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Monthly Archives: January 2014

funny.

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Mia - Chocolate a vegetable….If that’s the case, I’m rocking my New Year’s Resolution!

Kerri - You are awesome!! These are all so good! Don’t Stop Believin’ :))

Sasha - New follower, love love love your blog… also, HA HA thanks for a much needed laugh this morning. Thankful for joy in life’s journey!

Katie (@AGracefulGirl) - These made my day!!!!!! πŸ™‚

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I did my motherly duty just yesterday by offering Calvin the following sage advice, “Don’t ever touch a girl’s hair. EVER. It makes us really mad.”

The rest is downhill, baby!

Lindsey - LOVE these! The coffee one was me last night when I went to bed!. “Well, at least I get coffee in the morning!” ha!

Lisa - Oh Meg. As I sat here crying over my husband’s upcoming heart surgery, I opened the tab for your blog. Between the tears I was able to laugh at these cards. Thank you for giving me something to laugh about today.

CathyC - Hilarious! Love it!

jane sims - These are awesome!!! Thanks for sharing.. Have a wonderful day!!

amy jupin - i love these things.
can’t help it.
they speak my love language: sarcasm in any and all forms.
you get it.
that’s why i love you.

Tiffany - At working cracking up – Those dang eecards are priceless.

Kristin - Uno ~ seriously!

Tanya H - So the one about locking the car, is that bigger for a reason? Because it pretty much describes me! LOL! And the sarcasm/text one rocks. I could just sent that to a few of my bff’s and be done. πŸ™‚

Tiffany Gardner - thanks for making me laugh outloud.

Julie - Thanks for the laugh – I liked the chocolate and laundry ones

Cassandra - Haha! I laughed especially hard at the last one & then started singing πŸ™‚

Stephanie - Oh! I laughed at so many of these! But seriously–what kind of person, upon hearing Don’t Stop. Believin’ does not immediately grab an imaginary microphone and turn Into Steve Perry? Who are these people?

Dawn Gross - They’re all great but the Don’t Stop Believin’ one is the best!

Wendy - Ha, I love these card/quotes! They totally crack me up and I have to say, my kids are completely on board with the lucky charms one!

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popsicle stick star garland

IMG_2307
over christmas break we made a fun craft project.
while my sister and my nieces were visiting we worked all together.
i bought a bag of 100 popsicle sticks one day (in the office supply row at the grocery store of all places).
then we used hot glue to make them into stars.
IMG_1745IMG_1999
next we painted all the stars….IMG_2004starseverybody was painting… even grandma!
IMG_2007stars2
and then we glittered all the painted stars.
glitter is the perfect addition to any and all crafts in case you didn’t know. Β πŸ™‚IMG_1995IMG_2016IMG_2017
after everything had dried we hot glued them to a long string of baker’s twine & made them into a garland!

you could use them on their own for ornaments or gift toppers too.
or without the glitter they could be gift tags!
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i asked annie and her friends to try and help me with a picture of it hanging but they are quite squirrely and this was the best picture we got. Β IMG_2153IMG_2156
wherever i am…. Stanley is right there at my feet.
all the time.

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then we strung the garland across the dining room.
it is so cute!

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Kim - Oh how I love those two pictures of Stanley under the stars!! He is so adorable!

KWolff - These are fantastic! I have a stash of popsicle sticks just calling out for a fun and easy craft! Thanks for sharing!

Katie - Love this simple garland idea! I may try a similar one in white, wood and mint for our little one’s nursery. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kelly - What a fun idea! And that Stanley! Too cute!

Lisa - I <3 Stanley.

Julie - They look good over the blackboard, and even better with Stanley beside them.

Dawn Gross - LOVE this craft!! Nice that you can gather a gang at the craft house to play! And Stanley – what a sweet pup!

Dawn

Pamela - I just searched your blog and found your story on how you got Stanley. What a great Christmas gift! Loved the video. He is SO cute!! I’m glad Waffle likes him too.

Pamela Gordon - Love this simple project. It’s so colourful. Where did Stanley come from? He’s adorable. I missed a few posts and will go back and see. lol

julie - Wonderful project! Great pictures! Fun post! :+)

Amanda - No freakin’ way!!!! This is the coolest thing!!! LOVE all of it…especially Stanley!! πŸ˜‰

Grandma R - They turned out so cute! Glad I got to help.

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i like old stuff.

i had to get out of the house today. so between loads of Craft House laundry i stopped in at some of my favorite antique shops in town. i did a little shopping but mostly just took pictures of things i liked.first10i need to get these letters if i ever sneak over and load up that giant chippy painted marquee sign in the middle of the night.1112this mirror was tempting… i mean i do love flamingos… but i did not bring it home. Β πŸ˜‰13this record player may have come home with me if it didn’t have a redonkulous price on it. when you are shopping do you ever announce prices out loud when you are shocked? even if you are alone? or is that just me? i caught myself doing it several times today…. oops. i am a dork.IMG_2238darn.15the sweater picture was the first one i took today. it wasn’t big enough for me or i might have snagged it. it is quirky. you know that would be like $125 at Urban Outfitters right now. but it is HANDMADE at the thrift shop. think how warm & cozy it would be?! Β 1617IMG_2245the door worked! if i lived alone i would buy these glasses. but if i brought them to my home… they would get broken. Β  the end.eighthdon’t you wish that our cleaning products still came in cool tins with neat fonts like this Floor Mop wax? and also… when was the last time you thought about the store Mongomery Ward?fifth“Learn One Thing Every Day”fourthremember my huge red & white brand foods sign? Β i had never seen anything with that label until today! pretty cool!IMG_2271Dad…. i came so close to buying this for you. it is an ashtray but i thought you could use it for change or something. it just seemed like something you would appreciate. and then i remembered how much stuff you have from both the grandmas… so i left it there. Β πŸ™‚ninthsecondthis big craftsman toolbox was “mint condish” except for 1974 DENNY scratched in under the handle which i think made it 1000 times cooler than before.seventhcheck out the turquoise, orange and purple table cloth? looks like it should be at Anthropologie!sixthhonestly can’t believe i left the spoon rest?! i will most likely go back for it. it is just so perfectly kansas.thirdi love vintage illustrations… Β and chippy turquoise paint.IMG_2294so after all those pretty things… i came home with these. a dot chenille bedspread, some vintage sheets, a few pretty tea towels, a crossed stitched tablecloth,Β a metal cooler and another globe. (it could be possible that i have enough globes by now but when it is $4??? how can i not add to the collection?!)Β 14what did you do today? and what are you making for dinner? we are having soft tacos. and i just make a big salad with the toppings and no tortilla.

Leslie - $4 globe?! What a steal! I’ve been looking for one and all the thrift stores around here are selling them for $25 or more. I could get a new one (although not as cool as an old one) for that price. Way to go!

Deb Meyers - ooooo….i need Nevada!

Amber - I have that same flamingo mirror! It was a gift from my husbands grandma. It had been hanging in her house for many years! I haven’t found the perfect place for it, right now it is stored on top of my kitchen cabinets!

Christie - I was one of the lucky girls that stayed at The Craft House last weekend and we ventured out to some of the shops in town…I literally picked up nearly every item you have pictured! And…yes…I also blurt out the exasperated…”$xxx” when I’m shocked at the price.
We had such an awesome time at the house! I was so inspired to hang bunting with abandon!
I hope we get to do it again soon!
Christie Cady

Carrie - Hi Meg. I love looking at these pictures. We have no place around here that has cool old stuff like that. I love your style and colors! But no matter how much I love it and want it, I aways seem to pick beige. Help me! I’m trapped in a beige box! Maybe I’ll start by painting something.

Mindy - Love the bedspread! Thanks for sharing all the fun pictures. I almost feel like I went on the trip – except I didn’t come home with anything. My husband thanks you that I didn’t spend any money : )

Ashley Pera - Every time I read the title to this post I read it in tune with the “Big Butts” song.
“IIIII like Old Stuff and I can not lie, them other brothers can’t deny…”

tonya - you should have bought the red and white can- so cool!
i need a day like that = with no kids and just shopping or looking- super tonight- taco soup and grilled cheese with bacon-

Barbara (WA) - I must tell you about an acquaintance who’s family owned a Red and White grocery. I had never heard of the brand until she told me about it and apparently has a large collection of items carrying that label, like kitchen items, spice containers, advertising signs, etc. Hmmm, I might have to google this history of those stores. . .

Meg - Go back and get that sweater and I’ll buy it from you! πŸ™‚

Sara - Hi Meg! I loved looking at all of your fun finds. We were blessed to be invited over to dinner at my twin sister’s house tonight. The cousins played and it was nice to get out of the house! (We’ve been snowed/iced in for days)

You would be fun to go antiquing with πŸ™‚

Andrea @ This Pug Life - I love those embroidered tea towels so dang hard I can’t even appropriately express it.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - HOW did you not get that tablecloth? Was it $80 dollars???

