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day two.

August 25, 2012

i am still here at the goPro reunion in colorado.

there are over 20 laptops and cords and phones and cameras laying ALL over the place in this house.
it's completely awesome.
it's a happy mess that this group "gets" and enjoys and appreciates.

we enjoyed an awesome skype session about marketing with amy fraughton of photo business tools.
she was encouraging and inspiring.

wendy & tyler are wonderful instructors…patient…understanding and kind.
the enviornment at GoPro is so relaxed and noncompetive.
it's so refreshing to not feel like you have a dumb question or out of your league.
they are so good at making everyone feel empowered!
what a gift they have and i am SO grateful that they share it so openly.

there was lots of time for questions and answers.

yummy lunch for 20+.

and later in the evening we headed out for a family shoot to practice.
i get such a kick out of watching a workshop shoot….all those cameras.

the two familes were ridiculously gorgeous.

steamy….right?? crazy amounts of beautiful at this shoot.
and the kids all behaved like angels.
it was basically a dream shoot for any photographer.

and it made me miss shooting families.
i kinda wish i had 10 more hours in a day so i could still do it…and run craft weekend…and raise my family….and create….and sew…and clean the house….well, maybe not clean the house. 🙂
i do miss interacting through photography.
maybe someday i can come back to it.
i hope so.

after our shoot was lots and lots more talking about photography and everything else.
and then the traditional wild and rowdy game of spoons.
wendy won.
i think it was possibly rigged….

loving it all so much here at goPro.
i hope your day is going great too.
i hear it's raining in kansas – YAY!!!
i am sad to miss it.

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Driveway Cleaning Birmingham - I really enjoyed reading this blog. Many thanks for putting it down in writing. I have been looking for information about for some time.

Amy Fraughton - Thanks for the shout out! It looks like an amazing, amazing weekend!! So smart for you to be there!

Debbie Hargadon - The Dad kissing the little girl on the cheek is an all time keeper! No one else’s photos could possibly be any better than yours Meg. So much emotion and feeling captured. That is the best. What fun learning experiences you get to enjoy as technology changes at lightning speed. Thanks for sharing.

Jodi - I agree…SPOONS was definitely rigged! Ha!….Oh and I might of lost a finger from (cough, cough) someone. 🙂

Tracy - We had a nice steady rain here in Kansas City this morning. It was glorious!! Have a good Sunday, Meg!

Wendy - “…the kids all behaved like angels” – did someone slip them some Benadryl? Once in a while the stars and moon alighn and a shoot goes easy-peasy … but usally I’m running around like a nut!

Happy girl - This is a seriously good looking family. Hey just for fun, are there more Macs or PCs in the house. 🙂

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Looks like a great time. And I was totally thinking the same thing(as the commenter above). I LOVE that momma’s necklace!

A Facebook User - I really need that gorgeous lady’s necklace..it is awesome!!!

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goPro reunion 2

August 24, 2012

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so i am back in beautiful colorado at a Blue Lily GoPro Reunion.
it’s fabulous.
i love listening to people talk about photography and what they learned and what they want to learn.
having this many photographers in one room is so cool.
i already teared up this morning.
even if i am not taking family photos for other people at this time….i still take photos everyday.
and i still want to to learn new stuff about my camera.

AND….this house has quite a collection of really HUGE taxidermy.

how random right?!
you can’t even grasp from the pictures how GINORMOUS they are!

and here’s me…..all sleepy-eyed and tired (really sleepy) from meeting new people and talking till late in the night.
but smiling with a full and happy heart.
what an awesome community God provided for me to enjoy.

what are you doing on this friday afternoon?

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Heather - I love the glasses!!! What brand are they?
I also love that you follow your heart and still do things for YOU. I need to take a page from that book.

mum of all trades - What a quaint spot for a weekend, although I think all those animals looking at me might freak me out a little!

Jenny B. - and you look so cute in your glasses! 🙂

cara - The stuffed mountain lion on the mantel 🙁 He would be better alive, on a mountain top. That house would creep me out. But glad you are liking being back.

Terrie G - I was at school meeting new 1st graders for the first time.
I love volunteering there. You get to learn so much about families.
I asked one boy if he had any brothers or sisters…’My sisters are dogs.’
Well, figured out he wasn’t kidding…he’s an only child with 2 dogs.
So funny!!!
I’m with you! I LOVE learning about photography. I’m part of a
great club and several of us meet a lot and learn from each other.
Did some night photography last weekend! So exciting to learn new things!
I’ve been watching courses for free on CreativeLIVE.
Learned more about light painting last night…you should check it out!
You could light paint a cow! LOL!!
Have fun! A little jealous!! 🙂

Donna R - Your weekend sounds fabulous, but those taxidermied animals would put a major cramp in my mojo. I would be thinking about how they should still be alive prancing through the forest.

