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monday

April 7, 2009

i kicked monday in the behind.

i asked my friends to pray for me to be able to focus on my etsy orders.

focus and finish this week.

and yesterday rocked.

not only was i focused on my orders (7 pillows in one day…)

i made dinner by 1:00 and an extra for the freezer.

i did many loads of laundry

and washed two dishwasher loads by hand.

(my dishwasher BROKE)

prayer is awesome.

thank you friends for praying.

"i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me….Philippians 4:13."

and i can still use that prayer today and tomorrow also. :)

now annie & i have to shop because i am out of stuffing, pom pom trim and some fabrics.

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michelle allen - I’ve finally had a chance to catch up on your blog Meg! You are super woman that’s forsure. I love how you had prayer and then you turned into UBER super woman 🙂 God is so kind!
Your pillows are beautiful! Glad to see Etsy is treating you well, as it should.
Your blog header reminds me of my eight year old. Once the frogs come out she’ll be out there for hours hunting for them and once found and captured she’ll make homes for them. I’m sure they really appreciate her kindness! ha! I think our girls would make fast friends!
Happy Easter!

Sarah B - There is a post about you on my blog…what is your Etsy address? Love your blog.

Sarah B - There is a little post about you on my blog…love your blog!

Sarah B - What is your Etsy shop name? Where can we find you?

Elisa - I love these!!!!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Gorgeous pillows! You do rock. I’m that way when I have a project started. I don’t know adrenaline kicks in and God’s grace helps push me through. It’s just the best feeling…one of accomplishment:)

Vera - I’m SO excited to find your blog – I am re-doing our office/nursery/reading room after my very favorite EVER room on Apartment Therapy… when I saw that pile of pillows on your sidebar I KNEW they were from THAT room – now I can read your WHOLE BLOG and get EVEN MORE AWESOME IDEAS! I love your style! I slaved over making pillows for our new room… I wish I’d known you had an Etsy store where I could have just bought them 😉

Christine - you are amazing.
just another reminder that i love your creativity and your blog.
it’s my favorite.
peace to you this week and this Easter. 🙂
christine.

Staci - I’ve been missing your blog 🙁 My computer got a really bad virus and I have been without one (I am using Brian’s laptop tonight!) since last FRIDAY!!! Anyway, I’m glad you got a lot accomplished 🙂 YAY! That’s such a great feeling! And I am soooo making your baked french toast this weekend 🙂

traci - great job girl. my pillow arrived yesterday – I LOVE IT!!! it’s perfect in my studio. thanks so much meg!

pambuller - good job energizer bunny. 😉

Amy - I got my pillow this weekend and it rocks….love it. thanks so much! And i have the cora pic on the fridge.
“better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” Proverbs 16:8

Erin - Wow! It’s SO nice to hit the pillow (your bed pillow, not your Etsy pillows, at night, with your head) knowing that you had a productive day. Congrats!

jennifer - Rock on, Sistah!

danyele - trim shopping…now that sounds fun!
prayers for you, lady worker bee!

MGF - What a great feeling to get so much done.

Laura - I am praying that the extra frozen meal in the freezer is for my family.

carissa... brown eyed fox - i want to plop myself right in the middle of that JOY… your pillows are divine!
you go girl… :)!

Ruth - Great work!! Love those pom-poms and the pink chenille (if that’s what it is?) – love all of it actually, you’ll be putting many smiles on faces with those pretties!

kat - Holy Super Mommy!!! That is awesome! All those loads of laundry and two dinners plus making 7 pillows on top of it, fabulous!!! I am so excited for my pillow, I can hardly stand it. I am patiently waiting because you really have a heart of gold to make and ship all these wonderful goodies for an even more incredible cause. Way to go!!!

Julie - I spy my pillow in that pile of goodness. Happy happy happy.

Mindy Harris - How FUN are those pillows; you are SUPER talented! I’m going to learn how to sew; am inheriting my husband’s grandmother’s machine. 🙂

Suzanne - GO MEG GO!!!!
Rock on:)

kasey - maybe i should try praying…..
xo

Stephanie Howell - glad you were super productive. the pillows look awesome!
here’s to another crazy busy (in a good way!) day!
xo

sarah - I’m in LOVE with your pillows!!
Great job on all you got done. sad about the dishwasher:(
I’ll pray for the rest of your week to be ridiculously productive
(and for your dishwasher to have an easy fix)

Julia - My favorite pillow is the zig zag with polka dots! I love how you put the fabrics together.
It’s so neat that you have a group of friends to pray for you! What a blessing.

Jill Adkins - You Rock! Great job! LOVE the pillows- so sorry about the dishwasher!
Blessings!

Jen - Very well put!
♥Jen

Lazy Mom Leslie - You rocked it! With just a “little” help of course!

Wendy - Send some of that energy my way. I could use it. Great job!

Brooke - what the busy!!! a m a z i n g!!!

lorel - That stack of pillows reminds me of the Princess and the Pea. Beautiful.

Tiffany - You rock! Not only for getting those orders out, but also because I received MY order yesterday (a tshirt for my daughter) and it is absolutely adorable! Her face just lit up when she saw it and it looks so cute on her! Thanks so much!

Trina McNeilly - Amen, sister! I def need that verse today! Sometimes I just have to say it out load and really think about it! I’ll say a prayer for you and if you think of it say one for me.. I could use it today! Great job on the pillows.. I la la love them!
xx Trina

CherryTreeLane - You WORKED IT! GO GIRL!!!!!

AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage - Wowza! Great job!

purejoy - pillows look great and i’m pleased to see someone’s workspace looks as chaotic as mine does!! good work and press on!!

Heather - They look great!!! Keep up the great work! You can do it! 🙂

Angela Conklin - Amazing what God and adrenaline can do!!!! Love the pom pom ball pillows!!!

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baked french toast

April 5, 2009

you will love this.

i made it for bible study and they went ga-ga over it.

i made it for my family this weekend and craig said "THIS is blog-worthy"

so you need to make it too.

melt 1 stick of butter then add in 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 t. cinnamon and stir together.

pour into a 9×13 pan covering the bottom.

then layer slices of bread on the sugar mixture with the crusts removed.

