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i am so happy it’s here.

the day before school starts.

it's here.
i made it.
barely.
on friday i had to go sit on the porch just to escape the noise and craziness that is my house.
i thought about crying.
i felt like it.
but i fell asleep instead….in the chair on the porch.
i love being with my kids.
but seriously…….. i. am. losing. my. mind!!

here are some pics of what we did this weekend.

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i made waffles for lunch.

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waffle made sad faces that said "please cut my hair….pleeeease"

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saw a lovely rainbow.
soooo beautiful.

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shopped for shoes for all the kids.
oh my.
man shoes are expensive….i liked the kid shoe prices better…..a lot better.

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we ate donuts.
to celebrate mom surviving this summer  school starting.

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i made pam's cheesecake.
twice.
it's so good.
amazing.
i don't think anything tastes better in the world.
have you tried it yet….it's worth it.

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there was a lemonade stand in our yard.
it turned into a neighborhood affair.
very fun….and cute.
they were listening to Diary of a Wimpy Kid audio book while waiting for customers.
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sometimes there was a long wait between….

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AND……i took my mom to see The Help for her birthday!

soooo so good.
GO SEE IT.
you must.

how was your weekend?

tami - i reviewed the movie and got to interview Actresses Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer,The Director Tate Taylor and the author Kathryn Stockett! It was so fun! The movie was excellent and a must see! xoxo

Dasi - Long time lurker, love your blog. It’s the first time I leave a comment, but I just have to say that I so love your Waffle. Even without the hair cut. πŸ™‚

Katie - Those shoes are quite literally twice the price here in Australia. Along with everything else!

Tracy - I’m the opposite of you….I’m soo soo depressed my kids are going back to school. I’m trying to see the positive though!

Doris - we had nice weekend, been out twice with our daughter and twice alone (husband and me)… weather got more hot here in Belgrade, but at least there’s no snow like in some parts of world πŸ™‚
Hope school started good for your kids.
enjoy more free time!
lovely pics as always πŸ™‚

Kari - My kids went back last week – it was a quiet, peaceful day that first day…. I love my kids too but they were making me nutty those last few weeks. We need the structure of a school day. LOVE your blog!

Emily - I just finished reading the book and can’t wait to see the movie. I am so happy to hear it is good! Enjoy the new school year.

kat - I cannot wait to see that movie. Those lemonade stand pictures are adorable!

deb meyers - oh I WISH i could take my mom to see The Help for her birthday! Went with my daughter last night and we LOVED it : )

Shannon - I have been griping all weekend about the cost of MAN shoes! Glad I’m not the only one

Laura - thank you thank you thank you for saying you are being driven crazy and want your kids to go back to school. Me too! I still have to wait until Monday AND my hubby is travelling this week. Exactly how will I survive?

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - Megan~ I love that you show your kids reading and listening to books on tape. Please share how you fostered that love of reading in them. Or, were they just born into this world as kids that love to read? I love to read, but my kids just don’t seem to feel the same way!

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - If The Help is even half as good as the book, it will be amazing. Have you tried Under The Sycamore Pancakes? They are to die for.
Dana

Betsey - I also saw The Help! Amazing! Can’t wait to see it again in the theater!

Jen Brandt - Meg,
You posted pictures of beautiful pillows that you were going to give your girls. I can’t remember who you bought them from or when you posted it though. If you get a chance, do you mind sending me the link? Thank you, Jen

Jen Brandt - You make me smile! Love the donut comment the best. Pool with good friends Friday night, annual neighborhood fry party Saturday night. Every neighborhood should do this. Like two salads and besides that all fried food – eggplant, onion rings, coconut shrimp, donuts, candy bars, stuffed jalapenos, pork tenderloin, etc. and Tums as the centerpieces. Oh! and lots of alcoholic beverages and cornhole. Do you play cornhold in KS?? My Texan husband was like, “What is cornhole?!”

Lisa - Oh my goodness….I loved loved loved The Help!! Such a powerful movie. Want my husband to see it too. πŸ™‚

tiffaniboren - Good weekend..going to see The Help next week with my mom and my girl! Can’t wait!!

Aimee - Good weekend here, too…final swim meet (finally!) and pool party to celebrate. I even dove off the board. Go me!
Three full weeks until school starts here, but as it got out much too late (June 22!!!!), and summer weather didn’t hit Seattle until about two weeks ago, I’m okay with that. It’s a pleasant, lazy summer.

Lora ~ Charmed - I’m right there with ya on school starting! I would like my bedroom back thank you very much.

Southern Gal - I read The Help on the beach last week and will go with my daughter to see it tomorrow. i can’t wait! I’m going to look at that cheesecake recipe now…thanks a lot. πŸ˜‰

flor - So glad you survived it! My kids started school today and all I can say “is thank the Lord!.” Seriously. I don’t know how I got through it.. He got me through it though. My house was really loud all summer long. Next year, I will have to plan it better. I WILL plan it better. pinky promise
Good luck with school! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - Bravo Meg! You survived & did it beautifully! I went to see ‘The Help’ with a couple of gals who had read the book as well and thoroughly enjoyed it! My weekend also included a trip with the hubs to Columbus, OH to visit the MIL (who has a new place & is doing fabulously! πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - Bravo Meg! You survived & did it beautifully! I went to see ‘The Help’ with a couple of gals who had read the book as well and thoroughly enjoyed it! My weekend also included a trip with the hubs to Columbus, OH to visit the MIL (who has a new place & is doing fabulously! πŸ™‚

Kerry - oh wow, those lemonade bikkies are just TOO cute! looks like a fun weekend, well done for surviving…. we still have 3.5 weeks to go…help… xxx

Heidi - This is my first time commenting but, I love your Blog. Love all your crafts that you do. I am so feeling it is time for school to start have to wait till the 6th here so ugh. But it is coming however.
Heidi

Marydon - IF I had known you were doing waffles, i’d have been right over! Love that pooch! Gorgeous rainbow capture.
Would you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY (no emails) thru the 18th, for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Denise - wanted to comment on your close-ups post…
I feel like I know the kids…just from your incredible photos!
thanks for continuing to share your life with us
I love it. It is always inspiring and often thought provoking.
wanted you to know…

Katie - I can’t wait to see The Help, it’s the best book I’ve read in a long time! Looks like a fun weekend! xo

Jen - Meg, so glad you posted this! Everyone I talk to is so bummed about school starting again. Me…not so much! I was really beginning to feel like a terrible parent. I love my kids, but I am ready for school to start again. So glad i’m not alone!
Enjoy the quiet that tomorrow will bring!!!!!

