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re-post because of spammers.

**i am posting this again because this post gets so much spam for awful gross stuff.   i re-named it and took a couple words out….deleted the old post…we'll see if this helps.  please don't feel like you need to read it if you read it last year.  :) 

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10 months ago we began working on this room.

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removinging the vintage blue rose wallpaper. (it just wasn't workin' for me)

removing the matching drapes.

painting the walls and trim.

replacing the very ugly brass/wicker wobbly ceiling fan with a nice new fixture.

and now….it's done.

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this is the kids' toys room and also the guest room.

we (try to) read books together in this bed every night.

it's so cozy all piled in there. 

this room has five windows on one wall.

it has a huge tree right outside where you can watch squirrels and birds right in front of you.

and once while up in the night feeding a baby i saw a big fat raccoon.  

i knocked on the window and he just looked at me – yuck.

the point is…the view is pretty.  

it gets all the afternoon sun.

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behind the map is a pocket door that goes into my bedroom so it's always closed.

i found this red trunk at the flea market years ago.  

it smelled awful and the inside was covered with swastikas.

now it holds costumes and dress up clothes. (ahh…much better)

the map is an old school map that my mother-in-law gave me.

it's one of my favorite things.

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a big comfy bed calls for great big super-sized pillows!

and i made the polka dot lampshade too.  

it is very basic and imperfect but that's OK.

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that door goes to the back stairway, lauren's room and a bathroom.

these chairs were trash picked in illinois.

they have seen better days but i still like them.

the rug came with our house.  it used in the craft room.

it has holes but it's the perfect color in here.

the little blue cabinet was from salvation army.

the READ letters came from hobby lobby…they were gold leafed 

before i spray painted them.

i heart spray paint.

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some of our favorite books.

children's books are so colorful and happy.

my dad has had this where the wild things are print since i was kid.

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all the toys and books are inside the closet.

it's a mess in there.

there are toys and a tv in the armoire also.

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i made the duvet and ruffle on the curtains out of sheet sets from target.

my mom makes duvets too.  

you just sew two flat sheets together leaving one end open for button hole closure.

or ribbon instead of buttons….much easier.

feels good to check so much off the list.

now….who is coming to visit?

Sangeeta - sex shop δονητες products and secivres, Contrary to common belief, online sex shops are not pornographic in nature as numerous would assume. There are lots of online sex shops all around the web causing all of them offer some unique products that will go quite a distance in transforming the sex lives of numerous adults.Bekinky.co.uk is one of the many online sex shops with some unique range of products and secivres. This perhaps should bring us towards the most important question that many people would ask as concerns online sex shops. What should one consider when searching for online sex shops just to make sure that they don’t end up dealing with the wrong online sex shop δονητεςwhile there are numerous other online sex shops that would have given better secivres?In reality that you simply cannot tell straight away as soon clicking onto a hyperlink and you end up at one of the many online sex shops. It has to therefore take some consideration before you can actually decide on the best idea online sex shop. Some important tips about how to identify the very best online sex shop δονητεςinclude the following:First and fore most, the buyer must be able to define properly just what they want to get form the online sex shop. After detailing the list of requirements you would like met through the online sex shop. Some things that you need to bother to discover form the online sex shop δονητεςbefore you commit to coming to a invest in them include their delivery service and also the after sale service that they will offer should the need arise.Other detail that may go unnoticed by many very first time clients from any online retailers including the online sex shops is the delivery time frame. Although if not completely online sex shops will explain that they have a delivery service, they might not come out clean concerning the exact time frame that they will decide to try get your purchase for your door step. It’s quite frustrating to order one thing form a web-based sex shop δονητεςand then watch for it for near to per month or maybe more. This always comes about when you simply click and add an item to the basket without bothering to enquire on the exact time.Such complications can however be overcome by trying to be careful in selecting a web-based sex shop. Some important advice is to try and make inquiries regarding the distance between your online sex shops’ location and your residence as this will most likely affect the delivery time line otherwise the price too. Getting an online sex shop δονητεςthat’s closer to your residence should help you to get your purchased item sooner as compared to one that is miles away.

Rene - I noticed your room because the READ wall was pinned to Pinterest. I was wondering if I might be able to pin this on my Pinterest account. I have a board with Reading Nooks for the Family. I love what you have done with this wall.
If you don’t want me to pin this on my board, I will remove it. You will see it at:
http://pinterest.com/readingtutor/reading-nooks-for-the-family
Rene

Carla - Great room, so much fun! Love the colors, love the combinations, just love the room. Thanks for posting it. I feel so inspired now. Just have to choose which room to tackle first.
Thanks.

Viney - You saved me a lot of hsalse just now.

Chanel Handbags - IT IS hard to look at the Capitol in Washington, DC, without a frisson of excitement

Debs - i so love the happy colours, the room is goreous! 🙂

Melbourne Road - what a FUN room! My absolute favorite is the pillow with the crewel (?) flowers embroidered on it…LOVE
Lori

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures - Oh what a fun room. Made me smile.

Sara Taylor - I just found your blog, and I love it! So good to find someone who loves the Lord when randomly clicking on a cute picture of a bedroom.

Lise - I love, love, love this room!! All the colors together are so cheerful and wonderful.

Heidi - I’m in love with this room! I’d marry it if I could! I love it so much it’s going to show up on my blog next week (linking back to your lovely blog of course) so I have the precious lovely pics stored there. You’re creativity is delightful, as usual!

Chloe - Thanks for the repost… I am new to your blog so it was new to me! I love the eclectic and vintage feel of your home and this room is yummy! I think you have an eye for EVERYTHING! LOVE LOVE LOVE your photography. It all makes me smile!

Michelle - You inspired me with “READ”… Here is my daughter’s new room.
http://candyjamamas.blogspot.com/2009/09/before-after-chloes-room.html

Karen - I love this room. :0) Where did you find the embroidered pillows on the bed?

Karina - I absolutely love everything about thing room. I sew duvet covers too – so easy and fun! (and easy to sew matching pillow slips, quite addictive actually…) Don’t you love decorating the kids’ rooms best – you can go wild with colour and it’s never too much. I’m also inspired to frame dust jackets, thank you for that one…And thank you, spammers, for re-inspiring so many of us!! Oh, and visit? I agree with another commenter; I’m moving in!!!

Elise - ME, ME, ME!!! {Waving hands wildly!!!} Oh my goodness, I love your home!! It is such a happy looking place!!
Elise

Kim - I’m glad you re-posted this! I am in my office/guest room right now, getting ready for my in-laws to come. I rearrange this room just about every time we have a guest. 10 months ago I saw this post and loved it, I have been trying to recreate the same “feeling” here(with different colors). I’m getting closer, thanks for the refresher and inspiration!

Nicole - Oh my gosh! Thanks so much for re-posting this. I’ve fell upon your blog from…somewhere…and haven’t been reading long, so I never saw this before. I love it! I *so* want to save every picture to my Inspiration folder!

Micah - What a great room. I mean, if you had to get rid of the blue flowered wall paper with matching curtains (who ever thought that was a good idea???)… This is such an inspiring room. If only I had an unfinished room…

Angela - Awww….I *love* it!! I hadn’t seen this one before, so thanks for reposting it! 🙂

Allison - oh, love love love. it should be inside the covers of a glossy magazine. very cute.

Jennifer T - I think I know – your husband leaked something to mine – blog friends from California for a special dedication? Do I win a prize?

Heather - This room is SOOOO adorable! I LOVE it!

Grace Matthews - I love this! I wished I had a creative spark. I’m just not good at looking at things at a flea market or garage sale and knowing that I could do something with them. This is great and very inspiring.

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - Dear Spammers,
For once, I must say thank you!
I’m so glad you forced Meg to re-post the playroom! I hadn’t seen these pics in a long time, and I needed see all those happy, creative goodies.
With love,
An Inspired Meg-aholic

jessica - love your room…and your blog! quick question…i absolutely love the color on the blue dresser/nightstand next to the bed. do you know what color it is? am looking to paint a desk for my son and would love to know.

adrienneK - wait im confused why did you re-post?! anyhoo it’s still just as adorable!!

Kirsten - Loved it the first time, love it the second time. Why am I not brave enough to try a duvet cover?

Sandy - WOW! That was a year ago – I guess I didn’t realize how long I’ve been reading your blog…must be close to two years now??? Anyway, loved the room then and love the room now. Sorry you have to put up with spammers. Creeps.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I absolutely love this room. It is me all the way. Love your pillows and bedding. It just looks so happy and the colors mesh so perfectly. What a wonderful space for your family to read, laugh and play together. Thanks for sharing:)

Stacey - I love this room and your blog- thanks for the repost!

Jen - Meg, I could move into your house and not change a thing. So cozy.

sarah - Meg, I wish you would come to my house and decorate it. Your style make me feel all cozy!!

Rebekah - Seeing this room on Oodeeoh was what brought me to your blog, and I’m so glad I came! I’ve been saving the dust jackets from my daughter’s books ever since to I can frame them eventually. LOVE that idea! Thanks for posting this again. 🙂

Wendy - Meg! Awesome room. I love the crewel pillow. YOu are soo good with colors. an inspiration for sure. i wish I had the space that you have.

Jane Weston - Great looking room!!
Just an FYI…there may be a way to disable comments on a single post..if that’s where you are getting spammed. I’ve had to do it for a couple of my posts in blogger.

Kathy - OMG I love that room.The colors, the furniture, everything! You have an amazing eye for decorating. I love the people house on the dresser blocking the pocket door. I had one growing up loved the door bell. Great job!

Sarah L - Not visiting – MOVING IN! Ill be there soon. I love and adore this room. I want it for my own!

Erin - I’m glad you reposted this! I am coming to stay at your house. Even tho my parents live in your town. Think they’d be offended?? 🙂

se7en - Loved it the first time round and still loving it! I would love to come and visit it looks like a great place to put my feet up and read a bazillion stories!!!

suzanne b. - What an incredible room.

melissa@afamiliarpath - so pretty and cozy.

MMW - This was the original post that got me hooked on your blog. Fantastic. It’s been so fun following your adventures and photos.

Gaia - I love the way you decorate. The colours are bright, cheerful, and they blend so well. Inspired.

Christine - hi meg,
i just wanted you to know that your taste and style have really inspired me.
i call your blog “color therapy”, your love of bright colors got me to think that i should be adding more to our home. so i’ve spent time painting wooden chairs RED (my favorite)
and be a little bolder with color choices all around.
I admire you for other things too but will just comment on your decor for now :).
thank you for taking time to fill our days with some of yours.
God bless.