Michelle From Australia - Our daughter Georgia, is one of two known cases in the world with a rare chromosome deletion. She has physical and intellectual disabilities. We held a movie night fundraiser last night to assist with the $30 000 her aide support/medications/medical expenses cost us every year. It was very humbling to see 80 people turn out to support our family and give generously. I think we raised nearly $3000 which will be enough to finish off our fundraising for this year. Hooray! God is GOOD. Now to start on next years fundraising 🙁

Jen Brandt - Have fun! On this Friday afternoon – we have decided to chillax…hubby’s in the recliner, Three Stooges on TV, 7-year-old daughter next to me working on school assignment, 5-year-old daughter swinging outside, dog asleep on the floor. I think we’re ordering Chinese for dinner. Oh! That sounds so good! I maybe, might empty the dishwasher tonight, but that’s about it.

sarah j - oh meg, and your sweet sleepy face! glad you’re having a good weekend full of inspiration.
my weekend holds some reading, fro yo, and relaxing with the fiance. xo

holly - resting on the couch, kid free! You are in my worst nightmare. My only major fear in life is taxidermy. Real animals don’t bother me, but I would be freaking out in that house. yikes.

Corny - How can you sleep with all them stuffed animals! Gross!

Lennie Jackson - Getting ready to go pick by babies up from daycare and start the weekend!!! Enjoy your time with your friends!!

KirstenP - I’m rereading Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury. I would love to be walking on an ocean beach in North Carolina listening to the music of the waves.
I love the white bark of the aspens in the yard outside your Colorado reunion place.( Minnesota, Michigan and other northern states have very similar white-barked trees but they’re called birch trees.)

happygirl - Somebody likes stuffed animals. 🙂

April R - wow, after reading about foster parents and zoo workers and heart helpers….people can be awesome 🙂
I am going to pick up my kids from school 🙂
I may stop at Sonic.
Conveniently located 2 blocks from the school :/
I will stop to buy coffee too because we are out (who let that happen!?)
and I will be happy for you in Colorado because that’s inspiring and good
Happy Friday everybody!

Tanya - Well I am peeling potatoes and baking bread and it makes me feel that all is well with my soul.
Go find what you love ~ it’s what makes life beautiful 🙂

Jessica - I see the conference is in Breckenridge, CO. Just can’t stay away can you? 😀

Jennifer - Well, even after a long night and being tired, you still look great!
Let’s see….My husband and I were just licensed last week as foster parents and we got a call yesterday telling us that they are placing a 9 month old baby boy with us early next week. His mother was trying to sell him to some stranger for $1500….really, really sad. I am running around today like a mad woman trying to buy diapers, clothes and other baby stuff in preparation for his arrival to our home. 🙂
Have fun at the reunion….

seriously sassy mama - First,I love the glasses. I spent the morning in Cardiac Rehab helping patients recovering from heart surgery exercise. It makes me so happy. This afternoon will be cleaning and going to the dollar tree for an impromptu craft with my beautiful girls.

Angela - I am eating a cupcake. And staring out my window at a yard of cheetahs because I work at a zoo and it’s AWESOME!

jackie @ marin mama cooks - Hi Meg! I love that you’re going after what inspires you and truly following your bliss. I have been reading your blog for years and have only commented a handful of times, but I have watched you grow and your business grow and it’s amazing. You always have such a positive outlook on life and such a positive and joyful spirit! I just wanted to say, thanks for your blog! It inspires me to go after my dreams!
Have a great weekend! I hope you learn tons!
xoxo,
Jackie

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pretty.

