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thirteen

February 5, 2008

holy cow.
how did this happen?
how do i have a teenager?
it seems like i was just meeting her.
just looking at that dark hair and dark brown eyes.
seeing how totally adorable she looked in hot pink.
figuring out what to do with a baby.

and one more..

my grandma holding lauren who was not even 1 day old.
ahhhh…..that’s the good stuff.
i wish i could hold her like that again.

but that would be difficult….
since we are the same size.

this is me giving my best 7th grade face for the camera.
i should have given the peace sign also….

there you saw it…she smiled.
you did see it right? i am not just imagining it?
a real smile and even laugh was overhead at that moment.

time for cake.
shirts are optional.

“she’s a pretty pretty pretty pretty
such a pretty girl….”

why are her arms waving?
i don’t know…
she’s 13.

this was a funny one.
i guess she was just far enough out of the candle light to disappear.

geez…big enough piece of cake or what?!
talby is holding a candle in her mouth…not smoking.
we don’t let anyone smoke in the house.
and think how funny that iPod will look some day.

thirteen.
big time stuff.
she has the whole world in front of her.
that is exciting.

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Kate of all Trades - Yes, very pretty girl indeed! She’s had those beautiful eyes since the day she was born.

amy d - Happy Birthday Lauren!!! Woof Woof 🙂 Love ya, Molly

Sara - Meg Meg Meg,
I so TOTALLY remember when you were pregnant with her. I was so amazed that someone I knew was going to be a Mom. You have really done so much and look how amazing ALL your kids are! And you have such a super sweet sister. hee hee. My husband calls me crazy for always checking in with your life, but I do SO enjoy it. Happy Birthday Lauren!

traci - when I was a young, unmarried, childless lady I heard people say all the time how fast their kids grew up and thought..”yeah, whatever, blah, blah”. Now that I have kids I SERIOUSLY HAVE NO IDEA where time goes!!!!! My stepson who was 8 when I married his dad 11 yrs ago is moving out on his own TODAY at 19. Never thought it would happen….jeeeeesh, its just amaing.
Your daughter is indeed just gorgeous. I had to giggle outloud at shirts are optional and making a big deal about her smile..lol
Oh yes and the idea we might think your kids are smoking..lol

amy - Happy Birthday, Lauren!

carissa - oh my gosh… no… you do not seem like you could be mom to a teenager! fun & I am sure challenging too.
she IS so pretty… and has the world at her feet! BIG 13! wow! happy birthday!

Becca - This post was so fun for me today! Today
(2/6)is my 36th Birthday. I cant even rememer what was going on in my world at 13….but it was fun to peek into her world on her special day! Thanks for sharing!

Mom - Hope Lauren had a great 13th birthday! What fun things did she get?
Snow, Snow, Go Away – It’s just way too Gray!

Jennifer P. - Happy Birthday Lauren! What a pretty girl! I can see the resemblance to you and your husband. Such a fun party too. And a gorgeous cake. And I love the “smoking” picture!!!
Sorry I haven’t been around to comment on your last couple of posts–I’m sure you missed me :). Been one sick puppy. Starting to come out of the worst of it now though.

Blanca - Happy Birthday to Lauren. I know how it feels my daughter turned 14 a week ago and I can’t beleive next school year she will be in high school!
Hope you enjoyed the cake.
Blanca

lorel - oh Lauren! That baby picture for some reason made me feel all emotional. I remember the night before you were born. Kevin and I were not married yet, but he came to Wichita to meet you anyway. We were down in Grandma Ranney’s basement talking and I just started crying, feeling fear and excitement and joy about your upcoming birth. Kevin was not very emotional – he first became an uncle at age 8. 🙂 But I am so glad you are in our family – so smart, so beautiful, so funny, so creative. And now you are a teenager. Wow! Happy Birthday girl!

Jenn - Happy Birthday Lauren! To one of the prettiest girls on our block. We enjoy having you down the street. Just think one more year and you can start driving 🙂 Have a great day off from school today and enjoy that snow and sleeping in.

traci - happy birthday lauren. 13 wow. she will smile alot again real soon. i promise ya!! that looks like a really yummy cake!!

jeanetta - oooo you are scaring me. my oldest will be 10 next year in nov and i am not dealing with that well now! i am really dreading when he gets taller than me.

Crystal - it’s a day late but happy birthday to lauren. still 1 1/2 years to go before we get the joy of having our first teenager in our home.

Ainslie - Happy Birthday to Lauren. What a gorgeous girl…especially when she smiles!!! I bet those twelve years have flown by. Hope your celebrations are special and full of happy memories for you all.