Ps – Another benefit of driving to SL…

amy jupin - i miss kansas.
i miss the good deals and the cute old junk.
i miss the railroad tracks in the middle of newton.
i miss you.
and i kinda miss sonic’s chili dogs but that’s not related to this comment one bit.

Michelle Whitlow - oh my gosh, that made me laugh when you mentioned announcing prices out loud when you’re shocked!!! haha Yep, done that!!!

ellen patton - antique heaven! i thought i lived in a cool place for antiquing (new england) but i want to visit you!

Amber Campbell Hibbs - HA! It was REDONKULOUS! I saw it while we were shopping during our craft house stay. And no, you are not the only one who may have said the price out loud in shock. πŸ™‚

Gabby - I absolutley love your posts and beautiful photos, Meg! I just had to comment on the box of Shiny Brite ornaments; I had never heard of them, but I recently finished reading a novel in which the main character collected those specific ornaments. Happy Thursday to you!

Gabby - I absolutley love your posts and beautiful photos, Meg! I just had to comment on the box of Shiny Brite ornaments; I recently finished reading a novel in which the main character collected those specific ornaments. Happy Thursday to you!

Erin Erdman - Can you tell me the city/ names of these FANTABULOUS stores??!! I’ve recently relocated from Portland, OR back to Kansas City and I’d love to do a Winter trip out to these stores for some colorful trinket cheer!!!

Linda - such beautiful things! Loved this post! Made me want to go shopping!

Kathi - I LOVE old stuff too. I would love to shop in Kansas, the prices seem so much more resonable than here in Illinois. I’ve been holding myself back from going to my favorite haunts until we move. I keep telling myself that I will be able to get things that will “fit” the new house.

Ashley - Oh what my little (Lexington Livin’) heart would give for that Kentucky plate. Proud to have it end up in Kansas! I wouldn’t be upset if you wanted me to pay you for it πŸ˜‰

Emily Ruth - So fun! When you take pictures do you ask first or just click away? I’m about half & half & when I’m feeling really chicken I hold my phone inconspicuously (so I think) & sneak a few shots….

Katherine @ Grass Stains - You’re not seriously saying that you didn’t take those chickens home. MEGAN.

Terrie G - I seriously want that mirror…
What did I do today?
The same thing that I’ve been doing and will be doing for a few weeks….
sorting through every nook & cranny of the house…
preparing it to sell.
Sounds like fun right?!
I’d much rather have been out taking pics of cute stuff!
Stuff…that I refuse to bring into my house right now…
I have enough of my own ‘stuff’ to pack up! LOL!!
Thanks for the diversion from my task at hand…
Back to sorting and packing!
πŸ™‚

Kyra - I’ve been looking for a reasonably priced globe in decent shape since Craft Weekend last May. Still on the hunt. I have two but I use them for school with the kids. Whenever I see a globe, it reminds me of Stephany and her lights she makes out of them.

Crock pot roast beef, potatos and baby carrots for supper last night. Comfort food for those cold Minnesota days.

Stephanie B - You’ve inspired me to take a day off to go antiquing! I couldn’t be more excited. Tonight’s dinner is meatloaf, mashed potatoes and veggies.

Bethany - Thanks for taking us along. I haven’t found very many antique shops near me, especially not with such cool stuff or reasonable prices. I love the Schmidt’s tin-that’s my maiden name. I am feeling the need to do some antiques “window shopping”. May hit up a local antique market this weekend.

For supper here we had turkey meatball gyros. They’re relatively healthy and the whole family likes them-score!

Jenny - I think of Montgomery Ward often. Their family’s old Summer home on Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc, WI is on the way to my grandparent’s house. It’s absolutely amazing and was just on the market!

Kat - Looks like a great day.
Sometimes you just have to get out of the house I find.
This year I will have all four at fulltime school for the first time and I am actually not looking forward to coming home to an empty house. I will probably hit the gym most mornings and then come home.
Today I did a boxing class at the gym.So much fun and such good exercise. Then went for a hot chocolate, got my greys covered up and home to do packing for our summer beach holiday. (It’s summer school holidays here in Australia)
We had lamb chops, salad and jacket potatoes for dinner.
Mm, I love taco’s, but must have gucamole’ with them πŸ™‚

Jenny B. - A $4 globe??? They’re often like $40 around here (well, that’s at flea markets. I’ve never ever seen one at a thrift store). Good thing you snagged it! πŸ™‚

Jenny - Kansas has some amazing prices! Every last bit of what you found is awesome! Kansas is officially on my bucket list. πŸ˜‰

mandy - can I just say how jealous I am of your Kansas thrifting?! you can NOT find a globe in Oregon for less than about $30- seriously. whenever I’v found one for less in the last 6 yrs I’ve bought it. I have 3…I think the least I’ve spent on them was $25!

Julie - You will have to go back and get the ANIE letters – just make a big funkily decorated N to go in the middle of them.
Dinner sounds good – I have chicken out – just have to decide what to do with it, and there will be a salad from my garden too.

Sara @ it's good to be queen - 1974 Denny. Love. It. Kansas thrifting is the best!!

elma - Oh my word you got some awesome finds!! Love the globe to!! I want the red tool box please send it to me!!!
My kids were home again today so we cleaned the storage room and have some stuff for goodwill. I love to organize the storage rooms and it feels so good when it is all done. It was subway tonight:) LOVE subway!!

Beth - Oh, how I want to come thrift in your neck of the woods!! The dot chenelle bedspread is the BEST! We had the exact same dinner tonight and I did the exact same thing w/my portion. I love tacos do much better as a salad! Yum!

Kelly - Awesome finds… I would love to find a doll house like that one… Had that same one growing up….. Glad you had a good day thrifting…

Molly Byrd - I just love you to pieces, Meg! Love all the vintage stuff

Crystal beutler - I did what you did today! Drove out to Ramona to sniff the orange groves, and hunt for treasures. I scored 3 globes, a gum machine, a cool old metal vanity bench, a typewriter, an old window frame, and some old salt shakers. I’m certain that I paid waaaaay more than I would have shopping in Kansas. I need to get back there!

Tanya - I worked from home all day today and accomplished TONS and it was so very satisfying. It was the first day my kids went back to school since the beginning of Christmas break. The silence was golden. I had chicken noodle soup for supper. Yum.
Learn One Thing Everyday book from 1917 ~ my grandma was born in 1917 πŸ™‚

marcie - Such a fun photo tour… and you can never have too many globes and I would die if I found one for $4.00 I grab them when I can find them but globes are rare and expensive in Atlanta. i need to come to Kansas!!!

Stacy P. - I moved into my new calendar…complete with all my kids’ activities in different colors. (yeah, that will last till about, ummm, February.)
Then I watched Modern Family. Then my kids and I ate dinner with my mom and dad….she made lasagna. Then I read your blog and started to be jealous that you have such an awesome antique store near you. And I covet the metal cooler. πŸ™‚

Beth in the City - I think of Montgomery Ward pretty often because I live close to this building: http://www.montgomerypark.com/vision.html Today I took my remaining Christmas money to the thrift store – a favorite hobby of mine. I found a great wooden desk chair on wheels that I love, for my daughter’s desk. My son said it is the ugliest chair, looks like it’s from the 60’s. This made me laugh. But she loves it. And it has to sit in MY dining room……

Kris - I would have bought the red letters…mix others in!
Love the peek into Kansas thrifting!

robin allen - You have an amazing ‘eye’ for the really ‘goodmakethatGREAT’ stuff…you should tell us what town these amazing shops are in so the rest of us can go window shopping and declare prices out loud and travel down memory lane and just be inspired….I too LOVE GLORIOUS JUNKE!!!

Jenna - My mom has that flamingo mirror and I used to hate it, but now, I have dibs on it for whenever she decided to part with it! And yes! I always say the ridiculous prices out loud!

P.S. I want all of the pretty little things you listed above! That globe – $4 – woah amazing! πŸ™‚

Kristi REDISKE - That is all so cool, I see several things I would love to have- wish I was there to go get them, may have to make a trip, it is my old hometown and I miss it!

Anne Galindo - That dollhouse is exactly, EXACTLY like the one I had as a kid. I’ve been wanting to find one for when my niece is older.

Rychelle - please, please, PLEASE go back and get those chickens, and then send them to me. PLEASE!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - Today I spent an hour on the treadmill. 30 minutes doing intervals, and 30 minutes walking. It felt glorious. I am doing a 7 day cleanse so keeping it aerobic this week. For dinner is sweet and sour chicken!

Lisa - All the antique/thrift store finds you share makes me want to plan a trip to Kansas just for that! So many fun things! Got to have a brunch date with my man. Always love that! I’m extra tired today. Already looking forward to bedtime and it’s only 3:30pm. πŸ˜‰

stephany - Looks like a good day.
I did yoga this morning…then came home to do laundry.
I am also designing a website for my dad for his 65th birthday…he just retired and wants to start a guiding (hunting) business, so I am setting up a website/blog for him.
His birthday is on Monday, and I will be in Colorado next weekend to work on getting the content into it with him.
I’m taking the kids out to dinner tonight at our health club and then they are coming to the Art Literacy meeting at school with me because Ryan is out of town.
Fun, fun!

