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therapy

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this is art therapy.
i had planned on cleaning but suddenly painting this bathroom (after a year….click)
was THE thing i had to do.
right that minute! 
it was absolutely therapeutic.

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this is talby's dinosaur bus…i love it so much.  
looks like fisher price little people.
annie drew the emily cat yesterday while i was painting.
and i think sean made the tiger scratching the tree.  

lauren's OLIVIA is just perfect.  
she drew that free hand…amazing.

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while i painted i thought about all my friends who are hurting…
and i prayed for them.
it felt good to use my hands while i did it.

then today…some more therapy of a different kind.
cleaning, coffee and cupcakes.

i cleaned that bathroom….and it just felt good.
not good to start but so good to finish and have it sparkle and smell fresh?
maybe i am crazy?

coffee with a friend.
that's always good therapy.

and then i made cupcakes.
not to eat them….just to enjoy decorating them.

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i really didn't eat them.

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and happy mail.
that's a kind of therapy too right?
all this has come this week.

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the toddler bed i won from the 

i have no idea what to do 
with this right now.
so it sits.

and this package of goodies 
just to be nice.
i really love it all.  

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a blog reader/friend melanie sent me her hot cocoa machine!
(the same one i said i was wanting.)
she said she hardly ever used it 
and thought my kids would like it.
how cool is she?
thanks melanie…it rocks.

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i ordered fabric 
i found her through 
today's creative blog.
(or TCB as i call it)

she had heather bailey 
fabric for $6 a yard!

it is just 
BEAUTIFUL.

i want to wrap up 
and roll around in it.
or make a cape for my self…as Super Mama?
Queen of the Laundry?
The Caped Dishwasher?

i could wear knee high pink go-go boots too.

yes…i like that image.  

HA.

*************thank you for praying for all my friends.**********************

Alyssa - Ok, I didn’t read through these comments. But I hope someone awarded you the “coolest mom ever” award for that bathroom! You are so inspiring!!!!

pve - let’s get things first, erika sent me here, and I knew to listen to that smart cookie –
and then here I am in love with the super bowl extravaganza, not even a food fight and then what a witty and wonderful bathroom. must be fun getting clean in there.
you made me laugh – and waffle did too.
humor me some more, will ya?

sarah - Awesome bathroom. I love the Oliva Drawing Lauren did. Very talented.
Those cupcakes look delicious. Yum.
You should definitely make yourself a cape. You are one super mom!
I just read some about Cora, and my heart is aching for her and her family. I thought i was going to collapse into a ball of tears if I didn’t quit reading. It’s amazing how strong her parents are being and how they are rejoicing in the good. I can’t fathom having to watch my baby girl go through something like that. I’m not quite yet sure what I want to do for them, but want to do something. So, if you have information of where I can send something to, once I figure out exactly what that should be, please email it to me, thanks. stellajadedesigns@gmail.com
I’ll be praying for them…

Beckley Vining - it’s like you just reached inside me and touched the part of my soul that needed to meet another unique creative and lover of color. life has been too, too…uniform lately. so it’s fun to see your blog.
i’ll spend a little more time here when i don’t have the laundry and dish piles i do after a weekend untouched. although i’d rather paint something. like a bathroom. with a thousand little dinosaur villages…
i came to you via cora’s blog. i went to her through a friend’s blog’s prayer notice. i posted her on my blog, and then went to try to “know her parents better” by looking at what they like. we are in prayer for cora. all 4 of us. i wonder if you visit them again you might give them a hug from milwaukee? for miraculous healing, and grace-shalom-strength in the meantime.
thanks for posting on your blog, too. quite a movement of people praying for cora. as it should be. humanity at its design.
afterall, what’s a world with color if it doesn’t have the depth and breadth of life to illustrate?
thanks.

Victoria - I was having one of “those” days when I came to your blog this morning. Your bathroom and your colors a few posts ago really cheered me up.
I can’t believe your daughter free-handed Olviia! She looks perfect.
Thanks for being a cheerful spot today.

Tasses - For that Olivia picture alone, I am soooo adding you to my feeds!

kasey@lolabboutique.com - can you come play in my bathroom also?
xxoo

Emily - You must be such a relaxed mother to let your kids draw all over the walls. Love it! I love the polka dot curtains too. They are perfect! What kind of paint do you use?

susanne - i think that is about the coolest kids’ bathroom i have ever seen. so ‘real’.
and now i want cupcakes.

traci - I have been following and praying for The Macs due to you putting them on your blog. Thank you!! I can barely read or look at the pictures…it literally just rips your heart out and I find myself bawling at the computer. Then I have parents show up to pick their kids up (I have a sm. daycare) and I have to explain why I am bawling. Soooo, I just check the headline to get a brief update and PRAY!!! Sometimes God does not answer our way but I am believing and trusting that the Mac’s will have many more yrs with this piece of heaven!! Again…Thank you for sharing!!!!!

barb - loving your blog as always, and found ric-rac site via you! Funny how the blogging universe works….
forgot to say with my first comment how much I would like to see what photos you would come up with from travels around the world
also thinking of you and those families who are suffering now….I can never reconcile the suffering of children…
but then who can?

adrienne - Your creativity has inspired me. This is my second comment for you today… i hope you can stop by to see my “valen-tinys”.
http://adrienne-lol.blogspot.com/

Rachel - What a great idea to do to the bathroom walls…I love it…so much color and creativity!
The cupcakes…how did you resist?

Staci - I’m going to check out that fabric site šŸ™‚ How cool is that girl (can’t remember her name…Melanie?) who sent you that hot cocoa machine! I love bloggy friends šŸ™‚ And that wall….how awesome! Am praying for sweet baby Cora and your neighbor’s son. Happy Saturday…I’m glad painting, and baking…and coffee with a friend lifted you up!

Lazy Mom Leslie - Prayer makes the world go round. Most people just don’t realize yet. That’s OK I pray for them too! Love seeing the bathroom get painted! Your kids are going to remember that room for a lifetime!
http://www.lazymoms.com

Kate Eschbach - You got it. Prayers. Now.

Cherry Tree Lane - this was my favorite blog post that I have seen all day. Love the colors, bathroom, fabrics and cupcakes.
And, of course, I am still praying for Cora and family.

Gwyn - I awarded you a Kreativ blogger award. Come check out my post for details. http://www.mommydailyvent.blogspot.com

danyele - i have been absolutely heart broken and praying all the time for that sweet little baby girl…i just am eaten up with her pain…and yet, so thankful for the parents she has and that in spite of all that they face, they are seeking god and rejoicing in everything he is providing. so thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for them.
as for your lot…i am thrilled to see the painting coming along. i don’t think i have the patience for it, but i’m glad you find therapy to do it! you are so funny!

danyele - i have been absolutely heart broken and praying all the time for that sweet little baby girl…i just am eaten up with her pain…and yet, so thankful for the parents she has and that in spite of all that they face, they are seeking god and rejoicing in everything he is providing. so thank you for giving me the opportunity to pray for them.
as for your lot…i am thrilled to see the painting coming along. i don’t think i have the patience for it, but i’m glad you find therapy to do it! you are so funny!

Randi - The bathroom is so neat … I love that you let the kids do that.

Lanny Stanard - Megan, You make me smile šŸ™‚ one big šŸ™‚ and a few tears too! your such a wonderful girl… God bless
Lanny

Erin - You most definitely should make the cape. And a matching drawstring handbag. My mom would make my sister and I dresses when we were little, and use the leftover fabric to make a drawstring handbag to take to church with us. We must be coordinated!
By the way, I really enjoy your blog. I’m originally from Nebraska, living in Spain. I feel like a stalker, but that doesn’t keep me from peeking in on your life. šŸ™‚ So thanks!

