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May 25, 2009

so we are here.

summer break.

the kids are already telling me "it's too hot to go outside."

we are two days in.

oh my.

we had a full week…in a good way.

full of friends, achievements and good old fashioned hard work.

lauren was promoted from 8th grade.

they had to wear those shirts…lauren was so embarrassed.

we were proud of her for making it through.

jr. high is over.

she made it….it was bitter sweet to watch another milestone pass for her.

four more years is all we get with her.

strange feeling.

wasn't she just born?

wasn't i just feeding her a bottle?

didn't she just learn to walk?

when did this woman appear in our home?

scott had a birthday party.

and he is offically at the stage where birthdays and parties are a bit of a let down.

he had some friends over to go swimming and eat pizza.

but really ALL they did was play basketball.

for hours.

they didn't even come in for rainbow cake!

obsessed.

man….they are cute.

peter from chicago came to visit us.

he travels to kansas for his work and sometimes we get to spend some time with him.

the kids were so happy.

and he brought "specials" for everyone.

(peter…annie has used all her band-aids up already. :)

we took him out for some local yumminess.

this is why we go to breadbasket for ice cream cones instead of dairy queen…

self serve and craig makes them giant!

ahhh….small town.

and there were campfires, gardening, photo sessions, cleaning, weeding, neighborhood parties,

bike rides, crafts, sleepovers, sprinklers and games too.

craig just walked out the door with all the kids for the whole day.

i am in charge of laundry and packing for california.

big job.

can you think of anything that is a MUST HAVE for traveling with your family?

or for surviving an airport with five children?

tell me so i don't forget anything.

thanks!

the suitcases await.

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Ali - Kim Smith – So cute! I LOVE the hugging one! I bet their Mom loved that one! And the one of the litlte girl sliding down the slide is precious! Great captures!

Ozan - Katherine Huff – Your children are aultsboely gorgeous, Arianna’s hair is getting so long and Easton looks adorable with his missing teeth. Michael lost his but watch out girl you are going to have to do a lot of editing to help him out this summer. You definitely have to do the bubble pics with my kids I love them. Yeah your coming home soon! Can’t wait and wait until you see what Brandi and I have in store for you. hehe

Gagan - TOO STINKING CUTE!!!! What cute kids and just a beautiful faimly altogether. One of your BEST faimly shoots ever!! Love the Little Princess .

sara - congratulations to the graduate! hope you have a great trip!

pam - PS: i love the pictures. lauren is beautiful. scott is TOUGH and cool. your kids are having an awesome childhood. miss you!

pam - Dramamine. seriously, you never know when one of them will puke. and it makes them sleepy. 🙂 i found orange chewable ones in the airport gift shop but that’s the only place i’ve ever seen them. they were yummmy too.
have a super trip!

Lisa - MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL SUPPLY OF LITTLE BLUE PILLS. YOU WOULDN’T WANT TO RUN OUT.
OH YEAH, THATS RIGHT. THATS ME. OOOOOPS. HAVE FUN ANYWAY.
HUGS FROM MAINE

chasity - love the ice cream on the elbow!
we always travel with twizzlers…a traveling necessity.

Jennifer P. - as many electronic gadgets as you can shove in there. And Lollipops. They got my kids through our airplane ride.
Congrats to Lauren! And enjoy your alone day!

Shar - The above all have good suggestions but don’t forget to check the guidelines of what you can take aboard the plane and sizes of liquids, etc. Would be a shame to have to throw out surprises because they don’t pass muster. Believe me, I have learned the hard and expensive way!

Anna - For the airport… leashes!
I agree with a change of clothes for all… just incase. Maybe some Sudoku/Activity books.
Enjoy the summer. What I wouldn’t give to be at home everyday with my little one, instead of being in the office.

Traci - i always bought the kids a new magazine and gave it to them on the plane. actually i still do this and now that they are young adults the magazines are interesting to roger and i too and we get them for the ride home. hope you got all your stuff done.

Michelle - Any QUIET activity, a change of clothes in your carry-on for everyone, and good snacks are a must for our family. Annie isn’t super young, but I highly recommend an umbrella stroller anyway. You can gate check them and it saves you from listening to whining if you have a huge airport to get through or worse a close connection where you have to run for your next plane. Not to mention the fact that it isn’t easy to wander when you’re strapped into a stroller.

Dawn W. - DVD player, Ipods, and gum. Enjoy Lauren while she is still at home. The time will FLY!!! My oldest graduates this week and it seems like just the other day she was a freshman in high school. Now we will be packing her stuff and she will be going to college in the fall. I don’t know where the time has gone.
Have a great trip!
Dawn

Whitni - Just finished up my first semester of college, meaning I graduated from high school last year, and if there is ONE THING I could tell anyone getting ready to begin high school is: Don’t take it all so seriously. It doesn’t matter if you’re the coolest, or the prettiest, or the smartest, or if you have the coolest, cutest or smartest boyfriend. All that matters is that you be yourself and stand up for yourself. Don’t let anyone put you down. High school doesn’t last forever. OH, and if she doesn’t believe any of that. Tell her she just has to make it to college, college is amazing. Sorry for the long comment, have a nice trip!

Starnes Fam - Looks like fun! We are headed to Cali this summer, too, but driving cross country like the Griswolds. We’re a bit obsessed with that fictional family. So, I’m tempted to quote Vacation, but will hold back! Enjoy!

Kameron - DVD player. Enough said. :o)

Alison - Go buy a few, small, new toys/books/markers…and snacks. One thing for each of them, hide them in your bag until you take off in the airplane. Wait for a bit and see if the settle in, then break out the goods. Take snacks too, those itty bags of peanuts aren’t worth a darn. In the end, let them take turns going to the bathroom, that is always a thriller and time killer. Enjoy your time!

Sarah - Pipecleaners! Kept my three busy crafting and then pretending with their little creations….have a great trip and love your blog! 🙂

Ashley Ann - Your words about Lauren were just perfect tonight…put a lot in perspective after what has been 5 very long days!

Sandy - I’m still trying to figure out what Lauren found so embarrassing about the shirts they wore at graduation. Is there something on it that my monitor isn’t picking up? I don’t see anything odd about any of the kids shirts. But, I also understand that it could very well be that the shirt is embarrassingly ugly and a teenager would never wear it unless forced to do so. 🙂 I think she looks beautiful! Is she still playing volleyball? I miss my daughter playing volleyball (she’s in college now and doesn’t play anymore).

Sandy - Snacks. When is your trip?

patricia - I always like to pack things for laughs – a wig, funny glasses or something they all want.
A jump rope….cards, a whoopie cushion – and a ther-mom-eter!
Do not forget that camera of yours…. show us the funnies….
pve

Meredith - We’ve got six children and I’ve always thought as long as you have an enormous pair of sunglasses to hide behind and a favourite lipstick that makes you feel fab, you can cope with anything. Baby wipes are good too.:-) Hope you have a great time.

nicole milkie - HI THere, if you can, I would fit a set of daily essentials in your carry-on in case your bags get lost. I couldnt live without a fresh pair of undergarments and my face powder…just a suggestion

Pattie - I like the idea of benadryl too; works like a charm. Seriously, just wanted to tell you congrats on Lauren getting through middle school. The next four years will fly by. My middle one just graduated from high school this past weekend. Next year my baby will graduate from high school and my daughter will graduate from college. It goes so, so fast. I love how you will have this blog to look back on in the future.
Have a great time on your trip!

Julia - Have you taken the kids to see Night at the Museum 2? Even the 14 year old liked it.

Kate - We are a well traveled family of 7 (hooray for five kids!) and my advice to you would be keep it simple. I am queen of “we might need this” and forever this has turned out bad for me. Something will lose a piece, a noisy handheld game is irritating…they never feel like doing the stuff we pile up beforehand. The simple stuff works best…a small notebook and pencil, deck of cards, a treat that won’t get melty. The older kids bring their stuff (ipods, etc). It never fails that they buy gotta-have-it-stuff during the trip. Less is more, eh? But you probably know all this junk already–I have been reading your blog for a few months–you’re so inspiring! And your photos are stunning.

Marla @ Stolen Bon Bons - Mine have 7.5 days left of school and then they will be out for summer break. And my little over 7 hours of peace Monday – Friday will come to an end.
When we travel with our 5 I make each of them their own travel bag full of “stuff” to keep them busy. Crayons, coloring books, paper, pens, reading books, travel size games, and a few snacks.
I also wanted to stop by and let you know I have a recall notice on my blog for the senseo coffee maker. For some reason I am thinking you also received one during their their free coffee pot promotion.

princesslasertron - ummm children’s benadryl?
probably not the most responsible choice 🙂
when we were little, we traveled a lot. my brother and I each have a backpack that my mom would fill up for us and give to us when we got on the plane. it was so magical opening the bag to see what she got us. there was always some really fun gum from the candy junk in the checkout aisle, something artistic for me to do like a little package of clay or floam (some nickelodeon product), and matt liked something soft to play with. Sometimes she’d give us a cd or a tape to listen to. Snacks. That was the best.

