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TWENTY!

November 21, 2013

collage2
the 2oth Craft Weekend All Stars!
A wonderful group of women from all over the map… crafty ladies through and through.
helpers 20col2 they had each finished their aprons and were in bed before 12:30 on friday?!!
how did this happen? it was awesome. spools we made the cutest bunting with baker’s twine, washi tape, old spools and felt ball from our super cool sponsor Felt Foxes.
col20 20col4 20col3 20col7 10907484316_79e920ccc4_b i reeeeeeeally wanted this buffet to come home with me.
the horns…no. but the buffet… YES!
i love the big chunky glass knobs.
and you know that i would paint it… of course i would! 🙂 jenny 20col6 we worked all saturday evening on fun projects that used lots of decoupage and glitter.
glitter is so fun.
i don’t care how messy it is.
everything is happier with glitter.
10894669503_efc09825f4_h 10894413216_68eef1deb3_h 10899589165_4e6185fab1_h 10899743154_62de4b51c1_h felt we made the wrapped wreaths again with the hellos from the Say Hello Shop.
everyone makes such neat and unique combos.
you can see their personality come out on these projects.
what great women!!

our helpers this month were Jenny & Rachel.
Rachel is Kimberlee‘s cousin and came last year. So fun to see her again!
Jenny is a friend of mine that i met WAY back in 2010 at the Coca Cola Social Media Trip.
Jenny has a great blog and i do mean G R E A T!
watch her videos… she is hilarious.

I was so happy to have met all these girls.
so glad we could get crafty… eat yummy food… shop for treasures… and laugh together.
there is not a happier group than the ladies at Craft Weekend.

if you want information on Craft Weekend and how YOU can come to one… click on the Craft Weekend box at the top of the blog.
You can read about it and sign up to be on the wait list to get picked.

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jennibell - I made Pam’s Cheesecake for the first time (I KNOW, you’ve only been talking about it for YEARS) for my son’s birthday and it was an absolute HIT. My husband loved it so much that he went out and bought all the ingredients for a second one over Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I over-baked it and it wasn’t *as* good but since we know how good it CAN be I’ll try again soon. A new family “special treat” for sure. Thanks for sharing!!!

Jenna - I want one of the rainbow necklaces … And I’m going to shop the soaps for a gift!

Amy B - I plan to order from Barn Owl Primitives. I love their signs!

Kristi - I love the You Are My Sunshine plaque! I love the bright yellow and have always loved that saying. Such great items!

Stephanie - LOVE the JOY craft. Where did you get the large letters from??

Friday Favorites » Between You & Me - […] Meg knows how to color her world happy. Not everyone can do this. She has mastered it. […]

Charla - Rachel P. is my dear friend. Don’t you just adore her? If she comes again to help you I’m planning on hiding in her suitcase! I’m going to har house tomorrow night for a craft night and hoping we’ll get so make some of your cute projects. Fun fun fun!!! Love your blog, Meg. It’s a slice of happiness every day!

Sara - Okay, last comment, I promise. Marion Ogden from Bearly Makin’ It had that coffee can in the mail to me within 10 minutes of my phone call. That is crazy awesome! And he’s just trusting me to send him a check. I’ll be sending him a check WITH a thank you note. He was so nice and funny. Unbelievable customer service. Is that a Kansas thing? 🙂

Sara - I lucked out and found the name of the antique store in an older post of yours and a link to it. I just called and they’re shipping a Fleming’s Flavor-Rich Coffee can to me in Virginia. So fun! I feel bad for asking them to ship out a $6 item, but the man was very nice about it and laughed when I told him I saw it on Meg Duerksen’s blog. He figured. 😉 I am so excited to give this to my friend named Fleming!

Sara - I tried eBay and Etsy for a Fleming’s flavor-rich coffee can but there are no current listings.

Sara - Hi Meg, talk about merry and bright! You do color the world with rainbows and glitter and brighten everyone’s day.

Could you PLEASE tell me the name and location of the antique store you took the crafters to? I would like to get in touch with them and see if they would ship an item to me. I *need* that Fleming’s Flavor- Rich Coffee can from the antique store pic. I want to give it to a friend named Fleming (!) who took pics of my baby girl as a gift to me. Thank you so much!!!

Jen - What fun!