Heather - The Help is awesome! We started school today, but I homeschool so there is no “time to myself.” I love it this way though! What’s great about starting back to school when you homeschool is the sense of routine that is restored when you get going again. πŸ™‚
Looks like you had a fab last weekend before school!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, I want to see that movie! So glad you made it through summer! Have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Jessica Johnson - 100% jealous. I still have two more weeks of mind losing. And I don’t think I have two weeks of mind left. Problematic. CANNOT wait to see The Help. Wanted the book to go on and on…

Kristine - I say amen to buying MAN shoes…had to buy for two boys for a while now! EEK!
Love the dougnut run!
πŸ™‚

casey - I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one losing my mind! Although my kid is now 2 so he wont be leaving anytime soon to go to school (c:
But I’m more that 100% positive that when the day actually does come I would wish he wasn’t going!
Oh the irony!

Holly - Well I want to thank you for all of your posts involving that sweet cat in your neighborhood! We went and adopted two this weekend! They come home today after they get fixed. Our kids dont know yet! They will be so excited!

Maria Bryan - I spent my weekend following my 7 month old crawling and attempting to walk all weekend….my nerves are on edge….I can’t handle him falling! But….it’s worth every anxious moment every stinkin pound I put on….can’t shed those last eight pounds and the mister already wants to have #4! Your weekend looked like the perfect last weekend of summer…we don’t start back until September 7th….we will try to use it up as much as we can on the beach!

Nicole G - Can I just say how glad I am that you posted this? I feel/felt the same way this summer, and I only have two kiddos. But, this summer. was. so. loud. I can completely relate. Plus, it was ridiculously hot. I mean like a whole month of 100+ degree temps (and that was before the heat index was added on). We spent many a day holed up in the house, trying to escape the heat. The kids became bored and my 6 year old is actually really excited to return to school. I have a feeling it is going to be a great year! (now only if our house would sell, I’d be on cloud 9!)

Gretchen - Our weekend was great until my son fell and broke his arm!! He is doing great, just a little scary for mom!! I am ready for school to start too. We don’t go back until the 23rd. Almost there!!

Bethany - That movie looks great… I didn’t even know about it. Then again, I rarely get to go to a movie anymore so I usually don’t know what’s coming out.
We went to my fabulous nephew’s 1st birthday party, which was over the top awesome and I went to see The Little Mermaid with some of my family. These things would have been a lot more enjoyable if the baby didn’t have a cold and was sleeping well, poor little guy.

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - I think you should make a video of your first day homes alone. πŸ™‚ I miss your videos!

Darcie L. - We took our 3-year old and 3-month old to Austin, TX because hubby had a speaking engagement there for college students at a camp. Camp life isn’t conducive to babies who don’t sleep through the night yet! But, now I know… and next time the kids and I will stay home. πŸ™‚
There’s no “going back to school” for the little ones… guess I’ve gotta wait my turn for them to grow up, and enjoy the little times in the meantime!

Dee Stephens - Yay for school! such a cute picture of Waffle πŸ™‚

katie phillips - Your weekend looked great!!
We moved! UGHHHHHHH! I am so glad the bulk of it is past and it is our 1st house, so I won’t complain. I feel very blessed for my life today! <3 On a MAJOR happyhappyexcitinghappy note-- my almost 14 month old FINALLY decided to walk this past week!! ;D She is soo stinking cute when she walks around! But,apparently I failed to HEAR how difficult and EVERYWHERE they are once they start walking! Cest la vie!

Christy - The Help was GREAT! Saw it yesterday w/my mom & sis. I haven’t read the book yet, soon. Loved the movie.
Did a little back to school shopping & a little mom shopping too. Bought 3 new cardis at Target. πŸ™‚ Thought of you, I have a bit of a cardi thing too.

Terrie - B.U.S.Y. but, quiet…sorry, My 20 year old doesn’t make much noise & hubby was working outside. I miss the noise. πŸ™‚
I got to play with my camera, still learning.
worked on game night for the women of the church last night.
and…I’m trying to finish a baby blanket for a friend…yeah, she had the baby a week early! arghhhh!!
Enjoy the peace and quiet tomorrow…whatever will you do?

Sarah - Its official – I need a waffle maker. To me, they are WAYYYY better than pancakes.
Happy first day of no kids tomorrow πŸ™‚

Leah - I don’t think you should feel bad about wanting your kids to go back to school. Yesterday, my daughter – whom I usually love spending time with – was driving me insane! It seemed like she was especially needy. All I wanted to do was escape. I did take a nap too.

Stephanie - It’s a DOUBLE!!! The rainbow I mean! I absolutely love rainbows!! Your fun family pictures are always the best! My weekend consisted of taking my mom and children on an hour long car ride to the closest JoAnn’s Fabric store! Retail therapy for me was kinda fun for once! But our fun will be this coming weekend – as we are FINALLY getting back to our annual trip up north to Grand Marais MI!!! In the beautiful Upper Penninsula of MI on the glorious Lake Superior!! I will blog my pics when we get back so I can share them with you! It truly is HEAVEN on Earth!! Have a super quiet week – we don’t start until the Tuesday after Labor Day!!

Katy - i love waffles. yum.

Stephanie@Geezees - I wish my kids went back to school this soon, I’m jealous! πŸ™‚
I saw the Help yesterday and loved it, it’s my favorite book i have ever read.

Jen Joy - My weekend was, overall, lovely. But, I have to admit that I’m right there with you being ready for some peace and quiet during my days. School starts on Wednesday for us. I *think* I can make it! And by the way, I lurve the picture of Waffle. πŸ™‚

Peggy in TN - Sounds like a really nice last weekend of summer! Now back to the daily school grind…which means free time for you. Yay!

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close-ups


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i know i already shared this one….but it's so awesome….it had to be on again.

i ordered a canvas of it.
my last kid to be a toothless goofball…..wahhhh.

there is still one more michigan post to do.
best for last…..

 

 

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Cathy~As the World Flops - I have checked out several pages of your blog and I love it… your pics are so bright and fun. These kids seem to have a great time doing whatever it is they are doing that day.

Lynn - What size canvas did you order? Do you mind telling me where you ordered it from? Is it somewhere anyone can go to for canvases?

