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February 12, 2009 Filed in friends

last week we got miss london for the entire weekend!

IMG_3574

she was positively delightful.
no crying.
loves to cuddle…even with craig.
slept 11 hours the second night….too long…made me nervous.

she likes to go on walks and catch bubbles in our driveway.

and waffle loves having her here.

IMG_3564

more snacks for him.  
london learned very quickly that if she threw food on the floor…he'd come get it.

it was a constant flurry of people and action during her visit.
but we loved it.
IMG_3558

anytime you need us russ and jenn…we are ready for london.
it's a lot easier than actually having another baby.
we'll just borrow yours. 

******************************************************************************
the cora playground project is underway.
thank you for all your etsy shop suggestions.
my mind is going 100 miles an hour.
i hope my hands can keep up with all the wonderful ideas you gave me.
i can't wait to get busy in the craft room…i cleaned it….that's a start.  

****************************************************************************** 
add a comment

renee - i love your blog iam tryin to get started. and waffle is to cute…

leigh - I love this blog. Are your countertops zinc? Waffle is sooo cute!

Susan - Your dog looks exactly like my dog; I think they are twins.

Becky at Farmgirl Paints - I just stumbled onto your site from a recommendation from Lanny at Simply ME. I love it!!! Your house is absolutely beautiful… I look forward to following along with your blog. Beautiful family too:)

The Rauths - that wicker high chair is awesome!

Blanca - London is too cute. I am amazed at the size of Waffle. I know everytime I comment I have to say something about him. He is just BIG and FLUFFY. I want one!
Have a great weekend and I am looking forward to your etsy shop.
Blanca

My First Kitchen - Love your floors. I mean the kids are cute too, but wow. LOVE those floors. Okay, that sounds incredibly insensitive. I promise I love children. And that video of your son with the tooth drugs… that’s the best blackmail material I’ve ever seen.

danyele - look at that precious little girlie! and waffle looks like there’s a little more weight in the middle! ha!
so fun! anxious to see how all the etsy sales go for cora’s playground. i’m thinking. still. maybe i should clean my craft place too for a start. hmmm

Kellie - LOVE your blog- I’ve been a stalker for a while – your family is beautiful and you have a way with words and pictures- and I just love reading it everyday!

Sharla - I didn’t know Waffle was THAT big – love him! And he’s so stylish with a little turquoise hanging around his neck. 🙂 Sounds like a fun time with Miss London.

Robin Laws - it’s like she was the ~star~ of the day for everyone! waffle looks so goofy big 🙂
gosh meg i am so sorry about your friends and cora. i know sorry doesn’t really cover anything when it comes to losing your child but i am thinking about you, praying for you, your family, your friends and all those hurting people who loved little cora. unimaginable. truly if i could i would hug you and listen to everythnng you had to say for days. just listen and nod and say yes, uh huh. oh. sad. i hear you meg.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOXOX

Cynthia - How cute? Love your blog and your family.

Penny - Borrowing babies is fun. We do that with the nieces and nephews often. Love them and then send them home! I absolutely love Waffle. We have two Golden Retrievers. We will be breeding our female with a standard poodle very soon. So we may have a bunch of little waffles too!
I love your blog, thank you for sharing glimpses into your world.

Laura - Lauren looks so peaceful/in a good mood/loving in the picture of her and London…that sweet little baby should come around more often, might do wonders for Lauren…
God Bless,
Laura

sandy toe - I am coming over from Simply Me…what a fun blog…I think I may be here to stay:)!
-sandy toe

Lazy Mom Leslie - London is adorable! Waffle is almost as cute! He looks like a huge muppet. This Lazy Mom loved getting a dog when my kids were toddlers. Tootsie ate up all the crumbs off the floor. And with toddlers there are tons!

traci - she is getting so big. her blue eyes are beautiful. i bet you all had a great time. that’s the best way to have a child, for the weekend, they you can send her home.

Shannan - I thought for sure I’d be the only one to fully appreciate that high chair…wrong again. What a find! And it’s true, Waffle is ginormous! And it’s also true that London is a gem. I love her name.

Brittany - I love your house. When we buy a house, I plan on it being a combo of your house and Nie Nie and Mr. Nielson’s house. Love them both.

Cherry Tree Lane - Um…the post was so sweet, but the only thing I could concentrate on was the highchair! WHERE?!?! Did you get that?!?!?!?!

erica - That last pic with Talby looks like YOU!!!
She’s a cutie!
Sometimes I think about baby #4, but I agree, borrowing is a lot easier! 🙂

Suzanne - wow! 6 kiddos in the house…you’re incredible!! we’re really seriously thinking of trying for #4 here before long & i just need to keep reading your blog & see how you handle it all…the good/bad & ugly & even host other’s children:)
ooh…i wanna buy some of your bottle cap magnets…so, so cute! could you “sell” your house for a weekend too?? i’d love to see it in person & would pay for that for sure:)

Kraesc - Meg,
I’ve been a lurker for a while. I LOVE your blog. You inspire me so much! Also… I’m in love with your dog!!! What kind is he? And I hope you answer the shedding question because I want one and if he’s a shedder, I won’t be allowed.
I also just wanted to thank you for having such a big heart and for helping people out… you don’t see that often enough anymore.
Thanks!

chris - That dog is huge , wow , and a wicker high chair come on where do you get this stuff .

Allikayes Mama - Waffle is a B-I-G dog!! hehehe!

Darby - Meg.. I know you get a million questions a day… but that Waffle… he’s really something. I must know… does he shed? I got really close to the computer screen and looked at your floors and I can’t see any hair… either
a. you just swept
b. he doesn’t shed
c. you “photoshopped” all the hair out
Which is it?
And London… she’s an angel too! Yes, borrowing is much easier! 🙂

traci - London is precious!! You have the BIGGEST HONKIN DOG I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW…is he going to stop growing?????? Seriously, he is HUGE!!!!! Its good he is a sweet dog or you would clearly be in trouble..lol
WOW, he is huge!!!

Christy - Cannot wait to see what you come up with for Etsy!
London is precious! Love that wicker highchair!

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the cora playground

February 11, 2009 Filed in faith

did you hear julie's great idea?  (click)

julie has a tender heart for mommies who have lost their babies much too soon.
she has never even met jess and joel.
but she took action…followed her heart.

after selling MANY of her messy flower headbands for cora paige
realizing how much we all want to give 
she decided to ask us for help.

she came up with a super duper plan.

there are lots of crafty ladies are out here in blogland.
many have Etsy shops already…
we can do our own cora paige items and each give to the playground.

what do you think?

i am ready!
i want to craft my heart out for cora, jess and joel.
i want to open an etsy shop for cora, jess and joel.

sooooooo……what should i make?
what do YOU want to see in my brand new etsy shop?!
i need your help.
speak up blog readers.

(can you tell i am excited?!)

*************************************************************************************
if you'd like to hear cora's service you can find it on our church's website. (click)
it was such a beautiful and emotional service.
everyone loved cora so much…and those chubby cheeks.

the entire family is such a gentle example of faith.
 
add a comment

Patty - I too admire all you’re doing. Your designs that everyone loves so much on t-shirts and pillows: how about flat and framed with a painted frame? Aqua or hot pink frame on the cupcake design?
And if you put together a book of photo tips (maybe your photos with the settings posted and some general tips)- I’m sure people would buy like crazy. And once you put it together, it would be easy to make more if the demand was high.
I wish you luck- and lots of stamina!!

Kate Eschbach - Anything, anything you make will be so beautiful.
I am in. I am going to go brainstorm for my CORE page… for etsy.

