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questions & a giveaway

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it's been a long time since i have had a give away so…let's have one today!

here are the goodies:
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one of the ribbon notebooks that is just so fun to look at.

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glittered letters
a big "life is good" rub-on transfer 
and a pack of making memories Valentine/Romance word stickers

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a cute make-up bag from old navy
a happy bottle cap magnet
a set of miniature alphabet stamps
and a brand new huge container of white martha stewart glitter.

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it's a major award!

now to win this package of happiness….
you must leave me a question in the comments.
since i like to talk…
ask me a question and i will try to answer it in another post.
feel free to ask me anything you want.
i am ready.

i will draw a random winner on thursday night.

i am very curious to see what you will ask….

************comments are closed *********************************
contest is over.
thanks for all the great questions!

carissa - dag nabbit! i missed it!
you are SOOOOOOO loved my friend!

Amanda Rettke - HOW CAN COMMENTS BE CLOSED??? I am pulling my hair out. Are you kidding me?? AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
And I had the BEST question!!!
oh well
God bless-
Amanda

Daisy Cottage - Oh you are so cute!
Okay, here’s mine:
What dream do you hope will still come true?
xo,
Kim

Laura K - What’s your favorite family photo?

Tami Reed - Would you like to have a reality tv show about your wonderful life as a blogger and family?

kasey - ha!
how about..
Do you miss Illinois?

Christy - Love the give-away! I’d be thrilled if it were just the cute notebook! Loosk like I am not alone, 300+ replies!
I haven’t gone through all of the quetsions so sorry if this has been asked, but as a fellow mom, here goes.
What do you do for you? Do you take time out to have just for yourself?

Jessica - I love your blog! I check it daily!
Q: Will you be my best friend? 🙂

Jennifer - Hello. I am new to your blog and love reading it. I was wondering, what does your title (‘whatever’) refer to? Life in general?

sarah harper - What (if any) other jobs did you have before becoming the ultimate homemaker/mom/superwoman/photographer/crafter that you are? 🙂
LOVE your blog, Meg!

Cathy - You are so slender, especially for having five kids. Do you exercise on top of all your other accomplishments?

Sara - I think I’ve commented before, but I really love your blog. So much fun and love the pics.
I’m always on a quest for better organization in my home (& life!), so my questions is ….what is the one thing you feel keeps you best organized / sane? 🙂

Carolyn G - How did you find out you were crafty and what was the first craft you ever remember completing?
Thanks for the giveaway!

Georgia Rowe - Hi meg,
I stumbled upon your blod a while back, and i have read through literally every single post you have made to ‘catch up’.
What i would like to know is, When you were younger did you ever imagine you would be the most amazing parent you are today, and were you always so creative?
Im a creative person, but i alwasy have stumbling blocks where i cant seem to think of anything, you have opened me up again to my ‘inner creativity’ if that doesnt sound too corny! lol
xx

Lauren Thomas - Hi Meg! First off, let me just say that me and my friend are totally obesessed with your life! You left a comment on my blog not to long ago, and you would have thought I had talked to a celebrity!!! Thank you so much for your inspiration.
My Question:
I am a photographer as well and was wondering if you ever do crafts with your photos other than scrapbooking? I am looking for a innovative and creative way to present the finished product to the client.
Thanks Meg!
All for Him,
Lauren

Molly Pearce - Hi! What is your favorite scripture that you read daily or when you need a pick me up? Oh and do you have a favorite song and why is it your favorite? Have a great day!!!!
~Molly P

danyele - what a great little set of fun! ok for my question:
do you do art projects and baking alone with each of your kids? and what’s your favs with each one…if you do them.
great shots…as usual

Amber - ‘I am.’ is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that ‘I Do.’ is the longest sentence?

Chandra - I have tons of questions for you, but how about 2 for now…
1- How do you find time to do all the crafts and projects you do?
and
2- In all your pictures (excluding a few of the laundry room!), your house is so clean and organized, any tips on how you do it?
Thanks!!

Traci in Virginia - Ok, love your blog. It is always so happy and colorful. My question is…what is the next thing you want to redo, update or decorate in your house and where will you find your design inspiration?
I love to see the things you fix up and decorate!
Have a great day.

Debi - What’s your secret for living with a moody 13-year-old? Mine is the other variety (boy!), but equally moody…..

Julie K. - Okay … here’s my pressing question – I have to know how you find the time to surf the internet for inspiration (all your cool ‘happy things’ links), blog almost daily, take more pictures for your blog and get them edited and uploaded, make your great recipes (also linked to on your blog), craft for your own personal pleasure, AND parent 5 children and maintain your lovely marriage? You are a modern day Martha Stewart … and will you remember me when you’re famous? :o) You’re amazing. Love you and your blog!

Kim - I’m just feeling pretty good that you have Ben on your page! He’s a keeper!

Chrissie Grace - Ok this giveaway is delicious! I want to know your photo secrets…lighting especially. And how do you get them to load so big?
I love your blog!
xo
Chrissie Grace

Heather - In all honesty, how much does your darling dog shed? Honestly. Don’t sugar coat it. I need the truth. I’m a white couch owning, black pant wearing kind of girl and I want a dog and am thinking doodle…but give it to me straight. 😉
Do I win? 😀

Michelle - Hello Meg…I love you blog and look forward to all new posts! My questions for you is: How often do you and your family eat out? I am mother to 4 and find it hard to make 3 meals per day that everyone likes, so we eat out more than I would like! Thanks!
Michelle

Jill Jones - When would you like to go to lunch? 🙂
~Jill
jilljones43@msn.com

colleen - Whoops… put in the wrong email for me. I had the sexy David Duchovny question….
🙂

colleen - Great Loot! Thought I would ask a silly question… Do you find David Duchovny (circa X-Files) sexy? Told you it was silly.

Chaos-Jamie - Dang, that’s a lot of comments, girl! How do you get such a following? (I know, that wasn’t a real question.) And HA! to Erin in Indiana. Do you listen to music. Snort. Though I guess things could have changed in the 15(!) years since we hung out regularly enough to know your mood by the music you played. (I’m missing me some Garth and Cheeseburger Pizza (no onion, no cheese two slices…).

julie leak - i love that we get to ask you a question! i have been (like so many others) following you blog for quite some time. I know that you are a believer and the thing I have always wanted to know about you is how in the world do you find time to do all that you do, raise 5 children, take care of your husband and make your relationship with Christ a part of your daily rountine?
I hope this makes sense.
julie in atlanta

Lisa B - Can you come to my house and decorate our play room?? It’s very boring with grey walls and nothing on them!! It needs some major help.

Lynette - What kinds of things does your family eat for breakfast?

andrea d. - i love looking at your projects for inspiration. what projects have you made/done that are your least favorites? or maybe just didn’t turn out the way you were planning?

Dani - I love this blog! So creative and colorful!
My question…. how did you get started with photography?
I love to take pictures, but just can’t find the time to do it!
I’m also hosting a giveaway this week!

duchess401 - I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now. I’m back in the swing of being a stay at home Mom again. But I have to know…How do you and other Moms find the time to blog daily–and more importantly to be creative doing it?? I’m SO inconsistent—and trying to find my balance again…

Rachel - What are your family rituals that you try to do weekly if any?
PS I love coming here everyday; I visit daily but someone my work computer gives me an error when I try to comment; I try 3 times sometimes but then it gets frustrating. No I am here if you don’t see my comment though!

Amanda O. - I love how your girls mix and match different patterns and colors with their clothes. Do you pick out their outfits or do they? I love the bright colors and various patterns!

Jess - I think your blog is so inspiring!!
What is some good parenting/marriage/life advice you have to offer?

Nancy - Love some of the items I see in the photos of your home. Since I live in KS, where would you suggest I spend a day antiquing/thrifting? Town & store(s) please.

Nancy - Love some of the items I see in your photos of your home. Since I live in KS, where would you suggest I spend a day antiqueing/thrifting? Town & store(s) please?

Nessa Dee - What’s your most cherished possession?

denise - How are you getting your oldest to “tow the line”? I am in the same boat as you are with the teenager hormonal issues, I would love to know how you are handling it. Can we ask 2? Because I would really like to know how much sleep you get……it can’t be a full night’s. You get too much done.

Evan - What has been your most favorite family vacation (so far)???

alyssa - Can I go furniture shopping with you?

Amy J - I love your blog! Reading your blog is like a private, behind the scenes, look at the perfect family. You have a wonderful family, a great sense of humor, an absolutely adorable husband. If you could change something ‘unperfect’ about your life what would it be?

Rebecca Kriner and Tom Burke - Meg- What did you do when you worked outside the home? What is your background?
How is it having 5 kids with such a wide age span?
Thanks for the contest!!!

Lindsay - A couple things, I am enjoying getting to know your oldest. I really feel like we are beginning to see her more and more. Anyway…where do you shop?

Liz - How did you and Craig meet? I want the whole gushy story! 🙂

Tracy - Hi Meg! I know you are an avid scrapbooker as myself, but my question is this: do you do any digital scrapbooking and if so, how did you get started in it? I am having a hard time trying to do any type of digital scrapbooking, and still can’t figure it out! HA! Oh well. Thanks for the chance for the goodies – I could have a lot of fun with those! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Karen - What inspires your creativity…and where do you find the energy. I have 3 children and get only a fraction done of what you do with 5. I am totally impressed!
Karen
PS.. love your photography!!

Gabrielle - I would like to know the story of your house? Really I love house stories…only the old ones you see. How did you acqure it? Do you know who lived there before you? I hope this isn’t a repeat..at you are an inspiration to me.

Barbara - I’m interested in how you schedule your day…do you have a set schedule or do things just happen? For housework, crafting, tending to the kids, etc.

Chrince - If you had a Saturday out of the house (without the kids) and $100 to spend, where would you go and what would you do?

Kat - What is your favorite online fabric source?
Love your blog and your pics 🙂

Susan - It seems that you’re a Christian… do you mind sharing your testimony? I only recently found your blog and I am IN LOVE with your HOME!!!! I drool over it daily! 🙂

Cheryl - Wow, there are a lot of people wanting this prize package. Well, I want it too.
My question may be way different than all of the others, but perhaps it will make me stick out!
My question is…what is your favorite day of the week and why?

amy - hi meg,
my question is where do you see yourself in five years?
i know you’ve started doing photography more, so is that what you ultimately want to pursue? or continue on as a homemaker and super mom? or something all together different that we don’t know about? secret (designer) agent maybe? just wondering!
amy

amy - hi meg,
my question is where do you see yourself in five years?
i know you’ve started doing photography more, so is that what you ultimately want to pursue? or continue on as a homemaker and super mom? or something all together different that we don’t know about? secret (designer) agent maybe? just wondering!
amy

Katy - Just recently found your blog and I love it!!! You have inspired me to be more crafty and now I want a craft room(in the process of making one)!!! Do you have a degree in home interior? I love your house and your decorating style. The playroom is awesome!!!

Steph - I just started reading and I love your blog! I was wondering what year your house was built and if you’ve done a lot of work to it since you bought it?

lorel - I want to know when you are going to come see me and have a scrapbook weekend and go dancing? February? March? Love you! So glad I got to see you last weekend. Thanks for letting me stay with you. Love, Lorel

Erin - As a small-town Kansas (born and raised) girl myself, I love your blog. I feel such a connection with your charming house and adorable family! I want to know how you find the time to DO all this stuff… I’ve only got two little ones and I can’t get anything done. 🙂

Mod Girl - Tell us how you met your man and fell in love! And then, tell us when you fell in love with taking pictures!

Lee Ann - I just love your blog discovered it in November, it makes me happy and you keep it real for us (love that). Life is full of joys and blessings and I love how honest you are and find happiness in simple things. You are really gifted for making things beautiful. Your home is simply amazing, thanks for sharing so much with us.
My question is: Are you a reader of fiction? If so what are you enjoying now or lately in the past? Or share a great devotional or christian book you love!
Take care and blessings to you and your family!! — Lee Ann — Atlanta, GA.

Anna - Hey Girl!
My biggest question is… how do you find the time to do all that you do? I’m a working mom of 1 and have so many things I “want” to do, but can’t seem to find the time to do them.
Love your blog and your decorating style.