Debbie Hargadon - I came here especially to comment on Talby — ha!!! so did SO many others! She is striking and so interesting looking. You are in real trouble with her as she gets older. Lauren’s photos were beautiful too. It is amazing how different all your children look from each other. . . one of God’s many gifts to us that each kid is meant to be so different from the others in the family, even when raised under the same roof and from the same parents. I love the uniqueness of Jenny’s kids too — those photos make me laugh, just wanting to know more of their little personalities. So fun to watch them all grow.
The Costco canvases are pretty good — depends on the quality of the original photo, but it is hard to beat the price. I believe you can do it all online at costco.com
Enjoy your first quiet days of back to school. At least you don’t have a kinder this year!

Jenna - I cannot get over how beautiful Talby is! And the pictures of her always capture her internal beauty too πŸ™‚

Jemm - These are so great Meg. I wish I could figure out how to take good pics of my kids. They don’t like me taking pictures and they don’t make good faces. They always look way too posed. What kind of lens did you use for these?

happygirl - Still adorable. πŸ™‚

julia - It’s so neat to see you evolving as a photographer – you keep getting better and better!

jennie - talby looks so grown up!

Megan - I have an annoying habit of comparing relatives to eachother and I’m going to inflict it upon you! Talby has a huge resemblence to Lauren, and out of all of the kids Annie and your eldest son (Scott is it? I’m terrible with names…) look most like you and your husband. And they’re all adorable!
Your blog never fails to make me smile, btw πŸ™‚
With love, from a fellow Meg

Kat - Your kids are gorgeous.
I think Talby is going to be a stunner.
Love, love the gappy teeth. Beautiful idea to get a canvas of the last one…waaa I will cry along with you.

Lynn - You are so inspiring! You make me want to be a better photographer. πŸ™‚

Lee Anne - Hi Meg
I have a few photo questions. Were do you order your photo canvas pics from…can I order them all the way from Canada? Do you shoot in RAW format? I have a Canon Rebel XTi and have never tried RAW, mostly because Walmart photo lab can’t handle that size of file. I always take a portrait of my kids in yard the morning of the first and last day of school. I think if I started to shoot in RAW, I could probably get a better quality picture that would produce a better print, but I just not sure how to handle these files.
By the way, I love your pictures! I’ve been visiting your site religiously for about 2 years, and love seeing the happy pictures of your family and how fast they’re growing up.

www.coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com - …I’m ready for my close up Mr. DeMille.
You have a gift, Girl!

Annika - These kids are so beautiful!

Shauna - By the way, I love those close-ups! Beautiful….

Shauna - Just curious…where do you order prints and canvases from? Im so sick of getting poor quality prints from cvs…I need a better place to get them done. I do my photobooks with my publisher, but they dont do prints or canvases. Id love to know! Thanks πŸ™‚

Kerry - These are awesome Meg! Too precious πŸ™‚ xx

Michelle - That photo of Talby is absolutely gorgeous!

Katie - So cute! What’s better than missing teeth?!

meg schmidt - I’m so glad you’re putting that one on canvas- it SO deserving! Love your blog, Meg (and your name;)) and i finally commented because there were only 3 ahead of me and usually when i want to comment there are about 50 ahead and i always think, “She definitely has waaaay better things to do than read what commenter #51 has to say.” Haha πŸ™‚ Anyway, i love your realness and appreciate you sharing your life with all of us.
Meg

Terrie - Still love that toothless grin! I’m going to play with my camera on a newborn next week. What lens do you like to use for portraits …esp. babies?

Jack - Love the wrinkled nose shot and the gappy tooth – Bet it will look fab on canvas! Thanks for introducing me to ‘Paint Me a Picture’ by the way. I now have one of Lindsay’s wee canvases on my mantlepiece.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Great, closeups!

keri ~ forever folding laundry - I love them all!
Every one of them has twinkles in their eyes.
The sign of happy kids, in my opinion.
πŸ™‚

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chalk paint…check it off the list.

i love when my kids surprise me.
i thought all summer that most of my kids were too big to care about chalk paint.
i was wrong.
sean and annie had friends over.

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i finally whipped some up while they wereΒ Β fightingΒ swimming.

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it’s so easy.

the recipe is equal amounts of cornstarch and water.
and food coloring.
that’s it.

it’s thick to stir up at first but easily doable with a whisk.
i tried using my mixer and it worked better with a whisk and muscle.

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i took a moment to admire my tiny patch of garden that did not FRY up on vacation….
the zinnias make me happy.
i should just plant them everywhere and not worry about anything else. Β πŸ™‚

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i took it outside thinking “they won’t even care but whatever”
and they came out of the pool and painted until it was all gone.
it looks clear at first and dries REALLY bright.

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this is my favorite picture…his masterpiece of splatter paint.

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kids jumped in the pool and they were clean.

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and this morning it rained….and it’s all gone.
simple as that.

 

our summer list had 45 things on it.
we have done 27.
school starts tuesday…..we’ll see what happens.

πŸ™‚

 

Bethany - Ok so I wanted to add to my previous comment! I learned that either a lot of rain OR just waiting until it dries πŸ˜‰ will make it come off completely clean. This is seriously one of my favorite activities with my baby! I just love creating things with him and your blog is such a great source for ideas. I hope I can be a mom like you.

Bethany - We did this chalk paint and my drive way is stained blue now!! Any tips to clean it off? Just more water or does it need
Soap or something?

s - I bought some cheap cornstarch last night and one of the boys and I just mixed up this paint and all the kids are outside happily painting! Figured we’d take advantage of a nice sunny day…and kids who desperately need to be distracted from TV!

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - We have made that paint for the last couple of years…trust me it NEVER gets old. Even my older kids love painting with it. We use sponge brushes to paint with…way better than the little brushes, try it next time.

elisa - awesome idea- I love it when the older kids still get into stuff like that. Always surprises me too πŸ™‚

Kimberly Dial - You’re the funnest mom! πŸ™‚ PS: Zinnias make me happy too!

Kimberly Dial - You’re the funnest mom! πŸ™‚ PS: Zinnias make me happy too!

Kari - I checked out a book this week with my daughter and it made me think of you, “My Heart is Like a Zoo.” The animals are all made out of different size hearts. Perfect for a craft day. πŸ™‚

Tammy - We did this last summer and my kids still talk about how pretty it was. Should whip some out soon since we have a clear forcast for a few days. We have 12 things left on our list. I know some won’t get done, but that’s what next year is for right?! We are having our “sleepover in the living room” tonight, and built a fort out of sheets to go with it. They are in heaven. I’m wondering if I can sneak up to my bed in a couple hours!