Laura - I think the craft house has made you and Kim look YOUNGER
how is that possible?

going to e mail ya…thinking about renting your craft house for a project! But if I do, you KNOW …you will have to visit…and hang out…and make margaritas….

kerry - oh it all looks amazing as usual! oh how i wish i didn’t live across the seas! :)) jenny is super sweet and super funny, it made my heart SMILE to see her with you. glad you all had a fab time. much love, kerry x

Linda - Can you tell us about the green and white wood panels over the fireplace? It looks so amazing! What is it? I don’t even know what it is but I think I need one!!

stephany - I spy a lot of changes in the craft house…beautiful changes, but I am glad that I was there when some of your old “family home” was still there too.
Looking forward to seeing all of the new things in store for the 3rd floor and the rest of the house!
So exciting!

Michelle Hunt - What an amazingly relaxing, fun weekend. I don’t think I’ve ever been told before then “You are not allowed to clear the table”. Super cute crafts and everyone’s turned out great! Meg is as adorable and sweet in person as you would think she would be. What a special weekend we all had 🙂

Rach - Agreed. Such a great group of women. I had so much fun and all of the crafts I brought home are such a nice reminder of the weekend!

No group picture this time? Were we all making silly faces?? 🙂

Thanks again for inviting us into your home. It was one of the highlights of 2013.

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all good stuff.

November 20, 2013

fabric stacks are everywhere at the Craft House.
big projects are underway.
i am overwhelmed and excited at the same time.
i will tell you about very soon!
this is pretty much the happiest photo i have ever taken.
ha ha ha
i snapped this picture of fabrics at Joann’s… rainbows are everywhere!
yesterday i found this afghan at one of our local antique stores. 🙂
the pink and lime green lured me in!this was the quilt i got at bearly makin’ it a few weeks ago.
it is one quilt square short on one entire side so it’s too small for a twin bed.
but the turquoise?!! oh my word.
i found this one a month or so ago at the thrift shop.
yep… $2.00!
it is a lap blanket… my favorite part is the use of taupe with the black.
rainbow i have been asked a million times to to show the full rainbow afghan that my friend Amy sent me.
it is the coolest blanket!
she found it at a garage sale for $1.00.
ONE DOLLAR!!!
insanity.
can you imagine the time it took someone to make this?! with the little pom poms?
it is beyond awesome.

annie asked me last night at bedtime… all tucked in and sleepy…

“do you think mom that sometime you can call the school and tell them i am sick and then we go to the craft house and make crafts all day? and i could make you lots of coffee there.”
i said “wow that sounds like a really fun day! i do love when you make me coffee!”
she smiled with her sleepy face and said “i’m really good at making coffee.”

last week talby and i had a girls day after a dentist appointment.
i looked over at her and saw a young LADY instead of my little girl.
she is a breath of fresh air.
always smiling and kind to everyone… a peace keeper.

i made myself a chart. 🙂
1. a good excuse to use markers (NEW markers are the best!!)
2. i am no different than my 9 year old… needing a visible happy chart to keep me going.
3. i am two days in. i am sore. i did NOT want to go to bed last night but i did at exactly 11:16.
4. you can still join me even though you may not get 32 in 44 days. You can make up your own goal for the end of the year and still use the hash tag #32in44 in Instagram so we can be a team together! even if it’s the only one you do… ANY workout is better than no workout!

and lastly for this wednesday post…

MY SHOP!
there are lots of pillows in the shop right now but that is all there will be for quite awhile.
like… for months.
so now is the time to grab them because they will be gone.

🙂

AND i have a million or so vintage maps!
there is every state… most countries and a few really beautiful continent maps.
i have a soft map for a pretty map.
AND i have a discount code right now… HOLIDAY10.

10% off your entire order.
🙂

ok…. it is now time for the 3rd of 32 workouts.
and LOUD music!

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tammy - i, too, love your rainbow blanket! what a jewel for only $1! i happened across the pattern for the blanket and thought i would share it with you.

http://freevintagecrochet.com/free-afghan-pattern/star82/crocheted-fan-afghan

Steffi - Your comment is awaiting Moderation – what does this meaning?

have I said something wrong? I’m really sorry 🙁 My englisch is not so goodn 🙁

Steffi

jodie - i just read Julies comment -mowing lawns??!!!! – you are lucky lucky julie – i want to move to that part of the world!!!!how bout’ shoveling snow meg? counts?
ps – your girls are pretty awesome

Steffi - Dear Meg,

i´m from Germany and i read your blog for two years now and it is an everyday enrichment for me! I love to read about you and your Family!