Bridget M - You have wonderful crafts, where do you find all your ideas?

allison - Have you ever been contacted or considered contacting some home type publication? Your house seems to be just the thing a BHG or Country Living would love to feature….
I really enjoy your photography! Keep up the good work:)

karol - What are you project/craft plans for Valentine’s Day?
Adore perusing your blog. You are so cute and clever! Beautiful giveaway.

Kameron - What are your secrets to having an organized craft room?? I just started crafting (thank you for being my crafty muse) and it is already getting out of control!!

Brooke - Being a military wife for the last 8 years I have sort of felt like a “transient” and feel like I don’t have place to claim as home. Although my husband and I have been blessed so far to not have had to move as much as an average military family I often wonder if when we are once again “civilians” I will ever find the perfect: house/town/church that I have built up in my mind, and so my question to you is (since I just adore your house, crafting abilities, and great neighborhood photos)….if you feel like you have landed in that place in your life that you always wanted and expected to be?

Pam Ballard - hmn hard to think of a question for you as I see so many interesting ones. How about are you an American Idol fan. Havent been on your blog very long but sure like it. I think it is very colorful? So glad I found you. The giveaway would sure be fun. Thanks for the chance.
pamballard@comcast.net

Wendy - You are so amazing. I love your blog and am so inspired by your creativity, your loving large family and your committment to God and to them. What is an average day like for you?

Karen - the glasses in your profile pic. I see the price tag hanging from them. did you buy them?
I would love to win your giveaway! karen@lulufish.com

sarah - how is there enough time in your day to get everythig done? I only have one baby but it seems like I have no time already. I could not imagine 5 AND being crafty! How do you do it all? Do your kids ever help fold laundry or do chores?

sara - hi! i also love your blog! you seem like the type of mother i aspire to be. silly question, how many hours a night do you sleep?

Peggy Rice - Will you come to Paris and go to the flea market with me and decorate my apartment? Pretty please.

Sandy - How do you find (or make) time to do all that you do? I know I’ve seen your laundry piled high on occassion (thanks for being real with us), but you do so many amazing things with your children, your home, your photography, your crafts, your church, how on earth do you fit it all in?!
Sandy
Troy, OH

christine - this was actually kind of hard! I feel like i know you so well because you’ve shared so much of yourself and your beautiful family. When a question popped in my head i felt like i knew what your answer would be! So, my question is how did you come up with the name Talby? I’ts a bit different from your other children. And if i could ask one more, do you belong to a Church?

Erin - I love your style…I wonder if you listen to music and if so, what are your all time favorite cd’s? The ones you can listen to over and over again???
Erin in Indiana

Kendall Smith - Megan–how has having 5 children shaped who you are?

ann_was_here - oh my that stuff is so amazingly cute! my question for you is : what was your favorite design item of 2008 (if you have one)? I’m thinking along the lines of a decorative item, a piece of artwork, furniture, etc.

ann_was_here - oh my that stuff is so amazingly cute! my question for you is : what was your favorite design item of 2008 (if you have one)? I’m thinking along the lines of a decorative item, a piece of artwork, furniture, etc.

Zizzi - I read your blog every day, but I’m a little bit lazy with the comments. (I will try to get better.)
What gets you inspired? A movie? A song? or are you just a spring of inspiration all the time?
What is your absolute favourite craft?
Favourite craft tool?
Cissi from sweden

jimaiemarie - i am in LOVE with that notebook!!!
I want to know what you do to de-stress at the end of the day, what you do to get some ME time! You amaze me with your mothering, you’re so inspiring!

barb - Never commented on any blog, anywhere, ever before….but I would love to know; have you travelled much outside of America? I could guess maybe not, given that you have been having and raising your family…Where would you like to go if you could? Do you have a desire/dream to travel one day?
I am living thousands of miles away in Australia and your blog is not so much a peek into another home but into another culture, another way of life, another world. It has intrigued and inspired me….fascinated me really.
It is also invariably beautiful to look at so…..
Thank you

Leigh Ann - How did you and Craig meet? Did you always want a big family? Any camera suggestions for someone wanting to get their first digital SLR?

Courtney - Where did you get the name Waffle?
(sorry if you’ve addressed this somewhere, I’m new around here.)

Marisol - I am wanting to start my own photography business. Do you have any advice. What is your favorite lens to shoot with?
PS – Love your blog…you inspire me!

Nicole - I love your blog! =) i just wanted you to answer what is your favorite craft project to make and why?

Sharanya - What does inspiration mean to you ?

Melly - I love your blog, I love your sense of humor, I love your house, I love your style! Makes me want to move to Kansas and be your friend.
My husband is from W. Wichita near the airport. I never had any desire to move there (we live outside of Houston), but would if I could have a fantastic house like yours. In what part of Kansas do you live? (not my “official question”…)
Out of all of your beautiful and eclectic things (not people) in your home, what is your favorite item that makes you happy just to look at it?

Bailey - Why don’t you have a category on the left for your craft projects you mention?
This question brought on in my search for the bottle cap magnet instructions (which I’m fairly certain I saw on your blog somewhere…)
Okay, so that’s a question and a request 😉
Thanks!

Katie - I don’t remember how I first came across your blog, but I love it. Love your pictures, recipes, and your house. My question might be a bit random…maybe it’s just my family…I’m not sure.
Are you seriously competitive at board games? For example…how would you react if a game piece was hucked at your head by an opponent?

Amber - Wow, that’s a lot of comments! Sorry if my question is a repeat…Did you always know that you wanted a big family? I think it’s great and I’m very impressed by all that you do.

diana - So what’s your thoughts on our new president? I always love and agree with your opinion, so we’ll see if this is the same . . . 🙂

Mary Beth - Are you going to write a book?!
You are SO funny and have SO many great stories.
I see a great chick-lit book here 🙂
And thanks for being such a great cheerleader to my baby girl.

Liz - This question is one of my favorites…
Let’s say you are throwing a dinner party, which 5 people (dead or alive) would you invite and why?
(Bonus question: what would you serve?)

Lizabeth - Why does the Easter bunny carry eggs? Rabbits don’t lay eggs.

heidi d - love this very cool way to find a new blog post!!!
my question…
you obviously enjoy blogging, creating, sharing with others.
*what has this blog taught you about yourself in terms of how it may influence the person you are in your daily life?
:)hd.

Kambria - love your blog. what is your favorite saying…..my bff and mine is “hot mess” or “i’m just sayin'”…..:)

corey (not amy) - Word on the street is that Craig is gay. Is that true?

Staci - I’ve been on a little “bloggy vacation”….so I’m so excited that I made it back in time for your big giveaway!!! YAY! Now, let’s see…a question, hmmmm…how do you keep it (LIFE) all together and create such a happy environment??? I know that may be a rather vague question…are you able to just go craft and let things roll if something is driving you crazy??? I think you are so stinkin’ awesome however and whatever you do 🙂

Renee - what was the most difficult decision you ever take? I love your blog. Regards from Mexico

Keri - I absolutely love your blog…
How long have you and your husband been married?
My fiance and myself are getting married April 25!! I’m so excited!!!

Renata - How did you get into photography and whose work are you inspired by?

Amy - Just found your blog tonight. Love it!
What is your dog’s name? I adore dogs. Those puppy pics are to die for!

Becky - I just recently found your blog. I love all your creative ideas. What is your favorite creative thing to do?

sara - i just recently found your blog, so i am not going to be able to ask a very pointed question, but i waaant that stuff, so i will come up with something!
what is your favorite thing to eat? recipe?
xox

Jenn - i LOVE reading your blog every day. every time a friend comes over to my camper (we’re living in a 5th wheel right now) i force them to look at your “reading” room. it’s my inspiration for a room in our new house. so my question is — do your kids’ names have special meanings? i have never heard talby before but i love it! oh but i just saw a question above that i want to know the answer to more — what websites do YOU check out first when you only have a few minutes?!

Donna - everyone has asked you like EVERYTHING…………ummmmmm, I want to win – i never win anything, really I don’t. Since I love your dog’s name, how did u come up with it?

Sarah Keith - What part of the day is your most favorite?

niki - i discovered your blog a few weeks ago and over a couple of nights, i ended up reading all of your blog entries. i love the house photos, the recipes, etc. it’s interesting to read how you do it all with that many children while i struggle to survive just my 2.
so, my question is dealing with scrapbooking (which i love to do). do you do a family album or have you done one for each child? i love the ones you have posted. they are all so creative….so, i’ve scraplifted some ideas. thanks for those!!

loren & anne kurtz - Has there ever been a “most awkward” photography session/shoot thingy?

loren & anne kurtz - Has there ever been a “most awkward” photography session/shoot thingy?

katy - Do you have a favorite pair of pajamas?
I love the giveaways you have…that notebook is darling, what a fun idea! Have a great day and I cannot wait to hear the winner.

Sara noah - Hi,I love your blog!!!! I want to know what made you start your blog? I love all the goodies your giving away!!!!!!

Kristi - How do you pick what to buy when you go thrift store shopping? do you just buy it if you love it, or do you have set guidelines for yourself?
I love your style and your blog. thanks for sharing it all with us!

Christine - Did you grow up in a Christian home?

amy (not corey) - Who is your favorite neighbor to sleep with? 🙂

Courtney - You look like you have so many creative interests, what’s your favorite outlet and why?

Kristin - I just discovered your blog like a week ago and I couldn’t stop reading/looking at all of your great pictures. So…maybe I haven’t read all of your old posts, but why did you move to Kansas? And where in Chicago did you guys live? I only ask because we just moved from western chicagoland last year and I’m curious if you’re from there? *LOVE your blog*

Tammy H. - How old were you when you got married? You look so young!

Deb - Awesome giveaway, awesome blog – you’re always so real! And since I love the green walls in your foyer, now I can ask the name and brand! Thanks Meg

Juli - I just found your blog a few days or so ago, and I’m sooo enjoying your posts! Here’s my question… what is your most
memorable potty training moment??

sue Thompson - I know you said you used to live in IL, where did you live? I too used to live in IL and now live in Georiga. Love both for different reasons but don’t think I could take living in the cold again.
Thanks!
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org

sarah - Great giveaway!
Being a new mom and having the hope for more little ones, I wonder what kind of tips you would give to moms? What things have you learned? What battles do you choose to fight/and not fight with your kids.
Oh and do you have any tips for potty training as I look toward starting that mid year.
Love all the stuff! Hope I win:)

Marie - Hmmm…just for fun and because I’m nosy…I love the charm and craftsmanship of your home. I know it’s an old home and was wondering what price range a home like that goes for where you live. How much did you have to put into remodeling it and what is the history behind it?

Pam Buller - Did you really get 195 comments? Can you answer all these questions in ONE post? 😉

Pam Buller - Did you really get 195 comments? Can you answer all these questions in ONE post? 😉

Jen - Hi meg! I always wonder who is looking at your blog at the exact same time as me. I know that you can’t answer that one. I must confess that sometimes I sneak a peek while I’m at work in the ER…a girl just needs a fun break every now and again! Now for my question…
When did you first know that you were in love with your hubby??? Do you remember???

Michelle - Pick me! Pick me!
I’d like to know if you were always crafty or if this was something that came to you as you got older?

Beth Ann - I love Talby’s name – what was the inspiration for it?

Allikayes Mama - Here ya go…
Where did you and your husband meet?
I am so excited to hear all your answers!
AND I hope I win that fun assortment of Meg-Goodness!!

Jackie W - I love your blog! You have such fun ideas!!
I believe you’re currently in KS, and I remember you writing about moving from IL, and how pleased you were with the cheap home prices. Do you move often for your husband’s job? Do you live close to family? I ask simply because I remember several comments about missing your girlfriends!
Thanks for the great read!

Trish - Alright, you said ask anything, right?
So is it weird that I wish I knew you in real life?
Could we be neighbors?
My husband is looking for a new job and we are not opposed to relocating……..Kansas would be okay with me I think.
Okay so my real questions is…….
that post where you said you found the laundry room floor, and then you showed the picture of all the laundry is shown piled on the couch waiting to be folded (which, by the way, is my favorite picture ever!). Well, how many days worth of laundry is that? It would take my family of 4 a couple of weeks to get a pile that big.

Susan - When I have free time to play on the computer yours is one of the first sites I check to see what great ideas, funny stories or beautiful pictures you have posted. So…
What are the first few blogs or web sites that you check when you get free time?