Kathy - Valium for you for sure and lots of treats!

CherryTreeLane - I learned (very quickly) this weekend, to bring a change of clothes for everyone. You never know when you will need it. A towel and extra water. And change. And a cell phone charger.

Wendy - Hi, I’m new to your blog (well, been lurking for about 6mo or so now). My husband is an airline pilot so we do a lot of flying in the summer with the kids (I have 4). I agree with the posts so far. We do personalized treat bags (containing gum, starbursts, chewy stuff and lollypops) for each child with their name on it, portable dvd player, ipods for the older ones (ours are 17,15,10 and 8). When they were younger we enjoyed pre-boarding if any of the kids were under 5. Doesn’t hurt to ask. I’m not sure what airline you’re taking but I know my husbands has activity books for the kids and sometimes if you ask the FA, they’ll let the kids get up and help hand out pretzels and such (seat belt sign not illuminated of course). And the pilots like to see the kids. My husband has fun showing the wide eyed kids all of the stuff that is in the cockpit and it helps the kids with any anxiety if they meet the pilot I think. 🙂 Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Amanda F - Lots of snacks (juice boxes and fruit snacks are a special travel snack in our house), mini-notepads with pencils taped to them, activity books, Magna Doodle, CASH… and for that moment when the entire plan is looking like they want to smother your loud but oh, so lovely children… the portable DVD player with headphones.
Good luck! Adore your blog!!

Melanie - Where are yall going in California? It is my favorite place. It is beautiful.

Julia - My 3 year old wants an iPod – crazy – for plane trips, I have found that LOTS of FOOD is the ticket. Everybody’s favorites. The 3 yr old used her own money to buy a Disney Princess book at Barnes and Noble about 3 weeks ago – she’s still obsessed with it – so maybe something like that for your 4 yr old.

rachel - Wow I’m in scotland and our kids aren’t off until end of June – thank god! Its a rare occasion here when “its too hot to got outside” and thats in the summer ha! p.s love your blog

Patti - pack a surprise for for each kid that you give them on the plane….something fun and small for california. like sunglasses for the girls and maybe some sort of little water/beach toy for the boys. it takes their mind off the long flight and it’s a nice surprise. 🙂 don’t forget to pack lots of snacks! the weather is gorgeous in california right now. i’m taking a break from my gardening to write this. have a great time!

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happiness is….

May 22, 2009

eating the rainbow.

to ease my guilt of how honestly UNhappy i was that it was the last day of school…

i made a cake to help them celebrate.

i had seen versions of the rainbow cake and decided "today's the day!" to make my own.

it's not too difficult.

but it does take some time.

i just used TWO white cake mixes.

following the instructions on the box.

then i divided it up into 6 bowls evenly which turned out to be 1.5 cups in each bowl.

i had all these Wilton Icing colors already…from all the other birthday cakes i have done in the past.

(find them at walmart, hobby lobby, micheals in the cake decorator isle but not the CAKE MIX isle)

also you could use the gel colors in the cake mix isle…i think it's the same thing.

the drop kind of food coloring will NOT work for these bright colors…your rainbow would be pastels.

and if you only have five eggs…you can call your neighbor for one more.

even if you JUST went to the store to buy the cake mix ten minutes before.

add a teaspoon of color into each bowl and stir.

it's so easy a four year old can do it.

i used 9" round cake pans.

make sure you grease them well with shortening or baking spray.

this is a crucial step in making fancy cakes that i think some skimp and then you are ~~screwed~~ stuck.

my cakes were done in 12 minutes.

flip them out on to cooling racks and let them sit till they are completely cool.

it is pure happiness to make.

even the dishes are happy.

just keep baking & don't think about the kids will be home for three whole months in two more hours…

i made the cool whip frosting i have shared before to frost this.

when you make a layer cake you have to cut your cakes to make them flat….but you knew that.

i don't have a picture though.

you take a big knife (or even a tool that is made just for flattening cakes)

and you cut off the round part of the top of the cake that rises in the oven.

you can let your kids or husband eat that so they leave you alone while you frost the cake.

(you stay away from that turkey…you'll get worms!….name that movie)

then you layer it up…rainbow style.

spread frosting in between each layer.

then around the whole thing.

(do you know the trick about putting a skim layer of frosting first to seal in all the crumbs…

stick it in the refridgerator to harden…

then another coat after that of thick frosting? yes, you did? ok…sorry)

i didn't show the other kids so when we cut it they were so surprised.

the lighting makes my purple layer look weird.

but it was purple…i promise.

we had lots of other kids here playing and it was a hit.

i heard sean say "do you want some cake? my mom made it for the end of school!"

smile.

cake can solve the world's problems.

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#69 – Bake a rainbow layer cake | Scarlet Words - […] been wanting to make a rainbow layer cake for the longest time, ever since I first laid eyes on Meg Duerksen’s beauty way back in 2009. I can’t imagine that anybody could look at these happy colours […]

Jen - I love this rainbow cake! Awesome and perfect for the kids! I really like the ingredients used and how the color appears. We did a Raibow Cake just like this. You should check it out! 🙂
EarlyLearning.Momtrusted.com: Rainbow Cake

Bianca - Question: I just bought the three primery colors expecting it to be enough, but now I’m not to sure anymore…
What do you think? How much did you use of the Winsor Colors to get this result?!?

Tayza - Happy birthday!In lieu of cake I was thinikng of getting you something else. But your blog will probably filter out comments with links in them. So do a YouTube search of walrus and fellatio. (Although I’d be shocked if you haven’t already seen this one.) You know, maybe cake would have been a better idea

Anna - Congratulations! Since Jesica doesn’t have a facebook page, and I know that you know her, plesae post a comment on her blog and give her a call. I can give you her number if you need it:) Congratulations!! This would be PERFECT for your little girl’s 1st Birthday coming up!!

Tum - i think that one of the smath guys was going to put his seatbelt on and tha suns rays hit the meteal making the rainbow aperre on the car.did you know that the suns rays are white its just that the rainbow colors alltogether makes a white color

Carina - But Mom I am reading! NOT But mom just five more meintus of this tv show! By the way I agree why do people have to socialize so much? Urgh tiresome. Look the week has been enough do we really have to do something else we are obligated to on our day off? I want to chill with my family.

Sutisno - I completely share your extenimect! I love these stands. I actually saw something similar at an Anthropologie and have been admiring it every time I visit the store. I particularly like these — they look like they’ve made from plates and cups that have been found and pieced together. Actually, that’s not such a bad idea for a project…

nifdgoai - [url=”http://www.wholesalejerseysleague.com/nba-jerseys?zenid=5078963f2a1df93f92cc8e3f31f6777f”]football jerseys wholesale[/url]

Darnell - The colorful cake with rainbow color, that’s great! Teaching our children to make this kind of cake is really happiness. I am sure that our children will be pleasurable making this rainbow cake.

kat - Dear Meg – An aussie imitation!~ What else is this cake perfect for but a ZUMBA party for Miss 6!! It rocked!
http://findingthecalminthechaos.blogspot.com/2011/05/miss-6.html

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - I made this cake a couple of years ago for my DD’s 3rd birthday. I agree with you that its not hard to make. But the directions I was given to make it were totally backwards which was such a pain in the rear!(For instance, they had us making the layers in the wrong order so we had to wait until all were done to be able to move on…grrrr)Anyways, it took us forever and I was really crazy about getting “vibrant, real colors” for each layer. My sister in law was teasing me about it but its true…Ive seen others do this cake and the colors are just blah. I didnt want that.
It was a huge hit and Im already wanting to make it again. Do I need a special occasion to make it? Or do you think I can get away with a “just because” rainbow cake?:)
XO,
Sarah

Jordan 1 - cake is a nice dessert, but it’s easy to get fat, so try to eat less…

Anne - I love Rainbow cake. this is great recipe. I tried it on Monday evening. I hope my daughter will enjoy this recipe. thank you so much.

Edyta - This looks amazing,, so beautiful and delicious,, Maybe one day I shall make some 🙂
Thanks for sharing
xo
Edyta
http://edytaandco.blogspot.com/

The Zhush - woe…you just blew me away….those lucky lucky children!

kamagra - It doesn’t matter is the rainbow is on a poem, a cake , a draw in the wall, in our hair , in the sky or in any other place is always beautiful to see all those colors.

Tali - My almost two year old is obsesses – OBSESSED – with the Muppet Movie, and Kermit’s Rainbow song. So this is the PERFECT cake for him – thank you!! I promise to send pics whn it’s done (if i can do a not-completely-embarassing job). Would this cake freeze well, or do I haev to make it the day before? (Can you tell I’ve never – ever – baked?)