August 22, 2012

i was working on some projects over at the craft house yesterday.
i love being in my sunny craft room.

i have been hoarding embroidery hoops.

that is my favorite photo of craig.
when i make him laugh that is the face i see.
i love that face.

a rainbow gift from craft weekenders.

you've got mail…again.
because why not?
sometimes its better than music.

thift store birds spray painted yellow.
i need to find a place to hang them up.

i love my glass star from Piggie&Dirt. i want to buy them all and hang them all over the ceiling!

hello new fabric i ordered from Hawthorne Threads.
please tell me you smiled really big with that combo like i did!

my grandma's flower frogs.

hankies.

more hoarding.

mr. duerksen….i love your shirt.

ummm….yeah.
this is… by far… the best fabric ever to exist in all of time…past….present….future.
the farm will get curtains with BIG rainbow chevron.
and if i could i would just wrap up everything around me in the other.
my furniture, my kids, my dog..all wrapped up in rainbow chevron.

it's by riley blake and i ordered it from hawthorne threads also.

a lot of it. :)

doiles.

sparkles.

happy maps from elizabeth st.

wire rack from the barn….i love rust.

i need to start decorating my gloves!
ha.

and whatever i can't drape with rainbow chevron….i will cover in vintage quilts.

vintage sparkles.

here is the other fabric i ordered….

i am determined to create more now that the kids are in school all day.
i NEED to be using my hands.
i need to work my mind that way much more often than i am.
it's calming and helps me think clearly.
so i am making a schedule and at least one day i AM creating.
no matter what.

do you make time for something like that in your life?
what is that important part of you that you don't want to miss out on?

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Karen - I know that lamp well and am glad you enjoy it 🙂 love, love, love the chevron fabric….just made the Hello Sunshine from the kit that was a weekend craft and the painted peacocks….love all your ideas…thanks for sharing your gift of crafting…

Natalie - While ths post made me happy it also made me so so jealous 🙂 gorgeous fabric. Where do you find all those fantastic quilts
I swear I have the worst luck in that department, yours are fab.

teresa - I love all your colorful piles….
Happy day! Love the name of your blog ;}

Julie Tiu - Oh my gosh. Just found your blog through Pinterest… so lovely “meeting” crafty, artful people… so much happiness here. Thank you for sharing!

Doris - I don’t know if you read comments you get here, but I wonder if you ever see my blog? Since year and few months ago I’m checking your blog and loving it 🙂
“You’ve got mail” is one of my all time favorites. 🙂
and I can’t live without being creative, it’s always something about pictures, or editing music videos, making stuff for family, making photo albums/scrapbooks… and-making music (I’m a singer-songwriter, engineer.)

Lisa Perry - Love when you post your creative stuff! I am aching to find the time to create, I have been so busy the past couple months, I’ve barely had time and my hands are itching for it too…hoping next weekend I will find the time! My soul needs it!

Lauren - I feel exactly the same. Posted something similar just the other day! The artist in me is sad to see summer go…but I gotta keep creating. LOVE the hankies by the way…and that children’s book. *gulp* What a lovely studio…enjoy it!

lola - hi eg! love your blog so much, your positivity is sometimes just what i need! also, I just wanted to let you know, if you didn’t know already, that I linked to your blog for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, check it out at, http://www.bearandlionmama.com/2012/08/its-honour-just-to-be-nominated.html

Sarah Russell - This post is the epitome of eye candy. I love your blog so much and look forward to seeing the lastest scoop in my inbox each morning. God bless ya sistah!

Tracy - Where did you find the glass star? Is Piggie&Dirt on Etsy?

Lindsey - I saw the squirrel fabric on Hawthorne also! LOVE IT! Everything in this post is wonderful! Can’t wait to see what you made!!!!

Sharilyn - Your photos make me smile so BIG! I love the happiness that oozes from them. 🙂

Randi-Dukes and Duchesses - Love all those photos! This summer I set aside some creative time – an hour a week to sew, an hour a week to scrapbook, and an hour a week to knit. Sometimes I did more but it’s amazing what you can do in one hour. I even scheduled it in my planner. I’m definitely keeping it up during the school year.

Su@TheIntentionalHome - oh what fun inspiration. I pinned the embroidery hoop art from the Craft Weekend post and now love to see more in this post. . that will be a fun craft for me to do with my girls. I love the Chevron rainbow fabric. . love that they skipped out on purple (my least favorite color). . .all the others make me happy but not purple for some reason. I have all the colors in my house. . but purple. Happy Post. . love it. . .such inspirataion. And yes, one day a week. . I make time to read, blog, create, shop fun stores. . rest and inspire my soul. . but I tell you 9am-2pm goes very quickly.

Allison - Love your blog!
What is the title of the children’s book with the beautiful illustrations?
Thanks!

Bernice - Thank you for this post! I am so jealous of all your fabric purchases!! Man I’d love to be able to sit and make stuff all day. But for now an active toddler occupies my days. Enjoy your time!!

