i am CRANKY!
be thankful you weren't here at our house yesterday.
everyone was smart and just kind of steered clear of mama...or learned quickly that they should.
i am hoping that today will be better.
we are walking for donuts and coffee.
we are stopping at the antiques store.
and we may have to go out and buy this mama some pretty shoes to cheer her up...sorry craig.
changing the subject.....how do you like my new porch room?
you can read more about it over at the inspired room....i'm her guest post today.
it tells you how i went from this mess...
seriously.
to this...our new living room on the porch.
so far in this space there have been games played, drawings created, popsicles eaten, quiet coffee and
mom & dad talks in the dark...hiding from the kids.
warning: you will want to stay...melissa's site is beautiful.
it IS inspired.
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What a difference! The porch looks Fab.U.Lous! I love your style...you make me wish I could sew (a feeling that never entered my head until I started reading your blog). Enjoy!
Posted by: Lori | July 02, 2009 at 06:44 AM
So much better! I need to do that over here!
Posted by: Kelly O. | July 02, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Loved your post at the Inspired Room! The porch is just darling!!
Posted by: Kim | July 02, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Great post. I've been hangin' out over at the Inspired Room for a while now. I even joined in the procrastinators party (and didn't get finished on time! hehe)
The porch looks great. Enjoy.
Posted by: Jess | July 02, 2009 at 07:31 AM
wow, amazing!
Did you paint the blue chairs? My three year old saw it and wants a little blue chair like that. Though she thinks its green. Can you tell me the paint color if you did them yourself?
Posted by: Kelly | July 02, 2009 at 07:44 AM
I just discovered your blog via The Inspired Room. This outdoor LR looks like a great summer oasis. Love the pops of turquoise. I'm jealous: I'm in NC, and if we spend time outside (outside of a screened in porch) this time of year, we will all be carried away by mosquitoes! I just spent a few minutes checking out some of your other posts. Your photos are AMAZING! What talent!
Amy
Posted by: Amy at The Red Chair Blog | July 02, 2009 at 07:53 AM
love it! i want one!! hmmmm. {i may just add another project to my list}
love the glass bottled sodas! I'm a big fan of those right now.
Posted by: Amber | July 02, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I really appreciate your innovation....and ability to get work done! I have a one year old and NOPE, finding time outside of the toddler's routine doesn't occur very often. Your porch turned out beautifully, so vibrant and inviting. I can hear it beckoning for a bunch of people to sit down and BE in it!
Since I have such little time, I live vicariously through people's blogs like yours! Thanks!
Posted by: Kristine | July 02, 2009 at 07:58 AM
What a WONDERFUL spot!!! it would be hard to ever leave!!!
Great job!
Posted by: A pocket full of posies... | July 02, 2009 at 07:58 AM
perfectly cozy!!!! i love it!!!
Posted by: emily | July 02, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Beautifully done - what a great article at the inspired room.
I see many many fun summer afternoons in your future
Posted by: Melissa | July 02, 2009 at 08:03 AM
It's great! I love outdoor rooms. I'm so glad you had the thought to do that - as I'm sure your kids are too!
Posted by: Angela Henrie | July 02, 2009 at 08:05 AM
love those turquoise chairs!!! did you paint them or find them that way? i NEED to know the color if you did paint them yourself ;)
have a fabulous day
chasity
Posted by: Chasity | July 02, 2009 at 08:13 AM
love porches! Thinking about adding some more fun to mine. Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: Michelle B | July 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
you may want to check the coffin box in your attic. i'm probably there. i moved in a while back from sheer house envy. i forgot to tell you. see what a good houseguest i can be??
love it love it!
Posted by: Becky | July 02, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Where did you get those bottles of Crush??
Posted by: Shannon Kirtley | July 02, 2009 at 09:01 AM
I hope today is better than yesterday. I just wanted you to know that your blog is a bright spot in my day. Thank you! You are fabulous!
Posted by: Angela B. | July 02, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Meg, I have been hooked on your blog for some time now and I just have to tell you how great it is! I love the porch makeover. How did you find the time with all 5 kids home?
Posted by: Wendy | July 02, 2009 at 09:12 AM
What a beautiful job you've done! I have a porch that looks very similar to your before photo and your transformation has given me the urge to get it done! :)
Posted by: Lisa | July 02, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Yet again, another fabulous make-over! I love it! Just curious... would you show us your garden(s)? Seeing this cheery color palette on the porch makes me think you must have some happy flowers growing outside, too!
Posted by: Dana D @BoysMyJoys | July 02, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Ummmmm seriously fan.tas.tic! I am soooo impressed and inspired! LOVE IT!
-Jill
Posted by: Jill | July 02, 2009 at 09:49 AM
meg- I'm coming over from TIR love your site- what a dash of happiness your site is-
ps.we have something in common we share the same blog name... Whatever =)
Happy Day
Posted by: teresa | July 02, 2009 at 09:49 AM
Love it, so cute!
