it!!!

Janel - Well, I’m a first time commenter here. I love the blog and family Christian life, adore it really. So nice to see how your family lives and loves each other.
The real reason for my comment is that the art is amazing, you all deserve a “print” of one’s own. But Meg, yours is so wonderful, I think you should frame it. Really.
Or send it to me, and I’ll frame it> hee hee….

happygirl - Such an ambitious girl you are. I am constantly amazed. cute turtle.

Jessi - Thanks for sharing that verse. It kind of smacked me in the face when I read it. The make-you-feel-sheepish-but-loved kind of way.

Lisa Currie-Gurney - MEG, WISHED WE LIVED CLOSER… SERIOUSLY, WE WOULD BE GOOD FRIENDS. SOMETIMES, AFTER READING YOUR BLOG, IT FEELS LIKE WE ALREADY ARE.
HUGS FROM MY HEART
P.S. THE TURTLE PAINTINGS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL. πŸ™‚

Laura Phelps - it is bonkers here too
sister and her husband and five kids here all weekend
11 people in my house
and our plumbing went bonkers
raining in the garage kind of bonkers…ceiling caving in
had to turn off water supply
ONE FLUSHING TOILET….11 people
then my washing machine broke
carpet soaking wet
waiting for new part
no laundry
11 people!
then the car broke down at the lake
with 11 people
I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP
and guess what I made?
YOUR MARGARITAS
and
YOUR EGG CASSEROLE
and that is all need, really πŸ™‚

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Oh, goodness! That lasagna looks DELISH! Saving that recipe. πŸ™‚ Also I love all of the pretty painted turtles! Wish I could paint as well as you!

Heather R. - Sitting at Kansas city airport waiting to fly. Love reading your blog. Our girls love your crescent chicken they call it chicken bundles. They love it. Love the turtles. Today is hectic.

Rachel J - OK Meg, what time is dinner? I’m coming over! I heart lasagna.
Monday is almost over dear friend. Hang in there!

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some randomness….

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even our breakfasts were grand in michigan.
the daddies made pancakes….jenny made french toast….craig made bubble loaf (monkey bread)….
i made…..
coffee.
my brain does not function well in the morning.
breakfast and me don't usually mix.

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we allowed tv time until 10 AM and electronic time a little after that.
 
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there was lots of art time with these girls.

and friendship bracelets were made.
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there was a night of Dollar bowling!
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oh yeah….

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there was a field trip through town….the flowers were GORGEOUS!
truly beautiful.

and ice cream.
you wouldn't even believe at how expensive it was….i dare you….guess how much a single dip cone was.
it was reedonkulous!
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their town had animals on display made by artists.
i was in love with this mosaic cow.
like….i would put in this in my yard….it was my FAVE.
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LOTS of games were played.
apples to apples…farkle….uno….blokus….sequence.
 
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apologies were made.

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the Loma theater makes me happy.
$5 tickets.
.50 pop
.50 popcorn 

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dancing in the kitchen.
to florence and the machine.  
annie was SO HAPPY that someone would dance with her. 
and she replayed the song.

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scott found The Hunger Games at the house….and read it!
he plays so much basketball he hardly ever reads.  
he is dying for the second book now.
lauren read almost the entire time.
i read magazines and pottery barn and Boden.  :)

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hot dogs for the kids and STEAK for the grown ups.

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and lots of goofy times around every corner.

can i go back?
can i
just live on vacation?
can we be a family that "summers" in michigan?

it would be dreamy.

 

 

Holly - Oh, and you can bid on that cow if you want! They’re all up for auction on September 10. You could do a write-in bid πŸ™‚
http://www.stjosephpublicart.com/barnyard-at-the-beach-auction.html

Holly - St. Joseph Michigan! I live here. Couldn’t believe that through random clicking and reading I came across your blog with a post about my town and a picture of one of the animals that are on display! I actually did 3 of the chickens! In my opinion, Kilwin’s is WAY OVERPRICED and the scoops are of average size! It’s not even fancy ice cream. I suppose it’s the name of the store that allows them to charge a crazy penny. I can give you some hints to some local ice cream next time! Did you go to the carousel or the fountain? Ride the horse trolley? What a fun town I grew up in and returned to!