Theresa - that looks so cool!

Jacci - Awesome! I know my kids would love that!!! πŸ™‚
Thanks for the update on your list. We took the plunge and did a Summer List for the first time this summer. We started pretty late in the summer – 3rd week of June, I think, but we have until Labor Day to wrap it up (we homeschool, so I pick when we start the school year). We have a little over half of our list done so far. Yikes! We need to get on it! We busted our 3 items in one night tonight, though πŸ™‚ Shaving cream (thanks so much for that!), water balloon fight, and a trip to the drive-in Root Beer Stande for dinner. It wasn’t without it’s tears (water balloon inequality) but it was still an AWESOME family night. YOU inspired it, Meg πŸ™‚ I hope that encourages you. My kids have another memory tucked into their Childhood Memory Bank – thank you πŸ™‚

Amy Slavik@ Little For A Little While - You can do it! Soak up every last bit of summer that you can!!!

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - Fun, fun, fun…you’re a fun mom!

Lisa - We have done 23 of 29 on our list but I say summer isn’t over until it’s cold! (Besides, this mama wouldn’t camp until September πŸ™‚ I love that Talby always has a look of pure concentration in your photos – the girl can focus! Looks like a fun time.

Linda - I always love the glimpses into your life. Thanks for sharing.

Cyndi Hamilton - We have gotten 25 out of 43 done on our list. Not to bad. We are going to do a few things after school starts. It is hard to do some of the outdoor stuff when it is 100 degrees outside.
I am going to do a list for fall and holiday too. Love the sidewalk chalk, I will have to try it.
Thanks for sharing,
Cyndi
http://mycharmedlife-cyndi.blogspot.com/

Alicia @ la famille - Awesome! Way to go mama πŸ™‚

Nicole Q. - So fun – I just might have to make this happen yet this summer!!

Secret Mom Thoughts - I love this idea. Definitely adding it to our list. We have 18 days till school starts. Not that I’m counting.

Angela Atkins - You need to check out Chrissie Grace’s new print, if you haven’t seen it already. http://www.etsy.com/listing/79600687/hope?ref=pr_shop

colleen from alabama - Our school started this past wednesday… bummer and happy all at the same time. We didn’t finish our list either but for me the point of a list is to be intentional. Even if we only did 5, or 10, thats probably more than if we didn’t have list at all. AND we might be able to squeeze a few more in even though school started back.. just sayin.

Laura Phelps - I love it
I am a chalk lover
I am weary of people who don’t enjoy chalk πŸ™‚
totally doing this
we left the chalk out in the rain…and I went outside alone and drew with it…love it..so relaxing
good luck with the list..
can you roll it over to next summer like cell phone minutes?

Donna - Ahh, we are checking things off our list, too. Such fun to create so many fun memories as a family. The ones that don’t get checked, oh well, we’ll just include them next year. One item was “a day with no crying.” It must be about the 60th day of summer by now, and we just checked it off yesterday πŸ™‚ (That was for a certain 5 year old, and he was pretty proud of himself!)

Katie - One thing on our list that I am sure we will not due is pick blueberries. Maybe next year. Otherwise we are making our way down the list!

Ashley - looks like fun :), and 27? that is a pretty good number.

Courtney - That is awesome! But summer isn’t over yet, right?

Melissa - Love. I think I make some up for when the kids get out of school today!
We had 28 on our list and have completed 18. My kids have already started school…I’m going to go til the officially end of summer.

DWall - new to this blog! Love all the color! any chance you will share your photo editing strategy for us newbies? πŸ™‚

Heidi - So nice to know it washes away! I was scared to let the kids do it and be stuck with food coloring marks on the concrete! πŸ™‚
And thank you for sharing that your summer list may/may not get completed. Because I was kind of feeling like a failure when I looked at our list last night and realized we just don’t have enough time left to accomplish everything. Next year, I will be more realistic about how much time I spend working. πŸ™‚ Kinda hard to do things out of the house when you’re stuck at the computer 3 out of the 5 days!

Jennifer - How fun! Your zinnias are beautiful…

Courtney Walsh - So fun, Megan! Looks like a total blast!
I am so sad school is starting for us Tuesday too. πŸ™ I’m just not ready for early mornings and homework and charts and not having my kids voices in the house and yard.
I’m such a baby.

Kimberlee - I love these pictures.
And I love Zinnias.
I just realized that I didn’t plant ANY this year.

Tanya H - THAT is cool!! TFS!
I hear ya! We write up a summer list thanks to you πŸ™‚ …we’ve done 6 out of 18. We have one more week. HMM.

Brianna - long time reader, first time commenter…Love your blog, and your family! Have a great weekend!

Judy @Considering the Options - I kind of want to mix some up and see if my teenagers will play with it. I miss the days of sidewalk chalk and driveway art…

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, that looks great! I love it!

Kerry - aaah wow Meg! looks like such fun! Talby is looking so summery, gorgeous girl πŸ™‚ Enjoy your last few days of summer hols xx

Lindsay - Looks like fun! We will have to give it a try today!

Terrie - Here’s to a busy 4 days!! πŸ™‚

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families.

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i love taking pictures of families!
all cuddled up together…..bonded.
it’s an awesome thing.

πŸ™‚

………………………………………..Β 

 

 

Kerri - These pictures make me want to have more children! Wish I could afford them, and wish I wasn’t 38. SIGH

Year Old Birthday Party Ideas - Love the family picture! Lovely photos!

Rebecca W - such nice photos!! πŸ™‚

Jenny B. - I love your family photos. They all look so natural… not all coordinated and perfectly posed. And I love that mom’s red shoes. Such a great pop of color. πŸ™‚

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Funny, I was drooling over those red Toms wedges too:) Great pictures Meg!

se7en - These are stunning!!! I need you in my life!!! I would love a photograph of my whole family actually looking in the same direction – let alone at the camera!!!

Lynette - Loved, Loved, Loved seeing my “little” brother and his family on your blog! I have been watching to see if you’d post any of the pics of the family from the Husker state! Thanks for allowing me a peek into their session!

Terrie G - I know family #5! I miss seeing them since we have moved. They are so sweet! Great pics!!

