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Category Archives: crafts & art

craft weekend.

lots and lots of pictures from the weekend.

three of the girls flew to kansas…two from california…one from alabama.
two of the girls drove from oklahoma.
the rest of the girls were local within 30 minutes.
three of us went to the airport to pick them all up…there were even some tears of joy upon meeting in real life. 

craig is a super star and took all of our kids to his mom's for the weekend…with the stomach flu.

all the blogger girls stayed at my house.
i have lots of beds….a little known fact apparently.
everyone had their own mattress. 
we must be mattress hoarders. 

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my dining room that turned into a game room decided to become a craft retreat lodge this weekend.
we fit in there so well!
all the sewing machines were on the pool table!
it was like the room was made for it.

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on friday night we made our first craft led by julie.
we used this tutorial by little miss momma.

they turned out so cute.
almost everyone chose a different color.
you need to make this!

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kimberlee didn't have on lipstick so we had her use her necklace for lipstick.

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lots and lots of chit chat while we were crafty.
and i see waffle's paw at the bottom left corner of this picture.
he was by our sides every minute….loving the the attention from the ladies.

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there was so much good food.
cindy made breakfast on saturday.
we got to sleep in….a requirement made by me.
don't you hate going places for a "retreat" and then have to be at breakfast by 7:30 am??

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there was even a sweet little baby in attendance!

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after cindy filled us with crepes with fresh fruit and quiche we loaded into a 15 passenger van to go antiquing.
we debated about decorating the van with bunting……

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so fun.
we are any stores DREAM.
a van pulling up with 10 women to shop???
we were met with big smiles.

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9 out of 10 ladies left with new found treasures.

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cole with his mama picking out all the best doilies.

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i took them to my favorite antique store…Bearly Makin It.
so much to choose from.
if you are in kansas….you should go.

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heather found silverware for her party planning business.
a total score!

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anyone need a milk jug???

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loving the sunshine!    

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all the ladies took turns holding sweet baby cole.
it was our pleasure.
he hardly made a peep the whole weekend. 
and everyone had envy of julie's gorgeous hair….it is soooo pretty.

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on saturday in kansas we had a really odd extremely warm day.
we were so grateful for it.

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can you guess what i bought from all these goodies?  ha ha ha

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after a sonic happy hour run we made it back to my house for more crafts.

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the ruffle pillow tutorial heather taught us with is here.

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3 women had never sewn on a machine before.
they ended up being ruffle making rock stars!
they did fantastic.
ashley's machine made the best ruffles…we all waitied for our turn on her machine.
no one knew what the secret was….but it worked….no gathering required.

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i love being around people who love technology as much as i do….

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threading a needle….

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the third craft was embroidery hoop art.
we were given lots of examples that we could make or we could make our own design.

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amy's was amazing.  

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we stayed up crafting and listening to frank sinatra on pandora and eating tiramisu until 2 in the morning.

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kimberlee made breakfast on sunday.
there was frosting involved.

YUM.
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another great thing about crafty girls weekends….women clean up.

always.

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there were cameras everywhere.
and fabric everywhere.

dreamy.
and my brass lamps from the thrift shop.  :)

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there is a peek at amy jupin's ruffle pillow.
i am in love with the ruffle pillows…i want to make a hundred of them.
and her turquoise flower necklace is also in the picture.

these were all of our hoops together…not all finished but all together.
mine is the one right 
here under these
letters.      

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trying to set up our cameras for a group shot….caught kimberlee being silly.

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                                                  jana (no blog….yet) and amy jupin.

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                                                             jess  and  julie.

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                                                                  ashley and cindy    (also no blog….YET).  
cindy came with ashley so she didn't have to drive alone and show up to a house full of women she had never met and be trapped with us if she didn't like us…
turns out we LOVED them both!
very much.

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                                                                    heather, cole and me.

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                                          amy   (my neighbor) and  kimberlee  (my cleaning partner)

and that was that.
they went home with their suitcases full of new crafts, antiques, julie's messy flowers and full tummies.

and i haven't stopped smiling since.

God gave me blogging.
He gave me a gift that i get to continue opening when i meet new friends from all over.
God is so awesome.

my mind feels full of creativity.
my heart feels full of love and friendship.
my body feels too full of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake.

the retirement center has been missing me.

my bloggy friends left just in time….we are snowed in here and it's FREEZING.
my house has never been this cold.
i am bundled up in a blanket with many layers and hot coffee and i am still frozen. 

T.McClelland - Hi! I came across this by accident,and I am so glad I did! My friends and I have started to do craft weekends together; we have a great time! Don’t know how much crafting we actually get done……we stay in our PJ’s…sometimes put on a chick flick…eat chocolate….we take turns going to each other’s houses. It’s a nice, fun, relaxing, full of laughter good times.

Ali - I second the request on a “how to” for making a banner! I love those banner’s! They would be adorable for my daughter’s birthday!
~ Ali

Ali - So fun! I’m from TX but, I’d love to come next year! Can’t wait for sign ups for your next craft weekend!
~ Ali

Sarah from Create Studio - Wowzers! I really want to do this in my area! What a great way to refresh your creative juices with a bunch of other like-minded women! Awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!

Vitagirl64.blogspot.com - That looks like an INCREDIBLE weekend! I wanna be your friend! LOL
Those good times make life so special! I miss my group I used to do that with. Hmmmmm, maybe it’s time I create a new one. πŸ™‚

Dominique @ Craft Couture - This is just awesome! Looks like soo much fun, I would love to do this! :)Glad you ladies had a great time! πŸ™‚

Jami - I am in crafting envy! That looks like sooo much fun. What a blessing, God IS good!

Jennifer - Wow sounds amazing!! Found your blog through through Little Miss Mama. I have never wanted to live in Kansas till now! πŸ™‚
Jennifer
http://alwaysinwonder.com

teresa - O~My~Goodness!
This is so AMAZING I don’t even know how to EXPRESS myself!
HEAVEN…yes…HEAVEN!
xo

jen @ tatertots and jello - Oh my goodness — that looks so fun!! I love all of those little embroidery hoop creations!!! So cute!
What an amazing weekend!!!
xoxo
Jen

Kaitlyn Bright - Would love to join from Nebraska for the next one!! FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!! I hold a craft retreat at a local B&B here, love that you had some structure and everyone worked doing the same things. Ours is just a free for all. The hoops are my favorites!

Michelle - It looks like all of you had a fabulous time. You are all so lucky to have one another. Thank you for sharing your great time and providing links to your projects.

aubrey - I love your bunting hanging across the room. I love love love bunting, but I s-u-c-k at making it. Something goes missing between the picture in my brain and what my hands end up creating. How did you make yours?

Amanda - OH Man! I see at least five of my favorite bloggers in the same room being crafty! I have gained so much from you and looked forward to all the inspiration from your creativity!!!

Wendy - That sounds awesome. I can’t imagine a day of hanging with friends & crafting, much less a weekend! I miss having friends that live in the same town as me πŸ™

Jessica @ These Are The Days - Well I was going to guess and say “if it were me I’d have gotten the globe”, but in one of those last pictures I saw the globes so I’m pretty sure I was right.
Love the necklace you gave Edie…I was coveting it the whole weekend at Blissdom. If you would tell me where I can snag one, I’d be over the moon. πŸ™‚ Thanks, Jessica

Kristen - Absolutely dreamy. No other words….seriously.

Jessica - just discovered your blog and am so glad i did. this looks absolutely amazing! i can’t believe how well orchestrated this was. what sweet friends. can i come next time!? πŸ˜‰

Dana @ Cookin' at Cafe D - Hi,
Found your blog via The Nester.
Your retreat weekend looks so joyful!
And, MAN,how I would love a milk jug – lol.
(looks like you visited some amazing stores.)
Thanks for sharing with us πŸ™‚
Dana at Cooking at Cafe D

princess lasertron - this looks SO fun.
I want to drive down and join you.
(how far was it again??)

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl - looks like such fun! we had a craft night recently…it was a blast!

Diane @ InMyOwnStyle - This is the best idea for bloggers to get together – so much better than a big conference. Reading through your post was so enjoyable. I love the globe you got – wish I lived closer to go to that antique store.

Bonita - I’m not even crafty and I don’t know any of you (came over from Nester’s blog), but the fellowship looked like so much fun that all the way through the post I kept thinking, “I wanna go.” So glad you had such a fun time!

