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coloring

i’m trying to find color everywhere.
it’s fun…you should try it.

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it’s really everywhere you look.
so thankful for that.

Jimaie - you are SUCH an incredible fotog!!!!!

kari & kijsa - Those are the most beautiful photographs….just wanted to stop by and say thank you…thank you…thank you for all of your sweet comments on my birthday (and happy birthday to your sister too)!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
smiles, kari & kijsa

kari & kijsa - Those are the most beautiful photographs….just wanted to stop by and say thank you…thank you…thank you for all of your sweet comments on my birthday (and happy birthday to your sister too)!
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
smiles, kari & kijsa

Gini - Love your blog – I have a link to you from mine actually. I check you out everyday to get my splash of color! Thank you for that. Being the type A personality I am, got the camera, no time or desire to read the manual on how to get great photos like you – I am jealous for sure. As far as the Cottage Living style – Love it but was more appropriate when we lived on the East Coast not here in the desert!!! My husband is grateful for that, I bet.

Mrs. Fox - Fantastic! Love the pins. I need some of those.

Mrs. Fox - Fantastic! Love the pins. I need some of those.

carissa - woo hoo… cheerful & chipper! thanks for the beauty!

chris - Good morning , I have a question , would you mind sharing with me the color of your great room /kitchen walls, I am thinking I need to warm up the colors in my kitchen family room , I am looking for a nice cream shade. After living with the dark brown in my bedroom I have decided it is not for me, I will do a more soft grey tone, good thing I did just one wall and a test wall for that matter.
Thank you
Chris

kristin - i love this.
i’ve started sets of colors that i want to do something with…maybe a calendar…anyway, i am with you on this color thing!

mom2fur - What a fun idea! Looking for color is sure a great way to cheer up in the middle of winter!

traci - great color. you always find beautiful color. i am going to try that!! enjoy your sunday!

Jenny Pocknall - Great photos again. Is the top one the top of a bird cage?

Jennifer Peterson - You could also play the “guess what this is” game–I’m stumped on the first one. I love the color combos. Cottage Living puts together on its spines too.

chris - Your photos are so cheerful, thanks I needed that . I don’t think we get Cottage Living ,sad.

Sarah Keith - Oh Fun!

traci - Im in okiehoma..lol and your in kansas. Our two sister states pretty much mirror each others weather sooooo you must be looking for color because its COLD and cloudy.

Crystal - Just wanted to say that I LOVE your blog and have added a link from my own…I hope that is ok. 🙂 Very inspiring and beautiful!! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!! 🙂

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happy birthday!!!

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my big sister…
my only sister….
my favorite sister…
my artsy sister….
my super smart sister…
my loving sister…

is having a birthday today.
i love you lorel.
i wish i could be with you on your birthday.
i hope you have the best time tonight!
i am so glad you are my sister.
i love being your little sister.
you taught me so much….mostly good stuff.

happy birthday.

Jennifer Peterson - Thought the same thing about Annie and Talby too! What a similarity!!!

traci - happy birthday to your sister. what a sweet post. very cute picture of you two.

Queenie Bee - No way!!! We’re celebrating a birthday in our house today as well!!!! Happy birthday to your sister!!! I love my big brother, but I always wished for a sister. You’re so blessed to have her, I just know it.

carissa - awe… sisters… the best! sweet wish!

traci - I Agree that picture of you sitting there looks just exactly like annie and talby!!!! At least they know they will grow up and be VERY PRETTY.
I have a sister also whom I adore. One of my favorite things to do is call her and say…Hey, how is my FAVORITE SISTER? She will laugh and reply…”Funny, since Im your ONLY sister”..lol….I wouldnt trade her for all the money in the world!!!

lorel - Thanks for saying all those nice things about me Meg! That photo is one of my favorites. Can’t you just feel the humidity on that summer porch? I remember that outfit too. It was aqua blue terrycloth with orange and pink knit trim. I don’t remember what color yours was-maybe lime green?, but it was all one-piece (and also terrycloth), so you had to completely undress when going to the bathroom. I am so glad they stopped making those! My birthday is not exactly how I thought it would be – we are at home for our second snow day in a row. Maya was sick yesterday, and I thought I would have to cancel everything. But she is doing better now, and so I think we are still going out tonight after all. Love you so much! Lorel

Dana D - Oh my heavens, Annie and Talby must be little clones of you! When I first saw the photo of you and your sister, I thought I was looking at a picture of one of them!