Flo - Someone showed me your blog and it inspired me to have a go at my own rainbow cake…
http://iwanttoliveinalighthouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/baking.html
Flo

Kipperstein.wordpress.com - this is so awesome! I’m going to try and make one this weekend!! 🙂 thanks!

Amy @ All The Little Things - thanks so much for sharing! i just did a post on rainbow cakes and linked to you..hope that’s ok!

ellen - heheh so I tried baking this cake.
and it wasn’t you. or the cake. It was definitely (and honestly!) me! 😉 lol…you can read all about it at the link below!
but I will try again for my son’s 1st birthday party! 🙂
thanks for the great tutorial!
http://shimmerandtulle.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-oops-cake.html

chicago property management - Fantastic cake! It sure looks yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I will try making one next week. Btw, I like your “whatever” … its one of my favorite verse..

camille - thanks so much for this! i made it for my 18th birthday and it was a hit among my friends.
i frosted the outside white and they were all surprised to see all of the colors on the inside :]
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k247/camrae324/rainbow%20cake/

Jools - This cake is fabulous I plan to have it for my 50th birthday party with some ruby slippers on the top. Thank you for being so kind and sharingthe recipe. Joolsx

Shini - 5 months later and you have comments, I LOVE THIS. You’re some sort of genius or whatnot, what an idea.

Lennie - Amazing, just amazing! Thank you so much for sharing … and your photographs are awesome!
🙂

Rachel - this is so beautiful! this cake looks excellent and i could imagine it was a great time making and eating.

m. heart - This cake would bring a smile to anyone’s face I think. I really need to buy 4 more 9″ cake pans and make this for somebody…

Muffin - this is the most awesome cake ive seen! what a wonderful and fun thing to do for the kids. 🙂 I want to try this now.

Pera Chapita - Loooooooved the cake, already made it myself! Congrats on such a great blog 🙂

Holly - yummy! I am definately gonna try and make this today!

DreamGirlLisa - Thank you so much for such a wonderful idea! I really love this, I’ve got to make it one of these days!

Melinda W. - Just saw this linked and linked again from a friend’s blog. I made it today for my family- thanks for the inspiration!!!

Marcela - I am SO in love with this cake. I hope you don’t mind that I featured your pic on my blog. Thanks!

Colleen - Haven’t made this cake yet, and already I feel happier! Thanks for sharing!

Amy - I love this! My daughter is having her 5th birthday soon and while looking for ideas I came across this! Now I don’t have to look any more! Thank you so much for the great idea. I am going to do this. When I have finished and post it, I will definetly link back to your site! Thanks so much!

Tiffany - I can’t thank you enough for posting this cake. I saw it in May & have saved it for this Saturday (7/11). My little man is turning 2 & we’re having his party at Gymboree. The bright colors in this cake match the brightly colored Gymboree location. I also took the cake idea & made invitations with color strips. Because of this one post a party was planned.
THANK YOU

michelle johnnie - I AM making this for my daughter’s birthday! Thanks for the idea. I linked to it at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

LisaC - I love this cake. I need to find a reason to make it.

Lisa K in FL - Oh My Goodness! I must have this cake!!

Frugal Carol - What an awesome cake!!!!

Emilie - I just made this for my sons robot party and it was a hit! I am going to link to you blog on my post later tonight 🙂

naomi - I have a few major events coming up. 3 birthdays, an Anniversary and a Baby Shower. I’m making this cake for all of them!

Patty - I made a rainbow cake several years ago for my daughter’e Wizard of Oz birthday party. The outside of the cake was vanilla frosting with chocolate swirled through it to signify how the movie started out black and white and the tornado came through. The inside of the cake was rainbow layers. The colors were achieved using KoolAid mixes of different flavors. It was pretty cool – even Grandpa liked it! Hmmm, I think a cake might be in order for the last day of school here, too!

Shannon - I made it…with the kids help…GREAT SUCCESS!!! 😉

Lesley - This cake is AWESOME! My sister has the funniest story about making this!

Shari - You TRULY inspire me!! This is my first comment ever but this cake is totally comment worthy. You inspired me to make this for my girls last day of school,which was today. I have NEVER made a cake before but thought this would be fun. MY GIRLS WERE IN HEAVEN and it looked good too! I feel so domesticated today and the thanks goes to you. Thanks for the step by step directions and hints and pics!!! I also used your icing and everyone LOVVVVVEEDD it! You are awesome!!

Dana Maxfield - Meg, LOVE your site and this cake. Going to try to talk Kate out of the “Barbie” cake for her birthday next month and make (or try to make) a rainbow cake!! Hope to talk to you soon. Have fun in California.

pam - was there rainbow poo too the next day? 🙂
(that’s the nicest way i could think of putting it.)

Randi - Great cake!!

Mrs. - Okay, you convinced me, I will make this cake for the neighborhood kids and have it waiting on a card tale on the last day of school (June 3). I will be a big hit, and I will give all the kudos to you. When you are mentioning with distain that you are “that kind of mom”, try to take a minute to remember that you are also “this kind of mom”.

Trina McNeilly - Wow that is something wonderful. Just as yummy to look at as eat. My 3 year olds eyes just bugged out when he saw the picture! I just might have to attempt this sometime this summer! So I’ve FINALLY done a new post and you’ll see why I’ve been MIA. I have been peeking in on your fabulous posts though.. they always add a smile to my day!
xx Trina

Kate - I didn’t know that trick! Keep it coming 🙂

Jennifer P. - hey….remember me? from back when you use to get like 16 comments :)?
I just saw this recipe on another friends blog, but she never showed a picture of it cut. It is so pretty! Like a cake a unicorn would have at it’s birthday :).
Thanks for sharing. I think I’ll come up with an occasion to make this!

Kelli - Love the cake…it makes you SMILE! I talked to you at church today and we would love for you to take pics of our family. Just let me know works best…Thanks!

jana - I love this idea; I do not think I could execute it with the grace you have shown. Please send me a bit of your talent…this is a darlng blog.

jimaiemarie - i have seen this cake all over the blogsphere and i so desperately want to make it! My son gets out of school/graduates kindergarten on the 5th so I think i’ll make it for him then, soo fun!!!

Jess - great! my 4 year old just walked by as i was drooling over this cake……she has birthday on her mind..” thats the cake I WANT” great…can i send you a plane ticket in July…you might need a break by then! and there is no way i can pull that off! thanks for the inspiration!

lilyhaven - That cake is fantastic!!! I LOVE IT!

meaghan easterhaus - that is THE cutest cake EVER!!!! i can’t wait to try it!

Elisa - Good Lord Meg! Mother of the Year award!

wendy - Love it. Will do it on June 4th!

Jennifer - This is great! I JUST made a rainbow/tie-dye cake for my mom’s birthday last night! Mine turned out fabulous, and I love how you layered yours!
I read your blog all the time, but don’t always leave comments, but I felt this was comment worthy!
Good luck having the kids home all summer!

Nancy Hood - totally delightful! hope you don’t mind, but I’ve shared this post with my readers!! yummy!!!

TJ Kuehn - My friend sent me a link to your page. I’m so impressed with the cake! My sister wants me to make her one for her birthday!

Erin - Christmas Story…one of my favorites!
I love this “my mom made it for the end of school, smile”.
You are such an inspiration!

tonya - you are amazing!

duchess.of.reel - This cake put a smile on my face! Fund just to look at. Thanks for sharing. 😀
*duchess*

Aby - You just ROCK. I never knew what a bad Mom I was until I started following your blog. Thanks! LOL!

Jen - I have never seen a cake like that before. How clever! And it looks yummy. You are such a sweet mom!

Dawn - That cake is AWESOME! My daughter’s birthday party is next weekend, and I am soooo making that cake for her! You are such an inspiration!

Vera - JOY!

Joanie @ The Bright Side - What a cool idea! Such a nice mom! We’ll have to try this for our last day of school. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kristy - ok i am so not the cook/baker but that is the coolest, cutest cake ever! the colors are so bright. i love it!!!!!

Christina - I have never in my life seen that, or seen such a fun cake. It totally kicks the confetti cake’s, um, bum. You are one rockin’ mom.

Beth - I love that cake. I want to make it too. And I am soooooo happy school is out. I’m sorry it makes you sad because it makes me jump up and down with happiness 🙂 Although I know my kids will make me crazy in no time!

amy - color me impressed!
(ba, dum, dum!)
scrumdimliumptious!

Amber - Yum…I want a piece of your happy rainbow cake!

Sara - Wow, that looks ssssooooo yummy and fun for summer! You have me wanting cake now!

Carmen - Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful cake. I am going to make one for my kids. They will love it! I was planning a little surprise for them for the last day of school and this will go perfect with it. I am going to decorate the house with banners and give them a basket with books, craft items, a couple of new movies and little toys to keep them busy during the summer.

paula - the name of the movie is A Christmas Story….you’ll shoot your eye out 🙂 love the cake..i am soo doing that soon…the girls will love it…

Ashley - I love it and I agree with you, Im not thrilled either… I think a cake is in order here too. Love your ideas and Annie’s outfits and so much more!