(it would probably just as good with the crusts on….)

i used 15 pieces of bread.

fill in the holes with smaller pieces.

in a mixing bowl whisk together 2 cups of milk and 6 eggs.

pour over the bread.

that's it.

put it in the oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

when it looks baked and golden, pull it out and drizzle syrup over the top.

put it back in the oven under the broiler until brown and bubbly.

NOTE: this step takes very little time.

i set my timer for two minutes and let it ding twice. (i was putting on my make-up…..)

i opened my oven to a huge cloud of smoke and set off my fire alarm.

i had to pick off the burnt parts before i could take it to bible study.

so be careful with the broiler step.

this one is kind of burnt too…but it'd too good to matter.

when you serve it, flip it over so the sugar on the bottom (heaven….)

is on the top.

oh my.

definitely blog worthy.

it would be a very good easter treat.

with a big cup of coffee…

i am drooling.

(recipe is in the sidebar…..with lots of other easy to make duerksen favorites)

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Jessica - There are churches that do have bible studies for adults along with devotions and one church even did the love dare from the fireproof movie. So its not just a childrens thing anymore. And some people want to learn more about the bible so they can enrich their lives.

MamaNellie - 11/11/11 and i’m makin it for breakfast with a side of bacon, hot coffee, too bad i just ran out of apples…. they would have been scrumptious choped and scattered between the pieces. something to add for next time 😉

Danielle - Made it once for the family last month, now I am making it again for a girlfriend get together! Just gotta say again: LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Ryan - This looks so delicious!! Just added everything to my grocery list 🙂

Danielle T - I just made this….AMAZING!!! it’s my hubby’s bday and he is now obsessed! As am I! Thank you!!!

imagol4 - The recipe is great, thanks for sharing. But I have to make a comment; Bible Study? Really? At your age? Really? Hmmmph, always thought of that as an activity just for kids so that as a responsible parent you could introduce them to religion and let them make up their own minds about it. Never dreamed adults went to Bible Study. What a monumental waste of one’s time. That time would be better spent feeding the homeless, or spending time with people in the nursing home, or being a Big Brother or Big Sister, etc. Because I can guarantee you, THAT is the type of activity Jesus would do, not chit-chatting about what a wonderful person he was because he was ‘christian’…

viagra online - oh my God oh my God oh my God!!!! this is like my favorite food ever, i love to eat french toast, anywhere, any time, they’re just amazing!!

Winni MiIl - I worry about what so much sugar is doing to your family and, of course, to mine as I recently read some research about sugar poisoning our cells. Wonder how we can make this with less. I’ll experiment and keep you in the loop if you like 🙂

Karin Marie - I’m making this tonight for dinner! I’m excited looks super yummy! It’s in the oven as I type! 😛 I love your dish where did you get it from? (Random I know!) I will deff be trying more of your awesome recipes!
Karin Marie 🙂

Adrian - This was so so yummy! I recently made it and have passed the recipe on to a few friends and they love it too. It was so easy! Thanks!

Rose Clark - Okay EEERYBODY, THIS WAS GREAT. Mine tasted almost like cinnamon rolls. Turns out that i melted the butter and added brown sugr, (it was hard but got soft so i guessed at measurement). I poured it on bottom of pan and then put bread on top.Oops no milk and too late to make before kids leave for school, I let it set there all day. Covered of course. Then finished making it at like 5 pm. My son Larry who said he was full had some. He’s 17. YOU CAN PLAY with this recipe people. It’s delish and BIG fun

Jeremy - Making your recipe yet again, I used a thick crusted bread to give it some more substance, and have it for breakfast days after! It is most excellent!

Lauren - Just wanted to thank you for this recipe. I made it Easter morning and it was a hit! My normally non-breakfast non-sweets husband ate it all up. Thanks again!

Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom - Totally, utterly bloggable and delicious!! We made this for Easter brunch and it was perfect – simple enough for a busy morning and special enough for a holiday, family style breakfast! I had leftovers this morning with some sliced pineapple…mmmm
I linked up to this on my menu plan post today as well: http://problemsolvinmom.blogspot.com/2009/04/menu-planning-with-grill.html
Have a great week!

Jessica - just wanted to THANK YOU for this recipe!! YUM!! YUM!! YUM!!!!! We made this today for Easter Brunch and it was a HUGE hit!! So delicious!!
xo

Jenny - I’m making this today for breakfast – it look so good!

Gretchen - Looks so yummy! I’ll have to try it. We make one that uses dried out french bread and sits overnight… I love variation. Totally going to save the recipe. 🙂

patti - i just printed this out to make tomorrow morning. i usually make a to-die-for french toast with challah bread. it’s the hit of our easter brunch. but i’m branching out this year. i hope i don’t smear the ink on the print out from all the drool.

Tiffany - I must have done something wrong. This was just a big mess. The bread also didn’t taste like anything but egg mush. The only thing I ended up with is a hungry family and a dish that is going to have to soak for a week.

kitchendoor - Oh my GOSH I’m going to make this for the brunch crowd here tomorrow. So amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Alyssa - YUMO!

Elisa - I am not sure if I should try this or not. Really. It looks so good and so bad at the same time!!

Liz@HoosierHomemade - We love French Toast. I will need to try this.
Thanks for sharing!
~Liz

carissa... brown eyed fox - thought… do you think it matters what type of bread… you know… white… whole grain… wheat! i am SO making this! 🙂 my fam is gonna love me!

carissa... brown eyed fox - i can make that… i can so make that!
so happy to see something i think i can do!
you make the best stuff… i am SO doing this this weekend!
thnk YOU!

kerry lynn - now i want ft… thanks 😉

betsy - Thanks for the recipe! I had no plan for dinner last night so I tried it. It was very yummy!! Adam thought it was more like a dessert than dinner but he liked it too. Next time he wants me to add bacon… 😉

kara - hi meg! I’ve been following your blog for several months now. It’s one of my absolute favorites. I’m currently teaching in China, so I’m always on the lookout for simple recipes I can make here. this one looks amazing. thanks for sharing!