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random happiness

February 5, 2008

today my heart felt full.
happy.
content.
grateful.

the sun was shining!
what a difference that makes.
and other random happy things…

super bowl parties are fun.
even if you never watch one second of the game or even a commercial.
i didn’t burn down the house (almost) when i made these.
they were so yummy.
in my opinion…
and everyone brought lots of other good yummy stuff.
30 kids and nothing broke…that i know of.

i took annie with me to this antique store.
it’s a small store that is packed…
like my giant purse almost knocks things over at every turn.
first you wind through the store of all the breakables & things in glass cases
to get to this….
open the back door to his garage.
(angels singing…bright lights)
this kind of stuff gets me so giddy.
there is so much stuff in there. good stuff.
we were the only people in probably all day i am sure
so he gave annie the grand tour.
he plugged in the electric piano and let her play it.
it lit up when you hit the keys.
he showed her the baby pianos…like Schroeder.
(can you hear the charlie brown music in your head?)

then he showed her the cuckoo clocks.
she burst out in squealing laughter.
i think she made his day.
he gave her a quarter on the way out.
she shouted “bye…hope you has a dood day!”

these were there.
old railroad nails? they looked so graphic.

lauren has a ball game today.
it’s very enjoyable to watch her do something she really likes.
it’s good to see her work hard.
she’s the one touching the ball.

annie is really good at memory.
seriously.
scott quit playing with her yesterday mid-game
because he realized he was going to lose.

and this isn’t really a happy thing…
this wallpaper is awful.
it doesn’t want to leave.
but what IS happy is that there is only one wall left.
it’s ridiculously strong for as old as it is.
jenny…i fear your room won’t be done.
will you still come anyway?
i promise not to wear my $2.34 tinkerbell pajama pants when you are here.
if that helps my plea.

and this was the picture lauren took of me at the super bowl party.
she said “i want a picture of you in your apron.”
hmmmm…what is odd about this photo?
yeah.
where’s the apron?
and why black and white?
i don’t know…she’s 13.
today.
birthday pictures tomorrow.

which reminds me…
i have to make a birthday cake now.

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patch - what antique store is that?

Deann - You Make my Day – and I’m passing on my blog award to you!
I’m not sure if I’ve commented before, but your daughter really brings a bright spot to my day and I sent my (pastor) mother a link to her reciting the bible 🙂

Lisa Wakely - I actually meant you “always” look so cute and put together, but I guess “also” works too 🙂

Lisa Wakely - Love the way you repeat exactly how your little one speaks. Have a dood day. Gotta love it, and the last picture of you is adorable. You also look so cute and put together and to think you are the mother of 5. You go girl!

christine - happy day Lauren Enjoy your cake!

jeanetta - ooo seeing that wallpaper being stripped gave me a shudder. bad memories i had burried really deep. lol. good luck with it

Kate of all Trades - Oh…kind of sad to see that wallpaper go. Why do I like it so much? Anyway, please tell me you took some beautiful pictures of your girls in their Easter best in front of it. It just seems timeless and good for photos.

traci - LOVE, LOVE , LOVE your house!!! Do your neighbors just gush over your house or do they have as awesome as style as you do? I also JUST LOVE going antiquing…soooo much fun! The picture of you is GREAT…your hair is shiny, your smile is beaming, just lovely. You look like the nicest lady ever.

Lee Ann - Would LOVE to walk through that antique store with you. That would make my heart so happy!
Feel for you and the wall paper. Been there. Seriously I don’t think we would purchase another home with it on the walls. Well…maybe if we could hire someone to remove it.

em loria - I love junk stores, espically those that treat children well?? What a fun place, most of them glare at you like “Why are you bringing those rat bags in here with you.” LUCKY GIRL!
I also love the B&W, it’s classic.

Shabby Miss Jenn - OMG I loooove your eye candy here!!!!

Liz - As always, your pictures are just lovely! And who needs the sun with those cheerful, sparkly chandeliers in your kitchen! 🙂
Glad you had fun. Good luck with that wallpaper. The older it is, the more stubborn it is!

Meredith - Hey…I hope you has a dood day too! 🙂
Mere

Di - Had fun at the party…just got a chance to catch up on your blog. Loved the colorful pictures of ordinary stuff – although you always make it look extraordinary!

Andrea - What fun. I always enjoy your pictures. I feel for you……the wallpaper. Sometimes it just doesn’t want to come off….Yuk. Hang in there you are almost done?

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WINNERS!!!

February 4, 2008

lee ann

prairie daze

shawn

jilly

congratulations girls!
send me your address so i can send you a gift.
(cdduerksen@yahoo.com)
i printed all the comments and cut them up.
then craig closed his eyes and pulled out 4 for me.
he is such a helpful guy.

thank you to EVERYONE who commented!
that was so much fun.
i was surprised by many of them…
a former cheerleader high school classmate…
friend from IL. i haven’t talked to for years (and whom i miss)…
my favorite family i baby-sat for in high school….
my jr. high boyfriend’s wife (lucky girl)….
my little cousin who i haven’t seen in years…
our youth pastor at church…
and many more.

so much fun.
and see how easy it was?
feel free to leave 110 comments everyday.

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Shawn - I’m just recovering from a hard drive crash. Finally got my computer back yesterday and taking a little break to check on some blogs and is that me shawn?? I never win anything! How fun is this?! And I even had plans to do a giveaway this weekend. What perfect timing. 🙂 What a cute way to announce the winners. And since I’m catching up no WAY do you have a teenager. Looks like you had a fun party. 🙂 Kay, better get back to work. Lots of catchin’ up to do after being computerless for over a week. Hope you’re having a great weekend so far. 🙂

traci - wow. that is awesome – 110 comments. good for you. and what a cute way to show the winners. have a great one!

traci - what a fun way to showcase the winners. You are sooooo creative meg. Im dying to know what the prizes are…do tell

kari & kijsa - So funny- a former cheerleader highschool classmate commented on ours as well…we won’t say how long agoooooo that was!!!! Congrats to all the winners- we do love those giveaways!
blessings,
kari & kijsa

prairie daze - hee hee hee
tell craig i’ll give him his $20 sometime. just kidding, not rigged at all.
but oh, so happy am i.