Amanda @ Serenity Now - I’m visiting from The Nester’s and I had to tell you what a dream this looks like! πŸ™‚ It’s hard enough to get my local girlfriends together to do anything, so I can’t imagine the planning that went into this. What a fabulous time you all must have had. πŸ™‚

Sarah @ a drop of golden sun - Wow, what an amazing bunch of women, and amazing talents! Tonight is our first of what we hope to be many more, “craft club”! I am hosting at my house, but I don’t think it will be anything nearly as spectacular as your whole weekend was! Something to strive for I suppose. Thank you for sharing!

Jenn - That looks like such a dream! Thanks for giving me a little glimpse into a heavenly weekend-love the crafty ideas, too!

Cherished Hearts Vintage - Gorgeous pics! Any chance of a tutorial to show us how to make the ruffle necklaces?

HMama - I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. *sigh*

Katie Sellers - Such awesome idea!! And that antique store I am so jealous! Meg–could you possibly share where you got the string of light bulbs hanging in your beautiful room?? I am looking for something similar. Thanks!

Jacqui - please please please meg, can i come next time!!

Rebecca@This Present Life - Just found your blog via The Pleated Poppy and I’m so glad I did! It looks like you girls had such a great time! I would LOVE to do something like that. There is nothing like getting together with girlfriends (new and old) for a little crafting, good food, and girl time.

angie - That looks incredibly fun and awesome and like something I need. Can we be friends and you can invite me next time? I even have a cute baby to bring. πŸ™‚

Michelle - Sounds like the perfect weekend, I’m inspired to do this with girlfriends that I don’t see enough!

Kimberly Dial - What a great idea – a crafters weekend. Sure looks like your gals had fun! Thanks for sharing!

The Lazy Dazy - Looks like balm for the soul! Blessing! Great idea…those girls are so blessed to have been on the guest list.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like I had a little micro-retreat myself!
Carrie

Beth - Totally jealous! Looks like loads & loads of fun!

sonal shah - I can’t imagine a more fun weekend. I dream of having people like this in my life. So wonderful that you all have found one another.
Anyone in New England want to connect for something like this? http://prettylittlethingy.blogspot.com

Linda - DId you make the pennant banner? If you did could you please give instructions it is just adorable. Thanks

marylea @ Pink and Green Mama - So fun!!! WISH I had been there too!!!
I think a weekend spent crafting and antiquing sounds like the perfect way to spend time with friends!!
xoxo
MaryLea

Tonia - So fun! I have followed most of your blogs for quite some time and it was just so fun to see you all in the same room. I just know if I knew you all we would be great friends! Thanks for doing this blogging thing and for sharing your lives with the world!

hearttypat - what an amazing weekend! I’m too envious of u right now!

ashley - I can’t even begin to tell you how happy it made me to read this post and see that ALL these incredibly talented, beautiful and amazing women made MY pom pom tutorial–wow, I am amiling from ear to ear still!
Your blog is fabulous and I am wondering where you have been all my life! better late then never–so glad I found you and thank you so much for linking to Little Miss Momma!
I can’t wait to have a craft weekend of my own one day!!!

miss chris - Wait?! You guys are in kansas?! this crazy blog world is so big it shouldn’t surprise me that I’m surprised. Anyway… it looks like you had a wonderful time. Good for you all! xoxo, chris (kansas city)

nancy in ks - Bearly Makin’ it! I see Oggie in the orange sweatshirt. One of my favorite places! It looks like he took you out to his barn too. That’s a treasure land for sure.
This is the first time I’ve read your blog. So thanks to Ashley Ann I have another great stop in the morning before I start my day. Pretty soon, I won’t have any day left. Just blogs.

Tara - so much fun.
this is SO on my list of 40 things I wanna do before I turn 40…I’ve got 2 1/2 years left to make it happen!
you are my inspiration.
(totally meant to put the song my the group Chicago in your mind all day) :))))))

Meaghan - Just wanted to say this looks like so much fun! You have inspired me in the past to do crafty night with my friends…now I am reminded to do it again. I love that it gets us out and together during the long winter months, esp after christmas. Thanks!!

asibtroy - What i wouldn’t give to be in a room so blessed! And yay for Ashley Ann coming over with Cindy! Love it when blog worlds collide πŸ˜‰

Nancy - glad you posted a pic w/amy j! she’s my local blogger rockstar!

Courtney Hohimer - Can I come next time?

Candice - Oh my goodness! Looks as though everyone had a wonderful time! Hmmm…maybe I should looking into planning my own craft weekend with my friends and family! πŸ˜‰

Lorilee - That looks like sooooo much fun. How did you plan the crafts? Did each person bring their own supplies for each craft?
Blessings,
Lorilee

Daniele Valois - this looks like a dream come true!!! So jealous!

Heather - Dead freaking envious!!!! That looks like a truckload of fun!

jaz - Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxox

Talysa - I love the whole thing….what a great idea! But I left half of my brain with that first picture and those pennants….love.
Then you lost the second half of it on the hoop art.
I did manage to catch up when we hit the frosting though. πŸ˜‰
Ps. You totally got the globe. πŸ˜‰

Krystle - I’m new to your blog my m’dear… you are fabulous! I first found you because your house was adorable and I fell in love with your kitchen. I now love you all the more because I see that you’re using the gift of your home to share with others for fantastic retreats and fellowship like this! I’m so glad to have “met” you!

Mindy - What a fabulous weekend! Now I want the weather to get better so I can go on a road trip and check out the antique store!

Danielle - What a kind and gracious heart you have. I can’t even begin to tell you the smiles I got at seeing you gals have so much fun. I follow Amy Jupin’s blog and Jess Mac’s as well and am so happy that these two special women got to have some girl time. Your blog always puts a smile on my face:)

Kristin S - Meg, what a dreamy weekend. Your husband is a trooper! I bet he knew you NEEDED that girl time.
Your perspective at the end is shaping a seminar I’m doing at a women’s conference this coming weekend for women who work for our ministry. I am SO NOT an expert but just want to share from my heart about how it has ministered to me and others.
Most want how-to’s which is fine. I can do that. Sort of (I still don’t know how the heck to change my header). But I’d rather give big picture.
Thank you!

Sandee - Ok. This looks like the best weekend ever! Every time I get the chance to see pic.s of your house I’m in heaven… loved the one of the globe mixed in with other things at the antique store where you asked which thing you’d buy out of all those things. You got me started on wanting a collection of old globes and I just found my very first one on Monday!!! I’m so excited and can’t wait to find more.. πŸ™‚

Sara - There is nothing better than a house full of friends with food, fun and crafts. How kind of you to open your house….I wondered what the major cleaning was about! Does anyone else think that Cindy looks like the brand new wife on Sister Wives? She is a doll…and I just put my thumb on why I thought I knew her. Funny! I obviously watch too much TV.

Charity - I’m in love with the hanging banner and lights. Could you PLEASE post instructions on how to make the banner and the dimensions of the triangles? I would love to make one!!!

Tammy Sabourin - So what you’re really saying is that this weekend was BEAST. πŸ˜‰

melinda - new reader here! that looks like such a good time! i think i may have to partake in something similar!
ps love your blog πŸ™‚ it is so cheerful!!!

Jenny B. - Wow… I can see from the previous comments that I’m not alone in being just a tiny bit jealous (ok, make that a lot!). πŸ™‚ What an absolutely perfect weekend!

Leslie @farm fresh fun - This looks better than Blissdom! So much inspiration and happiness found here. Loved learning that some gals hadn’t sewn before… Thanks for the great link to Bearly Makin It! My hubby loves to go out to KS for bird hunting… Now I know where I will dream of if I tag along! (Plus dreamin of a photo shoot with* you*.)
(((hugs))
Leslie in MD

Tanya H - I love everything about this post but my favorite is your hoop art! My mom was a creative circle….something or other when I was tiny and they just moved and we found a HUGE box FULL of those hoops…..Now we know what to do with them! πŸ˜€ THANKS!!!
I too love the blessing that blogs are in my life. You are one inspiring lady and I love you for it!

sarah - So jealous! What a great time for you girls. I was glad to read that some of you had not ever worked on a sewing machine-gives me hope for my craftin self to improve still. Thanks for sharing-I love seeing women loving on each other.

Melissa - Ugh! I’m jealous! LOL
It looks like you all had a super time!!!
Is it weird that I read this post yesterday then last night had a dream that you invited me over for crafty fun?? LOL You have a lot of admirers, girl!