Laura Phelps - I hate when I comment..and it disappears!!! where did it go? OK..try again…
Baby Cora’s cousin directed me to you….
and I am hooked
a new blog to be addicted to…love the color, creativity, sprinkles and kids
just fantastic
glad I found you

Laura Phelps - Baby Cora’s cousin asked me to pray for Cora and pass the word on my own blog…then she sent me your link, claiming you her favorite blog! (I tried not to take offense!!! ha ha!!)
well, oh great…a NEW blog to be addicted to!
just fantastic
the color
the creativity
the family
all good
glad I found you

Diana - Babar! I love it.
What a nice day. šŸ™‚

Margaret - I really think you need to use fabric and make a quilt for Waffle and set it up for him on the Toddler bed a/k/a furry child bed.

Wendy - Have a wonderful weekend with your family Meg.
As always, I love your genius imagination. You are inspiring.

Wendy - Quirky, genius bathroom painting idea.
I have a hankering for a cupcake right about now.
Glad you were able to stop and think and pray for your friends today.
Enjoy your family this weekend.

Jess - Wow. You are an awesome mother. I have been looking at your blog all day. (again) I really needed to soak in all that color. It’s been so gloomy here lately.
I have been showing a lot of your pictures to my eight year old daughter and she said “it would be nice if you were her” I ask her what she meant. Her reply: “she’s just so creative and talented” I told her that is why I loved reading your blog. You have really inspired me, thank you.
p.s.
You should make a super cape; it takes super powers to make cupcakes and not eat one!!!!!

Jesse Peak - Paint is such therapy, just seems like it give you time to reflect and think and pray! Or at least that is always what I end up doing! God Bless you!

Amy - Hey Meg, could you please email me, I have a prayer blanket I made that I would like to get to Cora, can you get me an address to send it to? Thank you so much, you are a very inspiring person, thank you for encouraging me to be more. God Bless You! Amy

alyssa - The curious george is pretty good too.

MGF - Please make a super cape, I just got done making 16 capes for birthday party.

MGF - Please make a super mama cape, i would love it, since I just got done making 16 capes for a birthday party coming up.

katy - I’m feeling the same way today, have all day. I’m feeling horribly sad and thankful. Horrible because I’m so sad for several families that have sick children and thankful for the health of mine. It’s terrible as you know. I have been praying for Cora, she is one of the kids in my prayers as of late. I’m going to stop here b/c, well I am.
I love your bathroom and the way all of you participate with the decorating. I am also one to suddenly start painting a room or cabinets or a canvas when I’m in the middle of something…like laundry or cleaning. It JUST hits me. I painted my bathroom cabinets today, it helped my heart a little.
Have a great weekend.

Adrienne - This bathroom is amazing. Great vision! What did they draw the pics with?

Michelle - I LOVE all the color on your blog. Every day. It is always so cheerful, even when you are asking for prayers, which are easily and readily given, because you always ask so nicely.

Kate - oh my gosh!
you’ve got Babar on your bathroom wall!!!
i’m jealous. of that, plus the cupcakes.
mmm, cupcakes.

Trina McNeilly - Love this post as I always do… so colorful and happy and it is the simple things that bring so much joy.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CUPCAKES……What kind of icing do you use or where did you find those lovely toppings? I can’t seem tof find good ones around where I live.
Praying for your friends with you!!!!!!
xx Trina

traci - wow meg, that bathroom is fantastic. what an awesome mom you are. the kids had to love that. they did such a great job. how fun!!! the goodies from princess lasertron look fun. have a great weekend.

carissa - been thinking of you lots…
big hugs…
we’re praying…
cape… go-go boots… sounds like a fun mom to me!

Patti - well, this post answered my question. i’m thoroughly impressed. love the art and it just pops now that it’s painted. well done!

Melanie - Any time Meg that you don’t feel like you are a good mom, you go into that bathroom and look around:) I am NOT the fun mom like you and would never let my son paint on the walls. It is so cute and Lauren did a great job on Olivia. I also love all the fabric even though I can’t sew a thing. I am glad that you like the hot chocolate machine. It made me happy to send it to you because I knew it would make you smile. (and you would use it:) lol

regina - cute and creative bathroom. When I was little my brothers and I were allowed to draw on the walls in the hallway b/c that week my parents were putting up new wallpaper (think in the 80’s)..we used sharpies,,not a good idea. it bleed through their new wallpaper!!
I love how creative and kid friendly you are throughout your house!!

Jamie - Wow! So many cool things here. I’ve never loved a bathroom so much. You’re such a cool mom.

Shannan - PS – I haven’t ever heard of reading my comment before I push “Post”, so…sorry.

Gwyn - That fabrick could make some ROCKIN aprons

Shannan - That is seriously one artsy brood you have! I love it! You should consider sending them out to bring home some bacon. Like a crafty Partridge Family. Or paintbrush wiedling Osmonds paint brushes.

Kelly - I used J Caroline Creative to order paper for wedding stuff. I was so happy with them. Yea!
How cool is Melanie?!
Yea for Lauren! What a great, great Olivia! What a fun bathroom.
You’re right, the feeling after cleaning a bathroom is quite wonderful.
You’re welcome for praying. Thank you for blessing us with the opportunity to draw near to our Heavenly Father. Sometimes when it’s hard to get in step for yourself it’s easier to draw near and pray for others.
Have a GREAT weekend! Kelly

Karen - Ok, where to start? The bathroom is GENIUS. I absolutely LOVE it. And i agree, the Olivia is perfect, as we are all sitting here RIGHT THIS MINUTE watching the new Olivia show (because my daughter is Olivia and we have read the books for YEARS AND YEARS) and I am looking right at her, Olivia the pig, on the TV and it looks JUST LIKE the one on your wall – so GOOD GOING THERE!!!
Now I going to order some fabric and make some cupcakes. Except….I am going to eat mine, because, after the day I have had, a cupcake or three is EXACTLY what i need. šŸ™‚ Happy Friday!

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pray for cora

this sweet precious girl is fighting for her life.

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i wasn't going to blog about this.
i thought it was just too sad….too much for me…not my place.
but then i visited her and her mother and grandmother yesterday.
it's just the worst place you want to be as a mother.
it was almost more than my heart can take this week.

i decided to blog it because she needs our prayers more than i can worry about making you sad.

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will you pray for her?
and for all of her family.
she is so tiny.  
so fragile.  
please Pray.

pve - Cora is one strong little gal. I am praying for her and her family.

beth - Yes I found her blog last week and just cried over this little baby…Today I asked one of my blogging friends to make a button for her and she did so if you would like this button and feel free to pass this along to others…please do so. Beth

Holly Nickel - Megan,
We’d like to send some cheerful books to Cora from the kids at Pages. Do you know how we could get them to her in a non-intrusive way?
-Holly (Ben’s Mom)

Amber - I said a prayer for sweet little Cora and her family last night after reading this and will continue to keep them in my prayers. It just makes my heart ache. I realize how much I have to be grateful for.

kasey@lolabboutique.com - o.k.,
she is so in our prayers tonight!!!!!!!

Ashlie - Of course I will pray!! How can I not lift that sweet face up to our Lord?! Thank you for blogging about this so we all have the oppurtunity to pray for her.

Trish - my heart breaks for little Cora and her family.
I will be praying.
Thanks for sharing her with us.

Cherry Tree Lane - I’m not sure if I already commented, but I posted this on my blog so that even more people can pray! Praying the Lord heals this little life.

susanne - this is so sad. i hope she stays strong and fights. please keep us posted.
keep saying prayers. i will too.

traci - meg, i am so sorry. thank you for sharing this. the power of prayer is bigger than us. so all of us praying for her has got to help. {{{HUGS}}}

Lauren - Hi Meg! I just want you to know that I will be praying for baby Cora. The power of prayer is an amazing phenomenon!
Also, I want to encourage everyone to read a small book called Angel Unaware. I’m not sure of the author, but is about a little child with a disability and altough she can’t communicate with her family, she communicates with God as she is an angel. It will change your outlook on children. I truly believe, especially as babies, that children are angels and maybe Cora was sent to teach us all something. You can hold on to the fact that somehow, some way, God will be glorified through all of this.

Jamie - I went to your friend’s blog & it made me cry. She’s such a cutie. You sure do hug your kids a little harder after you read a story like that. Thanks for sharing. They are in my prayers.

heather lea - poor sweet little girl…i keep coming back to your blog to look at her sweet face. i am praying for her and her family, and your sanity. take care šŸ™‚

Tenille - I was just introduced to your blog, love it.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I (and alot of other people) are lifting her up often!
God Bless you and your family!
Tenille

meleea - thank you for sharing this! we will be praying and following the blog.