Mom - Yes, Lorel, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
That is such a funny picture of both of you. Love it!
Did Jenny make it to Kansas?

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Q is for quilt

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preschool.
i think it is the greatest place to be.
this week they got to bring their blankies for cuddling during story time.
they opened the window so they could get really cozy.
isn’t that so sweet?

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for circle time they sat on a quilt.
i watched for awhile because i love to hear them interact with ms. kristin.
their voices and their answers are adorable.

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when i came back to get annie
ms. kristin was giving rides on the “quilt express”…
pulling the quilt down the hall with kids on it.

i just love preschool.

Jennifer Peterson - That’s why I decided to homeschool my kids. I thought EVERY grade should be as fun as preschool!

Tammy Fischer - You’re so right…it’s the best…I still remember it like it was just, um, a few years ago. I awarded you the “You Make My Day” award today. Feel free to stop by my blog and then pass it on to a few of your friends! XO XO XO

traci - I taught preschool for years and loved every single day of it!!! Kids say and do the funniest, silliest, cutest things…even when they are being difficult sometimes I had to hold back laughter. In my opinion most preschool teachers do not get the respect they deserve….however you certainly do appreciate yours! Thanks for sharing..

kristin - well, you just made my day. i love seeing preschool from another perspective
funny, when i first saw your post title, i thought: oh, it’s q week at preschool, too!
geez.

Queenie Bee - Preschool IS the funnest place to be!!! Thanks for sharing your pix. I taught preschool music for several years until I decided to homeschool my own children this year. It truly was the funnest job I’ve ever had! I think I’ll go get out my parachute now… 🙂

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super shopper

that’s what i told annie she was on our way home today.
i had some shopping to do and had to drag her along.

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why do i love this store with such a passion?
and why do i feel i need every coffee cup that starbucks makes?

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i restrained myself.
since i am the only one that drinks coffee in my house
and i have 20 mugs already…

we did find good clearance items!
from underwear to candle holders to sheet sets.
our first stop was the toy isle for annie.
she was really wanting Rocket (from the little einsteins show).
she found it right away.
smart mommy brought her little people along in my purse to play with.
she was completely content the entire day!
$7 of happiness.

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this is her in hancock’s fabrics…
and she did this in t.j.maxx in the linen section.
do your kids try to crawl and lay on the floor in stores…
or is it just my weird kids?
she played in the dressing room when we were side-tracked by cute dresses.
she met the dressing room clerk.
she played in the quilt shop.
she really was a super shopper.
5 stores in 4 hours.
and no complaining….thank you rocket.

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so what do you think….
pretty bright huh?
well i am loving it and can’t wait to get sewing.
poor jenny comes tomorrow and her bedroom is in a sad state.
one coat of primer all the way around.
that’s it.
craig has been working so hard but man it takes forever in this old house!
so much wood work…and old electrical…and ugly ceiling fans to replace.
i think jenny will still love me.
she will just have to come back again to see it finished.

Jimaie - my almost 2 yr old is OBSESSED with little einsteins, his rocket also goes EVERYWHERE with us…i think him and annie would get along juuuust fine 😉

Emily - Oh my goodness, you know how I love Target too! 🙂 You were so good to pack some toys, I need to plan ahead like that!!
Can’t wait to see what you create with the fun fabric!

traci - i just love how you take your camera everywhere and snap photos. i need to do that, but i feel kind of goofy cuz i don’t have an adorable little toddler to take pictures of. so i live through you. thanks.

sara - I LOVE that fabric!