Amy @littleforalittlewhile - Fabric makes me happy. How will I ever choose at craft weekend?!

Mandy Draper - your post made me smile today 🙂 will you be making more pillows for your etsy shop again this year? i missed it last yr, and was super bummed.

Donna R - Love all the happy fabric, but especially the rainbow chevron. B U tiful! Now to come up with a project so I can order some.
Totally relate to needing to make time for creative projects. I have a million projects pinned and don’t nearly take the time I need to have fun with them!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - I love this post. It is really what I have been feeling lately. I have been in such a rut and I need to create! It is easier for me to create when I am with people I love. That is what makes living far away from home so hard 🙁 One day, I will have lots of time, but my baby will be grown by then. So I am enjoying her now!

Carolyn - That is FABULOUS fabric! And yes- I’ve been thinking that I MUST set aside time to be creative. I love to make things but I’m also a musician and did some acting in high school and I MISS performing. That creative outlet has been pretty dead for me since college. I signed up for an adult tap class for this year and I’m pretty excited about it! Now to find time to play my instruments…:)

Tracey - I need help!! I have been hoarding vintage napkins and hankies with embroidery that I want to make something with but I am struggling with what to make. I was thinking about a valance/curtain for the window above my kitchen sink but I am skeered to do anything to them until I have a plan. What have you made out of your vintage hankies in the past?

Brittany McKenna - Meg- I was at a thrift store in Colorado just yesterday and I saw the EXACT SAME thrift store birds (just one though) and thought about what they would look like spray painted! I had never seen anything like it until yesterday! I didn’t end up getting it, but I love how yours looks! I also love flower frogs! This whole post also made me happy!!

shannon - Your posts are always so bright and happy!
School started for us as well and I was really looking forward to crafting up a storm but instead I’ve been fighting ants daily 🙁
Hoping next week I have more time to craft and create!!!

Ashley E - Firstly, let me tell you what I would GIVE for that pile of doilies….I am so envious! 🙂 I’m on a mission to find all of Tulsa’s doilies for a project. I always try to make time for reading or crafting, which is probably once every two weeks due to being a working mama of two! Whew! LOOOOOVE your craft room and want to have Scotty “Beam me up!” to it!

Angela Atkins - I love your craft room and those stacks of fabric. I’ve been making my own Fall List, now that my big part time job is almost over and I’ll have two whole days to work on stuff while the kids are in school. I make time to do quilts now and will also add in some updating around the house–some furniture painting, new lampshades, that kind of stuff. And just some inspiration trips that I couldn’t do this summer with my kids.

Katie - how cute is tha b/w pic of your kiddos!!!

rachel - i think we could be twinsies….my craft closet very closely resembles your craft room, i adore your yellow owl, i, too, seem to hoard embroidery hoops and i drool over vintage fabrics and quilts. 🙂 if i don’t have a project to work on i get anxious. happy crafting! 🙂

Jodi - Antique shopping, You’ve Got Mail, painted yellow birds, lovely fabric, antique quilts, thread spools, and the hankie collection…..we love so many of the same things! I’ve read your blog for the past 3 years, but never really commented. But today I felt like you were reading my mind. I can just imagine how you feel when you walk into your craft/sewing room…pure happiness.

Jenny B. - I saw those too! I have boys, so they wouldn’t go for it. I briefly considered getting one for myself. 🙂

Jenny B. - Oh, such a happy post! That rainbow chevron makes me giddy! Giddy, I tell you! 🙂 I see ball fringe… are you planning to make more pillows? The one I bought last year is the star of my sofa, and I’m thinking he needs a friend. Hint, hint. 🙂 Also – LOVE the rainbow button lamp shade. I think I might need to do that. So many ideas… so little time… 🙂 Thanks for brightening my day!

Chrissie Grace - Yummy. Makes me want to create

Lisa B - I LOVE that rainbow chevron! I think my son needs that for curtains in his new room when we move.

Jennifer wood - My boys are ages 11, 7, and 4, so I kind of feel like I have recently stepped out of a fog of diapers, potty training, etc. Because of that (and because I’ve been intentional about creating time for it), I’ve been creating more for our home…making something out of nothing, making fun things out of ordinary things. My oldest son recently said, “I love how you decorate our house with things most people give away to the Food and Clothing Bank (our town’s “goodwill”)” This was such a compliment to me! haha!! 😉 LOVE your blog…it inspires me.

melissa lorenz - Completely inspiring post today Meg! BTW – Lands End has rainbow chevron backpacks for kids this year!