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q u i e t.

all your comments on the One Word post were fun to read!
i feel like we are all in this together don’t you?
everyone working on becoming better versions of us through God’s grace.
i love it.

i am very much enjoying the quiet house with the kids back at school.
i say that not because i don’t like to be with my kids but because i have not had any silence since the school break began!
having kids home all day everyday, a new puppy that barks ALL NIGHT LONG in his kennel, not traveling anywhere for christmas to break up the time, freezing cold temperatures…. you get the idea.
i loved the sleeping late and no place to go or be for days and days but after awhile i miss routine of school and a quiet house.
the older i get the more i enjoy quiet.
complete silence.
i have been sitting here for 5 hours now with nothing but the sound of the heater and the dogs breathing deeply.
they needed down time as much as i did.
IMG_2196i made my meal plan for the week.
if i ever get it down in a photo friendly kind of way i will post it.
but right now it’s all messy on notebookΒ paper and scribbles…with my grocery list.

i found lots of new recipes to try…. and of course i want to share with you too!
i am going to try to do this as often as possible.
i hope you like it.
7food

1.Β Skillet Mexican Zucchini

2. Β No Bake Banana Oat Energy Bars

3. Β Chicken with Roasted Butternut Squash & Green Beans

4. Β Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

5. Β Tuscan Chicken Soup

6. Β Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

7. Β Broccoli Crack

 

i found these through Pinterest of course!
apparently i like chicken.
next time i will try for some other meats… but i DO like chicken so this is good for me.

i will be putting them to use over the next two weeks in our evening meal plans.
some of them are more for the kids and some are more for me.
tonight we are having #3… i picked an easy one because it’s a ball game night.
(four of the next five nights are ball game nights! Β  Β  crazytown.)

i have already made the broccoli many times and i eat SO MUCH because it is sooooo good!
who knew broccoli could ever taste so delicious?

Renee - yum yum! glad you’re sharing. i have worked hard the past 3 years to transition into regularly cooking fresh and healthy meals. sometimes i’ve been teaching, sometimes i’ve been having babies. so it’s not like gourmet is my goal here. easy. fresh. yummy.
one trick that works for me is to repeat meals once or twice over the course of 2-3 week. the first time you make anything, it always takes longer and seems more labor intensive. and if it feels hard, you’re less likely to do it again. but if you can make it a couple times in a couple weeks, it’ll feel easier and the people you’re cooking for might like it more subsequent times. their palletes just have to adjust πŸ™‚ ANYWAY, the easier it feels, the more likely you are to start making your ‘go-to’ meals in your repertoire these healthy & fresh ones. (instead of casseroles, and things that involve pillsbury crescents or something.) That was a lot. sorry! good luck!

Aubrey - Thanks so much for sharing the recipes! I’m always looking for healthy recipes that aren’t to complicated.

Maria - First off I am a huge fan of your blog! I live in SW Missouri so I can relate to your posts about weather and the countryside!

I made the Broccoli Crack and the No Bake Banana Oat Energy Bars today. Both turned out awesome! The Broccoli Crack was a bit salty for my taste but I ate almost half of it at lunch! My kids LOVE the energy bars (I might have snuck in a little extra stevia :))

Sarah{Handbags*and*Pigtails} - “Broccoli crack” huh? I dunno…seems sooo far away from Julie’s version of crack,haha. πŸ˜‰

tara - this post reminds me how nice it would be if i would make time to do a month long meal plan….sometimes, those work great, if you can make them with your calendar in mind.

Stacey - Love these meal ideas! love your blog:-)

Amber H. - I’ve found using an app on my phone works great for meal planning. I use the Paprika one. I can download recipes directly off the Internet or I’ve added my own to it over time. This way when I decide on a recipe when planning my meals I can add the ingredients needed with the push of a button. If you get the app for both your iPhone and ipad (if you have them) then they will interface with each other. No I am not payed to promote this app but yes, it’s my fave app out of any I have on my phone! LOL

Mindy - Mmm your recipes look delicious AND nutritious – great way to start the New Year!

Tracey Garcia - This broccoli recipe is great. Both my kids love it and my youngest will eat 2 or 3 servings every time I make it. Of course, I found it on Pinterest. http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/11/the_best_brocco.html
I’ve been meal planning off and on for a couple of years now and my week really goes much better when I’ve planned the meals. I know what I need to buy at the grocery store, I have everything I need each day for the evening meal, and there is no last minute scramble to figure out something for supper. Plus, my kids HAVE to know what they are eating for supper BEFORE they leave for school. LOL I don’t know why—I guess they are afraid I might forget to feed them.

KirstenP - Check out this show on CBS on Sat morning 11am Eastern – Lucky Dog. Brandon McMillian helps shelter dogs to kick bad habits, including barking, before they go live with their new families. I know Stanley(is that still his name?) isn’t a shelter dog but his techniques might work with your puppy. Good luck.

Susan - Meg –

I have the BEST recipe for you, and your vegetable-hating kids will love it! My kids can’t get enough of it, and it sounds like they are a lot like yours. Anyway, all you have to do is take a bag of shredded carrots (or shred your own if you aren’t as lazy as I am), toss them with 1-2 tbsps olive oil, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 until crispy (about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your carrots). Sprinkle with salt. These taste like shoestring potato chips! The only trick is that you have to watch them at the end, they go from almost cooked to burned pretty quickly. But the burned bits aren’t too bad, either! My kids, 15, 13 and 6, actually ask me to make these.

Ruth - Meg, I am excited that you are sharing your recipe finds! Thank you for the inspiration,in so MANY ways. You are a delight, I am grateful God put you in my cyber “path” a couple of years ago.

Tracy - I love you recipe sharing!!! Please continue to do it!!

Christy - Try cauliflower roasted too! It’s delicious!

Sheryl - Thank you for posting the recipes. I love getting new ideas for meals especially healthy ones!

karen - i feel ify about meal plans. it seems like something that could get to be seen as more work. i would just ALWAYS have your fridge loaded with fresh food and go with it. roasted anything works for me. and never shop in the center isles of the grocery store!! only the perimeter.

Kris - Ok chiming in…again…sorry! Try pioneer woman’s italian meatball soup….I bake the meatballs though! Have a big pot on the stove right now! Also try roasted cauliflower….it’s is amazing…and roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze( I LOVE Pinterest for recipes!)
Love seeing those recipe ideas!
I’ll have to try these!

Michele - Good for you! I love the quiet, too! πŸ™‚
I have been meal planning for about 10 years. Yes, it’s a pain, but it really helps in the long run. For healthy recipes, check out skinnytaste.com. Her recipes are delicious, but you won’t feel deprived. We love her salisbury steak and cajun chicken pasta! I don’t stock very many pre-packaged foods in our house and I buy organic whenever I can (those pre-washed organic salads blends and spinach at Walmart are a lifesaver)! I also don’t stock the house with things like ice cream, Oreos or soda…not because I never eat those things, but because if they are in the house, I will! And if you haven’t jumped on the green smoothie bandwagon, I highly recommend it! I have one every morning and I can’t tell you how good and energized it makes me feel. And think about adding flax meal to things you already eat–smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. Good luck, Meg!

Tanya - They all look awesome…like really yummy.
Hope it’s all received well πŸ™‚
I am very happy kids are back at school as well.
Moms need some quiet. No apologies.

Lennie Jackson - My bestie and I were just discussing how badly we need easy clean family friendly meals. Thanks so much for posting!!! Can’t wait to be on this journey with you!

Julie - My house is just starting to become noisy again – my husband and daughter have been away for 10 days at Scout Jamboree in New Zealand. She came back last night and he comes back tonight with our son who has been at his grandparents. Only 4 weeks till they go back to school. Thanks for the zucchini recipe link – I have a glut of these and cucumbers in my garden at present.

Sarah D. - In case you are interested in the CI link… http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/4032-roasted-broccoli-with-optional-garlic#

Sarah D. - Roasting broccoli like that is my absolute fav. I found that exact same method in a Cook’s Illustrated magazine almost 6 years ago and it has been my all-time go-to for broccoli ever since. Is is delicious!!!

Natalie - I was so looking forward to some quiet tomorrow morning and then… they canceled school. It’s cold but we don’t have any snow here in Atlanta but oh well… maybe Wednesday! I love a good meal plan too! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your quiet time and back to routine!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love meal planning. I have been doing it religiously for about 2 years now. I can fee my family of 5 for two weeks on $250. I only go back to the store for milk,bread, and apples. We eat a ton of apples. My husband laughed at me the other day because the majority of our groceries are produce. I cut up fresh fruit and veggies for our sides. It helps that we all eat like birds, especially our three daughters.