Tracy - Wow! looks like such a wonderful time and how sweet of you to host it. I have to admit…I am a bit jealous as I imagine all the crafty fun and girl talk that was oozing through your walls all weekend (plus I really want to meet waffle, I am in love with him!)
If you ever want more friends…I would love to visit Kansas…I just claim waffle as my roommate! ; )

Lynn - i am so in love with this idea. i’ve always considered my blog a huge blessing, its let me connect with people i probably never would have met before. you’ve got my mind spinning now! πŸ™‚

Heather - Thanks for the antique store tip. I’ll have to stop by the next time I go back home as we always drive past Marion.

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Great fun! I’d love to do something like this..would be fab!
You have a lovely house btw πŸ™‚

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - That looks like SO much fun… sighhhhh!
And, I’m lovin’ the dark do!
Stay warm!
It’s in the 60’s here in SC today.

Kirsten J - Almost as good as being there. Almost. I’m officially jealous…and need to find some new friends who like crafty stuff, because while lunch and shopping are fun, crafts and antiquing are more my cup of tea πŸ™‚

Esther Noordman - Looking good!! I was wondering, what exactly do you mean by ‘cleaning partner’? (sounds like something/one I could be/use..;).

Jen@thecottagenest - I love that you did this Meg. What a way to express love for your friends! I love what everyone created too. I especially love those hoops and that swirly graphic fabric! Where is that from? I’d love to play with that!

Ruth - Oh my goodness, that looks like SO much fun! Next time please invite me! πŸ™‚

leonieke - wow,…
you’re a verry lucky lady, to have the room to enjoy the company of so many friends! the pictures show that you had lots of fun (o, en excuse me for bad spelling; english is not my language,..i’m dutch)

amy jupin - i love each and every one of these pics.
especially the one of cole’s reflection. genius.
miss you, sweet friend.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - That looks completely awesome and I am now really jealous! You are blessed.

Marie - How awesome! I am going to confess being a little jealous of your fabulous weekend. I have no crafty friends here and a weekend like that sounds like a dream come true. I should just be bold and plan something like that and see what happens. Pretty amazing of you to open up your home like that. πŸ™‚

Kelly - The bunting and big round lights are fantastic and it looks like y’all had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s embroidery hoop art together. A bunch of neat ideas! Kelly

Jeanne - It looks so amazing! I am sad that I had to miss it but I hope you invite me again next time:-) I love all the bunting in the “craft room” πŸ™‚

Nicole - HI! I found your blog through Julie’s blog. :0) Okay, I have to ask. I am a Kansas blogger/crafter. What antique shops did you go to? May I ask what town too?!!!
How fun of a weekend. How do you guys know one another? It would be fun to get together like that. :0)Kansas should have a blog meet-up.
Thank you,
Nicole
“Cole”

Carol S. - Oh my, what a fun bunch and awesome agenda. Your hair is really cute dark. Really clever way to spend a weekend, and yes, your husband (and inlaws) are amazing for their coordinated getaway as well. Very cool for everyone to have their time to party, and you totally deserved yours this weekend after being an amazing wife and mom all year long! Just went on a fun blogland stroll with your links on a snowy night in Chicago. Thanks Meg.

Emily - this looks like quite possible one of the most fabulous weekends ever!

Michelle Holden - Oh my gosh!!! I was looking at your fun weekend pics and I noticed Cindy Wells!!!
I was thinking this was such a great idea!!! And she experienced it 1st hand!!! I love her~ she is my cousins wife:)
Rockchalk!

mary beth - Oh my gosh, I’ve been in that store! I was tired after the Hillsboro fair, so I was pretty overwhelmed by it, but can’t wait to get back there! What a wonderful idea for a weekend! We are in the middle of a Kansas blizzard right now, but I’m scheming in my mind for some good cabin fever crafting here all by myself! Great job Meg…stay warm with you memories of a great weekend!

shauna reed - what a hostess you are Meg.
that looks lovely.
what a dream come true to have nice clean people take over your house.
other mommies that know how to take care of each other.
that is the best medicine…for anything.
i love your hair and your whole deal….you know that, just thought i’d tell you again.

Red Shoes Rolling Red Shoes Rolling - What a cool retreat! I want to start planning one with my mom and sisters. Love your blog Meg. You inspire me everyday with your ideas, links, humor, love for God and humor. I look forward to reading everyday. Thanks!

Joyce - wow. it’s like a mini-bliss.

deborah@applesinwonderland - looks like a most fun weekend!!!! it’s so super-cool when you can recognize a gift when it’s given. love that!!!!

elisabeth (bovagoods) - that just looks like a dream come true!

Tonya - That looks like so much fun! Where at in Kansas do you live? I am in KCMO.

Sonia - I wish I could have just been there to watch!! I’ve actually made Little Miss Momma’s pom-pom necklace! I love em! I love the whole craft weekend. I wish I had a lot of crafty friends to do one.

sarah - so many blogging celebs in one place…love it. it looks like you all truly enjoyed yourselves, and i am so proud of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be creative, beautiful women together!

danyele - is it totally wrong to be jealous??? i want a fab girl weekend with crafters…maybe when all the kids are a little bigger. maybe.

Lucylu ~ - Ooh! We too are snowed in we have a MILD blizzard going on outside!
Oh and I wish I could’ve been there!
Smiling
-Lucy

Beth - what a FABULOUS weekend!! makes me want fabric stores and antique stores and craft stores close to me!! thanks for sharing.

jennie - meg…totally random and not related to craft weekend (which looks fabulous) at all. but my pandora station just played “what is” by anna vandas, which you must listen to if you haven’t. the last verse of the song is, “What is good, what is pure, what is right? What is love, what is truth, what is holy in your sight?” Of course, it made me think of you. πŸ™‚

mel - ahhhh!!!!! So FUN!!!!!!
Look at all those fun crafts you made!!
LOVE those necklaces!!!
Yay for Blog Friends & blog friend weekends!
What a blessing, indeed!
p.s. next time you need to invite someone who can teach you photoshop, since that is on your 35 before 35 list πŸ˜‰

Kristin Hayne - What an awesome time!! So jealous…. that needs to happen in my life more often…. and was it a pre requisite to have blue eyes? LOL

kasey - I am so sorry i couldn’t make it…
you know…with the snow and all..i was just afraid of driving.
But you know how MUCH i love to craft…so i am really sorry that i wasn’t there to help you all hot glue buttons.
Next time for sure…and i’ll make the drive.
pinky promise.
I’ll even pick Laura up on my way…or maybe she could pick me up.

amber - aw, this is awesome Meg. I would love to do something like that someday. Blogging is great and the inspiration I get from you and other women/moms/crafters is so much fun. I am thankful for you sharing a glimpse into your life with all of us. I am so going to take a day trip to that antique store, I am seriously drooling over it! Thanks for sharing your weekend pictures. I am inspired as always.

Laura Phelps - I’M CRYING
seriously CRYING
but I am a DORK Meg..because I am looking at the pictures, wishing I had made the trip, but thinking at the same time how UNQUALIFIED I would have felt around these talented beautiful women!
I think I would have felt ugly and useless!!! HA
I need to find something I am good at before I walk into a room full of these ladies!
ugh, insecurity sucks
I LOVE the pics
I LOVE that God brought you all together
it looks PERFECT
you are awesome for doing this
God really is speaking through you
amazing
still crying…

Jen H. - Looks like a complete and utter blast! So many people have good intentions of meeting up and getting together, but it is great that you and these women actually MADE IT HAPPEN! Good job! πŸ™‚

sue - World Globe.

sarah @ Perpetual Blind Date - You literally grouped all of my FAVORITE bloggers into one large crafting weekend. How fun?!

sara's art house - LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my dear! I wish I could have come!!!! :):) LOVE the hoop art.

Sixty- Fifth Avenue - oh my goodness, what fun!! your beautiful home was the perfect place to have a retreat. we are getting snowed in as i type under my warm blanket.
Londen
xx

Emily Zimmerman - Oh your post is making me tear up!! Seeing the picture of Jess and Julie together!! Oh boy makes me cry!! Makes me cry because of their loss, but tears of joy that they have met each other. Wow! Love all the pics and all the crafts!! So I have an idea…next year when you host your weekend (no pressure πŸ™‚ or anything) what about having a contest where the winner gets to join your big weekend???!!! Or I’m pretty sure you could auction off tickets to the big event and make lots of money! Sign me up!!