Juliann - I would love to see you make some cute t-shirts, like the ones you made at christmastime. Maybe some with playground equipment sewn on; like a swing, or teeter-totter….

sarah - I think anything you would decide to make would be wonderful, and would most likely sell it within hours!
I tried to listen to Cora’s service, but was already losing it about a minute in. I’m still in constant prayer and I remember them daily. (it’s hard not to remember them when I look at my little family)
I wanted to just let you know that i may send a card to you to deliver to Joel and Jessica. I had been struggling with what kind of ‘gift’ to send. And was so happy to see what Julie is doing. i got one of her adorable flower pins in memory of Cora, and hope to find some supplies to make some jewelry to see for Cora’s playground.
I look forward to see what you add. And thank you for your updates, and all the love I’m sure you have given to Cora’s parents.

katie - I am excited to see what you make!! I am already selling things on my etsy to help baby Cora!! I am so excited to see people really care & are purchasing things!!

Alyssa - I love the idea….i think you should make whatever you like the most…..I love your playroom so go look around there for ideas…
I love it all.
I like the “Whatever Bundle” where you make a collection of items and we buy it all.
As far as the t-shirt….I personally would like to see the t shirt in LARGER sizes….it is so difficult to find cute t-shirts for girls past the age of 6….I like to dress my 8 yr cute still but she tall like me and it almost impossible.
I also would buy your decorating services, you could be like the NESTER and charge us for your decorting help….She does it through photos and such.

Aubrey - Sheesh, apparently I’m a little slow to add my two cents.
I’m with everybody else–I like your personalized t-shirts with cupcakes and letters and numbers and your aprons are so cute and the bottle caps are dang cute and the crayon letters are awesome and I bet people would like the felt houses. Seriously, why haven’t you opened an etsy shop before? Oh yeah, I guess some of this stuff you got the ideas from other people’s shops so I guess that’s like plagiarizing, but WHATEVER–this is for Cora, right?

Patti - i think anything you make will sell out very quickly – so i recommend you make something that is easy for mass production. i like the bottle caps – seems like you might be able to get an assembly line going.
what about artwork from your kids? they are very talented as well and it would be great to get them involved in the cause as well. if their drawings on paper look anything close to the stuff on the bathroom walls, i’d totally buy it! 🙂
it warms my heart to see the blogging community come together like this!

carly - I vote for the girls initial shirts that your girls have worn, also, the cupcake one too! as well as the bottle caps…
meg…you are such a nice friend to do all of this and in turn your “fans” (us readers of your blog) get to help out in ways that we wouldnt be able to…if i lived closer to you (i am in OHIO), i would love to help out with your laundry (as i know you hate it), while you are making up all of these goodies!
my prayers are with cora’s family! thanks meg!
carly

Regina (QueenieBee) - BIG QUESTION: Once we make the money, where would Jess & Joel request that we send it? Directly to the church at the address already given? (I think I saw that on their blog somewhere?)

Regina (QueenieBee) - I think you need to auction off a week-long stay at your house! 😉 We’d all LOVE to come hang out with you and your fun crew and be able to LIVE your blog! 🙂
Seriously though…I’d love to see some pillows or sewn items coming to your new shop!
I think I’ll open a shop myself. I’ve thought about it for a while now, and this is the perfect time (and reason!) to get my fanny in gear.
Thanks so much for giving me the nudge. We need a way of honoring the life of this precious little girl and her family…parents, grandparents, everybody!
To GOd be the glory!

Susan - I was seriously thinking just a couple of days ago… I wonder if meg would make a super cute t-shirt that I could buy for a birthday gift.
Great idea Julie!
Great heart Meg!

Alyssa - just thought of another. your polka dot camera strap!!! i would definitely buy one.

kasey - i’m in.
I would even be willing to have a piece of Jewlery made and put in in my shop and name it “remember Cora” and have the proceeds go directly to the playground.
xoxo

Brooke - Oh my goodness…you are truly great! I would love to see anything…the skirts you make for your girls..I would love to buy for my ladies..the shirts..the bottlecap magnets..anything! I can’t wait to shop!

Staci - OH YAY!!! I want some of those little shirts you made for Annie and Talby…but the male gender kind!!!! Oh I’m doin’ a little dance right now…at home, by myself because Meg is opening an Etsy shop AND I get to help Joel and Jess 🙂 Oh heck Meg, I’d buy anything you made 🙂

Christine - Things that I’m always looking for on Etsy are cute older kids clothes (size 4-8), maybe i’m not looking in the right areas but they are hard for me to find.
So I think it would be wonderful if you could make cute/simple t-shirts for girls and boys,
or even things like aprons, sundresses…I really like your style and your fabric choices for your home and kids. I’d buy your stuff.
Along the sewing line, I’d also buy curtains (I desperately need cafe’ ones but don’t like the store bought ones), I LOVE the red ones you made for your mud room/entrance.Beautiful.
Side note: (Is it evident that I can’t sew?? So far I’ve been o.k. b/c I grew up in a small mennonite town in Manitoba and there were SO many “grandmas” willing to help me out!!)
I also noticed that you use Letters for decorating(eat, read,girls room), i do that too-so maybe even selling painted letters in different colors and sizes? That wouldn’t be too time consuming for you,plus you’d probably have a lot of interest?!
I lost a baby too early as well and have recently been supporting and praying for a dear
friend whose beautiful chubby boy Jay was born silently.I have a special heart for this project…
I’m grieving for the parents of little Cora and how even though I never met them, I
feel a connection through God’s family (isn’t that bizzare and great at the same time/?)
Geesh-I always talk too much. sorry!
God bless you Megan as you pour your heart into this, I’ll be praying for you and your fam.

lisa - The super craft shirts you make for the girls!!

4JJM - You are doing God’s work here Meg…I would love to see anything made from fabric from you…maybe little pillows, girly t-shirts. I also love:
http://megduerksen.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c469c53ef0105369e70da970b-pi
and these
http://megduerksen.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c469c53ef0105365a4e71970b-pi

Wendy - I love your crayons and bottle cap magnets too!
But I would also buy some sort of tutorial on photography. It could be an email full of your tips and tricks or a phone conversation or something in writing, a pamphlet perhaps. Or maybe your top photo tricks on a series of videos. The pictures you took of Cora are gorgeous. I love your pictures and would love to know how you do it. And I don’t have time to take a class and have been unable to find such a thing anywhere close here, so I’m looking for a quick tutorial. I’m sure I’m not the only one. Think about it…

Cindy - What if you picked a few things to put in your shop, like the pillows, bottle caps and crayons, but took orders to make them personalized? That way you wouldn’t have to invest too much in something that doesn’t end up selling well. I have a friend who makes stitch markers, she has a couple of samples in her shop but will custom make whatever you want (within reason, of course.)

Christy - Meg, Anything you come up with would be awesome, seriously. I love all of the ideas folks have already suggested, the crayons, tees, magents & the cute notebooks! Love them all. Oh & your photography (as someone sugegsted) is amazing, I bet some stills of things you shoot would totally sell!

patricia - Just a few ideas of what you might sell-
1. Bottle yourself up and sell “whatever” – I would buy it.
2. Your photos are glorious.
3. A book of ideas –
4. Your bathroom wallpaper – on a roll.
5. Pieces of your life, in a book.
6. whatever….
pve

adrienneK - the neat shirts with sewn on fabrics(cupcakes,flowers etc)
ps do you have an open id? i would like to add you to my friends list on livejournal:)

Kristin - Any of your prints on colorful objects. They are all beautiful and I’d love to frame some in my house 🙂

Susan - This is such a great idea.
I would love to see the ribbon notebooks.
Susan

elisa - Count me in- how can I help?

Brittany - well, after attempting to make your cool letter crayons and failing miserably (they all turned out one yucky color) I would buy those. or your bottle cap magnets! I love them and don’t have the patience to make them!