Jenni - What an absolutely gorgeous room. It makes me sigh with pleasure and delight! BUT…
Why is a racoon “yuck”?

Donna - I so Heart that room . It is awesome. I love all the bright colors. I need to be more brave with color in my house. Great Job!!

Wendy - So cheery and bright! I love it! And don’t you just love “Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon”?! She is just too cute (and her little grandma too). 🙂 Duvet question. Do you use the next size larger to sew together? I have a queen comforter that I’d like to cover. Do I use 2 queen sheets or 2 kings?

Christina - To answer your question…me, me, me, please?
That room is FAB-YOU-LOUS. Note the middle of that word.
Actually, will you come here and help me with this house?!

Naomi - I comment very randomly, but read always. We are currently in the middle of de-color-ating a new house and there are some struggles as there is no hobby lobby, michaels or target here, BUT your post gives me hope and ideas and sets my creativity juices flowing.
Beautiful and functional and FUN room!

erin - Love this room! Come do my whole house! 🙂

The Paper Note - Wow awesome,,,can you come redo are room meaning the girls room it needs a make over and I have no idea where to start that room is awesome, Lisa

Rach - I loved it the first time so it was fun to read again.

Bevy - Absolutely gorgeous!! LOVE IT!!

Trish - delish… I am in love with the colors in this room!

pve - 1 problem, I would never leave.

Laura - Yes, me too, this was the reason a friend(another Meg) sent me to your blog- thanks for posting this fabulous room- again,

Marjorie - What a happy room!

elizabeth - Me! Me! I want to come visit. I love this room — all the color and the sunshine. You’ve done such a beautiful job…

Naomi Williams - I am a complete lurker who fell in love with your blog b/c of this room the first time you posted it.
I never knew what my “style” was (and I still don’t to be honest) but this was probably the first time I actually found a space that resonated with me from top to bottom that actually EXISTS somewhere and is USED and contains JUNK that is AWESOME…and did I mention I love that you USE IT!!!
It is a big time inspiration to me!
SO glad you reposted this…very “meant to be” for me.
Inspiration!

Vera - Oh and I have to say… the wallpaper with the matching drapes cracks me up – I mean, really, what were people thinking?!? I guess if you REALLY REALLY REALLY love those flowers and want to feel like you’ve been swallowed by a giant flower-bellied monster, it’s a good idea.

Vera - YAY!! It’s my favorite room in your house (I’m sorry if it’s creepy that I have a favorite room in your house)… in fact, I sewed a crib bumper out of that green sheet set and, in a little over a week, when we hopefully find out whether the bean in my belly is boy or girl flavored, I’m going to ask you to help me figure out how to decorate the nursery. Seriously 🙂

amber - Love it! Love it! Love it! Come decorate my house please!

Melanie - It made me happy the first time and again today:)

Kristin - Oh I love this room! I am so happy you posted it again. I so want your little blue dresser! if you ever want to get rid of it let me know. : ) And all the little details soooo great! Thanks for sharing.

Beth - I don’t even know you, but I want to come visit! What an AWESOME room! My kid’s nursery deco is all children’s book art… so that caught my eye right away! LOVE it!

Patty - Your room looks like it should be in a catalog or magazine. I love everything about it!!

Lori - Thanks for re-posting this one. This was the first post of yours that I ever read. I think I found you through Bower Power blog…she posted about your reading room. I had just started reading a couple blogs, and when I saw this post, I was blown away! And I have enjoyed it here ever since. 🙂

Ashley - Meg,
I loved it then and I love it re-posted. Its a great room with so much to offer! Brilliant!
~Ashley

julie - I’m coming to visit. Janey has plans to jump on the bed.
what creepy spam were you getting? boo.

pam ferrari - What a beautiful room so glad you posted it again. I love your blog.

Victoria~ - I *love* your toy/guest room! It’s so inviting! I bet it’s hard to get your guest to leave! lol…Thanks for sharing.

Mary - Glad you reposted … what a fun and cozy room! Would you mind sharing what your wall color is … I want to repaint my bedroom and I think that’s exactly the color I’ve had in mind but can’t quite pick out when I stare at all those paint chips!

Shannon - What a wonderful cozy room you created! I love it.

Kate - Goodness gracious. I feel in love with this post last year and tried it in our gameroom… it is still SO inspiring and amazing.

andrea - i didn’t read this last year, so this is the first time and cant help but wonder what words or why you were getting icky stuff. i love how you can make a room look perfect out of all kinds of stuff i would never imagine go together. very nice i love it, i to also have a one huge room just for the little people, it makes it kinda nice to keep all the mess contaded for the most part

Sarah @ In A Dream - I have fell in love with this room before, but I love that I got to read it all again! There is so much inspiration there for people who like to do things themselves, and the colors are phenomenal. Love it even more now!

Iman - I’m glad you re-posted. I love this room!!
(sorry about the spammers)

alice - gorgeous redo! everything is bright and colorful and fun! i love it 🙂

Debby Graber - Love it!! You are just so creative!

Lori - We were oohing and aahing over your make-over and then my daughter asked when we could come and visit.:) Then I read your last sentence and just HAD to leave a comment.:) Lori

Pineapple Princess - It’s so colorful and happy! I want to move in! Awesome before and after!!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - *oops, meant HOUSE! 😀 can’t type today!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - *oops, meant HOUSE! 😀 can’t type today!

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - What a beautiful has you have. Love the idea of getting all cozy in that bed, reading to the kids.

Jaime @ Simply Arizona - What a beautiful has you have. Love the idea of getting all cozy in that bed, reading to the kids.

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pink! pink! pink!

annie asked me if we could make cupcakes.

what i wanted to say was "no honey mommy is blogging."

but instead i said "yes!"  

a friend of mind told me to try saying YES more often with my kids and see how it goes.

hmmmm…turns out it makes them happy.

i am not sure what i think about that yet…HA.

we decided to make Pinkalicious cupcakes!

(after i finished blogging)

Pink

because the only cake mix we had was strawberry.

but it was perfect because it's currently annie's favorite book.

do you have it?

you can get it here…

Pink2

it's a cute book.

perfect for girls who love pink…or cupcakes….or throwing tantrums.

Pink5

they were very tasty.

i had four…over the course of two days…not all at once.

do you feel like your automatic response is no when your kids ask for something?

i do.

so i am working on it…

my first thought is usually "No…i am too tired/busy/crabby/lazy/blogging…"

but if i try hard to think first before i give my auto pilot answer….

can we make cookies?  well….yes, as soon as these dishes are done we sure can.

can we read 4 books?  yes…if you can sit still we can read four.

can you drop me off at the gym?  will you be able to walk home…then YES.

i don't know….it's hard to break a habit.

at least this time there were cupcakes to eat.

Thays - Grandpa Campbell – I was totally ameazd at how great your pics were of Little LUKE’s Event. So many favorites! And when I look back on the Party, I was cannot get over how you were able to shoot from so many great angles and perspectives without impeding on any of the activity.So professional . Great Job!

Renato - Jonathan I keep a supply of homdamee cupcake wrappers with my baking supplies because I like to make cupcakes. I have done these manually and with my Cricut machine. I think this is also and excellent idea for inexpensive Christmas gifts especially using the cupcake box. The recipient can put them in their bathroom for their next party. I might add a slip of paper (like in fortune cookies) to let the guest know this is for them for keeps just in case they use the bathroom more than once.Boy was Oprah wrong for not calling you. Truly her loss.

Adela - Everyone’s cupcakes loekod so good. Unfortunately I can’t do any baking until our ant problem is taken care of. I have the ingredients so hopefully I can make them soon.

Anggara - You are so incredibly tetlnead! Your fondant bow is FABULOUS. YOu should be very proud of yourself! I can’t believe it was your first one—I’d never have known. You’re an expert!

kathy b - Oh my goodness, I just bought this book yesterday. I bought it for Gwyn who is 3, lives next door and loves pink. I loved the story. Did you turn pink from eating the cupcakes?
kathy b

Tecla - We had a Pinkalicious party in January – just because. It wasn’t a birthday, we just thought, “wouldn’t it be fun?”. We kept it pretty low key (read: easy for Mom!). We had a great time!! Your cupcakes are definitely prettier, though! 🙂 http://quirkymess.blogspot.com/2009/01/pinkalicious.html

jess - we love pinkalicious! just the other day my 5 year old told my 3 year old…”ya get what ya get and ya don’t get upset!” any cupcakes left?!

amy smith - I am linking your post to mine…you’ve inspired me. http://thebradsmithbunch.blogspot.com thanks! amy

Amy - We made the pinkalicious cupcakes too!! What fun! Have you tried the purplelicious? (I haven’t been brave enough to, just yet) Thanks for all your beautiful posts and great ideas!

Christy - I usually say “suuuurrreee” & then hope he forgets. See, not much better. 🙂 This morning it was purple cupcakes, which we haven’t made yet, yesterday it was a new lego set, which he will forget about until he sees the commercial again.

Emily - Those are lovely cupcakes! Makes me almost want to give up on my “no white sugar” pledge! I agree with the saying no. As I think about it I probably do say no a lot- no wonder my two three year olds say it back to me so much! Thanks for a thought-provoking idea–saying yes. I’ll try it!

The Paper Note - I’m an auto pilot NO mommy too… 🙂 just because I have two girls who ask for something 24/7
Mommy can we get a hamster? NO
Mommy can I get that barbie? NO
Mommy can we go swimming? NO
Mommy can I have 3 choc chip cookies? NO
Mommy can I blah blah blah blah…. all day long… hehehe… I just get so used to crazy question I auto say NO then sometimes I’m going “What did you ask? are YOU serious?”
Here’s the Best Maddies asked
“Mommy can I get an Elephant? Sure Honey I’ll get right on that. LOL…
Today is a Yes though we are headed to the Fair…
Bless you for being a normal Mommy this was an Awesome Post… hugs, Lisa

K - They look adorable AND delicious! I love all things girly 🙂

pve - YES – 3 letters with so much meaning.

Jenn - YUM. I can almost taste the sugar sweetness.

Debby Graber - I remember hearing james dobson saying that we need to say more “yes’s” to our kids than “no’s”. There are definite times for a firm “no” though. What did you put on top of those cupcakes?

Sarah - pure yummness. what a great idea!