melissa @ the inspired room - Isn’t it funny how many people are actually out there reading but so few ever leave comments? Too bad we have to bribe them to come out and play. I love when people comment so I know I am talking to someone real! 🙂
Oh, well. At least you know who some of them are (wow, your junior high boyfriends wife even!)
xo
Melissa

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cream puff

February 1, 2008

i hesitated posting this recipe
for fear you’d see how simple i am.
but maybe one of you has never made this…
and so this is for you.
as i was making it i was reminded of how much we love it.
i had to share….
easy cream puff squares.

gather your ingredients.
and you will also need…3 squares of baking chocolate.

you start by melting the butter in the water
bringing it to a boil.

add in the flour all at once.
stir about one minute until it looks like this…

remove from heat and let stand five minutes.

place in a mixing bowl
and add in eggs one at a time;
blending throughly between each one.

now you will have a thick yellow batter.

spread it in a 9 x 13 pan.
if i were you…
i’d use a much nicer pan than this throw away aluminum one.
i am using it because i brought this to friend’s party.
and to be polite i planned on leaving it there.
(secretly hoping they would beg me to take it home)

place it in a preheated oven (400)
for 20 minutes.

when you open your oven in 20 minutes…
it’s so exciting!
it looks all puffy and fancy.
prick it with a fork about 10 times,
then stick it back in for another 5 minutes
until it’s golden brown.
the first time i made this…i thought i was an amazing chef.
it sure felt that way.
let crust cool completely.

for the filling…
add cold milk to a mixing bowl and add in pudding mixes.
whisk about 2 minutes until thickened.

fold in 2 cups whipped topping.
(this is almost the entire container minus a few T. for the topping)

spread the pudding mixture on top of the beautiful golden brown crust.
refrigerate 1 hour.

after time in the refrigerator
cut cream puff into squares.
(don’t bother to cut small pieces…no one can eat a small piece of this)

now for the topping.
melt chopped baking squares and cool whip in microwave
for 30 seconds.
stir until smooth.
if you cook it any longer…it will scorch.

place a small ziploc bag over a glass
(like how you line a trashcan)
or if you have someone to hold the bag…go for it.
fill the bag with the melted chocolate.
close the bag.
cut the very bottom corner off of ziploc bag.
(homemade pastry bag)
decorate each cream puff square with some chocolate.
***now you could skip this whole step and use chocolate syrup…
but it’s not nearly as good. serioulsy.***

ENJOY!
keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

craig loves this dessert.
and so do i.
once i made this just for the 2 of us and we ate the whole thing over a weekend.
easily.

*recipe in the sidebar.

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cheryl - Here’s a link to the full recipe —
http://megduerksen.typepad.com/photos/recipes/img_8708.html

cheryl - Great sounding recipe — but — PLEASE INCLUDE measurements to the ingredients!!!

denise - HELP you dont have a list of the amts of each ingredient, ie. the flour, water, and milk! Can you pass that info along! Thx!

Judy Binzel - The recipe was not on my page can you send it to me. Thanks

northern cottage - ohhh nooo dearie! I’m in serious trouble with this recipe! thumbs up from me as well! xo

Janmary, N Ireland - Yummmm! Don’t have the same sort of vanilla pudding mix here but I’m sure I’ll find something!

Mrs. Fox - That looks delicious!

Meredith - Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂 I love the look of this…definitely going to try it out on the hubby! I just posted a recipe too! White chocolate cranberry cookies!
🙂
Mere

Meredith - Hey! Thanks for visiting my blog! I love the look of this recipe! My husband loves cream puffs, but I haven’t really had success at making them…I’m going to give this a try! 🙂
I just posted a recipe too! White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies!
Mere

Lesli - Wow – now I am really hungry!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

Ainslie - Hi Meg, Now THAT looks delicious!!! Thanks for the recipe. I’ve just nominated you for the ‘You Make My Day’ award on my blog. I LOVE your blog so I thought you were very deserving of this award.

Pattie - Ok, my Friday night consisted of two hours of reading your blog. I found it by chance and I have to say I love your family. I have two who are high school age and one in college and believe it or not, I would trade places with you in a sec! You seem to have such a great time with all the kids and hubby too.(yelling and screaming at them is all part of the life ha) Hang in there with your oldest daughter! Middle school is awful and they become human again for a couple of years and then senior year hits and they think they’re grown. I swear God makes them so cute when they are little so that you have that to cling to when they are so horrible. Thanks for the exciting Friday night ha! It was great getting a peek into your fun household! You/re doing a great job.

traci - YUM…first I love the way your lemons are displayed. Simple? It isnt brain surgery but in my book if it consist of more than dump and stir it isnt simple..lol…oh yeah and if it has more than 3-4 ingredients..lol
Looooks yummy and I will definately try this.