Sheryl - I would love to have some of the adorable pillows you designed around Christmas time. The ones that look like little houses. I would love to be your neighbor in one of those little houses.

Diana G - Bottle cap magnets – I would buy hundreds of ’em!!! How about bottle cap necklaces – the tweens (and their moms) seem to love them.

Teresa - you can make EVERYTHING. Your work is amazing! maybe scrapbook how-tos, actual scrap books that people can just put pix in. Curtains!! I looooove the red ones you made.
Those yummy cookie/brownies you make, heck I’d buy them. The look delicious! 🙂
You are a wonderful person for helping Cora’s family.
<3!

lee ann - I’d purchase just about anything from you! 🙂 But….I would special order two little, short sleeved t’s. Size 3 and 6 please! I keep meaning to give them a try, but would love to support the Cora playground at the same time.

Erin - I vote for the embellished tees. But from what everyone else is posting, it sounds like you could fill a store with all of your crafty-ness!

Laura Moffat - Thank you Megan for all you have been willing to do for Jess & Joel. I’m Jessica’s friend from Colorado…I spoke with you the other day about the pics for the slideshow that we made for the service. Your pictures are beautiful and sooo treasured by the family. I think whatever you make it should be bright green and pink since those were Jess’ favorite colors on Cora 🙂 ….I’m thinking cute bags or purses?? Nothing too hard or time consuming but something we could carry each day. Lot of great ideas on here! God bless you.
Laura Moffat
http://www.themoffats.blogspot.com

Kate - oh gosh, great idea!
hm, well, you basically can make anything out of anything, sooo…
i’d suggest:
pillows
curtains (maybe?)
lamp shades
those great crayons
t-shirts (like the ones you made for your girls for their b-days)
maybe scrap books that are pre-formatted? like that have the decorations and everything so all the person has to do is write in the allotted spots and put the pictures where they want to? i’ve seen these at wal-mart, and you’d surely do a better job than them. this is for the ridiculous procrastinators, obviously.
maybe some mini-mosaic-mirrors like the one in your bathroom?
and basically anything that your imaginative brain can whip up.
if you make it, i’m highly likely to buy it.
-kate

Leah - I think others have mentioned it…but I really like you bottle cap magnets!

Abby - The abc crayons – maybe in Cora’s initials and favorite colors? I am going to start making some doll quilts tomorrow to sell in my etsy shop (need to start an etsy shop too 🙂

Anna - I would definitely like to see some of those bottle cap magnets. Pillows…like everyone is saying. Your hand towels are a must. Oh and anything else you might have up your sleeve.
I just opened an Etsy shop a couple of weeks ago.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5969195
I will touch base with Julie!
Thank you for spreading the word! God bless!

Alyssa - pillows! like the ones in your playroom. anything you make out of all of that beautiful material would be great! i would also take 5 of your christmas stockings!!!!

pam - lamp shades. 🙂
and a chore chart like the one in your kitchen (and can you assign the chores too so I don’t take the heat?)
and i want one of those verse posters in your kitchen too.
and…
you’re going to be very busy. 😉

Alyssa - pillows! like the ones in your playroom. anything you make out of all of that beautiful material would be great! i would also take 5 of your christmas stockings!!!!

maribeth - what a great idea! i have been wanting to start an etsy shop. i have a six week old, but if i can get my act together, i would love to contribute. as for you, i definitely think you could sell anything you sew and the magnets that you had so much fun making at christmas. i can’t wait to see what you come up with!

traci - This idea excites me and Im thrilled you are doing it!!!!! Im miss this baby and I dont even know her…I just KNOW I would have loved her and her family looks precous. You are very talented…whatever you make will be a HIT and ALL FOR CORA!!!!

Shannan - Definitely the t-shirts! And hand towels! What about some note cards of your photographs?
And at the very top of my list: A batch of crayon “M”s and “S”s. The sooner the better. Thanks a million. 🙂

jennifer - Definitely pillows and magnets! What a great idea, Meg.
Thank you for choosing that day to share with all of us what was going on with Cora, and Jess and Joel. It has truly been humbling to read their posts, how they have handled this with such grace. All glory to God!

ang - Megan,
I don’t know you, Jess, Joel and unfortunately never met baby Cora. But, I have been reading updates on Jess’ blog for a few weeks and have also read yours. I love your style-in fact, I’m sure I would buy most anything you could whip up. I’d be glad to pass the info along to others in Nebraska!!!

Molly - I have been considering opening an etsy shop for some time now. I have never met Jess or Joel but was so moved by their story like so many! I would love to make a few special dresses in honor of precious Cora’s life! I believe I have some pics somewhere on my blog of my designs!

traci - what a great idea!!! i loved those bottlecap magnets you made. and the cute little tshirts you made for your girls. heck meg, everything you create is awesome!!!

Allikayes Mama - Oh boy…I have wanted you to create an Etsy shop for awhile! And now for little Cora…perfect! There are so many things you have made – your etsy could just be a bunch of different things…pillows…bottlecap things…lots of fun stuff!

courtney - I would love to have some of your fun and bright pillow cases!! Anything with fun and funky fabric for my home, I will purchase!

Carrie - I loved your tshirts and hand towels (that you showed off at Christmas). I think my FAVE are the bottle cap magnets though. I would purchase any (or all) of those.

amie - i would love to help support cora’s playground! i’m a big fan of your pillows so i request those! and aprons! i love the idea of a playground in her memory, what an awesome way to honor such a strong little spirit that touched so many people who never even met her or her family…

Sara - I think the t-shirts you made were adorable, but I also think your duvets, curtains and pillows, etc. are adorable! You could maybe even customize and offer various fabric choices?
OK, now I’m offering up my own etsy fantasy, but since I can’t sew, thought I’d throw it out there… 🙂
BTW, thanks for sharing the link the Cora’s story. I can’t get Cora and her parents out of my mind, so I would surely love to purchase something to help!!

Carly - oooh, those adorable notebooks with the fabric fringe. i can’t stop thinking about those and would buy one for sure! or two or ten.

Kelli Linkis - The t-shirts! YES! Do you do girls hair bows? They are hard to find that are super cute!

callie grayson - i love being crafty but I am in the middle of moving, so when you all get more your items posted on etsy, please make postings on your blog so I can SHOP!!! I am always looking for homemade gifts to buy.
I liked yo ABC crayons too! I am with Darby on those and your aprons were pretty awesome to
callie

Chrissie Grace - I would love to donate some pieces from my shop:
http://www.mixedmediamama.etsy.com
or proceeds?…

Dana D @BoysMyJoys - I’d love a chance to buy one of the cute aprons you made last year at Christmas- and I’m sure others would, too!

Lauren - I’d buy anything to help Cora, and also anything you make (you’re so crafty) – so this is a GREAT IDEA!!!!

robyn Beckley Vining - sounds smart.
are they in need of making up costs for medical care?
i can’t imagine what they’ve accrued.
We’re non-profit workers slashing staff and budgets, but I could help with spreading the word about fundraising…

robyn Beckley Vining - sounds smart.
are they in need of making up costs for medical care?
i can’t imagine what they’ve accrued.
We’re non-profit workers slashing staff and budgets, but I could help with spreading the word about fundraising…

amy - Hi Meg!
Please make t-shirts like you made for your girls! And pillows…lots and lots of pillows! In your favorite funky colors and trims! I can’t sew very well, but I would love to contribute fabric and supplies to your stash! For real! Just say the word!
hugs,
amy

Tamra - you have made so many cute things. but I would love to see some of your photos (prints) up for sale. you take such vibrant beautiful photos.

pam - Oh and I’d love to see your adorable bottle cap magnets in YOUR etsy shop!!! they are too cute! xo

pam - I posted on my blog earlier today…I’ve come up with a Cora Paige tee! http://www.iloveplum.etsy.com xoxox

danyele - great idea!!! btw, there will be an honorary gift bag donation of 100 goody bags to Sam Ministries (Homeless Shelter)
on Thursday, February 19, 2009 in honor of baby Cora…in addition to the donations yet to come at my local NICU and children’s hospital. awesome! just awesome.