Dina - LOOOOOOOOVVVVEEEE this post:-) I wanna do this with my gf’s. And thank you thank you thank you for sharing Marion:-) My bff and I went to Hillsboro in Sept.(craft fair)… we drove and drove and drove looking for barn sales — you had blogged the previous year about them…Marion, right? Can’t wait to take her:-) You’re the best!

Heather - ahhh that looks like an amazing weekend!!! One of my life goals is to have fellowship like that (with great women, great stuff to do, yummy non-diet treats, maybe a little book club action?) at least once a year or so. It has been lacking in my life since college and moving away from home, many years ago. Camaraderie without competition, that’s what I want. Meg, you always inspire me so much! And if I ever get the guts to show the world my blog, maybe that will be the vehicle God uses.

wendy, NJ - Wow! I am so jealous! I love that you were able to host such a wonderful weekend full of friendship and making memories!
Big hugs to you!

Jen - What fun! I am as crafty as a “big rock”. What I want most from you crafting weekend is Kimberlee’s HAIR!! Sigh…………..

Donna - I want to do this so badly!!! I wish I had a big enough house and a MIL that lives close so I could send my kids there.
You gals are awesome! I love all the craft projects. I’m going to have to make on of those necklaces and the embroidery hoop project. Love it all!
Thanks for sharing!!

se7en - I was going to say that photo looks lovely but then that other photo looked lovely too and so on and on… I t all looked so divine!!! The crafting, the outing, the awesome shop, the scrumshish food… the friends … totally love it all…. And if you didn’t buy that globe then I am sailing the se7en seas to come and get it for myself!!! Love it!!!

Becky - I’m not crafty but I love your crafts! They are the kind I would make or buy. I despise so many of the crafts (crap) out there. You have the most fun style, love it!

Amber - SO much fun!!! I would love to be a part of a fun craft weekend like this! It seems like all the friends that God has places in my life lately are from blog land and far away!

Heather - Hey Meg! I totally get hives even thinking about crafting like that! I have no creative abilities at all. None. BUT – next time you host a weekend, give me a buzz. I’m a great cook and I’ll come down and cook and do all the clean up for the ladies, just to be there. πŸ™‚ I’m in Topeka – it’s doable! Ha!

Terrie - Isn’t it great to have a WonDerFul reason to clean your house?! Was wondering why you were so into spring cleaning in January! Thanks for all the Fab ideas!! I just got my sewing machine back yesterday…it’s been in the shop for 3 months! Not sure what I will work on first…ruffled pillows, the bunting I want to make for my craft room…or that quilt laying over the back of my chair since November waiting to be finished! So jealous…(I know one of the sins right…thou shalt not covet) of your women friendships! I’ve only had one dear friend who likes to craft…and having moved from her all the rest, missing that part of my life. You are Blessed Megan! Thanks for sharing with us!

Dawn Eshnaur - My friend and I both have ties to Newton and would LOVE to come to a craft weekend with you! My son dates a girl from Newton and my friend grew up there! We read yours and Ashley Ann’s blog….looks like too much fun! It’s funny….people make fun of us because we call our blogs friends “Our friends from Kansas” πŸ™‚ Enjoy the snow!!!

Renae - Dang! I was in Kansas this weekend (okay, Missouri and some Kansas) and didn’t know this fab party was rockin’! πŸ™‚ Oh well, looks like you girls had a fantastic time!! Meg, i’d love to know where you got your drinking glasses, with the dots on them. LOVE those. Thanks for sharing!!

Megan - You’ve shared so much. Can I ask for more? How about the tiramisu recipe?? Pretty please?

anne c - holy craziness! how fun! I need friends to do this with! what lucky women you all are to have each other and to experience such a great weekend crafting. I probably would have peed my pants to meet you and ashley…in fact I know I would have! thanks for sharing!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - That is so fantastic! The hoops are PRECIOUS!

Tracey @7294cottageway.blogspot - How do I send my resume for that fun? I can cook, craft, clean..and I know a few really great jokes…so glad you had fun. LOVE that ruffle pillow!

debbie - I love everything about this! The crafts, the camaraderie and the food! I agree…you are indeed blessed!

Michele - Loved this post! How generous of you to open your home and your heart to all of these creative women. Thanks for sharing!

Lisa - This is what I call Utopia. Seriously, I am so inspired. I have dreamed of doing something like this but have thought, “My house is small. Who would want to cram into it for the weekend? On top of people they don’t really know.” What a lame excuse. This is the year. Maybe just a few friends, but I’m making it happen! Thanks so much for sharing! (I love that antique store too. My “girls” and I went Hillsboro weekend and I’ve been dreaming of it since!)

Jodi - I know it’s wrong to be jealous… but I am SO jealous!! I don’t know very many women here w/ the same love of crafting as I have. You are SO very blessed!!! :o)

sara @ it's good to be queen - oh my word, that looks like my idea of a good time. that antique store looks rad. I’m going to have to go there next time we’re in kS. seriously, that was such a great idea to do in the middle of winter. something fun to look forward to. I would love to do something similar. How did you decide who to invite? I think that would be the hardest part for me…not hurting some people’s feelings. also, LOVE the lamps down the middle of the table. so cool.

kat - Oh my gosh!!! So wish I could have been there too! What a super fun weekend!

Janie Fox - Looks like so much fun. I am new to blogging but there are some great hearts out there I have met by reading and now writing.
We are iced in here in central IL. Power was off for a bit but it is back on in time for me to read some fav blogs! πŸ™‚

Beth @ odd girl out... - looks like you girls had a GREAT time! i miss KS so much, especially after a post like this, i went to school in lawrence!

mandy madison - Looks like a fabulous time had by all! Now you got me in the crafting mood πŸ™‚ thanks for sharing!!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - Looks like such a fun weekend!

Jill - So that’s why you were cleaning like a maniac last week! πŸ™‚
Looks like soooo much fun! (the crafting that is, not the cleaning!)

Trish - FUN!

sarah - Looks like lots of fun πŸ™‚

colleen - Okay, so which one of those girls is from Alabama? I live in Alabama and don’t know many other girls who are as obsessed with crafting as i tend to be! Have toyed with starting a blog and would love to know of another alabama girl i could learn from! Looks like you girls had your souls nourished! Something that for me usually comes from time with other likeminded women! Glad it was so much fun! Well worth all that cleaning!

Shayne - You have an amazing, dedicated husband! So sweet of him to take the kids, esp. when they weren’t feeling well. Hope they’re better now.
Glad you were able to create fun girl time for yourself. Girl time is special. πŸ™‚

Ariel - How come Julie gets the amazing hair AND insanely long eyelashes??? Looks like so much fun…I need to make one of those necklaces, fast!

Kori - I wanna come play in Kansas too!! πŸ™‚
My husband wanted me to keep lights up after Christmas and I didn’t have any ideas that didn’t resemble a frat house…lights on the walls, etc., but I am in total LOVE with the way you strung those big daddy globe lights above your table! Like dining al fresco but not. I think I’m gonna do that.
And add me to the list of chicks who have sewing machines who have never taken them out of the box and/or tried to thread them. I did take mine out of the box only to be scared by it and put it back. πŸ™ I need to get over that ‘cuz I need some bright colors here in the cold of Spokane and don’t want to have to go hunting for the perfect thing when I *think* I can make it. Maybe.
Glad you had such a great time and hope Craig is better….

Suzy - I love the flowers. Does Julie offer a tutorial on how to make the pretty messy flower or does she just make them to sell? Thanks! Looks like it was a blast- good idea!!

tammy hebert - Looks like you had a great time. And all that crafting- I am jealous. Thanks for sharing..
tammy

Penny - Thank you so much for sharing photos of your time together. I am having a bunch of friends over to craft. Just for the day. But I love your ideas. I will borrow some and my friends will be impressed! Thanks. Looks like you all had a wonderful time. And they got to love on Waffle, lucky them!

rhonda - Just seeing all yall have fun together is GREAT! (I love it when women are shown as loving and supporting and real!!) So glad yall did this!

Beinghappygirl.blogspot.com - This looks like SO MUCH FUN. and thanks for the pictures. I have GOT to add pics to my blog. The crafting is WAY over my head.

Kari - Sounds like an amazing, fun time! I wish I had a bunch of fun gals to teach me to use a sewing machine. I’m ashamed to admit I bought a new machine about 4 years ago and have never taken it out of the box. I’m a chicken, LOL! Love your projects, especially the hoops. So cute!