Brenis - I’m so glad you posted this, as I have never made it – and my family would love it! Thank you!! 🙂
And I love your jars of lemons and apples!
blessings, bren 🙂

Gabrielle - Wow…that looks yummy….I’m glad you posted it…we will be making that..and I like the glass demo…that’s how you put it in the bag..didn’t know that.

traci - that looks amazing. thanks for sharing!!

kari & kijsa - Delicious!!! Mmmmm…we could sit an munch on that yummy all weekend too!!
Have a great day,
blessings,
kari & kijsa

Jenn - You know by posting these recipes on your blog means I now have the means to make them at home. I don’t have the excuse that I don’t have access to the recipe and that Russ needs to stop by your house to enjoy it. mmmmmm I know this is a yummy one and so are others – my favorite that you have introduced to us is still Blueberry Buckle!!!

Jennifer Peterson - Ooooh! I would be eating those for breakfast if I could! I would not call you simple–that’s smart cooking woman! I think Rachael Ray has made her fortune off of smart, quick cooking.
Funny that you should have them an aluminum pan. I just posted a recipe today as well and the goodies were baked in…..an aluminum pan :)! (only I wasn’t taking them anywhere!).
Thanks for sharing and for making it all look so beautiful along the way.

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color all aROUND…

January 31, 2008

we got lots of snow last night.
and it’s so dark this morning.
hope these make your day bright.

i am so glad God decided to give us color.
imagine if all we had was black and white…

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Dawn - Hi, I am one of the many people that look and never leave a message. Love your blog…can’t remember where I found it but it was a link about your craft room…LOVE the colors in the room. Keep blogging!!
One of the first times I read your blog was the post about not going shopping and making brownies (so funny). By the way made the brownies during the holidays and they were a big hit. I am from South Texas.
Dawn

Shelly - Loving the color!!
And the word-play…
color all a Round =)
Very cute!!

carissa - here here! thank you Lord for your beautiful world FULL of color!

Jennifer Peterson - Tons of snow here too–more than we’ve had in at least 10 years and it’s making the roads MISERABLE! Thanks for cheering me up with color. I love these posts! The Kandinsy-esque circles are my favorite–and the donuts. Hope you’re staying warm there!

Jana - Color all aROUND… I get it. All the pictures are round… very clever Miss Megan!! Love, love, love the color – it’s good for my Seasonal Affective Disorder! See ya soon!

Mom - We were supposed to get that snow, but I think it is passing us by. I’m glad for that. Pretty pictures – now I want a donut!

Jenn - Morning Meg – I wish I was a kid today – sleeping in – no school – excitment of going sledding. Nothing was better than mom coming in my bedroom telling me to go back to sleep – there is no school today because of the snow. The snow is beautiful today. Thanks for the color you bring into the world and our neighborhood. Have a great day with your kiddos :0)

Andrea - Love these pictures. I am not sure which is my favorite. They are all so vibrant! Keep snappin’ those pics….you have a great eye…..

traci - i think your snow is headed my way. you have 100 comments on your challenge – yahoo!!!

traci - Im your neighbor (I live in Okiehoma lol)..we are getting snow right now..hoooray. We are kinda known for ice which I hate but I LOVE snow. I too am so thankful God gave us color!!! Im one of your BIGGEST BLOGGING FANS. Love your style.

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happy anniversary to “whatever”

January 30, 2008

BE SURE TO ENTER THE DRAWING IN THE POST BELOW.
please.
thank you.

i am having so much fun celebrating my one year anniversary of blogging!

i am keeping the contest open until Friday (for my weekly readers)
so be sure to go enter if you haven’t already…i am missing ALOT of you.
you know who you are.

i don’t know what made me decide to try a blog
but i am SO GLAD i did.
this is therapy for me….why??
i don’t know exactly.
it feels good to keep track of the small everyday things.
it feels great to have a record of thoughts, feelings, events of an entire year.
it feels creative to have something i want to say each time i sit down.
this blog has changed how i see things…through my lens.
i think about photography a lot more than i did a year ago.

the blogs that got me hooked were
ali edwards because i desire to scrap like her.
karen russell because i learn so much from her about photography.
(and she has a beautiful line of scrapbook supplies that i adore)
tara whitney because her photography made me change how i looked through my camera.

and now here i am…
with hundreds of new blog friends of my own
and a huge list of blogs i read every day or at least every week.

i skimmed through the whole blog last night.
i pulled some of my favorite random pictures from this year of blooging.

don’t forget to leave a comment in the post below.
have a fabulous day!

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Chaos-Jamie - Don’t you love having an online journal? I used to feel guilty that I didn’t journal for each of my kids as my perfect friends do. Now I have a blog and I can point my kids to that. 🙂 Glad to have finally found you.

Shelly - Thank you for blogging…
I do feel like we are ‘friends’… even though you have not met me.
I am inspired to start one of my own.
I think it would be awesome to be able to look back at things that we funny at the time, that may have slipped out of my mind… between baths, diaper changes, peanut butter sandwiches, birthday parties, etc…
Just like little Annie, my daughter that is almost two is starting to say the cutest things… I should put those somewhere to be able to giggle at later =)

Laura Lynn - Thanks for letting us into your day-to-day life!!! Since we are so far away I feel like I have a weekly visit with our favorite babysitter/neighbor/family! Love you all and LOVE your blog.