Since a long time I already search a certain material of amy butler. It is the Number 9 of your pillow cases. The one with flowers in turquoise/pink and the pink/White Chevron on the back.
Can you tell me the Name of the fabric, please!
This would be really nice.

Many greets from Germany
Steffi

Tanya - I love Annie.

meg duerksen - it is three different sets of key hooks from target that are screwed into the wall next to each other. 🙂

diane - Hi…Love your blog. On the picture above with Annie, there’s jewelry hanging up….what is it hanging on? I’ve made something simular but can’t find a sturdy enough backing for my corkboard. Any recommendations?

Tracey - The turq quilt might be too small for a bed but that makes it perfect for your sofa! And a nap!!!I have a stack of quilts, on an old school desk, in our family room for sofa naps—love them!!! I’ve done my 3 workouts this week. I prefer 1st thing in the morning (before I get sidetracked) but I persevered and got in done at 2:00, finished just in time to go and pick up kids from schools.

Amy K. - NOOOOO!!!! It looks like I am too late for that awesome U.P. map. One of my people would have LOVED it as her Christmas gift. =(

Julie - What a wonderful colourful post. I would love to visit your antique stores for the fabulous finds you get. Does mowing the lawns count as a workout – if so I have done 2/44 this week.

mary - Hi Meg! I am trying to order some of those gorgeous shams but my shopping cart keeps emptying!!! Please help! thanks!!!

Kimberlee Jost - Such good stuff.
🙂

Linda - Always love your posts! Thanks you for the rainbows!!

Heidi Jo the Artist - Oh my, Annie… That quote almost breaks my heart, and brings tears to my eyes, because I’m afraid you said no. Take that day with Annie; you won’t regret it one bit! And the things she can learn from you, her mother=priceless. And the things you can learn from her too=priceless. My nephew died suddenly years ago, and that changed me forever. Our days ARE numbered. I wish that everyone could have the best relationship with their child/children. I believe school gets in the way of that. Family isn’t put first, unfortunately. People (especially the gov’t) think learning is more important than relationships, and that learning won’t happen as well, at home. Parents don’t trust themselves, because they were taught to not trust themselves growing up. In fact, I believe, learning happens even better when it is from someone we love, trust, and look up to. You know I could go on and on, and this is just my two cents, as you know! Anyhow, I finally ordered something sewn from your shop today! Truth be told, I was a little bit disappointed that I didn’t get one of those cool rainbow sweatshirts for my daughter awhile back (we are rainbow fans here too!) they sold out fast, and I was online right when your shop opened!?! Oh heck, I wish they had come in my size!! But I’m sure my daughter will love a squirrel pillow case, just as much! We have a few “pet” squirrels in our backyard that she has named. 😉 And $1 for that rainbow blanket, that is cRaZY good!

Amy - Megan, it makes my heart so happy to know that you love your rainbow blanket. As soon as I saw it, I thought of you. And that’s a very good thing, thoughts of you.

Kari - I LOVE all of the color!! Where did you get the colorful Ikat fabric from?!? 🙂

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twelve

November 14, 2013

talby this is talby at her 3rd birthday. we even got the huge Dora helium balloon.
annie was 9 days old for this party and we moved to Kansas the week after her birthday.

talby requested the yummy cake from sam’s club.
i was super happy to do that. (saves time on busy birthdays) i picked up the star picks at target.
but i added the glitter.
and i glittered the candles too… which you can tell when it’s close up but not enough to matter.
martha would care.
i do not… i just wanted some glitter for the GOLDEN day.

fyi…a golden birthday is when you birth date matches your age…it’s a made up thing… just makes it fun when it happens.
so she turned twelve on the twelfth.
and then sean turns 14 on the 14th next year (in 2014!!)
we missed everyone else’s in our family.

for talby’s Golden Birthday i thought it would be fun to get her a “Golden Gift”.
basically i just wandered through stores and picked out anything i could find that was GOLD.

gold chocolate coins … gloves … a necklace & earrings … party decorations … thank you cards …
gold pencils … gold sharpie … gold pens & stickers from the $1 Spot at target … gold nail polish …
gold polka dot shirt … sparkley sunglasses … glitter spray for your hair …. a gold pouch
all in a gold gift box covered in glitter!!!

oh my goodness it was so fun to put together!

the other gifts she got from us or other people in her life included Taylor Swift perfume, clothes, Keds (like taylor Swift wears) diary of a wimpy kid book, two other books and some money. (someone asked me to post that) sean and annie each made talby a comic – hilarious as always.

just before bedtime and before lauren went back to school and just before the KU game started we attempted a selfie shot in the nearly dark living room.
man…. i sure wish it had been good quality.
this was a great shot.
if only we had had some light. oh well. we got this. it’s better than nothing.
even spanky made it in the picture.