MGF - Yum- O

Rach - OK, if I can figure out how to make it with a newborn in one arm I am all over it! Thank for sharing!

Jaime Melcher - Thanks for sharing another yummy recipe! I cannot wait to try it out…
I just posted my favorite recipe for homemade dinner rolls (works for cinnamon rolls, too) & thought I’d share it with you… I’m making a batch of them for lunch on Easter Sunday!
I hope you don’t think it’s too random for a blogging stranger to tell you about this. ha! I always enjoy reading your blog & wanted to give a little something back, I guess. 🙂
Here’s my link: madisonmckinley.blogspot.com/search/label/homemade%20rolls
Have a blessed Easter!

Angela - Yum! I can’t wait to test it.

Mindy Harris - I can’t wait to try this. Thank you for sharing. Your blog is awesome! I’m a Wichitan so maybe we’ll run into one another one day!

Niki - That recipe is one of our faves. Don’t forget to save the bread ends for crumbs or homemade stuffing

kristin - maybe this would satisfy micah’s LONGING for cinnamon rolls every day.
making it.
and coffee.

Amanda - Yum! I can’t wait to try this! I’ve tried your chicken enchiladas and chicken and biscuits and they are both SOOOOO delicious! My husband keeps requesting them both and I am happy to oblige!

Sarah - looks so gooey and delicious.

kathy b - This does sound and look very “blogworthy”. Yum!
I was glad to read that the fabric arrived. Hope you can use it somehow.
I was “recovering” from some medical stuff last week and didn’t post anything on my blog. I was surprised to see my numbers were up with nothing posted. Then I saw that you linked me in your post. Thanks..that explained it all!
Kathy b

Randi - I made something similar one time but your version sounds so easy … might be whipping that up for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks!

kasey - yum, and you know what’s even better? throw in some cream cheese between the layered bread.
xo

Trina McNeilly - always love your recipes.. thanks 🙂

Ashley Ann - I’ve been looking for a good recipe for baked french toast…so glad you posted this. Sounds like something to try this weekend!

Erica - That actually does sound simple. SO many people say simple but it’s not. Looks good! I’ll have to try it! 🙂 I’ll give you the props if they approve. 🙂

Jenn Thomas - I haven’t had this since college years! I had forgotten how good it tastes. I will have to make it next time we have the kids or company.

Alyssa - We do a baked french toast on christmas morning. I make it the night before and it super yummy on chroistmas morn.

Erin - I love visiting your blog. It makes me want to get creative. Your home is amazing and belongs in a magazine. Your photography is awesome too! Thanks for sharing your recipes – chicken enchiladas are on the menu for tomorrow night (your recipe), I will be trying this one soon.

Sara - That looks delish! Thanks for sharing!

Amy - Looks so yummy! I may have to try that for Easter morning!!! Thanks for all the yummy recipes! You’re so good about posting them!!

Juliann Brenner - Sounds sooooooooooo yummy!! We will definately make this weekend! Whenever Olivia sees your blog up, she says, “Ohhhh Mommy, I want some of those rainbow licorice!!!” I just found some for her Easter basket at Walmart 🙂 We love reading your blog and LOVED seeing the pics of the Hills. I bet you all had a blast!

lulusparkles - perfect for all the company i have coming in for my sons graduation next month(sob, my baby is moving out!)

Laura - gonna try it! Wow..just got a great cheesecake recipe on another blog, and now this…great morning!

CherryTreeLane - you have just CHANGED MY LIFE with this. I love recipes and especially easy ones. THANK YOU.

Lazy Mom Leslie - I’m going to have to do this! Yum-O! As Rachel Ray and my daugher would say!

Wendy - My hips are expanding just reading this. YUM!

Julia - I was thinking…hmmm…maybe I should make this for Easter brunch! Thanks!

katherine - Yum-O! I think we’ll definitely have to try this Easter morning. Can’t wait!!

Allikayes Mama - LOVE your recipes!! Woohoo!!!! I think I have made them all!!! Now this! Yaya!

Katy Frame - This looks SO yummy! And I don’t even like french toast! 🙂

jessica - oh wow. picked a bad day to start dieting. i am saving this recipe, however, to make for the day i decide to kill the diet. amazing!! 🙂

Kelly O. - Great recipe!
I made the enchiladas and my entire family thanks you!

Lanny Stanard - I love this I make it all the time 🙂 and it’s easy and I love that! looks like ti kids ate it all up YUM:)
Lanny…

Suzanne - we are having miss meg’s FAMOUS birthday Mexican Chicken tonight:)
love your recipes!! i’ll be trying this one for sure! thank you…

mom - Meg-
I bet that you don’t remember that Carolyn made this for a bridal shower that she and Nancy hosted for you. It was delicious then and I’ve made it many times since.

Melissa - This sounds yummilicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

traci - perfect for easter morning!!! thanks for sharing meg. and it looks really easy. that’s the best part. i love that craig said it was “blog-worthy”. you have pulled him into the blogging world, like it or not. have a great day!!

chas at the wild raspberry - btw…i totally need you to come to my house for a week or so to show me how to do all these cool things on your blog like the slide shows. the recipes….they are great.
so, when is your schedule open 🙂
chasity

chas at the wild raspberry - going to print the recipe now…if i have all the ingredients, i may be on my way to the kitchen to make it as well. wouldn’t that be a great smell to wake up to?!
chasity

Katie - I make that on special holidays, but I use real french bread… it’s so good!!!

gina - yum.

CathyC - who needs the bread? I would have stopped with the butter, cinnamon, and sugar, LOL!

sara's art house - YUM! Thanks….:)

Anya - I’m loving that I’ve found your blog! Not too sure what my waistline will be thinking since I’ve just printed off 5 of your recipes!
How much does a stick of butter weigh? Just wondering since our butter comes in different sizes in Australia????

Anya - I am loving that I’ve found your blog…..not too sure what my wasteline will be thinking since I’ve just printed out about 5 of your yummy looking recipes!