Lauren - Congrats on your special day!!! I haven’t been blogging much of late, but I’m super-glad I didn’t miss out on your celebration!
Take care!

jessi nagy - happy blogaversary!!!
your pictures are fabulous!!!
jessi

eryn - Thanks for your note. Isn’t it funny how we feel like we make “friends” with people who’s blog we read? I feel like you’re a friend, even though we’ve never (and probably never will) meet! I think I’d REALLY like you in person…
Anyhow, I just started reading the Angela Thomas book, Tender Mercy for a Mother’s Soul, and already I just keep thinking…this is good. REALLY good. I need to hear these things. It’s awesome!
And, funny, but we’re the same way with Charlie and Lola. Hubby and I just really like it, so when we buy new books…heck, I’m buying them, we are going to have to read them (over and over and over and over)…might as well get what I like! I’m so sick of Thomas the Tank Engine I could puke! Although he provides hours of entertainment for my kid. Have a good day!

melissa @ the inspired room - Such sweet photos!
Are you passing out yet at the response? Great job in motivating people to participate, I like that!
xo

Jennifer Peterson - oh yeah–and happy blogiversary! That’s what I wanted to say in the first place!

Jennifer Peterson - funny how you chose a lot of my favorites too! (Because I have read through your blog in its entirity–I think the very first night I found it even :)…). I loved the one of Talby and Annie in the rain puddles, and the one of the butterfly over the flower, and the one of Annie crying (did she stick those snaps on herself?–it’s sweet the way you’re comforting her though). And the best one is of Lauren standing by the bear–what a story of teenager-hood that one tells!
Alrighty, I’ll stop typing already! And I hope you don’t think it’s creepy that I’ve learned your children’s names!

shar - Happy 1st year!

carissa - beautiful!

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challenge

January 28, 2008

it’s my anniversary!

one year of blogging today.
i am so glad YOU are here.

i want to have a give-away…
but i didn’t prepare a prize in time to take a picture.

you can trust me it will be good.
you will be so happy to receive it.
(whatever it turns out to be)

Leave me a comment to be entered.
this means all of you 200+ people who stop by everyday
but don’t leave comments.
today is the day.
(through friday)
i want this to be a record setting day for comments on “whatever”
you don’t have to say anything witty or profound or mushy…
just a “hello” is good enough.
prove to me that you are here and i will be so happy.

If we reach 25 comments i would be thrilled.
if we reach 50 commetns i will give away 2 prizes.
if we get crazy and reach over 100 comments…i would pass out.
i will draw 4 prizes if there are over 100.
so…now don’t embarrass me people.

family and close friends can still win…it will be a random drawing.
i promise not to cheat.

leave a comment…it’s so very simple.
typepad doesn’t send you junk email…
and you don’t have to have a blog to comment.

DO IT!!
make my anniversary one to remember!
pretty please.

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Marina - Wow, I though you’d be going a lot longer then a year!
Congrats!
Hi from Brazil!

corey - I hope the prizes are unisex. Just kidding. Im just doubling my wifes chances to win.

kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu - Happy Anniversary!
I am lovin all your photos.

Chicago Jen - Alright, I’m commenting! I love your blog and I love your family. Even if I don’t win, I have your friendship and that’s all that counts.

Jim Horning - actually, if ansel adams and martha stewart had a child… you’d be it.
(sorry, two posts is probably cheating…)

Jim Horning - megan… I’m pretty sure that you are the Ansel Adams of Newton, with a little more colorful flair.
you need to be a youth sponsor and do a photo club or something. and craig could tell stories of his basketball career… seriously.
And I’ve decided to start calling Craig “cream puff” and see how long it takes to get him hacked off.

amy d - Congrats to my oh so creative neighbor, I love to see what creative photos will show up every day and the cute stories that go with them. I just looked at todays blog and every time I see that pix of Lauren with “that look” with the bear in the background I just crack up. It is sooo her. that’s one of my favorite pictures. Congrats again!!!

Shelley - Hi! I’m Lisa’s friend from Zion, IL. I’ve been enjoying your blog for awhile now. Just wanted to say hi (and enter to win, of course:) Happy anniversary!

Kristy - Hey Megan-Wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I have always been inspired by your creativity! Congrats on the success of your blog.

Karen - Congratulations! I found your blog through another website and love your inspirational photos! Keep up the great work and Happy Anniversary!!
Karen
WOOHOO, you made 100!!

DragonflyReflections - I just stumbled on your blog this morning and really enjoyed reading about your blogging birthday. I’m a new blogger (2 months), so still have a long way to go – blogs like yours are my inspiration!
Oh, and congratulations on reaching 101!!
Kelley

Fat Cowboy - There – you made it to 100!
I see from your pictures what goes around comes around!

Lisa Wakely - Does is count if I enter twice, just to push you over 100?

mendy - Congratulations on your blogging Anniversary! Just started blogging, glad to have found you!
M

Jennifer - Congrats! I’ve been reading your blog for the past month or so and love your home and your great “eye”! Keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to another year of eye candy!

Ashley Kleiber - Megan,
Carolyn gave me your blog address..I have been reading on occasion but never leave comments! I love the pictures of your house….it looks much different than the days when it was Candy Cane Corner…and I went to preschool there! I love the stories of the kids….Annie is so funny. I also share some of the stories to Adam! I like the post of him getting you out of the mud….and the pictures that you took of him!
Happy Anniversary!
Ashley

Lisa - Congratulations on your 100th post. I just started my blogs a few weeks ago and look forward to celebrating my 100th too!
Take Care,
Lisa

danelle - I know I left a comment yesterday.?? Could have swore I did. But, I don’t see it. Maybe I truly am losing my mind. Anyway, I read your blog regularly!! I feel like I know you pretty well after being a regular. Thanks for sharing with us!