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Jenn - Love it! Especially all the gold gifts! Great idea.

meg duerksen - ummmm…. that is an old copy of Fix it and Forget It. a crockpot cookbook 🙂

Tiffany - It’s so good to see your family all together! Happy special birthday to Talby!

meredith - I love how you ran with the golden birthday! The things you (both) picked out are awesome! So much fun! Happy birthday to Talby! Love the photo comparison too. More of those would be cool. 🙂

Jennie - Those are the days… Can you believe it that time has past so quickly?

Soon she will be going to college…

Birthdays are a bittersweet moment. We’re glad and we’re sad. A little bit.

God bless your family.

Jennie

On a side note-
I can’t believe Dora the explorer is actually that old!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Calvin is nosing his way through your post. “That’s cool!” “Who is that?” “Are those chocolate coins??!”

🙂

I love your family photo and I want a slice of that CAAAAAAKE!

Melissa G. - Meg, you are such a fun Mom!!!! 🙂

Angela - My golden birthday (25th) was back in May – I would like a re-do as no one *cough* my husband *cough* thought to put gold glitter on my cake or buy me gold candles. Dangit! Happy birthday, Talby!

Jen - What a great idea…love the gold theme!

Barbara (WA) - What a fabulous idea for a Golden Birthday (which I knew nothing about when raising my boys, darn)!! Pinning it now for grandchildren reference, heh.

Jessica - Is Lauren reading “The Known World”????

Linda - You really are awesome. And have the most wonderful ideas. Golden birthday that is such a fabulous idea!

Lisa - Happy birthday to Talby – she is growing into a beautiful young lady! 🙂

Molly - Oh so fun! Happy Birthday to Miss Talby!! Great picture of the whole fam! I bet she enjoyed having her big sister home. Hope college life is going well for Lauren. My hubs works division I athletics and i know this can be a tough time of year for college kids. 🙂

Suzanne - Thank you for sharing Talby’s Golden Birthday!
Best Wishes for many more, Talby!!!

Tiffany - Oh what a goober, it was her 12th Birthday! Still didn’t know that was Golden, but I like it.

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - What a great idea for a golden birthday!

Tiffany - Oh Momma, u outdid yourself. What a sweet gift. (I didn’t know 13 was a golden year, did u make that up? ). I hope she loves that her Big Sis made it home for her bday, all of it warms my heart this Friday morning. P.S. I have a suggestion for another book she might like, Wreck this Journal. Maybe for Christmas? it would be great for the two girls to do together. I’m pumped to do it with my 6 year old, but I have a few years yet 🙂 Happy Friday!

Laura - “if only we had some light”……..

TRUST ME my friend…that picture shines a light brighter than you know!!!!

I have pictures of Belle and Talby together..they are LITTLE.
Wouldn’t it be fun to get them together NOW??
Big kids, glitter wearing, Taylor Swift loving, making their own cupcakes, pre teen girls……
sigh….

miss you
and love to Talby
she has the same birthday as my dog 🙂

Laura O - Love that gold polka dot shirt! So cute! I wonder if it comes in my size…..haha! Happy birthday Talby!

Heather G - (Ugh, WAS, not is. I hate when I make editing errors in comments!)

Heather G - Happy Birthday, Talby!

Confession: I am 31 and I love all of her gifts! That shirt is so adorable, and when I was growing up I thought spray hair glitter is THE JAM. (it pretty much still is.) You’re such a great mom, Meg! 🙂

angie - happy 12th birthday to talby… i hope her day was super! the golden gift is so thoughtful… and her at 3 with her dora cake… so sweet! my oldest turns 12 in January… i can’t even believe it…

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i can’t think of a title.