Gini - Oh, Meg. I could not even read their blog. I will lose control….I could barely look at the pictures. But whatever has come to that family, I will surely pray…I am so sorry for what they are dealing with…so so sorry…

Alice - She is so adorable. I can’t believe that is happen to her. She and her family are in my prayers.

Jen R - I’ll pray! She’s beautiful!

Kelly O. - I’ve just cried and cried. My shirt is wet from tears. As a mother this hits all too real and painful. This little girl is so precious. I will pray. Hard.

Queen Bee - We are praying, we are praying, we are praying. You’ve had waaaaay too much sadness in your life lately. We’ll be praying for you and everyone surrounding this beautiful child as well.

Ashley - … and it all happened so recently! It’s just terrible. No child should have to suffer the way that sweet baby is suffering. I will most definitely pray for her!

Ashley - … and it all happened so recently! It’s just terrible. No child should have to suffer the way that sweet baby is suffering. I will most definitely pray for her!

FiveCamels - Thank you for giving us a way to help AND a list of prayers. She’ll be in my prayers.

Shannan - This brings back all kinds of memories – we went through a very similar situation 2 years ago with our 22 month old son. God is sovereign and he gave Cora to her mommy and daddy for a reason. He is mighty to save, and I will be praying. Those prayers pulled us through.

jennifer - Oh Meg, thanks for sharing. I remember when you posted those adorable pictures that you took of her. We’ll be praying…

Daisy Cottage - Prayers going up for this beautiful, beautiful baby girl.
Love,
Kim

pam - God. Yes. I’ll pray for this darling child and her parents. God bless them. xo

Lori - Thanks for giving us the opportunity to pray for this beautiful baby and those who love her. It is an honor. I agree with you – cancer sucks.

meredith - Thanks for sharing about this Meg – if this is not the best use of your blogging friends who care for you and yours, I don’t know what is. I’ve been to her parents blog and have taken note of their prayer points. Me and my family are on to it. Let’s rally.

Tracy - Thanks for letting us know, Meg – I have added sweet baby Cora and her family to my prayer list. Big Hugs, Trac~

Amanda Rettke - That is one beautiful child…
Blessings-
Amanda

Ann - Hi Meg,
I have already begun praying for this sweet little girl and her family. Thank you for sharing about her – prayer is so powerful. Just remember God is always in control during the rough storms in life. Seeing your blog today reminded me once again how precious life is and not to take a single day for granted. I will continue to pray for her and her family.

Melissa - Oh, my word! Praying, praying, and praying some more.

MGF - I am so glad that you shared her with us. Her and her fmaily have lingered in my thoughts.
About lost last night- I missed JACK and Kate.

carissa - oh Meg…
praying…
thank you for telling us about this precious child!

colleen - Thanks for posting this. When you go through this with your child, the power of mass prayer is what is needed. The words in their guestbook will bring them peace and comfort. It helped tremendously when we were in the thick of it all with Ellie. Cancer is so wrong and to see your child go through all the treatment and then having to worry about the cancer coming back is all just horrible. But when you have God on your side, you can get through it. Ellie’s journey has been the worst time in our lives and the best time. We get life now and see things so much clearer then we ever have. Ellie is so amazing and we are enjoying each and every day and giving all the worry over to God.
You did the right thing to post this.
-Colleen

Kelly - praying for sure!

Dana@BoysMyJoys - Praying for Cora!

Kate - wow. really really sad story. she’s such a doll. i’ll never understand such horrible illnesses being inflicted on children.
i’ll keep her in my prayers.

Christy - I don’t even know what to say. I just couldn’t imagine.
Prayers they have got. I hope beautiful & precious baby Cora will be okay.

Jennifer - Oh she is so precious. Yes, we will pray for her and her family.

chris - I can not believe that , so many go through so much heart ache , children are such a gift , I have recently learned that the hard way , not that I didn’t know . I am so hopeful that she will be in good hands and do well in this journey .
They are in my thoughts , thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Chris

Lazy Mom Leslie - Praying here! It’s not a bad thing to feel sad, it’s good to be thankful for what you have and to pray for others! Praying!

Amy De La Garza - Thank you for sharing this with us. You were absolutely right to ask us to pray. I am praying for her now, and for her parents, doctors, nurses and everyone else involved. I am praying that the Holy Spirit fill and sustain them all, and that Cora is healed completely of this disease. Please keep us posted.

Jill Adkins - I am so glad you shared- I will storm the heavens with prayer for this sweet child and her family!
Many Blessings!

katy - I will absolutely pray for that precious child!!!!!!!!!! I will go over to her parents blog. That’s terrible, NO ONE should lose a child….my heart hurts for them. What a sweet sweet little girl. The power of prayer!
Thank you for posting about her and letting us know.

traci - checking out her blog and absolutely yes…I will pray for her….and I am now!! Thank you for sharing, we NEED to pray for each others burdens and there is power in prayer and the number who pray and believe!!!! God is Good!!

Deb - Prayer is so powerful! You did the right thing.
I have many prayer warriors in my life so I am going to ask everyone to pray for Cora. God Bless.

Wendy - She is adorable. Prayer is such a powerful thing. It can work miracles. Our 10 year old son went through 3 open heart surgeries, pneumonia, and RSV in his first three years. It was prayer, hope, and faith that got us through. All involved in his health care (including us) admit that he is truly a miracle.
I will pray for a miracle for Cora.

Staci - Oh Meg…so terribly sad. I cannot even imagine what they are going through?? I am adding little baby Cora to my prayer list. Please keep us updated…and I will be looking forward to another post with lots of color šŸ™‚ The sadness is too much sometimes isn’t it?! God is good though…it doesn’t mean I still don’t wonder why?

Shelly H. (in Overland Park, KS) - Hello Meg,
Thank you for sharing to let us know about Cora.
I also went to their family’s blog, and posted a note to let them know that they will be in my prayers.
~Shelly

Pattie - Hey, Meg,
I hope it’s OK that I sent out a prayer request for the family on my blog. I should have asked you first and didn’t think about it until I had already posted.

Darby - My prayers are with them.

PamperingBeki - I felt strange blogging about it too, but I really felt like I had to try and help.
The only things I’m decent at are blogging and making jewelry, so I did blog about it.
It’s incredible to see people all over the world praying for Cora and the family.

Marla Taviano - I’ve been praying for Cora since yesterday when I heard. Oh my goodness, she’s gorgeous!!

danyele - praying for that precious little pea…

Rachel - Bless this child and her family…I will keep them in my thoughts.

Amanda Jo - What a sweet angel! I will certainly lift them up in prayer today and every time the Lord brings them to mind.
Thank you for sharing these sweet people with us.

Lanny Stanard - Oh Megan, I’m so sad what’s going on over there! I’m asking why and I know I shouldn’t… I will pray a whole bunch that’s for sure, I’m thinking I’ll feature you next week to much going on to much sadness! I’m so sorry šŸ™
much love, Lanny

Karen - OK – I am going to read about this on her parents blog but I just know I will end up in tears. Thanks for sharing though, it makes us all feel thankful when we have healthy children.

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q & a

well let's get to a few of these 300+ questions.

 i tried to break them apart into some catagories like 
spiritual, creativity, funny, random, family, scrapbooking…
today i will answer some fun and random ones.

do you have a favorite pair of pajamas?

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yes.  these are my current favorites.  
nick & nora jammies from target with united states snowglobes all over.
(just to mention….these are not craig's favorite jammies of mine…too much fabric…wink)
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can i ask the name 
of the green paint 
in your foyer?

YES.
it's Behr paint 
called Salted Ash.
it looks like pea soup…
really.

p.s. our hamster thing ATE the bottom of my green curtains. 

totally ruined them!

where did you get that ornate molding holding the photos in your foyer?

at a craft fair…7 or 8 years ago.  it's made from tin molding and wood.  
it used to hang above our bed in IL.  
one night we came into our room and it was on the bed and all the things on the shelf were there too…broken.
we were VERY thankful it didn't fall on us in our sleep!
it's heavy.
do pick out your girls' outfits?