Karen - Congratulations!! I found your blog through one of the other scrappin’ blogs I love to peruse and I am hooked by your photography! So inspirational! Keep up the great work and Happy Anniversary!!
Karen

melissa @ the inspired room - OH MY GOSH, what is going on here! Obviously the world has discovered your jewel of a blog! 🙂
You are getting a great response to your giveaway!
Count me in!
Happy Blogaversary!

Gini - I don’t even remember how I linked to your blog at this point, but am glad I did. I like to pop over every once in a while and check you out. Love your blog and congrats on your Blog Birthday!!

Carrie Osborne - Hi megan! This is your cousin Carrie Osborne! Jan (cousin jan, 2nd cousin jan, Aunt Jan????) told us about your blog spot when Aunt Helen was moving out (we were picking up furniture at the same time as her) I get on here every few days to look at ya’ll. It’s SO amazing what you have done on here! I love looking at all the stuff you put on here of ur kids(my other little cousins:))
I show Mom and Dad (Dave and Suzanne) the website every once in a while and their like “Oh, they grown SO much” (they kids)
So yeah, we are thinking about ya’ll all the time!:)
-Carrie Osborne

Lee Ann - Oh! I’m so excited. And look, you’re nearing 100. Are you still standing? Love the picture of the balloons! Hope you have a great day.

Holly - Hi, I am new to blogging and have been a lurker for a while. Love how you use your camera! We have a new house we are remodeling. I love looking at your home, it is so beautiful but at the same time casual for the kids to enjoy. I also have 5 kiddos so just feel like a kindred spirit. Congradulations on one year of blogging. May God bless you today.

Ann - Hi Megan! I found your blog at Christmastime and have been enjoying reading it ever since. Congratulations on your 100th post! Your family and home are beautiful. You are so blessed. We miss you in Chicagoland and MOPS! Especially your scrapbooking evenings! Your blog is an inspiration. Love, Ann

Randi - Happy anniversary! I love your blog – so creative and inspiring. My favorite post might be the color one (color this week?) … LOVE the colors in those photos!

jody - Thank you for sharing your home and family. Love the recipes, love your home pics—-so fabulous!!–here is a random quote from our daughter madeline yesterday—mom, you are going to be so excited you are going to scream your bottom off!!–so congrats! and don’t forget to get that excited!!

angela - i am another who visits almost daily – found you thru kristin – i find you incredily inspirational! thank you – looking forward to another year filled with many fun posts and beautiful pictures!

Lindy - LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! I too am one of many that read you daily … the stories of the kids, house, and crafts are ever so wonderful. Thank you for sharing!

Shabby Miss Jenn - OOh I’m entering!!!!!!! You take awesome pics! So glad you posted on my bloggie cuz now I found a new one (yours-lol) to peek at everyday! 🙂

maribeth - i also am one of the ones that visits, but doesn’t comment. i blog stalked my way over here one day and fell in love with your old home, so now i am hooked!

amanda - Hooray for you! I lost your site for the past two months due to a virus that ate my computer, but found you again today. Great timing!
Amanda AZ

elizabeth holder - hello love your blog – read it every day!!! Happy happy anniversary

em loria - Happy Happy Blog Birthday to you Dear Meg.
Awesome for you!

cynthia - i’m doing it! just as you requested…don’t ya just love it when fellow bloggers comment??
and yes, i try to comment!

Gabrielle - Well…it looks at though…you are going to need CPR……I hope your DH is a paramedic…hee hee. Hi….I had to put that English Sick guy on my blog…that is sooooo my Husband…

Patricia - Happy, happy! I, too, stop by often & enjoy your blog, but rarely comment. I don’t even remember how I found your blog but it had something to do with your Christmas stockings! I’m planning on making some this summer so that they’re ready for next Christmas. Thanks for sharing your creativity. Blessings, P.

Jennie W. - Yep, I’m one of THOSE 200+ people who checks your blog everyday. Love the little glimpses of your everyday life.Thanks so much for sharing on your wonderful lil blog.
Happy Blogiversary!

Sherri - Ok..thanks for sharing all the pictures, thoughts and what the kids have to say..I wish I was closer to get to see them all more but this helps me get to see what is going on in their lives!! 🙂
Love you guys!
Sherri

Nana - I don’t comment often but I do check almost every evening to see if you’ve posted anything new. It’s such a good way to keep up with your family, especially since your husband doesn’t share a lot with his mom :-). Thanks for sharing your lives with the rest of us.

Paula - OK, you talked me into it….leaving a comment. I feel funny because I don’t blog but I love to read them! Can’t remember how I found yours but I visit every day. I love your house and we hope to buy an older one with character one day. Keep posting. 🙂

Dana - I love reading your blog. I have to admit that I am only a blog lurker at this point but plan to spend my summer break developing my own… Congrats on your anniversary!

rachel carlson - cheers to you! just found your blog today and not afraid to leave comments. off to peek at your blog some more……..

Sara - Hey Meg! I love having these glimpses of your life and wonder how you manage to photograph all these things…its hard for me to remember WHERE my camera IS. hee hee. Keep up the awesome work. I love coffee too. So do my kids. Am I a bad mom? ha ha.