Courtney - I’ve been meaning to make one of these FOREVER, but haven’t found a good excuse to yet. I’m making a promise to myself here and now, the next baby shower cake I have to make (shouldn’t be too long, our Sunday School class has been having baby’s like rabbits for the past two years, and I think I’ve made at least half the cakes for the showers).

deb - thanks for the good vibes. there’s still a hint of hope that we might end up out there…TOGETHER! and that cake is fabulous!!
deb

Dawn W. - Love the cake. You are a great mom. I’m jealous we still have another we and I teach so everyone is looking forward to the end of the year. Hope you have a great summer!!!
Dawn

Allikayes Mama - You are going to win awards for that cake, girl!! Totally Awesome!!

Lee Ann - You’re such a good mommy to celebrate the last day…even when that’s not really what you were doing inside 🙂 I can’t get over how early you get out of school! Most kids here aren’t out until almost the end of June. But that gives me time to get ideas from the rest of you as to how to “celebrate” the day!
Fabulous cake!

A pocket full of posies... - Oh my goodness!!!!! that is SO stinkin’ ca-ute!!! I’m singing “somewhere over the rainbow” now…must go make cake! 🙂

Hannah - I love the Rainbow Cake! I bake it all the time, and you’re right, it eases the worries of the day. I’ll be making Rainbow cupcakes this weekend! We’ll see how it goes.
Love the blog, Meg! It looks like you had a great time baking with your family. I’m sure they’ll enjoy eating it!

Susan - Oh, my daughter is sooo jealous! That cake is awesome and such a great way to celebrate the end of school. Yeah for summer!

Trish - Ummm… It’s only from my all time favorite movie A Christmas Story 🙂
LOVE that cake! I’m going to have to try that this summer. Such a fun idea!

Anna@Boogers,Bibs,Books&Bubbles - Aaahh…love it! You know why didn’t I think of that? I made it last month but I only used 2 pans and just layered the colors in there. It came out all hippie-looking and my husband made fun of me. (But later he told me it was cool!) I will have to try it this way next time.

Melanie - It makes it all worth it when you hear your child say something like that:) Glad that Sean liked it and wanted to share it. Meg, something is crazy with the RSS feed. Every time you update your blog I go to it from the feed and it locks my computer up. I have to actually turn the computer off. Has anyone else had this problem? It only does it with your blog. I don’t know what the deal is.

Kelly - I saw someone called you Supermom… I made rainbow/tie-dyed/playdough/whatever you call them cookies for the end of school last year to celebrate my son’s summer birthday and a mom – to my face – snidely called me an overachiever. I didn’t take it as a compliment at first but it makes me laugh now so seeing that Supermom comment made me laugh too. 🙂 My kids would love the rainbow cake. We go to year-round school so they’re only home for 3 weeks at a time instead of 3 months. Is that reason enough for a cake? 🙂
Oh and A Christmas Story is the movie.

CherryTreeLane - That is stinking brilliant!

Donna - Love it. I love the whimsical ways that you live your life – thanks for being so generous and sharing your ideas with all of us. I think I will make that cake the night my daughter has her graduation ceremony – I will do blue and gold – her school colors. thanks for the idea.

Kacey - That is the coolest cake I’ve ever seen! I’m so making that for my son’s next birthday. Awesome!

Kathy - Awesome you are the nicest mom, I bet their tongues looked pretty scary!

Sophie - Such a cheerful cake, Meg!
I’ve decided I’m going to make myself one for my birthday. Who says a seventeen year old can’t have a rainbow cake, eh? 😀
Sophie
x

Wendy - Do you have a cape and tights, SuperMom? That really is a cool cake… I think I might just have to try that one. And not getting worms is an added benefit.

Joni - It’s a REALLY HAPPY CAKE! Never saw that done before, thanks so much for sharing! YOU ROCK, obviously!
XOXO
Joni

carissa... brown eyed fox - you are so cool… my girlies weren’t so lucky!
such a pretty cake & way fun to boot!
impressed once again!
the first day of summer… i still haven’t wrapped my brain around that doozy!
wishing you lots of sane days! 🙂

Nicole Milkie - The movie you are referring to is A Christmas Story…absolute classic.
Love your blog. May i ask? What type of camera do you use? I love your pictures and want to get one for personal use. Would you recommend the one you have?

Christel - That is an awesome cake. You rock.

Sharla - Ok, I made a “similar” rainbow cake last night and you’ve put me to shame – it looks like I stacked caked on top of each other instead of one big cake. What’s the secret of connecting the cakes – having them be flat? Because I didn’t cut mine flat before I stacked. 🙁

pve - eat cake first! 🙂
you are the best MOM!

adrienneK - omg you are so awesome!!! that cake is GORGEOUS!! i wanna make one!!!

Julie K. - holy cow. that is awesome. not only does cake solve the worlds problems, but it makes you look like the worlds most awesomest mom! yeah! whatever it takes right? it’s so totally awesome.

chasity - you are the queen of cakes!
all hail! the queen is here…

Jeana - i was going to do this next week (end of school for us…i know) with cupcakes. like someone has alreagy mentioned the cake looks a little ambitious for me, but one day! happy summertime=]

Kelly - love this!!

Kelly O. - I’ve done this for cupcakes but hadn’t tried my hand at a cake. I like that you made individual coloured cake layers as opposed to layering it all in one or 2 cake pans.Gives a cleaner look and more frosting in between each layer.
Looks amazing!
Cake does make everything better. Especially rainbow cake.

gina - THAT is the BEST cake ever!! So going to give it a try this summer!!! And I was thinking even the dirty dishes would make me happy, they’re so colorful… then I scrolled down and read the same thought. 🙂 Enjoy the weekend!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Oh I wish you were my mom!! I’m gonna have to give that a try someday.

adrienne - you are a wonderful, really wONDERfully rEAL mom!!! it’ll be okay 🙂

Rach - Despite the fact that if I actually make this cake I need not eat it but simply apply it directly to my thighs, I think I might still try it!! Brilliant idea!!!!

Jill Jones - First of all… A Christmas Story. Anybody who doesn’t know this shouldn’t be allowed to celebrate Christmas. It’s a classic. Second… you are one of my all time FAVORITE blogs. I have a list of 60+ blogs that I like, but I check yours daily. Without fail. Third… that cake couldn’t be any more cheery! I love it. I want to make it. I want to eat it. The whole thing. By myself. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jill
jilljones43@msn.com

Keri - This cake has been on my “need to make” list for awhile, too! I think the end of school may just be the *perfect* reason to make it.
You know you’ve just created a tradition at your house, right?? =)

anna - when i saw the cake on google reader, my jaw dropped! how cute! what a neato freato idea! i want to do that!
so then i clicked over to your blog to leave a comment, and all my warm fuzzy feelings left. you HAVE to change your banner. why? because i hate frogs. i’m sitting on my bed as i type this, but when i saw the frog, i looked over my shoulder to make sure there wasn’t one back there. why would there be one on my pillows? i don’t know. i keep shuttering thinking about frogs. the one part of the bible that i have trouble reading is the plague of the frogs. can you imagine?!?!?! frogs everywhere. i would have died a hundred deaths if i lived back then!!! when my then-boyfriend-now-husband and i were dating, we almost broke up because of a stupid frog. OH I HATE THEM!!!!!
but back to the cake, good job!!! 🙂

shb - Years from now, your children will still be saying, “Mom, remember that rainbow cake you made for us on the last day of school? That was awesome!” What a great memory.
Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.

erica - ohmygoodness… that is amazing… and so happy! i need to try that sometime!! thanks for sharing 🙂

kristin - you. know. i. am. going. to. make. this.
oh my my my my my

Heather - I LOVE THIS! I am going to make one! I did not know about the skim layer of icing. Love to bake but never knew that. That would explain my crumby issues. LOL!! See how much I am learning from you? 🙂
My kids will go crazy over this. Thanks for another great idea!
Heather:)

Katie Gonzalez - this is so beautiful. i love it. i want to make one with just shades of orange and pink and yellow. thanks for sharing! your kids are lucky 🙂

Laura - this is the second cake I have seen today that I want to make…and this is my BUSIEST cake week ever…so.the rainbow may have to wait.
Want another tip? Make a simple syrup…boil 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar…cool it a bit..then, using a squeezy bottle, pour it onto each layer BEFORE you frost them….then frost, stack, and decorate.
This WILL be the moistest cake you have ever had. EVER.
And yes. Cake DOES solve many a problem.

Casey - What a GREAT idea! I love it!! You are such a thoughtful mommy.

Kellie - AWESOME!