Wendi - Excited to see the Driggers….love the sweat pants. These are great pictures!

Jess - Love the family pictures Megan…especially the last one. Can’t wait until it is our turn!

Nicole Q. - You made my day to get a glimpse of our family pics!!! THANKS!!!

Jennifer - These are all so beautiful! πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing the link to Hire Blog Help. I’ll have to check that out.

Shelly Todd - So fun to see a family on here that I know! Crazy! So, I live in Olathe and my husband and I just opened a booth at a local antique place in town. I’m thinking about a road trip out to Barely Makin’ It. What do you think? Would I be able to find some fun things for my booth? I’m filling it with furniture but want to find some fun accessories… I’m doing some yarn wreaths and book page wreaths, chalkboards in ornate frames, etc. Love your blog, by the way!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I love you, Meg!

Cindy - Ah what a fun surprise! Love our photo you chose to post, Meg. THANK YOU again!!! It’ll be fun to finally have a profile pic on my blog πŸ˜‰

Kerry - wowza. these family pics are awesome Meg! That’s so funny you linked up to Hire Blog Help today – I just received my first Virtual Assistant job today πŸ™‚ xxx

Lisa - Fantastic! You find such great locations to shoot. I love the brick background. Sidenote: Red Toms WEDGES?! My heart skipped a beat. Lovin’ her style!

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a galaxy far away…

craft thursday!!

we saw this idea on Pink & Green Mama.
Marylea has the best ideas.
you can download her e-books with LOTS of craft ideas too.
and she is just plain nice and i like her.

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we started out by tracing 9 different sizes of circles…. for planets.
we used little plates, a coin, a measuring cup, a glass and some lids.
(oh how i loooove talby’s freckles….. πŸ™‚

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then each circle was painted with watercolors.
we were swirly and mixed colors and made each one different.
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and then cut them out.
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we took black construction paper and splatter painted it with runny white paint.
messy is fun!
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then we glued the planets to the spacey starry black painted paper.

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they are REALLY striking!

i LOVE them.
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sean was not home this day…..so it was a girls only space project.

thanks marylea for a great idea!

 

 

raspberry ketones - You are looking very talented. Such an excellent craft and now i want to make it this for my home. It is very impressive and attractive craft for me. Nice colour use in this post.

flv media player - Great idea which your sharing, Such an excellent craft . I am so impressed by that. I am so excited for make it.

MaryLea @ pink and green mama - Adorable!!
How did I miss this post? It must have gotten buried in my reader,
I actually found it through Pinterest! Too funny : )
Thanks for the shout out,
you know I adore you, too.
xoxo
Muwah!
love,
MaryLea

penny stocks - Great project. Thanks for sharing. I really want to make this art for my students.

Debt Advice - Nice project and these all art looking excellent i really very impressed by that and now i want a new more arts.

Lisa - Super fantastic!

Sue Linse - You are such a good mom! I looked at the picture of Talby and the first thing I notice is the paint so close to the white couch! That would make me crazy.

Jenna - bookmarked!
Jenna
momofmanyhats.blogspot.com

lisa - cool! thanks for sharing. we painted rocks today and I think more paint got on my two year old than the rocks. You know it’s a good day when the kids need a tub by 10am!

Jemm - You are such a fun mom. I am not. Crafting EVERY week? Wow. My girls would love you. I love your Michigan photos. We went to UP Michigan last summer and Mackinaw Island. LOVED it. I could so live there…in the summer πŸ™‚

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - That is a cute idea…we’ll have to try that sometime soon.

Tiffany - Do people tell you Talby looks like you? I think I see it πŸ™‚ They did a great job – must get watercolors, soon as I score a coupon. I like Pink & Green Mama thanks for the link.

Liana - Great project! Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
ps- One solar system has 8 and the other 10. Did they trade planets? πŸ™‚ (I work with numbers all day long and can’t seem to stop counting things.)

Lisa - Love this project! Thanks for sharing.

Jenn - What a GREAT idea!!! My kids will LOOOOVE doing this!!!

Cindy - Love this! And by the way, I love Talby’s freckles too!

alicia @ la famille - i love marylea’s site too. bought an ebook of her’s and have been working throught that all summer. love the space art!!

Diana Gibbs - You have to be the best Mum ever!
Love what you do with the kids.
Hugs,
Di

karen - i love them!

Dena Smiley - I have the same couch question and art project storage questions! Ha!
Love what you do– thanks!

Wendi - Love love love it!!

sue - Great craft to do. Can i ask how you keep that couch at the back of Talby’s pic so white with all the crafts that go on in your house.?

jeana - we are learning about planets this week- what a great project!

hannah - always love your crafts!! this is super awesome, love the vivid colors and textures.
xo

Ashley - What a great project! I love all the ones you find!

Colleen - Great project. Thanks for sharing. My students would love to do this!

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - Such a fun, messy project.

Jennifer - How fun! This is a great craft I think my little guy would enjoy doing. He’d especially love the splattering of the paint–probably more on his mommy than on the paper! Thanks for sharing. πŸ™‚

Jessica Johnson - oh i LOVE this! my oldest has been making planets mobiles on hangers all summer. boring ones w/ no paint. definitely going to do this. too cute.

se7en - Your planets are so cool, love your arty kids!!! We made hanging planets like that while back, it was so fun!!! (http://www.se7en.org.za/2010/09/24/se7en-whip-up-a-galaxy-of-paper-planets)

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, Nate would this!

Tracy - Great project! But it’s so funny you should say that about Talby’s freckles – THAT was the first thing I noticed in the first picture and was going to say the SAME THING! Nothing cuter than a freckled face little girl! She’s adorable! πŸ™‚

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Really good idea!

Leah - This is a fabulous idea! My daughter is really into the planets right now (thank you, Nick Jr.). So I know she’ll love this craft!

Secret Mom Thoughts - Cool art project. I’m definitely doing this with the kids.

Kelley - How do you store all of these fun art projects? Do you deal with tears when you decide to no longer keep them? I always face tears and possible wailing and begging “I worked soooo hard on this and it’s so pretty and I made it can’t we keep it don’t you love me and my artwork how can you throw it away Mama?!”

Katie - Such a fun idea, I love this! ox

Chrissie grace - We will have to try this one too! My boys are really into spaceships, so we wouldhaveto add a spaceship too πŸ™‚

Christy - Love this! I might have to copy this one. πŸ™‚ I think my son would really enjoy it.