November 11, 2013

this sky last week.
it was SO unreal… looked like a painting.

those clouds went on and on and on.
for as far you could see… tiny puffy clouds.
i pulled over on a dirt road to take this shot.

waffle is a big baby.
if i would let him up into my lap he would try it.

kitten squeezes and loves happen every where.
even on the trampoline.

finally get some more running in.
like once a week.
but i am making my way back.
scenes like this make it much easier to be out there running. 🙂
we scheduled a race again in december (4 miles) just to get out there and not be too tempted to give up.
i am looking forward to it. (and the starbucks afterwards)

i spent the weekend with these lovely ladies…and twelve more awesome girls too.
we finished out 2013 Craft Weekends.
number twenty. i never dreamed it would be this much fun.
so crazy wonderful!!!
we had perfect weather… great projects and super creative women to hang out with.
always such a fabulous time. i will write all about it by next week.
and now…
i get 10 weeks off.

i feel very energized by that statement.
there are so many things i have been wanting to do but just haven’t had the energy for.
my mind has been focused on craft weekends and being a mom and wife.
there wasn’t much more room for anything else that took thinking or planning.
but now i am pumped for the stuff i want to make… lists to check off…. projects i want to start.
i feel ready to get crafty…. for ME and not for work. projects i want to make that are not test runs for CW.
just M A K E stuff for the fun of it.
artsy people need that ya know?
a time to refresh.
i am sure all kinds of people need that… it just looks different for all of us.

so we started right away on a project…. the third floor.
that junk that is up there has been bugging me forever!
craig went through it all with me and carried loads down the three flights and out to the curb.
he made my day.
i found his college basketball uniform while sorting… and of course i put it on and kept it on the entire time we cleaned.

and now that third floor is cleared of all junk.
ready for some ideas that i can dream up.
ahhhhhh….. feels so good!!!
what will the third floor become?! i think i know!
wait and see.

talby has a birthday on tuesday… her GOLDEN birthday.
she turns 12 on the 12th. she turns 12 on 11-12-13.
isn’t that fun?
she is going to have a great day.
i am going to make sure of it. 🙂

she baked and decorated all these cupcakes to bring to school.
she is really awesome.
and man is she funny!
she is hilarious.

i am so glad we get to have her in our family.

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kerry - Toooo much excitement in one post!

those clouds… those cupcakes… that jenny on the spot!

so so lovely. happy birthday talby darling! xx

Kirsten J - Happy birthday Talby! All day today I kept telling people it was a special day….what a cool date for your golden birthday 🙂

Alicia @ La Famille - Kinda teasing us hardcore with the third floor thing there….

Also its my dad’s birthday today and I thought 11-12-13 was so cool!

Karen Gerstenberger - Happy Birthday to your lovely Talby! I’m so glad you mentioned the golden birthday; it’s our David’s golden birthday this month, too – he’ll be 21 on the 21st. My husband said, “Does anyone even think about that anymore?,” and I said, “Yes!” So glad that you do this, too.

Kat - You should frame that pic of the sky and fields, it is amazing.
The sky looks gorgeous and those colours, sigh.
I hope Talby has a good b’day. I saw on facebook where Waffle ate the cupcakes, oops! 🙂

Sara - You look fabulous Meg! I like your hair longer 🙂 Your third floor space looks dreamy….can’t wait to hear what you have in mind. And-I’m so happy for you that you get a break! I love creating to my heart’s content……it is just so satisfying. Enjoy your much deserved break! 🙂 (I use that term loosely…mama’s and wives are always working) 🙂

Jenn - Those leaves! Ah! What a wouldn’t give to have leaves like that. So beautiful! Looks like all good times. Enjoy your break. Can’t wait to see the third floor, maybe in person.

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love these kinds of posts. sweet and lovely. 🙂

CathyC - Oh my gosh! When my group was there we were all dying to know what you would do with that third floor space! Can’t wait to see what it will be.

Tracy - What a fun date for a birthday!! Happy Birthday, Talby!!

Is that the 3rd floor of the craft house or the farmhouse? I can’t wait to see what you do 🙂

Have a great week!

kim - that first pic might be my most favorite ever! 🙂
i think you should make it a canvas, too!

mindy - Can’t wait to see what you come up with for that 3rd floor space. You are just so creative! Love all your pictures, as always.

Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - the third floor suspense is killing me.

Chris - Happy birthday to your Talby! I agree with Kelly- it’s cool that your kids can take homemade treats. We can only bring prepackaged stuff which is no fun.