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my word.

so i asked you on the first if you had picked a word for the year.
i believe Ali Edwards started this whole idea a long time ago… but that could be incorrect.

i have always peeked in on what people wrote down.
i thought it was a neat idea but couldn’t imagine even thinking of a word.
why?
i have no idea.

this year it was just… natural.
i never thought not to.

so…

my word i picked for 2014 is healthy.

IMG_2087

i said “you will probably roll your eyes” Β because i am guessing you may be sick of me talking about health & exercise.

i have come a long way yet i feel so far from where i could be.
i know there is so much more that Β i desire to bring into my life.
i am not talking about the typical january resolution of empty promises to go to the gym & lose 20 pounds.

i AM talking about getting rid of things in my diet that are just plain wrong.
and figuring out how to do it and what to replace it with.
i am talking about not eating to cope.
i am talking about disconnecting sugar with feelings… i can give that to God.

β€œDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7

i want to BE healthy.
not for a month… Β forever.
i want a strong body.
i want energy.
i want endurance.
i want a clear mind… with no influence from chemicals or weirdo processed ingredients.

so that is that.

it will be a great year of new foods mixed with the good old fashioned ones from before.

new workouts while still getting in the running with my girls.

β€œRemember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-26

this means weekly meal plans… even though the thought of doing it makes me want to crawl into bed and pull the shades.

β€œβ€˜Everything is permissible for me’ – but not everything is beneficial. β€˜Everything is permissible for me’ – but I will not be mastered by anything… Therefore, Honor God with your body” 1 Corinthians 6:12, 20

and HOPEFULLY i can figure out a way to bring the kids along with me.
craig will eat what i eat willingly and is up for anything healthy but the kids are just… not.
if i served a salad… you would think that they were being tortured.
all ages.
all of them!!!
and there would almost definitely be some fake puking and possibly real puking.
i am well aware that we produced this behavior (please don’t scold me in the comments)
the UNmaking it is so hard.

i know that everyone at my house would benefit from removing processed foods in our diet.
but honestly that is like changing almost every single thing.
so we will start S L O W for them.
maybe one vegetable a week or something. Β πŸ™‚

God gave me ONE body. Β (i think the same for you too… Β ha ha ha)
and i am guilty of taking it for granted.

“Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

healthy from the inside out… 2014…. Β boom.

 

what is YOUR word? Β how are you going to make it work?

 

 

Renee - your health journey is inspiring. i’m in the throws of having babies so my body is all over the place, but healthy is a lifestyle. while i’m going for ‘healthy,’ my word this year is “still.” or maybe “settled.” our lives are very up-in-the-air and UNsettled. but my heart and mind and spirit and emotions can be settled by the grace of God. I can be still and know that He is God even when circumstances are a whirlwind. Thanks for prompting me to think about this. cheers to 2014.

Amy - Healthy is a good word for the year. I have a tip for you to get your kiddos to eat salad….put fresh strawberries on romaine & add some toasted pecans & poppy seed dressing. My son hates lettuce but he’ll eat a salad with fruit. Another good one is mandarin oranges (canned) & toasted almonds & dried cranberries. Good luck with getting them to eat healthier.

Linda - it’s the 10th and yesterday I finally found my words… never was good at editing.

Leaning In. Leaning into what I love doing, friendship, the Word and God. The list colud go on. I tend to pull back and hold back a lot! No, this year I am going to have a posture change and lean in. Healthy is a grest word. Hope you get your kids to come along!

Sarah{Handbags*and*Pigtails} - Hey Meg, Have you read the book “Made to Crave?” Its so along the lines of what you’re saying in this post. And I know what you mean about trying to get everyone on board. Soups? Salads? Vegetables? Change is hard…even harder for the little ones when we’ve not always done it that way. But persevere! Their bodies will thank them:)

Alisha - Good for you! I made this same decision almost 2 years ago. It took me almost a year to lose the weight I wanted and I have NEVER felt so good!

I’ll admit that the holidays were AWFUL this year. We’re talking 8 lbs horrible, but I’m back on track and working to get that corrected. I know your frustration with meal planning and trying to get your family on track. I came to the conclusion that while I wanted to certainly feed my family a healthier meal, they didn’t need to be on the same low calorie, low carb, low sugar diet I was on. Soooo… that meant that most all nights while my family’s meal was cooking I was making something ELSE for myself. Many, many, many nights it was a HUGE salad loaded with all sorts of fresh goodness, but when it wasn’t I tried to keep it in the same category as my family’s meal. If they had spaghetti with meat sauce, I’d make peas and pasta with shrimp or chicken. If they had tacos, I’d have a mock taco salad with grilled chicken or shrimp, black beans, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a lot of salsa.

I actually have YOU to thank for introducing me to myfitnesspal.com because it is TRULY my secret to my success!!! Sooooo… THANK YOU!!!! It’s been an AWESOME journey and one that I will walk for the rest of my life.

I wish you the best in YOUR journey. πŸ™‚

Courtney - hi! i’m not sure i’ve ever commented…but i’ve always read πŸ™‚ i just have to encourage you that you CAN do this…and your kids CAN do this!! i was so the same as you 18 months or so ago. and now? i’ve been “paleo” (only because it’s the only way my stomach issues have cleared up) and my kids LIKE salad and NEVER eat cereal for breakfast and are FINE with that. we did small, small steps at a time with the kids. i think this post describes it best: http://cassadas.blogspot.com/2013/11/lunch-and-snacks.html. and now my kids are so much more aware of “sugar” and if things are healthy or not. the biggest thing for me has been to TEACH as we go…we look up foods and write them down – what is in them (vitamins, etc) and what they do for you (boost immune system, etc). they love that! i want to raise 6 kids that will become 6 healthy adults!

tara - RELY.
more reliance on God…less on myself.
tired of managing, planning, analyzing, strategizing.
wrote a post on it..felt good to admit that i’m just too independent in my heart…

Emily - Meg you are awesome for your honesty. In this struggle you are clearly not alone. Reading your post was like reading my own mind. Thanks girl.

Alison - That’s awesome! I too am on a similar journey.. it can be so overwhelming on where to start and how to totally make over the way we eat. You may already know about the blog “100 days of Real Food” It really helped me alot! She has a place to start for new people to read and has lots of great ideas,recipes,videos..ect. some of her recipes are BLECK! but it gave me a sense of direction. One thing we started with was healthy smoothies in the morning and adding one veggie with our meal every day.. a small step but for us it was helpful. I know for me I would get online and look up these blogs and be like..what?where do I even start..so overwhelming. Good luck to you and yours! Here’s to a healthy mind and body in 2014~

Katey deasy - My word is Home. I’m about to write all my feelings about it. I’ve been praying on it. Home. It’s going to be a great year.

Megan - I told you the other day that my word is GRATEFUL!
I love reading everyone else’s choices and intentions for the new year too. I am a dedicated meal planner–one week at a time,I do dinners only, and you’ve just inspired me to post the plan every week. Feel free to borrow anytime. I’m a vegetarian (but I make meat dishes for the family), I have a super picky eater, one who will eat dog cookies if I let him, and a very little guy that I’m balancing over at my house.
Going to post this week’s plan right now! Good luck πŸ™‚

Tammy EL - I read your blog everyday! I’m on this journey with you…so you have company.

I found this blog helpful about nutrition and healthy eating, I use it when I teach classes about nutrition for children. I promise you it will challenge what everyone tells you about how to approach food with children. She will not condemn you…but offer insights about how we teach our children to take care of themselves.

http://itsnotaboutnutrition.squarespace.com/home/

I hope you find her blog helpful.

elizabeth - It makes me sad to think that ANYONE would think to scold you in any way for trying to improve and make your family more healthy, wether or not their habits are “of your own making”. Hooray for you! How awesome that yo’ve got a goal and a direction. My word(s) for the year will be “meek and mild”. I need to work on being more patient with my family. period. Heaven help me.

Susan C. - Healthy 2014 – great word. Check out The Daniel Plan. Our church has been doing it and our pastor, Rick Warren with Drs. Daniel Amen & Mark Hyman just came out with the book, The Daniel Plan. The five healthy habits for your life are faith, food, focus, fitness, & friends. Clean eating for 2014 – I’m right there with you!

Helen - I did not actually think about choosing a word, but I did choose to make changes in my lifestyle, much the same as you. My kids are grown and gone and we were really pretty good about eating right and being active while they were at home, but it just got so easy not to when they were gone. I am starting slow. I decided to make one change a week. I started last week with drinking more water. This week we are only eating items cooked at home – no fast food. Good luck!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I preach all the time that this is the only body that God gave you. You should respect him by respecting it. I started my journey last August, but still have so far to go. Fruits and veggies have never been a problem for my kids. I just by better snacks now. There are still frozen waffles, and chips in my house. We are human after all, and sometimes you just need some sour cream and onion! Good Luck!