Dawn - Great project!! Also Talby looks like she is really growing up. =) Too cute.

Jessi - Those look awesome!

Holly - that is a great project! Love it!

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last of the beach….

i have more michigan pics but no more beach ones.
these are the end.
kind of sad…..i miss the sand….. but not the stairs.
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that's not our boat.
but it made a pretty picture.  

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rainbow toenails….
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books on the beach…..diary of a wimpy kid is too hard to put down.
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and books in the water…..
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these two boys were explorers….searching the waters for lost & founds.
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they found a dead fish floating…..brought it to shore and then buried it.

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we brought home this whole bucket of rocks to make a stepping stone.

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man i love that swimsuit.

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and that is ALL of the beach pictures i have left.

such a beautiful place.

michigan….i love your beaches.

 

 

Penny Smith - What beach are you at in Michigan? I looks wonderful there! I am on the Illinois border (in Iowa) and we use to go past Lake Michigan to go to Indian Lake. πŸ™‚ I have been wanting to rent a house and go to Lake Michigan-so do share! Please email me, cuz I might not get back to these comments! Thanks!

Tracey Husted - Meg,
Your pictures ALWAYS make me smile. Simply beautiful!!!

Maya - These are my favorite pictures. The beach, family, books… love! I love the dreamlike quality of some of the images too. Amazing and very well done!! Treasures!

Kirsten P - I have loved seeing all your photos of your vacation. Your candid photos of the kids are wonderful. The 17th photo – closeup of pebbles on the shore – is now the wallpaper on my computer. And did you notice the bubble at the water’s edge (in the middle of the photo)?

Doris - so many wonderful pics!
I can smell the air πŸ™‚

Tonya - I want to go there…now…. and loose myself looking at all the beautiful pebbles. Thank you for sharing and taking me there for just a moment.

Lori - LOVE your hat!

Victoria Clements - Haa haa did you carry the table and chairs down everyday?? No wonder you don’t miss the steps!! Bet your calves were cut by the end of your holiday though!

Pat - Can you let us know where in Michigan you like to go? Thinking of a Michigan trip- where do I start?

nicki - Thanks for all the Michigan love!!!

emily anderson - your toenails could not be any more perfect.
love it…love all these pictures.

Emily - this place looks amazing… heaven sent!

kasey - Cool photos girl…i’m so glad you got away!

Sandy - Great pictures; thanks for sharing with us. Don’t I remember Talby in that same swimsuit (that you love)?! Your kids are growing up too fast! I want them to stay small. πŸ™‚

Tiffany - I felt like I could feel touch the water on the screen in the picture with your son running the water over his head! One word for your photography – clarity. Great job, Momma.

alicia @ la famille - MEG! your photos! my word, you’re good! πŸ™‚

Michelle from Australia - Loving the rainbow umbrella. We Aussies are BLESSED with beautiful beaches. They are long and white and sandy. No rocks. Maybe you should come out here for a ‘craft weekend’ and we could show you πŸ™‚

Sarah - i LOVE the rainbow pedicure!

Simone - LOVE your photos πŸ™‚

Amy Slavik@ Little For A Little While - Love all the rocks! Every year we bring a boat load full of shells home from North Captiva Island, FL. We have them all over our house. Maybe this year i’ll make something creative with them, like a stepping stone πŸ˜‰ Would that crush them though? And your hat is uber adorable! Do you mind sharing where it’s from?

Melissa - i was wondering if you stayed at a place you rent or if it was someone’s private home? we have never been there and i was wondering if you could give me some details on the place you stayed? thanks so much!
Melissa @ 1pureheart.blogspot.com

elisa - Your photography is getting better and better! Love these shots!

Melissa - I’m trying to be better about “saying” compliments out loud instead of just thinking it, so here you go:
Meg, you’re gorgeous!
Those beach shots of you are beautiful!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I love your pics. What is your favorite everyday lens you like to use?

betsy - You got some GREAT summer vaca pics. But of all of them, my favorite is the close-up of all the colorful pebbles along the shore line. Stunning!

Leah - Such great photos! We did a beach afternoon at our local shore in San Diego recently. Posted some photos here — http://leahsthoughts.com/2011/08/09/sand-splash-and-sunset/ — although yours are more colorful. I need to incorporate rainbow into our beach outings.

Anne - L-o-v-e these pictures! Thanks for sharing them (and the previous ones)!

julia - Best Beach Pics Ever.
oh..and there were stairs at the beach {she says with a smirk}

Molly - i want to go there. great pictures!

becky@oursweetpeas - LOVE THAT HAT, must know!!!!
I am a Michigander…Did I miss where exactly this is? Or are you keeping it on the DL? I understand if you don’t want a crazy chick from Michigan who may or may not steal your hat knowing your whereabouts. πŸ™‚ Just curious.

Mindy Harris - you are so pretty in your suit and sun hat. so BROWN. love all of these.

Terrie G - Love your beach pics….your water seems bluer than mine. I’m getting ready to do a post about our last day at the beach too. Makes me want to go back…soon!! We had the rainbow umbrella…and I thought of doing pink & green toes! Didn’t have rainbow colors! Loved the reading in the water…only way to go! πŸ™‚

tiffany m gardner - BEAUTIFUL!

Katie - Love the shot of the umbrella, and your rainbow toes! xo

dani - Amazing pictutres! Looks soooo fun! Love the rainbow toes!

Pamela Gordon - Beautiful Beautiful Pictures!! I saw the rock duck too! πŸ™‚

Stephanie - Love the pictures!!! I was going to comment on the rock looking like a duck too but Jolene beat me to it!!! We actually do live in the U.P. (Upper Penninsula) of MI!!! It is very much nature in abundance!!! We live on the Lake Mi end- are will be traveling up to Grand Marais on the Lake Superior shore next week for our yearly camping trip! CANNOT WAITTTTT!!!!!!! It is so peaceful!

shannon - Lovely beach pics!
Your photography is always so fun and colorful πŸ™‚
We just got back from a week at the beach and I’ve slowly been posting ours as well. It is making me sad everytime I go through them. Life was so easy and lazy there, I miss it!

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - I love living in Michigan…we adore the U.P. though and if we could move up there…we so would!
By the way, there is a stone in the bucket that resembles a duck. Go check it out!