Crystal - Love it. Knew that movie quote. You are fabulous. 🙂

traci - that is an AWESOME cake. How did you get the layers to stay so straight? I might only do 3..lol..yours looks kinda ambitious..lol

LeAnne - Hey! I found your site by accident and then noticed you were a photographer. I enjoy checking in from time to time to see what images you have taken. I am a sucker for good photos and hopefully will be purchasing a new camera soon so I can experiment with the whole blurred background thing – which I love! 🙂 I have found your honesty so refreshing! The rainbow cake looks fun – I’ll have to try it. Anyways…enjoying your blog from Andalusia, Alabama…
LeAnne

Nicole Q - It’s on my list for this week now . . . looks happy!! My kids actually have school through next week so I’ve got a LONG list of things to do before the change hits! I didn’t know about the “first layer of frosting and then sticking it in the fridger thing” so that tip was just for me! THanks!

Lori - We quote from A Christmas Story all year long. A classic! Love the rainbow cake, but way more than I would attempt. I’ll take your word for it that it was easy-but-time-consuming. My kids are teenagers and I still have some dread of the summer break (our last day of school isn’t until June 12th, but then we don’t go back to school until after Labor Day). I don’t have to entertain my kids much anymore, BUT the summer means too little alone time for me.(And isn’t it all about me?..kidding!)

Jess - mmmmmmm. just added this to my list of things to do.
…wishing i was your neighbor!

Charee - Ya… a Christmas story but I see that just about everyone knew that 😉 A classic for sure.
Sweet cake, I would have to do a pink layer for my daughter!

Ruth - love it! what a sweet mum you are – happy summer!

Amanda - This is beautiful Meg!! i LOVE it! And am defiantely going to try it out asap!!
God bless-
Amanda

Jen Christians - OMG… I am making this NOW… I am going to Dillons NOW… BYE… Oh wait, I can’t just GO… I have four kids to gather up and get in the car now, and the baby is napping, and I NEED a lot of things at Dillons and i don’t have a list ready or coupons, and now that the kiddos are home I have to buy one billion times more groceries… Plus two of the kids are still in PJs… So MAYBE I will make it tomorrow, MAYBE???…And when I do, I will definately give you the credit… MAYBE??? 😀

pam - fun, fun, fun!!! i’ll have to do the same in a couple of weeks!!!

Sandy - Why does this not surprise me?! You are amazing and I want to be your child (preferably the youngest so I can stay home and play with you while the big kids go to school)!!

Sarah - That looks so good!!! Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be able to control myself and I’d eat the whole thing before the kids got home…wait, what a good idea! I’ll make one for ME…a stress-reducing, end-of-school, summer vacation, (sniff, sniff…will I make it?) rainbow of emotions CAKE!

Mrs. G - That cake is awesome! No kiddos for me to try it out on… If I get brave enough it would still be great for a “just because” reason!

Allison - I Looove “A Christmas Story!” “Fra-gee-lay…must be Italian.” By the way, I think it’s perfectly okay to be sad that the school year is over…

Lori Danelle - Your cake looks so pretty! I did a rainbow cake for Charlie’s 2nd Birthday ( http://loridanelle.blogspot.com/2009/04/bubble-birthday-party.html ). It was such a huge hit and Charlie loved helping me mix the colors the day before!!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Starnes Fam - I was going to guess Christmas Story or Home For The Holidays. Two of my favorites.
Great cake. Don’t you love to overhear them bragging or announcing something cool you did? All the validation I need.
Happy Memorial Day and good luck this summer! (ours started a month early due to the move…..Colorado schools let my son pass the 2nd grade and be done rather than starting in Kansas for just a few weeks). So, it could be worse!

brooke - a christmas story…whaddo i win?
this cake is amazing…and it definitely makes me happy…may just have to do this as a “welcome home ladies” cake…just fun!
even though icing coloring makes me nervous…i over did it one time to get the right color and it ended up making the entire cake taste like it came direct from a chemical plant!

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the end.

May 21, 2009

the end of my freedom.

the end of my quiet home.

the end of having the computer all to myself.

the end of doing my own thing.

the end of taking a shower without kids walking in…then screaming & covering their eyes.

for three months!

how did this sneak up on me so fast?

here are some pics that were on my camera this week…with very little rhyme or reason.

my niece maya.

can you guess how old she is?

this doesn't look very safe does it?

i used my happy pass.

i needed them.

what a good grandma.

she played candyland, UNO, memory, guess who and go nuts…over and over.

annie loved it.

flowers from the garden.

the peonies are super fabulousand they are my favorites

because they are so darn easy i just get to enjoy them with practically no work at all.

this drawer was funny to me today.

i was going for the seeds and thought…what an odd combination of things in here.

but maybe everyone keeps their 08' pool passes with their toothbrushes & 4 year old formula holders.

i said there was no rhyme or reason.

you were warned.

so back to THE END….

it's also the start of some good things.

tomorrow is the time for sleeping in.

time for suntans and sprinklers.

time for boxes and boxes of ice pops.

time for painting in the driveway.

time for siblings being forced to play together…bonding…giggling…making forever memories.

i think i will survive.

i think i am ready.

maybe.

can i just have one more week to decide?

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Ayoub - 二20 I dont understand what to expsers. This weblog is actually wonderful. That is not really critically a actually significant statement, but its just about all I could develop following scanning this. You know a great deal relating to this subject matter. A whole lot so that a person produced me personally want to learn a little more about it. Your website is my stepping stone, my buddy. Interesting oversees on this subject.

singing teacher - I love the photos, especially the kid with the dog. Thanks for sharing them.

maureen - I love your beautiful photos…..

Amy Walker - I am so with you Megan! Ours finished Thursday, how on earth can they already be bored on Friday afternoon?!?! I told Frank the time has come for the oldest two kids to get their own computers, they have plenty of money in their savings and are more than willing to pay for them, Best Buy here we come!

carissa... brown eyed fox - it’s heeeeeere!
ready to drop in our lap loads of spontaneous chaos! haaaa!
hugs from your colorado… soon to be your wyoming friend! 🙂

Kathy - I know how you feel, my daughter has 4 more weeks of school and I’m really sad for her. Kinda! And I feel bad she only gets 8 weeks off. But I also know I will have too many days of I’m bored and bitchiness coming my way suddenly I’m sad for me not her!

Elisa - That dog- I just want to squeeze Waffle.
My little one finished this week- well I guess I should say 3rd one now, but the others have 3 more weeks!

Debra - Ahh yes, summer vacation. I remember it all well. I have a friend that has three children-finding it difficult to get things done during the summer. She has created ‘time-out-slow-down-hour’… All kiddos to a quiet place {their rooms} for some playing with soft toys, reading, pondering summer adventures. One hour, using a timer. Gives all a well deserved ‘time-out’. Then, let the summer games begin again.

Traci - it will go by so fast. eric still has 2 weeks. we are late this year. i loved playing the “guess who” game with my kids.

aimy - awww….. i soooo miss my pups! we had 2 wheatens when we lived in az. they both had to be adopted out to families in cooler climates. after 4 years they both developed such horrible allergies. our oldest practically chewed her leg off at 4am one morning while i was up feeding the babe. tear. sniff. sniff. and the summer cut… i could go on… give a squeeze from me. i miss them!

JerriR - I too am nearing the “end” and could cry typing this post…last one graduates this week from High School and oldest graduates Masters at the end of Summer. My ever “busy” house will soon be quiet…what will the hubby and I do?? (teehee) I love reading your blog, always makes me smile, and we so want a “Waffle” at our house! Enjoy your summer!

Chasity - love the bubble gum!
chas

amy - i have a sign in my house that says
“please excuse the mess, my children are busy making memories.”
i think you need one too. 🙂
wait-not that your house is a mess…it’s about the memories…ahhh, you know what i mean!
lovely series of pics too.
bring on summer.

Lorilee - EIGHT more days until my freedom!!!!! Well nine if I count the 1/2 paid day for packing up my room. It usually takes 1 LONG day to get it all done. I wish peonies grew this far south!
Blessings,
Lorilee

gina - Lucky- I have one more month. I love summer with the kids. Until about August- lol. then I am READY for Fall. Note to self: plant peonies at the new house- they sound like fun!

AshleyR - Your pictures are so much fun!
Love the Peonies!! They are definitely fabulous. And that Waffle.. he is too cute for words. I want one 🙂

Melanie - Hi Meg. It has been a while. I check your blog but I don’t get a chance to comment every time. All of your pictures made me happy:) You will have a great summer and make it through. I guess I shouldn’t talk since I only have one kid! Enjoy sleeping late tomorrow and steal a few minutes each day for yourself.

Shannan - 1. I can’t believe your kids are out already! Kids out here have another couple of weeks.
2. Your pictures are gorgeous, as evah.
3. I can’t believe you grew all of those flowers! Peonies are my fave, too, but they have not opened yet.
4. What are those pink and white daisy-looking flowers? Pretty.
5. You don’t really have to answer that last question, it was quasi-rhetorical.
6. Why can most normal people grow annuals from seed, but I can’t? I “planted” 3 packets and not one single one sprouted..
7. Sorry about these lists. What can I say?