Rachel - What amazing FUN! I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous. I’d love to host a gathering like that. I love that you just jumped in and made it happen. You’ve got me thinking…a dangerous thing indeed haha.

pam - How fun! My parents gave our 21 year old her great grandmother’s 1949 Singer….it has attachments that do things I’ve never heard of….I am VERY JEALOUS. It has a ruffler…..that you would be in awe of….does all the work and REALLY FAST.

Kristin - How awesome! It looks like you had a blast with an amazing bunch of women. πŸ™‚

Susan - I wanna be one of your friends that you invite over! Seriously…I think if I knew you, you could make me a better Mom and person! It looks like you had so much fun! So, if you are looking to do another weekend and need a lonely mom of 6 kids 8 and under and would like to give her a reason to get away for a weekend, COUNT ME IN! I would be in my minivan so fast! You are truly blessed to have a great “family” of friends to surround you!

Courtney Walsh - Looks like a ton of fun, Meg! I am seriously thinking about doing something like this…too many people online that I’d love to meet and no guarantee that’ll ever happen!! Gotta take matters into your own hands sometimes! πŸ™‚
I really want to learn to embroider…I am clueless, but I always love the way it looks!

amber - SO fun. Thanks for sharing, especially all the crafty fun. I’m loving the ruffle pillow too…

Heather R. - Thanks for the heads up on the shopping in Kansas. We’re in the blizzard fun, too. I don’t think the kids have gone to school in like forever. I bet you guys had a great time. Love all the crafts!!! πŸ™‚

Peggy in TN - How much fun. New friends, old friends, far away friends. Blogging makes this big world so much smaller. Nice to see.

Courtney - looks like you all had an awesome time!
i am so going to that antique shop sometime it looks awesome! its only a 3 hour drive, i am sure i can convince my husband :)!

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gingerbread….graham cracker houses…2010.

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for me….the best part of this project every year is setting it up.
it is so pleasing to the eye.

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my kids must have asked me TEN times in an hour “when will we do the houses?!”
i don’t like to start a craft until i am ready.
i need things set up.
i need things a little teeny bit organized.
i need to have it ready so i can sit and watch, take pictures or video and be able to help.
when i am not prepared…i end up with a short temper….and snap at them for silly things that aren’t their fault.

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i built the houses for them with hot glue….
even after the complaining that we weren’t using REAL gingerbread.

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we worked in the dining room for two reasons….
it was clean and the afternoon light pours in this room.

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my kids wore their pajamas ALL day.

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beast.
scott uses this word for EVERYTHING.
“my gingerbread house is beast”
“this hamburger is beast”
“my muscles are beast”
and the other kids (and their mother) have started too….

“this latte is beast!” Β “this casserole recipe is BEAST!” Β “that mini van is BEAST!” Β ha ha ha i am kidding.

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Georgia - Finally got round to seeing this video.
The wierd thing is i never wouild have guessed that Annie had such a deep voice! i thought it would be kinda high pitched squeaky … she sounds SO CUTE!!!! i like ur ‘Yes’ as in ‘dont talk to me im filming Yes’ to her questions! haha

Kelly - How fun! I love the video. My hubby got a flip for me for a wedding present a couple years ago. So fun. Maybe I should post a video on my blog sometime. It was so neat to watch yours and hear the voices of all of you. Have a great day today! Kelly

Sue - We have made graham cracker gingerbread houses for about 15 years. My girls are now in their 20’s and we still have to make them. Their childhood friends still come over too, with new friends joining us. It is a tradition I hope we never lose.

dkim - I’m sure you probably know, but you can get icing that hardens like cement to keep the houses together. Available at michaels oe possibly in the little kits. I have made these for many years but have finally retired. I told my teenagers they were welcome to make it themselves.

suzyhomemaker - first time to visit your amazing blog and i must say i feel right at home…from your “24 hr jammie jam” (all day in PJs is a way of life for us during the holidays) to THE teen buzz word of the year. “beast” has now replaced “dude” as the go-to noun/verb/adjective/adverb in our family lexicon.
your blog is BEAST! all best in 2011!

Jenni Carlisle - That video was B*E*A*S*T! Hahahaha! I could eat Annie up! I love how she kept taste testing!

karen - So cool to hear your voices!
Annie seems so grown up when she talks! I wouldn’t have thought that!! Sean is a cutie pie!I love your voice too!
Great video.

Jane Flores - I make gingerbread houses for Christmas with my niece – this year was the first we missed in at least 8 years! When her baby sister came along, Erica didn’t want to share the weekend at Aunt Jane’s, so Sophia and I do haunted gingerbread houses at Halloween! I’m addicted now – I covered heart shaped boxes with the little conversation hearts for Valentines. I’ve covered pumpkins with candy corn for Halloween and I have a big plans for Easter this year!

Jill - I have to laugh at your little one… eating all the candy πŸ™‚

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - I somehow found myself hosting a gingerbread house making PARTY with my 2 oldest girls, so I was managing 7 kids hyped up on sugar….Yowza! I blogged it here:
http://amanda-thriceblessed.blogspot.com/2010/12/gingerbread-house-party.html
And I agree, the set up is the best, so colorful!

BeckyB - You’re my hero! I loved getting a live-action peek into your fun! Thanks so much for sharing.

Julie - Cute! We did those last year and now I’m wishing we had done it again this year. Got too busy! Loved the video!

Heidi - That is hilarious that the “beast” thing is big in your house too- my 15 year old stepdaughter uses it for everything, as do all of her friends. Except most of the time we hear “so and so is the beastiest QB on the team” or more recently, “your dad is the beastiest point guard Ive ever seen” πŸ™‚

Jessie - Awesome video! I always wondered what your voices sounded like…it’s like reading a book and finally getting to see the movie πŸ˜‰

elisa - Everything looks so pretty Meg. πŸ™‚

Jeanne - We love doing this too! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I am hoping that we get to spend time together again in the new year.

kasey - so awesome. I made “peep” houses back in April for lola and her girls scout troop to decorate…but i used the squirt frosting the day before and let them dry overnight.
cool beans.

Susan Lehrman - Meg, have you ever tried royal icing for this project? It’s made with powdered sugar, water and meringe powder–really easy. You can get the meringe powder at Hobby Lobby, maybe Graber’s and maybe WalMart although the Newton WalMart has cut down on their craft section. Royal icing is really easy to work with…it dries before I get each graham cracker house done. It also dries quickly for the kids when they’re sticking their candies on. I like to use it because my grandsons like to eat their houses (yuck!). My granddaughters of course save theirs!

becky lee - I love, love, love your blog so much! I am a bust pastor’s wife/emergency room nurse with a 3 year old and 6 year old. We also hope to start the adoption process in the next year. Anyway, your blog is so beautiful and brilliant and a great inspiration to me on how to get the most out of family time. I’d love to email you, but your default link isn’t working. Could ya send me your addy?

Kara - We made a gingerbread village with our 4 1/2 year old twin boys and 3 year old daughter. It was quite a feat…and I was just like you…still crafting and decorating 30 minutes after they were done. I just HAD to make icing icicles. Just HAD to.
So fun! Happy New Year!

MGF - Awesome. I think it was brilliant to have the houses set up before hand.

Vera - Your set up is GORGEOUS!! I do this every year with a pack of 3-5 year olds (last year 2-4 year olds!) so I just use paper cups and a plastic table cloth so I can throw it all away after… but your way is much prettier. I hate disposable dishes, so maybe next year I will do it your way and deal with the clean up.
I make icing out of egg whites, cream of tartar and powdered sugar and I beat it on high for about 8 minutes – that stuff is seriously like concrete and holds as well as glue. And if you’re not scared of raw eggs, it’s yummy too!

Amy jupin - Your dining room looks beast.
I think these pics are totally beast.
And I’m totally loving all these craft posts too. They are so beast it’s sick.
Don’t I sound coolio talking like this? Not so much huh? πŸ™‚

Beth - I LOVE art therapy πŸ™‚ Where’s the picture of your house though??? I just got the book “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” from the used bookstore for half price (all of their books except internet books are half price right now!!). Want to do it with me? We could call it our grown-up art therapy time πŸ™‚

Holly - ok so beast is the word in our house right now. Hannah says it all….the….time!
Love the gingerbread houses. I did not use hot glue and well ours looked more like shacks! I am using hot glue next year!