Diana - Here it goes:
What is the one thing you definitely can’t live without aside from people, technology, or arts & craft products?
lol

Kristi - What a fun giveaway! I am curious about your camera and how you make every picture look so awesome. But my real question is where is the field of sunflowers you posted about back in July? My sister lives in KS and we want to go there next year.

Queen Bee - 187 comments already?! Geesh Louise! I don’t dare read through all of them to see if anyone has already asked my question, so please forgive me if it’s repetitive…
I’m looking for a fresh Bible study…Will you tell me one of your favorites? (or maybe a few of your favs, as I may have already done them)
And a second question, if I may… If you ever went back into full-time employment outside of home, what would you like to persue?
Thank you in advance for your generosity, even if I don’t win. This is a really nice giveaway and leaves us all so very hopeful. It’s a good feeling.

Kirsten - Ummm…since we’re in the middle of college aps…did you go to college? where? degree? memories?

Anna - Hi Meg!
I want to know what your favorite magazine/book/newsletter/website (etc.) is about crafting. What do you like to “go to” for new and fun ideas?
You are my FAVORITE blog out of all 100+ that I am subscribed to.
God bless!
~Anna

Liz - Don’t you just love your doodle. I know that is not a question but I wanted an excuse to say how gorgeous he is. Check out my guy here..
http://lizbonj.blogspot.com/2009/01/doodles.html

jamie - What a Great Idea for a Give Away! I’ve just started reading your blog and love your Photography. Do you use a editing program for your photos, if so which program do you use? Thank you for the chance, Jamie

kathy - This is such and interesting idea. I would love to know when it is over what God has taught you about the people that read your blog. I love how open and honest you are with daily life events. You are a great talent and inspire many.

Nichole - This is so fun! 🙂
Question:
If you could have any super hero power, what would it be and why?
Bonus question:
Do you know that your family and life is one I wish to have when I’m older? 🙂
PLEASE keep up on posting – your blog is the best.

jennifer - Do you enjoy reading and if so, do you have a favorite author?
Thank you for being such a blessing to so many people. God has given you a gift and I’m thankful that you’re faithful to share it with all of us. You are such and encouragement to me and obviously to so many women. Thanks for blogging, Meg!

Naomi - I really love your blog and find a lot of what you do inspires me! I particularly love your photography as that was something I used to dabble in once upon a time.
My question for you is how you can afford to do all of these great craft projects and remodeling stuff and have such an obviously awesome camera and…. We have a very limited income and I love to see how people can be crafty and creative and make lovely things for their homes and loved ones in a frugal way.

Wendy - Oops, I think I was allowed only one question. So just pick your favorite of the three. 🙂

Wendy - How fun! Let’s see. If you are a reader, what is the one book you couldn’t live without?
Since we both have girls the same age, what is the one piece of advice you would offer so far in raising a teenage daughter?
And one fun one. What would you say is your best physical feature?
I love Q and A’s like this. Have a great evening!

Meg - What is your typical day like?
Up @ ?
Work on blog at ?
Cook dinner at?
Craft project from ? – ?
In other words, HOW DO YOU DO IT??

Ashley Ann - The economy got so bad that every paint store had to conform to making only one color of paint – which you had to use in EVERY room in your house. What color would you choose?

Carly - Such fun questions! I can’t wait to see which ones you answer and what creative way you’ll come up with to “illustrate” your answers. You are SO FUN!
My question – I’ve thought of several, both serious and silly. But what I’d like to know === when you were a little girl, what did you want to grow up to be? And are you that person?

Alysa - I have so many questions i want to ask you! First, can you go on very little sleep? Cuz it seems like you’ve got so much to do with being a mommy to a zillion kids (okay, i’m exaggerating) … but then you’re so crafty and scrapbooky and re-decorat-ee … so I’m just curious how much sleep you get on the average night.
And I also wonder where you met Craig and what your love story is there – with Valentine’s Day coming up and all – it’d be fun to hear the story of the two of you!

Jessica - Pick me, pick me!
Hey Megan! Here is my question: Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for decorating? I LOVE how you have decorated your house. It is beautiful and so functional with all your kiddos!

ashley chandler - Lovely, yummy giveaway! It would feel like opening up my stocking on Christmas morning. I recently found your blog and the preschooldaze blog which chronicles your daughter Annie’s preschool right? I’m so very interested in that school. And you seem like my kind of gal/mom. So, can you tell me a little about it from a parenting standpoint?
thanks!

Jessica - I love your blog…check it everyday. Feel like I know you! So…
Will you be my best friend??

Kasey - What is the best gift you’ve ever received or given?

Laura - Wow! You are popular! I love reading your blog! I am looking forward to reading all your answers to all these questions. I am wondering what kind of work your husband does. Also, I would like to know more about meals at your house. What kinds of food your family eats for different meals. I have really enjoyed your recipes. One of our favorite desserts is Cream Puff Dessert. Thanks!

Jess - Wow. Don’t think that I can come up with a question that hasn’t already been ask.
What is your favorite color? Why?
Just want to say that I am L-O-V-I-N-G your blog. You have a great family.

Michelle Shoemaker - OK, so I guess now is the time to finally leave you a comment. I have been a lurker for quite awhile now. I love your blog. I love the vibrant colors, cute stories and the ideas that you give.
At this point, you’ve been asked alot of questions, so here’s mine….Are you a Coke or Pepsi fan?
Have fun pickin’ a winner!!!

Jenna B - I am a 22-year-old fan of your blog! Lauren will understand what a wonderful mother she has, don’t worry. I’m just now realizing how lucky I am. Everyone has asked such great questions, it’s hard to think of unique prompts…but I think I’ll settle with this…What one object in your home are you most embarrassed about owning?

mpulley - My question is “How do you find balance between being a wife, mother ,friend, crafter and time for yourself? I feel that balance is hard to find!

Shann - Hi Meg! What a fun idea! Even if I don’t win, it sure was fun to read the questions and play along. Thanks for doing this for us!
I know that you are a Christian….what is your most favorite scripture?
Hugs to you,
Shann

Kim - What is your social security number? Totally kidding. I made a quick skim through the comments and saw 2 that I wanted to ask, how did you decide on 5 kids, and where did the name Talby come from. Hopefully this one hasn’t been asked, Do you let the kids pick out their own clothes?

Alison` - I too love your blog.
My question, if you were placed on a deserted island (with your family and Waffles) what item must come with you?

Lisa Lentini - Ok…a good question…
What is one thing that you have said to another person that you wish you could take back?
Thanks for the fun giveaway 🙂

Stacie - LOVE your blog! It is a “must read” for me every day. My question is – when did “find the teenager” game start for you? I have a 12 year old daughter and I’m just waiting for those moments to start with her. Somehow reading your experiences is making me feel better prepared for when it happens!

Rebecca - Yay, sparkly things!
Annnnd…a not-so-sparkly question, but definitely one I’m personally concerned about, for my own kiddos someday:
Did you ever struggle with an eating disorder? How do you protect your daughters from the impossible notions of ‘beauty’ currently touted by mass media? How do you protect your sons from subscribing to those notions as well?

trina McNeilly - Yay for a giveaway! I would like to know how you juggle everything/find time to be a good mom, wife, friend, crafty lady, etc.? Do you keep to a schedule or have a plan?
x Trina

deb - Love love love your blog! My question for you is what is on your favorite playlist on your ipod.
Deb

Karen~ - Your blog is great, I always look for to your new posts. What is your favorite craft? Thanks for sharing!
Karen~

Gini - Do you really “keep it all together” as you seem to, or do you have days that you look at your blog and go “who is this lady”? We all want to be like you and are inspired to come check on you often – but for real, I could NEVER keep up with you. You Rock!

lauren - i love love love your blog and all of your great photos. your family seems very close-knit and it looks like you guys have a lot of fun together! my question for you is — are there any unique or special traditions that you and your family have?

Beth - Man that is one major prize. I want it bad so I’m trying to think of the best question ever. Oh, you’re picking randomly though, right, so a super-duper question won’t increase my chances. Ok, well . . . .I want it to be a good one anyway. But I haven’t read all of them, so someone might have already asked my best question ever. Hmmm. Ok, well, here it is, I’m thinking about jobs lately so I wonder, if you could have any job, what would your dream job be?

Casey Ohmen - Lot of comments to read. I have been following your blog for a little while now. My question would be what room in your house was your favorite to redo? How much did you redo yourself and what was done already? I love old homes that have character like your seems to do. My other question would be what is one thing that you would like to learn?
Well have fun answering all the questions…..

Bethany - Okay…so there are WAY too many comments for me to read back through them and I HOPE you didn’t post the “How To” back when you made those fun bottle caps, but how do you make them?!! I would love to see a tutorial!! {hint, hint!!}
Happy Wednesday Meg!!

Pattie - Well, since you are heading into the thick of the teenage years, I have a question that relates to that. When Lauren asks, what will be the one experience from your high school years that you hope she won’t repeat.
By the way, I want a Waffle but only one that won’t flood the floor! 🙂

Jen - HI Meg-
I am a new reader, thanks to my sister-in-law’s suggestion. As a wife, mother and female role model, how do you find a balance between doing it ALL. It seems that you have God in your heart, enjoy family time, and find time to connect with girlfriends while maintaining a great blog for all to share. What is your secret? 🙂

nicole - What inspires you most each day? Because you are just, well, one pretty cool Mama. Whatever…

Patty - I love your blog. You have a lot of energy that comes through. What I’ve enjoyed most, though, is your photos. Where did you learn to take such beautiful shots? Did you go to school for photography, is it a natural talent, or a bit of both?

Kristen - I lurk on your blog, but love it! Where did you learn to take such great pictures? And what kind of camera do you use?

Jessica - Hello there I have a question and a fun suggestion…Question: Where or How did you come up with the name Talby? Suggestion: You should do “16 Things” like Ali Edwards did! I would love to see your 16 things, she said she got the idea from a couple other bloggers doing it 🙂

KarenW - Okay, like everyone else, I LOVE your blog! A great mix of family, crafts, funny business, I love it!
I second the question of how you met your husband and fell in love, and…
also, if it’s not too personal, what was your oldest daughter like as a baby? I love your attitude toward the teen years and I’m totally dreading them myself, but I think your attitude is something to aspire to.

Jennifer - What was your job before kids? You are so creative and productive I am curious where it all started.

Dawn - Hi! Great blog! I would like to know how you always get the light to look so perfect in all your pictures? Thanks! Dawn

Nina - Love your blog!
What’s your favorite lens to use on your camera?

Sarah - I’ve been a reader for a while but never commented. I love your blog!! You are so inspirational and creative. My question is….if there was going to be a movie about your life, what celebrity would you choose to play YOU??? 🙂

sarah - I love reading your blog, so inspiring. I’ve tried hard to think of a question… I’ve had a difficult time, so I thought I’d ask about your faith? How did you come to know the Lord? I don’t know why, but I always find such joy in hearing peoples stories… Hopefully I will get to hear yours….
God Bless,
Sarah

pam - I will be comment #140 unless someone quickly beats me to it. My question is…Did you ever think you’d get this many comments??? It’s amazing…way to go girl! xo

Kelly Anne - Oh! I love questions, I’m so nosy. Ok. How did you pick each of your kids’ names?
I love your crafts and photography, you’ve got a great eye!

Jane - I am new to your blog, but already a huge Waffle fan! My question is what’s your favorite season?

Tammi - Hi, my question is…did you always know you wanted 5 kiddos? I mean, did you plan on having a big family like that? I have one child and love the idea of a big family, but I really dont think I could handle it..

elleypea - I love looking at blogs. It seems like everyone have a blog now a days, especially young women. I want one, but dont have anything to write about! I feel so boring. Anyway, my question is: What made you start your blog? How did you think up your first entry?