Gina - Love all your beautiful photos! Especially the quilts…hope I can score some one day. I love to make things, too, whether it is a paper craft or sewing. Have a great week!

Jacci in Ohio - I just LOVED all these pictures from your craft room. Craft Weekend pics are fun, but I love these even more. More personal, maybe? Happy fun.
Time in the Word. And in prayer. My five kids are home all day, everyday… that time has to be protected like mad. Or it slips away. And it’s not something I can just give up on.

beth - You are absolutely right about creating and I have decided to follow in your footsteps and create while the kids are in school–yea for school! ha!
How do you clean your vintage quilts? I have a beautiful old quilt I just got from my mom that my grandma made and I’m not sure how to go about getting it clean. It’s not stained, but just that old musty smell from being in my parents basement. Any ideas?
Happy school days to you, Meg!
Beth

Darcie L. - Kindred spirits. We were doing premarital counseling with some younger friends of ours. Hubby asked the guy, “What are your fiancee’s needs? Like, for my wife, she NEEDS to be creative. She NEEDS to make things.” He was totally right. 🙂

Ami - This happy post is exactly why you are the first blog I check everyday! Love, love, love all that color!

Jen Brandt - I so love your pictures. What an awesome rainbow button lamp shade. So happy! I need time to exercise and thank God I have a husband who understands that. 🙂

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - I miss quilting, to be honest. My sewing machine (dumb Brother) finally gave up the ghost and it will be months before I can replace it and months before my life settles down enough to even consider crafting/sewing. We’re going from 4 to 7 children and that’s going to be a bit chaotic around here.

Christy K - This is, by far, THE happiest blog post I have read in, well… EVER. All of the bright, beautiful colours make my heart SO very happy! Thank you for inspiring me today and happy creating!! : )

stephany - Happy photos.
Creating makes me happy, too!
I have tons of cleaning to do before my in-laws get to town and I have been creating, moving furniture, and changing things around in our house instead.
You’ve Got Mail is one of my favorites, too. Really, anything with Meg Ryan.
And, I have a table full of thrifted embroidery hoops and fabric right at this moment.
I think we would get along well. 🙂

becky - i thought you’d appreciate this – we were doing a cross country road trip with the kids (well, to ohio and back) and i had this big binder with all the things we were going to do at every stop. and on the way home we had an over-nighter in salina and my one and only goal was to go out to the barn and shop and i had it all marked and the address in the gps and everything…AND…the one day we were there – was the day they were closed. sigh. and to think i passed up one amazing antique shop after another with the mantra going through my head, “just make it to kansas…just make it to kansas…” hah! that’ll teach me. hopefully next time i’m in your neck of the woods – i will make it to the barn.
thanks for all the wonderful pics today. it’s funny – i see rainbow things all the time and think of you – which is weird, i know…but funny at the same time. oh, this funny blogging world.

Lennie Jackson - My kids are small 1 yr and almost 3 so it is very hard for me to get any craft-mommy-I need it to keep my sanity time, but I try really hard to do that. It is all a juggle and you seem to do so well. Thanks for the pretty post!!! Someday I’ll get to that craft house!!

Juli - So funny! I just ordered the rainbow chevron from Hawthorne after they sent their e-mail! I told my husband I’m just going to wrap the outside of the house with it :)! I haven’t received mine yet. Do you think its heavy enough for a shower curtain? (there would be a plastic liner too). Love your blog so much. Hoping to meet you in sometime at a craft weekend!
-Julie

Kate - What inspiration this morning! My oldest is just starting preschool this fall, and I am hoping to spend more time in my craft room. I also just signed up on the CW waiting list, so I’m hoping to see your craft room sometime soon, too. 😉 Happy Wednesday!

kelly - I stayed home from work today and was feeling kinda blah… your post lifted my spirits and made me want to create. I have a not so craft room that has been in the making since we built the house 2 years ago–bot as big as yours but I would love for it ot have the same feel of yours… Thanks for the inspiration–I can tell yours has all the things you love…. THanks Meg!!!

Dara - I love the rainbow chevron!

annie - Can I just come and LIVE at the craft house?!?!?!?!!? HOLY COW! I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!!!

Han - You’ve Got Mail is one of my favourites! I adore Nora Ephron films – I watched YGM most recently the day that she passed away – I watched in like memory of her.
I even quoted YGM on my blog today (here)
“Don’t you just love New York in the fall. It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bunch of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand this not knowing has it’s charms”

Sharla - Rainbow chevron! I am in love

Jen - What a fun place Craft House is!! I love the color, the mix of patterns. It’s all so happy and creative. Mission accomplished.