Juli - Oh cool! I loved watching your video! Annie’s voice didn’t match what I thought it’d sound like. She sounds more grown-up than I expected. I expected a tinier voice with those cute little kid lisps. nope.
Flip video…arent they BEAST?!

leonieke - gos, i can’t even imagine how much work this is, (and even more after everyone has finished his house…..). i think this is a project that i adore seeing at your blog,but with a big worning on it “don’t try this at home πŸ™‚ ”
you must be the best mother there is.

Rebecca - I LOVED the video. I’ve been following your blog for years, and it is so cool to hear the voices that go with your kids. They are so well behaved! I love Talby’s face when she is working on a project — so serious! I can’t believe how your boys do the projects too, amazing. My son loses interest after 5 minutes. And Annie sitting there eating the candy was hilarious. Thanks for posting. Hope you guys have a wonderful and happy new year.

Lisa - Love it! Really wish I had more kids ;)They grow up too fast!!!

Bryony - This seems like a fun project but such a waste of perfectly good food. You could have used icing or marzipan or something to glue the houses together and then it’d have been edible afterwards?
I just don’t like to see wanton waste like this, it makes me feel uneasy πŸ™

Joye - Is there anyone that has/or is going to start some type of campaign for Edie from Life in Grace??? Would love to help replace things or give money to a fund towards her rebuilding process. That’s what this season is all about….and Lord knows she’s given so much to all of her readers! I don’t have a blog so don’t know where to start, but you are all very powerful ladies with big voices. Let us know and let’s spread the word!

Julie - Two of my kiddos watched this with me and they kept asking “Mom, is this for REAL?” haha! Then one of my boys whispered in my ear “They’re eating the candy!”
So fun!!

meaghan - LOVE The video!!! i don’t know why it was so fun to actually hear their little voices?! hot glue is genius! xoxo!

Lucylu ~ - oooooooh… awesome!

Stacy - The “beast” thing is so funny, my 12 year old son says everything is “clean” this new hat is “clean”, we all find ourselves saying it too. Love your houses!

Katy - I think we are going to do graham cracker houses next year. They look so cute. πŸ™‚ And you are making me wish I got a Flip on Black Friday!

nic - your graham subdivision is so festive; love the photos (and your gorgey bowls–ohmy!). we do this every year as well on my birthday (dec 21st)…i call it forced family fun, and all within dragging-to-the-kitchen-range MUST participate.

adrienne - very fun!!! love the video too πŸ™‚

Becky - I lOVE the idea of hot gluing the graham crackers. We tried the tiny gingerbread houses this year and they were quite the disaster. I also like the fact that you – like I – need to set everything up! I say whatever keeps craft time fun is worth any amount of pre-craft-crazy-mama! πŸ™‚

virginia - i guess sean

Lynda@Me and My Pink Mixer - Such pretty bowls for all the candies! Great idea using Graham Crackers ~ I’ll have to try this next year. My teenage daughter and I love watching Criminal Minds – it’s one of the few things she will do with me πŸ™‚

Kelly - Cinnamon Toast Crunch as shingles! Brilliant! We do one big sugar cookie house at our second Christmas with my in-laws. This year they aren’t coming until January 7th so I still have awhile to gather my supplies. πŸ™‚

Amy Jo - Love this! Also, I teach 7th grade English in Oklahoma, and BEAST is all the rage down here, too. πŸ™‚

Nicole Q. - This is the first year since having kids that we DIDN’t do a gingerbread house. After seeing your pics I may just have to do one next week before kids go back to school. Shoot! Your pictures got me – I’m like you – I need a little organization first! Hope you had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Staci - Ohhhhhhhhh πŸ˜‰ I love Annie’s little voice πŸ™‚ We tried your trick of hot glue and crackers this year…I liked it…but how in the world do you get those crackers to break with a triangle point??? I think I may have cursed a few times ;( heehee πŸ˜‰ Kids had a great time though πŸ™‚

Melanie - I love the idea of the glue and crackers:) Do you love your flip? I have been wanting one.

Nicole - Hot glue is genius! We had a bug party with 3 year olds and I made 20 houses with melted sugar for the glue! Ugh! Next year it will be a hot glue party!!

Lorie - You do the coolest things with your kids! Love reading all about it…and everything else! Keep on keepin’ on!

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - this is my first year that i DIDN’T make a graham cracker gingerbread house with my kids πŸ™
it’s always my favorite craft to do with the kids, but somehow it just got pushed aside. next year i won’t make that mistake again! your houses look lovely.

Tanya @ Life in 3D - We did a kit for the first time this year with two 3yo’s and an almost 2yo. IT. WAS. WILD!!!
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who needs a touch of organization PRIOR to the crafting craziness πŸ™‚
All of the accessories are definitely eye candy πŸ˜€

kristin - i love this for so many reasons. sean reminds me of micah…his pondering look, questioning, the patterned candy. i love that annie is asking questions…that reminds me of preschool. good boy, scott, for working with such enthusiasm. even though he’s a boy, he reminds me of naomi. and talby, so quiet and working so carefully.
merry christmas!

Denise C. - How sweet! I just came across your blog (through Clover Lane). Love it! πŸ™‚

Anna Marie - I love that you did the video! I hope there will be more. It is fun to be able to put voices and mannerisms with faces. Makes you all even more “real”…haha.

Tess S - i watched the video with my 3 (nearly 4) year old.
madeline: “who’s that?”
me: “her name is annie.”
madeline: “oh, that annie sure is cute!”
love!

debbie - The kids. The colors. The sweet voices. The cuteness!

Sarah - Great Post! Love all of the colors and your pretty bowls! Great video, adorable kids and love the music!! And the “Beast” thing cracked me up…..with 4 boys between my hubby and I we hear this ALL. OF. THE. TIME. SO funny!

Trish - We need to see the finished products πŸ™‚

se7en - Ha Ha – I am a firm believer in art therapy… I do it all the time!!! Folks always say: “Where do you find the time to craft?” The real answer is that my sanity demands it!!! Hope you guys are having a really fun time!!!

Tere - Love the colors. Love the houses. Thanks for the share, and the voices! It was great to hear them.
And the sneak peak into your dining room. When will it be fully unveiled? Can’t wait. Happy New Year.

Monica Huete - Hummm, they look yummy !!!
SO beautiful !!! … ^___^

Leah - Great post! You are a great mom for putting all that effort into that project. I only have one kid and I’m not sure I can do that just yet. By the way, Talby takes her crafting VERY seriously!

Rhonda G. - Loved the video…It was BEAST! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.

Kori - We made one this year…first time ever. Is that bad? Anyway, I too found it to be something that (most) everything else needs to be done in order to do it in a stress-free manner. We bought a Wilton kit, and while it was great and had pretty candies, the icing needing an hour to set for the walls to be stable was too long for us. We did other things in that hour and ended up only getting halfway through. I think next time I’ll try something different.
I must say it was very fun seeing your blog come to life! I like it!! πŸ™‚

visart-dali.com - So much color! This very inspirational, thank you!

Christina - You are so great! We have kits and have yet to find the time to do them. Are you allowed to make them after Christmas?! πŸ˜‰

~Debra - Beautiful pictures! That sure looks like a lot of fun! We haven’t done a gingerbread house in years. Maybe next year?!

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christmas craft #5

talby wanted to show me how to make a poinsettia….her teacher taught her.
i took pictures of each step as she taught me.

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1.  cut the corners of the red paper about 6 inches toward the center.

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2. fold one side of each corner to the center.

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3. put all the petals together with a brad.

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4. cut leaves out of green paper.

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5. open the brad and add in the leaves….re-close the brad.

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6. TA – DA!!!  beautiful poinsettia in 3D.  

i love it.
think how cool it would be to make a bunch….in pink and white and red!   
so pretty.

Annie - I love pinwheels!! these are so cute. Love reading about all the crafts you do with your children. Making wonderful memories of time spent together-that they’ll take with them forever! Blessings, Annie

MGF - My middle son would love this paper craft. Thanks for the idea

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Great job, Talby! This is beautiful!

Lucylu ~ - i bought a Poinsettia for my neighbor today! (weird!)

danielle - love this!

Natasha - That’s so cool! When I was in school, we used to make something similar, but attached it to a long dowel or straw so it would be used as a windmill/pinwheel. I never realized how much they look like flowers too; thanks Talby!

amber - lovin the hannah montana pjs…

Janie Fox - LOVE this! so cute! I agree a bunch in pink, red and white… too great! I am so happy you take time to enjoy your kids. Their childhood truly does go so fast! Happy New Year to you!

kat - That is so adorable!!! I love it! Talby did a great job demonstrating! She is such a cutie!!!