Pam - I am typing this from my camper at a KOA in Petosky MI. We started in Ludington and are working our way all the way around the state. Tomorrow is Mackinac Island, I love giving my kids these memories!

Jane - I am from Michigan, but live in the west…I love, love love Michigan!

Kristin Hayne - OK…. I give… how much was that yummy looking ice cream?

Sara - Looks like an amazing vacation!!

Kat - It all looks so wonderful! I am envious.
I keep thinking “hm, now which family could we add with our family of six and go away with and get along so well?” Hm…
Love Florence and the machine. Annie has great music taste!

BriBedell - You can never go wrong with St. Jo!!! We are actually going to be moving there soon!!! I love love love that town!!!!

Sara - Where in Michigan are you? I grew up there & my parents retired to Mackinaw City (not Island). Your photos remind me of how much I miss home, plus it is like a million degrees down here in Atlanta, GA.

Jenna - I have to say I am partial to MI too πŸ™‚ Us Michiganders are proud of our state!
Also, Hunger Games…like crack! And Boden is too!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Doris - so many great pictures!
I’m happy you had lovely time.

Tiffany - Meg, I want to live on vacation too. One day Sweets, One fine day.

alicia @ la famille - great vaca! i read an article about macinac (sp?) island a while back and saved it…it looked so fun and beautiful.
oh, and tell ms. annie, that one of your readers LOVES florence and dances daily in her kitchen to her latest disc…the dog days are over, ya know? πŸ™‚

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Loving the pictures! Lots of yummy food : )
Gemma x

flyer printing - You guys are not wasting time! I really enjoyed looking at your pics. I heart you and your family. So impressed how you manage your kids.

Katie Sellers - Love Hunger Games–you should read it too!!

Jinee - Love, love, love St. Joe Michigan! We were just there two weeks before you and did most of the same things. We loved the bowling, and the kitty cats at the U-pick farm. I want to go back again and relax on our “secret” beach as mu 7 year old called it.

Penny - I am also from Michigan. It is really nice to hear the good things about our state. we do get a bad rap sometimes. We have so many beautiful things to see and do here. I love all four seasons! And yes, there are nights we pull out the sweatshirts. Not lately though! It has been really hot! So happy you enjoyed your visit. Your photos reflect the love and fun! Thank you for sharing.

Julie - Five generations of my family have “summered” in Michigan – I usually manage to make it about two weeks out of the summer. I never get tired of it. All of these photos are the reasons why!!!

Gina - We were just in Michigan last weekend (from Chicago) and I was secretly hoping you were there again this summer and I would run into you somewhere so I could tell you how much I love your blog. And you were! Crazy! But we were up in Holland…so clearly, our paths did not cross. Looks like you had a fun time. We wish we were the kind of people that “summered” somewhere too. Michigan would be great. =) Oh well…back to reality I guess…

Trindin - I also live in MI and would love to know where you rent from? I am looking in the Area I think you are vacationing in and need a big house for lots of peeps!
Thanks
Trindin

amy jupin - i see your photography changing…and it’s even more amazing than it was before.
this group of pics is fabulous.
there is such a relaxed and happy feel to them.
it’s a contagious feeling–i found myself smiling through the entire post.
p.s. i love that little measuring tape bag from paper source too. πŸ™‚

Nicole - It’s strange to think that I read your blog religiously and you were only a little over an hour away for a few days! πŸ˜›
In all seriousness, though, Michigan is pretty wonderful. I hope I never have to leave.

Kimberly - Looks like you have a MI following! I grew up on Lake MI & it is wonderful Love the atmosphere of lake towns πŸ™‚

karen - My cousins live in Birmingham MI and their neighbourhood is so charming! Where do you guys vacation?