DreamGirlLisa - I already say yes a lot, find myself exhausted most of the time too, but it’s worth it. I bought Pinkalicious for my niece last year, I loved reading it to her 🙂 I have a strawberry cake mix on hand too (on sale at Target ), those cupcakes look good, and pink is my favorite color. I am trying the rainbow cake this weekend for my daughter’s 18th birthday, wish me luck! Love your blog:)

Allison - Those cupcakes look divine!!!

seleta - Ohhhhh, I love the fancy new pic in the header!!!
Yes, I feel like I always start with “No.” It’s a shame, but it’s the truth. Maybe because their questions are always so crazy? Like on a school night after dinner I’ll get the question, “can we have family movie night tonight?” I look at my trashed kitchen and dining table then look back at them with “are you kidding? No!” Really I’d rather be selfish and take a shower or {blog} and I’m so tired I could collapse on the floor. Eeeek, I’m a scary mommy.
My husband never says no. Even if his answer is really no. It’s always, “sure we can eat chocolate cookies…..next time.” Or “yes, we can stay up until 10….really soon.” Smart. He’s much more positive than me. Okay, I’m going to work on this.
Thanks for the inspiration.

Krista - Love love love the cupcakes, love love love your blog.
Look out for Purplicious, it’s just as good as Pinkalicious. We bought Goldilicious, but I don’t think it’s as good as the first two. But my girls love all of them.
I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, I can’t stop reading it, I love your ideas and the gorgeous pictures. I am amazed that you manage a post every day, even with your 5 kids. Believe me, it is most appreciated by this reader!

Christina - Oh, I would have eaten four all at once!
This is a great post…I am totally in that habit. I’ve tried to play a game or do something with my middle son while my youngest is napping these days.
And those are gorgeous cupcakes!

andrea - i almost always say no, but i too have been trying to say yes more, it is hard

Ashley - We LOVE Pinkalicious too! We Also love purplelicious- if you don’t have a copy, I have two and would love to send you my extra for Annie! I just noticed goldilicious in the store today and am dying for it!
Love the cupcakes and I also struggle with saying no too often. I think it’s a have a lot of kids thing…
As always, LOVE the blog, your pictures are amazing!
Ashley

Leslie - YES!!! That seems to be working for us too these days. Not only saying YES but also more of the positive feedback they get from us than the negative…. It’s been working great for me lately!!!
And by the way, my 4 year old son likes Pinkalicious and gigi God’s Little Princess from time to time when it’s not dinosaurs and superhero’s 😀

jody - We love pinkalicious here, too! Even the boys get a kick out if it. I’ve been trying YES more often, too…and it works! xxoo

Kristen - My almost 3 year old’s favorite book is Pinkalicious too!!!! and I have been planning on making Pinkalicious cupcakes for over a week now, haven’t gotten around to it yet…..maybe you’ll inspire me! I am gonna try the yes thing….I do try to do that, but maybe I’ll work harder on it. and also, I’ve stalked your blog for a few months now…finally popping in, i LOVE to read here! One of my favorite things is to pop on her and see a new post! You are a wonderful mom and I wish I had half your creativity! You inspire me to do fun things with my kids too. Keep it up, you have lots of fans!!!

Kristine Robb - what’s wrong with four cupcakes at once?!
i like your entry b/c you are articulating my thoughts…
this am i had a playdate with a mom of two and she said YES to letting them open umbrellas in the house and running with them! they went out in the rain and back inside they came jumping with water droplets flying around. i was watching in awe and she said, “it’s only water.” which it IS. and it’s only itty bitty drops. AND their laughter was worth a few sprinkles. YES TO UMBRELLAS INDOORS!
nevermind the safety factor…. 🙂

Tiffany Morris - I’m stopping over from Cora’s page. OMG… if I only had HALF of your talent. I looked through your house pictures and they are GORGEOUS! I only wish I could decorate like that!
Hugs – Tiffany

Staci - I’m really impressed you only had four…I would’ve had four…just licking the batter…and four once they were actually MADE 🙂 I’m gonna give the “yes” thing a try 🙂 Have an awesome COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEKEND 🙂 YIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Dawn - That book is a favorite at our house! We also love Purplicious, and I can’t wait to get Goldilicious!
Like you, I feel that ‘no’ comes out of my mouth so easily. I really do need to make an effort to say ‘yes’ a lot more. I’m sure there would be a definite upgrade in the mood around our house!

Miranda - My baby adores this book. Saying yes today led to a kitchen floor covered with water and happily…I loved it. 🙂

Wendy - I can totally relate to the “auto pilot answer”. I’ll try to say “yes” more often and see if my kids are any happier. The cupcakes look yummy and I’ll have to check out Pinkalicious next time I’m at the book store. 🙂 Wonderful pics as always.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - We have that book too. There is pretty much nothing food wise that I love better than cupcakes. Those were gorgeous. Thanks for the pictures. I saved one to make as a screen saver:) That’s probably not a good idea…cravings will do me in. Have a great long weekend Meg.

amy j. - I read that somewhere once… try to figure out a way to say YES. Can I have a snack? Yes! After you eat your supper! Good reminder. I’m so tired right now, it’s way too easy to say no.
Have you read “Purplicious?” Those are two of Sophie’s favorites right now. (Lawson, too!) 🙂

sandy toe - We love that book…..one of our favorite!
sandy toe

Iman - p.s. Have you seen the movie Yes Man! 😉

Iman - Wow!! This could not have come at a better time. Just this week I was thinking how I say no, a lot to my kids.
So yesterday I started trying to say yes more often.
I think it’s time for this Mama to start initiating some cupcake making.
Thanks for the post and the inspiration.

Sarah B - We (my daughter and I) LOVE Pinkalicious, and Purplicious, and just bought Goldilicous! And I need to start practicing saying yes more often. The cupcakes look delicious. 🙂

Sarah V. - A good reminder of something I need to work on. I do good for a while then I turn back into the “No Mommy”. And a great idea! We are having a sleepover tonight and I think the girls would love them.

Laura Phelps - YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are TOTALLY on the same page!!!!!!!!!
Not only does saying YES make them happy…it makes ME happy…AND.drum roll please….
TEACHES THE CHILDREN to say YES to ME when I ask them to do something!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The easiest lessons are always the hardest and yet SIMPLEST.
And my YES on Tuesday was BROWNIES.
“Can we make them mom?”
YES.
And ate three. In one sitting.

adrienneK - so sweet!

Victoria - Oooooh those cupcakes look YUMMY!
I have been trying to say “yes” too! Too often I am just stuck in a rut of “no, no, no” and when I think about it, I can say yes to certain things and it makes my 4 year olds day!

Shana - Yes!

Vera - I really, really have to fight saying “just a minute” pretty much anytime my kids want anything. It must be very frustrating for them, and I hate that it could make them think they’re less important than EVERYTHING. So I have a rule – I try not to say it at all on weekends.

Sarah - Cute!!! I don’t have kids, but I think I should say yes more, too. I usually say yes if someone asks me to do something for them, but making plans with others makes me want to say no right away, even if there is no reason to back up my answer.
Love the cupcakes!! I want one!

callie grayson - You’re awesome!!
thanks for the tip on the book, my niece loves cupcakes, adores pink and throws tanrums on a daily basis!! She is just like me!
xx
callie

Jimaiemarie - These look sooo cute and sooo delicious!!!!

Angela - I have two boys, so I don’t think we have very many pink things in the house. Maybe that will change come March. 😉
I tend to say “no” too much, too. I’m always on my own agenda–laundry, cleaning, blogging, clearing my DVR. LOL
And while I like it that my kids can entertain themselves (thank goodness!!!), I do hate it that it makes them easier to put at the bottom of the list. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

Summer - Yum! I really needed that pep talk, I’m working on the yes thing.

Shari Barnes - Oh… that gives me a great homeschool idea for next week! We will read and make those cupcakes. She will love that! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! Your cupcakes are LOVELY!!

Cate O'Malley - I think pink cupcakes can just about cure anything. Yours look fab!

Renee - my kids love that book! how sweet for Annie. you have the healthiest approach on life and kids, man. i wish i could hang out with you…more often, ever, whatever! lol cheers, girlie! xoxo

Kara - this was a really sweet reminder… no pun intended. 🙂 I love your blog… now I’ve got to go find some pink cupcakes, they look so good!

purejoy - mmmmm. i’d say yes to everything if there was a pink payoff in the end!! so precious and of course, the colors. . . amazing. thanks for the eyecandy!

Marjorie - My kids love that book! The cupcakes look yummy!

Lori Danelle - Such pretty and girl-y pink cupcakes!!! We tend to be a bit girl-y at our house since there’s no reason not to be!! ( I try to give the man of the house stuff for him too. . .) Fancy should be a part of every day.
That and twirling.
and tutus for twirling.
(my 2 year old has already learned that you have to have the perfect skirt or tutu for twirling)
I haven’t heard of this book yet, but it looks like I’ll be checking it out at the book store very soon!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

pam - 4? over 2 days? that is total self control. maybe 1 after each meal? and right before your exercise with jillian? see, not that bad. it’s all in how you spin it.
AHHHH!!! you are a fabulous mommy. lucy has asked me if she could make a pink cake out of her PINK PRINCESS cookbook every day this week. i even bought the groceries. now you are inspiring me. i should be a good mommy and get off the computer. 😉
the pinkalicious picture with YOUR cupcakes looks so yummy and professional.

Nancy - Can you be my mommy? I want someone to tell me YES when I ask for things.
Can you make dinner?
Can you do the laundry?
Can you put gas in my car?
Can you pay for my car?
You get the idea…..
Maybe I need a Sugar Daddy.

Mary - I think I was always a “no” mom until I thought one day about my kid’s day from their view, always walking out their room to ask for something, always walking back in with the same no answer. How sad to grow up with a mom who was always more busy with dishes, dinner and laundry than playing. I made a vow to be better and change. It takes lots of hard work, but I’m doing better at yes’s now. Thanks for the inspiration. I think I’m going to stop by the grocery store after work and pick up some pinkalicious cake mix and icing. That should be a fun treat for the Friday of Labor Day weekend.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog. In fact, I didn’t get the whole blogging craze until I discovered you and Pioneer Woman. Now I’m hooked on both of you.

Sandy - I’ve heard that before, but sadly had forgotten over time. My 15 y/o son will be thrilled you reminded me. 🙂
The cupcakes look yummy! I’m sure I would have had more than 4 by now.

Ruth - they look amazing!!! and so cute that they’re just like the ones in the book. (and that they’re in the garden. on a cake stand. sigh! perfection.)

Sherryl Mascarinas - It’s my daughter’s favorite book – we are going to have a pinkalicious themed birthday party for her!