Nancy - I simply ADORE your blog… so inspirational! It is the first one I go to in my list of “faves”. Anyways, my question is what is your favorite Bible verse? The one that you live by or that you always turn to. Mine is Psalm 62:1-2… It is my mantra through life’s challenges and joys. Thanks for being such a blessing.
Nancy from Sunny California

Shannan - Oh, just the post I’ve been waiting for.
My question is all ready for you:
What are your top 3-5 favorite cds right now?
I’m also interested in hearing more about you and your hubby – always a sucker for a good love story. 🙂

Heather S - What type of church do you attend? I hope that’s not too personal…

Kay in LA - I read your blog because it gives me hope.
My question is:
I have 2 little girls (3 & 4) and I’d like to know if it gets any easier? You make it look that way and I live vicariously through you!

bobbie - I know this is a crazy question but do you ever just want to eat waffle up?
Also, what other blogs do you read?

Katy Frame - I want to know what your favorite craft stores are (online or not..). And I want to know what your craft space looks like! 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win this SWEET stuff!!

amy d - is hammy still breathing? i don’t believe i have seen him make a blog appearance yet! he might fall under the category “naughty hammy”

Kate - all righty then, my questions are:
favorite movie/s?
what’s your dream job (other than being a mom)?
-kate

Jody - I just love everything about your blog. Makes me smile everytime! I’m 51 and about to become a grandma for the 1st time so I’m gathering ideas for fun things to do w/kids…I wasn’t very fun when I was a mom! So thanks for all the inspiration. Love your photos too…great ideas for baby/kid/family shots that I can’t wait to try. I don’t have your imagination…do these things just come to you? Have you always had such a creative imagination and skill or is it “learned”..in other words is there still a chance for me???

Heather - How did you decide what your craft room was going to look like and how do you keep it organized? It is so cute! I just want to say that I am incredibly jealous of you having such a nice room. Slowly my craft area is growing (I think it strives to be a room one day!)

Camm - Love, love, love your blog…I got so many cool ideas for the holidays from your blog! Wondering…have you always been ‘crafty’? I know you mention your mom from time to time…was she also a crafty, creative mom when you were growing up?

Carrie - Have I ever mentioned I love your blog and I am so jealous of your creativity?
My question is…When do you sleep?
Ok, that was a bit of a joke, but here it is
How do you keep your crafting organized. Not just the area where you do it, but the projects themself. You have so many fun and different things you do. You sew, you scrapbook, the bottlecap magnets, artsy stuff, etc. I have trouble staying focused. I started sewing and love it, but I have trouble managing more than one sewing project at a time, let alone taking on something else like scrapbooking or knitting (which I have really been wanting to learn). So, in short how do you keep it all balanced?
Thanks Meg.

jody - Hello!!
How did you and your husband meet?? And how long have you been married?
🙂
Jody

Kim - Besides your children, what is your favorite thing to photograph? I am always mesmerized by your eye- your pictures- and love to read your stream of thinking.

Alison - Oh what fun, what fun!! If you were left on a deserted island (like Nim’s Island if you’ve seen that movie), what would be the one and only item you would take with you? Your family and Waffle would go too, so you can’t say them.

Nicole - I love your blog.
How do you come up with so many creative ideas?
How do you do your crafts with you kids (my dd is always taking over so I never get any of my projects done but she always gets hers done)?

Rachel - Oh I am so loving this giveaway!!!! Seriously, I need this stuff, we have no scrapbook store in this tiny town so these would be awesome!!
My question is:
If you just stopped blogging one day, what craft/hobby would take place of that activity?
:)Rachel from Oregon.

Nicole - I love your blog.
How do you come up with so many creative ideas?
How do you do your crafts with you kids (my dd is always taking over so I never get any of my projects done but she always gets hers done)?

Laura - I want a house full of kiddos. Did you have to convince your hubby or did he want a house full, too?
Love your blog. Your bright colors always make me smile!!!!!

Dana - You like to talk, and I like to be nosey! So here goes:
How did you meet your hubby?
How did you know he was THE ONE for you?
How did your family choose the name Waffle?

Deb - Hmm…fun! My question is: How will you dress Waffle next Halloween?

Alice - My questions is How do you stay looking so young and thin?
you always look amazing.

thatjill - I am having so much fun visiting your blog. Thanks for sharing your lovely home, family and photography.
Here’s a question, if you could photograph anyone, anywhere and in any style who, where and how would you do it?
Have fun!

Arlene McComas - Good afternoon,
I found your blog about Christmas time and have enjoyed your Waffle and laundry stories..I didn’t know you were a scrapbooker…I guess I just missed that portion of your life and was enjoying the ‘mother’ part of your life.
So of course, my question. How do you do it ALL? Do you have a creating room or is it on the kitchen table with the laundry? Perhaps you have answered in older posts, maybe I will stay here a bit and read more of your old posts.
I enjoy your delightful approach of parenting and living a life that is ‘real’ and being then willing to share it to inspire and delight the rest of us.
Thank you.

Melanie - Are you going to go back to work when Annie goes to school full time? By the way, your hot chocolate machine is in the mail:)

Christina - My question would be,
Do your children fuss/fight/argue about taking your adorable Waffle for walks, feeding him and other dog duties or is that mom’s job?
Love your blog. Love the honesty when things don’t always go right, such as dog pee when friends are over and kiddos missing from the table for attitudes. Also, love you pictures. This all keeps me coming back to read.

Laura - Hi Meg,
I must confess I do not have a blog but I read yours and a few others everyday. I find your lives so interesting and I think to myself in a few years I hope to be going down the same path as you when it comes to a family and a home. Im 22, just finished univeristy and work like a crazy lady, obviously with student debt money is an issue when its comes to crafting, I am a scrapbook fiend! My question is how do you find resources for all of your craft projects? It must get expensive after awhile, I would love to do what you do but Im always thinking about budget, maybe when you post your next craft you could give a run down of the cost.
Keep bloggin’, you do it very well!
God Bless,
Laura

Katie - Considering we’re on baby #7 and you’ve had your fair of precious little ones, were you crafty during your pregnancies? Do your kids have special keepsakes you’ve made them?

Tiffany - I love your blog. I read it all the time,but for some reason I never comment.:) So today is a new day & I’ll start to comment. We arethe same age and I have 3 kids. Their ages are 12,9 and 6 (boy,girl,boy). My question to you as a fellow believer is : How are you teaching your kids to be completely sold out for Christ? Being a parent is such a hard job and as believers we are told to teach our kids about God ALL the time. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on training kids up to be Daniels in the midst of our everyday life. Have a wonderful day!!

izzybeth - Refreshing blog.
Happy and real.
So creative… inspiring!
Makes me want to… make something!
How do you pronounce Talby’s name?

Brooke - When is the next block party???? Y’all look like you have crazy fun. We live in a “rural” neighborhood that would be perfect for a bash. I guess I better get off my duff and plan one!
Love your blog, love your HOUSE! I never tire of seeing pics of the house!

Rosemarie - Hi – I read every post and comment when I have something to say! 🙂
My question: What would you suggest to keep on hand as “the basics” with regards to craft supplies? I need to get my closet up to date!
Thanks for this great giveaway – and good luck everyone!

dellie - Hi Meg – Love your work! 🙂
My question and I notice this has kinda been asked already but anyways… where do YOU look for inspiration? (I look at your blog!) and how do you maintain close relationships and have time for your friends with such a big family ??

amy - Questions for ya:
What is your favorite song…..
Any favorite motto you have?
i hope i win i hope i win~
you rock!

Penny - What is your favorite thing about Waffle?

Carol S. - Firstly, I just wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I think you are super talented.
My question for you is, when are you going to start selling ome of your fabulous work?

cassie o - in the past week i’ve made your chocolate chip cookies, chicken & biscuits, and stuffed shells … pure heaven so far, next week is mexican chicken
where do you find your easy-peasy recipes??

Jessica - What are the things in your life which make you feel rich, blessed beyond belief?

Ainslie - Beautiful giveaway…my question:- how do you go preparing meals for 7 people every day??? I struggle to come up with a variety of dinners for my little family of 4!!! Do you plan your meals ahead or just on a day-to-day basis?

Cathie - if you can have anyone over for dinner, who would you have, what would you serve and why would you invite them?
extra points for more questions? hehe
God bless,
Cathie

Melaine - Love your blog! How do you find the time to do it all?

Emily - I recently discovered your blog and love it. I love your style, creativity, and inspirational posts. Since all my questions have been taken, is that a picture of you in the fun glasses?

Kari - Okay, so I’ve been reading your blog since I first looked at it to see pictures of your house. I love it, because it reminds me so much of my family (I have 4 kids, somewhat close in age to yours)! It makes me smile. Anyway, I know you’ve talked about Hillsboro before, did you go to Tabor? That’s the “official” college for my church (First Mennonite Brethren in Wichita)? I didn’t go there but alot of my friends did. Which leads to another question, which may or may not apply. What is your favorite German food?

Tami - How Fun is this!!!
If you could live anywhere where would it be and why?
Thanks, Tami
P.S. Hope your friend is recovering well.

PamperingBeki - My question is, do I stink?
😉

meredith - How do you drink your coffee? Even though I live in Australia, if our paths ever cross (perhaps in a Starbucks) I would love to buy you one. I have already had loads of coffee on my side while reading your blog, it would be delightful to return the favour.

Romana - How do you find time for each of your children (let alone your hubby and yourself!?!). Do you try to plan time with each child individually or just go with what time pops up with them??

kari - You have a free Saturday, you can do whatever you want. What do you do?
Kari 🙂

danelle - Hello! What ya fixin for supper tonight?

Angela - Not to suck up or anything, I LOVE you home. I even made my husband sit down and look at every picture. I am still in the stage of dreaming of a house.
My quetion: Do you have any tips on balancing kids, husband, housework, dinners, crafts/blogs/hobbies, friends, spiritual?

Jessica - What is your favorite crafting tool?

diana g - Reading your blog puts me in a happy, smiley place!!! I find myself re-reading your older posts – you actually can make me laugh out loud (not easy to do!) I’ve even tried and shared some of your recipes (yummy!). And I adore your house and kids!!
My question – what are your 3 favorite blogs and why?????

Shelly Primm - I have been lurking around your blog for over a month and just love reading your blog! Everything you do is pretty amazing to me.
I actually have 2 questions for you regarding srapbooking:
* Do you print all of your digital pictures each month? The reason I am asking is that I get overwhelmed editing my pictures because I feel like I have to get the red-eye, etc. out of each picture – I tend to get overwhelmed and it takes a lot of time (I currently use snapfish). When I used my point and shoot, I would get the film developed and then filed into my power sort box from Creative Memories?
* Do you make a scrapbook album for each one of your kids or do you keep up one family album? I only have 2 children (6 & 4) and I have not even finished my second daughters one year album. Again, I seem to get overwhelmed!
Thanks!

Jill Adkins - Oh, I just LOVE your blog!- you are so inspiring and honest- LOVE your home- we lived in Kansas in a historic home for 2 years and I loved it! seeing your sweet home makes me miss ours!
My question: Have you ever thought of starting a cottage industry selling some of your creations??- (maybe the cute house pillows first-hint! hint!)
Blessings!
Jill A.

Jen - Mine is frivolous, but I really need to know (just in case I don’t win)….where did you get that notebook?? I’m working on a project at work, and I need that kind of design for it!

heather lea - hello 🙂 my name is heather, and i’ve been reading your blog for quite some time, but have been sort of a silent observer. my question is: you have said you moved to your current place from illinois. where in illinois? i lived in chicago for four years, and have recently moved down to champaign-urbana. also, why did you move?

Leah - Good heavens…I want to win that sweet package for the cute magnet alone! I saw your post on that project a while ago and have been dying to make some! Ok…so the big question. I want to know how you and Craig met! Were you highschool sweethearts…blind date (hehe)…etc.

shiela - what’s been the most impacting and life-changing moment in your life?

Priscilla Halliday - Very cool giveaway!
If you had a million dollars what would you spend it on?
What are your favourite craft supplies – what wouldn’t you be without?
what is your favourtie colour?
Whats the best gift you ever recieved?
I love visiting your blog :o)

Lanny Stanard - Okay my Question to you is how are you going to answer all these Question? give waffle a big old kiss for me!
Lanny 🙂

Lindsey - What is your favorite thing about being a mom? I’m expecting my first and am getting nervous about it!

Jessica - What or who inspired you to start “whatever”?

Heidi - Your blog inspires me everytime I read it! I love how you are so honest and show your day to day life. I also love your crafts and the bright vibrant colors you use! Yummy!
My question: What and/or who inspires you?

meaghan easterhaus - where’d ya go to college? what was your degree in?