Kelly - $6 per scoop? At least $5 I’m guessing. but 50 cent pop and popcorn, wow! Kelly

Chas - I live in Michigan and it is great to see families who love to vacation in our great state. It is truly beautiful here!

Caitlyn - do you have a tutorial of how to make those friendship bracelets? i’ve been looking everywhere and can’t find how to make those!

Meg - Love the Loma!!

elma - OH I just love the all the pictures!! WHAT a fun tim:) So tell me where do you go in MI ? I would love to know.

Maria - Sigh, I long for the days when my boys will take hot dogs over steak…
We made the oh-so-delicious-mistake of grilling a skirt steak earlier this summer…it was to.die.for. And while half the boys already were steak lovers, this convinced the other half forever…
And now…I want steak.
love the vacation pics…looks like everyone had a blast!

Ali - Ooooh, what fun! Looks like an incredible vacation! Now I wish to go to beautiful Michigan for some family fun! πŸ™‚
~ Ali

Janet C - I also live in Michigan, and it’s so nice to see our state reflected in a positive way. I love our 4 seasons, and you’re never more than a few hours away from water. Although I’m not sure where the previous commenter is talking about when she said she wore a sweatshirt in the summer. Maybe up north? It’s been in the high 90’s here for over a week. You MUST go to Mackinac some time. It’s about 4 hours drive from the Detroit area.

Emily - It’s so nice to hear that you loved your visit to Michigan. Michigan is a wonderful place to live and I’m glad you can truly enjoy the beauty and everything that we have to offer. Love reading your blog!

tiffany m gardner - Just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for being my go to blog girl! Daily you make me laugh. Daily you remind me to depend on God. Daily seeing your family reminds me of mine and makes me grateful. A few days ago you sounded a bit discouraged about all the work of your job…jobs. All the pressure. Today…I just wanted you to know that it matters. I always use a bit of my 6 month old sons naps to enjoy this blog! Sometimes I have to return several times in the day just to read one post. Like now…I have to go to pick up my big kids from school. Anyway…today..just wanted to say thanks.

happygirl - What a wonderful vacay. I’m glad you take pics. FUN

Katie - Looks so amazing! What is free smells?!

elisa - Where did you stay? St Joe, Holland, Sagatuk? I can’t remember if you said….

Kimberly Dial - What a great family vacation! I could ‘feel’ the love & laughter … it would be awesome if vacations lasted forever but alas, I fear we would soon become bored of all the fun & no longer appreciate those precious moments with family & friends. Thank you so much for sharing you vacay with us!

Kimberly Dial - What a great family vacation! I could ‘feel’ the love & laughter … it would be awesome if vacations lasted forever but alas, I fear we would soon become bored of all the fun & no longer appreciate those precious moments with family & friends. Thank you so much for sharing you vacay with us!

Terrie - $4.50…but .50 for pop & popcorn?!! Awesome!!
Loved the cow! I’d put in the backyard with my bird feeder pole. Let’s make one for craft week?!
If you go to live on vacation…can I go with you?

Jen - I live in Michigan and can’t imagine living anywhere else. We love it. Thanks for sharing your vacation photos and your thoughts. It’s so fun to hear about the place you call home through someone else’s eyes.

merlin - I need to know the cost of the ice-cream. I complain terribly about the nearly 3$ a scoop in my area, try to make it a single summer treat event and use the money I “save” by avoiding the ice-cream store toward quarts and gallons of ice-cream from the grocery store. Not the same, but it is ridiculous that taking the family for a simple ice-cream cone is not affordable, takes more than a 20$ bill…not doing it, no! Please, share the cost so I can readujust my attitude, up or down depending on your news.

Toni :O) - LOVE the west side of our state! My hubby and I want to retire year round on Lake Michigan…if it weren’t for lake effect snow though…sigh!! We say redonkulous all the time too! Go to Mackinac City/Island….it’s a little bit of heaven. Oh, and check out the Cherry Festival sometime in Traverse City, major fun times!