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not very often.  
i try to make sure what they have in their drawers fits and is cute
and after that they can choose what they want.
i think it helps their self esteem…making choices.
they are cute in anything.
and color is happy to see for everyone.

where do you get your kids' clothes?
walmart, target, garage sales and the thrift shop.
and occasionally the sale rack at children's place.
lauren does not agree with this…i understand that…she's 13.
when i was 13 all i could think about was GUESS and Express and The Limited.
all day long.

are you an american idol fan?
NO.  i despise that show.  i really dislike watching people sing on tv.
and fighting/bickering on tv.
but the office?  30 Rock?  Lost?  Brothers & Sisters?  Grey's?  ER?
yes….big fan.

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what is your favorite family photo?

do you mean besides the 
Olan Mills 1988 portrait?

here are a couple of favorites of mine.

2005 church directory portrait.

love lauren's braids
(and innocenct smile)

this IS sean.
all the time…
and i love that he has a bit of a mo-hawk.

sweet little talbers.
baby annie.

this is a dorky posed picture 
but sweet at the same time.

Michigan kids
this is my favorite of just the kids.
F-A-V-O-R-I-T-E.
lauren has a real frog on her knee…annie is looking up to her with that belly sticking out.
the boys' hair.
the suntan…the michigan beach.  
talby's polka dot swimsuit.
i love this photo. (and that trip)

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and this one too.
with our IL. friends dave, jenny, jake and abby.
love these.

would you like to have a reality show about your life?     
no.
i don't think it would be very interesting to be honest.
adventures in walmart….folding laundry….sitting at the computer…cleaning up dog poop…
changing wet beds…taking away iPods, PSP's and Nintendo DS…making mac and cheese.
oh yeah…i'd watch that!  exciting.

craig and i thought we'd be good on amazing race.
unless i had to eat raw baby ducks or climb something really high or bungee jump.
or run…or have endurance….
then we'd lose.

do you find david duchovny sexy?
not really.  
i am more of mcdreamy or george kind of gal.
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i mean…..COME ON!

steamy.

i am also a craig kind of girl.

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"i like you a lot"

and last question for the day….

have you ever been in a home magazine?
nope.
do you know someone?  
send me in.  
spread the word…i would LOVE to be in a magazine…a Home magazine…just to be clear. 
(even though they all seem to be going out of business!)

now…must watch LOST with that hottie up there.  

Michelle - The pic of the kids on the beach is breathtaking! I can see why it is your f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e. I loved the Q&A, it was a fun read!

katy - I was the pajama questioner, I LOVE pj’s…I have a couple of favorites. I love the ones you’re wearing, I love flannel. Very interesting, I liked seeing what people asked and your answers. Neat

Sara - I have those jammies! Love ’em.

tausha - You know I come here-every single day. I love the way you write, how you make me feel like I am not alone in the whole mom world thing. I love all of your pictures and ideas.
Hope I am not scaring you too much. I promise, I am not a stalker.
Love the pics of the kids on the beach. You seem to catch everyone’s naturalness (is that a word) Love it all! Keep up the great work!

gina - I love the photo shelves on the green paint. And your kids at the beach is one of the cutest kids shots i’ve seen. I love your blog – always fun and inspiring. You asked the sexy men -agree on all-but about D.D. – used to kind of like him but since his recent weird stuff which came at the cost of losing the beautiful TeĆ„ – I think he’s a little nuts and not quite so attractive. Sad how it works that way.

Alyssa - Wow! I just discovered your blog & what a great one! This was a great post for “getting to know you” I loved your description of what your reality show would be like! Mine would be the same exact show! Wal-Mart, laundry, & make your own mac & cheese. HA!

sara's art house - I shop exactly like you! Target, Wal-Mart, Thrift, garage sales and sometimes Children’s place sales. You are so smart šŸ™‚ Great post!

Rachel - The beach picture would be my fave; this one should be a 10 x 13 hanging in your home if it’s not already…LOVE IT!
Thanks for allowing us to get to know you; I agree with allowing kids to pick out their own clothes…sometimes I intervene and give other options but other than that…she picks!

Chaos-Jamie - HOW did you get over your personal pride when you first started letting kids dress themselves? Eight years into it and I still want to carry a sign that says “they dressed themselves!”
The “perfect” moms around here with the kids in gymboree make me crazy.
I guess that’s my own failing. Get over yourself, Jamie.

traci - love all the family photos. they are great. you are right on in your hot guy picks. george clooney makes me knees week. he is my alltime favorite. well maybe behind paul newman. and mcdreamy is good too. i wish i knew someone at a magazine, because i would send then your info!!

Chrissie - This has been my fave posting to date on your blog. It was great to learn a little more about you. Hope you have a great day. This posting made mine. šŸ™‚

carissa - i loved Lost last night… seemed like a bit more was “told” than in preview night! i am a freak over that Lost… love it! we dvr it and then watch all the episodes together… at once… before the new season starts… like a little refresher! šŸ™‚
your home FOR SURE should be in a magazine… it WILL… just a matter of time!
i love this question thing… very neat! great idea… and we get to know more about YOU!
BIG hugs… hAppY Thursday!

Queen Bee - What a fun read to start my day! Thanks for sharing your life so openly with us. I love that paint color, and I SUPER LOVE those family photos. There’s no better souvenir from a vacation than a good photo!
Have a great day. I’m doing laundry right along with you….and trying to find somewhere to put all the food/stuff I bought at Costco yesterday.

Keri - I think I love this blog more now that I know you are a LOST fan!!

Carla - Hilarious. Very entertaining. Thank you!

Marie - great post…great pictures-thanks for sharing!

luisa - Ciao Meg!
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your blog, every day I come to read the news that affect you and your wonderful family.
Last weekend I was sick in bed, and I read all your posts from first to last, I am almost jealous of your family and your home šŸ˜‰
Love to all of you a special kiss for the wonderful waffle.
luisa – italy –
my thoughts are with your neighbors
p.s.I hope I have not made too many errors.

jennifer - So fun Meg! Thanks for sharing. I love the pic of the kids on the beach. Looks like a wonderful trip.

Serendipitous Girl - Love those cute jammies! And I think you should have your own decorating show on HGTV, I LOVE your style! If you don’t mind me asking–what color is that deep brown on the walls in the master bedroom photos? I’ve been looking for a rich chocolate color like that but they’re all either too dark or too meh. Thanks so much!

Kelly in Memphis - Just letting you know that I love your blog!! The way it’s layed out, your photography, what you write about-just love it! Thank you for the time and effort you put into it. I really look forward to each post!

alyssa - That was funny. Thanks for the laugh. I needed it after reading another blog update.

Tiffany - You are a crack up!! So fun to hear your answers. Have a great day. Thanks for sharing your life with us! šŸ™‚

Amber - Lots of fun tidbits and pictures. I love that jammie picture with Annie peeking in the corner.

Aubrey - I also LOVE that picture of your kids at the beach–Lauren looks so pretty with her hair long and wavy from swimming and the background almost doesn’t look real. I wish I had good pictures of my kids. I’m getting better but the shutter just isn’t fast enough and we can’t even begin to afford one like yours, even then our pictures wouldn’t look as good as yours–where’d you learn to be so good? Just practise?
Annie as a baby is so so so cute I want to eat her. Alright I sound gushier than I really am in real life–and that was redundant.
Off to do something useful, like clean out the non-cte clothes from my kids drawers so I can trust whatever they put on.

Shannan - What a great ending to my endless-day-with-husband-out-of-town-all-week-and-two-toddler-and-snow-up-to-my-boobs. šŸ™‚

Kate - oh, and i agree 1000000000% about American Idol.

Kate - those are probably the most fantastic pair of jammies i have set my eyes on. i mean, not only are they snow globes, but their state snow globes.
pretty much the best ever. and i think you also have sock monkey jammies, or did i see that somewhere else? i’m fairly certain it was on here.
but yeah, you rock. you’re the jammie queen.