Kate - Great giveaway!!!!
My question:
What is your all time favorite thrift store/garage sale find?

Holly - I LOVE your blog. You are so creative and I love the pictures that you have taken, they are so lovely.
I am currently looking for a new scent or perfume…I guess my question would be: What would you say your favorite scent or perfume?
It always fascinates me to hear what people say about their preferences.

maryaz - What did you do before you became a full time mom–the hardest job in the whole world (but, also the most rewarding)?? OR do you have any advice about getting started in the blogging world? I read tons of blogs, but am chicken to start my own!

Blanca - Meg, I have enjoyed your blog for almost two years and I love it. Your entire family is adorable and adding Waffle to your family was great. So here is my question. How often do you go to the grocery store and what is the most you have ever spent buying food? I only have three kids and a husband and still managed to spend $196 this weekend. Maybe I’m doing something wrong.
Blanca

Kristen Breslin - Just came across your blog! Our family is getting ready to move in a few short months. I SO want my house to be welcoming and a safe haven for my family.
So, my question is…
If you could only have 3 things made or bought that makes your house a haven for your family…what would they be?

Chelsea - I recently found your blog and love reading about your large family and your antique-ing and crafting!
Question: How many scrapbook pages do you typically do in a year and do you have a book for each child or many family books?
I hope I win 🙂

Amy - How did you decide that you wanted 5 kids…and what was the hardest transition? I’ve heard if you have 3 kids…you can have 6! Why not try for one more? 😉
Your blog is brilliant! I love it and you’re my craft guru!
Amy~

Chelsea Jones - Where do you find the time to make and explore all of these wonderful crafts???? You are like super mom.lol

Talz - LOVE your blog!
My question: If you could have any hair color (and it look good), what would it be?
Thanks for the giveaway!

Angela Williams - Cute giveaway!
Do you have a signature or favorite craft project that you have completed in the last year?
thanks, love your stuff!
Angela

Angela Williams - Cute giveaway!
Do you have a signature or favorite craft project that you have completed in the last year?
thanks, love your stuff!
Angela

Angela B. - Thank you for your inspiring blog! I am in awe of all of your crafty/artistic abilities. My question to you is….what is your favorite creative outlet? (photography, scrap booking, decorating or whatever else you love to do) Thanks again!

Candice - Hello, I love your blog and crafts!
My question is
I have read in your blog that you love babies and seeing them makes you want one. So if your husband wanted to have another baby, would you try for more children? It may be too personal, but I would love to know. thanks.

Holly - This is an awesome give away!
What is your most favorite and least favorite thing about having a large family?

Lisa - great stuff, I just love the journal.
My question is, how did you know you wanted to stay home and raise your kids instead of being a career woman or try to juggle both?
My best friend is expecting her first in July and is having a hard time deciding if staying at home to raise their children will be a decision she makes.

Teresa - If you could live your life differently, what would you be doing? Who would you be married to? How many kids would you have? Where would you live?

Bailey Christensen - I’m not even sure how I came upon your blog a month or so ago, but now I check it out daily – I love how you capture things in your life.
I have 2 kids, ages 3 and 4 months and I don’t get to craft/sew, etc as much as I’d like to. We’ve tried doing craft days with the girls but they always fall through, or aren’t as big of a success as I’d like.
My question:
How do you find (or make) time for crafting?

jill in mn - hey meg. love love LOVE your blog. such fun and color!
um, my question . . . did you know what you wanted to do with your life at age 18?/what did you (if you did) go to school for? cuz i don’t know what to do. and it’s kinda stressful. and i am trying to be patient and all but i wish i just knew. =)
anyway, love your blog.

lisa - Hi, My question is: When you were younger what did you dream you would be or was there something that you really wanted to do or see? I know it’s only one question but were you able to see that dream come true or as life will have it is it unfulfilled??I have to tell you I really enjoy your blog . It makes me smile! I love the pictures that you take.

Dawn Gahan - I have been a reader of your blog for the past few months. What an inspiration. Thank you thank thank you for sharing your life and your creativity.
My question . . . why did you name your blog “whatever”?
Dawn
The Gahan Girls

Kristy - Love your blog :O)
My question, what is one thing you’d like to learn to do?

Amie - wow, awesome giveaway! hmmm my question is: what is your 1 favorite chacteristic of each of your kids and your husband?? what is your one least favorite characteristic of them? and of you, too!

princess lasertron - ooooh good idea, with the questions. and I love all that stuff!
hmm. I think I have a few.
1. What is your favorite scent? Why?
2. Who are you children’s heroes?
3. What is the last super cool thing your husband did for you?

lelu - I just found your website last month and have loved reading about your life and seeing all your fantastic photos. And I love your scrapbook pages. I also have five kids and was wondering if each of your kids has their own scrapbook or if you just keep a family album.
When I started scrapbooking I just had two kids so I made each of them their own album. Now I am four years behind and have two children whose books haven’t even been started yet. A family album is sounding really good to me.
So, what works best for you?

betsy - Hey Meg,
Wow, what a fun looking giveaway! Hmmm, my question:
How much input does your husband give when it comes to home decorating, design, and budgets, etc? 🙂

Wendy - Hmmm… A question, huh? Looks like there are already a lot taken, so…
What is the air speed velocity of an unlaiden swallow?
;o)

Amanda Larkins - I just love your home and blog. Your family is so beautiful. I only have 2 children–my son is 9 and my daughter is 7. My question is how do you handle the teen/preteen years? I’m terrified!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

Amanda - As a future teacher, what is your favorite or your kids favorite educational craft or art project?
I love your page and your family is so precious…along with Waffle!

Amanda - As a future teacher, what is your favorite or your kids favorite educational craft or art project?
I love your page and your family is so precious…along with Waffle!

Amanda - As a future teacher, what is your favorite or your kids favorite educational craft or art project?
I love your page and your family is so precious…along with Waffle!

Mandi - Do you have a favorite rainy/snowy day craft? Even though I live in Tennessee, we have had snow for the past 4 days and I need something to do!
Thanks!

Kat - what made you decide to do this give away and why did you choose these particular items to give?

Jessie - This is an absolutely amazing giveaway!!! I so want to win!!
My question is…When it comes to photography, what is the one biggest tips or hints that you have in capturing real life on camera? Favorite accessory? Lighting? Anything! You’re photography is great and I would love to learn a little bit more! 🙂

Heidi Jo the Artist - What an awesome giveaway!! You are so creative and very inspiring!
I’m curious what is one of your favorite blogs to visit?
Have an awesome day!!
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

Donna - How about two? Where did you get your kid’s names from? I’m fascinated with names.
Second, how/where did you learn about photography? Any tips for beginners (guess that was technically three!) Thanks!

Shannon - Hi! I found your blog through a friend of mine and I now check back daily to see what’s going on in your life. I find that you are an inspiration to me because of your scrapbooking and your photography and your love of the Lord. I’m sure life must be hectic at your house with your kids and Waffle (he looks HUGE!), but it seems as though you really have it all pulled together and are doing what you love, which I think is fabulous.
My question, since you are an inspiration to me, is what inspires YOU?

Shelly H. (in Overland Park, KS) - I think those give-aways are sooo super-fantastic!! I better come up with a question =)
What item in your home is your greatest thrift-store/garage sale/flea market bargain prize piece? I know that you have shown a lot of great things that you have been able to get good deals on… but what is that one (or more than one) thing that you see and say “Wow, I did good.” ?

courtney - i was going to ask about your testimony…but someone took that one 🙂
so…what is your favorite thing to do with your husband??
thanks for brightening our days with a a giveaway!!!

Sallie Draper - Hi Megan,
I really enjoy your blog! My favorite part are your awesome photos! I wonder, what is your favorite blog and why?
Sallie

Kelli Linkis - I read your blog every day. I have ordered and received the silicone molds to make the “Old crayons-into new Crayons” in the shapes of the letters. How many crayons do you put into each letter shape to make the new letter crayon?
I have been meaning to email you this question for a few days, so this is the perfect opportunity!
LOVE you giveaway…2nd question-why are you giving it away? :0)
HAPPY WEDNESDAY, MEG!
-Kelli <><<

Denise - I absolutely adore your blog. I truly am inspired by your ideas and thoughts. I want to know your decorating influences…you mix new and vintage and it SO works. Thanx:)

Darby - ONE question… that’s not fair. I can think of about 10 off the top of my head! Argh… now you’re going to make me think even harder about what I want to ask!! Well, shoot, I can’t think of one question so I’m asking a series of questions about your home…
When you bought your house… did you immediately love it? Or did you feel overwhelmed with the thought of what work would be ahead of you? Did you choose it because of it’s character, location or because it “fit” your family well? And… what is your next “house project” and feel free to share inspiration images! 🙂

Shelly H. (in Overland Park, KS) - I think those give-aways are sooo super-fantastic!! I better come up with a question =)
What item in your home is your greatest thrift-store/garage sale/flea market bargain prize piece? I know that you have shown a lot of great things that you have been able to get good deals on… but what is that one (or more than one) thing that you see and say “Wow, I did good.” ?

Michelle - Meg, why did you move from IL to Kansas? How do you like it? Is your family closer to Kansas or IL? What are some of the differences in cultures in the two places? For example, I have found people on the East Coast (where I used to live) to be vastly different than the midwest (where I live now) in dressing style, decor taste and even the way they socialize.

Beth - #1 What kind of photo editing software do you use?
#2 How flippin’ cute is ‘Waffle’?
PS…I think that I already know the answer to question #2

McGee - Oooh… what fabulous goodies!
Here are my questions:
1. I am a newbie when it comes to sewing, so I apologize if this is a totally stupid question. I LOVE the shirts you’ve been making with the fabulous little designs like Annie’s “4” shirt. For those, do you stitch them by hand or use the machine? Any tips on how to make them? I’d love to make one for Meredith’s 3rd birthday.
2. My husband and I love the photos of the inside of your house! We are such suckers for old houses! Did y’all do the remodel of the kitchen yourselves, or did you work with a contractor and kitchen designer? Any good source info on where you got your cabinets, counter tops, light fixtures, etc.?

meghan - aaaaah! i’m so excited. This has got to be the best giveaway ever! I love your blog, your creativeness with your kids, your dog, your house, your pictures. You inspire me!
Question: What is on your Ipod? What is 1 song you can listen to over and over again and never get sick of it?
Ok that is two questions…you don’t have to answer both of them if you don’t want 🙂
have a great day. xoxo

Ana - I found your blog a few days ago and have been very inspired by your photography! My question to you is: have you taken any photography courses?

Kelly - What an awesome giveaway!
My question: Did you always know you wanted a larger family rather then a smaller? We tend to be thinking that direction but it’s hard in the “have two and be done” society.

Amy De La Garza - I linked to your “Blah” post a few weeks ago from my blog. One of my friends said she looked at your pictures and it looks like everything is perfect. How many hours per day/week do you devote to working on your house? Do you try to do it on a budget, or simply based on style? It looks so wonderful and homey.

diane reeves - Where are you going to put your super cute red damask lampshades you made on your girls weekend?
pick me !!!!

Patti - Hi there! Love your blog and I come back to check and see what’s new every couple days.
My question is: have you finished the kids artwork in the bathroom? Would love to see updated photos of the progress. I just think that’s an awesome idea!
Keep on keepin’ on! You inspire all of us readers!!
~ patti

Rachel Ann - Did you always know that you wanted more than the super typical 2.5 kids? My husband and I have been married for just over a year and I think that I want multiple children, but I’m not sure if I could handle it. I suppose what I’m asking is, did you stumble upon having a good amount of children by deciding multiple times that you could handle one more or did you set out to have many?

Aubrey - okay i’m an idiot–i was scrolling down to find a post to show my friend your craftiness and found where you showed you bought that red/white damask on ebay–the place you probably find all your way cute fabric.
going to ebay.
even though i’m a little afraid of it. how does one KNOW that fabric will be the same color in real life that it is on the computer screen? sometimes the computer lies.
the first time i tried to leave this comment, it didn’t show up, so if it does, i’ll be double embarrassed.

Lori - I have been following your blog for a while and it is good to know that you have crabby days too! My question is….what do you do or where do you escape to when everyone is getting on your last nerve?
Love your pictures!!!