Sarah - Was that Kilwin’s Ice Cream?!! It looks like their shops…. I grew up real close to where you guys vaca and I miss it so much! These posts are making me so homesick. πŸ™‚

heather - i love that you say redonkulous.
we say that a lot around here.
πŸ™‚

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Looks like a wonderful vacation! Can I come next year?:)

seriouslysassymama - Looks like a great place to vacation. Friends and I would play endless games of farkle when we were in college.

holly - i know this is a random comment, but the mention of hot dogs for the kids and steak for the grown-ups made me smile… When we were little, my parents would do the same thing, except dad would say we were also getting steak… Tube Steak he called it, and they thought it was hilarious. We did not. πŸ™‚

Deanna - I live in Michigan and summers rock here! So many beaches to go and visit! And as someone mentioned above– Mackinaw Island is a must..we vacationed there every summer for 18 years… when I was a kid! Lots of memories! Now I am married and we are headed up north friday! Can’t wait!

mel @ the larson lingo - Your vacation looks like a blast! So fun. I am guessing the ice cream was $4 a scoop. But, at least the cheap movie snacks and $1 bowling made up for it, right? Glad you guys had such a great time in Michigan!

Danielle H. - I saw that sign for Mackinac Island Fudge and started salivating! DEE-licious! My dad lives in Michigan and it is just so beautiful there in the summer. In the winter and spring, not so much. I just can’t do the snow and cold! I am also so surprised to have to put on a sweatshirt at night when I visit there in the summer. I live in Texas – the thought of a sweatshirt in the summer makes me die of heat! Have you been to Mackinac Island? It is a great day trip. That’s also what I love about Michigan – you can go across the whole state in about 3 hours! Your pics are awesome as usual! How you all can stand being in that FREEZING cold water is beyond me too!!!

Alice H - I read all 3 Hunger Game books in 6 days. LOVED THEM!!

april - that vacation looks like so much fun!!! and i want that cow for my house…i love it! hahaha
xoxo

Kerry - aaah looks like an awesome holiday Meg! I lurve Florence and the Machine, that pic is so cooooool xx

deborah@applesinwonderland - we summer in michigan and it is the BEST!!!!! though, we also autumn, winter and spring in michigan too:) free smells…..you get what you pay for;) annie is a hoot.

Holly - That cow is pretty awesome! We are putting some “cow art” in our house soon. I am excited about it. Michigan looks great! Oh and isnt blokus a fun game?

danielle burkleo - LOVE boden.and LOVE that cow. it would love perfect in your front yard!

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a few things….

i wrote a guest post on the domestic fringe last week and i forgot to link it!!!
oops.
it will still be relevant.  :)
and her series of guest posts for the summer series is very fun.   

…………………………………………

come over here to enter to win a $100 Visa gift card from Degree MotionSENSE deoderant.

…………………………………………

ashley's online photography class SOLD OUT!!!!
awesome.
there is no other word.
wow. 

…………………………………………

my friend Erica did a photo session with my Lauren….

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you can vote on her photography blog to see them all and tell her which is your favorite.
BE NICE because lauren will read your comments.

…………………………………………

i have a new obsession……friendship bracelets….again….and like everyone else.
when i was in fifth grade i was so into these.
i was sean's age.
i remember making them and wearing 15 at a time. 

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we are working on them this week.
talby learned today.
i made them for annie and scott so far.
i told craig "i don't think i will be able to fix dinner tonight….i am busy making bracelets"  
ha.

 

Χ’ΧœΧ§Χ•Χ - Wonderful post regarding such amazing things. I like your way to represent it. I like the picture with black & white and color.

Aby - Lauren is gorgeous!!

Pat Allen - Lauren is so pretty!! Love the friendship bracelet.

Froggy Lady - I cannot wait to teach my Madelyn the joys of friendship bracelets! I had them all up my arm almost to my elbow. Some handmade, other were flourescent ones you bought and shared.