Erin - Mmmmm. I will have to add that to my repertoire. I love that you still served the burnt one to your Bible study. It’s nice that you serve it upside down so that they can’t see where you scrapped off the black bits. 🙂

Donna - I have been making this for years…………isn’t it the best?? It is a tradition for me to make it each Christmas morning, along with an egg and sausage casserole. I make them the evening before – in the morning I simply put them in the oven – we open gifts and then have breakfast just coming out of the oven!!!

leigh ann - Hi! I think I’ve been a lurker for a while, but I love your blog! Just curious about the syrup though…did you use real maple syrup or just “pancake” syrup? I can’t wait to try this!!

dawn - Oooooh my is right. I am so trying it!!!

erica - that looks and sounds yummy. i’m def going to try it.
i’m new to the blogging world but have enjoyed looking at yours for awhile (found it by getting lost in the web of other people’s blogs). i love your honesty, humor, beautiful photos, and bright colors. thanks for sharing!

patti - my mouth is watering! and i thought my challah french toast was to die for. this looks insanely good! can’t wait to try it! thanks for sharing!!

Lisa Liddell - MMMMMmmmmm yummy. Will have to try it.

Julie - the second my no sugar nonsense is over you better bet I am making a big old dish of this! Not sure if I will share a single bite.

Keri - Oh, man. I was thinking the same thing before you wrote it: Easter Brunch!
And I love that your hubby claimed it as “Blog Worthy”. Spoken like a true blog-husband!

Adrienne Hopkins - Ohhh, this does sound delicious!!! I’m on it. Thanks for sharing.
Adrienne

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8 kids

April 3, 2009

on the last day of spring break 3 of my kids had a friend over.

so the house had 8 kids.

but i realized something….it was so quiet.

so i went from room to room with my camera.

everyone was completely occupied and had no need to bother anyone else.

Room #1 – barbie play

Room #2 – NCAA basketball tournaments

Room #3 – playing house

Room #4 – playing basketball

the boys' room is being redone…KU blue…it's very….blue?

Room #5 – important phone conversations

and i was busy unpacking from utah, preparing for jenny's visit and everything else that moms do.

————————————————————————————————————————-

now it's friday again.

i am so glad.

do you think we will have a big snowstorm that will keep us all cuddled up in side this weekend?

highly doubtful.

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Rach - OK, ummmmm, my husband wants to move into the blue room!! If we had the room for a basketball net inside our house, he would be all over it! LOVE IT!

Stephanie Howell - Love the photos. And I’m slightly in LOVE with your house. I made my mom come over and look at the photo album of your house. HEE! Hope you had a beautiful weekend!~
xo

Jeanne - When the house is usually that quiet it means something BAD is going down in MY house:-)

Stephanie Crews - I’ve been dying to ask…what color is your foyer??? It says Pea Soup, is that the name? Who is it by? I need that color bad! I’m loving it! Love your blog, too.

Leigh Ann - Looks like everyone had a great day. Meg, please stop by my blog to read a prayer request for a sweet little baby girl with Downs and a whole host of complications from a recent surgery. Her name is Remi, she is 3 weeks old and is fighting for her life. I know how successful you were in helping to get prayer going for Clara and was hoping you could help me spread the word about Little Remi. If you would like more info you can email me @ Labbab@aol.com.
I would appreciate if you could post a prayer request for Remi on your blog. On a happier note, I stopped to see my great neice today and she had on a tee you made for her with her initials, MK! So cute! I’ll take my camera next time and send you her picture!
Blessings~
Leigh Ann

Kelly O. - Hi there,
didn’t know if this would interest you or your readers but chaletgirl is having a vintage sheet swap. yOu can check it out here
http://chaletgirl.wordpress.com/2009/03/27/vintage-sheet-swap/
I’m totally pumped for it!
Kelly O.

kasey - so the basketball hoop would SO not hold up on my awesome plaster walls.
wish the boys could have one…..

Sandy - Like Holly, I had noticed Lauren talking on a “retro” phone. I was surprised she wasn’t on a cell phone. As always, love you, your family and your house!

chas at the wild raspberry - what a great time!
rock chock jayhawks…..
chasity

Amber - Love your blog and everything within it! Reading about your house bustling with activity (as quiet as it may have been today) makes my life with 2 toddlers seem boring. 😉 Gotta add that you and your husband must be the coolest parents with that gigantic basketball hoop in the bedroom! I think I’m gonna have to replicate that idea some day!

Lisa - IT’S ALWAYS NICE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. EVEN THOUGH IT’S NOT VERY OFTEN.
HUGS FROM MAINE

Wendy - Playdates are the best (most of the time). Happy Weekending!

Nicole Quiring - Love the indoor basketball idea.

Shannan - Lauren is Stunning. I can’t get over it. And I love that a previous commenter referred to her being on an “old time” phone. I had to scroll back up to take a look, sure that I would find her on a avocado green rotary wall-mount! I promise, I’m not 95 years old…

Ruth - Your house looks so fun! Oh and that beach car you linked to in your sidebar – love it. Life would be pretty sweet riding around in one of those beauties!

Trina McNeilly - talk about perfect preoccupation! Have a delightful weekend!
xx Trina

Alyssa - See you have as many rooms as you do kids so that work out for you. Love the pictures. My fav is the “playing house” how sweet is that. A goody to pull out when they are in high school.

Laura - your posts are better than reality tv. Why is that? I just totally enjoy the sneak peek into a mothers day to day life. Maybe it is the reassurance that no, I am NOT alone, as much as I do feel that way often. Or is it the fact that you bring to mind MY every day, right in front of, and how fabulous and bright and beautiful each God given moment truly is.
And you capture it so beautifully.
And then you share it.
And now excuse me..I have some every day moments to capture…
have a blessed and lovely weekend!

Jeremie Shaffer - love the indoor basketball goal!!!