Ashley - Perfect giveaway! I want to know how you learned to be such an awesome photographer and what tips you can pass along to us underlings. 🙂

Angela Williams - I tried to leave a comment, but I don’t think it took. Love the giveaway it is so cute.
my question: Do you have a signature craft or favorite craft you have completed in the last year?
Love your stuff… great inspiration!

Angela Williams - I tried to leave a comment, but I don’t think it took. Love the giveaway it is so cute.
my question: Do you have a signature craft or favorite craft you have completed in the last year?
Love your stuff… great inspiration!

katie - How did you find that wonderful house of yours??? I always look for an old house like that & never find them… for sale anyways!! I would LOVE to win!!

Aubrey - never mind. i feel like an idiot–i was scrolling down to find a post to show my friend and saw where you showed us the red and white fabric you found on ebay.
going to ebay.
even though i’m a little afraid of ebay–how does one KNOW the color will be just right and just what they want? sometimes the computer screen lies about color and size.

Angela Williams - Cute Giveaway… love it.
So, my question is: do you have a signature craft or a favorite craft you have made/completed in the last year?
Love your cute stuff!

Angela Williams - Cute Giveaway… love it.
So, my question is: do you have a signature craft or a favorite craft you have made/completed in the last year?
Love your cute stuff!

jodi-finally in pa - great giveaway–i need a pick me up after 3 weeks of all 9 of us (plus the 2 black labs) living with my in-laws.
my question is…if you could do anything once your kids are all out of the house–what would (will?) you do? career wise? or continue doing what you do now (awesome keeper of the home!) don’t think about whether you’d have to go back to school, or live on a different continent… what would your *ideal* be?
jodi (who just made her blog public)

Kristen - I LOVE your blog. Sometimes as a mother to two young girls (2 1/2 and 1) I am EXHAUSTED and feel like I have no time to do the fun things that you seem to do with your kids. You are truly inspiring~ you make me want to be a better mother and spend more quality time doing the things they will remember (dancing around, crafting, baking, decorating, etc.). My question is, how do you do it all? I feel so drained and out of it. Where do you get your energy? Thanks for your blog and all of your ideas!

Megan - One of my favorite blogs!!! I visit “you” daily and love allll your crafty stuff. My question for you is what are some of you favorite internet places to visit for creative ideas?

Amanda Jo - Ok…this question is quite personal but I’d love to know your answer if you don’t mind sharing it. I mean, I love hearing about how/when people came to fall in love with the Lord…so….
What is your testimony?

Melissa - What’s the best part about being a stay at home Mom?
I have been an admirer of your blog for such a long time. You actually have inspired me to try some craftiness of my own. Thank you for bring such a bright positive light into this world.
Regards,
Melissa

Stephanie - Hello!
I have been silently admiring your blog for some time now… LOVE IT! You take such amazing pictures and you’re so creative with it all! I also love taking pictures, but I’m never too happy with mine. My question is… what kind of camera do you have? And, how “user friendly” is it? Or maybe I should say, how easy is it to use for someone who isn’t all that camera smart? I can work my way around any digital camera… but when it comes to knowing how to manually adjust light, etc… I’m horrible at that. :o) So I’m really just wondering what kind of camera you have and if I had that one… could I also take awesome pictures? :o)

Margaret - I am fairly new to this blogging thing and I am trying to keep up with it. Thanks for your inspiration and for helping us Moms keep sane!
My Question:
If you were given 1 hour to spend an unlimited amount of money in 1 store, where would it be?

Aubrey - I know I annoyingly ask this ALL the time, but WHERE do you find all your darling fabrics? Do you have a favorite online store? I’ve looked around at our fabric stores, but never really see the awesome stuff you do–like that red and white damask.
And how would you feel about me stealing your blog name? I’m really kind of kidding, but I wish I would have thought of it first–I say it all the time–to my husband and kids especially.

Nicole Willmore - What a cute giveaway, I would love, love, love to win this. Wow, what a perfect day to discover your blog!

Shannon - I am a lurker who loves your blog! You always inspire me and bring a smile to my face!
My question is…..what kind of camera do you use?

Sharla - What’s your favorite thing that you have made and why?

Leslie - What is your best tip for other moms? Something to help us get it all done during the day?

adrienneK - oh oh oh what an awesome giveaway!!
hmmm a question….
like i told you before, as a mother you are very inspirational 🙂 im always peeking over at what neat things you do with your kiddos, BUT what do you like to do for yourself? shopping,crafting,etc 🙂 AND another thing i think is neat is how freely you discuss your faith in God, how do you go about teaching your children about God an his love?
xoxo
adrienneK

Leah Baird - Where did you find the awesome gift for giveaway?

Jill - What have you & Lauren done together lately that you both enjoyed…where you saw a familiar laugh or smile, and knew that if you can just get past the teenage years, it’ll be okay. Does she have the same love language as she did when she was little??
I have a little boy and sometimes I worry how I will relate to him when he is a teenager..right now he just thinks I’m the greatest thing ever, and I want to bottle it up for when he’s 13! HA
I love reading your blog!!
Jill from AR

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he’s a goldendoodle.

so many people ask when waffle makes a blog appearance "what kind of dog is that?"

IMG_2736
he's a goldendoodle.
he is 7 months old now. 
he is gianormous and naughty.  
but so darn cute you can't help but love him.

we have bible study at our house every sunday night.
this past sunday craig took waffle and the kids out to the country for some running around.
when they came back….waffle drank a ton of water…then fell asleep by the door.
an hour later our bible study group shows up.
i point to his kennel…he goes right in….like an angel.
bible study proceeds to go on about 5 feet away from his kennel.
i was upstairs dealing with a dvd for the kids and i hear craig yelling for me downstairs…and laughing.
i come down and walk right into a puddle of dog pee!
in my socks.
in front of everyone.
UGH.
he pee-ed in his kennel because he had waited so long.  
and it was everywhere.

you know….even bible study is exciting at our house.

naughty dog.
(i know i know….it's my fault and he's not naughty…he's sweet and lovely)

to remind me of the cute stuff….let's look back at when he was a precious baby!

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IMG_3396

IMG_3550 IMG_4718

IMG_4723 
IMG_5874

it's obvious why we love him.
even if i step in his pee in my socks…..
nasty.

naomi - OMG! my dog is a labradoodle and waffle is a spitting image of him! my puppy does the same thing but when he is excited. they are really smart too. he learned how to open the cabinet where his treats are kept with his nose and he knocks on the door when he wants to come inside! i love my doggie he is soooo cuddly!!!!

Kaira - I love our goldendoodle. I’m convinced they are the best breed ever! Our Remy is such a stinker but I love him anyways.

dolce chic - My goodness Waffle is adorable! I had never seen a goldendoodle before, I want one!!!

Heather Matias mhmatias1@hotmail.com or mymanymoments.blogspot.com - Where did you get that great molding for a shelf in your entry way. The one with the family pics on them? It is just beautiful! And where do you get the glitter hanging letters like the “wish” in you gift?
Thanks
Heather

Heather Matias - Where did you get that great molding for a shelf in your entry way. The one with the family pics on them? It is just beautiful! And where do you get the glitter hanging letters like the “wish” in you gift?
Thanks
Heather

Karen - oh yes, pee socks. I have some of those. I got them when I dared to take a shower before letting the dogs out one morning. Bad, Bad me! One of them peed right outside my bathroom door. (That’ll show me!) Love that dog you’ve got there! So cute!

melissa @ the inspired room - HA. Love that dog.
Saw you got featured on a big website, GO GIRL!
xo

Holly - what an adorable pup!

Michelle - Meg, love your blog, check it with a frequency that would completely diminish laundry piles here if my attention was diverted to the washer/dryer instead. Have started my own blog web.me.com/idealwife and wonder…would you mind if I post a link to you there? Thanks for all the inspiration!

Courtney - Waffle is a killer cute dog! That last puppy shot of him all fluffy and running around made my heart explode. I have to go love on my own cute pups now, have to fix the doggy itch. 😀

Meaghan - love that dog! my friend has one! girl, you’re on ohdeedoh AGAIN! they love you over there!

danyele - our friends had a goldendoodle that was the most gentle dog in the world…i love how cute they are!

3 Peas in a Pod - Waffle is such a cutie pie and I love the name. Sooo adorable. I have a yellow lab and although she’s very sweet and cute, she’s a handful. Always causing some kind of trouble. She’s my fourth child.

Shana - Look at Jett’s little gimpy leg…so easy to pick him out. They were so tiny…boy were we fooled!

Kelley - Get ready to submit pictures of Waffle on iheartfaces.blogspot next week…I think it’s “pet” week. You should also enter the other contests. You have some great pictures!

Amber - Waffle is so darn cute. How can you not smile when looking at that sweet face? (even if your socks are wet with his pee…ok, that is gross)

Donna - He is for sure one of the cutest dogs I have ever seen……….and the name “Waffle” is the CUTEST dog name to ever exist.

Sandy - Oh my gosh! I had completely forgotten how small he was when you got him!!! He seems to be a great dog and I still love his name! Very creative – just like you and your family!

amy d - BIG LOVES for waffle from auntie amy d & miley

Beth - We are getting a Golden doodle puppy in Feb. It will be a medium sized. We are so excited but a little nervous too! Waffle is so cute!

katy - That’s it!
I must have a new dog, we love our sweet precious dog/person…she’s 13 yrs. old………but heavenly hanna, I want this dog. What a cutie!!

Queen Bee - Hubby and I were just talking about dogs yesterday and I asked for a “waffle dog”, not that the two dogs we already have aren’t enough, LOL! “What’s a waffle dog?”, he asked, and I couldn’t tell him. Glad you cleared that up!
He reminds me of “Sandy” in Annie (the play), so he’s perfect for your house! 🙂
He’s sooooooooo darn cute!

Ruth Ann - He’s absolutely adorable! I just want to give him a squeeze! I’m excited because we’re getting a golden retriever in a couple weeks! I can’t wait til we can pick her up! Thanks for posting these wonderful photos! And waffle…what a cute name!

Jill Jones - Oh man! Wet socks are the worst, especially when it’s pee wet! Waffle is pretty darn cute!
Jill

alyssa - yuck. It’s bad enough when it’s because of your child…not the dog!!! But, I’d be lying to say I haven’t been there! The bright side is that you have a shiny new washer to throw those stinky socks into.

Sarah - He is SO adorable!
I want to love on him every time he makes an appearance here. I want a dog just like him someday when we have more room for more pets. right now, we’re maxed out.
I’m sure he makes for lots of laughter all the time!

Lorilee - He is so precious. I have stepping in puppy puddles too! That is why I wear crocs ALL the time. I would much rather wash them than get my foot wet!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Wendy - Adorable puppy pictures! And don’t you just love pee pee surprises? I brought home our new puppy right after we got brand new carpet… No, I’m not the brightest!

Wendy - Our goldendoodle was naughty too. Up until she was about a year and a half old. Then she calmed down considerably and was completely housebroken. They are high energy but SO loving and sweet. Love any Waffle appearances on your blog.

Jennifer P. - You can’t even scare me away from wanting one of those with the dog pee story 🙂

traci - that is pretty nasty, but he is just too cute. you can’t stay mad at him. don’t you wonder what you ever did without him now?

Trina - Yay!! Thanks, Meg.. I have always wondered if he was a goldendoodle! He is just too cute.. I love him because he looks like a cartoon or story book character!
Happy week to you!

kelly - My Roscoe is a poodle… and just as naughty and also just as lovable. 🙂 Aren’t you so thankful to have him?!?! 🙂 I love seeing pictures of him on your blog. Just such a happy sweet face… 🙂

Margaret - I just love Waffle and all pets for that matter. Thanks for sharing him with us.
http://www.margaretinsc.blogspot.com

Deb - My favorite pics of him are with that cone on. Poor thing!
Bible study could be even more exciting. At one of ours, the host’s dog laid down in the middle of the floor where we were and proceeded to lick and lick and lick…well, something that in my opinion shouldn’t even be possible to lick. Lol

Kate - ahh pets, gotta love ’em.
i only have cats currently, so i don’t usually have to deal with pee, but i think the ridiculous amounts of cat hair on all of my clothes makes up for that.