Sarah Keith - Super Target is a disease! Ha! It’s said when I say to my 4 year old…We have to run errands today…and she says…are we going to Super Target!! Fun fabrics. Can’s wait to see what your going to make. Just found your blog! Will be back to visit!!!!
Sarah
http://vintagelily.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Kate of all Trades - I’ve got a huge Little Einsteins fan on my hands too! My little boy thinks June is his girlfriend. Rocket and his gang have completed the mission of entertaining/distracting my guy time and again. Thanks Rocket indeed!

melissa @ the inspired room - Can’t wait to see the room, old houses take for ever to do, I totally understand…
Happy day,
Melissa

Jennifer P. - I feel very deprived–no Super Target around here.
Annie was a real trooper–and no, you’re not alone. The whole world is like a fun-land to my kids–they can play anywhere!
Anticipating seeing what becomes of your gorgeous new fabric.
And don’t get down on yourself for not making your remodeling deadline–sounds like you’re far enough now that it can’t be ignored ;)! I bet your friend will think it’s all very shabby chic!

Sara - the fabric would make a swell art teacher dress…hmmmm…make one for Lorel. ha ha. Someday I want to sew.

Crystal - Not sure how I stumbled into your blog but thought I would tell you that I have that same need to adopt every starbucks mug that I come across as well. I am also the only one that drinks coffee and I won’t even say how many mugs I already own. Starbucks and Apple own me. 🙂 Beautiful blog! 🙂

gabrielle - Thanks Meg….now if any of these “so Called” scrap stores around here have it I’ll be in business…I ask for so little, really I do.

meg duerksen - gabielle….is IS heidi swapp.
lee ann….i keep mine folded up so that i can see it. but i also have two big boxes of the older things that i keep under the counter. my mom has it all in stacks on a bookshelf kind of thing? fabric is so pretty. it’s art in itself.
being in a fabric store is a happy place for the eyes.
liz… the fabric is Sole by free spirit. i was giddy when i got see many of the designer fabrics i’d seen online IN a store. the green dot is bed sheets from target.
-meg

gabrielle - meg..I couldn’t find your email..so I am making my DD banner for softball and they are the The Black Diamondz and who makes the circle diamond you have in your banner..is that Swapp?
gabrielle

Lee Ann - Oooh, oooh, oooh! I CAN’T WAIT to see what you do with that fabric!
I thought of you this morning as I was cleaning out fabric scraps. I’m wondering if there’s a good way to store them besides wadded up in huge bins. I really need a way to see them better. Suggestions?

carissa - she is a rocket… looks like a real trooper! with my girls I never know what I might get! little angel in the cart or temper tatrum princess on the ground!
big coffee lover over here too! starbucks mugs make me drool!
LOVE the fabric… great find!

Liz - I love the fabric, very Sis Boom.

gabrielle - She will still love you….I can’t wait to see her room when it is done. I have to restrain myself with buying the coffee cups. Did you see the new brown and turqoise ones? The look like pottery…so pretty..wanted to buy the blue one but I just bought 4 turqoise ones at Vonz and 2 coffee and Latte ones. I I understand your pain. You take the mose engaging colorful pictures….

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playtime

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“this crab has a blankie.”

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we opened these finger puppets…
that i bought at ikea over a year ago.
they were just waiting for today.

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sean built these himself.
he wanted me to come see and take a picture.
that made me so happy.
in his mind these look so awesome and they are fighting a battle.
he builds bionicles for hours.