Staci - It’s true!!! Sometimes, even though there are more “bodies”…and if they ALLLL get along…it’s almost…dare I say this???? Easier??? I LOVE the KU blue room 🙂 Glad everyone had fun…and you got to get some stuff done 😉

Keri - Yes, playdates are the best! Makes mommy’s life so much easier!

gina - I always say- the more friends invited over- the quieter it is for me.
Nice shots of daily life. 🙂

Holly - Your daughter is on an old tyme phone:)

traci - i loved it when the kids were younger and had friends over. kept them busy and really kept me entertained. i loved seeing what their imaginations would come up with. and hearing all their laughter. priceless. usually they weren’t in the house though. they only came in for lunch. imagine that.

Lazy Mom Leslie - I’m at that point too. I love that the kids can entertain themselves and have fun doing it! Can’t wait to see the boys room all done.

purejoy - sooo scary when all you hear is quiet… so awesome that they were all occupied. and the only thing scarier than UK blue in a room is UT orange. nuff said!

Regina (QueenieBee) - Things also go better around our house when everyone has a friend over. Divide & conquer, divide & conquer…that’s my motto!
The blue room with the basketball hoop looks like waaaaayyy too much fun, and I WILL NOT show my son that photo! 😉

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random.

April 1, 2009

i have been working on etsy orders but feel like i am getting no where.

don't give up on me.

yes…you placed your order a month ago…but i am still working.

the quilted pillows are my favorite to make but take twice as long to complete.

so keep waiting for your lovely pillows.

total randomness….

these are some of my favorite pics from the past 12 months.

i have had to delete a bunch of photos off the computer and just love these pics.

so many are summer photos…coincidence? i think not.

and so many are annie, i know, but she is the youngest…what can i say?

———————————————————————————————————————-

julie….you rock!

i love my matching flower for my purse.

you are so nice to me. thank you.

kathy b….you rock too!

that fabric you sent me was SO COOL!

i never see that kind of chenille for sale anymore.

i absolutely love it…thank you.

———————————————————————————————————————-

in bible study yesterday we were talking about proverbs 31.

have you read it?

reading it before has always caused me feel to guilty….

feeling there is so much i lack in the way of running my home.

but thankfully yesterday i saw it differently.

i saw the things i am providing and teaching my children.

i saw ways that i am pleasing to my husband.

if i am trying than i am headed in the right direction.

God knows my heart.

He knows i want to be more like this woman everyday…even when i fail.

read it again yourself and see what you hear God telling you.

———————————————————————————————————————-

i know i say it all the time but it's true….

"back to the craft room"

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Rebecca - don’t forget the bit in Prov. 31 where “she girds her loins with strength”! i always loved that part–that this ideal of a godly woman is also incredibly strong–tough, even! And that that strength comes from the Lord. 🙂

Alyssa - i totally think of you as a proverbs 31 woman!!!!

Kate - Hi! Please, please, please don’t stress about the Etsy order. You better promise to put me on the bottom of the list!

Stephanie Howell - what happy photos, thanks for brightening my day~!

Ashley Ann - As if I wasn’t already aching for summer, you go and post so many of the things I love! One of these days I have to figure out how to add a craft room to the house, your “back to the craft room” comments make me want to do the same!

Elisa - the picture of waffle in the frame- see you could totally be a dog photographer!! Love it!

Jill Adkins - Always working towards the Proverbs 31 woman…thanks for the new “insight”…LOVE the picture with the “dog and frame!”…
Blessings!

gina - Beautiful photos!
Sometimes I feel like based on the photos I take you’d think I only have two daughters (the younger two) but the older ones a) no longer humor me by letting me take a million pictures of them… and b) are VERY picky about which photos I delete and which ones I’m allowed to save- and post on my blog. 🙂

Aubrey - You know I love all your pictures. I keep trying to take better ones, but I think I lack the eye, and shutter speed, oh and good camera. Maybe I can convince my husband we NEED one before the accident comes in September.
And I have two packs of Zinnia seeds waiting to be planted. I haven’t planted this kind before, and I’m excited. If it would just stop SNOWING.

Brooke - hhhmmm…wow…i really needed to read that right now…very convicting for some thoughts i have been battling…thank for you that…or rather Him leading me to what i needed through your blog…
photos…amazing as always…colors just reach out and grab you…i love it!

danyele - proverbs 31 is a great reminder of how i am continuing to attain…ahhh.
and the pics, girl, the pics! love them!

adrienneK - proverbs 31 is my favorite passage from the bible. our preacher did a mothers day sermon on it and it truly touched my heart. i go to it often.:)
these pictures are why i fell in love with your blog so much color so many smiles love it!!
<3
adrienneK

kristi rediske - I sure do enjoy your blog-you sure have alot going on. I love all your pics-I know what camera you have but your pictures are so crisp and clear-I have a canon and my pics seem to come out blurred alot-do you have any suggestions? I have a grandaughter and sure would like to take some really good pics of her. She is on the run alot-she is 15 months. I would appreciate suggestions. Thanks

Christina - Your pictures are beautiful! “They” used to say that the baby got his or her picture taken much less than the first child/children…but I think digital photography makes it so easy to take so many pics that the babies these days (or youngest, when they’re not babies anymore) get more taken than the older ones did.
Aren’t you glad someone left such brilliant commentary on the state of photography in the 21st century? Glad to help.
I always enjoy reading your blog, and it’s so cheerful to look at-thanks for a bright ending to a long day.

Marie - my favorite verse and the first verse i learned after becoming a Christian is Proverbs 31:30…it’s awesome and never loses its value and intensity when I read it. Great reminder for women.

Jess - Proverbs 31 has been my goal for as long as I have been a mother. I too feel that I’ve been slacking in more than one area. Glad that you are able to see it differently now. Hopefully our spring break will help me get back on track.
I just love all the wonderful colors in your photos. One of my fav’s is Annie in the tutu holding balloons!

Shannan - Thank you for sharing the verses with all of us ladies. We can never be reminded too much! And seriously – try not to worry about the orders. Take your time. Create with love and joy, as I know you do, and not stress and worry.

maribeth - i love that proverb and belief God gave it to me as my life verse. it is such an inspiration to read. i think you can’t focus on all the things she accomplished physically but spiritually,
“charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” as women, we focus on how we look and what all we can accomplish, but God wants us to put him first. i love that he included these verses to remind us to place our focus on Him.

karol - Oh my goodness, I can’t believe you mentioned Proverbs 31. I had never read this passage until a month ago when the minister for my mother’s funeral suggested she read it at my mom’s service. It truly captured my mother and I think about it frequently since the 5th of March. She was the sort of woman who was a great mom, wife, and homemaker. I miss her so. Thank you for mentioning it and once again reminding me of the type of woman I would like to be.
And by the way, it sounds as if you are doing a beautiful job of creating a warm and loving home for your husband and children.