Andrea - Happy Anniversary!!!!! Wow!!!! I am so glad that you kept on blogging. I really enjoy visiting your blog!!!!!!!

Julie K - Hey! Count me in and congratulations!! You are so funny and you know I love your style! Can’t wait to see how many comments you get. You clearly have an amazing following!

gina - *Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary…HAAAAPPPYYY AAAANNNIIVVVersary…to you*
First Visit to Whatever 🙂
gina

shabbyjuls - HAPPY 1 year anniversary:)

Jilly - YEAH! Happy Blogiversary!

amy - you know i’m here… how is it that we keep up on each other’s lives more via computer than we do in person? That giant street that seperates us and all.

Pat - Love the balloons. Happy anniversary!

eryn - count me in!!I Love your blog!

Lisa Wakely - Congratulations on your anniversary! I enjoy your blog and peeking into your everyday life. Hope there are many more anniversaries to come.

danelle - Yep..I stop by here every day. Usually twice if it hasn’t been updated yet. Love your pictures and your personality!
I’m crossin’ my fingers I win!!!!!

Jen CD - Lovin it!
Jen CD

Meredith - Congratulations on your anniversary! 🙂
Mere

Jennifer P. - Hmmm…where did my comment go? Want to be sure I get entered. Before I said something to the effect of: I’m sure you wish I would STOP commenting already :).
Anyway, count me in. I love mystery prizes!
Thanks for stopping by my giveaway too. This is like one big yard sale, except that everything is free!

Heather (aka Digby's mom) - Wow — 50 replies already!! As you know I love your blog — and I attached the link to my blog, too, since I never get around to answering my emails!! Happy anniversary!

Debi - What a milestone- love your family, love your jammies! I’m a Nick and Nora girl, myself, here on the other end of the country in wild and wooly Oregon.

Melanie - Congrats! I just ran across your blog last week and love it. I am new to blogs (I know, I know….Where have I been!) and it is totally consuming my life 🙂 Between the food blogs and home blogs, I don’t know how anyone gets anything done! Keep up the great work.

Kate of all Trades - Congratulations on your anniversary! This is my first visit to your blog and I am having so much fun admiring your gorgeous photography. And your house. Loving your house, including the playroom wall paper. I get what you like about it!

Haydee Tau - Happy Blogiversary! I too am a silent observer/reader. I love the pictures on your blog. You have a beautiful family.

rita - delurking to say I love, love, love your blog!!

Cindy - Congratulations on your anniversay!
Steve and I really enjoy your blog.
Have a great day!
Love to you and your family…

Tracy - I check your blog daily and never comment. I love the pictures of your home. Very pretty.

Emily - Happy blogiversary! Congratulations! And happy birthday to Ainslie in the above comments as well. Today is my birthday too, I’m 30- whoo hoo.. It’s also Oprah’s birthday so we’re in good company (if you like Oprah anyway!)

Mom - Way to go Megan! You’ve brought us a great deal of joy with your blog. It’s a terrific way for us to keep up on what’s going with you and our grandchildren. Plus your photography skills just keep getting better and better. Thanks for sharing.
Love you.

juanita - Congrats on your first year. I am one of the people who always reads your blog but I have never left a comment. You have such an interesting way of blogging. And such an adorable family. I love your house. I’ve always thought I’d love to have a house like that! All the painting and redoing of things looks like so much fun.

carissa - woo hoo!
congratulations & happy anniversary!
sending you BIG smiles and buckets full of cheer! 🙂

Dana D - Happy Anniversary! I’m so glad to have stumbled upon your blog! You take gorgeous pictures, and continue to inspire me with your creative ideas in decorating and scrapbooking.
One last thing…although it has nothing to do with this particular post, you recently posted about child rearing books you were reading through. Just thought I’d share that I had a chance to meet Lisa Whelchel and hear her speak on “Creative Correction” this weekend. She was wonderful. Her ideas are common sense thinking, but it left me thinking ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ The book is filled with lots of ideas that really seem to work- love her chore jar to beat boredom. Hope you’re enjoying her book as much as I did!

Jennifer - Congratulations! I work with your Aunt Jan. She showed me your blog approximately a year ago and I am addicted! You are such a great photographer. Absolutely love your house. Take care.

Jennifer P. - Holy cow! This is a lot of comments already :)! Remember I’m one who leaves comments every time–constantly–to the point you’re probably saying ENOUGH COMMENTS already!!!
Count me in for mystery prize!

Liz - Congrats! I love how you’re making the lurkers come out of the shadows! 🙂

Jana - Hope you get tons of comments!!! I’ll come over and pick you up off the floor if it hits 100! Love ya!

Lori (Claassen) Quicke - I was in Hillsboro over Christmas and snooped at your Christmas letter while I was at Roxi and Ty’s – saw that you had a blog, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. You’re an inspiration, as always. Great to see you all looking so happy! Congrats on the 1-yr anniv!

Maryaz - Happy anniversary to you & your blog! I love your stories about your little Annie…I have a son about her age & it cracks me up to read your stories & know that I am not alone in this stay-at-home mommy world!

Betsy - hi megan! you may not remember me- adam and i started going to gefc a few months before you guys moved. i LOVE your blog! i read it everyday. erica h introduced me to in a couple months ago. 🙂 happy aniversary!