Kate B. - Lauren is fabulous. Seriously! When I think about my pictures from that age. Wow. I did love my spiral perm (Class of ’93!!)but she looks a.maze.ing. I love the friendship bracelets, too. On an interterm trip in college we all came back from Guatemala wearing them again – good stuff. I see some more in my future! Katie B.

Laura Phelps - I just ate 100 swedish fish
has nothing to do with your post
just needed to share

Mallory - Can you do a giveaway for friendship bracelets?! I don’t have any kids to make them for me and I would love to sport one! πŸ™‚

nancy - How fun are those bracelets? My youngest is Annie’s age. Did you teach her how to braid? I might give it a whirl with her but not too sure on the fine motor skills and my patience level! My tank is only so full… πŸ™‚ Lovely pics of Lauren. Just lovely.

Tiffany @ Easie Peasie - Lauren’s pictures are phenomenal! I can’t pick just one favorite!! Love the friendship bracelets toooooo! We will be making some in Texas too!! Have a great end of the week!!β™₯

Pamela Gordon - I love the friendship bracelets made of cotton floss. Our daughter made so many and wore about 15 at a time and NEVER took them off. They were made of plastic gimp therefore waterproof! Your daughter’s photos are beautiful!

alicia @ la famille - i soooo loved friendship bracelets…they remind me of summer. and the pool. and when they’d get all wet, and i didn’t like wearing wet braclets…you know that icky feeling? well, ya…memories.
and your girl is gorgeous! going to have to go check out her other pics πŸ™‚

Jen Christians - Oh my goodness! I was working on friendship bracelets this week with Leah! We have had so much fun… Love it! I don’t think I remember how to do the one that you have posted though… I surpirsed myself with how many I did know.

Jen - love the friendship bracelets. when i was little my sister and i each had a whole box of embroidery thread organized by color for our bracelet-making. i saw some on etsy lately that are part thread, but then connected by a little gold or silver chain to fancy them up. they seriously looked semi-glamorous. i might have to try it!

Tanya H - haha, last night I went thru your side bar links and found the friendship bracelet how to’s. I never figured them out as a kid but I lvoed them. I’ve spent all summer wishing I had an ankle bracelet, and my daughter has been bugging me to learn to make her own jewelry. so guess whats on the shopping list for pay day? embroidery floss! πŸ™‚ THANKS!

Jenna - ha! i love that you just posted about friendship bracelets! i was so bored my last couple days of being pregnant last week that i started making them πŸ™‚ now my squeaky monkey is here and i just stare at her all day!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

Audrey - oh how I loved friendship bracelets! I even had a “business” selling them to friends when I was little πŸ™‚

Valerie @ Chateau A la mode - Great husbands…you gotta love ’em. Lauren is beauiful. I see modeling in her future πŸ˜‰

Dawn - I just wanted to say that Lauren looks really beautiful in those pictures.
I also thinks it is funny how those friendship bracelets are coming back in “style.”

Jenny B. - I used to be able to make one that had a cool twisty design, but I have no idea anymore how to do it. Did you have to google bracelet braiding tutorials? That’s what I would need to do! πŸ™‚

erlfisher - We are doing an Oz “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” party for our daughter when she turns five. The party favors are friendship bracelets, so I’m knee-deep in colored string too. I’m just as obsessed with them now as I was when I was little – funny how things come back around!

the domestic fringe - We would put beads on a safety pin and wear them on our shoelaces. So fun! Great excuse for not cooking. πŸ˜‰
Thanks for link!
~FringeGirl

Tiffany - I poked around on the site, Erica Lynn photography takes pics for adoption families, FREE – so kind! You attract some awesome peeps Ms Meg. And Lauren is so pretty, I wish she’d let u take pics of her here but I get it, dang teenagers. Holla.

angela - Lauren is GORGEOUS! I have always thought that, though I know at her age she probably doesn’t want to be on the blog much. I left a comment on her pics…BEAUTIFUL!