Jen - I really like this post, Megan. Thank you for your honesty. Moving away from processed foods is a challenge for me too, but over the past few years, I have made strides and want to continue to do so. We can do this! I love to exercise. It’s the whole nutrition piece of the puzzle that I need to work on. 2014 is going to be great!

Gail - My word is GOAL as in fitness, financial, creative, spiritual goals. To finally reach my goal weight, workout consistently, spend time in prayer with God, manage debt, and create the life I want to live. Hope to see you at some races in the future in Wichita.

Becky - My word of the year is HAPPY ! I choose to be happy and stop worrying about stuff, stop letting other people’s behaviour bring me down – just choose to be happy. Anyways – on the diet thing, Paleo is really a great way to go. I have been eating Paleo for about 3 months now – not including December, which was a disaster !!! However, now I am bringing the family along with me – they don’t mind, I have to say my boys are pretty good about eating veggies and to be honest they have surprised me with what they are prepared to eat. Last night I made a chicken and basil meatloaf and roasted cauliflower and I fully expected them to refuse to eat it but they wolfed it down and asked for more. Maybe you could just try stuff prepared in a different way, it takes time and can feel soul destroying when they don’t eat it, but when they do, it feels great. Good luck on your journey.

sharee - meg, I loVVVVVVVVVe your blog. You are so real and i just love you for it:) You have to check out this woman’s blog about being ketoadapted and other info….it has been life changing for me and now I’m trying to get my kids and hubby aboard:) http://mariamindbodyhealth.com

Andrea @ This Pug Life - That’s a good one, and one I strive to do often. I have been into smoothies and I got a fancy new blender for Christmas, so I have no excuse not to get lots of nutrients in my body!

I don’t care about losing weight or getting into a certain size dress. I just want to care for my body better. I already have multiple health issues and I’m not doing myself any favors. I hope I can make some good changes and get into better habits now while I’m still young!

mary - My word seems sort of simple and lame, but it’s “Go.” I have a tendency to hesitate and wait-to-see and research and gimme-a-minute and save-it-for-later. 2013 was my worst year for this so far. I didn’t choose a word last year, but it sort of seemed like it was “Sit.” So, in 2014, at every pause, I picture myself shouting into my own face, “GO!”

Michelle Whitlow - It’s funny, I’ve seen this ‘one word’ thing for a few years now & never really gave it a second thought. Like you, I could never even think of a word that would ‘fit’ for me. This year as I saw people’s blogs and their one word, the word ‘healthy’ also came to mind for me. I’m going to be starting a new ‘diet’ (for lack of a better word). We eat somewhat healthy already. I’ve been working on cutting out a LOT of processed stuff, GMO’s, eating organic, not junk etc etc etc. My kids have been pretty good about it…esp when I SHOW them videos/examples of what the crap is that’s in the food that their friends take to school. Trust me, it will gross them out! But I want focus even more on getting healthier. Having Crohn’s makes me just want to curl up in my bed & not think about it but I want to be more active in cutting out the extra sugar & other stuff that creeps in to my diet (and my waistline!) Good luck!!!

Jennifer - I loved this post, Meg. My husband and I just had this discussion about a week ago and we are starting out SLOW here, too. I’m not sure what my word for this year will be…I need to ponder that some more!

diane - Great word. I especially love the scripture to support your word. 1 corth. 6:19-20 Powerful

april R - just wanted to add an ‘atta girl’
and all these tips from other readers are super

Tracey Garcia - My oldest was always super picky and refused to eat veggies. But then a couple of years ago he got really interested in watching cooking shows and “Bizarre Foods”. These shows exposed him to a wide variety of foods and he became more interested and willing to try new things. Soon after he became interested in cooking and that helped a bunch too! Now there are very few things that he won’t at least try. My youngest is coming along, but we still have a ways to go. πŸ™‚ The home garden does help too. My husband plants a large garden every year and the little one loves to help his dad in the garden. I’ve noticed he is more willing to taste a veggie that he has helped to water and harvest.
We are going sugar free tomorrow. I know that my children are going to be less than thrilled about this but after the sugar-fest of the holidays I think it will be a good change for all of us.

Jackie - My word for 2014 is SAVOR. After a surprise diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the latter part of 2013 has taught me much about trusting God, being grateful, and living life with gusto. I intend to make the most of each day and savor every moment!
And I love your word choice–I’m right there with you on continuing to refine what we eat in our home and being active. Here’s to a great year!!

Gretchen - I love your word and your post! I am trying similar ideas with my family this year as well…baby steps is all I can say! The word I picked for myself this year is “dwell”. I would like this to encompass every aspect of my life…from my physical home (cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering, decorating) to eating (meal planning, trying new recipes) to parenting (practicing grace, scripture memorization, bible reading time) to marriage (encouraging and supporting my husband) to myself (exercise, devotions, a possible part-time at-home job). I know some of these things are things I have already tried (and failed…some more than once) and some may sound very basic but I feel as though I left 2013 frustrated and worn out and I need to give these things my all this year. I really need to put my focus into these areas. I lost my purpose last year and I am bound and determined to regain it this year…all by the grace of God!

Annette Kuusinen - My word for the year is Brave. Time to take some chance and make some changes.

Have you ever heard of this website? http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/
It’s full of great information about cutting out processed food. I thought it might be a good resource for you.

Lisa - This is the first year I decided to choose a word too! I’ve never done resolutions really. My word is intentional. I haven’t liked who I’ve been the last 4-6 months. I decided that I need to be intentional with my time this year. I’m trying to undo some unhealthy eating for my kids too. So hard once they start getting picky. Praying your word is life changing!

Bethany - Good for you! When I started staying home with my oldest fie years ago, I started to eliminate processed food from our diets to save money and be healthier. I just did a little at a time and tried things out. Not to say we never have processed foods, but most of what we eat it homemade. It’s healthy, yummy, and cheap. Though my kids have grown up with it, they still are not always the biggest fans of some of the healthy meals we make, but it’s good for all of us so I still make the healthy stuff.

I haven’t thought about my word a lot, but if I were to pick it might be “intentional”. Like everyone, there are lots of things I’d like to do and I feel like if I am more intentional about how I spend my time and energy, in my interactions with others I will get done the things I really want to do.

cass - I had not thought of choosing a 1st of the year word and I like that better than new year’s resolution. It didn’t take long to decide on one: DAILY. It is so easy for me to put things off ’til “tomorrow.” But my word is not just about procrastination, but about focusing on today; focusing on being more accountable for the daily things in my life: reading my Bible, healthy meals πŸ™‚ diabetic husband and now I’m pre-diabetic, so the healthy influence has been an ongoing thing. Now, exercise…..that needs to be added to the ‘more often’ list, if not the DAILY list. I used to journal daily and may try a little journaling to help my accountability….review my day and my daily accomplishments. Thanks! Have a great year.

Emily - “vulnerable” would be a word for me.
That choice has been inspired by Brene Brown’s books, I guess… You and your blogging inspire me to be more vulnerable, too, so thank you. Please keep it up.
I hope that in the same way my blogging might inspire families to be healthy. πŸ™‚

Flower Patch Farmgirl - My word for the year is actually 2 words:
Crack Broccoli

πŸ™‚

But if I actually DO pick a word, will you watercolor it with gradient greens and polka dots for me? Because that is just rad.

Kris - I already commented but had to come back and recommend Robin Sue’s blog big Red Kitchen. She is amazing with a mason jar. She has some great posts about prepping for all those times we just fall back on subway or other fast food! Check it out! Also it is easier to bring the kids on board slowly… Don’t buy anymore of the bad stuff… Let the pantry slowly become empty of the processed and boxed food… Pinterest lots of recipes and have the kids make their snacks. Oatmeal cookies etc…
It’s not easy but it’s worth it!

Tammy R - Hi Meg-

I want to first say “thank you” for your blog! I love to follow you and all of your adventures. You are inspirational and “real”!

I just started the new year with almost the same resolution. We are cutting out processed foods in our house. I don’t have kids, so that does make it easier for me. We are five days in and I can’t tell you how good we feel! No sugar, either!

I am reading In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan, and also following http://www.100daysofrealfood.com for guidelines. I read 7 by Jen Hatmaker and that’s how I got started on this.

Good luck!
Tammy R
Alabama

Kat - Great word Meg and I applaud you for getting not only yourself but your family eating healthy.
Bit by bit you will get there.
Please can you share more of your meals/snacks and workouts, as I have been doing the same this past year.
I joined a gym, lost some weight, toned up and am working on getting stronger.
I want to get my head around running (even 5 km) and push myself to do it. I think the mental toughness is the hardest part for me.
My baby of four kids goes to fulltime school this year, so my word is *Direction.*
What is my new direction for me, for my exercise, for my family and for my career.
I need time to work out what I want to do career wise after 11 years at home with four children.
I think it will be a huge adjustment for me and an emotional one seeing my baby go to fulltime school.
Keep sharing your efforts this year with getting healthy and goodluck!