Darby - Am I really the first to comment? Wow… I think should you sell your ABC crayons… they’re so fun and since it doesn’t require a sewing maching you could even get the kids in on it!!

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poor david…i feel ya.

February 10, 2009 Filed in funny videos

especially to the screaming part.

i feel like that today.
in honor of cora's life…
if you want to look back at sweet baby cora's photo shoot
keep praying for them.
it's going to be a very hard day.
and will continue to be….

Coraheadband
they are precious.
the proceeds will go to build the Cora Playground.
this is SO COOL!
go get one in honor of cora.

what a beautiful way to honor her life…
bringing joy those around them.
add a comment

Stacy - Are you aware that they are going to be showing David’s video on Inside Edition today?

bobbie - David’s video is on cnn and on cnn.com’s homepage. wow. It’s funny.

Patti - love the headbands – they are beautiful. on a side note: i’ll be thinking of a little girl i never knew as we raise money again for the annual st. baldrick’s event. my husband is shaving his head again this year to raise awareness for children’s cancer research.

melissa @ the inspired room - so sad about baby cora…what a sweet girl.
my daughter put that video of david on my facebook. so funny!!! loved the screaming!! hilarious.
xoxo

Mindy Harris - Cora and her family have been on my heart ever since I found out she was diagnosed with cancer. I know she is dancing with Jesus now, but I am so sad for her family who is left behind. Those headbands are darling. Can grownups wear them? 🙂
On another note, I LOVE your blog. Your house is beautiful! Just curious, how do you do give-aways? I was thinking of doing one for my blog, but I don’t know how (like if there’s a random winner picker tool or something?)

adrienne - After several days of murky and wet weather, the sun is finally shining! It kind of put a bounce in my step this morning and that made pancakes seem possible! So, I tried out the blender pancakes. I added a little bit of ripe banana since I had one and got a big thumbs up from my kids! Best of all, it wasn’t a big deal to clean up. Thanks for the great idea!

Lindsey - That video was absolutely hilarious-the hardest I have laughed all day. I would never have had the forethought to have a camcorder in that situation, but if any of my children ever have anesthesia, I will now be prepared with camera rolling.
Thanks also for sharing about Cora and pleading for prayers for her and her family.
Recently found your blog and am loving it.

Alice Nakles - did you see that video on the “soup”. it was so funny.
that awesome of the playground for Cora. my prayers on with that family.

Staci - I was thinking about you today…thinking about Cora and Jess and Joel…thinking how incredibly priceless those pictures you took of her back in September must be to them. God bless.

Ashley - Meg,
I am so sick about Cora, we have been praying and praying for her family. There are just simply no words.
David’s video is truly one of the funniest things I have ever seen! I called my kids into watch it too and they laughed until they cried! So so funny!
Love your blog!
~Ashley

chris - Meg ,
I hope you are doing ok today getting through this awful process , I can’t stop thinking about Cora and her family and you too , there is no more painful loss than that of a child , and seeing someone lose their child is life altering and physically painful .
It is hard to understand how this can happen , it is all too much .
I gave to Cora’s playground it is the least we can all do, I wish I could do more , something.
You all are in my thoughts.

Liz - I am so so sad for Cora’s parents. Somedays it would be nice to understand these kinds of things. It’s hard when we dont know the ‘why’ of it all.

3 Peas in a Pod - Cora’s passing has shaken me so much. How terrible. I can’t find the right words other than I’m sick over it and I’m so sorry for their loss.
Much love from NJ,
Sue
xoxo

jessica - i can’t figure out where to email you, so i’ll leave a comment. please please leave one at my blog or send it to my address. . .
i would LOVE to know the paint color in your foyer. the green?
also…………
can you tell me where you bought some of the fabrics on the pillows in your reading/playroom?
thank you so much!
god bless you!
jessica 😉

Suzanne - still just in shock & disbelief and i don’t even know them, but can’t keep my mind off of them…especially today!
thinking of you all…
really taking in & cherishing all the little things…laughter is good medicine!

Abby - Megan,
I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks now, came over from Joel and Jessica’s blog. Thanks for the video, good to get a laugh in today. Like everyone else my heart is so heavy, praying for Cora’s family and her church family as they go through this time of sorrow. I have been listening to Natalie Grant’s song Held on repeat and praying for you all during the service hour.
Abby in FL – where today the wind is howling (feels like I am back home in KS)

Lauren - Hi Meg! Just wanted to share a few lyrics from Jeremy Camp’s new song. Definitely something to hold on to !
There Will Be A Day
I try to hold onto this world
With everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings
And the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end
His word declares this truth
That we will enter in this rest
With wonders anew
But I hold onto this hope
And the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day
We’ll hold onto You always
I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
That you’ve walked out all alone
Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace He brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting
But I hold onto this hope
And the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We’ll see Jesus face to face
But until that day
We’ll hold onto You always
I can’t wait until that day
Where the very one I’ve lived for always
Will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
There will be a day
He’ll wipe away the stains
He’ll wipe away the tears
He’ll wipe away the tears
There will be a day

Jen - my ♥ is with Cora’s family. Thank you for bringing this story to my attention. ALthough I do not know them, they are really inspiring to me.
♥Jen

Ashley Ann - Thanks for the link to the shop, I just bought a pin and am going to put up a link on my site tomorrow. I have had the extreme honor of photographing little ones that are now are in heaven – the gift you gave Cora’s parents is something that they will treasure from here to eternity. It is a humbling experience to be able to give parent’s a gift like that. Your pictures of Cora beautifully capture a spirited baby girl and her adoring parents…

Aubrey - That video makes me wish I would have taken our video camera when my daughter had a cavity filled a couple of summers ago. It was so funny. Sad, but funny.
I’m so sad about little Cora. Poor baby. Poor parents. I can’t imagine having anything like this ever happening to me, and I hope it never does. I think the worst for them is that it was their first baby and they have no other kids to console them. Heart-breaking. I read their post Sunday morning before church and was bawling in the shower, hoping my family wouldn’t hear me getting hysterical over a stranger’s baby. It just made me so stinking sad. At least we have Annie and David to cheer us up. Maybe you could lend Annie to Cora’s parents.

Gini - Meg – I posted links to your blog and Cora’s family and wrote a quick little tribute post for them. I hope that’s ok, since we are strangers, really. But all of my “people” are praying and praying hard. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront of our minds. We seem to forget how precious life is and take it for granted within all of our busy-ness.

niftythriftygirl - Thank you so much for posting the link to Julie’s shop. Just purchased a headband…what a magnificent way to honor such a sweet baby girl. My daughter will wear it and cherish it as the headband has such a special meaning. My thoughts and prayers are with Cora’s family.

Rachel - I just heard this awful news on another blog; I had forgotten that you had taken pictures of beautiful Cora not to long ago; it just shows you how we are all connected here in blogland.
I wish them strength during this time. These are beautiful pictures and so wonderful that you caputured her beautiful smiles.

duchess.of.reel - I’m a complete stranger who couldn’t help but be taken in by Cora Paige’s story. I’m SO sorry for all who were close to her. We’ll never understand why some leave us before others. Not for us to understand I suppose. I will continue to pray for all of you in the days ahead. As Moms, our hearts are breaking…
The David video was a nice way to smile for the day! Sometimes my husband has 4 eyes too. Hee. My favorite part was of course the scream (totally feel like doing that on wash/laundry days) and then the question, “Is this forever?” Too funny!

kristen - thanks for the link to julie’s shop. it is amazing. i bought a pin for Cora. what a beautiful way to remember her.
kristen

Jenn - that video is hilarious! – had me rolling…

Shannan - Just picked up a headband and a pin. They are lovely and we will remember her life when we wear them. Isn’t it amazing how God can impact our lives through people we have never even met? Still praying for everyone…

Wendy - What a great video! And a smart dad for capturing that moment.