Julia - What wonderful family photos – I think the one with your son leaning on your shoulder is fantastic.
Don’t worry too much about getting things done super fast – I’ve gone through those phases (too many times) and it never feels worth it.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - I love Proverbs 31. She seems so perfect. I love that her children call her blessed. The pictures you posted were gorgeous. I’m in love with all of the color. You really are a talented photographer and from what I can see with your gifts and relationships you are very much like the Porverbs 31 woman.

Lori - I would recommend proverbs31.org. And their monthly magazine is short and to the point with great articles. I need reminders to keep on the P31 path so I also get the daily devotional by email.
Loved reviewing the pictures. You really brighten my day whenever “Whatever” pops up in my Google reader!
Don’t stress out about the etsy orders – I doubt any of us ordered something that is an emergency! Although, my mail lady stopped her van by my mailbox yesterday and rooted around in the back where she keeps the packages. I was sooo excited, then she just hopped back in and drove away! Cruel…:)

Keri - Being patient over here…. =)
Love the photos, I’m very ready for those type of shots as well. I try to enjoy each day for what it is, but sometimes it’s hard.
Thanks for the inspiration!

Heather Mattos - love, love, love that proverb.

robyn Beckley Vining - another encouragement on prov 31 is that it was written by a mother as a poem for her son and as advice as to what kind of woman he should look for- and she used an alphabet to come up with what she said (the woman didn’t exist at the time- she was a mother’s dream for her son)…i imagine you could go through our alphabet and find ways that you care for your family & fun things about yourself and your marriage that can correspond with each letter.
i imagine your endeared readers could also probably do that for you 🙂

Sharla - I love that picture of waffle in the frame and your little one walking with the balloons in her too funky outfit. I had never seen the one with your girl holding the bubble or the frog – so awesome. I can tell your son smiling on (your?) shoulder is a great captured moment. Thanks for sharing!

Kim - Thanks for sharing your insight on the Proverbs 31 Woman! Especially as we are at that busy season of life, with “younger kids”!

Anna - That zinnia picture was the very first picture/post that I ever read on your blog. I have been hooked ever since 😉 Thanks for a great year of color and happiness. Even though I don’t know you personally you are a blessing to my life…you bring joy to my day when I stop by 😀

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snow storm

March 31, 2009

on friday we were in a snow storm…

today annie wore flip flops to preschool because it was warm enough.

changes very quickly.

friday morning i went to the grocery store, the video store (7 videos to be snow bound)

the post office and walmart…i was preparing for the worst.

i did not want to leave again.

i was ready for a blizzard (and hoping for one)…even though it IS spring.

we got snow but no blizzard.

the kids' soccer games, dance classes and ball tournaments were cancelled.

our weekend went from packed with activities to calm and cozy.

it was one of those very pretty, big big flakes, blowing and snowing for hours kind of day on saturday.

then craig took them all sledding and i got some real piece and quiet.

these pics are from saturday evening while dinner was cooking inside.

no longer cold or blowing.

they worked almost an hour on this "snow fort".

that's big vision.

it never got taller than 18 inches but they didn't seem to notice.

it was one of the most relaxing weekends we have had in a long time.

i like that we were all here together with no plans and no need to go anywhere.

basketball…videos…sewing…sledding…cuddling…that's it.

now…lets get back to spring.

show hide 28 comments

add a comment

haydee Tau - There’s that cute shirt I so loved..I made a copy cat although not as cute as yours. My flowers were poufs instead. Thanks for daily inspiration.

adrienne - Meg-
I always look forward to checking out the latest on your happy things list. It is like a “table of contents” to the best magazine ever. Thanks for spreading the joy! Adrienne

Sandy - I saw Angie’s comment about being ready for some more pictures of Waffle and it reminded me to tell you that I’ve been thinking about getting a new dog (had to have mine put to sleep in February after 12 years with our family) and every time I imagine what he’ll look like… … … it’s Waffle!…or one that looks like Waffle! Shoot, I may even steal the name. I mean, that is, if you don’t mind. 🙂
Troy, OH

Mrs. - Meg, I am SOOO happy to see that Hanna coat on Annie. My girls (11 and 9) are this very year in their last Hanna, both are at the big 160 size and the oldest is tired of people telling her how much they like her coat. How did you deal when your oldest tired of the Hanna?

Lisa - YEAH, THAT IS THE BEST ISN’T IT.
HUGS FROM MAINE

Kim - This is just “mid-West” weather! I love being at home and having a low key weekend, so I can totally relate!

karlene - how superbly delightful!!!

Jenny Wenzel - Hi there…I actually live in Wichita and went to Berean, you and your husband look so familiar…I graduated in 1993…it is funny because every now and then I see someone I know on your blog! Anyway…a question…do you have the recipe for the playdoh cookies you did a while ago…I went to the site you got them from and it has changed…I’d really love it! Thanks so much – Jenny Wilson Wenzel

Laura - thanks for sharing your snow storm, I gardened all weekend, and am looking forward to summer, already.
I LOVE Annie’s coat!
Her leggings are cool too!
Best- Laura

Laura Phelps - should have spent my weekend with you
took four kids for two days to disneyland for my daughters birthday
it was fun
and exhausting
more exhausting than fun…for me at least
time to make some coffee…
glad you found the time to do very little…

chas at the wild raspberry - it was a beautiful snow…big cottonball flakes coming down.
i love the way the sun was caught in that first picture…really lovely.
chasity

Staci - We were supposed to get at least 6 inches of snow….turned out to just be rain 🙁 We were sad 🙁 Ah well, I’m movin’ on to Spring!!!! Your right…those days when there’s not ten bazillion things on the schedule is SUPER nice 😉

Julie K. - Great pictures Megan! I love Annie’s sense of style. :o) I have a photography question for you … how did you get your snow to look white? Maybe it helped that the sun was out … I was taking snow pictures this weekend under cloudy skys and they kept coming out grey or blue! I finally converted one to black and white but even that doesn’t look totally white … what’s your trick?