Posted by: Cheryl | July 02, 2009 at 09:53 AM
the porch is great!! even greater is the bowl of watermelon and the bottles of crush (my FAVE)
Posted by: adrienneK | July 02, 2009 at 10:03 AM
I do/did love it.
Posted by: Sarah | July 02, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I want those turqouise chairs!!!!!!!! And yes, you need to get yourself an ice cream maker. No salt required! You just hit 'on'. If you need me to come demonstrate I will. Seriously.
Posted by: Heather @ Cookie Mondays | July 02, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Perfect! What a great spot for spending the summer! Another reason your house is AWESOME!
Posted by: Kelly | July 02, 2009 at 10:11 AM
This is so cute and cheery! You may want to get one of those mesh picnic covers though...it looks like there's a fly on your watermelon. ;) Or is it a seed?
Posted by: Allison | July 02, 2009 at 10:17 AM
I would SO use this porch for an extension of my home!! I love it. I;m sure pretty soon you will wander what you did before you started using it! Love the color of the blue chairs and love the chalk board!! Great job!
Posted by: angela conklin | July 02, 2009 at 10:20 AM
WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!!! You are not walking to that Starbucks 30 minutes away are you?????????? LOL...I know, I know...local coffee shop. I feel like I am the more sarcastic, glass half empty version of YOU..does that makes sense? My ideal way of snapping out of crankiness is EXACTLY what you have planned for this morning.
And that porch? Ugh..you see? I see this...this beautiful huge home in Kansas, and I start packing my bags. Any houses for sale near you???? Maybe one closer to the coffee shop????
Thanks for inspiring..tackling the back patio PRONTO.
Posted by: Laura Phelps | July 02, 2009 at 10:37 AM
All I have to say is God Bless you for having a porch swing! Big porches arent that big of a deal here in WA but I come form a southern family and whenever I see a house that has a porch and no porch swing I just wanna yell! We hope to build a house next year and a large porch is number one of the list...right above indoor plumbing ;) Im so glad your family is enjoying yours...your hard work paid off.
Posted by: Leah | July 02, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Love it and I'm feeling your pain. This heat is making this Momma cranky too.
Posted by: Kathy | July 02, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Dearest Cranky Mama Meg(an)-
Did you get those new shoes? I surely believe you deserve them solely due to being the mom of 6 if you include waffles.
Love the new living room Porch. I made my back porch a little living room space and i am loving it.
Uncrumpy hugs to you,
Alyssa
Your #1 fan who knows to call you megan now since you became a celebrity.
Posted by: Alyssa | July 02, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Would you PLEASE come redo my porch! I have tried to make it as cozy as yours and it isn't possible!!! You have an amazing God given talent! Would you bottle it and send it my way?
Posted by: Diana | July 02, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Oh man- perfect!
I am so ready to get started on my summer and porches!
Posted by: Elisa | July 02, 2009 at 04:08 PM
oh and i voted!! ;)
Posted by: adrienneK | July 02, 2009 at 04:43 PM
YOWZA!!!!! That porch is INCREDIBLE!!!!! As if I would expect anything less from THE MEG DUERKSEN!!!!! I'm sorry you were cranky today...I'm hoping you have a better tomorrow :) Just go sit out on that beautiful porch (with those new shoes, hopefully!) and say a prayer tomorrow is a better day :) Love ya girl!
Posted by: Staci | July 02, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Hello Cranky. I am Cranky here, too. Unfortunately my kids DO NOT seem to know to steer clear or even get along with EACH OTHER. We're about to make snow cones and head out to the backyard for some sidewalk coloring. Maybe I will relax in the lounge chair, too. One would think those things would make me happy, but as I type this my 4 year old is spilling water all over my freshly mopped wood floor while my two year old is dancing in it and then there is my 7 year old who is trying to fly. Perfect. My Cranky self is just not all that into it.
Posted by: Julie | July 02, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I was so busy being Cranky I forgot to compliment you on the porch. It looks lovely. I can picture games being played, quiet talks, and cups of coffee being enjoyed there. We don't have a porch, but if I did, I would surely do all of those things there, too. :)
Posted by: Julie | July 02, 2009 at 05:33 PM
My teeth hurt just looking at all that yummy Crush. Mmmmm... grape soda reminds me of summers as a kid. Good call. Love the new porch. Need to do something homey like that to my back yard. Cheer up. Tomorrow is another day and if that doesn't work, well then there is conveniently a holiday after that. :)
Posted by: Rach | July 02, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Hope you had a good day! Did you find some cute shoes??
Posted by: Kim | July 02, 2009 at 08:02 PM
I have just discovered your blog and I love it!!! Your house is amazing. I'd move to Kansas if I could have that house (decorated by you, of course). I can't believe how you made it so wonderful with all those kids?
Posted by: Laura Zarrin | July 02, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Oh how FABulous of you!
Thanks so much for posting this.
I have a front porch, but unfortunately, my dreams of having it look cute and cheery and playful went out the door the first year as we experience about a constant 25 mile an hour sustaning WIND.