Kate - that is such a neat idea to help remember Cora. if i had any good creative talent i’d put it to use too, but unfortunately i’lll just have to buy a headband to contribute.
-kate

Linda@ Restyled Home - Meg, my heart goes out to you and Cora’s family.
It makes no sense…none.
(((hugs)))
Linda

traci - Funny video.
I read on another blog that the time span of Cora’s family finding out she had cancer and her death was 3 WEEKS!!! I struggle with that as a stranger…how do they as mommy and daddy? My heart truly aches for them!!!! I remember CLEARLY seeing your photo shoot with Cora and just thinking she was my kinda of baby 🙂

Juliann - Just read the update on Cora; I feel sick and sad. What a blessing to them to have you in their lives, and I am sure the photo shoot is a treasure to them now. Give them a hug for me today; I’ll be praying during the funeral.
Juliann

danyele - oh my goodness…it is so sad and yet, so funny at the same time! hilarious! when paige got the goofy juice before surgery, she did the “2 fingers” thing too!
i’m so saddened by cora’s passing. i am honoring her this week by doing a gift drop at our local NICU where our daughter was born and had her NICU stay. we are taking up dinner for the families and gift bags for the siblings. thank you for sharing your beautiful pics of cora again! those cheeks!

Alyssa - oops, wrong link. here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N618fLxQP6w

Alyssa - haha that video is too funny. did you see the remix? his dad made it into a rap song. it was funny too! check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

Ashley - haha! That video is the FUNNEST thing I have ever seen! Bless his heart:) My favorite part is, “Dad…. you have four eyes.” ha! too cute!

Lazy Mom Leslie - Still praying for Cora and her family. Thanks for sharing hte video, very funny!

traci - too funny.
i continue to have little cora and her family in my prayers. i am so sorry. that poor family. she was a beautiful little angel!

Sandy - OH MY GOSH! David’s video is HILARIOUS! I’m sure he’ll get a kick out of watching himself today. 🙂
I’m so sorry about baby Cora. Life isn’t fair sometimes. 🙁

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funny annie

February 9, 2009 Filed in my goofball kids

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"Mom….pleeeeeeeeeeeease will you tell me how to spell poop?"


"For my birthday i hope i get a REAL baby.
oh wait….i don't want the pee and poop stuff."

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"Mom…did you know….when i stand on my tippy tippy toes…
(stands up up up on her toes reaching high in the air)
i can reach my light!?
i can't when i'm thwweee…but i'm four now."

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"for my birthday will you make me a wedding cake?
with purple frosting?
that tastes like grapes?"

what a goofball.
add a comment

callie grayson - such sweetness! I love the wedding cake with purple frosting that taste like grapes, too cute

Robin Laws - winning photos of this silly, silly sweet girl 🙂

Patty - You brought back memories for me with your photos. My daughter (now almost 20) had a wicker basket she always carried around with her. It was full of her “peoples” – little play figures that she would line up and create playtimes with. I hadn’t thought of that in quite a while – thank you for the smile.

Starnes Fam - I do love a goofball. How cute. My son lines up his trains like that.

Donna - I love your stories…………I have 6 kids (four teenagers) and I miss all the “funny” little things they say and do. I wish I would have had a journal back then. Now I am trying hard to capture the funny things that my 8 year old does………….I just posted a funny little story on my blog……….just in case I forget.

traci - she is so funny. what are you going to do when she is in school all day. you can get her some of those apples that taste like grapes. not sure if you can fulfill the wedding cake tasting like grapes. well actually, you probably could.

Lauren - GREAT photos! Not to mention such a cute, witty young lady you’ve got yourself

Staci - Oh man…sweet Annie 🙂 You needed that cuteness today. And I’m sure you will do your very best to make that purple wedding cake for her next bd 🙂

Amy Warden - So cute! We have the littlest pet shop “pets” at our house too!
Hey, I tagged you in the “sixth picture meme” on my blog. If you haven’t done this one before, it’s loads of fun and doesn’t require much time. Since you’re the Picture Queen, I think you would enjoy it!

carissa - grape cake… hey… could work! 🙂

Lazy Mom Leslie - SOOOO cute! Love all the pictures you take of your kids! You inspire me to be better about that!

Regina (QueenieBee) - Annie posts always make me smile. Thanks so much for sharing her with us! My all-time favorite was the one with the funny thick glasses a few months back.
And Little Cora, thank you for sharing her with us as well. My heart is truly BROKEN…all the way here in SC! She and her family are ALL I’ve thought about in the past several days…especially yesterday and today. I’m in constant prayer.

Christy - She is such a doll! My 5 yo was telling us how to “break up with someone yesterday”. Oh my goodness! I don’t remember being like that at his age.
PS. Remember these days when she is turning 14. 😉

Marla - Considering the situation the McClenahans are in, I too have been soaking up my children and loving all their craziness and sweetness and beauty.

Rachel - She is adorable…I love the things she says!

Ashlie - She’s so cute! I love hearing the things little ones say!

sarah - How cute, and so funny!

Rachel - Aww, that is adorable! When I was young I also thought “wedding cake” was the Best. Thing. EVER. so I totally agree with her there!

jamie - Priceless!

Tanya - What a cute post. Wouldn’t it be great if we kept the contentment and hope of a child’s heart through our entire lives?

Katy - Love her comments!! Sounds like my 5 year-old! By the way, made your cheesy potato soup…..oh my gosh it was GREAT!!! I think I had seconds…no i had thirds!! Hubby just called and asked if I could bring some of it to him for lunch!! Thanks for the recipe! Keeping Cora’s family in my prayers.

danyele - precious…absolutely precious.

Kate - i want a birthday cake like that too.
i especially love the quote about wanting a real baby, but then changing her mind because they poop and pee.
smart kid.
-kate

Shannan - Please, pleeeeeease make her a wedding cake for her birthday! And then be sure and share pics with us. 🙂
I can’t stop thinking about Cora’s family and all of you, too. Will keep lifting everyone up.

adrienneK - so cute!!and look at all those little pet shop friends!!!

Lee Ann - Love those comments! So glad you’re writing them down. Praying for all of you as the tears are flowing!

Aby - She’s a doll Meg. You’re such a good mom. I’m so sorry about Cora. What a little angel… literally. Keeping you and her family in my thoughts and prayers…

Lanny Stanard - Okay how cute is she? and look at all those, well I don’t really know the name of them so I’ll just say toys! glad to see a happy face today, so sadden on the lose of Cora,we would like to know if there’s and funds set-up? please let me know… Have a wonderful day:)
bIg hUgs! Lanny…

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fourteen

February 7, 2009 Filed in birthdays

she is one year older….

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her birthday was much anticipated (by her).
thinking about it constantly.
(annie is four and talks about her birthday everyday…not much changes in 10 years)

she only wanted money….for shopping of course.
she got a bonus gift of goofy stuff like face paint, care bear underwear and skull earrings.

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she took cupcakes to school.
i didn't know that kids still did that in middle school…

she had a basketball game that evening and played the best she's ever played.
it was so fun to watch her hustle.
her coach even said "she was on fire!"

she requested pizza hut pizza for dinner.

then it was time for cake.
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yeah…..she's 14 alright.  
the irritated look on her face gave it away.
even cake and candles is not cool at 14.