Verna Lantz - This entire post made me happy. What happy colors and patterns. Now, I believe I need my own craft room to fill it with color and happy. Thanks!!

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odwalla.

August 22, 2012

I was delighted to be asked by BlogHer to share this episode of Weelicious Lunch Crunch sponsored by Odwalla Fruit Smoothies For Kids with my readers. Enjoy!

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Jennifer wood - oops…that comment was supposed to be on your “pretty” post…I’ll put it there.

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mondays.

August 20, 2012

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annie – 2nd grade talby – 5th grade

sean – 6th grade scott – freshman

dorks.
i didn’t see that the boys were not smiling….
oh well.
memories.

school is in full day swing already and i am enjoying the quiet days.
i can say that because then i love when they come home so much more than when there is no break for months.

lauren’s first day was on a day with two-a-day volleyball practices so she left on her first day before 6 AM.
that is why she is not pictured. 🙂

ok…
now i want you to click over to read about the CRAFT WEEKEND that we had two weeks ago.
it was another amazing time.
God is so good.

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Amber - You know what’s so crazy about blog land? I was looking at these pics and thought to myself ” huh, i remember when Annie was starting preschool” its just so neat to have memories about someone elses children. Even though the majority of us will never meet, its like we Know each other:-) thanks for sharing your fantastic kids!

Sandy - *Sean not Shawn. Ooops! Sorry

Sandy - Beautiful cildren. I CAN’T believe Annie is in 2nd grade already! Seriously?! Also, shocked at how much taller Shawn is than Talby and only being one year apart. Scott and Shawn don’t look too happy about school starting. Here’s to your whole family having a great year!

elisa - The last picture cracked me up. So familiar!!

kerry - we’ve got 2 weeks left – lord give me strength! 🙂
Have a great year Duerksen kids – my kids are so jealous you don’t have to wear uniform! xx

Mary - what a beeeeauuutiful family you have!
blessed, indeed!
xoxo

happygirl - You have the best looking family, EVER!!!

Angie - Shew, how lucky you are to have them all in school. I’ve got another 4 years or so before that happens!
You have beautiful kids 🙂

jackie grandy - I am so laughing at the photo of all the kids especially the boys. They look so thrilled to be having their photo taken, not!
My kids start Wednesday. Where did the summer go?

tinycandi - My daughters start second and fifth grade tomorrow! 🙂

the whyte house - my friend’s second grader asked my kindergarten son, “how was your last day of freedom?” LOL. i am woo & hoo’ing everyday at drop off. haha. love school.

Alicia @ La Famille - they’re all getting so BIG!! happy first day to YOU!

Leah - Great pictures. Is Lauren a senior or in college?

Lori Austin - We have a few more days of summer before our first day. Sigh….
We also have a dress code at our school so no super cute bicycle dresses.
Bummer!!

Chrissie Grace - I’m laughing at the boys. They look thrilled! haha As thrilled as my 7th grader did on his first day 😉

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last day of summer F U N!!!

August 17, 2012

i was really ready for school to start but feeling like this summer was missing some FUN.
you know…REAL fun.
i felt tired and busy all summer.
and a bit checked out.
at the store i got the last minute school supplies i had forgotten before and as i grabbed the shaving cream that was on my grocery list…i had the idea.

shaving cream fight.
it's been two years.
we needed to bring it back.

after dinner that night i called them out for a surprise.
i was nervous they were going to think they were too old for it.

clearly they were not too old for this awesomeness.
well, scott was…but you could tell he really wanted to come out.
isn't it a bummer to get older and put all these "rules" on yourself?
because are you really ever too old to be in a shaving cream fight?
the answer is no.

i keep a few wet rags nearby for when someone gets it on their eye or mouth.
there were no tears this year or fighting.
YAY!!!

IMG_5775-12

the yard smelled amazing.

waffle really wanted to come out and play.

she did throw it at me.
it wiped off my camera.
and i had it all over my shirt….but that is no biggie.

best picture ever!!!

i sent them to the trampoline which was like i told them to get a third scoop of ice cream!
they were so happy.