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also there was a little topless art going on.
a mixture of left over sunday school supplies and valentines
and glitter.
that’s not me…if you were wondering.

traci - i just love all the creativity that goes on in your home. topless art – you might have something there – “newest craze to take over the country”

restyledhome - Creative little family you’ve got there!!
Hmmm…wonder where they get that??
Linda
xoxo

Ainslie - My boy just spotted your Ikea finger puppets and said “Hey…we’ve got those”!!! And then he saw the Bionicles and was sooooooooooo excited!!! Will is a Lego fanatic. It’s so lovely to watch him in the playroom, building his own little masterpiece. I think he would have fun with Sean.

emily loria - I love finger puppets. They are classic fun, and anything with glitter– well, I am all over that. Your pancakes look like fun, I have never heard of making pancakes in the blender before! I just use bisquick too, and add fruit into it. I try to do fun shapes, but they never work out. But they taste good anyway.

jeanetta - my son is the exact same. he just caught sight of the pic and thought it was “totally cool!!”
“they look like they are battling!!”

traci - LOL…I kinda knew the topless artest wasnt you..lol
There are so many ways I wish I was more relaxed in life like you are but one thing we share is I let my kids go wild with art where ever, whenever. I think art and creativity should are sooooo important.

Jennifer P. - I love watching kids build and create and play. Why is that we have to lose so many of those skills as we grow? Is it just that they’ve been replaced with things like high-yield investments, and UN dealings, and fixed-rate mortgages. Sigh. Kids are just amazing, perfect little creatures!

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pancakes

when i walked in the kitchen this morning
these two were busy.
within 3 minutes of being awake i had my camera in my hand.
(i put it down for a moment so i could make some coffee.)

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annie was in the best mood.
she was talking a mile-a-minute and so happy to be with daddy.
i could tell you she has bed-head…
but this what her hair looks like all the time.

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“i want to crack the egg!”

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“i got egg on my hand!”

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“i want to pour the oil!”

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sneaky.

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“mmmmm….sugar.”
(annie calls it ‘souuu-dawh’)

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“i want to turn it on!”
can you tell she is three?
she is becoming so very independent.

do you make your pancakes in a blender?
this is the way craig has always made them…
probably because his mom did it that way.
i am pretty sure we always did bisquick growing up??
am i wrong mom?
there’s nothing wrong with bisquick. i use it when craig isn’t here.
maybe i should post his recipe….

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this routine of pancakes with dad is special.
it’s a 13 year tradition….going strong.
all the kids like to help (or did at one time)
and of course they like to eat them.
now that we add blueberries i love to eat them too.

it makes a mess but the memories are worth it.

Meredith Salmon - We are always looking for the perfect pancakes. Is Craig willing to share his ingredients.

melissa @ the inspired room - We make our puff pancakes in a blender, but not the regular pancakes. But my kids haven’t been too happy with our regular pancakes. Maybe I need your recipe!
Love the daddy/daughter pics. Such good times!
xo
melissa

traci - yes, maybe you should post the recipe. i am a bisquik mom, but it would be nice to suprise the family with homemade. yum!!!

Jenny Pocknall - Yum. My husband makes pancakes too. He makes them with a hand whisk.
It is a great treat for the kids to join in.

kari & kijsa - **Shhhh!**
You are invited to a SURPRISE BLOGGY BIRTHDAY PARTY for kari this Wednesday, Feb 20.
She is turning 40!!!
I would love for you to stop by the party on Wednesday to surprise (hopefully!) the birthday girl, enjoy a bite of cake, sprinkle a little of your magic birthday dust, and check out the party favor giveaway!
blessings,
kijsa

kari & kijsa - **Shhhh!**
You are invited to a SURPRISE BLOGGY BIRTHDAY PARTY for kari this Wednesday, Feb 20.
She is turning 40!!!
I would love for you to stop by the party on Wednesday to surprise (hopefully!) the birthday girl, enjoy a bite of cake, sprinkle a little of your magic birthday dust, and check out the party favor giveaway!
blessings,
kijsa