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well…you are looking at one smart girl.
i can see a glimpse into her future and see a strong woman there.
i have high hopes for her and big dreams.
i hope she does too.
being honest here…..even birthdays can't produce perfect days or behavior.
but hopefully when we remember this time in her life…we won't remember the drama as much
as we remember the silliness and love that is there deep down.

because it IS there.
deep and wide….forever crazy love for our big girl.  
whether she likes it or not.  
🙂
add a comment

Kirwin - Your daughter is beautiful. My daughter is almost 3, and already a handful…does that mean we’ll have easy teenage years together? ; ) Fingers crossed, but not counting on it!
BTW, I love the creative birthday bucket she got. It’s always nice to open surprises on your birthday. You’re a great mom.

Blanca - Happy Birthday to Lauren!
Oh the drama that follows these girls. All we can do is ride this huge wave out. My daughter just turned 15 and is already planning her 16th birthday party.

traci - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!! she is a beautiful girl. deep down she loves all the commotion. even the rabbit ears from talby. sounds like she had a wonderful day!!

patricia - My Mother told me this,
“the first 7 years they belong to the mom, the second seven they belong to the dad, and after that they want nothing to do with either of you til they magically turn 21.”
Just keepin it real, I love her snarky birthday self.
She looks like a cool kid that I would be proud of.

Shana - Happy Birthday Lauren! Love you girl!

Lazy Mom Leslie - She likes it. She would miss it if it was gone. Crazy love is what they all need and your kids are lucky to have you for a mom!
http://www.lazymoms.com

Wendy - My mom gave me great advice when my daughter turned 12. She said, “From here on out, don’t take anything she says or does personally until she has kids of her own.” I remember that every single day. She’s almost 14 now.
Happy Birthday Lauren.

Linda@ Restyled Home - What a beauty…frowning or not!
Happy birthday to your girl!

queen b - i love your blog 🙂 Do you mind …what paint color is on the walls where everyone is watching the superbowl ?
It looks tan or khaki..I love it.

Teresa - From a former 14 year old that’s now a 24 year old (*gulp* where do the years go?! i still feel 18) she’ll remember back and think of all the wonderful things her parents did for her. Especially her mom. We all go through that stage. I look back and remember all that grumpiness and bad attitude and it just makes me want to be a better daughter to my parents.
You are truly one heck of a cool mom! And you’ll see, one day she’s going to wake up and get it. You have a beautiful daughter she’s going to grow up to be something great! 🙂 You just have to be patient with the rebel years before you get to the *really* good ones.
God bless 🙂

Cherry Tree Lane - I can already feel that feeling. The feeling of pride for my child. Happy Birthday to your baby girl….

Chaos-Jamie - Dang! Wasn’t that just us? I have to admit, I see her mama in that irritated bunny ear photo.

carissa - hey… loving those pics of your FOURTEEN year old daughter… can you believe it!
she is going to be an amazing woman… with the two of you as her parents… for sure!
and oh gosh… do i ever remember being that age… i was too cool for all the fluff!
we know now all that fluff… the little things… really are what make it ALL special! 🙂
hAppY BiRtHdAy Lauren… !

NorthDakotaMama - Your daughter is so beautiful! Your pictures truly capture her personality… you are very talented! I must say… I look forward to reading this blog every day!

Julia - I have one of those at home too (a boy)!.

Mandy - OK, seriously….could you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do a post on photography!? Your pics are AWESOME!! Do you set your camera on auto or manual? and what lens?? help a sista, out!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of you daughter blowing out the candles! you are such a neat person 🙂

Ashley - Meg,
14 is a real drag when your the parent isn’t it?! My oldest daughter is 14 too and WOAH what a year! I do agree that DEEP down in the trenches of their hearts that their is still a little angel… we just don’t see it too often-
LOL Love your blog, thanks for sharing!
Ashley

Staci - Happy 14th Birthday Lauren!!!! She’s just so beautiful Meg 🙂 One day…I am sure that the attitude will just blow away in the wind…I know it won’t be any too soon for you 🙂 Until then, enjoy the beauty 🙂

sarah - That bucket of goodies makes me so happy, and the yellow cupcakes…and the heart cake.
I’m going to enjoy my next 12 years or so before that attitude kicks in. I hope she’s not EXACTLY like me, but I’m already seeing signs that I have no hope. haha.
You are a wonderful mother, and I hope that at least sometimes she lets you know, or shows you signs of being appreciative.

Regina (QueenieBee) - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!!!!! I have a daughter the same age, so we “get” what life for your family is like..and we’re livin’ it daily! Drama aside, it really is a fun age.
And that cake looks super delicious.

Starnes Fam - I love this celebration. You did well combining some fun for the family and a great time for your teenager. My oldest just turned 8, but I’m paying attention.

jamie - Big Happy Birthday! My almost 14 YO still talks and talks up her Birthday like it is the Big One! LOL.. It’s nice to see my Teen isn’t the only one that asks for cold hard cash! Kills my family members that want to buy her something to give cash.. Must be a Teen thing. Hope she has a wonderful Year. Jamie

Donna - My daughter turned 14 on Thursday – so many things I can relate to this post. She too, wanted money for shopping………and the moods – oh the moods!!!

Ramona - Great photos! She is a beautiful girl. Speaking of teenagers- I hope the Lord in His grace spares me from having a teenager like I was. I was good outside the home but a nightmare at home. I still can’t figure that one out!
Keep doing what you are doing- you are a great mom!

Sandy - Thanks (again!) for sharing your family with us and always keeping it real. I get so tired of the blogs that want everyone to think life at their house is perfect. My daughter is 19 and we’ve always been very close; I don’t think she acted like a 14 year old or a 15 year old when she was that age. HOWEVER – I have a 15 year old son that more than makes up for both of them. Your readers’ comments that it will get better help me to stay positive and hopeful. 🙂 Keep believing in her and loving her – that’s what I do with Seth and hopefully one day it’ll make a differance.
Love from Troy, OH

Jessica - I remember being that age. I can now look back and say that it was never enough. My mom tried, and I was an ungrateful teenager. Nothing was perfect for me, yet I expected it to be..even at 15 or 14, or whatever. Keep being the best mom that you are….someday they will thank you for it. Someday they will actually learn the “life lesson” you are trying to teach them at the delicate age of fourteen. Even if it’s when they are 25.

Alyssa - Do you mind me asking what lens you normally use?? you’ve said before, but i forgot….

Sara - Good luck!!!! I only say that because my daughter is seventeen (almost 18) The attitude started at 14 and there is still a hint of it!!!! Sixteen was the worst!!!! Love the heart cake!!!! Love all you photos!!!! I have to have your camera( and house) !!!!!! Sara

kasey@lolabboutique.com - seriously, you look tooooo young to have a 14yr old!
xo

Lauren - I completely understand! My sister-in-law is 13 about to be 14 and she is definitely going through the dramatic stage of hating her family! I’m 25 now, but I completely remember how harsh I was at that age. Just know it will get better…..and keep praying for her! 🙂

Shannan - She looks 17 to me! When I was 14 I was woefully uncool and didn’t even notice or care. No cool clothes, no make up, bad permed hair, etc… Lauren is so beautiful! I hope she enjoyed every minute of her day.

danyele - love it! my brooke (5) just said, “what a beautiful bday cake”!! my p turns 14 in two months…ahhhh. i love the goody bag! great idea for me to steal!

regina - I LOVE how you do things! I can bet that there is always something going on in your house and that it is never boring. Love the Bucket of stuff

Linda@Lime in the Coconut - Happy 14. Tumultuous often crazy years….but oh so fun!
My baby will be 14 in May. Oy.