I can’t wait to see what you do with the 3rd floor. We checked it out (since you said we could) it has so much potential!!

Marsha Kern - Happy Birthday to Talby! Do you guys still like living in the country? Will you ever move back to town or will it stay the country? Marsha

kelly - So cool that you guys can take home made treats to school.. That is a thing of the past around here…. Her Cupcakes are awesome and so is she…

Samantha - Happy Birthday Talby! I wish we can take homemade cupcakes to school but they have to be store bought to even be allowed on campus 🙁

Tiffany - I love birthdays and cupcakes, Happy 12th Birthday Talby!!!

Christy - Happy Birthday Talby! I hope it is a good one. The last year of being a preteen!! And Meg, I can’t wait to see what you are going to do with the 3rd floor. A blank slate…so exciting!

Betsy - Hey!! My son turns 12 today too 🙂 A special day indeed!!!

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Fall is the BEST!

November 6, 2013

we headed out for a walk in the woods this past weekend to enjoy all the colors.
when we were walking craig said “who needs camping? one hour in the woods is perfect for us”
SO TRUE!
also the kids ran way ahead so we had a (very) mini date holding hands out on the trail.
i like that.
talby sean feet craig tree
there is a quote for pinterest that i am pretty i made up and claim all the rights to.

fall my favorite time of year.
and as always… it’s changing quickly.
the leaves are blowing away and all the colors are fading.

scott’s football season ended last night.
the others have started their basketball season practicing already.
and at the duerksen house we welcome that whole heartedly.
bring on the basketball baby!

we have one more birthday next week so i have to go get some shopping done.
it gets so much trickier as they get older… toys were so much easier.
i am constantly second guessing myself.
“i don’t know if she will like this or not.”
“if i like this does that mean she will NOT like this?”
“is this too grown up?”
“is this too babyish?”
“why do they have to play the music SO LOUD in here?!”

ha!

i am out of here.
i think starbucks is calling my name first though.

(isn’t it always…..)

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Kat - Your pictures are stunning. I love them all, especially the beautiful colours.
I love autumn too, it’s one of my favourites also.

sara @ it's good to be queen - totally agree. i would rather go hiking for a few hours and then come home to our warm, cozy house. 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Your stripes + stripes = Like, totally awesome.

melissa@joyineveryseason - Love it all, the fall, the photos, the family walk and the pinterest quote!

Emily - I totally agree–toys were SO much easier…and cheaper! Now they want expensive jeans and electronics 😉 Such pretty photos! Oh, yeah…EMAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristin - Your photos are stunning. I wish I had your eye for composition!

Nicole Oberle - Dude…Kansas has amazing colors this year!! I’m in a photography group and most of them live in KS (I’m in Texas) and the colors are CRAZY!!
Beautiful!! Love your blog:)

Alicia @ La Famille - Love fall…but its always gone too soon. Happy birthday shopping!

Laura H - I feel like I was right there! Gorgeous pictures! I LOVE that Waffle went with!

Pamela - I love that Waffle was included in the picture of everyone’s feet! So cute.

Mindy - Such beauty in the woods – and Fall is one of my favorite times. We lives just a few minutes away from state forest land and it is like being in a different world. Lovely pictures – you capture God’s handiwork beautifully!

Leslie - LOVE Fall too – we are finally having a real one in CA this year – but first thing that I said (out loud!) when I checked your blog today is “Waffle Rocks!!” 🙂

Alice H - I feel the same way about presents and loud music and BRIGHT lights. Haha!

meredith feisel - I love that Mr. Fluffers? came with! Too cute! Great photos as always. I liked Lisa’s comment too. Not sure how you would work it into a post but good question. Thanks again for always keeping us entertained!

Sara - Pics were beautiful! I loved reading your comments about shopping for your kids- so dead on for me! Enjoy!

Christy - Beautiful! LOVE the photos. What a fabulous place to go and soak it all in!

Lisa - These pictures are breathtaking! I would love for you to share tips that you have figured out that help with family/homework/chores time while multiple kids are in sports/practices. For the first time this fall, we had 3 out of our 4 kids in sports. Man, its rough. I never know when to have dinner and when to even make dinner. And we always seem rushed in the evenings to get homework done etc. If you are ever up for sharing some tips I’d love to hear it! All our friends are a few years behind us so we are totally winging it! haha!