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Enjoy your beautiful family. Happy SUMMER!

Laura - no rhyme or reason….that sums up summer, doesn’t it?

Sandy - I LOVE Guess Who and would play with Annie all day (my kids are 19 and 15 and won’t play with me anymore).
Enjoy summer!! I’m looking forward to June 4th when I don’t have to bang on the wall to get my 15 y/o out of bed anymore!!

jamie - Amen!

Rach - Good luck and God bless. 🙂 But hey, it’s summer and summer is AWESOME!!!!

Keri - Our end is near as well. I’m ready! Today, anyway. Ask me again two weeks after school is out….

Anna - I am sure that the summer also holds LOTS and LOTS of photos for you too :o) We all know that Mama Duerksen will be there, camera in hand, for all of those summer memories. Can’t wait to see them!
P.S. You know those mega bottlecaps you got from Maya Road and then turned into awesome magnets?!? Well I contacted them several months ago because they were out. They said that they would be in, in June. Well guess what?!?! I just checked and THEY ARE BACK!!! (Sorry if you already know this) I just ordered my loot of ’em! Woot!

Lori Danelle - Not quite the same, but I remember after I had my second baby, my Mom stayed with us for about a month to help out. When it was time for her to leave, I remember just being so scared of the idea of being left with 2 little girls under the age of 18 months!!! SCARED. I had no idea how I was going to do it.
And then she left, and I made it work. 🙂
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Darby - YOu will survive!! It will be awesome… especially not getting everyone dressed and fed and out the door to school.
I know you get a million questions…. 🙂
BUT… does Waffle shed? I know this is a very important question. 🙂 I’ve inspected your floors so closely and don’t see any fur but really… he has to shed a little, right? It would be too perfect to have a dog that cool that doesn’t shed.
If you have a sec, I’d love to know!

Stephanie - As a teacher… I am SO READY for “the end” :o)… the kids have all mentally checked out weeks ago already, and we can’t get much out of them anymore… it is SO time for the end. :o) Hooray!!! :o)

A pocket full of posies... - AMEN Sista! I’m right there with ya! and I’m super excited- I think?! 🙂
Happy Summer!& Many Blessings!

traci - The end to getting up early and rushing out the door
The end to …mom I need money, today is the LAST day
The end to…sign this one and this one and this one and this one and this one and this one and this one….UGH
The end to…..This girl was SOOO rude to me today and I try and try to be nice
The end to ….Mom, can you run up my homework
The end to…..I need this list of supplies for a project and I HAVE to have them all by TOMORROW!!!!!
I could go on 🙂
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ready for it to be over…YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Joanie @ The Bright Side - Oh, my. I know that feeling! Love your photos, they are gorgeous! Even your junk drawer is cute!! I love all the color in your life that comes across in the photos you capture. Very cheery. Wishing you a very happy summer!

purejoy - welcome to summer. it sounds glorious. and your photos were fabulous, as usual!

Wendy - I have to say that I’m a bit jealous here. Another month of school up here. I’m really looking forward to not having to set the alarm clock.

kristi - wow, you guys end school so early. we still have a month. thank goodness.
good luck!

pam - time for VACATION! lots of togetherness. 😉
those peonies are breathtakingly beautiful.
and if you had breast pads in that drawer i’d be wondering. the rest is normal.

Donna - OH by the way. How can I get me one of those “Happy Passes”?

Donna - I have 2 weeks to go and then it is the “end” for me too. I do enjoy the sleeping in part and the “no homework”…….but by mid July I am so ready for the school bell to ring!! Love your pictures. Have a wonderful summer.

Lisa - AAHHHH, NOPE. TIMES UP.
HUGS FROM MAINE

melissa~afamiliarpath - gorgeous! love your photos. can i borrow some nail polish? my toes have been neglected of pretty color.

Jess - Still have two weeks to go here. Feeling the same emotions…how did it go by so fast? will the kids survive the summer without killing each other? you know, the usual.
love the happy feeling i get when i read you blog. your home is so full of love and color. love that waffle, I saw a puppy golden doodle on tuesday, i could have puppy napped him. i didn’t. promise.

Amanda B - You’re so funny. I want your nail polishes, what brand/where’d you get them? Maybe color names too! AND, I’m pretty sure I saw a bouquet of flowers that looked just like those at Jess’s house last night – were those from your garden too? I have NEVER been into flowers, but this makes me just a little bit interested! They are beautiful!

pam - wow you guys end early! i’ve got four more weeks left of my sanity and then i’ll be singing the crazy blues! here’s to a fun summer! what kind of trampoline do you have…we were thinking of getting one for the girls but got the big raised eyebrows from all the grand-parents…funny thing is is we’ll probably get one anyway! xo

kasey - ha.
i still have one week left to contemplate “the end”.
lol

Lisa-Marie - Pink glittery nail varnish, peonies and gum ball machines. Your blog makes me smile. Your photography is wonderful, and real, and you have the courage to write about who exactly you are.
I kind of want to go buy a gum ball machine now!

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oh annie.

May 18, 2009

she burst into my bedroom this morning dressed in yellow from head to toe.

she shouts "MOM! wake up! it's yo' big day! yo' gonna plant yo' gaw-den!"

later while i was trying to do some exercise

(with a dog in my face and little annie laying on top of me….)

she grabs her leg and winces.

she says so seriously "i hurt my uncle."

we walked to the kids' school with waffle.

he feels free to use every yard as his toilet.

annie very honestly asks me, "why don't dogs have to wipe?"

i was digging in the garden (because it was my big day)

and when i would find worms (she pronounces it like waums)

i would call to annie and she'd come get them from me.

i could hear her talking to them "worm….meet worm. worm…meet worm"

then shouted "MOM! they like each other! my worms are friends!"

and then she had four worms.

and she said "worm…meet worm, worm, worm."

four times in a row.

i wanted to just scoop her up and keep her four years old forever.

instead….she started bawling on the trampoline at 8:10

i took her to bed and i fell asleep in their bed while talby read the bedtime book.

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kitchendoor - Four is so great 🙂

kasey - she’s a doll.
and looks like you are having fun with Picnik.
xo

Lisa - IF ONLY 4…
HUGS FROM MAINE

jen R Sanctuary arts at home - It’s an awesome age…

pam - oh my. no doubt about it. she’s adorable.
what was your answer to “why don’t dogs have to wipe?”

Kelly - Just this very morning I was in line at Starbucks with my middle boy when a nice man in front of us asked him how old he was. When he answered that he was four, the man said he also has a 4-year old and we had a great little conversation about how fun 4 is. 🙂

Christina - Good for you, for writing these things down! The pictures=keeping the four-year-old forever, at least in a small way. My oldest daughter and I are constantly telling my youngest (almost 2) to stop growing! She already doesn’t listen, though…

Ashley Ann - The polaroid look is so fun…we have some like that blown up as 12x12s hanging in the living room. I love the 70ish feel you did to them…great processing!

meaghan easterhaus - this is one of my favortie posts you’ve ever written!

anne - what special moments spent together in the garden.
“worm meet worm” … adorable.

Lori Danelle - I can’t wait until my girls start spouting out crazy little kid logic. We’ve already started filling a large glass container with funny things Charlie says, but right now they’re more funny within the context, not funny on their own. . .I’m looking forward to funny on their own! Until then, we’re just celebrating complete sentences!!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

gina - Isn’t four the best?!! I have and LOVE the book The memoirs of a four year old by Jamie Lee Curtis.

jerusalem - 4 is precious. absolutely. i have one of those myself and i could just eat him up!

Elisa - Cole speaks that language. It’s a crack-up. I just love the way he pronounces his wauds, I mean words. Sweet little kiddos!

Laura - something about little girls named Annie….
red shoes
worms
fists of flowers
very familiar!
our annies really are adorable. arent they?

maribeth - oh, how sweet! i also love 4 because of the innocence and use of language. i love how they misuse words, mispronounce words, make up their own words, and use big words. i have a 3 and 4 year old currently and i try to document all of these little pieces of joy before they are gone. annie is precious! just precious!

Patti - isn’t 4 just the greatest age?! i love the things that they think of and how they view the world. just the other day, my 4 year old anya said to me, “mommy, can i extersize [exercise] with you? i need to work on my muscle.” (as if she only has one.) have a great week!

Starnes Fam - Life is good. I love when we realize that in these moments.

Heather - I read your blog everyday. I LOVE it! This post is so fun. How did you do that to the photos? I think it is so cool. I have a 5 year old and would love to add that to some of his photos.

Kathy - OMG so is so cute!! But they grow up to be eye rolling, back talking, always online never, never picking up her clothes 15 year olds!! Sorry to burst your bubble!! Ah! but she is so cute really!