Brenis - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! 😀
Keep it up! I love reading your blog every morning!! 🙂
I wish i was as good at blogging as you are! LOL!
hugs,
Bren

Erin - I came across your blog and I am blown away by your house and cute as can be girls!! Happy Anniversary!!

Cheryl - Hi!

Jody - Hi! Love your blog. I’ve been reading for some time. Thanks for sharing your family, pictures, and wonderful ideas with us.

Sally - Happy Anniversary. Love the blog, love it!!

Blanca - Happy Blog Anniversary! Keep those beautiful photos coming.
Blanca

Jacky - Happy anniversary! I am one of the 200 who stop and never stop to leave a comment 🙂

Deann - I only recently found your blog (like 3 days ago) – I’m sorry I haven’t commented, I’m trying to get better about that since I love comments too !
happy anniversary 🙂

traci - HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY!! OK, Im a bit of a brat but I think only the steady eddie’s like me and some others should get to be in the drawing..lol…ohhhhhh well… LOVE your blog and I KNOW “whatever” the gifts are it will be AWESOME!!!

jeanetta - congrats! cant wait to see what it is.

Shelly - Hey there!
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary of blogging!!
I do love stopping by and getting ideas.
I like watching how you are working through the everyday “stuff” of having five kiddos… it helps me get some ideas of things to do with my three!
I love your blog – keep up the great info, and the pics are always awesome!!

Linda - You are one of my very favourites, and honestly, your house is the one of my dreams!!
Count me in…I’m loyal!!
Linda
xoxo

Kristi - I haven’t been reading long, but I do really enjoy your blog! Congrats on your 100th post!

Present Past Collection - I found your adorable blog sometime around Christmas through a link and I’ve been popping in every once in a while to read your fun posts. Congratulations on your anniversary.I hope that you get over 100 comments! Not so you pass out, just so you’re overjoyed!
Smiles,
Heather

lorel - I have enjoyed your blog so much this past year. It has added so much to the life of our extended family. I remember you saying that it has kind of taken on a life of its own, and I agree!
p.s. I went to Borders on Fri. night and looked at that book you suggested. I loved it, but it kind of made me hate my own cookie cutter sublurbia house. You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear, right? Oh well, I am grateful for everything anyway.

karin - Happy Anniversary! I just passed a year of blogging as well. Somehow I didn’t get around to giving out prizes!!

Leslie - Happy Anniversary! Love your blog, your stories and ideas! Thanks for sharing.

amanda - Congratulations – You’ve inspired me to take more pictures of my children!
– Proverbs 31:28 –

Jenn - Congrats Meg! It is fun to read your blog even though I just live down the street. During winter everyone seems to hibernate inside and this gives me a chance to keep up with your family. I love reading your blog because it is just like talking with you in person. Thanks for featuring my baby girl, London on your blog. I have printed it out for her scrapbook.

Karen B. - I look forward to reading your blog every day! I enjoy all of the same things that you do … and it’s fun to see what you’re up to and what great ideas you have. Love your house and your scrapbooking too. Congrats on your big milestone!

Donna - I just found your blog and I love it! I especially love all of the pictures of your house. It cuts down on the trying to see it around pictures of people!

traci - happy anniversary meg. i am very glad you decided to blog because i love stopping by every day. can’t wait to see how many comments you get.

Kasey Laughlin - Hello and Happy Anniversary!!!!

Shawn - Happy 1 year anniversary! 🙂 And thanks for the sweet email last night. You made my day. 🙂

Camm - I am one of those people that come by – daily – actually sometimes more than once to read your blog! Love it! I found out about it on Creative Blogs! Never been a big commenter, but I will try harder! Have a fantastic day!

prairie daze - you know that i am here…thank you for a year of sights…funny how i remember us standing in the preschool hallway kind of whispering that we have blogs… : )

siobhan - Well done for reaching your 1st year anniversary. Your children will have a colourful and exciting diary of their childhoods to cherish (and no doubt groan at when ‘young adults’!!!). I look forward to the next year!

Crystal - Just wanted to stop by and say hello. I’m one of those who stops by every day to read with out commenting. Sorry – not very good at that stuff but I’v been getting better. Your family is absolutely adorable. Your crafting is amazing. Your home is one that I hope I can have one like some day. Congrats on one year !!!

Christine - congratulations on your anniversary! It’s actually my 42nd birthday! I was just looking back in you archives to see if you ever mentioned what type of camera you use because that is going to be my birthday gift and i’m doing a bit of research. I saw a picture of perhaps Annie holding the manual for the Canon Rebel XT. So I’m thinking that is what you have. The photos you post are beautiful and I love stopping by to read your blog. If there’s any chance you could mention what type of camera you have and how you like it I’d really appreciate it. You may have posted this info already but I’m not done reading older posts!! Have a meaningful day!

Ainslie - …I’m sorry…obviously I’m off in fairy land today. I should have said congratulations on one year of blogging, NOT on your 100th post…duh!!! Does this mean I’ll be entered into the draw twice??? Ha ha ha.

Ainslie - CONGRATULATIONS on your 100th post!!! And what a perfect time it is to say how much I enjoy reading your blog. I love that it’s full of general day-to-day bits and pieces…cooking, kids, home decorating, crafting. That’s basically my life and I enjoy reading about someone elses life that’s similar to mine but across the other side of the world.
So anyway, count me in for your giveaway. I’d love to win!!!

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