KirstenP - Thanks for sharing your fall walk with all of us. Totally love all the colors – reds are especially brilliant. I love the stream – I always think a walk is more special if there is a stream, or creek, or lake, or great lake. Fun to see Mr Fluffers!

CC - I have been enjoyed your site for quite a while now and I have never left a comment before. Because you mentioned Starbucks I just wanted to be sure to let you know that Groupon just posted a great $5 for $10 deal. Enjoy!

I have no affiliation with Starbucks, but I do love their products and I know that you seem to as well.

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N i n e

November 5, 2013

birthdaygirl3
annie turned nine on sunday.
a bit shocking that she is that old.
i can’t believe my baby is nine!
birthdaygirl2 she wanted to go to Build-A-Bear for her birthday party.
she made a bunny and named him Mr. Fluffers.
we went for ice cream before, Chili’s afterwards and Krispy Kreme after that!
it was like a food tour party with a build-a-bear side stop.
annie is full of energy.
everyone says that every where we go.
but she also loves to give hugs and kisses, is very funny, is super smart and loves her sister talby fiercely.
of course she loves all of her family but her love for talby is different.
it is one of my favorite things to watch.
annie is a real joy in our family.
and growing up way too fast… so tall and wearing the biggest size of kids shoes now. birthdaygirl4
i am almost positive that on my ninth birthday i had a cake shaped like a roller skate.
it was so cool.

can you remember your favorite cake? or favorite party?
i know that this one will rank way up there for annie.
she has been dreaming of build-a-bear for YEARS!

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Carly Winborne - The first post I read on your blog was Annie’s fourth birthday and the photos were of her carrying a balloon bouquet down the street. (I’m not crazy and stalkerish, i just was taken with the perfection in that photo.) How in the world has five years passed? I know you feel the same way…

Loni - Wow! Happy birthday Annie! I have been reading your blog for a long time. Seems like yesterday she was 5. Happens too fast! Glad she wanted a stuffed animal!

gale - My favorite cake was 8 years old – it had a Barbie doll look-a-like in the middle of the cake and the skirt was the cake all decorated with frosting. Loved loved LOVED that cake. My Mom made all our cakes from scratch and we thought she was a rock star (and still do even though she doesn’t make many cakes now!) My birthday is 3 days before Christmas but I always had a birthday cake – although parties were harder because school was on a break and kids were gone. Best party ever was a roller skating party where I learned to skate backwards… and a kid in my class gave me a gerbil as a present. Yep, my Mom was thrilled about that. Now as a mom, I wonder why she even let me keep it!! 🙂

kris saia - Always enjoy your photos — your girls have JOY in their faces!

Lisa - The food tour was a great birthday wish! And her bunny is awfully cute. I really like her cake – how pretty – wonder what flavor of cake was under that yummy decoration?

Nanette - Wow! I have been reading your blog for a while…I can’t believe she is 9! I love her expression with the shoes…Happy Birthday! I have been making my boys cakes for their birthdays and I am always amazed by how much they love them! (Even when I feel like they are a failure, their little faces just light up!) Your cake looks awesome by the way…

mommyjulia - I’m pretty sure I remember when Annie turned 5? On the blog? Wow. I can’t believe she’s 9! Happy Birthday to Annie, love those pigtails!

Stephanie - Happy birthday cute little Annie! She was born the same year as my baby boy. I can’t believe he is almost 10! It sticks in my heart when I realize how close he is to shaving and being muscled. He is still cute and cuddly, but manhood is coming around the corner. Enjoy your little girl!

Leah - Didn’t you start this blog when she was 2?! Wow, time flies!

Heather - Happy Birthday Annie! My oldest will be nine in less than 2 months. Where does the time go?! My favorite cake was a Holly Hobbie cake that my mom made me when I was about 6. But my husband orders me fabulous decorated cakes every year on my birthday and they are pretty good too. 🙂

denise@victory rd. - so sweet.

happy happy 9th to your darling girl.

she sounds like my josie, who also loves her older sister “fiercely.” if i could oprah winfrey give THAT away as one of my favorite things to every mama i know i would. 🙂

se7en - Oh Annie, nine!!! How did that happen so fast!!! Wishing you the best birthday and a year full of fun!!!