Wendy - Cute leggings on Annie! Great pics.

Rach - I was wondering how you guys were doing when I heard about the storm. I knew there’d be snowy pictures at some points so thanks for posting them. They make me smile and realize how much I miss the snow some days. Damn this blasted sun all the time. 🙂

Jenn Thomas - It was fun to not be expected to do much this past weekend. London and I stayed in our pj’s ALL day on Saturday except when we went out to play in the snow – when we came back in we put them on again. Great pictures.

Keri - A weekend without an event to carpool to?? How perfect! The kids are adorable – love the pink cheeks!
You might find this hard to believe but I’ve never seen snow falling! I’m a Calif native & we don’t get snow here where I am, and while I’ve been to the snow, I’ve never been while it’s snowing. Can I come hang out there during your next blizzard? =)

Angie - Am thinking we are due for a picture of Waffle!

Trish - sounds like my kind of weekend 🙂 I don’t mind the snow if it would melt FAST!
our weekend was filled with all things at home… except Addie was puking her guts out 🙁 not exactly stress free!
Now she’s asking for spaghetti? at 10:30 in the morning, crazy girl!

Shana - Ditto sister! (okay, we only rented 5 movies!) The perfect weekend in my opinion.

kristi rediske - Love the pics-love the shirt and coat your daughter has on-do yo make those? So Cute.

Kellie - That’s why I love severe weather down south (as long as no damage is done) It’s a good excuse to hunker down and be still and enjoy the simple life!!!!! Glad to know ya’ll cancel things there when it snows too – I thought they only did that down south here where it only snows once every 5 years and everything shuts down for a little dusting!!!!

Jess - I love spring! I have been ready for spring since the first day of winter!!! And yes, YAY for relaxing weekends! I hope to have one this weekend, the kids start spring break!
I became addicted to your blog because of your photography and your love of color. Thanks again for the picnik link. I can’t believe that I’ve been in the dark about this site! I am having too much fun messin’ around with everything.

sandy toe - Those type of weekends bless my soul~
sandy toe

robyn Beckley Vining - we were hoping for a blizzard, too. nep. just a tiny little snowguy.
lo-hove that shirt on annie! did you make that? too cute!

purejoy - even though snow in the spring can be a real mood killer, i think what’s great about a spring snow is just like you said. big chunky flakes, good packable snow, not bitter cold, and it’s gone. and you don’t have to look forward to 4 more months of that. it is really a recipe to stop and enjoy. loved the pix.

Steph - Meg, what fabulous photos as always! Your kids are adorable and always look like they are having so much fun! It sounds like you had my kind of weekend.
We had snow on Sunday, and we stayed inside in our jammies all day. It was heavenly! I made 3 loaves of bread and homemade cinnamon rolls and we just hung out and relaxed. I love days like that, because they are so rare with all of the kids’ activities.
I’m glad you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. 🙂

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mama’s got a brand new bag…

March 30, 2009

i couldn't help myself…the title was too fitting.

so CHECK IT OUT!

elisa of ElisaLou designs hooked me up with the prettiest purse!

i get compliments everywhere i go.

yesterday someone said "i was coveting your bag when i saw you walk by…i had to see it."

while in the stall in the bathroom someone saw it on the chair and said "whose cute bag?!"

and at a party it was not near me and someone said "look at that bag…i love it!"

i have given out many of her business cards.

i absolutely love this bag elisa.

look at those polka dots!

her bags are handmade and so well done.

i love the long strap…the coordinating lining….the pockets inside.

what a nice burst of spring it's bringing (trying to…snow boots go away) to the entryway.

the birdie hooks are happily holding it for me.

here are some of my favorites from her website….

but the BEST part is….you pick your fabrics!

first you pick the shape and size…

then you pick from her MANY choices of fabric.

you get to be a designer.

and then she makes it for you! just for you…a one of a kind…YOUR purse.

good times.

March 27, 2009

we had such a good time with the hill's.

i am so glad they made the 12 hour drive to visit us.

"what is there to do in kansas?" you may wonder.

take a look at all we did in five days.

*gave waffle lots of treats

*jumped on the trampoline

*threw the football over the house

*drank lots of coffee

*driving range within the first two hours

*watched NCAA basketball

*played the Wii (they brought their Wii from chicago)

*went on a date…with steak AND a movie

*played Whoonu..abby won

*walked to a german buffet

*played pool

*played foozball

*looked at photo albums of the good ol' days

*went antique/thrift shopping

*played memory, pretty pretty pincess, chutes & ladders, guess who and zingo

*did lots of dishes (dave)

*golfed in the wind

*drove in a very severe rain storm with hail at 12:30 AM

*passed a storm chaser truck in the middle of a storm

*got drubers donuts hot after midnight

*played littlest pet shops

*shot baskets

*went to sonic and saw the waiter on roller skates

*ate classic duerksen meals (stuffed shells, chicken enchiladas, apple pancake, cream puff)

*went for ice cream

*played Sequence two different nights (and the girls WON again)

*had a fashion show

*stayed up really late every night

*watched the office, 30 rock and casino royale

see….just some of the amazingly awesome things you could do in kansas.

i got a little collage crazy over at picnik….

picnik is addictive!

jenny and dave you are deeply missed.

you can never be replaced.

you can make us laugh like no one else.

you get our humor and we get yours.

you complete us.

🙂

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add a comment

Rachel - We drove through Kansas on our way from FL to Co; very long state…but in Salina…awesome italian restaurant called Martinelli’s a must to visit.
Thank God for awesome friends!!! Love your pics!

Steph - What a great time you guys had! How fun! You girls look beautiful in the dresses. 🙂

Trina - Looks like you had a great time! I love spending time with best friends – it never seems long enough. I have nominated you for an award, though you are not required to participate, I just appreciate getting to read your great blog!