Cate O'Malley - Too cute! My six-year-old still mixes up the letters when he says animal… he says it as aMiNal. I smile every time I hear it.

sara's art house - LOVE the pictures. Your blog is always a bright spot in my day! You are one of my top ten blogs 🙂

Keri - What a shame they have to grow up! That is pure sweetness.

a thorn among roses - love the shoes…i heart red shoes…and dandelions too!

Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home - now how did you do that with the photos???? so cute!

adrienneK - ok thats just TOO cute!!!

Jess - oh meg, i am wishing that i would have written down all the cute things my little ones would say. they grow up so fast. i’m off to take a stroll down memory lane…thanks for sharing that sweetness.

The Tulip Lady - And that is why the world goes round…for all the Annies of the world…for their mommy’s and daddy’s….if only we could all keep a little of our “four year old” self forever the world would be a happier place. Thanks for sharing. Love to you and yours…

Joy C. Tilton - Oh this is priceless! Fabulous four, never to be again so enjoy!
joy c. at grannymountain

mom - She is something else! Very heaut-wauming!

Leigh Ann - Precious four year old love!
Enjoy!

erica - she is way too cute! and sweet! what purity and innocence is in our young children. thank you for sharing 🙂

Traci - so cute. love how little ones talk. it’s kind of sad when they master it and their cute little language is no more. love the way you did the photos. picnik?

pve - oh goodness, out of the mouths and bottoms of babes.
my son said (when he was your gals’ wee age)
“Mom, I just burped from my bottom” and if you knew him, some things do not change.
We have a good laugh each day! 🙂

Shana - Yes. The things she has been saying lately completely crack us up. I think big B would put her in his pocket if he could. His little “annie” is so big now. 🙁

Michelle - My baby girl is 4 too. But only for another week and a half. I’ll miss 4.
I love the photos. That one of her feet in the dandelions is stunning. The colors!!

Diane at Kidoozy - Gotta love planting a garden with ‘help’. I have 3 kids and two dogs, and once in a while the kids get a chicken out to help scratch around in the soil.
We’ll be doing that today. Of course I won’t get adorable pictures like you did.
Thanks for sharing.

sandy toe - How cute!
sandy toe

brooke - “i hurt my uncle” best line ever.ever. how sweet!! and yes i know what you mean about wanting to bottle them up right where they are…i am seriously going through this myself with my oldest…i am not ready for her to be seven and a second grader…i didn’t think motherhood would be so full of happy heartbreaks!

Sandy - She’s such a doll! Love the pictures!!

Trish - I have a five year old that can’t say his “r” sound either, and I think it’s so sweet to listen to him talk……we’ve already spent so much money on speech therapy just to get him to this point and now I’d like him to stay this way forever!
Why do they have to grow up?

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just messin’

May 17, 2009

with pics of my sunshine girl….

when you click on this it looks better.

all i can think of is the muppets….janice…yeah like fer sure man.

none of these are "awesome" but it's fun playin' over at picnik making them all different.

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Marcie Bowman - I love all your pictures! You find such creative places for your backgrounds. Are they just places around town that you have come across?

Katie Gonzalez - wow! beautiful photos!

Alicia Fulmer (Coach) :) - all pics are awesome when they are natural! You do a great job, My dad was a photographer for the Wichita Eagle and my step mom had a studio and I just want to tell you that after years of growing up around great photography you do a wonderful job!!!

Whitni - Hey! It’s me again. I’ve been following your blog for a while and I absolutely LOVE it! When I decided to have my own blog your’s was the first one I put as a blog that I follow. I know you’re super busy and don’t feel obligated at all but I was wondering if you maybe have a few extra minutes in the day maybe you could come by and check out my new blog? Maybe give me some pointers on how to get some traffic coming? I hope you have a wonderful week!
-W

Meredith - Fab photos! Speaking of photography, I came across a website for Lisa Cohen photography that I’m sure would be right up your alley. Reminded me of your style. Hope you’re having a fun week. Meredith xo

Joy Cronauer...Joy at Home - Hi! These are gorgeous! Your daughter is so pretty. Do you use photoshop? I have just started with blogging and tinkering with photoshop. How do you get your photos to upload so large? They look great like that!
P.S. I love your blog!

Jamie - Ooooh, that warm sunny look is just yummy. Great job.

Laura - are you kidding me? they are ALL awesome.
and did you have to join picnik to get the fun collages?

CherryTreeLane - I LOVE these….to me, they are each awesome….

Cassie - I LOVE PicNik! Its the best!

Jenn Thomas - She ALWAYS has a sweetness about her – you can’t help but smile.

Lori Danelle - It’s fun to play!! Love the pics.
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Traci - i love those meg. such a pretty little thing!!

Chasity - she is soo cute with her mouth full of new teeth!
have a great one.
chasity

Shannan - She’s beautiful and the light is gorgeous. And I love her shirt.

sara's art house - Great pictures! And I LOVE picnik!!

brooke - she is so adorable and all of the photos look great! picnik is my favorite….cross process is usually the first tool i go for…love it! hope you had an awesome weekend!!

pve - love those pearly whites.

Kathy - I disagree they are all awesome….and like the others she is a mini you.

Heather - Beg to differ – they are all awesome! Beautiful colors and light and character:)

Melissa - She looks a lot like her mama!

Lorilee - The photos are awesome! I can’t wait for school to be out for the summer, so I will have some time to try playing with my photos more!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Christina - That first picture looks so much like you! Oh, I’m not the first person to say that.
So fun.

Erica - SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU!!! TOTALLY!!! (with a little bit of Annie!) VERY ADORABLE!! 🙂

clare - The Muppet reference is awesome! She really does look like her in that pose. She is such a cutie, and Annie is her little clone.

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visitors

May 15, 2009

we have visitors today and tomorrow.

(above photo taken by lauren)

my mom, sister and her family came to hear some music last night and hang out.

and at riverfest…some of our friends came too…it was a party….so loud!

good times.

i think the donut shop and a thrift store will be part of our friday.

random facts:

1. i have taken 1162 photos this week.

it's been a busy one.

2. i just found out that school gets out for summer on thursday!

i thought it was friday.

i just lost my very last day to fake my sanity.

3. we are flying to california in 12 days.

the whole fam-damly.

can i say that? is that inappropriate? sorry.

my kids are PUMPED to go on a plane….asking me lots and lots of questions..no idea what to expect.

business facts:

1. i AM re-opening my etsy shop in june.

i keep sneaking up to craft when i should be doing other things

like clean or cook or care for my family.

2. i AM taking pictures for anyone….locally…even if i don't know you…yet.

we'll get to know each other. (sing with me…getting to know you, getting to know all about you)

so if you were wanting to ask me…now you know.

let's do it!

email me at cdduerksen@yahoo.com for more info.

can you tell it's late?

do i seem loopy?

it is.

i am.

12:54.

i need some sleep.

i have a donut in my near future.

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jaye - Hi…My daughter (a budding photographer) and I enjoy looking at your blog…I love the pictures…so bright and colorful…I love reading your writing…so down to earth and humorous…so honest…I LOVE the fact that you used the term “whole fam damly”…my Dad said that all the time as I was growing up…LOVE IT!!!

Anna - I live 3 hours from you…I am trying to talk my husband in to driving out there for pics sometime in the future. I hope it works! 😉

Susan - It’s so fun to read your blog because I’m from Wichita and was just there last weekend when River Fest kicked off! I originally found your blog because I saw pictures of your little girl’s room somewhere…not on your blog…were they featured somewhere? Anyway, I loved that room. The one that has the “READ” on the wall.
I adore your house and it’s fun to see pictures from my old stomping grounds! It makes me wish we could move back there (we’ve tried…no luck).
Anyway, just thought I’d say hi!
Susan

the tulip lady - Ahhhhh, lady, you crack me up! Have a happy day out there!

Keri - You’re coming this way?! North, South, or Central? Let me know if you need a break from that fam-damly and we can meet for coffee. And donuts, too. I’m easy. 🙂

Laura Moffat - Thought I would drop by and say “hi.” I love reading your blog and looking at your pictures. You are always so inspiring and honest. Love it. Thanks. You make me smile 🙂
On a totally unrelated note, I noticed that you took your “I love preggos” link off the side and I’m pretty sure I know why. lol. 🙂 Don’t blame you there! I found it on your site and have been following his weekly pictorial. The pics and documentation really are cool. Such a great idea.
Have a great trip! Hope you get SOME rest!

ang - Love Riverfest! Haven’t been for about 15 years!! Druber’s Donuts?? What a weekend. I’m so jealous!!!

Ashley Ann - Going public on the offer for pictures…get ready for a crazy FULL inbox! You made a lot of people very happy with that post..way to go, congrats!

CherryTreeLane - I always have a donut in my future.

jamie - Riverfest looks like a Blast. California has been Beautiful the last few weeks. Im sure you all will have a Great time. We have what they call June Gloom in June! What the Heck is that you ask? Kinda foggy, hazey weather, keeps it cool though. Have a Great weekend with your family, we have a few more weeks of school but it is coming so quickly. Jamie

Patti - it’s lovely in california right now…it’s warm and sunny. so, set that iso to 100 on your camera! 🙂 hope you have a lovely weekend and a great visit to my part of the world!