Lee Ann - We had pancakes today too….but gluten-free just isn’t the same 🙁 Never in a blender. We didn’t even have bisquick when I was growing up. Just Krusteez….only add water. It is nice when you’re just going to make one or two, but oh those fluffy bisquick ones are yummy. Would love to try the blender ones as well.
Thanks so much for my gift! What a thrill to open it. I immediately went to my current scrapbook page to see how I could use some of it…..a fourth of July page (yes I’m going backwards and Christmas is done) and you sent blue and red ribbon. Perfect!

restyledhome - I am so craving pancakes right now!!
You are a master with the camera…are you a professional??
Linda
xoxo

amy - it’s not just you, amy d… the thought of even trying to make pancakes without Bisquick has never occurred to this neighbor.

Andrea - I’ve been poking around your blog now. And I love it! That bathroom! That mirror! I LOVE it all!

Mom - Sometimes I would slurge and make them from scratch, but the bisquick ones were so quick and we thought – pretty good!
I must say that Craig’s are great. He can make pancakes for us anytime.
Also missed him yesterday when yet again we were shoveling tons of snow!
Wouldn’t that be nice if that were the last snow of the winter!
Love ya’

traci - My kids LOVE to cook with their dad too!!! Personally I think there is nothing like a daddy and their daughters. Never saw pancakes blended in a blender before but hey less lumps or probably zero lumps that way. Looks like a great morning. Thanks for sharing

Queenie Bee - Just as I was thinking “hmmmm…I’ve never mixed pancakes in a blender before”…YOU ASKED THE QUESTION! Looks fun! Great blog! Fun read! I found you a few weeks ago and have really enjoyed your family’s wonderful antics. Have an awesomely artful day! You know it’s gonna’ be a good one when you start taking photos three minutes out of bed! 🙂

amy d - you must post that recipe, i didn’t know there was anything other than bisquick! that should come to no surprise to my neighbors 🙂

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naughty baby

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oh annie was so naughty yesterday.
this was only one of the sneaky things i caught her doing.
our poor kitty.
you can see more naughty baby here or here or here or here.
there are so many more…but i can’t always be calm with the camera.

alyssa - I love that you call her naughty baby. So cute. My daughter is in sunday school with her. I’ve been spending some time backtracking on your blog (a suggestion of another reader) and I have to say, you have quite the family. A very interesting and fabulous bunch, you are! And your house is amazing.

Mrs. Fox - Glitter-Cat! That’s brilliant! Actually, I once did the same (although) not quite to the same extent to a Persian cat I had in college. He left pixie dust in his wake for days.

Jenn - I love it! Next time Nixon or Truman need a makeover I will send them down the street. Oh,what I have to look forward with London. Thanks the smile on a Monday morning.

floorplan - Just delurking this a.m.,
i so appreciate your blog, so so lively, and the fact that you post huge pics…came here via The Nester.
Your Annie’s toilet decoration was cute and not unlike some of your own art : ) Thank you for sharing her exploits.
I have an Annie and she is now 10. Her naughtiness has become MUCH more constructive, while retaining the sparkle.
deb meyers

amy d - secretly, i bet Emily asked for the pretty glitter 🙂 It looks fabulous! I agree she now needs a cool kitty wig to complete the outfit!

Jennifer P. - Kitty got a glamorous makeover! Now he needs one of those kitty wigs to go with it! Annie will get what’s coming to her one day with her own kids–I know I did ;)!

melissa @ the inspired room - HAAA! Reminds me of our dog who is often sporting some sort of ridiculous outfit.
Silly!

chris - Funny.

kristin - THIS is why she and e are such good friends.

Pattie - Ha Ha!!! My husband used to say that we need velcro jackets on the kids and we could just hang them on the wall to keep them out of trouble.

emily loria - Ooooooooooo, nice kitty!
I love it! It’s so artsy! I use to have a cat that looked just like that! But I love the glitter… did you have to give him (or her) a bath?? Not so fun!

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