Wendy - Love the family pictures. Candids are the best, aren’t they? And I love that you shop for deals. I was in the thrift store the other day to find some costume accessories for a skit I HAD to do, and I actually found some great things for myself. But I’m also a big fan of Target.
Thanks for sharing.

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just because

i thought we could all use a good laugh today.

enjoy.

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oh 1988 my love for you will never die.
yay for really high side pony tails…..when are they coming back?  
and how about the little house on the prairie look i am sporting?
it's precious.

hope it made you smile.

Ashlie - Oh my. Thank you so much, it’s good to laugh.!

princess lasertron - you look like the young girl from 13 going on 30
tell me you’ve seen that

deb meyers - Oh man, what a great laugh this morning : D
Thanks for brightening the day,
deb meyers

danyele - side ponies rock my face off!

jen - Please Please Please tell me where you found that lovely headboard…and your bed skirt….you’re so incredibly crafty, I’m sure you made it right???? Will you post more pics of it??? I’m in the thinking stage of a bedroom makeover and I need all the help I can get!

3 Peas in a Pod - My family has one of those photos too along with the Little House on the Prairie shirt. Mine was teal though and my hair was so high I was 4″ taller!!

Alyssa - Too cute…Love it. Who would have guessed you would grow up to be the mom of 5?
Thanks for the smirk today.

amy bell - side pony…i miss you. along with aussie hair spray and my little tiny curing iron. oh, and my pink comb to tease the hair……
it really is amazing we have hair after living through the 80s.

Jenn Thomas - I can’t find the right words to describe what I am thinking about that picture – I just love you Meg!

elizabeth - Awesome. I remember our family having Olan Mills pics taken at church, and afterwards their salesman was really pushing us to order a set. My dad looked at the awful pictures we’d just taken and asked the salesman if he could order pictures of the “sample family” instead!
By the way, I think your oldest daughter looks like your sister! (Though I’m sure wouldn’t be caught dead in those fab square earrings … unless it was 80’s day at school?)

julie - You’re brave. All of the proof that I lived in the 80’s is hidden forever. ANd ever. And ever.

hqm - Howling over here…I know with some searching we have an Olan Mills family portrait very similar. Love your sisters earrings!

PamperingBeki - Niiiiice.
Talby looks JUST like you.
And to whomever is asking to be your new stalker, ummm *I* was your stalker first! Just you remember that! I’ve already staked my claim.
ha!

jamie - Thanks for that! Loving the side pony, I wore mine like that too and thought I was all that. Jamie

elisa - How is it that your sister looks so normal (non-80’s-ish)?? Well besides the earrings. And the wacky shirt.
Oh and I still need your address!

Diane - I don’t think there was a picture taken in the 80’s that didn’t have that lovely blue background. It’s just the perfect backdrop for everything.

Traci Thorson - that is great. good old olan mills photography. we all have some of those in our albums. thanks for sharing and the laughter!!

Deb - Love it! I’m going to get a gradutate bob. I think I had one in 1988. Only one side was shorter than the other. Is that back in?! Lol.

Kat - I love it. I was an 80’s girl. Don’t you love how they painted the eyelashes so thick. Must have been Photoshop version 1.

gina - Your family could be my family!! We have one so similar from that same time from Olan Mills also! Too funny. Thanks for the laugh.

Katie - I think we all have pictures like this. The older I get, the funnier they are.

Jill J - Hi Meg, I’ve been reading for a while, but have never commented. I just couldn’t help myself with those square earrings. It’s an overlooked 80’s fad. Everyone remembers the scrunched socks and keds, the biker shorts, the side pony, the acid wash jeans. But nobody ever remembers the square earring. TOO FUNNY! Thanks for the laugh. And p.s. I totally agree with other commenters…Talby!

Jennifer - Made me smile and giggle šŸ™‚

Wendy - Oh, the side ponytail… It’s like a long lost love… I used to wear mine like that, but mine wasn’t as fluffy as yours – drat my straight hair!
Hmmm… I wonder if I can dig up any of my old prairie skirts…

My First Kitchen - Okay, can I be your friend? Because I’m ready. I make a really good one. I’m not that clingy, I won’t stretch out your shoes (assuming we have the same sized feet), I’m great at keeping secrets, and I’ll beat up any girls who say nasty things about you. Okay, scrap that last one. I’d probably just run. But in my head I’d totally go to bat for you. So can we? Please? Can we be friends?
And I just realized since you don’t know me, you now might think I’m a crazy stalker. I am not. I am normal. I just love your blog. And because your blog seems to be a great representation of you, you seem pretty awesome, too. Can’t wait to come back.
And I’m heating up the crimper for our slumber party since we’re friends now.

Serendipitous Girl - Oh. My. Olan Mills was a family favorite of ours too! We sported the “fall leaves” look … despite living in Southern California where there were no fall leaves to be found!

Kate - that, is amazing. pure and simple.

Courtney - and Olan Mills!!! are they even still around?!?

Dawn - And the bangs. I had the bangs that were lacquered into place. You could have bounced quarters off my bangs and they would not have budged.

Staci - Can you say “Talby”!!!! Oh my goodness…it’s her!! I had a shirt very similar to that šŸ™‚ And high side ponies…I might just have to try one today šŸ™‚ Brian will CRACK up when he gets home šŸ™‚ Oh, I do miss the 80’s.

Hope @ Monkey Giggles - yes indeed, You mean side ponytails are not IN style. Drats, I need to go redo my hair.

Kendall Smith - Wow–Talby looks SO much like you!!! I really notice it in this picture!!!

mom - These church photos are just great, aren’t they!
Thanks for the laugh.

kitchendoor - Oh man. Meg, your blog is where I go whenever I need a smile. Thanks for sharing all your gorgeous photos–and all your silly ones, too.

Amy - I swear I had your sister’s same earings! Oh the 80’s. Only those who lived it would understand.

Nina - it did……haha
have a great day

traci - You’ve come a LOOOOONG way baby!!!!!

sara's art house - Love that ponytail!!!

Beth - Meg, I needed that smile (actually I laughed out loud) this morning. Love the pony tail (my 9 year old likes to wear her hair like that and thinks it’s veeeeery fashionable) and the little house look. Beth

Blanca - Hey I just used the side pony tail a week ago. The company I work for always does a post holiday party for us in January and the theme this year was the eighties. What’s funnier is that its and Olan Mills portrait.

lorel - hee hee. Very funny! I think you have been saving this up for just such an occasion, when we all need a laugh. As Sara – say this in your Nanny’s voice – nice blouse, nice dress, nice skirt, and nice earrings. Also, for dad, nice blazer and nice handsome glasses! Love you!

Rachel - I am loving the side pony tail!!! I think we all had dresses like this or very similair; thanks for sharing!

lee ann - Oh Hilarious! I think we have the same family picture…in ’88……by Olan Mills! Except, I’m sporting some very fine Normandy Rose jeans. Oh how I loved them…..with the little rose embroidered on the pocket.

Jess - Awww. I was right there with ya. Hair, dress and all! (I’m just not brave enough to scan them into my computer!!) I am seeing the side ponytail here too. At church on Sunday and at the gym last night! Thanks for making me smile.

Lanny Stanard - Okay ! That is soooo cute I’m smiling right now šŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing! you rock…
Lanny šŸ™‚

Rosemarie - Classic – I would have looked at your hair and told my mom I wanted a side-pony, too!

Gwyn - Cyndi Lauper, we love you for making the side-ponytail soooo fashionable. How did we live without it?

Kameron - I love that we all have that Olan Mills picture. My dad used to take us there and we’ve got a few doosies through the years. I kinda miss my “catch a wave” bangs!!

Brooke - uummm…this is hilarious!! my favorite is huge bangs with the sprial perm…that is awesome!