Heather G - My word for 2014 is GROW. I really wanted to pick a verb! I want to grow stronger physically and spiritually. I want to grow mentally, both in intelligence and in imagination. And, my husband and I have dreams of growing our family this year. To accomplish any of this I will need to not only accept, but instigate, changes in my life. This is my first year choosing a word and I am excited about it!!

Also, would you please share some of the meals you’ll be planning and the meal-planning techniques/system you’re using? I think that many of us would love to hear more about it!

Laura J - Peace.

I allowed myself to be surrounded by way too much negativity, drama, and chaos last year. I became an angry, nasty person from the frustration of it all. I seek to have peace, quiet, joy, and love return to my life this year. That means cutting the cord on toxic friendships, but good riddance! Some people find pleasure is sowing misery wherever they go, but that doesn’t mean I have to stand in their path.

SammaMichelle - I literally had just finished up my blog post on my word and then started going through my reader catching up on blogs when I ran across your post. Perfect timing!! My word this year is CHOOSE. Being healthier is something I’m going to choose to do this year and keep talking about your journey to being more healthy. We’re all in this together and glad you love us enough to share your life with us!!!

http://sammaspot.blogspot.com/2014/01/this-little-word-of-mine.html

amy jupin - i hear you, i feel you, i can so relate, and i wish it were so much easier than it is.
your post makes me think about my own struggles.
oh how i wish i didn’t struggle with food.
it is so so so hard for me.
all of my feelings revolve around food.
and everything we celebrate revolves around food.
how did this happen?
how can i undo it?
i will be checking in regularly to keep up with your journey.
you are inspiring all of us.
and i am rooting for you all the way.
love ya!

Kristin S - My friends laugh that I eat a salad with every meal. Growing up, my mom made a salad with every dinner. She doesn’t love vegetables but does love salad. So, it’s just in me to have a salad with or for dinner. In college my friends made fun of me for my salad-self so, in the midst of gaining 20 lbs from eating a double Reese’s PB cup package every day with an Otis Spunkmeyer muffin, I added all kinds of other veggies to my world!
So, I’m a carnivore for sure but I can’t survive without my veggies – cold and hot. Hey, they have to eat so maybe at some point they’ll just eat it out of desperation?

Meg, you are an inspiration!

Tyler - Healthy is always a great word to choose.
I acctually have two words. Healthy and faith.
I am focusing on my health after a long hiatus. Reteaching myself and my family good eating habits and doing something physically active every day.
as for “faith” I want to continue to grow and learn in my faith.
This is my first comment, however I am a long time reader.

Leslie - Meg-my sister became “healthy” about 3 years ago, check out her blog http://www.picketfencepaleo.com. She is located in Missouri and loves helping people start their journey! πŸ™‚

Jaimee @ Craft, Interrupted - Love this post! This is only my second year doing One Little Word. I chose “Listen”. Blogged about it today, too! I’m going to be sharing quotes, words, reminders, etc. in my instagram feed about Listening (and the little things we all need to HEAR) throughout the year. I’m looking forward to it!

pam - Ha! When I read your post on the first I was sure you were going to say AFRICA. πŸ™‚

Sigh.

We just made sunflower seed cookies at 10 pm. But we ate Cassava leaf (which is ground leaves…healthy, right?) and rice earlier.

Brittney - Oh! And as for the kiddos, I’ll say that as a child, my poor mother tried so hard to help me be healthy – it won’t happen till they decide they want it for themselves. Be a good example and don’t stress over it – one day it will click πŸ™‚

Charlton - I’m with you on the healthy thing. It took my 4 month old’s milk and soy allergy to make me eat better so that I can continue to nurse her. I never really cared whether I ate processed foods or not, but now my whole attitude has changed. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2014! Oh and my word is EMBRACE!

Brittney - Way to go! Last year I decided to strart eating clean and healthy and can’t believe it took me so long! Totally worth it! Soo much energy. I do the 80/20 rule – plan my “cheats” and savor them! Also really enjoyed “Food for Thought” on Netflix. Yay for 2014!

Meghan - Getting the kids to eat better is a process. We have Lways eaten lots of veggies and for my youngest he always struggled with salads and certain veggies. It took him literally several years to stop complaining and just eat what’s on his plate. The biggest advice I have is not to give up. You really have to try something 20 or 30 times to either like it or not. Most parent’s don’t want to do that. Now with my 7 year old I know that when we have dinner he doesn’t need to eat the mushrooms, peppers or onions because he really does not like them. He eat Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, all squashes etc. I’m so proud of him and hopes he keeps it up. Good luck.

heather e. - Love your word Meg! Our little family has decided to be more aware of the things we fuel our body with this year. Thankfully I don’t have a problem with my kids eating veggies or fruits, but they definitely like junk food. So it is still going to be a challenge. My word for this year is “Grace”. Being more aware of how I show grace to others and how God bestows his grace upon us daily. I want to be more aware and thankful. πŸ™‚ Happy New Year!

Gina - I know lots of people are going you links but, I got an email from superhealthykids.com with a 21 day picky eater transformation challenge. It looked like there were some great tips. Their website also has a lot of great kid friendly recipes. Baby steps…you will do it! I love your word for the year. I have a phrase: LIVE TO LOVE (God and others) πŸ™‚

Charlene - This was me last year. It definitely is a process, but it’s worth it. I got a bit off track the last few months, due to stress and a lot of other issues, but I made a promise to myself (and to my family) to get back on track.

A really awesome book to read is Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst.

mal - My word for 2014 is: Simplicity. I suppose it’s a version of “healthy” too. I’m getting rid of the junk and just living with what I need. I want to live simply so that others may simply live. Period. Good luck this year! You rock!

Laura - I didn’t roll my eyes…so now YOU can’t roll your eyes at me..

my word is JESUS

because (as i wrote in a blog post) i am convinced that ALL our resolutions would be successful if we ordered our life the way it was meant to be lived…with JESUS as the center of everything.

happy new year sweet friend…here is to true peace, real joy, and a healthy body and soul!
love you

teresa - I’m working on a group of words =)
and your word is one of them….love how you pictured it…so colorful.
Happy Day

Lisa M. - Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your word for the year and for showing us some verses. These are great reminders of how God wants us to be living. I hope you will post a bit about your new healthy journey.

Tracie - Get your kids involved in a garden. Give them a row and let them plant stuff. Ours always were willing to eat whatever they had planted and tended. And we keep junk food out of the house as much as possible. So if they are hungry for a snack, there is always fruit or veggies as a possibility. I ate like CRAP as a kid and am much better now. It will be tough, but you can do it!

marcie - You can do it!! Love your word. I spent about 5 hours in the car yesteday -alone- thinking about my word. Love yours.
We had to go gluten free last fall and that in turn precipitated other good choices and it has made a world of difference. Weight loss, energy, etc. I’m not fanatical about food or exercise and have plenty of times we ‘cheat” but it can be done and eventually you do not miss foods you thought you couldn’t live without-LOL Kids too. I started a couple of years ago substituting turkey and chicken for other meats in recipes and hiding it – no one really noticed if the seasonings and flavors were good πŸ™‚ Then we ent to gluten free and we actually love it. We make mac and cheese with Mueller’s Gluten Free pasta – right from the grocery store- and cheeses of our choice and a little olive oil. If you want add in some eggs and milk. I take it everywhere and people ask for the recipe for my “homemade” mac and cheese!! Maybe you could start with that change and win the kiddos over!! Good luck!!

Tere - AWESOME! Healthy is a perfect word. My word is Nurture. My focus in 2014 is to nurture and “take care of” areas in my life — physical, mental, spiritual. Still working on my intentions through Ali’s class, which will make it more clear as to how I will make my word “work” in 2014. But in general, my decisions will be made around my word, “will eating or doing X nurture me?”

And I hear you on kids. My mom will tell me, “you created them”. Yes, I know. The switch from boxed mac and cheese to Trader Joe’s whole wheat fiber filled pasta has caused an uproar in the kitchen. We are all adjusting, it’s a slow, life long process. One day at a time mama. xoxo

Christine - I hope you never stop blogging….you are such an encouragement and positive light!!! Healthy 2014! You’ve got this!!

Juli - Good for you! For my salad haters, I swapped leafy greens for a plate of cruditΓ©s and a little low-fat dip. Offer carrot strips, celery sticks, sliced red bell peppers, jicama sticks, zucchini strips, green beans or cauliflower florets or broccoli florets that have been lightly steamed then “shocked” in ice water. Kids seem to love to dip food in sauces. Good luck!

Kris - Start by making what you usually get from a box, for example, Mac n cheese…from scratch…. And have the good stuff easy to grab from the fridge!

Lisa - My word is “Substance”–and I am especially applying it to what I eat and drink. I’m making a greater effort to prepare food that is not only healthy (which is already my habit), but that is very satisfying, too. I found myself just eating food that was good for me, but that did not register as a substantial meal that was satisfying. I’m interested in following you and your word this year.