Lorilee - My “baby” boy will be 14 on March 30th. I am dreading 16 and driving! Your 14 year old is beautiful!
Blessings,
Lorilee

karen - I came over from another blog (I think it was The Mommy Chronicles). You are an admirably creative woman, and I like your style. It’s inspiring.
Your daughter is lovely. Our Katie would be turning 14 next month (if she hadn’t passed away in 2007 from cancer), so I enjoy seeing the expressions on your daughter’s face at this stage, as she is celebrated. At that age, they are full of life and pushing limits, AND it is beautiful; it makes us all grow with them!
Sending prayers for Cora and her family, too.
http://www.karengberger.blogspot.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katiegerstenberger

chris - Oh I wish I lived at your house, birthdays look fun , tomorrow is my birthday and I will be lucky if I even get a cake , I’m betting no cake , truly all I want is to go out to my favorite diner with my family , that will make me happy , but a pink bucket of goodies well that would be the best.

Lanny Stanard - Happy Birthday Kiddo! wow fourteen I can’t even remember 14 Hmmm Have a great day, and I like all your gift’s lucky girl;) Megan next friday for sure it’s been a bad week for me my Mom’s not doing so well:( please keep her/us in your prayers!
Lanny…

Penny - I love the pictures. She is a beautiful girl. My youngest daughter will be 15 in April. I know the looks and I also know the love! It is a challenging age. It does get better. My oldest daughter(21) and middle daughter(18) were home from college this weekend and I listened to the chattering over breakfast. They have grown into beautiful young women. You will cherish these moments. I know I do!

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loving red

February 6, 2009 Filed in home decorating

my eyes are always drawn to red.

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i changed a tiny bit in the entryway.
you probably can't even notice.
and that floor…i don't like….especially when i see it in a big photo…yuck.
i wish it were wood or covered in a rug.

i made curtains at my girls weekend when i made the matching lampshades.

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i cut them and sewed them there.
came home to hang them….they were WAY short!
i even said quite few times how they looked wrong but just kept sewing.
so….a half a yard of red velvet later….problem solved.

the entry way feels like a room now.

and my sister gave me the little bird hooks for my birthday.
yes…that was 5 months ago.
but i finally hung it up.  
i love it lorel!

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red makes me happy.
oh yeah….keepin' it real…one more time.

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here is what it looks like when the kids are home.
add a comment

Anj - Thanks for keeping it real Meg! Love love love what you did. So pretty!!

Shutters Perth - I was very delighted upon going through your article that ponders me with bucket of productive and essential information. And I just admire your creatively personal touch for your home designs.

anna see - Wow! Oustanding job. It looks like a happy home.

Kristen @ More Than Mulberries - Came over from Kimba’s – I LOVE your mudroom!!! How great is that? (and how jealous am I? a lot) Red is one of my most favorite colors – it just makes me happy. Great job on those curtains too – so cute!

Misti of Studio M Designs - I’m a first time visitor, and love your blog. I am a major fan of everything red, and post about red all the time. You did a fabulous job on your room, thanks for sharing the “real” photo! Funny how crazy things get when the kids get home…
~Misti

natalie meester - Hee Hee Looks like my messy mudroom in the keeping it real phase@!
Love your posts

Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land - Hi Meg! I love your mudroom. The red looks fantastic.
I linked to it from my post today.
Kimba
http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2009/02/linky-love.html

Jess @ Just a Blink - Thanks for keeping it real!
The red is superb!

Jen - Looooooove it all!
♥Jen

Lauren - I love the last picture, which brings your awesome entryway to life. The red looks awesome, great work on the entryway, you’ve definitely got style.

patricia - Each and every time I come back here, I say stupid things like you made my day – but keepin it real, this time, your bit o red made my february.
You got heart!
pve

Dawn - I love red too. Just the littlest burst of it tucked in somewhere makes me feel happy. =)

Andrea - Oh YAY for “new red thing”. Love them all!

Linda@ Restyled Home - It turned out beautifully (of course) but I’m loving that final shot. Makes me feel at home…
Linda

Jen R - I love the red too…. that is how my house looks every day!

Patty - Your entry is so crisp and bright and WOW it’s lived in, too! Thank you for the organizing inspiration, but mostly for sharing that last photo! Have a nice night!

Shannan - 55 comments? Holy Moses. I am way behind here… I guess we are all loving the red. I am only recently learning to truly appreciate red, now that my Shabby Chic phase is finally fading into oblivion. Oh, I’m love little bits of black, too. Is that a little cubby-hole curtain I spy? Makes me wonder what’s behind it! Beautiful entry way for a beautiful home.

Taryn - My mom loves red too- she tends to buy a lot of red. I love your birds and your entryway. (And the keeping it real photo! It is nice to know that we are not the only messy ones around.)

Victoria - Ohhh I would be so happy walking into that entryway every day. 🙂 It’s beautiful and happy!

Chaos-Jamie - you made me snort my soda with that last photo! Looks just like my entryway at 3:32. (minus all the cute details)

Carla - Red is my favorite!
Your entry way looks GORGEOUS!
At least you “keep it real” is style, Girl!
That’s what I’m talking about.

Nina - oh yeah……I love red too!! Like you, it just make me happy. And can I ask you something…..how do you get your pictures so big on your blog??
thanks….

jimaiemarie - how much do i love you keepin it real??
THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS much!!! lol!!
i love your mudroom, it looks so cute!!!!

kasey@lolabboutique.com - what i wouldn’t do for an entry way with cubbies!
looks great.
xo

Nessa Dee - Love red! And love those curtains!! Beautiful mudroom!

Sara - I love your mud room!!!! Where did you find your fabric?It is gorgeous,also love your door.

Kim - Red is my favorite color – I’m thinking about painting our kitchen island red. Still trying to talk my husband into it!

Cecilia - Red IS a very beautiful color! Me, myself and I are having a pinkish-period right now. I love pink, and turqouise!
Love from sweden

Aubrey - Oh and where did you get those red buckets? I think I have a weakness for buckets. And I think I’m too weird.

Aubrey - Ooh–I love red, too. If I were you neighbor, I’d want to come and steal all that stuff–even your purse–except I’d leave all the contents. I’m not THAT psycho. Your house is so cool. My back entry opens right into the kitchen. Really. If you’re not careful or blind and don’t walk straight in you’d run into the table and sometimes my kids come rushing in so fast they slam the door into the oven door handle and stuff I have perched on top of the oven come crashing down. Maybe we should have moved to Kansas to get more house for out $$$. Or maybe I’ll win the HGTV house. big fat YEAH RIGHT.
Are you going to make cute red pillows or cushions for that bench under the window? Of course it’s fabulous the way it already is.

Anna - Can you please tell us where you got the red boots? I really want them…you know how I like red and white polka dots :o)

LuLu - Oh I am crazy for red too, I want your wellies- dang cute, and i am so glad to know that my kids are not the only ones who come home and dump their stuff! hee hee so thanks for keeping it real.
LuLu

Kate - red is one of those colors that just pops.
and makes you hungry.
*stomach growls*
but yeah, beautiful curtains, beautiful house even when the kid-nados (like tornadoes, except in kid form) attack.
-kate

Brittany - Thanks for a glimpse into your reality! I feel better now! But I LOVE the red as well!!! And the curtains look lovely!

Kelly - love the red, it’s gorgeous. and I love that you “keep it real” because I only have two kids and my house is a mess like that a lot!!

alyssa - my eyes are drawn to your house. Can we move in?

The Rauths - ooooooooo….eye candy! i LOVE red too! it just makes me happy! =) love your entry, too. that fabric is fabulous.