Melly - By the stamp on the photo, I’d say 1988. Classic. Doesn’t everyone have an embarrassing Olan Mills photo? Now I feel old…I was 24 and starting my career and just a year from meeting my fantastic husband. My hair was almost to my waist and the perfectly fluffed bangs made me “closer to heaven”, as big hair and Texas are synonymous. I sported a side pony on occasion. I miss big hair…

Lazy Mom Leslie - Love it! Hate to break it to you, but side pontytails are back. All the girls in middle school wear them here in TX. It is so important for us take family pictures, even just a snapshot taken by a friend. In 20-30 years your own kids will look back at themselves and laught just as we do now! Thanks for sharing.

Sandy - I LOVE it! Your sister looks a lot like your mom.

Shannan - I am pretty sure that a contestant on the Bachelor was wearing a side ponytail a couple of weeks ago and it caused me threw me into all kinds of flashbacks.
This photo rocks! I love the high-waisted yoked skirts. I had some jeans that were similar, although they were of the “envelope” variety, where you button them up and then fold them down. šŸ™‚

Darby - Thank YOU! Stinkin’ hilarious!

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looking for happy

enjoy some color and brightness…maybe it will cheer us up.

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that feels good.
soak in that color.  

pve - alright, you just made me feel like a kid again.
that felt good.

Jewel/Pink Ink - Someone recommended your blog for “color”. They were right! I love bright colors and these photos are great antidote for winter blahs. šŸ™‚

eryn - Oh, my friend made that cute snowman ornament! Michelle Allen, she goes to my church…and oh, so talented! It’s funny, because I’ve thought to myself before that you and she are both so creative, and I thought that might like some of her ideas. SMall World!
Praying for Cora.

Jamie Sampson - love love LOVE these! Thanks for making my day even happier. šŸ™‚

courtney - I love these pics!

Deb - Hi Meg,
I LOVE your blog……Can I just tell you the similarities we have between us! Same style, kitchen, dog and so many thoughts and ideas. We are always thinking the same things. It is all so weird to me. I am not sure how I found your blog but it is my favorite and I know if we ever meet we will become the best of friends! I just posted a picture of our dog. She is almost 4 years old and about 75lbs!!!! Soooo big! She grew much larger than they said she would. I love the pictures (google eyes had me peeing my pants) of your dog, it just cracks me up because we have the same silliness with our dog. They are the BEST dogs ever…great with the kids and let us take pictures with things on their heads. I just started my blog in December but wanted to share a picture of my dog with you. It was from last summer!
God Bless.

Alaina - Where, oh where, oh where……did you find those adorable red shoes?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sigh….

Christine - sorry…didn’t mean to post twice (now three times….)-yikes!!

Christine - Your blog is my favorite. I appreciate how you show the world your love of color and
all things “good”.
May your day be filled with joy.
Christine.

Christine - Your blog is my favorite. You inspire me to look for color in my life and
be awake to “all good things”. Thank you.
Christine.

Lisa - Hi Meg,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends who lost their little boy. I’m so sorry.
I would like to thank you for the bright and uplifting iamges. I especially like the one of your red shoes and the “portrait” of Waffle. have a good day.
Take care,
Lisa

Jennifer P. - the color made me feel happy anyway!
But I tell ya–I’ll gladly stand on cancer’s throat while you kick the crap out of it. It’s not nice—not even a little bit.

jerusalem - well you found it! I love the pink basket. Perfect.
Happy Week!

Trina - That does feel good.. this is why I love your blog so much.. it is just like a big drink of cheer!

traci - We have friends who have also lost their 10 yr old son to cancer. I would have been angry and stayed in bed for years but they thanked God for each day they had him and continue to win people to the Lord each day….amazing people who raised an amazing boy to see Jesus.
Gods plans are not ours but he always provides.
lOVE YOUR HEART and your spirit!!!

Sara - You are in my thoughts sweet girl…you are loved, you are special, you brighten so many of OUR days by your honesty and open-hearted entries. I am so sorry for the heartbreak of loss in your life. Love always, Sara

Jamie - Soaking it in…
Loving the color…
You have some very cool “stuff”

Rosemarie - I am so sorry to hear about your friend’s child. So so sad.
The pictures are beautiful – and we can imagine him loving them, too!

Linda@ Restyled Home - That did feel good…
I am so sorry for your loss. Cancer is evil, especially when it picks on kids. I’ll never understand that one, as long as I live…
(((Hugs)))
Linda

carissa - your last post SOAKED in deep… through our pores…
i am just so sorry to hear about your precious neighbor!
cancer… oh… there are no words!
i am confident the bright colors & cheer are what he would want!

Kristy Murphy - well that definitely made my day brighter. L.O.V.E. the pictures, and love how many there are.
thanks meg, i check your blog daily. its great!
xo

Kristy Murphy - well that definitely made my day brighter. L.O.V.E. the pictures, and love how many there are.
thanks meg, i check your blog daily. its great!
xo

Kate - you are quite the talented photographer. i especially love the shots of the balloons and the children’s books. your photo’s are so playful and imaginative.
i’m terribly sorry for your loss, and will be keeping you and your neighbors in my prayers.
-kate

traci - i feel better already. great photos meg. love talby with no teeth. and the one of lauren and waffle – that’s adorable!!!

meredith - Aw Meg, you are a faithful girl. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Childhood cancer is one of the things on my list to ask God about when I get to heaven. There’s just no understanding it in this world that’s for sure. I’m sure you and your family are being a wonderful support for your friends and sometimes that’s the only thing you can do I suppose. Thinking of you, hoping you find some peace in your heart soon.
p.s Waffle rocks!

Tami Reed - Im happy now! Yippy!

jodi - aw, meg…. praying for you and your neighbors.

Jess - I have the same sunset picture! and I love the picture of your puppy in the frame, and your beautiful teen! great way to capture both! it sounds like you are going through a rough time…my prayers are with you….keep focusing on the little things, like sunsets and toothless smiles!

Jennifer - OMG… I love that picture of your daughter and your dog! AWESOME! That alone makes my day MUCH brighter! Hope yours is too!
Smiles,
Jen

Tami - So Sorry to hear of your loss.
I so agree with you cancer sucks.
Your pictures are great thanks for sharing
God Bless

andrea liese - the cupcakes did it for me šŸ˜›

Staci - LOVE all the color!!! And want to know something sooo funny…or at least I think it’s funny…I have THREE of the same rolls of wrapping paper that you have in that picture šŸ™‚ Great minds like the same wrapping paper I guess šŸ™‚ Have a great Monday…I am saying extra prayers for your neighbor’s son. God bless them.

Queen Bee - The colors are wonderful! Though my fav is, of course, Waffle. That dog just has so much character!
Deeply sorry about your loss. Cancer reeeeeeeally does stink. Our community (tiny town) lost a 12 year old girl to it two years ago and we’re all still very affected by it.

Jennifer - Ah, thanks! Love the one of your dog! Not to change the subject, but I was going to make your recipe for Chicken Tortilla soup this week and I was hoping you could tell me about how much (1) ‘jar’ of enchilada sauce is?

Dana @BoysMyJoys - LOVE LOVE LOVE the photo of Lauren and Waffle! Priceless!

julie - Love every single picture!! So fun. Thanks for the shiny start to the day.
Guess whose dog is going to be forced to have a fancy frame photo shoot today?

Georgia - Meg,
im a very keen photographer myself, and i LOVE your photos, they are so happy and vibrant, well done you!!!
i wish i hadnt seen the one of the cupcakes though….. im so hungry now! lol I would love to know the recipe for them, as you cant seem to get a good recipe over here in the uk..
xx

Courtney - You’re totally right. That DID make me feel good!

Kim - I so needed that this morning. I can’t help but smile.
And I HATE cancer too. My mom is a survivor-thank goodness- but I still don’t understand why it does what it does. I send love your way.

Amanda Rettke - These are beautiful pictures… full of imagination and whimsey…
You goota gift girl. Now go spread some love.
Many blessings-
Amanda

beth - pretty darn colorful to me…made me smile and get hungry to…those cupcakes look so yummy…can i have one or two, heck all of them?