Laura - where in California? Will you come take my kids pictures???????

Alyssa - Wish I lived closer and you could take photos of my kiddos..I would so want to be hanging out with you…forgeting the things like moving up cermonies and laughing…You are a good Mom….You are funny when you are loopy and not so loopy. Enjoy

Brittany - Oh, how I wish we lived closer so you could take some photos of my growing family, but, we are actually a whole country apart so…not gonna happen!
But, I love your blog. It is truly my favorite! All-around best ever, full of stuff I love 🙂

Candice - Your comming HERE to Cali, where are you visiting sorry if thats not appropriate to ask, I live in Orange County, but I grew up in Long Beach they have some great things to see if you are going to be near there, Aquariums, Historical Sites, the BEACH! I have some great recomendations if you need some even for great cheap food spots! I hope you have a great week and that the flight goes smoothly.

Sarah - Have fun on your trip. Can’t wait to see the pictures!

Lori Danelle - That donut had better be from Druber’s or I will be very upset!! Please get a peanut butter knot and think of me. Unless you know of a way to ship it to me with it still being edible once it reaches my end!
Also, very jealous of RiverFest. I should get my family to KS for it some year. . .I think the girls would enjoy it. . .and me!!!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Starnes Fam - My mom used to say, “fam damily” all the time. Love it!

Elisa - Kids on planes- always a good time! Actually it really isn’t that bad. I have never flown with all 4, (that will happen next month) but my other 3 are frequent fliers. My oldest used to get really panic-y so now I always take dramamine with me.
Have fun!

MGF - There are not enough hours in the day.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Busy week…take a breathe, grab that donut and enjoy your company. Can’t wait to see the pics from California. I love California…so jealous:)

Jenny - Hi! I have never posted, but I have read your blog for awhile now. (I love it!) I just wanted to give a helpful hint for the plane ride to California. We just traveled there a few weeks ago with three kids ages 6 and under. The best thing was for everyone to wear slip-on sandals so in the crazy, hurry-up security line at the airport, where they made even the one year old take off her shoes, it is easier. =) Hope this helps!

Ruth - Ever thought about moving to the UK…? Schools don’t finish til nearly the end of July! 😉

Michelle - Love your pictures – they are some lucky Kansans to be able to tap into your talent!

Jess - Looks like a lot of fun. Flying with kids…good times. It’s so fun watching them experience things for the first time. Hope all goes well. Etsy…YAY! I was wondering if you were going to open it back up!!! I didn’t get to order anything last time, sorry. I’m saving up right now.

Sandy - also meant to say – good picture of Lauren (glad she went!)
and super cute picture of the little guy plugging his ears 🙂

Sandy - “fam-damly”…my mom used to say that all the time (and not at all inappropriate). She’s been gone for 17 years. Thanks for bringing the memory back. 🙂

Melanie - Where & why are going to California? I LOVE California. We have been out there twice. Big Sur, Carmel, Santa Barbara, the wine country, San Francisco….it is all wonderful. Have fun.

sandy toe - Your daughter is so cute in her polka dot dress! I love how you dress them…so child-like and fun!
sandy toe

Crystal - the whole fam-damly….that makes me laugh. 🙂 We got your package…thanks so so much. 🙂 Let me know how much I owe you, you fabulous lady you! 🙂

adrienneK - how fun! “fam-damly” is HILARIOUS!!! i would like to know how flying goes as we will be flying soon with kiddos as well BAH!!!
oh and annie’s green dress is way too cute!!!

Kathy - One year the same thing happen to me except the last day was a half day and I forgot and never showed up to pick up my kid. Oops till I got a nice phone call at work where are you? So glad she is old enough to walk home!! Have fun in Cali!

brooke - riverfest looks f u n! and i too thought our school went through friday but uh nope only wednesday! i swear they switched that up on us…i know somewhere i read friday…it’s okay by me though because that friday night i fly the girls out to spend four weeks in arizona with c’s parents and then up they’ll go to utah to spend two to three more with my dad….so ummm…you can say i {slightly} look forward to these summer months alone…however usually c is here to enjoy them with me…but i have my girlfriends and nyc to look forward too…
have an awesome time in california and i wish i lived close enough to have you do family photos for us…we have never had them done and i absolutely love your work…but you already knew that 😉

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a program (that i didn’t forget)

May 12, 2009

annie's preschool ends tomorrow.

so sad.

she will miss all the wonderful creative love and joy that

she gets walking in that door 3 times a week.

even though she hides behind me every single day as we go in…

she can't wait to get there…then she hides and gets shy and nervous.

she participated in half of the 5 songs they sang.

and not the other half.

and that's O-K.

she will miss her teachers.

so much.

but….she gets to come back next year so we will focus on that.

she will probably talk about it everyday…all summer.

these are annie's bff's

micah and lizzie.

glued at the hip…tackle each other in hugs…share their snacks…play together constantly.

after the singing we enjoyed some juice and cookies and playtime at the park.

what a nice way to end the school year.

thanks kristin…this year has been awesome for annie!

september won't come fast enough.

at least for us anyway.

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Kathy - You take the most amazing pictures, really inspiring.

heather lea - seriously the most adorable children! my little brother is 5 (i’m 24..yikes!) and his kindergarten graduation is in two weeks. he keeps insisting that he’s going to stay in kindergarten forever because he loves his teacher and friends so much!

missanne - … i love the views children have.
they know the meaning of true friendships.
🙂 sharing snack, hugs and lots of smiles.

Dawn - I understand how you could forget a program. I only have 2 daughters can’t imagine how you keep up with everyone. My oldest is graduating from high school and there is something every other night it seems. Drive ya crazy but so much fun to be a part of. Hope you all have a good summer.
Dawn

Whitni - This preschool looks like an amazing blessing to have around. Makes me wish I lived in Kansas so I could send my future kids there. Also, you’re blog is so colorful! It makes me soo happy to come over and have a look everyday. Sigh…
-W

kristin - amazing, eh?
yes, september will be good.
thanks for being a part of this joy.

Mary Beth - I need to find a picture of my PrincessLasertron’s preschool show…she STEPPED FORWARD during all the songs.
And then took a bow.
Yep. She was born this way!!!!
Meg, I love your honest life.

Aubrey - Ooh–and she’s wearing her cute rainbow dress–it’s so perfect for the occasion, right?

chas at the wild raspberry - annie and lizzie look like two peas in a pod!
chasity

Joni - Awww….it’s hard to believe it’s the end of the school year already.

Lazy Mom Leslie - Your title cracked me up!

pve - so I guess home schooling is out. he he.

Lori Danelle - So cute! I’m looking forward to when my girls have friends. Right now Charlie, my oldest, plays beside other kids, but she doesn’t really interact a whole lot yet when she plays. I think that aspect of their childhood is one of the parts I’m most looking forward to!
http://loridanelle.blogspot.com

Darby - Go Annie!
We have that little dress and love it!!

Michelle - My baby girl’s preschool program is tonight. She’s off to kindergarten next year. Sigh.

brooke - i always love whatever annie picks out for the day to wear…her style is awesome!
it is funny how you know they love school but they act like it is just pure torture for you to leave them there…meghan does this to me in the morning…i have to peel her flesh from mine and run…and then when i go to pick her up it takes us ten minutes to say our goodbyes and actually leave…silly silly girls…

Laura - and I just finished my post about how I can not wait for school to end!!!!
I am a crappy mom.

Wendy - Hooray! You made it to something! I hope that you had some juice and cookies as a reward. :o)

Melissa - Annie’s school looks like so much fun! The pictures actually make me miss teaching, but after the day I had I guess it’s to be expected! So glad you were able to make this one! I also have a little one who can be very shy at first. Enjoy the summer fun with Annie!

CherryTreeLane - I love this dress she wears! And she is so happy to be there–you can see it! Delightful!

dawn - This is sort of embarrassing — but I decided to sign my daughter up for some summer “preschool” (field trips to the park, movies, that sort of “preschool”). I love my child to the moon and back (and I AM a stay at home mom) — but she loves preschool — and my sanity is worth pulling together a little extra money for a summer session!

Shannan - Please tell me that you made Annie’s dress – and that you’ll be making more to sell. 🙂
We had Calvin’s program last week, too. He had been singing the songs at home all week, then walked out furiously itching his head with both hands – the truest sign that he is stressed and anxious – and hardly sang at all. Still, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him!

maribeth - as a preschool teacher and mommy, i love your view on children and play. it is rare to find parents that understand the value of a good preschool and a play based curriculum. what a blessing for annie!

amy d - phew, i was starting to think we neighbor girls were gonna have to do a “program intervention” on you 🙂 FYI…8th grade rec is the 20th 😀

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