MGF - LOL… Great start to my morning.

elisa - Oh man I just want to kiss that fluffy little face.
I have stepped in my fair share of dog pee. This morning I had a big pile of dog puke to clean up. So glad I didn’t step in that!

Dani - Awwww… what an adorable dog. I wish we had one. My daughter is allergic, so no pets for us.
I am hosting a giveaway today for my 100th post. Come enter!

Marie - Waffle is so adorable! I’m not big into dogs (I know, right?), but the other day, our neighbor was walking hers and we couldn’t get over how cute he was…well, it was a goldendoodle-first time I had ever seen or heard of one (prior to yours now that I know what it is). So so cute!

Lanny Stanard - I love him too! what a doll I’m a dog lover… Have a great day 🙂
Lanny 🙂

Deputy's Wife - I am laughing because guess what I stepped in tonight too?!? Our “puppy” is naughty too, but is house trained very well. Until the rare occasion I forget to let him out. HA!

sarah - What a beautiful dog. I’m incredibly jealous… I want a goldendoodle soo bad… hubby says No. 🙁

Katie - Aw, your puppy is so cute!

ForeverFoldingLaundry - Friends of ours just got a goldendoodle & I thought their Buddy looked a lot like your Waffle! How can you not love that face – and the fact that he doesn’t shed? AWESOME. I’d take an occasional sock full o’doggie pee over daily lint rolling anytime. =)
~Keri

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i have a dream

IMG_2827this was annie's dream.

and this one too.
with her other MLK project over her shoulder.
IMG_2796

i would love to have heard the conversation leading up to this.  

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what a lovely world annie's would be.

she came home from preschool and told me
"mom….mart luth McCain was a special man who helped people.
and he got shot-ed by a mean man and he died.
why was that man so mean?"

i answered "well…he must not have had jesus in his heart or love God?"
uh?
ummm?
yeah?  

and she has been telling everyone that 
"mart luth McCain got shot because he didn't have jesus in his heart."
oops.

we cleared it up.

i am so happy they are learning about him even in preschool.
what a great great man.
annie also said ms. kristin showed them on her laptop MLKs speech.
that made me well up with tears.

here's a link to his famous speech (just in case you've never actually heard it all.)

i hadn't listened to more than the very famous few minutes until a few years ago.
and i cried and cried.

i can't imagine that time in our nation.
or before.

thank you Dr. King.

Daja - The project is priceless! I hope you save it forever!

carissa - i sure do love annie’s dreamy cloud! precious little heart!

Randi - I can’t imagine that time either although there are still glimpses today of that insanity. My daughter is studying slavery now and it eats at my heart to know that people lived through such misery. Love Annie’s project.

kristin at prairie daze - oh, meg, thanks for this perspective.
can you imagine how hard it was for me to keep my serious listening face as i write her dream down?
it was out. of. the. blue. and so sweet.
see you soon.

Lee Ann - What a great teacher! In pre-school! The speech gives me chills.
And if only everyone could go to Sonic. Just think what this world would look like.

Amanda Rettke - http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/king.htm
Check this out.
God bless-
Amanda

MGF - I was captured by the part about Sonic, a personal favorite.

adrienneK - eeep!! you replied to my live journal entry!! (i feel so special) well, now you can see that i truly am inspired by you!! i have a slew of other entires (but since they have my daughters pictures they are all reserved for live journal users:( i may change that however, seeing as how my out of state mother in law enjoys reading my posts!! feel free to pop over anytime!!!
<3
adrienneK

Tami - Annie did a great job on her Martin Luther King artwork!

Jane - What an awesome Pre-school! I would love to live in a world like the one she describes!

danyele - that is so stinking precious i can’t even say!

adrienneK - so sweet!! we too listened to that speech via you tube and did a few coloring sheets!! may i also say that your blog is so very inspiring !<3

Jill Jones - Well, that was just about the cutest thing ever! Keep dreaming big Annie! 🙂
~Jill
jilljones43@msn.com

Christy - So cute! I would love to live in Annie’s world. Love the comment about Sonic. How cute.

Wendy - I love it! Sonic. You can’t make that stuff up. Thanks for the link to his speech. I’ll use it tonight for family night. We’re talking about the inauguration and MLK Jr. Day.

sarah - I love Annie’s vision of what the world should be. So cute.
“…Everyone could go to sonic.” priceless.
Thank you indeed, Dr. King.

katy - That is a really sweet speech that Annie created!
I hope my oldest comes home with some knowledge of MLK.

Allikayes Mama - What an awesome preschool! Is it the one that you have linked on your sidebar??
That girl is awesome too!!

Queen Bee - “I wish everyone could go to Sonic”…priceless! I think she should gain advertising money for that one! 🙂

Beth - That speech always makes me cry. Of course, I’ve always related it especially to my own kids, and I worry so much about how the world will treat them. I know all parents do. I love the world annie envisions and wish for it too. Treating each other and all living things with respect and going to sonic! It can’t get any better than that 🙂

traci - aawww, sweet annie always makes me smile. i agree with the sonic idea too. we don’t have one around here, but when we go to the cabin, we visit often. yum!!

princess lasertron - annie’s world sounds absolutely beautiful.

Dana - I wish everyone could go to Sonic, too! I think that would be one step towards world peace! Bravo Annie!

Amber - I love Annie’s sweet school projects. It’s always interesting to hear things from a child’s perspective. I teach 1st grade so we read all kinds of books last week and did a few projects too. I showed my class 2 minutes of the “I have a dream” speech which they loved. It’s hard to imagine that time which really wasn’t that long ago.

corey - I don’t agree with the monkey part, but I do wish everyone could go to sonic. You ain’t livin till youv’e had a vanilla coke.

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“just gotta dance!”

last week the 2 little girls and i got up early, got dressed and out the door

in the freezing cold to go to dance class.  

they were still on winter break.
oops….no class.

when we got home we made the living room a dance studio.
we pulled out the new scarves for christmas from aunt shannon.
i cranked up the classical music
and they went crazy.

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the boys were gone to basketball and lauren was sleeping.
it was loud 
and silly 
and very fun.

we need to do this more often.

Diana P - Just stumbled across your blog.
Beautiful.
May God continue to bless you and your gorgeous family.

carissa - i think i feel like doing THAT! 🙂
i always love your action shots!

Megan - Hi Meg…quick question. I have a canon rebel xsi..I think you might too, or at least it looks like it in that camera picture up on the left. ANYWAY..I love my camera except that it has not the best zoom. The lens I have on it is a 18-55 mm and I was wondering if your lens has a great zoom. If so, what lens(es) do you have? Thanks!! Keep up the fun fun fun posts!

kasey - too sweet. yes, we do need to dance more…

meaghan easterhaus - i know i should be looking at the ADORABLE girls dancing, but your moldings are awesome!!!!!

a thorn among roses - you have to love a fabulous dance show!

Traci Thorson - what a perfect way to spend the morning. we should all take some time and dance around the living room.

Kristy - So cute. Looks like that had a blast :O)
I love your blog and added it to my fav list. Hope thats ok?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kristy

Evan - awww!!! my 3 yr old daugher has that same brown dress… she just started taking dance. her first class was last week and she acted like a cat the entire time. her teacher wasn’t that amused. we’ll see how it goes this week. your girls are so precious!!

susan - I wanted to thank you for bookmarking my ‘Child of God’ print! I saw you were sending many sweet referrals my way and had to find out who this person with such great taste was. :o)
Thanks again!
P.S. I signed up for your blog feed. Good taste indeed…

katy - That is for sure fun!

ingrid - beautiful magical pictures. thank you. 🙂

Karen - they are darling.
and your home is beautiful.

Tami - I miss my daughter taking dance awh how fun!

Tami - Too fun I miss my daughter in modern dance lol

meredith - Twirling around is the best thing ever! If everyone did a little bit of twirling every day, the world would be a far happier place I’m sure. Aren’t little girls a gift to be cherished? I think I’m going to go do some twirling of my own now.

Laura - That is a perfect day – the more ‘face the music and dance’ moments the merrier.

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doogie

you may not find this as funny as craig and i did…

Michelle - Hilarious!
I just found your blog and this got me giggling. Very, very funny.
Have you watched Dr. Horrible yet? Here’s the link. It is laugh-out-loud funny.
http://www.drhorrible.com/

jennifer - that was hilarious! oh, i miss doogie. i thought he was so cute!

Jill Jones - YES! Loved this! Thanks for posting it so I could laugh again and again! Good stuff!

Patti - This was the best. My husband and I couldn’t stop rewinding the TIVO!

Patti - This was the best. My husband and I couldn’t stop rewinding the TIVO!

carissa - oh btw my friend… your letter… HOW i loved that… thank you… SO! 🙂

carissa - omg… just watche dthis clip over on FB!
that doogie… how we do love him!

Lisa - hello my name is lisa and i am new to your blog. i love it here and plan to visit often!
the doogie video is priceless!

Ashlie - Hi! I saw this on Jenna’s “These are the days” blog and it is so hilarious! I watched that show a lot when I was younger!

Ali - Neil Patrick Harris is the best. Do you watch How I Met Your Mother? I love him in that.

Evan - we thought it was funny too! and that tear at the end…

Amanda Jo - LOVE. IT.
love it
haha

PamperingBeki - I saw that this weekend and thought it was hilarious!

Lisa - That is hillarious.

Trac-;o) - Hey Meg! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been home in bed sick with the flu for the last week and this just brightened my day and gave me a big laugh. I loved Doogie back in the day – he was so funny and is just as good now on How I Met Your Mother. Have a great weekend. Hugs, Trac-:o)

deb meyers - FUNNY! Thanks for the treat.
Remember Doogie’s [now awkward] PC? How cool was that?
deb meyers

Christine G - Hello,
I hope this isn’t too odd. I’m not really much of a blogger except one that I update every now and then. I’m an 18 year old college student from New Jersey. Your blog came to me through stumbleupon with your amazing idea for remolding old broken crayons. Looking at your photography, the pictures of your beautiful house, special occasions, and everyday moments made me see life with new eyes. A year ago my boyfriend died and things have been so…empty. Sometime before christmas was when I first saw your blog, and realized how you seem to balance, holidays, your husband, religion, 5 kids, mantain a wonderful home and still seem happy and I just…felt happy again. I rushed around the house helping my parents with christmas and being excited about school again, I felt alive once more and I wanted to thank you for opening my eyes. I really really hope I won’t sound like a total weirdo, I just wanted to let you know what you had indirectly done for me. Thank you.
-Christine G

Kelley - FREAK-ING HILARIOUS!!! I SOOOO needed that laugh. I love Doogie on HIMYM!!! I think I need to go watch that again.

Wendy - Okay, that was funny… Oh, Doogie, why did you have to go and grow up?

MGF - Being a nurse I really appreciate all the lab coat and my husband won’t mind if I wore a version of the nurse uniform- at hoe of course

Allikayes Mama - My hubby and I enjoyed that too! We rewound it and watched it again! I was happy that this SNL seemed to be getting funny again!

Katrine Judd - That was the best!

Rosemarie - Oh my gosh – I have to run to the ladies room now before I pee my pants from laughing. (TMI?)

Shana - YEs…we too thought it was fantastic.

danyele - i saw this…and i died laughing! i was a huge doogie fan back in the day. he did a great job on the whole show…fab!

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even more random…

i became simpsonized….


how do i look?
ha…and i guess i'd be a doctor.
(i just noticed the stethoscope)
and to be honest….i love(d) that show.  
i haven't seen it in forever but i think it is hysterical.
here is something i want.
one of many things….

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a hot chocolate machine.  
i think my kids would go nuts for this.
when these first came out i thought "how stupid is that?"
but now that they all want hot chocolate everyday…
and the packets and powder all over…
this rocks!
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my husband delivered.
we got the floor model…scratches on the top and sides…i certainly don't care.
it is by far the coolest appliance i have ever owned.
i will admit that i did hug and lay my cheek on the red stacked set of front load washer/dyers 
at best buy but i am a big girl 
and i can admit that red paint doesn't warrant an extra $200.
why do they do that?
"some big shot at the hot dog factory got together with some big shot over at the bun factory…."

so in between laundry loads…
dishwasher loadings
dog baths
sewing projects
bathroom cleanings 
today we are playing memory, watching kids' shows, drinking coffee and
playing playdoh.