Jenn - I love it! Healthy, its the only way to be! My word is Simplify. Plan and simple. Don’t overthink, don’t overdo, keep it simple and everyone will be happy.

stephany - I could pick that word, too!
However, my word is order.
Order in my life, my house, my days, my body, my mind.
Just getting everything in order…instead of chaos, cluttered, crazy!
Happy New Word!

Kelsey - Good luck! Also, there are LOTS of people (myself included) that have provided healthy, whole choices to their kids from day one and have made NO progress in getting their kids to enjoy salad. My kids have had something green in front of them every day for their almost 3- and 5-year-long lives, and they still hate salad. Don’t be hard on yourself. πŸ™‚

My word is “Avanti.” I took four semesters of Italian in college and this word is one of the few that have stuck in my brain. “Andiamo avanti” means “we go forward.” And “avanti!” means “come on!” And “Tiriamo avanti” means “we get by.” 2013 in many ways has been simultaneously sad and hopeful for us, and this word is my reminder that from here, we simply move FORWARD. Farewell 2013! Andiamo avanti!

Beth in the City - Oh, I can relate! I’ve been on the healthy journey big time this past year and still have a way to go. It was so liberating to give up sugar! Which I need to do again now that Christmas is over. I eat the Trim, Healthy Mama way (book sold at Amazon and many other places) and it works for me. I’m actually looking forward to cleaning up my diet again post-Christmas. Can you even imagine looking forward to it? I mean, what a difference from the ME of a year ago! Blessings on your journey.

Kate - You should check out eatcleanfreak.blogspot.com. Her recipes are really good and no processed foods. Her pizza dough and sauce are awesome. Also the chick fila chicken sandwich is definitely one of my favorites. My child is very picky and she has eaten everything we have tried so far.

Heather - You would be surprised at what you can get kids to eat. Yes, at first they will complain, but just keep doing it. Their palates will change. My kids like different vegetables, but they will begrudgingly eat whatever I serve them, usually. I also cater to their likes. A lot of my dishes are “put together”, for instance quinoa with veggies is a typical side dish. I don’t mix the veggies in, I just put them on top. That way, I can put chopped bell pepper, celery, carrots, and spinach on one kids plate and bell pepper, broccoli, and onions on the other kids plate. Then my husband and I get all the veggies plus a bit of feta, because we aren’t as picky.

Lindy - My food life was changed forever when I read the book Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes. I HIGHLY suggest it (in double big caps). I seriously thank God for this book, which sounds weird, but it took away so many of my struggles with food – things that had plagued me my whole life, including emotional eating. So, maybe it will do good things for you too?

Heather S. - Great word – great goal. We began the trek to healthy last spring. We’ve managed to make some serious changes in our lives and they are becoming very natural. It’s hard at first, and honestly, I felt easier to do in the spring than the winter (because I just want to eat cookies and drink cocoa in January and February), but it is second-nature now. The kids WILL be the hardest part. Introduce more veggies and fruits a bit at a time. Find the ones they like and have those often. Best wishes to you on your journey!
My word: Flow. As in, relax and go with the flow. I’m a very planned person, but my plans are not always God’s plans. I need to flow more with what He gives me each day. Seek Him and follow his lead, but more fluid…..less like a soldier marching. Natural.

Beth Ann - salads & kids -> we do a ‘salad bar’, with the lettuces, toppings <meats, cheese, croutons, wontons, walnuts, cheese, fruit, etc) and dressings and let the kids make their own salads. the make-their-own salads seem to go over better.

i love your word. some friends and i are doing a 'healthy recipe club' to start our new year. our rules are basic –
1.) you have to be committed.
2.) you have to try and share ONE recipe a week that is healthy and quick/easy (it can't take 2 hours and lots of prep, we all have young kids & work outside the home) (you can do more than 1, but you have to share 1). it can be a snack, side, main course. your recipe you share can be good or bad, so lets say you try one that you have seen all over pinterest and it stinks, you can share that one and say it stinks, hopefully most will rock.
3.) every week you must try one at least ONE recipe that was shared from last week in addition to one other healthy recipe that you are going to share.

our hope is that we can help each other with healthy meal planning/recipes. the recipe you share could be as simple as a marinade for chicken that you grill, or the old' can of black bean brownies. if you are interested in joining us, let me know! we are going to do it over email (back to busy life & kids).

Becky - Great word, Meg!

I’m starting The Whole 30 on Wednesday, and I’m actually looking forward to it! My husband and daughters won’t be on that bandwagon with me, but I’m going to do my best to just make ONE meal for each meal and not be a short order cook…we’ll see how that goes!

My husband read these articles about some big name NBA players adopting a pretty paleo diet and having excellent success with it…Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, and even LeBron eats pretty clean. Maybe Scott and Sean would be more open to eating more healthfully if they read/heard about some high performance athletes doing the same thing with awesome results. This is the page with all of the links to the 3 part series. http://www.cbssports.com/topic/2108906/nba-nutrition?tag_text=NBA%20Nutrition

While I’m doing The Whole 30, I might try to do The Food Network’s Picky Eater Project with my girls (7, 5, and 3) and maybe my husband, too. We’ll see!

I hope this all goes great for you!

Southern Gal - Oh, I so get this. The kids fought us tooth and nail over every vegetable we put before them. They ate a few, but not much variety. Now my daughter is grown and married with two daughters of her own. And they eat every vegetable under the sun and LOVE it! My 11yo son is the only one still home and I’ve not done him any favors with the eating habits. So we’re posting a food pyramid on the kitchen wall and we’ll choose from those in the amounts recommended and see where it leads us. I wish you a healthy new year!

Erika - Awesome, love this. please continue to share about exercising and what you are eating. I love good ideas and recipes.

Carrie - Good luck Meg!
I have a long way to go on this too. It seems like the processed unhealthy stuff is just easier to do.
It will definitely be an adjustment but slowly I think everyone will get there in your family.
My parents always made 2 “healthy” sides. And by that I mean two different kinds of canned veggies or 1 veggie and 1 fruit. Anyhow, we had to pick one to eat. Not a ton of if, but at least a couple bites. Overtime we learned to like new things. Granted my parents were dealing with 2 picky eaters not 5 so it was probably much easier.
Just a thought.
Its great that you are setting an amazing example for them.
Good luck

Kathy - Amen! Great word! My word is intentional. I am so excited to follow along with your journey as we are trying to make similar changes around here …. would you be willing to post some menu ideas, recipes and workouts you’ve tried?? I am always in need of new ideas! Especially the part about getting the kids on board! I think it’s super hard to figure out snacks and things that they take to school – much harder to make those from scratch than just buying the packaged ones. Many blessings to you, it’s going to be a GREAT year!
Kathy

Kirsten J - That’s a great word – I just got inspired by Cathy Zielske to try harder to cut out “sneaky sugar” – did you know a serving of chips is like 6 teaspoons of sugar?!?!
Anyway, my word is “think”. I seem to remember trying “focus” last year….hmmm…there’s a pattern. I’ve toyed with taking Ali’s One Little Word class, but never have. But maybe it would help me keep that word at the forefront.

Lia - I think it is awesome that your “word” is healthy. I have never picked a word before but if I did for 2014 it may be “strong”. I desire to be much stronger physically as well as mentally. The last year I have learned to love working out (it started with training for a 1/2 marathon, then a second) and I am consistently going to this boot camp style work out class and doing crazy things like 30 pound kettle bell swings. If you had told me 2 years ago I’d be lifting weights, doing jump squats and sprinting 4 times a week I would have laughed at you. I want to continue this in 2014 and focus on my core and back strength in preparation for hopefully starting a family in 2015. I also want to be strong in mind and spirit and not let the little stuff get me down. I am in a place right now where I need to work a lot while my husband is getting his masters and I need to stop complaining about it! I should feel blessed that I have a motivated husband who wants to get himself to a position where he can support our family and I can hopefully stay home with lots of kiddos. Thanks for this inspiring post, I love all of the scripture and might post some of them around the house.

Heather - You should take a peek at Jessica Seinfeld’s first book “Do it Delicious” (I think). She uses veggie purees in “normal” food that kids like! For example there’s cauliflower puree in her mac n’ cheese, she makes brownies with beet puree or something like that. It’s healthy but hidden! Written for her own picky pants non-veggie eatin’ kiddos. πŸ™‚ Good luck!

Amy M - I think that’s great, Meg. I’m actually having some of the same issues you are, so it’s not tiring at all to hear about it – makes me feel less alone. Several years ago, I started doing a word or a theme or a mantra for the year. This year has been dubbed Fearless 2014 – not letting my fears or preconceived notions get in the way. Crossing things off of my “I’ve always wanted to” list. Being brave. Here’s to 2014 – the best year yet!

angie - hi meg… healthy is a great word for the new year… the word i chose is “enough”… i’m reading it a couple of different ways… but healthier in this new year would be a plus for me also… it’s so easy to snack… and not really be accountable… i’d like to work on that too! and i hear ya… there are many nights that my husband and i eat the same thing and each of my girls requests something different from us and from each other… totally my fault for caving but like you said… the unmaking of those habits = hard… best of luck on your healthy journey this year!