Holly - very cute!

april - those are cool…thanks for sharing!!!

Kirsten P - Tell Talby thanks for showing me how to make a poinsettia. And also tell Talby that I like her name.

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christmas craft #1

this idea came from crystal in an email to me.
thanks so much!

super easy but SUPER DUPER cute!

we started with these ornaments from target.
they are big.
i loved the colors so i picked these…..but any glass ball ornaments would work. 

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i did this one child at a time….you'll see why.
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first i painted their hand with regular craft paint.

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set the ornament in the middle of their flat palm….fingers out.

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slowly have them close their hand so an entire handprint is made.
make sure they don't move their fingers….just close their hand.

then they slowly take their fingers off the ornament.
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set it somewhere to dry.
then you can choose if you want to yell at your child ……
"DON"T TOUCH ANYTHING! GO WASH YOUR HAND AND DON"T USE MY GOOD TOWEL TO DRY IT!" 
or not.

let the white paint dry….we waited overnight….just to be safe.
then use a Sharpie to add faces.
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we used a glue gun and cut out tiny little scarves.
we didn't have black felt or we would've made hats too.

and they add snow falling also.

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i think they are about the cutest ornaments i have ever seen.

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then write their name and date on the palm and you created a keepsake!

have fun.

Catherine Vitolo - That is the cool idea for home make

marcia culler - Great idea! And your instructions are so good I think I can do this! Thanks!

Laura - Maybe try a clear spray/sealer. Found at most hardware sections in spraypaint aisle, and sometimes in the craft Dept. I am absolutely doing this this coming year.

Staci - What kind of paint do you use? I got tempera paint and it just peels/flakes πŸ™

myriam - queste idee sono bellissime
grazie per il consiglio

Jackie - We made these in Kindergarten and we used the small tip puff paint to make the faces, hats, scarves, etc.

Karen @ Sugartown Sweets - Love!! I make a Christmas craft every year with my grandbabies! My daughter always says they are her favorite Christmas gift. Thank you. πŸ™‚

Kim - Kandi, I have bought or made my children an ornament every year as well, and for the same reason. My son who is now 25 years old has refused to take his with him. He wants his ornaments on his momma’s tree. lol But….. he still comes over every year to decorate the tree with his younger sister (21) and they still have a blast hanging their ornaments. They still try to hide the other’s ornaments with their own. It’s really great to see them still being “kids” at Christmas.

Nancy - what a PERFECT to give to g’ma that has everything!

Kandi - I used to make ornaments with my kids, or they would make them at school. Every year, I make each of them one too, as a gift. That way when they move out and have a tree of their own, they will take the ones I made them, and have meaningful (hopefully) ornaments on it already. And, I am left with all of the ornaments that they have made for me over the years.

Tiffany - Oh thank you so much! I think we will be doing these this year! I ADORE it!!

Debra - i so just love this going to do this with my grand kids when they come over (:

Belize - Beth Mayhew – Oh Krista these are amazing! The tea party with Kaitlyn and Bryan just mleted my heart. Who would have ever thought our husbands hearts would be stolen by another woman and we’d ok with it our daughters have captured them both? I love you all so much and thanks for sharing.

Mel - This just popped up on my facebook news feed…Meg you are everywhere!! So cute , will have to try it πŸ™‚

Air Jordan Shoes - after all disadvantage. Game in third quarter end phase, the lakers leading superiority already exceeded 20 points, that makes the game early into the garbage time.

Cheap Jordan Shoes - after all disadvantage. Game in third quarter end phase, the lakers leading superiority already exceeded 20 points, that makes the game early into the garbage time.

Kelli - Oh my gosh! These are so cute! Perfect grandma gift too. So, I have to ask how you keep (have room on the tree for) all of your kids Christmas ornaments? Do you occasionally get rid of any? (I really hope you aren’t “gasp”ing at that last sentence just now). I know people who don’t throw any of their children’s pictures/drawings away. I could easily become one of those people but I don’t have the storage space and I only have 2 small children. I’d love to know your “system”. Thanks!

Holly Rhodes - I feel like a bad mom! I never do crafts with my kids (3 and 1) I just do not have the patience!! Maybe I should work on that! Your kids look so happy doing crafts =(
Did you do crafts when they were 3 and 1 too???

liz from LIzzies RAggs Primitives - LOve the idea of the ornaments! I printed out the directions for a next Christmas project with the grandkids. Thanks!

Lisa - Hi Meg,
I am Cassie Burback’s sister in law. I loved this project. My oldest daughter did this with a friend yesterday and they turned out adorable. Thanks for the idea. We also did hand prints on cardstock for Christmas cards!
Love your blog!
Lisa Borglum

Tami - Hey Megan, totally enjoy your blog. Wish i could do all the crafts you guys do. I put the ideas in the back of my head and then they get lost back there. However, we actually did this one! Thank you for the great idea! We had a neighborhood party and had all the kids make one. You have inspired me! Thank you!

cathy - Love this!

Jen Brandt - Guess what the grandparents will be getting for Christmas next year? Great idea! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

katie w - this is adorable! and love the poem that amy shared too πŸ˜‰

elz - LOVE this craft. I have been hemming and hawing about what ornaments to make for my parents this year-then Boom! I found your post. Perfect. Thanks.

BecZhang - This is so awesome. I am definitely going to try this with my six year old. I’m not very crafty so it should be interesting.

Courtney - OMG!!! This is the CUTEST PROJECT IN AMERICA!!!!!

Ellen J - I love this one too! I’ll have lots to choose from next year for Christmas crafts! Thanks πŸ™‚

Janelle - My girls are 2 & 4 – this is going to be messy! But what a cute keepsake!

tania willis - we’re SO making these for the grandparents! AWESOME!

Kristin S - adorable!!!

Sugar Mama - Crazy! I just got back from Wal-Mart and bought the stuff to make those with my daycare kids. Get online to check my fave blogs and see that you just made them too. We won’t be doing the scarves, it will be enough just to get them to gently grasp the ornament… and it will be very interesting to see how it will work for the 9 month old kids!

Kathleen - My son just gave us one with the poem attached….his class made them in preschool. I love them and hopefully I will remember to have him make one next year! The ornaments your kids made turned out great and I love the idea of adding scarves to the snowmen!

Eva - I Love love love these – I’m tempted to try on my almost one year old – I may be pushing my luck hahah

Dawn - So super cute!!

visart-dali.com - This so very cute!!!!! Thank you for the idea!!!!

Gemma - Wow this is SO NICE!!! LOVE IT!!
Gemma x

Joye - I LOVE these! Just adorable πŸ™‚ You are so creative!

Tanya H - This is FABULOUS!!! We must do this! TFS! πŸ™‚

Maria - Made these with the kids! So cute. Thanks for sharing the idea! Way easy. Even Mom and Dad made one with the kids =0)

Jenny Logan - Those are the cutest ornaments ever!! Thanks for the great idea!!

Kait - I’ve been looking for a hand print ornament I can make with my girls. This is adorable! I might have to squeeze in a little craft time before Christmas.

Shannon Davis - I make these every year with my kindergarteners! I add the poem as mentioned above — they only difference is that we use paint pens for all the details and shatterproof ornaments. We do add black hats with a black paint pen. I also buy teeny little buttons and they glue on two buttons per snowman — adorable — colorful — and each one is unique πŸ™‚

Sharla - These are adorable – I got big ornaments on my way home last night – also snagged some dollar aisle ornaments so I can start making my wreath πŸ™‚ Thanks for great ideas!

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - so cute!! i have to do this one with my kids!

Jill - Oh my gosh!!!! I am a teacher and have been trying to come up with a quick and cute gift idea for my kids to make for their parents…. I love this!!!! thank you!!!!

Jill - ooomygosh! That is Super Cute!

Tracy - Meg, the fact that you think to take the time to take photos while explaining is simply awesome. These are adorable and the memory of making them adds to the fun! Thanks for sharing.

Julianne Brimner - my daughter just made one at school and brought it home for a Christmas present for me. I think they just did three fingers….with a classroom of first graders, I think she has the bravest teacher in the world. I love it.

Lindsay - LOVE this idea & plan on buying stuff to make them today!!! Thanks for sharing! πŸ™‚

Erin - So cute! I will be saving this craft for when I have children πŸ™‚ Very fun.