BriBedell - Love love love your pictures!!!! @Anna Marie I have lived in Michigan my whole life! (very close to where these pictures are taken), our summers usually start in June (maybe late may) and last through early September. This year as been one of the hottest with temps coming in the 90’s – 100’s! Usually we are high 70’s to low 90’s. We do have the humidity too which can make it seem even hotter! We can have big waves anything from 2ft to 8ft and above. We have what the weather man calls lake effect weather, which can result in some crazy thunderstorms and snow storms! For the most part the beaches are calm but we also have rip currents that are very strong, the water can get into the 70’s but for the most part we can deal with it being cooler! Were use to it πŸ™‚

Holly - I love Annies little tan! Wow! Great pictures!

Toni :0) - Thanks and we do too, a little bit of heaven on earth is what I like to say! Great pics Meg!

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - I’m sad that’s the end of your Michigan pictures. Looks so fun. I feel like I’ve been there too. P.S. I love the picture of you in your son’s glasses

Sally - Aw…looks like great family & friend memories were made. Thanks for sharing!

Anna Marie - So are there not as many waves as an “ocean beach”? The water looks so calm and peaceful! What about temps up there? Is there only a small window of time when it is warm enough to be in the water? I am thinking I would prefer one of the great lakes versus the ocean for a vacation. I am not a fan of salt water. Thanks for your input πŸ˜‰

Lisa - If only all of life felt like these vacations. πŸ™‚

Courtney Walsh - I want to go back there so bad. It’s been too long… these are such fun pictures and I love the one with the dumping water on the head…my son does the same thing!!
Looks like a GREAT time! πŸ™‚

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monday stuff

this is katie’s print i just bought…..and looooove the happiness of.

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i set it in front of the kids and we studied the detail she used on her turtle:
the separate squares on the shell….the eye….the claws….the un-squareness of the “squares”….
and then we each drew one and painted it with water color.

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annie’s turtle….love the use of color!
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talby’s turtle…..fabulous shell….and the head with lovely eyes!
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sean’s turtle…..love the color blocking and the blue body….and it makes me laugh. Β πŸ™‚

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and mine.
i was REALLY cranky and knew that if i sat down and drew and painted it would help.
i took a loooong time on mine.
slowly like a turtle.
and it did help my mood a whole bunch!
craft thursdays help me too!

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josy - I would buy your turtle painting! Love it.

Heather - That verse just spoke to me loud and clear. I’m in a place right now where I’m feeling very unknown. Loved, to be sure, but very unknown. It can be lonely.

heather - i’m so so so glad you put the reminder about operation shoebox!!
i’m adding it to my wally world, i mean wal-mart, shopping list right this minute.

Tabitha - Long time blog stalker – you are one of my hands down favorites! – but I don’t think I’ve ever come out of the shadows to comment.
Just wanted to let you know that I’m so glad you posted the Katie Daisy giveaway. Finally had a chance to go through her images and realized that a computer image I have at home but had no idea where it came from was one of her gorgeous peices. So excited to buy the real one! … And ten more, when I can afford it!
It’s a blessing to watch your family grow – you are very inspiring to me. Much Love.

deb meyers - Definitely Shoebox shopping season! I love Target sales in September just for that reason. You’re a dear, Meg.
deb meyers

casey - where did you find the markers on sale? I check in at my local target and walmart and couldn’t find them for that cheap.

emily hope - love each of the turtles! so fun. if my kids weren’t out playing in the water, I’d start an art project right now πŸ™‚ oh, and i need to find where markers are on sale right now! I’ve been looking and haven’t seen them cheap yet …

Karen Gerstenberger - Thank you – I needed that Bible quote! God bless you, Meg.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - we just moved to va this summer and i long to be known by people. i want friends so badly and to feel like i belong here. such a great reminder to me that i am known by my savior. He’s with me. oh and your turtle rocked. seriously that was good. you are an artist!

Kerry - Man that lasagne just made me HUNGRY!! love the art – they’re all fab, what a great idea πŸ™‚
Kerry
http://mylovebumps.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-8-something-i-hate.html

Alice H - I made lasagna the other day! And I used this recipe!
SLOW COOKER LASAGNA
1 POUND GROUND BEEF
1 LARGE ONION, CHOPPED
2 GARLIC CLOVES, MINCED
1 29-OUNCE CAN TOMATO SAUCE
1 CUP WATER
1 6-OUNCE CAN TOMATO PASTE
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO
1 8-OUNCE PACKAGE NO-BOIL LASAGNA NOODLES
4 CUPS SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
1 1/2 CUPS SMALL-CURD COTTAGE CHEESE
1/2 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
1. IN A SKILLET, COOK BEEF, ONION AND GARLIC OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL MEAT IS NO LONGER PINK; DRAIN. ADD THE TOMATO SAUCE, WATER, TOMATO PASTE, SALT AND OREGANO; MIX WELL.
2. SPREAD A FOURTH OF THE MEAT SAUCE IN AN UNGREASED 5-QUART SLOW COOKER. ARRANGE A THIRD OF THE NOODLES OVER SAUCE (BREAK NOODLES IF NECESSARY).
3. COMBINE THE CHEESES; SPOON A THIRD OF THE MIXTURE OVER NOODLES. REPEAT LAYERS TWICE. TOP WITH REMAINING MEAT SAUCE. COVER AND COOK ON LOW 4 TO 5 HORS OR UNTIL NOODLES ARE TENDER.

Rosana Santos - Hi!
Just wanted to tell you you’re a great inspiration. I absolutely love your blog πŸ™‚
Rosana
(from Portugal)

alicia @ la famille - SOOO sad I didn’t win the Katie Daisy giveway…I’ll just have to buy the 24 prints I want πŸ™‚ And LOVE your turtles…so fun! Who knew turtles were so cute?! Also, good thinkin with the Operation Christmas Child…way to plan ahead!

Lisa - I love, love, love your lasagna recipe!! Doesn’t hurt that the fam does too! πŸ˜‰ Have made it many times and shared with friends. PS – Can I have your turtle? πŸ™‚ Beautiful!

Doris - we need crayons too!
Those drawings are amazing! Your kids are you and very talented.
have a good day!

Heather aka moreygirl - LOVE that verse! I’m thinkin I need some lasagna now! Thanks a lot! I’m trying to be good:) good post

Chris - Next time you want something a little different, try mixing instant chocolate pudding with creamcheese, spreading that on the creampuff base, then topping it with whipped cream- divine!
Love the verse you chose, always love coming here to see your heart in action, even with the bumping and bruising.