Jess - Yeah, I guess I say “no” way more than I mean to. However, I rarely say no to baking! It’s my other therapy.

Nancy-The Goat and The Kid - I love that book and the cupcakes are so fun! Cupcakes make anyone happy and a day so much better.
I am with you on trying to say yes more often and just relishing in the time with the kiddos. That makes life truly DELICIOUS! 🙂

jennifer - Somebody told me the say yes thing waaay back when, when my oldest was little. MAN is it hard! But I try. Some days go better than others. But if they were asking to make cupcakes, I could SO get on board with that one!

Dina - Oh I say no waaaayyy too often. Thanks for the inspiration:-) I think back to all the fun things my mom did with us and she was a ‘work-outside-the-home’ mom. I stay at home with my kids and don’t do nearly what she managed to do with us. Daily affirmation: YES, YES, YES! … but I draw the line at the pet toad (who lives in the garage) coming inside – ain’t gonna happen:-)
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog!
I’m with Carissa – I need a cupcake!

elizabeth - Thank you for this simple lesson. I’m going to try it today. Wish me luck.

Kacey - Oh, I love pink and cupcakes! But…I have two boys. 🙂
I have been trying to catch myself when my automatic response is “No” or “Later”. It’s hard. But, yes – I’ve also found the kids are happier, so it’s worth it!

adrienne - good for you mom! this is so hard for me and i need to work on it too, for sure. the cupcakes are soooo pretty!

amanda - Pinkalicious is my 3 year olds FAVORITE book!
I think we’ll make some pinkalicious cupcakes today!

Sara - Love your new picture on the sidebar. 🙂
Ummm, yeah, no is my automatic response. 🙁 I realize I do that a lot…too busy/tired/cranky/checking my email, etc. Someone told me the other day to try to spend quality AND quantity time with the kids.
This is encouraging…I’m gonna work on this. THANKS.

Kathy - Mine response is usually No! I’ll have to try to Yes response not as effective with teens! They already milk us for everything…..omg oops sorry that was negative! Maybe if I can have one or two of your cup cakes all will be good.

www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmdHu7ccHz4OtAGywokg7ophJ1cSCY5btQ - My daughter loves that book too! She made pink cupcakes with her mom-mom yesterday. It made her super happy!

theelizabethhighsmith.blogspot.com - i love pink and cupcakes and tantrums and children’s books i might should be concerned that i’m 28 and love those things, but i’m not and now i want that book and a cupcake…which might bring on a tantrum……..

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - YES… and YUM!!!

Simply Lanny... - WoW yes you do rock and yummy 🙂 puts me in the mood to bake some myself Hmmm… Have a happy week-end !
Lanny

carissa... brown eyed fox - you’re such rock star! i want to be you! 🙂
girrrrl… i am queen of crabby sometimes… but DO love to jump in & make cupcakes too!
what a GREAT theme for a birthday party too! you KNOW that is Riley’s FAVORITE book too! loves it! and all the new fun colors they are adding too…Purplicious… Goldilicious! you just spurred the best idea ever… THANKS! miss thing… lil bit turns five in OCT! oh PLEASE let me steal your idea! pretty please! please!!!!
i want to EAT a cupcake right NOW!

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happy mail (part 2)

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i had a very kind email from stephanie last week.

she was sweet and full of compliments.  i clicked over to her link and saw her making salsa.

YUMMY.

i told her to send me some….and she did!

i was kidding.

but she did it anyway and it was such a treat for us.  

we don't make our own salsa here so when we get the good stuff we are so happy.

THANK YOU stephanie.  

it was so much fun to get salsa in the mail!

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then my order from uberstitch arrived.

i am LOVING the name UBERSTITCH.  you must say it with a swedish accent…like farfegnugen.

look at her packaging?!  the fabric is folded up so nicely and wrapped in a pattern.

with a map tag.

love. love. love it.

she had the fabric i have been searching for everywhere.

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school days handwriting.

it brings me pure joy.

it could be the best fabric EVER.

and the zebra fabric?  it's made by sis boom….another awesome site.

that jennifer paganelli is so talented.

with this fabric i am making pillows for the kitchen sitting area with blacks and whites.

the zebra print is going to recover a chair seat.

and more fabric came but this was from anna maria horner.

i just got the scraps.

that girl has some SUPER fabulous fabrics.

i would like to just sit in her studio and stare at it…for days.

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her branding is gorgeous.

polka dots on floral on another floral and swirly writing…be still my heart.

and this package came from patricia (an artist) from pve design.

another talented woman.

we are surrounded by them here in blogland….YAY!…you are fueling my creative fires everyday.

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it was a care package from one mom to another.

she sent 3 pretty dresses to my girls that her daughter had outgrown and a stack of magazine articles

on party themes to craft ideas to advice on parenting.

i felt like a very blessed woman.

you blog readers are so kind to me.

i love every comment you leave.

i appreciate every thoughtful word you say.

i smile every time you say i made your day.

thank you for letting me share my love of color here everyday…it's like free therapy!!

Chanel Handbags - IT IS hard to look at the Capitol in Washington, DC, without a frisson of excitement

megan duerksen - oh…sorry. 🙂

Alv - I think the accent you’re after is german, we swedes has nothing to do with über. 😉

Pineapple Princess - Whoa! Those look GOOD!
I think you’re a great mom.

Abby - That salsa looks so yummy!!
Believe it or not but I bought some Sis Boom fabric at Alco while I was back in KS, I love how they have some quilt store quality fabric at great prices.
I would love to have PVE do a painting of my parents home, might have to do that for their 35th anniv. next year.

Kristine Robb - mmmm i am totally jealous of your mail!
i am considering your colorful blog my “mail box” and just filling up on the free JOY!

pam - that TOTALLY beats the happy mail i was going to send. HA! 😉
i think it is soooo cool that people send you stuff. and that you can order just the perfect fabric online.
i LOVE the wrapped in a pattern idea. genius.
you are so loved meg! it takes a special person to be able to blog something like this and make so many people feel happy too. you have a gift!

Jennifer - Oh you are the best miss Meg!!!I must get you on my blog roll…love whenever you pop in!!

carissa... brown eyed fox - salsa AND zebra stripes… almost TOO much good for one day! 🙂
FUNOLA!

Suzette Mahoney - love love love that handwriting fabric. I also really love your blog!

Sarah V. - Your blog is like free therapy for me. I love all the fun colors you use and your great ideas inspire me!
I even made your rainbow cake for a going away party at work. It was a big hit!
http://ksvincentfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/way-late-wednesday-part-2.html

pve - Watch out, I will be sending my kids for you to photograph.
Please let me know if they arrive alive. #*7$ 3 in one box can be a little dicey.
pve

Heidi Jo the Artist - Oh this salsa looks soooo yummy! I eat salsa almost every single day, yup that is how much I love salsa. 😉 I wanted to thank you so much for your happy things links besides your awesome blog of course. You always find the best links. My favorite of late is the miniature houses by Ana Serano and the small magazine. I am currently working on a project that has made me fall in love with miniatures! I have a feeling this small magazine might help me out a bit. If I get the project finished (hopefully soon!) then I will dust off the cobwebs and blog about it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://socbuttons.etsy.com

Sarah L - I adore that school hand writing fabric – its too die for

Kat - you are so awesome, I love reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your love of color!

JerriR - Could write a lot but will simply say I love to read your blog daily!!!!!

Starnes Fam - Isn’t this a fun blogging world we live in? I love it. Not sure what I would do without it.
PS – love the salsa friend’s ode to Seinfeld in her blog post title.

Rach - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… YOU GET THE BEST FABRIC EVER!!!

Angela - Awesome!!! Speaking of mail, did you get my email where I shared a link where another blogger made your rainbow cake for her son’s 2nd birthday? I got so hungry!! 🙂

Amy at The Red Chair Blog - What a visually appealing post! Pretty, pretty! Two things to share: #1. I was just–not 2 seconds ago–on the Anna Maria Horner site looking at those scrap bags before I clicked over here(insert Twilight Zone music here). #2. I love the IDEA of that school handwriting fabric, but seeing it instantly took me back to 2nd grade and my mean old teacher who constantly criticized my handwriting. Hmm.

Sarah - We must have the same “thing” about handwriting/lined paper, because that is to DIE for!!! I’ll have to get myself some.

Julia - Wow – you had a great mail day!

jennifer - There’s those polka dots I caught a glimpse of yesterday. Yeah! I love it!
And such fun packages. Loving all your color, as usual.

Ashley - Meg,
Thank YOU for sharing!

Sara Cameli - Hi Cutie, love your enthusiasm about packaging. I hear ya. Whenever I see awesome packaging it makes me soooo happy too! I am at school late for parents night, happy to have something fun to check on before the mayhem begins…

Tammy - Hooray that I don’t have to GOOGLE for great sites, I just check your site and *poof* I instantly have several others to add to my favourites and browse through over tea. Meg, hon, LOVE your posts. You rock my blogging world. 😉

Penny - Thank you Meg. You give so much joy from your blog. I just love when I see there is a new post!! Your photography is amazing! I am glad you have had a great mail week.

Kacey - Oh, your blog is like happy therapy for ME! I love to look at your beautiful pictures – and the bursts of color everywhere. Love it all! (I’m guilty of being a very occasional commenter – so sorry!)

elizabeth - Thank YOU for bringing color and happiness into each of my days!

adrienneK - oh such a happy post!!! that handwriting fabric is the cutest !!!!

Magchunk - Wow those are some great mail days! I recently hosted a craft supply swap on my blog, so I’m really looking forward to finding some fun packages on my doorstep soon! One of my fave blogs, Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle, organized a penpal swap, so I love getting letters from my new penpal too!
Love all that fabric. I went a little nuts in the fat-quarter section of Artco the other day and I can’t even get my (mom’s) machine threaded!

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - I love all the fabrics!
We just made patchwork aprons this weekend. It made me think of some of your pillows while we were working on them!Your scraps would make a beautiful one!
It’s here: http://boysmyjoys.blogspot.com/2009/09/patchwork-apron-girls-weekend.html
Can’t wait to see the finished kitchen area 🙂

Joni - You sure did have some fun packages! I hope you all have a lovely weekend….to say farewell to summer!
XOXO
Joni

Staci - Man!! You win!! You DID have a great mail week!!!! Guess I’ll be checking all these lovely ladies out!!!! Thanks Meg! You bring UBER JOY to BlogLand =)

Summer - Love fun mail! Thanks for the inspiration!
Summer

purejoy - love getting mail. it’s like a party in my mailbox.
comments pretty much rock the house, too!
and color?? i love your color. i want to be adopted by you.
seriously.

pallie - Getting goodies in the mail ALWAYS makes my day/week/month…depending on what it is!
By the way, this is my first comment on here but I have been keeping up with your blog for a long time now. After all this time reading your posts, admiring your handiwork, ogling your photos and stealing your ideas, I wanted to let you know that I want to be like you. Seriously.