Juliann Beidler - Megan,
You know, I am so blessed by your blog..and completely blown away/amazed at the same time. I should be doing my Bible Study now and I am going to…a note of encouragement…teenage girls re wonderful. They really have a habit of showing you your best and worst qualities. God tends to teach us something in EVERY situation whether we like it or not. I have never been more humbled, angry, blessed, awed and honored at the same time than when dealing with them.. College also has a way of making them somewhat human to speak with…God is so good, all the time.

katy - I’m in love with this picture post, I soaked in all of the color and feel much better!! Thank you for that.
I’m completely in LOVE with the picture of the “framed dog”, it is priceless. You rock!***

adrienneK - thank you for the colorful images <3

PamperingBeki - Drew thought that picture of Talby was hysterical. He couldn’t stop laughing over it. šŸ™‚
I’m having a playdate at my house Wednesday at 11:00. You’re invited.

Bridgette - Amazing pictures little lady! Cheers to you. Happy Monday!

Chrissie Grace - I’m sorry for your loss, Meg.
The pictures are all beautiful.
I’m having a give-away full of color! Come over and play!:)
xo
Chrissie Grace

Blanca - So sorry for your loss. My condolences to his family. On a brighter note all of your pictures are great. My favorite has to be the one of Waffle and his red bow.

Wendy - What a nice way to start a Monday. I Like the photo of all the children’s books. We have many of the same ones. Classics. Children’s literature is one of the joys in life.
I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer three years ago. It was quick but cruelly painful. It’s hard to see someone you love suffer so much. Ironically he spent his life researching a cure for cancer. He thinks his early years in the lab exposed him to carcinogenics because many of his colleagues died of the same cancer. I’m comforted in knowing I’ll see him again but I do miss him everyday.
I hope your week is full of hope and joy.

Rachel - Love those red shoes not to mention those cupcakes YUMMY!

Steph - Beautiful pictures. So sorry for your loss.

katie - cancer sucks… it’s the worst 7 I hate when it claims a innocent child, my prayers go out to your neighbors. I could never imagine the pain they are feeling!!
** I love the picture of your dog in the frame!! C-U-Y-U-T-E!!!! **

Kim Howell - Meg.. You are wonderful and I so enjoy your blog..
Thank you for the happiness..
I hate cancer too.. my mom is suffering now with it and is losing her battle slowly .. it is nice to know I am not alone in my hatred!

regina - I meant door not board.

regina - Is that a chalkboard on your board? Is that where you leave notes before you go out the door so you don’t forget? Pretty neat idea….I may have to steal that idea from you but yet I am sure if I tell my hubby I am going to buy chalkboard paint and put it on our door he will think I ma crazy. Maybe I can work on him!

Sandy - I’m so sorry for your loss. Cancer is a bad, bad thing.
On a brighter note, I LOVE the picture of your teen and Waffle – I don’t believe I’ve seen that before. At first glance I thought it was a real framed picture. You are an amazing photographer!

Carrie - I lost my mom to cancer when I was 15. She was only 39. Six years later one of her closests friend who stepped in to take care of her and us while my mom was sick passed away from cancer as well. I hate it too. With everything inside me.
My mom sat my brother and I down in her final days to tell us that if we took only one thing from her struggle it would be to look around and appreciate and renew the relationships with those in our lives. To appreciate my dad more, to love each other a little more, be more tolerant of other people and more understanding of their differences and the things we percieve as problems that they have. I hug my dad more, tell my brother I love him and mean it, and try to found the beauty within everyone. I would give up so much to have her back, but I have found peace over the last 16 years since her death knowing that I took something from her death. That Cancer may have taken her but it DID NOT WIN.
I wish you,your family, and your neighbors/friends peace and understanding right now. I hope through the pain and hurt you are able to find some hope and peace.

callie grayson - Happy Happy Day!
Happy Day to you.

gina - Your photos are so uplifting!
Thanks for that dose of cheer to start the week!
I think cancer sucks too- hate it with all my guts- decided to help do something for people who are fighting it… found this amazing group:
http://unpinklife.blogspot.com/2009/01/spirit-jump.html

Mod Girl - Love, love, love the photo of Lauren and Waffle!

Shannan - Thank you for the color. I’ll probably be back for another dose later today.

Trish - okay, weird, but I typed that comment twice because I didn’t see the first one.
so, I just went and looked at Michelle’s stuff and you do have one of her ornaments!!! How cool!
How did you come to get one of those, she only made a few I think……..
oh, and I love the picture of Lauren and Waffles!! To cute.
and I think cancer sucks too.

Trish - thanks for the brightness! It sure helps.
now, is that snowman ornament a Michelle Allen design?
She is a good friend of mine and I love her stuff! Of course you would love it too.
Hmmmm, I should do a giveaway of some of her great stuff…….

Trish - Thanks for the brightness! It really helps………
now, is that snowman ornament a Michelle Allen design?
It looks like one of hers. She is a good friend of mine and produces the most amazing pieces of art. You would LOVE her stuff!
as a matter of fact, I should do a giveaway of some of her stuff……..hmmmm.
Happy Monday!

Heidi Jo the Artist - Your photography always makes me happy! I’m sorry for the loved one that died in your life. Cancer surely is a tough disease, losing a child is even tougher. May the Lord give you comfort in knowing he is in a better place and no longer in pain. I will keep you guys in our prayers.
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

sara - your blog is a highlight in my day. beautiful, happy pictures. thanks.
cancer is no good. i’m sorry to read about your friend and young neighbor. my heart goes out to you. my grandpa is getting ready to undergo cancer treatment & this has been hard on us.
hugs,
sara

Patti - I think Picasso said it best: “Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.”
Thanks for the beautiful pictures.

Amanda B - Thanks Meg….I can’t even sleep my heart is so heavy. Your pics are always so cheerful. I hope you are finding peace in all of this sadness, I know you are feeling it from several directions.

lauren - all those bright beautiful colors! i hope that brought some sunshine to your day. they made my heart smile… so thanks šŸ˜€
p.s. i hate hate hate cancer too. its ugly and mean.

MGF - Thank You for the bright end to my day.
I agree. If I found Cancer in an alley, I would have to say and do some hurt full things. I lost my brother when I was a teenager to it.

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letter from the editor


***********************************************************************************

dear cancer,

you suck.
i think know that i hate you.
i hate everything about you.
you ruin everything.
go away.
i wish i could punch you in the face.

worst regards,
meg
***********************************************************************************
our dear friends and neighbors lost their 10 year old son to cancer today.
he was a sweetheart.

i am so sad.
it's all so hard to understand.
this verse has been like a broken record in my head….

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways" 
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8

please pray for my friends.  

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holy cow.

Photo 1484

umm….sorry i asked.

i felt sick to my stomach yesterday.  

you guys have it all wrong.
i don't have it ALL together.
my house is a MESS.
my kids ate ramen noodles and canned peaches for dinner.
annie bawled on the floor the entire time.
there are four baskets of laundry sitting in my living room.

i never get it ALL done…
ever.
who is that woman you are all describing?

Photo 1490

i promise it's not me.

this is going to give me lots and lots of good post ideas though.

now what you really want to know first
the winner…..
JULIE LEAK from atlanta.

leave me a comment here and i will contact you from that.
congrats julie.

ok…now about all those questions….
you don't really want to know all that stuff about me.
i am sure of that.

i will answer most of them in a few posts…over a month or so.  
thanks for such good prompts.
have a great friday!

sarah - I’ve been all of the place for the past couple of weeks, sick and moving and such.
So, I’m catching up. And I just about died laughing here. Which is good since I just had read about sweet Cora, I needed it.
You are totally adorable.
And yes, we do want to know all the answers to all the questions. I think most of us are pretty nose, and your an interesting woman with lots of kiddos and a crazy cute dog.