Mary Lou - What is it about RED??? I LOVE it too because…it reminds me of birthday party balloons, Christmas, happy flowers, etc. It’s just a happy color, it can’t help itself. : )
You did a great job on your red damask projects. The velvet border was a stroke of genius!

Katie - Love your curtains…especially with the red velvet on the bottom. Kind of a happy accident!

Staci - OH man do I love red too!!! You would LOVE my new stove that we are putting in our new house…it’s old, from England, old….and it is all garnet red and I think I’m naming her Ruby 🙂 I mean, seriously, do people really name their stoves?? I do. I really must have that fabric for something!!!! And oh yea…I love it when you keep it real 🙂 You make me smile so much!

Lee Ann - Love it all! I want a red laudnry/mud room. I saw a red and black one years ago and fell in love!

Lee Ann - Love it all! I want my new laundry/mud room to be red! I saw a red and black one years ago and fell in love.

Sandy - You make me laugh (thank you!) I love the red and beauty in your entry way – and even more I love your keeping it real pictures. Thanks for helping us to know we aren’t alone. 🙂

Mindy - I just found your blog this week and I am loving it! I have 4 kids so I love the keeping it real — instead of all those “fake” blogs who make their lives look perfect. Your red curtains are so gorgeous and I think they are better with the velvet!

Julia - Hi, I just found your blog – I love, love, love the pictures of your house. I’ve been wanting to get something from Tanya Whelan’s new line (I thought I recognized the red fabric as being from “Darla” – if not, it sure looks like it!). The curtains are wonderful. I just got a new red accent for my kitchen – red is really growing on me – http://www.flickr.com/photos/29635318@N07/3251338104/

carissa - FOR THE LOVE OF RED… i just love it!
the curtains turned out GREAT… that trim… perfect!
the funny thing… the polka dot red boots… the hot pink snow boots… the brown snow boots with pink trim… the exact same pairs are in our entry! 🙂 peas!

Heather - Love, love, LOVE your entry way! I fantasize about turning the laundry room into a kid-friendly entry with a bench and hooks . . . your “keeping real” photo reminds me that likely it’ll still be a bit of a disaster:)

Lisa - Hilarious! It’s so comforting to know that with your five kids and a dog, your house does get messy like the rest of us – phew *wipes forehead* I thought you were superwoman for a moment there. I still have my suspicions. I actually think you were meant to make the drapes to short. The red velvet makes them so interesting. I would totally by these in a store.
Take Care,
Lisa

Tracy - Red is my favorite color and I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE your curtains – the Red velvet just made the curtains PERFECT! See… you were supposed to mess up that way and make them too short so you could add the “real” finishing touches! Great job! :o) And I LOVE the fact that you “kept it real” as always – that’s what my foyer looks like always too between the kids and the dog! LOL Thanks again for sharing! Hugs, Trac~ :o)

Beth - You know it’s “wear red” day for women’s heart issue awareness?? How appropriate!

Cami - I so LOOOOVE the color red! Your house is awesome. I like the keeping real picture too!!

Heidi Jo the Artist - I loooove red too! I’m finding that is the one color in every room of our home. Thanks for sharing! You are definitely an inspiration to me. I especially love the curtains and what was a problem with them being too short became even more beautiful with velvet!
I also love to play shoots and ladders (we have the Sesame Street version) with my kids or any game for that matter. Playing with our children is very important, not only for our children, but for a parent to have memories too of having fun with the kiddos.
We’ll continue to keep Cora and her family and friends in our prayers.
Have an awesome weekend!
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

Jennifer - Oh my gosh…. love it all! I have been addicted to red lately. And not the earthtone red… the bright-make-me-smile-‘cuz-it-pops red! Too fun!
I love the curtains… glad they were short because that velvet is the perfect touch!
Red smiles,
Jen

Trina - I love the perfection and I love the keeping it real.. that is life…. try for perfection but live in pic # 2 most of the time.. wow your curtains are fab!
I’d be happy living in that little mud room. xx Trina

Laura Phelps - thanks for the real life shot. I feel better now!

Gini - You’ll love brown eyed fox’s blog today then!!! Anyhoo – I have a fabulous blue handbag that is lined with a lovely red….love love love it!!!

Tracie B - I love your blog and I appreciate your “keeping it real photos” so much! It’s incredible important to be inspired by the small things in everyday. When you show us your mess after we’ve been looking at the rest of your fantastic photos, we can take that inspiration and leave the behind the all the pressure to live a “Martha Stewart Lifestyle”. Thanks.

Suzan Freeman - I found my way to your blog by way of the Sticklers blog. I LOVE the fabric you used for the curtains…just what I have been looking for for my kitchen. Could you tell me what the name of the fabric is??? Thanks so much for sharing a picture of your life.

betsy - And today is National Wear Red Day for woman’s heart disease awareness. How fitting!
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/events/wear-red.htm

Emily - I love all the little touches of red and the bird hooks, anything with birds really. I laughed when I saw the brown suede boats, because my daughter has the same pair and they are laying on the floor in my mudroom as I type. Glad you kept it real!

Suzanne - love, love red!! my favorite color!! i even had two red cars…unfortunately, the first one was totaled by a man running a red light, the other we had to let go since we were growing out of room…hard to load kids in carseats in a two seater…
love the keepin’ it real photo! i have plenty that could rival it!
happy friday!

Lisa - The curtains are gorgeous and I love the keeping it real photos.

traci - love the red!!! so cheerful. cute curtains, i so wish i could sew!! that’s what my front porch looks like all the time, shoes and bags everywhere!!!

Rachel - This gives meaning to “a mother’s work is never done”…love the pics…especially the “real” one!

Arielle - Thanks so much for posting the “keeping it real” pictures. I LOVE blogland for all of the incredible inspiration it can provide, but it can also suck me into this distorted world where I start to think that messes don’t happen in other people’s houses and if I just worked a little harder my house would look like a page in a magazine all the time. I appreciate that you can blend insipration with reality. It’s more than inspiring, it’s downright encouraging!

Stacie - I LOVE that red purse!!!! And lovin’ the keeping it real photo . . nice to know I’m not alone 🙂

Rachel Berry - Okay Loving your entryway!! 🙂 Love the red and white so much and thank you for making me feel so normal. Our entry way is sadly enough our laundry room (old farm house) and when my kids get home from school or rooms look exactly alike!!! Sigh…. Thanks for a bit of normal. 🙂
r.

Alyssa - I love the red too…Love the curtains and I noticed them in the first photo in the cubbything. I think you can fix that floor up…..Your Meg….aka Miss Crafty…I am sure you can go into Mary Poppins craft room and craft it up with something.
Love the keeping it real photo. Thanks for making me smile.

beckley Vining - me, too. i threw what has become our definition of a party lat night and got out all my red stuff. it was fun. and the curtains? nice work. and i like the velvet. it anchors the fabric since you have the darker blind at the top. my opinion. and i think it looks fab. if we lived in the same area, i’d give you my jute rug with the red trim that i have no use for 🙂
but my main reason for visiting (aside from a common love for red and jealousy over your ability to make your own curtains!)—i think you said you are going to visit the Macs today? would you please hug them from milwaukee? we are praying. and loving. and hoping. and extending grace and peace to them in this time. maybe as some “wood for the fire.”
grace and peace.

Heather - LOL I adore the keepin’ it real pictures. Awesome. The red is so fresh.

Beth - that last pic still has me laughing. soooo true!

Alyssa - very valentinesyish! do you get tired of hearing how inspiring you are? i sat up and read some of your old blogs for hours last night! wierdo alert! kidding. really, you should have your own magazine. i love the lamb or donkey or whatever he was & the look on his face! i would never thought to put that into words, bravo! keep it coming!

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