Heather - What awesome happy mail! And thank you for the beautiful pictures you post. They are a happy spot in my day!
Heather

Sarah - Awww! I love how kind people can be (even people you only know online). This world really is a beautiful place if you take the time to notice it. I’m loving the fabrics and the dresses! Too cute! I can just imagine Talby and Annie in them. The hot sauce looks great too! Everyone’s been blogging about salsa and other tomato-related things lately.

Aljolynn - Colors are the fruits of my life! So THANK YOU for bringing such color into mine. Totally envious of your packages!
I really need to learn how to sew.

donna - you need to stop posting the cute things you get…because I am one of those people who hear about something and buy it….so far I bought that cute purse that you blogged about a few months ago….and today i ordered a necklace from vintage pearl……..thank goodness i don’t sew.

Stephanie Carroll - You’re so welcome 🙂
I hope it was good!!

Kathy - Love Happy mail! I rarely get any mail here, it’s so expensive to mail even a card so other than bills I get zip! Love pve blog she is so talented. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new fabrics. Happy Thursday!

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happy mail (part 1)

don't you love a good week of happy mail?

i love just one day of happy mail but a week's worth…that rocks.

first thing that made me happy….

jewelry from the vintage pearl.

oh my goodness -i am loving it!

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i have never had any jewelry with names on it…erin hooked me up!

i now own a necklace that says meg & craig.

because that is just so very ME.

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i love it.

it feels so high school musical.

or ELF…"i'm in love! i'm in love and i don't care who knows it!"  (click here if you want to see that clip)

with my necklace it's like i am announcing it to the world.

don't worry…i love my kids too.

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my kids like this bracelet even more than i do. 

it is so special to them.

they touch it and ask to see their names…feel their name.

and that makes my heart just swell up….aaaahhhhhh.

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and erin just knows me. (even though she doesn't in real life)

she must know that my most favorite font in the entire world is this one.

especially when it's not in a perfectly straight line.

OR…maybe it's her favorite too so that is why she uses it.  

yes that's probably it.

but she has other fonts too…if you like that.

and i saw one more necklace on her website that i had to have.

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a sewing machine charm?  

serious cuteness.

this one makes me so happy….i know you love as much as i do…how could you not?

her website is easy to use.

it's beautiful to look through and very hard to choose a favorite.

some of my other favorites…

Vp  

i first found the vintage pearl on today's creative blog.

she's on the featured list.

she is a photographer too.

she has a great since of color.

i think if you go on over to erin's site…you'll be there for awhile.

read about her.

buy some jewelry from her.

leave her a comment to make her smile today.

🙂

more happy mail to come….stay tuned.

Vera - LOVE these!! I have had one of those charm name necklaces planned out forever – I’m waiting for this baby to be born so I’ll have all of my kids’ names for the charms (and I want the tiny pearls for the babies we never got to meet)… I can’t wait, it’ll be my mother’s day present to myself next year 🙂

Melanie - By the way…where’d you get all those beaded bracelets you are wearing in the bracelet picture? Those are gorgeous, too!
~Melanie
http://www.melathome.blogspot.com

Abby - As soon as this baby boy is born (in either Nov or Dec) I am requesting the Dainty Drop necklace, if that is all I got for Christmas I would be one happy mommy!

DreamGirlLisa - Love that jewelry! I am thinking of one for myself w/ my girls names, and one for my sis, I think she’d love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Melissa N. - I am LOVING the jewerly you have – where did you get it?! I mean, I know you got theones from Vintage Pearl – which I love – but the big, chunky pieces! I love pieces like that. 🙂

Nancy - I love the vintage pearl. I bought a necklace there for each of my girls for their birthday this year…you are my sunshine….love you more….they are perfect. I’m getting one for me next.

carissa... brown eyed fox - so gonna visit her shop! love that!

the wild raspberry - LOVE elf and love that jewelry….

Magchunk - Your new necklace is so sweet! maybe a good idea for my mom for xmas…

Michele - How adorable!
What I LOVE is your new blog header…great job!
I’m working on my blog right now. When I actually get pics put up I’ll send it your way.

Amy - Love your new jewelery. Excited to check out the site. thanks.
we are selling tshirts to help raise money for our adoption of a little boy in Uganda…check out my site to see the shirts:)
Grace and peace, Amy

Kyleigh - Ooooooh… request placed with my husband, maybe I’ll find a lovely ‘kyleigh & g’ necklace in my Christmas stocking? Hope so, thanks for the link. Nice big old red boot header too!

kristin - alrighty, placing an order this morning.
by the way, totally random:
i had a dream last night that lauren and i ended up visiting in her room for HOURS. she was mature, logical, level headed, funny, kind, considerate. it was such a realistic dream, other than i don’t think she has 2 bathrooms in her bedroom.
just thought i’d give you that image. : )

pve - I hope you get a tag for your Grandma.
These are great….wait til you see mine….
A friend made it for me.
pve

se7en - Oh everything is so lovely over here… eye candy as far as I can see – I love visiting your blog it always makes my day feel happy!

Kathy - I love it! Do you read nieniedialogues? See just got a necklace from Erin to with her 4 kids names. Check her out she is amazing women. I love the bracelet this is the one time I will say I wish I had more kids. I guess I could put me, hubby and girl on it maybe pup too. Have a great day!

Ashley Clark - Oooooo….diggin the new header 😀
Ashley ♥
http://ashleyclarkphotography.blogspot.com/

CherryTreeLane - these pieces are indeed ADORABLE and very unique. Im off to check it out more, but wanted to say HI!
I love the header and your picture-you are just delightful. Inside and out.

Christina - That bracelet is very nice! So simple and sweet.
All of it is nice. I like jewelry that just says,”It’s me.” 🙂

amy d - love the new banner, i thought i had a piece of cat fur on my screen, and when i went to wipe if off i realized it was waffle fur on the boot!!!! i had to laugh at my dorky self!

jennifer - Just found her recently and I love her stuff! It’s adorable!
What happened to your new header? It was on my screen then zipped away… I saw polka dots and great big giant heart polka dots!!!

Sally - Just ordered a necklace. LOVE IT! thanks for the tip! Love your bracelet…..someday I’ll get one of those too!!

Sarah - Way, way too cute. I love this kind of stuff! I’m looking at the website right now, trying to pick which one(s) I want. I love jewlery that’s personal and absolutely no one else has. Great choice with the sewing one – it seems to fit you well.

Tiffany - I’m off to visit her website…so cool. And I have a bracelet and a tatoo with my kids names and they love to touch both and show people “their” part!! I’m a new reader to your blog (found it through Cora’s) and I love it!!

Michelle - Gorgeous! You’re a lucky girl Meg!

Amber - ummm adorable! and i love the new header and pic on your blog. 🙂 god bless you and your family meg!

Cate O'Malley - Love the stuff! I have a similar necklace with a tag with each of the kids’ names on it, and then I added their birthstones. Love it.

Cheryl - I love it! So cute! I just might have to get me a necklace too 🙂

Nichole - Thanks for posting this! When I saw your necklace, I knew I had to check out what they had and I had to pick up a necklace of my own.

Nicole Q. - Love the jewlery! and I love your new pic on the top . .. I have those boots . . . one of the things I treated myself to for moving to the farm; two pair of rainboots!! THey make me happy!!

Sarah - I’m thinking Erin might be really busy for awhile…she deserves to be that’s for sure. Can’t resist that necklace with the cute little hearts…do you think 5 hearts would weigh my neck down too much? I think neck muscles might be just what I need.

kat - I love her shop. I have been contemplating several pieces for a few months now. It’s just so beautiful. I love your choices. That necklace is too cute and your bracelet is precious.

shelly - Cotton headed ninny muggins! I want one too!!! Love the other jewerly too…where did you get that?

Rach - OMG, I have a necklace with my hubby and daughter’s name on it and I LOVE it. I haven’t been able to wear it much lately because my 6 month old is a little grabby these days, but I still love it.

emily :] - i am insanely envious of your mail.
& your new header, super cute:)

Sarah V. - What a happy post! Love the jewelry! Love the banner! Love that movie! (My fav line: son of a nutcracker – as he gets hit with a snowball) It just makes me giggle!

Marjorie - Love her shop! Love your beaded jewelry too:) I need to order more stuff…so that I can have a happy mail week…

Tammy - I love your new banner!
Thanks for the great tip, I’m heading over there now! Love your new jewelry (love the other jewelry you have on too!)
Can’t wait to see the rest of your happy mail!

Molly - I love the new banner!!!!!

Lori Danelle - I’m not a huge fan of “mommy jewelry” but I LOVE lots of little charms/tags with kids names on them.
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Amber - cute cute cute. loving your new blog header too!

Elma Riedstra - Oh I love your new necklace:) I would love one with all eight of my kids name but i’m sure that would cost a ton. Can’t wait to see more treasures:) Have a great day.

Christy - I lover her stuff! I am trying to decide what I want to order!

purejoy - i ohhhhed and ahhhhhhhed over your bracelet too. i’m sure it has nothing to do with the photography!! (you are amazing, really)
i just want to be adopted by you. i’ll shorten my name so it fits on the bracelet. you can call me k.
whatever works.
btw, like the new header. makes me super happy!

mclare1982@aol.com - I second Jen’s comment, your other kids have “classic” names, but I’ve never heard of Talby…is there a story?

Anna Marie - I just posted the video to my facebook. One of my favorite parts of that movie…ha! “Are you feelin’ strong my friend?”
I just found her today through another blog…she has bracelets for little ones too…so sweet!!! I love that Craig and Meg necklace!

adrienneK - omg soooo cute!! i want a sewing machine necklace!!!!

Staci - I was JUST looking at her website the other day….our anniversary is coming up and I’m thinking I sooooo need that ring bracelet….LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I too have had a great mail week!!!! I love THAT too!!!!! I ordered some fabric from Fresh Squeezed Fabrics….now I just need to learn to sew 😮 I am thinking a dish towel would be pritttty simple, no??? If it gets ugly…I’ll just be sending you the fabric 😉 Can’t wait to see what else you got in your Happy Mail this week!!!!!!