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hope your thursday is productive and pretty.
it's snowing here….and that is just plain pretty.

ding!
laundry is  done…gotta go.

Jen - Just found you 2day through Urban Grace. Great Blog! I just have to say I am the worlds biggest “Coco Latte machine” Fan. I am on my 4th. I guess I’m kind of a Barrista. Enjoy!
I LOVE WAFFLE! 2 2 cute!
Looking forward to more
Jen
Albuquerque

Michie - Oh, I have to get some candles that my daughter can use with her playdough to make birthday cakes! She’d LOVE that. Thanks for the beautiful photo inspiration!

Michie - Oh, I have to get some candles that my daughter can use with her playdough to make birthday cakes! She’d LOVE that. Thanks for the beautiful photo inspiration!

Wendy - Definitely get a hot chocolate dispenser. They’re much less expensive than a big appliance and worth every penny. My kids use it everyday and it saves me lots of trips to the microwave and scooping and filling mugs.
Fun play-doh cupcakes! I love your photography.

Leigh Ann Harris - Hey….I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and have loved looking at all of your beautiful pictures! Your house is gorgeous!! Just wanted to comment and let you know how happy I am for you about the washer. I have one like that and I love it…and mine is white too! Also, I have that hot chocolate maker. My mom gave it to me a couple of years ago for Christmas and I just recently started using it. We now live in northern Indiana (used to live in the south) and so warm drinks are such a treat! It also came with a recipe book with a ton of different recipes for yummy warm drinks….so I think it is a great buy if you can find one. Have a great weekend! Leigh Ann

Ashlie - Floor models are THE way to go! Ours was a wedding gift from my dad and brand new, but we still got a discount because of a little bitty ding on the bottom front! Hallelujah! Have fun doing your laundry! Oh, and I would LOVE to have a hot chocolate machine!! Where can I find one? Wal-Mart maybe?

Shannan - Congrats on the new addition! I am so deathly afraid of new technology that I am simply bewildered by front-loading washing machines. They look pretty darned high-tech. But it’s beautiful, as all new appliances are! And good for you for having a thrifty husband. I have one, too, and he’s saved us lots of money over the years.
PS- Love the pretend birthday cake! We just got done painting. I painted flowers and Calvin painted many abstracts and one Mona Lisa. 🙂

Jan Ashmore - I certainly hope he bought you the matching dryer!!!

danyele - love the playdough cupcake! so much fun…and if someone could please send a laundry fairy to my house to get the laundry room floor cleared up, that would be fab!

kitchendoor - That Father of the Bride quote killed me.
“I, George Stanley Banks…”
I just love your blog, lady. Your photos always make me so happy.

Donna - I have 6 children and I just got the same washer, it is a life saver!! We lived in England for 3 years and I had a very small washer that was in a cabinet in the kitchen………the dryer was part of the same machine, so after the wash cycle was complete it would go to the dry cycle. It took about 2 1/2 hours to do one load…………and a full load would be like 4 bath towels………that is NO JOKE….

Lorilee - Meg,
My washer broke down a month or so ago. I have the exact same washer! I love it! We all sat in our tiny laundry room and watched it wash for awhile!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Katrine Judd - I have a hot chocolate maker. I love it! But I love hot chocolate.

Lisa Lentini - Ok, so I have to ask. My daughter has the same PlayDough toy and I just noticed it is making a terrible clicking noise when she pulls the handle down to make the “soft serve”. Is yours like this?
I don’t remember the noise… I wouldn’t put it past her that maybe she tried to soft serve something besides play dough…like hmmm…anything that might fit LOL
Love your blog 🙂 Thanks.
Lisa

carly - i haven’t even finished reading this post, but had to leave a comment on the line from Father of the Bride! my favorite movie of all time and one of the best lines in the show. love love love that it applies to your washing machine. isn’t it the truth?
back to the post to finish reading what i skipped over…

Kyleigh - I don’t know how I found you from over here in the South of England but I’m so glad I have! I absolutely LOVE your photography. So so SO inspiring! Thank you

elisa - You look hot as a Simpsons chick and I too love that show and still watch it, even with my 5 year old. I know, BAD. But not as bad as Family Guy, which I also like 🙂
We finally got snow but it’s so freakin’ cold that nobody wants to go out- I can see where the hot chocolate machine would come in handy.
And (sigh) I too wanted the colorful washer, but ended up with boring white. But hey, it is so seriously cool and looks and sounds like a space ship. Almost makes laundry fun. Almost.
Oh and then I did get a red Kitchen Aid mixer, slightly less expensive than the big red washer.

Jamie - I have to agree with you on the red laundry machine. It is a beauty…but seriously, not worth the extra money. I had to be a big girl about that same decision. The front load is wonderful though. Ain’t it???
Thanks for the Father of the Bride reference…I am glad someone else appreciates that line!

Jessica - Our washing machine is dead too…so sad. We are on the hunt for a new one. It is hard to live without a washing machine and I only have one kid! :o) I loved the Father of the Bride quote. That is my all time favorite movie. Today would be a good day to watch it. The pictures that you posted of Ike yesterday are precious. You did such a good job!

Kelly - Are you guys not having the cold spell we are? The thermostat said -11 this morning. Yikes!
Lovely new washer, it looks nice. I would have skipped the red too but had a hard time doing it.

traci - i loved it when i got my new washer and dryer. it’s pretty bad when we get excited over appliances. that hot chocolate maker looks neat. perfect for a day like today. very cold here – no school because it’s so cold.

carissa - yah… why the heck they do that! RED… come on! trying to rip us red loving mamas off!
i wanted a pretty color too… but please… went with white!
so glad you posted about the washer… was just thinking of you earlier… as i was loading my laundry… thinking HOW you do it with FIVE kids! i think I have a lot of laundry… HA!
hot chocolate machine… sounds sort of dreamy!

gina - I’m glad you survived the days without a washer. The new one looks fabulous! You are such a good FUN mom–play-doh everywhere!

Rosemarie - So glad you got a new washer and dryer. You inspired me to take a pic of my laundry pile – I’ll post it later this week.
We did playdoh yesterday – I like the candle idea!

Brooke - we received a cocoamotion for christmas this year and already that little machine has been put to use! i LOVE hot chocolate and this way is so quick and easy…i definitely recommend getting one!!

Dani - I got a hot chocolate machine at a dirty santa Christmas party this year. We love it! I would never have bought it for myself, but I am so glad I brought that home! It makes the best frothy hot chocolate. Mine doess’t have to cool spout though.

Melanie - Megan,
I have the hot chocolate machine and I want to give it to you. I haven’t used it in a couple of years and I want you to have it:) (if you don’t mind it being used. I think I used it twice) Email me.

gina - I admit, I have my eye on the red set too… but if we got a good deal, I’m sure I’d take the “plain” color. We’ve done lots of reading, writing and vocabulary here, and now the girls are playing dolls. Does that HC machine prevent the spills of chocolate down the front of someone’s shirt every single time we make hot cocoa? Oh, well, that’s where that snazzy washer would come in handy. 😉

Aubrey - Our snow is melting and I can finally see the grass again. And I’m happy about it because I wish I lived where I could wear flip-flips all year.
When we bought a new washer, I wanted red too. Do they realize they’d sell more if they made them the same price? Which makes me wonder if avocado and mustard yellow appliances cost more once upon a time. Obviously not, or we would have seen fewer.
That baby Ike is so scrumptious.

alyssa - I have a washing machine very similar to yours and i LOVE it. I got it two years ago for christmas and I still talk about how much I love it. That is a BIG deal. Congrats! And I do know what you mean about the extra cash for colors. Crazy. I still have a ghetto drier…someday (hopefully before they totally change the design and they still don’t match!).

traci - I just KNEW you would get a pretty new front loader!!!!! HOW COOL!!!!!!!!!! Looks like a good day at your house.
I have to say, I never did like the simpsons…yuck..lol

Sandy - I long for the day I get to buy a new washer and dryer. A couple years ago I bought my son a hot chocolate maker at wal-mart for Christmas – he loves hot chocolate and loved getting the machine! It was cheap (compared to some, I’m sure) and still works today. It was maybe $30. Enjoy the beauty of the snow – we have it here in Ohio too. Hooray

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ike…one week.

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baby ike.
he is going to be something special with that name.
what a sweet little guy he is.
i am planning on holding him every chance i get.

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don't you just want to kiss those toes?
i love kissing baby feet.

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he's smiling.

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and my favorite….
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that face!  he looks like he wants a kiss!

thanks for spending the morning with me missy.
i am already in love with mr ike.

Diana - I just want to say that your pictures are beautiful. I wanted to email you but I couldn’t find your email address anywhere on the blog…lol. Anyway, I was just wondering on how you price for the photos? I am currently thinking about starting this wonderful career of photography but, I don’t know much on how to price. Do you do special package deals? Is there some specific sites that you have gone to for information? I was wondering if you would share some ideas or advice, from your personal experience??? yes? Thanks!

amy (not corey) - So does Clint make that kissy face at you often, Jenn? Maybe you should talk to Missy about that?! 🙂
Great pics. As always. I never got to snag him at M2M the other night. Kristi and Ang were hogging him. Next time.

Rach - His toes are absolutely edible. I can’t wait to kiss our little girls toes and her tender little head. Seeing Ike makes our soon-to-arrive bundle of joy seem a little more real. Thanks for sharing.

danyele - i am in baby love with ike…i’m not gonna lie! i too lvoe those baby toes!

Amanda Rettke - I LOVE LOVE LOVE baby picuters. Of course. I could be biased since I had a baby 3 weeks ago. But that is one cute baby!
God bless-
Amanda

Sharanya - How adorable

jennifer - Oh great! Now my womb is achy… I think I need another one.
So precious and you do an amazing job of capturing it all!

courtney - wow! i THOUGHT i was done…

Shana - I saw Missy kiss him on the head last night and I just melted inside. I almost forgot those days of tiny baby heads and complete dependence on me. Thanks for the reminder Missy.
Great pics Meg.

gina - What a beautiful baby boy -the pictures are amazing. I have loved reading your blog this past month. It has become a favorite to check daily.

sarah - precious!
and you took beautiful photographs 🙂
I love the last two.
And the very last one, looks similar to Kenzie’s srunchy face! Ha.

carissa - oh my goodness gracious me my… seriously… can he be any cuter… could those pictures be any better! NO!
MEG! …i am speechless

katy - I love that baby! Why is it that when my youngest turns about 13 months old….I want another baby? Gosh, they’re so sweet. Ike makes me want another….I don’t think our pocket book could handle it. You did an awesome job with these pictures, I LOVE the one of him in the basket on the table. I showed it to my almost 4 yr. old little girl and she about had a fit of ooooo’s and ahhhhh’s. {she loves babies, she about squeezed her baby brothers head off when he was born} 🙂

Katrine - Oh my goodness, he made me completely and hopelessly baby hungry!

Beth - you should totally enter this in the ‘iheartfaces.com’ kids’ faces contest. it is too cute! i want to eat him up, or have another baby, hmmm…

Sharla - Oh how I love polka dots!

kasey - oh dear goodness! so soft and sweet!!!
p.s. {stop by}

traci - what a doll. those blue jeans just melt my heart. you know, feet are only cute on babies and toddlers. kissable cute.

Jenn Thomas - I think he looks like Clint in the last one 🙂

Jenn Thomas - Oh he is so precious – I can’t wait to hold him. Beautiful pictures Meg. It almost makes me want to have another – shhhhh don’t tell Russ. They will love having these pictures.

Kelly - these are just gorgeous, stunning. great work!

Kim - Oh my gosh, those feet are delicious. What a beautiful baby. And I just adore that first picture of him in the basket.

Karen - ohmeetoo! I am in love. i keep seeing all these babies. everywhere babies. my hubby says no more. i say just one. one more just like this one. i miss having a baby to snuggle.

Gwyn - love the red background and red outfit photo!!

Suzanne - can you say PRECIOUS?!?!

Chrissie Grace - Hi Meg
I found your blog through Crystal’s over at Little Bit Funky. I love all your beautiful pix and creative ideas. We have 5 kids so I relate to a lot of your posts!
Thanks for all of the inspiration…
Chrissie Grace

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