Crystal - if it makes you feel any better…we had corn dogs and boxed mac and cheese for dinner last week. šŸ™‚ we are all fabulous in our own way and you are no exception. šŸ™‚

the rauths - to your cancer post…they are in my prayers…my mom has lupus. i feel that way every single day. it sucks. big time. hugs to them.

princess lasertron - whatever, dude. I know what you mean.
I hear it too…
“Your craft room must be so cute!”
“I would love to see your home!”
“You must display your buttons so cute.”
ummmm
no
my craft room is full of trash because my husband and I havent taken out the trash in like 3 weeks
my living room is like a laundry/junk mail/kleenex/dirty plate explosion
and my kitchen is full of dishes
….no
I GET IT.
You are still my hero.
xo

Robin Laws - my friend heather will be so relieved to hear of the ramen noodles and peach thing. she worries that you are a happier and more vibrant family than anyone else’s. i try to reassure her that you are human. and see there? right here in these photos you give us your best most humanest self. meg i love you! 330 questions… it was probably wise to turn off the spigot…. otherwise you might have drowned in compliments. and we want you hear with us for a long time to come. i am very sorry for your friends. very sorry. my heart reaches across the miles to you and through you to them.
XOXOX

Angelia Bouslog - Meg, I got on your blog for some scrapbooking inspiration and just wanted to tell you I’m praying for your neighbors that lost their son…I’m so sorry..We had 2 deaths this week..one a great friend’s brother, 42, with 5 children had a blood clot that went to his brain, and our really cool “pool guy” whom has become a good freind, his first grandson was to be born and as his daughter waited in the waiting area at a VA hospital (husband serves our country) she had placenta privia and lost the baby at 8 1/2 months, he could of survied if they would of admitted her right away, they almost lost her too..Life seems so unfair at times..someday we’ll understand. Again, I’m praying for strengh for them and hope God will comfort them with his love. Angelia

Courtney Walsh - Julie Leak is my real life friend! šŸ™‚ Go JULES! šŸ™‚ What a fun blog you have, Meg. I’m going to look at pictures of your cute house now.
šŸ™‚

Melly - Gosh, Meg, looking through your blog when I first found it a month or so ago, I came across your entry with the clean laundry room floor and the megaton of laundry in your family room. Bingo! THAT right there is why I love your blog. At that moment I felt a true kinship with you. Even with your beautiful house and your creative touch everywhere you are still REAL. It’s not that you’re perfect, it’s that you’re not, but you make it work and seem okay with it. I admire your balance. I strive for that kind of balance and haven’t gotten there yet, but am inspired by your efforts. More crafts and arts, let the laundry slide sometimes, most importantly enjoy my kids more.
Don’t be so modest, just be yourself!

Bailey - Congrats, Julie!
Thanks, Meg, for all of the inspiration you give so many people!
So, I have a question you can answer along with Julie’s – how did you pick the winner, based on the actual question, or just picked a random number?
I can’t wait to see what she asked, and answers to those you pick for future prompts!

kristin at prairie daze - oh, i just read your next post.
oh, oh, oh.
tragic.

kristin at prairie daze - now i need to read on to the last post….i’ve been out of it.

Dana @BoysMyJoys - Meg~ When I read some of the comments yesterday, I knew that you would respond this way! YOU ARE TOO MODEST!!! But what you don’t realize is that you have it more together than MANY of us— ME included! And even if there is laundry to be folded or meals that might lack some of the food groups, you still seem to do it all from the HEART! And still have energy to let your creativity shine!
Just wanted to share my two cents. And also to let you know that we’re sending lots of love and prayers to your family, friends, and neighborhood!

Ruth - Your post above makes my heart ache.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Deb - You are so stinkin’ cute!

Holly - I finally figured out who you remind me of. We were watching Lost last night and you remind me of Kate.

traci - i missed the giveaway, but i can’t wait to see what everyone is dying to know about you and what you decide to share with us.

carissa - you are just too fun for words… can’t even find the words!

Aubrey - At least you’ve inspired me to let my kids do more art projects and to pull out my sewing maching to make fun things. Even if I’ve only done it once so far. Now I need to move to Kansas so we can buy a bigger house for less money than it would cost here and have a huge wall to hang it all on.
I should have asked you a way better question, and maybe someone else already did, but I was curious how old your house is and if you guys think it’s haunted šŸ˜‰ and how big it is and what your neighborhood is like–is it full of old, stately homes? Every time you show pictures of your block parties and the kids outside and talk about wlking into town, I SO want to move there!

Staci - WHOA!!! Look at all those comments!!! You my friend are a CELEBRITY!!! Congrats to Julie…I’m so jealous šŸ™‚ See Meg, this is why I love your blog soooo much! You are just soooo real! I know that you don’t have it all together…WHO IN THIS WORLD DOES??!! But I love the fact you admit it and you just go on with life and still create great things and know that whatever is happening RIGHT now…will pass…and then, I’m sure there’ll be something else! But you can soak in your tub in your beautiful bathroom and are able to forget about it for a minute (or two!) I can’t wait to read in the upcoming months šŸ™‚

Lisa - I think it’s great that there were so many comments. I bet you flipped when you saw the total. Looking forward to future posts answering all those questions.

Kate - hey, nobody’s perfect, but you’re just a very talented woman that we all admire.
-kate

elisa - Those pictures!
Thanks for the smile šŸ™‚

Jill Jones - Possibly my favorite post ever! šŸ™‚
~Jill

Queen Bee - CUTE photos! šŸ™‚ And Julie…you lucky girl!
Meg, we all love you and enjoy your blog so much because “you are who you are” and you are very transparent about it. (didja’ like all those “yous” in that last sentence?!)
Honestly, your humbelness is a true testimony for all your readers. We don’t HAVE to be perfect, we don’t NEED to be perfect, and actually, we CAN’T be perfect…and God still loves us anyway. Grace revealed. šŸ™‚
Have an awesome day, my dear!

julie leak - oh my goodness!!! i can’t believe i won! i am so excited!!!!!
thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
i can’t wait to hear from you and to hear your responses from some of the great questions we had.
julie leak from atlanta šŸ˜€

Trina - I know Julie, I know Julie….wow, small world! Congrats, Julie!!!!!
Trina x

mom - As I read through some of the comments yesterday, I was really proud of you for all the people you have touched through this almost daily blog. Not many people can say that, so take that in and forget about the other stuff!
Love you-
Mom
And of couse this is just hilarious – even though you didn’t mean for it to be!

denise - You are so funny. You like to talk, and I am nosey, you left it open and we ran with it.

adrienneK - lol i wanted to tell you yesterday why you may have gotten SO many responses, i was over on the ohdeedoh site and they showed a picture of your play room again AND left a link to your blog…i think thats where all the traffic was from:)
someone needs to give YOU a giveaway after having to read all that im sure!!!!:(

Sandy - You’re hilarious and no matter what you say we think you are the BEST!
Congratulations Julie, I’m jealous!! šŸ™‚
Sandy

danyele - love the pics…and i’m excited to see the posts that come from the ?’s

jennifer - Too funny! I’d be feeling sick to my stomach if I had to answer all those questions! Enjoy them and all the praise and encouragement that came along with them. You are loved, Meg!

sara - meg,
you seem like such an awesome lady! enjoy the praise from all of us fans. we all love to read your day to day activities & know you are a normal mom just like a lot of us. you provide me with great inspiration on activities to do with my kiddos. you help me to remember what is really important, my god and my family and friends. thank you.
sara

krissi - Well, I think that you are just too precious!!! Of course you never get it all done. Mothers that do, just aren’t any fun (sorry for the broad generalization – but it makes me feel better!).
I am new to your site and you have given me new ideas and have inspired me to share mine (and some of yours). Thanks for the inspiration and keep on not getting stuff done! Procrastinators of the world unite! (maybe tomorrow)

Melanie - You don’t have to do it all:) Quit being so hard on yourself!

Lanny Stanard - Oh Megan I think/know your the best, I love to visit and your a great Mom that’s for sure… Have a Happy week-end šŸ˜‰ Lanny.

luisa - I love you, you are the greatest!
ciao
luisa from Italy

jimaiemarie - LOL!! you are the cutest EVER! This made me laugh, and HOORAY for other moms who serve ramen for meals in times of laziness/crisis/sickness and whatever else ;D
i can’t wait to find out more about ya! (and i mean that in the least stalkerish way possible. teehee šŸ˜‰ )

Liz - My advice (not that you asked) but you should push aside the “sick in your stomach” feeling and soak in the praise, even if just for a moment. You deserve it.
P.S. What was Julie’s question?

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