Tiffany - Oh My, the cheeks on that one, too sweet. What do you do when ur baby is 9 – aaaack! Bittersweet, I am sure. Happy Birthday Annie!!

Pamela Gordon - I lost your blog for a while when you switched domains but found you again. 🙂 I remember when Annie turned 6. She’s such a sweet and pretty little girl and growing up fast. My favourite cake was one my aunt made us each year. It was angel food cake with lemon cream frosting and sprinkles on it. 😉 Yummy. Blessings, Pamela

Julie - Happy 9th birthday Annie.
My most memorable cake was when I turned 5 – it was shaped like a rabbit’s head with the big ears. My other special cake memory was when my then boyfriend (now husband) organised a surprise birthday dinner for me with friends and family at a favourite cafe and they brought out a cake he had made for me.
Thanks for making me remember those occasions

Angie - I just had to read this twice because I didn’t believe that Annie is nine! I guess I’ve been a reader for about five years now and I remember when you were taking her to preschool! Looks like it was a fun day!

Angela - Ironically, I never remember my own birthday cakes, but I vividly remember my brother’s 4th birthday party/cake. He wanted… a PICKLE cake! What?! So my mom made him a vanilla cake died green, green frosting, and sweet baby pickles around the top. So. Nasty. 🙂 But he loved it!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Hi Meg, Your Annie is s cutie pie and I can tell she has lots of energy just from your photos. It’s funny how much you can tell just from photos isn’t it? Happy birthday to your baby. They really do grow up sooooo fast don’t they? Makes me sad sometimes and sometimes it’s so much fun watching them grow up and become young adults. Hope that Lauren is doing well in college 😉

Charly - Is it weird that I want to go to Build a Bear for my birthday? How fun! I always loved getting the McDonald’s birthday cakes. Do you remember those?

Christy - Happy birthday Annie! She is such a doll.

Gina - Nine!! No way! I’ve been reading your blog for years and just can’t believe it! :/ What a fun day for her! Her cake is so cute! 🙂 She seems like such a sweetheart! 😀

Janelle - Hey Meg…if you happen to have a chance (and want to!) I’d (and I’m sure everyone else) would love to know what Annie got for her b-day (in addition to the cool shoes) and what gifts you have in mind for Christmas. I’d love to hear your thoughts on technology too…We all need help 😉

Laura O - My sister turned 17 on sunday and we went to Chili’s too!

Rae - Any chance you’d share how to take the photo of Annie blowing out the candles? Everytime I try that photo, I get a blurry result?

Eryn - Sadly, I don’t remember many of my cakes. However, I’ve never really been a “cake” person so that may be why that was an insignificant memory to me. 😉 All my teenage years I had a chocolate cream pie with candles in it. Definitely a “pie” person! 🙂 I do have many favorite parties though. I think I had my party at the local roller rink like 3 years in a row! Haha!

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i like this.

November 2, 2013

fall1 fall2 fall3 fall4 fall5 fall6
halloween always seems a little crazy don’t ya think?
but at the end of the day it always feels like it was fun…. right?
we painted our pumpkins instead of carving because of time.
and i like doing it 1000 times more that way anyway.

my trick-or-treaters got bunches of candy and were completely exhausted at bedtime.
perfect!

fall is so beautiful here in kansas.
i never feel like i appreciate it enough.
i try but how can we really grasp it all? it is GORGEOUS all around us!
and changing literally by the minute.
i was reminded again that fall is my favorite season.

we are headed for a hike in the woods today to soak it up while we can.

happy saturday!

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Rach - I cannot wait for a little true Fall next weekend! Yay!

Erin Shannon Thibodeau - As a mom who has lived through this (26 and 22 year old)… Separate the ideas….Pumkins either early October or after dh fact..Haloween

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I like your people.

Amy K. - I was all set to rue the day I ever thought of making my kids’ costumes until my oldest said, “I’m so glad you’re the kind of mom who spends time making exactly the costume we want instead of making us choose something at the store.” Well played, kid, well played!

tara - i love those painted pumkins.

we didn’t paint or carve this year.
but, we did have 4 other families over and we had a big pot of chili with all the fixins’ and then we all walked the neighborhood together for trick or treating…so much fun.

enjoy that hike! fall is my favorite, too! for sure!!!

happy weekend.

Kristin S - I know I might look ridiculous, but I wish they made Annie’s leggings/tights in grown-up size. I love them!

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