Jen - thanks for the tip. I especially love the bracelet. Have to ask–how did you come up with Talby’s name? It’s so unusual and I love it.

mary dyer - i LOVE her stuff! i have ordered from her before\
she is super awesome!
love your blog meg!

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ninety.

yes…my grandmother celebrated her 90th birthday last weekend.

90?!

i think that is so cool.

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the whole family came to a brunch in her honor.

everyone.

she was so happy to see them all…it's been awhile for some of us.  

she even had us introduce ourselves.  

scott said his name was michael jordan…but cracked up before he finished.

we're working on his comedic timing.

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i got to catch up with some family i haven't seen since they were kids…now they have kids!

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i gave lauren the camera…she was in charge of all the photos.

i think she got everyone in at least one of the pictures.

she is a good photographer and like most good ones…she gravitated towards the cutest model.

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not ME…Nolan!

this was my first time meeting Nolan.  

i fell instantly in love and couldn't stop smelling his head.

he is a chunky drooly baby and i desperately wanted to keep him.

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brian is Nolan's daddy.

he is my cousin…i see him about once a year…maybe.

i like him.

i miss him. 

and i really wish i could spend lots of time with his beautiful wife julie…she is so sweet!  

we never get enough time to talk.

brian could not have found a better wife.  

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he was covered in kisses from the whole family.

grandma opened her gifts & cards.

the 90 sweatshirt was pretty funny.

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it had to be a sweatshirt because she's always cold.

at my house she freezes!

happy birthday grandma O.

i love you.

your party was lovely.   (good job mom!)

pam - she’s beautiful! happy birthday!
you looked hot that day too. 😉

Diane - She is so cute! She doesn’t look a day older than 75! She is so lively, and looks like she would be a lot of fun to be around! Thanks for posting, I giggled out loud when I saw the adorable sweatshirt you made her, and the look on her face! Precious.

Kelly H - That 90 Sweatshirt is too cute!!!

Hillary @ The Other Mama - She looks awesome for being 90!! WOW!!

traci - happy birthday grandma. 90 – wow!!! she looks wonderful. good for her.

Nancy - My husband’s grandma is 96 and is totally vivacious and independent. Don’t you just love that? I find that she has so many stories to tell of how life was like back then. WHat a gift! Happy Birthday to her!
PS I made your rainbow cake….. BEST THING EVER! Thank you for all of your cheery inspirations.

Tenille - Your grandma looks great! My family just celebrated my grandpa’s 100th this weekend as well…such a blessing to have him still around!
Love your Blog!

Diana aka "knzus" - Grandma looks AWESOME for bein’ ninety! LOVE the sweatshirt. And that Nolan… mmmm-hmmm, covered in kisses, that’s surely a blessing. And you, indeed, are blessed to have such a WONDERFUL family. Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙂 {{hugz}}

Holly - wow! How cool is she!

Amy at The Red Chair Blog - Great photos! I hope I look even half that good when I’m 90 🙂

Jane - Dang! She looks terrific! Clearly 90 is the new 70 in your family because she looks at least 20 years younger! What a wonderful achievement and celebration!

Victoria - No way that woman is 90! She looks awesome!!!! Lucky for you to have good genes. 😉

Lori Danelle - So much fun!!! I’m a big fan of birthdays. My youngest just had her first and I made sure to make it a big deal. . .even though I promised myself I wouldn’t!
Oh, and is that Beth Jantz I see in one of the pictures? or just someone who looks like her?
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

jennifer - SO fun! I love the sweatshirt. That’s so awesome!
And I love your dress.

Laura Phelps - Your grandmother looks better than I do.

Summer - I recently found your blog and love your style and outlook. Also you grandma looks amazing at 90!

katy - Oh, how exciting! What a darling Grandmother she is, glad you got to spend some time catching up with your family. *cute sweatshirt*

angela - Oh I know that just being with family was the greatest gift she could have EVER been given. Course, the sweatshirt is adorable! I hope she will wear it. When she does, show us a picture. She is a beautiful lady! I love her glasses. P.S. Lauren did a great job with the pics. She probably didn’t mind since she doesn’t like to be in them!

Sharla - How fun – I hope I look and feel that way at 90. Your grandma is lucky to have such a wonderful family to help her celebrate.

Kristy - how wonderful. we celebrate my grandma’s in a few weeks. aren’t we lucky to have them with us. looks like it was a great day for her :O)

purejoy - i hope i look that beautiful at 70!! love the sweatshirt, and it looked like a super fun party.
thanks for sharing a picture of honoring our older family members.

Jen - She looks amazing! And you are soooooo lucky to have a grandmother! I lost my grandmother when she was 68 and we were really close. Lucky you!!

Sandy - 90 and doesn’t look a day over 70! Lauren did a great job with the pictures. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Sophie - Woah, you’ve got a big family, Meg! And Nolan is so adorable.
Your grandmother totally doesn’t look 90!

Solveig - oh. I just noticed this blog (via CakeWrecks.com) and this is true eye candy. Sending lots of kind regards from Germany.

Kathy - How wonderful is that, what a lovely tribute. She is looking really good for ninety. You’ve got some good genes in your family. Great pictures!

Christina - Amazing! It is so wonderful to get together with EVERYONE! That hasn’t happened in my family for a very long time.
Your story about Scott is so very funny! I bet it was fun to get a glimpse of all the different personalities in the family once again.

CherryTreeLane - what a tribute! So awesome (And what a great sweatshirt!)

Jacki - She looks amazing, girl you come from good genes!

Sarah - She looks incredible!!! My grandma lived to be 103. I hope I do too.

Kelly - Your grandma looks so hip. Adorable! What a blessing grandparents are! Kelly

Trasie - OH how fabulous! My Great Grandm is going to be 99 in November and acts like she is in her 20’s. I think I will have to find her a sweatshirt like that for her birthday!!! She would proudly wear it! Do you make them?

Staci - Oh WOW!!!! Makes me miss my Mimi 🙂 I’m so happy your Grandma O. is such a great state of mind and health!!!! It looks like such a truly lovely time 😉

Jen - She is beautiful! She wears 90 well! Congratulations to all!

Beth - Your grandma looks incredible! What a great party! Love the artwork on the walls too, where is it?

gina entz - I’m jealous. Wish my grandparents were still here. I’ve been thinking about them a lot lately. The party looks like so much fun. Treasure each moment with her and ask her LOTS of questions about EVERYTHING. I wish I would have done more of that. Happy birthday to your sweet Grandma.

Starnes Fam - I love the 90 shirt!!!!! Super cute. What a party.

Penny - How blessed you are to have your Grandmother! She is beautiful. It looks like everyone had a great time at the party. Tell your daughter she did a wonderful job taking pictures.

LibraryGirl62 - My grandma just turned 89. Next year I will post her 90th 🙂

elizabeth - Your grandmother is beautiful — an explanation for those genes you have and have produced! Thanks for sharing the beautiful celebration with us!

Karen - My God – she is just gorgeous!!
What a treasure for your lovely family.
I am working on nursing school and am currently a CNA at a nursing and rehab facility and I LOVE these older folks, I think they are such treasures. They are just full of history – if you bother to listen. Thank you for sharing her with us! It made my night!

pve - 90 must be the new 50, cause she looks awesome!
Happy Birthday to your Grandma!
pve

Joy - Happy 90th Birthday Grandma O. Isn’t it great to have that gene?! What a great celebration, one she will treasure.

Lorilee - Awesome! Your grandma looks great! I have a grandma that is nearly there! I hope I’ve inherited her genes! The sweatshirt is wonderful!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Trish - super cute sweatshirt 🙂

Elma Riedstra - O.K!!!!! I will for sure take NOLAN!!!!! He is soooooo cute you could just eat him:) Grandma look beautiful!! I hope she had a wonderful day!!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - OK, for some reason when I first read this I thought Scott was your husband, and I was picturing him introducing himself as Michael Jordan! The story is funny on its own, but that made it even funnier… 🙂
90. Wonder what life will be like when I’m 90? I can only hope that I’m rocking one of your sweatshirts and attending a brunch in my honor.

Whitni - I am SO jealous of her 90 sweatshirt. We could share it! She can wear it because she is 90 and I’ll wear it because I was born in 1990! Think she’d go for that?
-Whitni
http://www.thedelightfuldaisy.blogspot.com

erica - holy cow your grandma is precious! 90… that’s just incredible! beautiful family!
nolan is a great name… my youngest is named nolan as well 🙂

chris - Wow isn’t she marvelous at 90 , good genes , lucky you .
Love seeing all your lovely photos , I don’t comment enough but I am always checkin in on ya still,
Chris
Just Beachy

Lanie - She is so cute and she looks fantastic!
Love the 90 sweatshirt. What a sweet lady for sure!

Christy - 90 is a great accomplishment! How awesome. Love the sweatshirt! How cute is that?!
Nolan is a doll! I am quite partial as that is also my son’s name. 🙂 Love it!

amy d - your grandma is so cute!! she does not look 90, which is good news for you!!! love her sweatshirt!

Sarah - Happy birthday to your Grandma! She looks so happy to be surrounded by such a loving family! It looks like everyone had a great time. I love the sweatshirt – will she actually wear it?

Routhie - This is so beautiful. You have a lovely outlook and I am glad you share these things which remind us of what is really important.

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bb guns, caterpillars and toy soldiers

the pictures from another visit to my parents are very random.

the boys were introduced to the bb gun my mom uses to keep rabbits away.

and they LOVED it.

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i didn't know what to think.

they were learning so they were not very safe…i was sure someone would get a bb in their behind.

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the target was a pyramid of pop cans.

they got pretty good. 

and finally i could not resist…..i had to try.

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i shot it just as craig walked outside…he shouted "That's the way Governor!"

i answered "i can see Russia from my house!"

it was addictive.

as far as i can recall i have only touched one other gun in my life.

when i was a teenager i went into the convenince store in my small town (Wen's One)  

there was a police officer talking to the cashier and i asked "can i hold your gun?!"  giggle giggle giggle

AND HE LET ME!!!

he removed the clip…or the bullets…or whatever it's called first…but STILL!  

why would you give an ADD spazzy teenage girl a gun?!

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the monarch caterpillars were all over the milkweed in my dad's butterfly garden. 

they were eating like crazy.

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they just eat the whole leaf eventually.  

talby and annie quietly played in the basement (on the new soft carpet)

and i came down to see talby's giant marble tower and this village annie created.

my dad has these big pieces of wood for the kids to use as a flat surface on the floor.

she covered it corner to corner.