THEN i turned on the sprinkler under the trampoline and they cleaned most of the shaving cream off of them.
they eventually went in one at a time and showered while i sprayed down the deck.

it was the pefect last night of summer activity.
they said so many times how fun it was and how awesome all that shaving cream felt.

smile.

at least we ended on a good note.

goodbye summer.
you were too hot and kind of sucky…..autumn i expect more from you!

my advice today:

GO BUY TEN CANS OF BARBASOL AND TELL YOU KIDS TO GO NUTS!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

craft weekend post is coming on monday!
did you think i forgot?
no way…. those posts just always have so much goodness they take a long time to write. :)

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Lisa - Oh cool! We JUST did the SAME thing. I want to show you our shaving cream fun I just posted. 🙂 It’s here: http://www.mooreminutes.com/2012/08/juicy-sno-cones-and-shaving-cream-fights.html Ummm…yes, I’m being “that girl” who puts links to my site in your comments lol… 😉
I’ve been loving your “in the moment” photos and am happy I found your blog! Have a super weekend.

Kristen - LOVE this idea. We did it our last day of senior year in high school and I forgot how fun it was. My kids would love this!

playmobil - I can see that you kids really enjoy that activity and the bonding. I think they will love to do it always.

Jennifer - I always love your shaving cream posts with the kids. Really cute!

kristen - you are such a cool mom!

joyce - That looks like sooooo much fun!! WIll have to try it with the kids

Rebecca W - so fun!

Donna R - My daughter LOVED these pics! What a great way to end the summer.
Anxiously awaiting the craft weekend post! 🙂

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - Looks like a perfect end! Our summer has been hot and sucky too….just waiting for it to end so we can all start over. Still two weeks here till the kids go back to school. May have to give the shaving cream a whirl too : )

happygirl - LOVE THIS. Why did I never think of this when my son was small. This looks like a blast. Thanks for sharing. My grandchildren (God willing) will have a shaving cream party.

Carolyn - How awesome! I was looking for some fun last-day-of-summer activity, and I think this is it! My kids will NOT expect it at all. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! Oh- and I loved seeing and hearing all about your trip to Colorado. My husband and I lived in Colorado Springs from 2001-2005 and although I’m glad to be back in Pennsylvania, seeing those pics made me miss Colorado! It is a beautiful state!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - I remember organizing a shaving cream fight for our church retreat one year. We were a small church. . it was received well by some but others had thosse “rules” for themselves.
Here’s our tip. . before the fight. . stick a straight pin in the nozzle of the shaving cream can and then put a lighter to the nozzle so that the nozzle melts and the opening is only a little pin hole now. . that way the shaving cream will shoot really really far.
You are a fun mom. I want to add more fun to my motherness. I am going to steal your idea. . and surprise the kids with this next week. We do not start school til the 27th. . I am so ready.

Joy Foster - Hey Meg! ( said with cool calmness..even though you are like a celebrity/BFF to me all wrapped up into one beautiful gal) WE love shaving cream in our house! My children have autism and this is a favorite sensory activity!! Loved seeing that a favorite activity of ours is one that you chose as the coolest last day of summer activity for your sweet kids!! Thanks for loving on the rest of us by being the Mom God created you to be!
fyi..my husband will often say..Who are you reading/talking about..and i will say.. “Oh, my friend MEG in Kansas” ( said without the stalky~mc~stalkster effect ) :/
ps..i loved seeing your pups in the background of the pictures..Waffle was so funny..and the neighbor’s doggie looked suspicious…wink wink.
With a Joyful heart!
Joy

Jenn B - That’s awesome! How fun!

Michelle Whitlow - I am TOTALLY going to do this!!! How fun!!!

Shannon - You’re such a fun mom!

peta - love this! might add to our summer (Christmas) holidays activity list.
Love Talby’s suit. Can I ask where it is from?

Jennifer W - I could smell the shaving cream while I read this! Where is the outdoor movie blog? I thought for sure that would be your end of summer activity!

Debby - You should make it a Dream Whip or Cool Whip fight. Now, THAT would be awesome – and tasty too!!

elizabeth - Yes I am doing this too. I feel like I didn’t do enough fun things with my kids,but this is going on the to do list for sure!

Ani G W - Ever since I saw this on your blog, we do it every summer. I think this was our third year. My 9 year old and my 4 year old beg me to do it now… My 2 year old LOVED it this year too and cried when all of the shaving cream was gone. Thank you for this idea. It is a tradition now, thanks to you, and one we LOVE!

Angie - My kids would love this although I might use Cool Whip as an alternative to shaving cream. I have a 2 year old and I can see that being an “in your eyes” kind of disaster. Love the pictures. Your right, your never too old for a shaving cream fight 🙂

seriously sassy mama - I think I know what I am doing with the girls the day before shcool. it is perfect that I took the day off!