Annika - Mmmhhh. Cream Puffs and Lasagna. I’d eat it in exactly that order! :o)
P.S.: I really love how you get creative with your kids.

Tessa Brungardt - I’m a new reader from Wichita and found your blog through my sis-in-law in KC. I love the verse you posted. Sometimes we need those reminders that we do have all we need. Also, your dessert looks very yummy! (http://www.tbbrungardt.blogspot.com)

Tiffany - Meg, painting helps me relax too, what is it about painting that does that? I wish I had mad skills like Katie*Daisy, but I know I have my own skills, so I shouldn’t covet Katie’s. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful, I am, even when I’m cranky.

Secret Mom Thoughts - The turtles are fabulous!

Crissie - I check in with your blog every day. Love it, identify with it, reflect on things you say sometimes, sometimes I get warm and fuzzy inside and wish I had your life-lol-, and it makes me try to be a better mom. I usually click on your little links on the right side of the blog each day when you add new ones. I love the little surpises that pop up since I can’t tell what most of them are just by the title or by your mouse roll-over typings (whatever that is called LOL). Sooooo, I clicked on Jamie the Giraffe today. I read the first post about the necklace and think, that’s weird…Meg usually has a direct link as if to buy the giraffe necklace. So, confused, I continue reading back in time. Within 2 minutes I am bawling my eyes out!!! Girl, you needed a warning with that link!! Put “Jamie the Giraffe-grab kleenex” or something like that!! I’m so depressed and amazed at the parents and just so sad for them. Ugh…thanks a lot my dear! πŸ˜‰

Valerie @ Chateau A la Mode - I love Lasagna. Looks like a good recipe. I just made one the other night and it was soooo delish!

Kat - You are amazing to be cooking all of that with 8 kids in the house. I have 4 and that is enough to send me “bonkers” most days. Love the beautiful chaos of it all though!
Beautiful turtle pics. You are all very talented artists.

amanda - I saw the turtle picture on pinterest tonight. I think it’s a sign. I’m supposed to buy it. πŸ™‚

Lori Austin - Not sure how I found your blog, but so thankful I did. Thank you for speaking from your heart, keeping it real and reminding us that there are many mommas out there just treading water most days. A few areas that have clicked since I started reading your blog: 1) crafting more with my kiddos 2) stepping out of my comfort zone in the kitchen and trying some new recipes 3) being okay with “just okay” days and most important 4) working on my relationship with God and how much time I’m giving Him each day. Thanks Meg – I feel like you are a new found friend that I can’t wait to check in with each day πŸ™‚ p.s. hope tomorrow includes nothing “bonkers” πŸ™‚

tiffany m gardner - Thanks for the AWESOME blog today!! I needed it. God has been knocking on my heart to know him more intimately…and today realizing I am known by Him! Your turtles are also a reminder of how different we are all created. Again…AWESOME! Thanks my blog friend!

seriouslysassymama - It has been bonkers here also. I think all this heat is finally getting to my kids. There is only so much to do inside.

Tanya - Love that verse too…it spoke to me. Thanks.

Sarai - Love your blog!! The turtles are adorable.
I live in wichita. It’s nice to finally find a blog close to home πŸ™‚

Jenny Logan - I made your cream puff squares for a teacher appreciation lunch this last year & they were a hit! Just thought I would share. =)

Terrie - Thanks for the reminder to go and buy markers!! We partner with 3 schools here in town & do ‘operation christmas’ like things for them. Every student…it’s so cool!!
Your turtles are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! Can you teach me to draw? I can only trace! πŸ™‚
I heart cream puff dessert!!
Sorry about your sewer back up… ;(

Holly - oh sewer back ups are no fun. We have a septic system and I dont like it at all!
I stocked up opn lots of inexpensive school supplies this weekend! yay!
The turtles are cute..for reals! They are boss. That is the new cool word in our house!

sara @ it's good to be queen - oooh, thank you so much for reminding me about the OCC shoeboxes!!

Loni - Where are markers 99 cents!?
I was horrible at doing craft Thursdays with my kids, but you sure are a pro at it.

sara's art house - EEEEK!!!!!!!!!! Those turtles are the cutest thing I have seen in a long while. We are going to do those tomorrow! thanks for the idea πŸ™‚

Katie - The tortoises look great, what a talented family of Monet’s! πŸ™‚

se7en - Those tortoises are too cute for words!!! Gotta love it!!!

Janel - Well, I’m a first time commenter here. I love the blog and family Christian life, adore it really. So nice to see how your family lives and loves each other.
The real reason for my comment is that the art is amazing, you all deserve a “print” of one’s own. But Meg, yours is so wonderful, I think you should frame it. Really.
Or send it to me, and I’ll frame it> hee hee….

happygirl - Such an ambitious girl you are. I am constantly amazed. cute turtle.

Jessi - Thanks for sharing that verse. It kind of smacked me in the face when I read it. The make-you-feel-sheepish-but-loved kind of way.

Lisa Currie-Gurney - MEG, WISHED WE LIVED CLOSER… SERIOUSLY, WE WOULD BE GOOD FRIENDS. SOMETIMES, AFTER READING YOUR BLOG, IT FEELS LIKE WE ALREADY ARE.
HUGS FROM MY HEART
P.S. THE TURTLE PAINTINGS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL. πŸ™‚

Laura Phelps - it is bonkers here too
sister and her husband and five kids here all weekend
11 people in my house
and our plumbing went bonkers
raining in the garage kind of bonkers…ceiling caving in
had to turn off water supply
ONE FLUSHING TOILET….11 people
then my washing machine broke
carpet soaking wet
waiting for new part
no laundry
11 people!
then the car broke down at the lake
with 11 people
I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP
and guess what I made?
YOUR MARGARITAS
and
YOUR EGG CASSEROLE
and that is all need, really πŸ™‚

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Oh, goodness! That lasagna looks DELISH! Saving that recipe. πŸ™‚ Also I love all of the pretty painted turtles! Wish I could paint as well as you!

Heather R. - Sitting at Kansas city airport waiting to fly. Love reading your blog. Our girls love your crescent chicken they call it chicken bundles. They love it. Love the turtles. Today is hectic.

Rachel J - OK Meg, what time is dinner? I’m coming over! I heart lasagna.
Monday is almost over dear friend. Hang in there!

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