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army men vs. indians vs. dinosaurs…..of course.

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that night my mom made an ice cream dessert which we ate on the deck and stayed until it got dark.

Sorry and checkers were played…i had my laptop out…music was playing…

waffle was frolicking in a fenced yard…annie had fallen asleep on the couch with no dinner…

it was peaceful.

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and while i was out here….i might as well take just a few more shots. 

 

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you betcha.

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Christian Louboutin Platforms - The Dexter books have jumped the shark. The last one I read he went up against a Biblical spirit and started turning his Dark Passenger into an actual, separate entity. I’ll

cheap kamagra - Right now my gun collection right now is mostly just Eastern Block Military peices. I love them all, and have lots of fun shooting them, however none of them are terribly valuable. I do have a few slightly more valuable peices such as a Browning Challenger III, a Ruger GP100, and a Ruger P89, and a Remington 870 Express Magnum 12 Gauge. I’d like to add a few more collectable and valuable guns to my collection, but I’d like some suggestions.

buy cialis - I have a family heirloom flintlock pistol that I would like to get
restored and preserved. It’s had years of neglect, and I’d like to
find someone that can A) clean it up, B) condition it for
preservation, and if possible, C) mount it in a nice display case. I
want someone experienced and trustworthy for this task. The gun is
over 100 years old.

bb guns - Love the pictures!
How it reminds me so much of when i was younger.
Life was much simpler in those days!

Ken - I think it is good for children to have bb guns. I had one as a child and had great times. I currently sell self defense products but we have bb guns as a sideline on the site. You will find a selection of Airsoft bb guns here: http://www.proselfdefenseproducts.com/airsoftbbguns We have the spring air bb guns which have to be cocked before each shot. They are good for the younger kids to learn firearm safety. We have the CO2 powered models for adults and more experienced users. I see articles about bb guns being misused and it makes me sad. Nevertheless, you can’t outlaw everything that is misused. Hopefully you will stop by the site and see what we have to offer.
Thank you for your time,
Ken

Magchunk - Hahaha your Sarah Palin impression is smashing. Looks like the kiddos had fun. Sorry is one of the best board games!
You guys play a lot of games, think you may have a board-game favorites list sometime? We’re thinking of stocking a game cupboard in our new place…

Julia - Hi Meg, I love your shirt…did you get it recently?
Oh, thanks for the tip on the jewelry. I love, love, love bangle bracelets – I was thinking of doing one with my husband and kids on it.

kasey - i’m here.
i’m here.
sounds like a wonderful evening outside.
xo

Kristy - Meg-
LOVED this post–highlighted by the Palin jokes:)
My girls love the milkweed covered in monarch caterpillars–Jeremy and the girls are very active in tagging monarchs in the fall for the Monarch Watch.
Are you planning to for to the Arts & Crafts Fair next month? Maybe I’ll see you there.
Kristy

meg duerksen - dear Stop Shooting,
if you are going to leave a comment like that….at least be decent enough to use a valid email address.
no one is shooting stray animals.
they are protecting their gardens they worked hard on…their pets from disease…their children safe from rodents in the yard…etc.
and we were shooting pop cans.
but if you have a strong opinion…which is okay…you need to be kind enough to leave a way for me to contact you.

mom - I love this post. We really did have a nice peaceful time. Everyone doing their own thing together!
Maybe we should clarify (for “Stopshooting”)that the bb gun doesn’t hurt the animals – just scares them. They don’t need to be eating all my flowers!

Kate - Seriously. Thank God for your blog. I am having a crazy (AKA horrible) morning and just reading this made me relax.
Thank you, thank you

Stopshooting - I think this is terrible. Hurting innocent animals and then still being proud of it…goodness what are you thinking?
The comment that says that she uses bb guns on stray animals…how sick is that? They are homeless and vulnerable and then you nice people shoot them

Elisa - Maverick!

traci - that is great sarah!!! you know the boys are going to be hounding you for a bb gun now. my kids grew up with them. you look like a natural. cute photos. great memories made at grandma and grandpas!!

the wild raspberry - love annie’s scene…reminds me of the Night at the Museum movie…i’m sure they must have come to life that night!

Kathy - Great pictures, what a wonderful summer night surrounded by family and fun.

Diana aka "knzus" - LOL! What a great get-together day, huh! I just cannot believe this awesome weather we’ve been having. LOVE the dinosaur vs. all the rest of them guys… personally, I always rooted for the Indians when I was little. First, and only, time I ever held and shot a rifle was when I was in high school, I think I was 16… it was my boyfriends’. He and I, along with a few friends, were at some sort of lake hunting place (LOL!)… ANYWAY, he showed me how to hold it, then instructed me how to pull the trigger, and I shot at a pyramid pile of cans. Knocked the whole falutin’ bunch to smithereens! And I didn’t even fall down from the kickback of the rifle! Get this – and this was AFTER the other three GUYS had shot and MISSED! ROTFL!! Have a great week, Meg! 🙂

jody - fun! reminds me of our family when we go to my parent’s house. guns, games, grandparents…life doesn’t get much better!

Michelle - You crack me up Meg! And I really love the peacefulness of capturing everyone absorbed in games at the table together.

jennifer - Oh you are ha.larious! Watch out Tina Fey!
And congratulations on the award!!! You rock!

Christina - Gun shots, not camera shots. I like the unexpected!
Annie’s wooden board is awesome. It’s like the Village People went prehistoric. And then multiplied.
It looks like such a lovely evening. And peaceful seems like the perfect word, it was a peaceful post.

Ashley Ann - First the comment calling you a “Maverick”…H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!
Love, love, love that your girls have an army men, indian, dinosaur war going on. love it.
Congrats on the well deserved award too…

Anna Marie - I got a bb gun just like that last Christmas from my husband. I love it! I use it for opossum, raccoons and stray animals.
Looks like you all had a blast! I like your mom’s deck!

Christy - Such a Maverick! What a fun time. Love Annie’s village! That is AWESOME!

Shann - The first thing I thought of when I saw you guys shooting the gun was that great line from the classic “A Christmas Story.” You’ll shoot your eye out! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! I am so thankful, however, that it appears no eyes were harmed during your evening of fun. Don’t you just love outdoor porches and board games?

purejoy - boys are fascinated with guns. i wonder why that is?
i rear ended a semi in bumper to bumper traffic in chicago.
not a good time.
the policeman responding to the “incident” was not amused, either.
i had the back window rolled down because my two small children were in the car, and frightened.
my 3 year old son spotted the police officer, and twenty questions ensued. . .
wow! is that a gun?
is that a real gun?
does it shoot real bullets?
have you ever shot your gun?
did you kill someone??
ohmygracious, please, son. this guy was not in a good humor when he arrived. . .
but on the inside, i was dying laughing.
this the same kid who broke the silence after the accident. . .
. . . mommy. why you say sh*t?

melissa@afamiliarpath - i wish we had those caterpillars. they’re fabulous.

Starnes Fam - This is a really fun post. Loved the Palin jokes and I’m a Republican!

Staci - Waffle wasn’t scared at all????? I love the patio pics 🙂 Makes me smile…barefeet and OFF…isn’t that what Summer is alllll about!!! I’m a little sad it’s gone….but I love my house being quiet for at least two small hours 😉

Christine - So I love this post, it reminds me of when I was a kid. My dad had two daughters and no sons, so even though I had barbies, I also had a bbgun and the litle mono-colored toy soilders and cowboys and indians like your daughter was playing with. Great post, I’d say enjoy the rest of your summer but I forgot that kids already go back to school by now farther west. 🙂
-Christine

Renee - LOVE the Sarah Palin jokes! Too funny. xoxo

PaiselyJade - Awesome pics… I’d love a go with that gun!!

Courtney - That makes me just want to hug your dad– having a butterfly garden– oh my cuteness!

Joanna - Sounds like a fun day. Love that the cop let you hold his gun. Wouldn’t happen now-a-days (which I think saying makes me like 84).

Michelle - Oh my gosh. You are cracking me up. I’m seriously laughing out loud over the Sarah Palin references. You betcha. {wink}

Trish - very funny 🙂

Amber - Hey girlie. I have that same pink shirt! :o)

Ashley Clark - Gorgeous photos. Love the ones of the caterpillars and toy soldiers especially :)I remember when my dad took my brothers and I to shoot his BB gun at some pop cans. It was so exciting, and very addictive!
Ashley ♥
http://ashleyclarkphotography.blogspot.com/

adrienneK - ahahaha! i love it!!! armed and (kinda) dangerous!!! you’re great!!!

Laura - You’re a crack-up- love the picts, I enjoy going to bass-pro-shop & ending up in the shooting gallery. On weekdays, they seem not to require coins to activate(?).
Once when my husband was shopping handguns, he asked me to hold one, see how it felt, too small, too big. I was also holding my youngest, on my hip. All I needed was to throw off my shoes, and I’d have been a complete picture.
Love the army guys and the classic ‘sorry’ game. Happy Sunflower Season-

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is that real?!!!

i forgot to mention (sort of) that i won the Eye Candy Award over at SocialLuxe…

because you voted for me.

THANK YOU.

my award came in the mail this week…since i didn't go to BlogHer to receive it in person.

it's pretty.

sean asked "MOM!!! is that real?!!"

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so let's talk about why i didn't go.

i have a few reasons excuses. 

1.  it was in chicago and i am in kansas….

     that is a logical reason…except that i have made that trip

     kansas to chicago every year for 15 years and i love chicago.


2.  it was kind of last minute on a thursday…i have five kids…what could i possibly do with them?

3.  i wasn't signed up for BlogHer…but i was specifically told that it was okay and i didn't need to be.


4.  craig didn't want me to go…technically he never said anything like that but i assumed he didn't.

     surely he couldn't survive here on his own without me…right?!?!


5.  gas is expensive and we already went on a long trip…that part is true.

 

do you see a pattern here?

i was full of excuses.

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reality: i was a chicken.

my thoughts were "what if i go all the way there and it's an empty room?"

or "what if i go and they had it wrong and i didn't get an award?"

"what if nobody likes me?"

"what if….what if…what if"


so i stayed here.

and read about it all over blogland.

i was ticked at my scared little self.

i tried to blame craig…but he had nothing to do with it.


the truth is the thought of entering a room full of people alone….terrifies me.


i mentioned it to a friend & she said "why didn't you say something?  i would've loved to have gone!!"

suddenly i remembered i am not alone. 

how did i forget?

why did i think i had to drive all that way alone?  

why did i not think once to ask a friend to come along?

now i was even more ticked…at myself and my fears.