W - Can remember your post about the shaving cream party two years ago. What a great thing to do before summer ends!

Heather - I have to do this with my kids! Thanks!

Tracey - We do the shaving cream fight too! We haven’t had it yet this year. Last year I got the idea to have them wear their pool goggles during the event so that there was no tears over cream in the eyes. I think their fave part might be the hose down at the end! 🙂

DLG in Mich - That’s an awesome idea! Totally stealing this. Thanks!

Nicole - Sean is seriously the cutest kid ever!! He looks like such a kind person.

Jill - One word! LOVE!

ira lee - we did a shaving cream fight at my daughters 14th birthday party. it was amazing!!!!! so much fun!

Alicia @ La Famille - you are the funnest mom. ever. the end.

Jessica - I need to do this. Looks like a good time!
btw… I found a KU tshirt at a thrift store (in New Jersey) and bought it for my son. He loves it!

Lee Ann - I think we just may have to do this! And after all of these years reading your blog, (our girls are nearly the same age) I still laugh that the girls have so many of the same clothes. Anna has the same swim suit. Always brings a smile to my face.

Kristin - Hmmmmmmm to somehow talk my husband into allowing this to happen. It would be so good for HIM!
What a blast 🙂

angela - Love this. They will remember this for a long time! (We made the mistake and got menthol one time…burned their eyes like crazy!!) Love all the pics! What a fun night!!!!!

Carey - Love it! We had a shaving cream day in toddler time at the library this summer during the reading program. Not quite like this though! At first, my 2 year old wouldn’t even touch it but once my 4 yr old son taught her to put it on herself, well, they were both covered!! So much fun. Thanks for reminding me of this fun idea!!

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window shopping

August 16, 2012

i had some time to myself last Saturday while Craig took the kids to Worlds of Fun.
i think i am the one who had the fun.
i only spent money at the Gap outlet…everything else i enjoyed with my eyes.

francesca's and pottery barn.

sur la table and anthropologie.

pottery barn had the world's biggest lamp !

my mom and sister joined me later and we celebrated my mom's birthday with an amazingly yummy dinner outside on a second story patio…it was so nice.
we talked till it was dark.
had birthday desserts and laughed a lot.
i needed that night….thank you to everyone who made it happen. 🙂

the next morning we visited my
grandmothers.
they are both living in the same assisted living facility.
Sean wore his new hat he won at Worlds of Fun.
it was my favorite.

where is your favorite store to window shop?

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winner of the Kaboo Purse….

Lindi said…

Love the yellow Tina! Such a fun, happy colour and perfect styling. 🙂

Reply August 07, 2012 at 08:31 PM

send me your mailing address Lindi!!!!

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Wendy - I agree, love those shoes! where? where? 🙂

Barbara - I am always window shopping love the same stores you went to, Sur La Table is my all time favotite your Grandmas are so adorable.

Lindi - What a perfect day. 🙂 I, too, love those sandals. I hope you bought 2 pairs for when the first ones wear out!
So excited to hear I won the bag. Jumping up and down. lol
I’ve already sent you my snail mail addy.

cindy - I’m patiently waiting for a Craft weekend post 🙂
looks like a PERFECT day!

Lennie Jackson - Looks like fun!!! I live in St. Joseph, we are 50 miles north of Kansas City so we are frequent flyers at Worlds of Fun. Are you going to post on Craft Weekend? I can’t wait to see your new projects and what you and Lisa crafter up!!!

Charlene - Always love browsing your pictures…but more then that I LOVE your hair!! Have a hair appt today and if I was brave enough I would chop my past the shoulders locks and try a style similar to yours. Sorry for the random comment, but I am always admiring your hairstyles 😉

rachel - looks like you had a lovely time! 🙂 isn’t it so awesome when you can go somewhere all.by.yourself?! 🙂 btw…used to go to worlds of fun when i was younger…good times. 🙂

Kristin S - Ack, those turquoise sandals!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very fun day-summary.

Nickie - You might appreciate this episode of This American Life:
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/443/amusement-park
Ira Glass goes to Worlds of Fun 🙂

Erin - Looks like a perfect day to me 🙂
Love those turquoise shoes! Where are they from!

ko. s - I love to window shop! Pottery Barn and a local store called Styers are my two favs! Love the picture of all the coffee mugs! Yes please!

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