My First Kitchen - Whoonu is one of my favorite games. The fact that “making lists” is in that pile means that these people know me better than I know myself.

gina - LOl- love the fashion show… are bows big this Spring? 🙂
Yes, picnik is addictive! Along with everything else that is good on this world wide web, like blogging, twitter, flickr….

chas at the wild raspberry - you’re a gal after my own heart!!!sequence, the office, thrifting…..great stuff.
chasity

thatgirlblogs - you should get crazy with the collage more often, that was cool!

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - So nice to see people enjoy each other. Friendships are sooo special and you obviously realize and value your dear friends. Looks like you had lots of fun…and in Kansas of all places:)

Lazy Mom Leslie - If it weren’t for the martini glasses in your hands you would look like sisterwives.

Kate - So great! Thank you for telling my about picnik! I think I lost my morning, but I am GREAT with that!

traci - what a blast!! love the photos. i am going to have to try picnik for that. sequence is a great game. one of my favorites.

Donna - how fun………….Now I am calling our bff’s in Peoria and telling them to bring their 5 kids to visit us and our 6 kids…………isn’t it fun???

Cary - Well, you certainly know how to make a girl’s day!!! My little fish quilt is one of your happy things???? Thank you so very much!!!!

maribeth - i want to thrift/antique with you! you always seem to find such fun stuff! and, i love, love, love your home! and, you have a sonic, so i could totally survive!

Julia - It sounds like the best visit ever.
Not to change the subject, but it was hard for me to focus after I read you make enchiladas. Would you consider sharing your recipe?

traci - I bet you would choose that over IKEA any day!!!!

Stephanie Howell - y’all are too cute!!

carissa... brown eyed fox - divine in those dresses my dear… DIVINE!
i’m telling ya… i could sit in a cardboard box as long as i have friends there… the company is ALL the fun!
so glad yall have those great memories!
and DAVE washed the dishes!!!!! dave… come speak to my hubster PLEASE! 🙂

kasey - i see you liked the picnik chalenge.
xo

Laura Phelps - I am a picnick loser. couldn’t get it to work. tried last night til mid night. gave up.

Ashley - I think I’m going to start using Picnik. Love your collages! Great friends are a treasure!

j.o. - I’ve seen your house. You threw a football OVER it?! Amazing.

Staci - Waaaay fun!!! I love Talby’s “poker face”! Friends that get your humor are THE BEST! You’re right, there’s no replacing them once they get you!!! Oh yea…and those mini eggs….from your last post…oh man…I can one up you on those…you’ve GOT TO TRY Miniature cadbury eggs….OH.MY.GOODNESS!!!! It’s a good thing they are only around at Easter. (But not so good when you buy 8 bags to stock up to get you through the year and only make it halfway! 😮 ) They don’t have that yucky filling inside…it’s just chocolate and oh my, please promise me you’ll get a bag…or four 🙂 If I knew your address, I’d send you some!!! Have a great weekend…sounds like you might be snowbound!!!!

kat - Wow! Can I come visit too? It looks like you had a wonderful and hilarious time together. There is nothing like spending time with great friends!

sarah - How awesome 🙂 Good friends who get you are key.
I love sequence 🙂
And as always I love looking at all your pictures.
and your so freakin cute!

Aby - I just realized that apron says “diet” not “dishes”! LOL!! Works for me either way!!!

jennifer - Those dresses are great!
And friends like that are the best! Truly a gift from the Lord.
Thanks for sharing.
Now I need to check out picnik. I feel another addiction coming on…

Tracy - Hey Meg – looks like you guys had a BLAST! I live so far from home and friends/family now that I live in NYC that I LOVE it when people come to visit! Speaking of which – when are you coming? :o) We have plenty of room for you and your family! Come anytime! I’d love to meet you in person and show you the “big apple”! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Keri - I discovered picnik a few weeks ago and am in love. (Especially the soften feature. Fine lines? GONE!)
Great pictures of great friends. Something to be cherished, for sure!

Lee Ann - Nothing like great friends!

Wendy - Good friends are worth more than their weight in gold. Especially “couple friends”. Love your pigtails. I wonder if I could pull that off. Hmmm…

Michelle - Thanks for the heads-up on picnik!!!!
I’m hooked and I’ve only played with it for 20 minutes. I could sit here all day doing this. I never heard of this site before so I’m sending you a big fat thank you!
Michelle
http://oneordinaryday.wordpress.com/

Lisa - I LOVVVVVVVE THIS INSTEAD OF A PICTURE HERE, ANOTHER PICTURE TO FOLLOW. THIS TELLS THE STORY… AWESOME!!! I JUST HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO USE IS CORRECTLY. I’M COMPUTER STUPID. BUT I DO HAVE TEENAGERS. THEY DO COME IN HANDY IN EXPLAINING THINGS LIKE THIS TO ME. IF I CAN EVER GET THEM TO SPEND 5 MINUTES WITH ME.
HUGS FROM MAINE

Brooke - oh my goodness…those dress up photos are hilarious! too fun! good friends are the best….and speaking of the best…kailyn LOVES her green flower shirt…posted photos…it is so cute…thank you.

adrienneK - you make kansas look so fun!!! my mother and father in law would be thrilled if we moved there (they too live in newton!!) but i dont think they have as much fun as you do lol

Jess - Looks like a great time! It’s hard to be so far from good friends. But makes seeing them that much more special.
Thanks for sharing the link, I am lovin’ that site. I was wanting to ask you if you used photoshop or anything on your photos before you posted them.

Trish - looks like a total blast 🙂 i want to have a weekend like that… need to have some friends over 🙂

adrienne - Sequence iS addicting too. Sounds like ya’ll had great times!

Aby - Looks like too much fun!! Can I be your BFF from Texas?!? Loved the fashion show!! And the “to hell with the dishes” apron! I really, really NEED that!!!

Crystal - I ADORE friends that “get” you…they are the best and few and far between! 🙂 Looks like you had lots of fun! 🙂

Peggy Rice - It’s official, I would like to move in.

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