Sharla - Great minds think alike – I’m making friendship bracelets too. Now I’m off to see Lauren’s pics. She’s so pretty!

jeannie - What a beautiful daughter. Don’t see enough of her in your blog–absolutely gorgeous! Gets my vote!

Kim - I made my 5 year old daughter a friendship bracelet. Her response ….. “how can we be friends, you’re my mom.” Nice.

amanda - Friendship bracelets!! I know what me and my 5 year old little girl will be doing today…

Lia - I’m with you all on the bracelets. I loved them as a kind and still have some that I was given. I have been slightly obsessed this summer and have made a ton of different kinds. Got to love online tutorials (and friendship bracelets).

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Funny, I just got into the bracelet thing too and then thought “I feel so ridiculous making this thing while sitting at gymnastics. Im 31.” but then I figured I could say Im making them for my girls so its all good right?
Honestly, I never made them as a kid so Im just learning for the first time. My first one was a rainbow chevron pattern and I love how it turned out.
And did you see that Ruffled Sunshine & The Modern Marigold started a friendship bracelet swap? lots of eye candy coming there:)

Staci - Oh wow! Yes, friendship bracelets…they were allll the rage πŸ˜‰ Wonder if my 9 yr old (boy) would like it?? Hmmmm, must give it a try πŸ™‚ Thanks!

Doris - Those pics are great, Lauren is beautiful πŸ™‚

Heather - Just bought a friendship bracelet kit for a 9 year old’s birthday! Funny how things keep coming around again!

Liesl - My girls are so into friendship bracelets too! They have a great plastic storage container from Walmart (meant for beads or small crafts) and carry those everywhere we go!

Holly - my kiddos are so into friendship bracelets right now. I remember wearing them until they broke or they were just so gross we had to cut them off! haha! Going to check out Laurens photos now!

kate - I love friendship bracelets πŸ™‚ They are timeless!

tara - the pictures of your girl are beautiful….I chose 32, 40 and 42!
loved me some friendship bracelets…between those and swatch watches, I didn’t have any arm left uncovered!

Kerry - Voted πŸ™‚ Your guest post is fab! I need to get my butt into action, we have craft stuff EVERYWHERE in EVERY room of the house, wish i knew how to get it organised…. xx

Victoria Clements - Haa haaa i said the same thing to my husband the other day, when i was making a very complex friendship bracelet for my daughter!!! Poor guys they just don’t get how cool they are!!!

Sarah - Yay for friendship bracelets! I still have one my best friend made for me when we were about 10 – usually we’d wear them until they wore away after multiple showers and things, but the one I have I never wore because I thought it was TOO pretty – crazy!

Nantucket Weddings - I voted for Lauren’s photo’s. Very beautiful!
I like your friendship bracelet too. πŸ˜€

Angela - Just looked closer at the picture, and I think that’s the same bracelet I’m talking about…oh well, it’s late!

Angela - Me too with the friendship bracelets!! Honestly, they never went out of style for me, so now I’m telling myself I must be a trend setter. I’m about to take a LONG roadtrip with my 15 year old sister (i’m 35, ha!), and friendship bracelets are the big plan for the car ride. She wants me to teach her everything I know. I’m going to show her this one:
http://pinterest.com/pin/83372218/
Have you tried it? It’s woven instead of knots, and it’s super fast to make. I made one that wraps around my wrist twice, and it took like 20 minutes (after the learning curve!).

Courtney Walsh - We make friendship bracelets too!!!! weeee! I love them!
Also…Lauren? Girl. She is soooo pretty. πŸ™‚ Beautifulness.

Terrie G - Lauren is b-e-a-utiful!!
Erica did a great job!

Cindy - Wow, Lauren – gorgeous photos! So hard to choose, they are all amazing! But I voted for #37. Beautiful smile πŸ™‚

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, Lauren is so beautiful! Wow. And Ashley’s class? God is so good!

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