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life… it’s good.

IMG_1677IMG_1724IMG_1668IMG_1723IMG_1727IMG_1676IMG_1671IMG_1726IMG_1678IMG_1673IMG_1667IMG_1669IMG_1672IMG_1674IMG_1725IMG_1679IMG_1666IMG_1675
(these are all Instagram pics from 2013)

there is no denying that life is good.

2014 is already looking like it’s going to be a pretty awesome year.

do you pick a word for the year? Β i haven’t officially done it in the past but this year i feel ready.

i think i know what mine is….

you will probably roll your eyes.

i will tell you tomorrow.

and i want you to share yours.

πŸ™‚

and hey… thanks for reading this little bloggity blog.
i appreciate it.
and thanks for all the encouraging comments and emails you send to me.
you are awesome.

 

 

Sharon Kindall - I love all of the pictures of your family life! Waffle is so adorable and so is your new puppy! Thank you for a fun and inspiring blog. sharon

Deborah - Love the pics! This is totally off subject though…please tell me where you have gotten all the cute scarves with polka dots on them that you are shown wearing (I LOVE them!)

megan - What a beautiful year! And thanks for your constant inspiration for all of us to be colorful, fun, healthy, and focused on God. Your ramblings (I mean that in a good way!) about these do not go unnoticed. Thanks and keep it up!

Mindy - I always enjoy the bit of sunshine your blog provides each time I visit. Looking forward to 2014 and more of the same (although even if it weren’t all sunshine I would have to check up on those cute chickens!). Happy New Year!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. You are the most photogenic person I know.
2. I miss seeing Cory in a tie.
3. And without that chin thing happening right now…
4. Those lockers!!! Dang you, Jeremy! (Was that his name?)

Rachel - I have a print just like this of a ton of my insta pics in our living room from a small company based in San Francisco and I love it. It’s like seeing a snap shot of your whole year in one print and it makes me smile every time I walk passed it.

Janine - I’ve been doing the one word resolution for a few years now and I have to say, I love it. A few years ago the word was “forgiveness” which was probably the best thing I could have ever done for myself. Last year’s word was “Change” and boy did we ever. This year’s word is “Improvement”. Health, body, mind, soul, house, relationships, etc. We’ll see how that goes. I love seeing the other words chosen.

karen - Hi Meg, I love your colorful blog and all the smiles, they make me smile, too. πŸ™‚ My word is “gravity” as it reminds me how Jesus holds everything together, even when the world seems to be falling apart (and I did see the movie, too…) Happy, happy New Year!!

Ashley - I always love seeing your end of year posts…full of so many happy photos. Also…I miss you. Come visit me.

Melissa - My word is seek. I am seeking health, happiness, better relationship with God and anything else I can think of.
Thanks for all the inspiration throughout the year!

Michelle - My word for 2014 is “enough.”

Anne - My word for this year is FOCUS. I’ve never picked a word for the year, so I’m pretty excited to see how it goes. Good luck! Can’t wait to find out what yours is.

Megan - Yes! A word for the year instead of a resolution. This is my first year but my word is:

Drumroll….

GRATEFUL!

Appreciative of benefits received.

I’m going to do my best to be grateful for all that I’ve been given. After all, to whom much is given, much is asked. God asks a lot of me because he knows I can handle it.
So, instead of constantly complaining about having to clean my house, I will say a word of thanks that I am lucky enough to have a house in the first place. I can’t promise that I won’t ever complain about these kinds of things, but I can change my attitude about them. Stop complaining that my job is so stressful and pays so little. I have a job for pete’s sake–and many others don’t. And I get to have a job where I actually help people and make my community safer. And it’s in a warm, nice building and I drive there in my warm, nice car.

Grateful.
(And I’m grateful to you, Meg–for sharing everything you do, for expressing your faith in a way that makes sense to me, for letting me have some crafty time πŸ™‚ )

Tracy - Thank you, Meg, for this little bloggity blog! I truly enjoy reading and seeing your beautiful photos!

YOU are awesome πŸ™‚

Kellie - Mine is a phrase as well and it is ‘be intentional’. πŸ™‚

Karina - Excited to hear about your word! I am picking one this year for the first time. I was kind of feeling like I was the last person to pick a word for the year! πŸ˜‰ But it just feels right this year. I am READY!! Good luck with your word! And HAPPY 2014 to you and your family!

Gale - Thanks for letting us share your lives – one of my highlights for 2013 was getting to go to Craft Weekend – now almost a YEAR ago!! Wow πŸ™‚ Happy 2014!!!!!!

Tiffany - You are cute, and a fun mom, and creative, and have a pretty amazeballs scarf collection. (Like how I used your word there?) πŸ™‚ I’m thankful for your blog, and the smile it always brings to my face. Happy New Year! Cheers to many more amazing memories to document through this blog and instagram! πŸ™‚

KirstenP - Added Jan 2nd New episode of Parenthood tonight!
http://www.spoilersguide.com/parenthood/season-5-episode-11-promises-sneak-peek-1/

Allison - YOU are awesome too!! Hope my 2014 is 1/1000 as good as your 2013!! Best Wishes to you and your family for a fantastic year!!

Martha - Today it seems like kids live and dress far beyond their years. You’ve done a wonderful job of allowing your kids to be cool but, still age appropriate. It’s so refreshing to see! Many blessings to you and your family in 2014!

Terrie G - I LOVE picking a word to focus on each year!
I can’t remember if I posted my word last year or not…so this year, I’m going to be an over-achiever. I picked two words! I just blogged about them. I’ve been behind in blogging and reading blogs…it all relates to my #1 word for the year – JOY. I need to find my joy again…things are heading in the right direction. BIG things happening here!! HaPpY NeW YeaR Meg! Thanks for being YOU…and sharing your heart with all of us! Hugs!!

Tanya - The one and only blog I come back to. Happy new year!

Jaimie - “help” is my word.

happy new year!

thanks for sharing all of your wonderful inspiration year round πŸ™‚

Jaime β™₯ Raising up Rubies - wow. those legs. get me every time.
happy new year guurrrrl.

Carol Strittmatter - Meg, You inspire me in many ways. I am a log time blog “lurker” (is that a word?) (Too tech ignorant to subscribe-just bookmark and instagram follow!) but so enjoy you and your family. Your love for your family is evident in every post. I also enjoy that you acknowledge that life is not perfect. I wish you much love and happiness in the new year! Keep living in “color” –so awesome!

stephanie C - this is the first year i have heard of this, and it was just a few days ago. so i prayed about it, and have felt the word “relationships” pressed on my heart. we have seven kids whom we homeschool and i feel like I’m always looking ahead at what needs to be done next rather than really being present at any one moment. plus, my kids’ relationships with each other need some work. so in expanded form it would be “relationships over tasks”.
Thanks for sharing your life with us, Meg. I love reading your blog.

Heather S. - Been thinking about my 2014 WORD. Pretty much know the direction I want to go, just not settled 100% on THE WORD.
BTW – you have mentioned Parenthood on here so many times and I came across it on Netflix one afternoon while I had some ME time with no kids at home…I am hooked. Three weeks ago and I’m already halfway through the second season. Seriously good stuff. can barely make it through an episode without laughing (seeing myself in a character) AND crying. Such a great show – so, keep promoting!

Jen - YOU are awesome. Thank you for your blog. I look forward to your posts, your stories, your pictures. You are sunshine on the internet. This world needs more Meg. Thank you and all the best to you and your family in 2014!!! A word for 2014? Huh, never thought of it that way. I need to ponder…

Jenny B. - You are so cute in your glasses! I think that every time I see a picture of you wearing them. πŸ™‚ I picked a word last year, but didn’t really do anything with it. I wasn’t going to pick a word this year, but “peace” keeps coming to mind, so maybe I should pick one after all. I’ve been learning to pray for God to fill me with His peace, and I need lots of reminders. πŸ™‚

Kristen - You seem like the coolest mom with the neatest kids. Happy 2014!

Tammy Alfultis - Thanks for sharing and for being such an inspiration!

julie - Fun pics! Thanks for all the inspiration you gave us in 2013!

iI don’t have a word for the year, but instead a phrase…”Do hard things.” It gives courage and a feeling of accomplishment to do the hard things.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love instagram. I was just telling my husband how many pics I take of my kids just because it is on my phone. Here is to a great 2014.

Janelle - My word for 2014 is “enjoy.”

KirstenP - You’re welcome for reading your “little bloggity blog”! Thanks for writing your “little bloggity blog”! And thanks muchly for your 2013 photo album.

Iris - My word for 2014 is eucharisteo

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