So now I can live vicariously on YOUR porch!!!
Posted by: Mary Beth | July 02, 2009 at 11:49 PM
i love your porch! nice work! i notice the chenille-ish fabric in several of your pillows (in this photo it is the aqua and white; in others it has been pink and white) ... is this a fabric (and if so where did you buy it) or is it an old quilt? love love love and haven't been able to find something similar.
Posted by: the rauths | July 02, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Love your porch,love your honesty,love your blog(don't miss a day)....Love your craft room...it so rocks.
You make me smile....I too,was a wee bit cranky before I saw you porch redo,made me inspired!
Love from a faithful bolg reader,mom of 4(who wants to be mom of 5,but can't get hubby to agree)...Keep up the amazing work and hope you win Best Eye Candy bloger award....
Posted by: Becki Skol | July 03, 2009 at 12:50 AM
WOW! And ... I totally have that bench's twin AND the children's chair's twin IN MY BASEMENT. I have never thought of using it as a TABLE [with mini chairs that pull up to it]. And that's ADORABLE that you covered it in oil cloth. LOVE IT.
Posted by: Rachel / cREaTe | July 03, 2009 at 12:55 AM
I would give anything to have a beautiful porch like this!!! you did a great job!
Posted by: Sharon | July 03, 2009 at 06:06 AM
love your blue rocker, I have a chair with a similar shape I've been looking for a new color for. Love this room, maybe I could be inspired to clear off all the kid toys for our back patio....
Posted by: Emily | July 03, 2009 at 10:50 AM
love, love, llllllllaaa-LOVE your taste 'n all!
Posted by: shiela | July 03, 2009 at 12:38 PM
love it! I have a similar front porch and it's my favorite spot!!! Enjoy the beauty!
Posted by: Gillian | July 03, 2009 at 07:44 PM
Such inspiration. More front porch is horrid and we don't use it either. What a shame, my kids always want to ride bikes on the sidewalk out front. I need to get to work and "redecorate" then I might enjoy being out there more. I don't have as much space as you and I don't have have as many "cool" things laying around but I could dig up a few and it might give me the excuse to go to the flea market too! Thanks for sharing and you have such a great touch for all things decorating and photography!
Posted by: Mindy | July 04, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Have you had one of your lime cranberry thingie's from Sonic? What about a scrapbooking session? A bath? Hmm, maybe some Hershey's chocolate kisses? From one cranky mum to another during school holidays....thinking of you...hang in there.... call all the kids godparents and ask them to pray harder. Meredith xo.
Posted by: Meredith | July 04, 2009 at 09:21 AM
LOVE it! I so wish we could have stopped in the other day! We'll have to make it happen on our next trip out! I'm sure you'll love the porch space even more in the Fall!!
Posted by: Nicole | July 04, 2009 at 03:08 PM
It look perfect. Just as great as everything else you do!!
We love our front porch, too. Hiding out from the kids is one of our talents!!
Cheers,
Linda
Posted by: Linda@ Restyled Home | July 04, 2009 at 09:01 PM
Wow, what an amazing space. I love love the porch swing! I wish I had a tenth of that beautiful space for a porch.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 05, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Wow, that is seriously incredible! Love the greens and blues! This is amazing! I so want a big pretty porch like that! Your pictures are incredible!
Posted by: Nicole@Bugaboos | July 06, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Still love it. And so jealous of the huge, wrap around porch. We don't even have a back patio and in front, the 3 ft. walkway has to count as a porch. I think if we did have a porch, I'd never go inside all summer.
Posted by: Aubrey | July 06, 2009 at 05:15 PM
first--thanks for being so honest!! it makes the rest of us feel okay. my girls told their dad not to come in the house the other day because "cranky mommy" was here! how nice--just because i asked them to clean up their smelly, wet towels (along with their trail of everthing else that comes with "summer fun")
second--for showing your wonderfully, inspired porch. i've been trying to redo our back porch, but it seems that two children, all their friends, several animals, and a tired husband always leave it looking messy...
...or as a much loved place to hang out. one day i'll miss all of their messiness or so my mother tells me. : )
by the way, i love your photos...they remind me that ordinary, everyday is beautiful. and to enjoy my children and capture all those moments, even the messy ones. thank you.
Posted by: Michelle/sumshay | July 07, 2009 at 09:49 AM
OK! I am seriously in love with your blog! So fun. I just went through 8 new screens of old archives! Sorry dont mean to be a stalker! love it! love that you love to craft! love your house! love your photos! Fun fun! Thanks for the inspiration! I am in KC so I had to keep reading after seeing your list of fun things to do this summer. Then it was an investigation to find out where you were! I love the Make and Takes and there was a link to your blog on that. From there I went crazy! Thanks for making my corporate work day more exciting! Where would you suggest that I go to find out about blogging and how to get others to find my blog? I want your life right now! Your pictures are really that good~! Thanks and hope that I am not too obnoxious!
Posted by: Wendy | July 07, 2009 at 04:01 PM