(but i sure do like to be alone)


i still received the award but it wasn't nearly as much fun to open it alone in my kitchen

when i could have gone up on a stage with the other winners.

and i could've made lots of new friends.

i would have had a blast.


maybe next year.


the winners were given a $100 gift certificate to cambria cove.

i chose an ice cream maker and some note cards.

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we had homemade ice cream today after school – yum.

and i have never owned $30 note cards…but they are beautiful.

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thank you cambria cove.

i love it.


and thanks for voting.

you helped me learn a lesson about myself…even if i didn't like it.  :)

the ot
her winners are here
.



Allison - It was a first for me too. In a lot of ways. Stuck my neck out there putting on this party {oh how I stuck my neck out!} but it turned out to be marvelous. I completely get it though.
Next year? I’ll hold your hand at the party. I’ll be the one running around shouting orders. 🙂
Congratulations, wish I could have given the award in person. Next year indeed.

carissa... brown eyed fox - not a bit surprised… but SO happy for you!
congratulations!
shine… LET it shine on your face… you deserve it!

Suzanne - so happy you won, you deserve it! I thoroughly enjoy your blog and i would have been the same little scaredy cat, just like you! Love you, your family and all your photos. They inspire me. Thank you and congrats on the award!!!!!
P.S. I voted for you several times and I would do it again 🙂

danyele - i totally voted…and you totally deserve it!!! love your blog and shots…and well, all your fun stuff! congrats

Angela - Congrats!! I was literally just wondering yesterday who won all the awards! Thanks for the link. 🙂

princesslasertron - congratulations meg! you really deserve it.
I know what you mean about being scared.
I think I talk a tough game and I always hope I’m fooling everyone. smoke and mirrors!
I’ll sit by you at silver bella. 🙂 are you bringing a friend there?

julie - I wouldn’t go by myself either… but I would go with you!
I was wondering when you would finally post that you were the super cool and super deserving winner!! Hip hip hooray for ginormous faux diamonds!

Jill - That’s some diamond you have there and you certainly deserve it. Congratulations! Believe me, I know all about hating to go it alone. I’m divorced 2 years and I’ve yet to dine or go to a movie alone :o(

Mindy Harris - Meg,
I think you could find hundreds of us readers who’d be willing to co-pilot you to NYC next year.
Me included.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh Meg I would have felt the same way. I’m learning that about myself too. I’m a little chicken *#@& sometimes. Get over it. You are a talented lady and you totally deserved that award. Congratulations! I’m proud I voted for ya:)

Amber - Oh well regardless of your fears or insecurities you absolutely deserve this award. Congratulations and I would have probably done the same thing. I’m the most introverted extrovert alive. 😉 Anywhoo congrats.

Diana aka "knzus" - Congratulations on your award! I had come across it the other day while cruising the socialluxe site. Coincidentally, I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time now, and at the time I saw your blog on socialluxe, something in the back of my mind just kinda made me think… then on the news tonight I saw the piece about Cora’s playground and it clicked. Came here to make sure of the connection… what a small world, I am in the same city as you! And oh my goodness, I also have huge social fears (in spite of that I’m the former genealogy society president). Maybe all of us here in town – or Kansas! – should get together to go next year, huh! LOL! {{hugz}} to you! Keep up the awesome blogging! 🙂

Cate O'Malley - Congrats on the eye candy award – very deserving! BlogHer is finally coming to the East Coast next year and is in NYC. Can’t wait to go!

Dana M. - Don’t EVER turn down a trip like that again! I would love to go with you and visit the “windy city”. We live in the windy state, but I have a feeling it’s much different!

sandy toe - How wonderful!
sandy toe

melissa @ the inspired room - Well I understand those fears of new things. This January I boarded a plane ALONE for the first time in my life, no kids, no hubby, no mom…just me. I was kind of scared but it was the most freeing moment in my life. I can get on a plane BY MY SELF after 42 years. Yes I can and I lived to tell about it. And not only that I walked into a hotel and met my best friends (where were you though?) in a hotel for the first time. And I spoke in front of a room full of people, which really terrified me. It was horrible and good at the same time.
Either way, in person or at your kitchen table, I’m glad you WON. You are awesome. I voted for you a million times. Almost.
xoxo

Elisa - Oh man Meg- that is so stinkin’ cool!!!
And I am the same way- I did the exact same thing when I was invited to the MTV movie awards pre-party for my bags. My girlfriend had our outfits picked out, she was ALL over it. I chickened out.
Congrats!

Stephanie@Geezees - congrats! That is so wonderful!

Debra Cripps - Aww, I would have been scared to go too. Congrats on the award though!

Erica - Congratulations… too bad it’s not real! 🙂
You should have something else coming in the mail soon…

Kelly - Great post, Meg! I think you touched on something that a lot of us deal with at one time or another. Kelly

The Paper Note - How Awesome is that…to cool, Congrats….. 🙂

Tammy - Congratulations, well deserved award!!
I know how you feel, I would have made the excuses.
Love, love, love your blog. One of my first “visits” in the mornings!

Mary Beth - Thanks for being brave and telling us the truth.
Because I’m the very same way….and my kids are not even living at home anymore!!!
Too
Scawwwy.
Cause (as the saying goes…) on the internet, nobody knows you are a dog!
(this is from a New Yorker cartoon where a REAL DOG is in a chat room.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Internet%2C_nobody_knows_you%27re_a_dog

andrea - you and me sista, i have missed many things for this same reason. im glad you won, you deserve it, i voted like everyday, congrats

purejoy - i can really relate to your excuses. . . i would have been scared out of my pants, too.
and i couldn’t blame not going on my husband because he doesn’t even realize i blog. seriously, if he did, he’d have a stroke.
i had a chance to go to nashville and hang out with milk breath and margaritas. only a 3 hour drive.
nashville is fun.
i would have met new people.
but i was scared to death.
and i didn’t want to have to explain to my husband how i know people in the wonderful world of blogs better than my own town.
makes no sense, really.
i’m so glad you won.
and even you made eye candy out of your award. i love how you love color. there’s a parry on your blog every time i go.
thanks for the party.

emily :] - CONGRATS! 🙂

Kate - Congratulations! That is so great! (the notecards are BEAUTIFUL – I’m drooling!) Have a wonderful day and don’t beat yourself up too much – just vow to go next time!

Simies - CONGRATULATIONS!!! You deserved it!

Sandy - You deserved to win and deserved to go be on stage…next year we’ll make you go! 🙂
How cool that you actually won “stuff”…cool stuff! I thought you’d get to put a little Eye Candy Winner icon on your website and that’s all (by “that’s all” I mean that’s a huge honor and I’m proud of you), but how cool to really win STUFF and be invited to an awards ceremony. I had no idea. Congratulations! We love you and you’re never alone even when you think you are and you want to be…we’re always stalking you…ha ha

Tricia - Congratulations! How cool is that?! The award is beautiful and those note cards are AMAZING! I don’t think I would want to use them. I would frame them. 😉 I’m such a dork.
XO*Tricia

adrienneK - i was just thinking to myself the other day…did she ever win that thing?!?! well good my votes(everyday) counted!! your blog truly is full of eye candy that inspires me through each season,i only hope to have a blog a pretty as yours lol (im trying)
xoxo
adrienne

TRACI - Congrats, OF COURSE you won, your blog is FABULOUS!!!! I come to it DAILY and if you don’t post I am SAD.
Good to know you are not perfect and have a fear..lol I think many who come here think you are perfect with your overload on talent!!!! Have a great day and enjoy your awesome trophy 🙂

amy bell - i voted for you!! woo hoo. i am so excited for you. promise you will go next year? ok? what an honor. it is so fancy!:)

Sarah - I like your “excuses”…I think because they sound so familiar? I also kind of like that you just opened up your award on the kitchen counter, and wasn’t all fancy about it. That’s totally “Meg”. I do hope you go next year (because you will win again I’m positive) just because it’s another excuse to go to Chicago.
Congratulations.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - It sounds like this is a lesson that you learned the first time around. There will be a next time – and you’ll BE there! Congrats – so deserved!

Ashley - Meg-
You ARE inspiring,it’s true. Eye candy and brain candy for certain!
Congrats on the award – you SO deserved it! (you could make it into a huge ring- LOL)
I would have felt the same way -shy.
Kepp up the good blogging girl!
~Ashley from nut in a rut

traci - well congrats to you miss meg. i would have gone into the city with you or at least met you there. you’re never alone baby!!!

mary dyer - meg i voted for you! i love reading your blog, and i can’t even remember how i found it but i love it. inspired by you i have begun taking photos again, looking at life more simpler, and helped out a little with cora’s playground through you!
you might not know it all the time, but you are heard and inspiring!

Sam - Congratulations! You deserved to win:-)

Ruth - oh it’s so pretty! congratulations – you deserved every vote 🙂

Lori Danelle - First off, congrats!!! It’s always fun to win!
I can totally relate to your fears. I HATE being out of my element. Not knowing what to expect, or how to go about doing something. I think I’m afraid that I’ll mess up or fail at whatever it is. Or look stupid. Or both.
The thing is, I want to start my own company. And there is SO MUCH involved in it that I have NO IDEA how to do it or even where to start! So I might want to just get over it or I’m going to miss out on my dreams! Wouldn’t that be awful? To fail just because I was too afraid to try? Who knows, I might surprise myself and succeed.
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

se7en - Oh well done you, so glad you won and so glad you got yourselves an ice-cream maker. Isn’t it awful that life-lessons are never ever easy to learn, no matter how old you are! Hope you all have a fun weekend.

Kathy - Congrats!

Christina - Congratulations on the award.
Fears really suck. They drain all the best parts of a person and replace them with nothing. I’m looking forward to Heaven, and no more fears. That resonated with me tonight.

Rebecca - Congratulations! You deserved a win! 🙂

tinycandi - I understand your fears…I’d feel much the same!
I’m in Kansas too…if you end up wanting to go next year we could go together. 🙂 Well…that is if I could find a way to afford the flight and hotel to NYC before then. 🙂
Congratulations! Well-deserved. 🙂

elizabeth - I know just how you feel. But congratulations — you totally deserve that beautiful, genuine crystal! In all seriousness, your blog is gorgeous, a pleasure, and something to look forward to each and every day!

Sarah - Congratulations! You’re so awesome, despite the fears:)

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