Candi @ Sweet Designs Boutique - Love these. Just shared on Facebook at facebook.com/sweetdesignsboutique

Jenny B. - My oldest son did one of those at preschool a couple of years ago, and I love it! πŸ™‚

Bobbie Henry - What a cute idea! This is something that my daughter-in-law could do with our two little grandsons and send to us (hint)! Love them!!!

maribeth - my kids have made these at preschool for years, but i love the fun variation of doing it with older children who can contribute more than the handprint itself. love the felt scarves and the falling snow!! i think those will be special keepsakes on their own trees one day, too! (though i am sure you are hoping that one day is far, far away!)

Grace - Those are so cute! Would make a cute teacher gift too…

Jess Mead - So cute and MESSY! My boys would love it!

Kimberlee J. - Talia brought one of these home from daycare last year and I loved it! It’s hanging on my tree high so she can’t get a hold of it. πŸ™‚

sara's art house - LOVE THESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Giuseppina - this might be one of the cutest things i’ve ever seen!!
thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

Lisa @ Shine Your Light - I’m in love with this craft – thank you for sharing! As my kids get older we do less and less crafting together – but I think I can get even my boys to do this one! So cute.

T Galle - Doing this at our Christmas gathering at my Dad’s this Sunday!

Jeannette - Those are the cutest things!!!!! I LOVE snowmen, one my favorites :o) thanks for sharing this

Holly - very cute!

Heather G. - What a cute idea!!

a-m - Absolutely brilliant! Thanks!!!

Leah - Awesome idea. Love it!

erlfisher - THE BEST!! Will most certainly try this!

Lucylu ~ - Oh my goodness i *LOVE* the purple one!

JustMommer - Can’t wait to try this

creativechaos - LOVE this!

kristine - i love this idea!!

Tracy - The toddlers at my daycare center make these every year as a Christmas present to their parents….love it!!!

Monica Huete - Awww, it is so cute !!! What a great idea !!! Thanks so much for sharing … ^___^

Amy Petz - I cannot wait to do this with my boys. Thanks Meg!

Alison Richardson - Those are so adorable! I’m definitely doing this!

Maria - This is one of our favorite crafts to do…we have a small collection of them now (the ones that have survived over the years at least!)

Georgia - IS that another Bauble dining room picture?! ohhhh the suspense.
:o)

Micky - This is so clever! I have never seen this done before. When I saw the hands being painted to be placed on the ornament, I thought, “how’s this going to turn out?”, but it is so cute. I am DEFINITLY doing this one with the kids. Thanks for sharing.
Micky

Beth - Oh, and gotta tell you, at my other school my art room is in a seperate building from the regular school and there is NO WATER in the building. I did one of those big Christmas Cards that is on display outside the library? With all my students? And we did hand prints to make the picture????? Imagine me with a room full of 18-22 kids, with paint on their hands! Wow. I was kind of a basket case at the end of that week!

Beth - ADORABLE! Well worth the wait (sorry about the sick kiddo)! I think I might try this with my girls too!

Tanya @ Life in 3D - I’m in love πŸ™‚ So adorable!
My kids would NEVER just leave their fingers there though…too little still. We did hand prints in salt dough for daddy for Christmas today and even for that…I found myself yelling…”DON’T spread your fingers!”
Proud moments…

Jodi - SO CUTE!! My daughter is 16, but I think I’m gonna get her to do one anyway. Thanks for sharing!

Amy - My pre-K daughter came home with one yesterday with this poem attached –
“These aren’t just 5 snowmen
as anyone can see.
I made them with my hand
which is a part of me.
Now each year when you trim the tree,
you’ll look back and recall
Christmas of 2010
when my hand was this small!”
They also attached a nice polka dot bow at the top. Very cute!

megan k - totally the project for our weekend!!

Hollie - How fast can I get to Target?

Sonia - i love it! i’m going to go get supplies to make them tonight!

Selina - Love this. So clever!

Marisa - SO cute! I’d be afraid to use glass, though, in case my little one squeezed too hard. Good thing there are so many cute plastic ornaments these days.

jennibell - LOVE this — thanks for the idea!!!

the leonard 4 - oh my gawh…thhis is the cutest thing i’ve ever seen, and we will definitely be doing this little craft over winter break! happy holidays! πŸ™‚

shelley - love it ! gonna get all the supplies to do this while the little one is napping…that way we can do it straight away when he wakes!

amanda - love this – will definitely try it this weekend!

Christy - My son just came home with one of these yesterday from school! How funny. His was not as perfect as yours though, probably b/c one Teacher & 25 kids. πŸ™‚ Love these, might have to try it again at home, plus would be great for the grandparents.

mandy madison - Totally stealing this idea!!! SO CUTE!

Lisa - Very very cool!

Cherish Stockdale - umm those are ADORABLE! I love them!

amy cloud - I am going to have a craft week next week with the kids. THis is a great idea and we are going to target tonight. Thanks

mel - LOVE this!!! Totally making these with my girls. SO excited!!! πŸ™‚

Hoosier at Heart - Just darling!

twolittletots - i just saw this the other day and was going to do it with the girls next week. i think it would be great grandparent gifts too!

Donje - That is such a cute craft idea! I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing.

jennifer - I’m totally not a crafty girl, but I just might need to try those. They are super duper cute!

april - these are awesome!!!! I must make these!!!!!

virginia - so cute! crystal always has such great ideas!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - Cute! My middle DD did this last year at preschool, if you flip the hand over the ornament the opposite way it creates Santa’s beard, you just add the hat and face! Its just as cute as the snowmen!

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craft thursday #15

ok….it’s turkey time.

this craft was really fun.
the first part was nice…we went for a walk and filled a grocery bag with colorful leaves.

then we turned the leaves in to turkey feathers.
we started with large circles cut from cardboard.
i just took stuff out of our recycle box and traced around a plate.
you can also use paper plates….but i wanted them to be bigger than that.

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i covered annie’s with glue.
talby used the glue gun.

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we covered the circle completely with leaves.
it was so pretty watching them.

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the glue was being used generously.

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we had to cut the stems off with scissors because when they tried to break them off with their hands
the leaves would rip.

and i admit that about now in this project a fight broke out about….glue? markers? who knows.
but i yelled “NO. Β we are NOT doing this! Β GET CRAFTING NOW!
because i know that when your hands and mind are busy with art…the fighting ends.

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the head was cut from a grocery bag.
the beak and feet were orange painted cardboard.
but construction paper would be fine.

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googley eyes!
all kids love googley eyes.

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talby made some glasses.

sean’s has the mustache.
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annie came up with the idea for making clothes, arms and writing “Don’ eat me for thanksgiving” – so cute!

if you live somewhere that doesn’t have all these pretty leaves on the ground…you could use paper.
or fake leaves.

i found this craft through the crafty crow.

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some of you have asked me what i do with all their art projects.
i hang them up!
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some of them.
talby has hung most of hers in on her closet door.
and we pass them out to friends or family who visit.

and i am ok with throwing projects away after time.
i am not a saver.
i can throw stuff out without the guilt.

The Best Thanksgiving Activities for Kids - Joy in the Works - […] Nature Collage Happy Thanksgiving Banner from Joy in the Works Zentangle Turkeys from Play Dr. Mom Leaf Turkey Craft by Meg Duerksen of Whatever […]

alice mendoza - Hi!
I loved your continuous drawing owl project but cannot find it when I click on your website from Pinterest. I looked it kids projects too. Thanks for any hints! Alice

Kristin Hayne - Love the art wall.
Love the turkey art (made placecards like that for the kids this year and everyone thought it was genius. Gave full credit to you!
Congrats on the COKE trip. Well deserved!!
You are awesome and you do plant the seeds in a lot of minds out there. This world needs more Moms like YOU!!

jennyonthespot - those are Cuuuuuuuute! I LOVE the googly eyes!

Cassi - Your turkeys look adorable! Thanks so much for linking to The Crafty Crow πŸ™‚

Jen - love the turkeys, how cute! we hang up kid artwork too, then I feel like we really get to enjoy it and I don’t mind tossing them after a few months πŸ™‚

Mary - I wonder what each turkey’s name would be ~ they have such distinct personalities.
i proved it by giving myself a time-out . . .
A perfect solution.

Ky - Meg, can I be one of your kids? I promise not to fight or eat too much.

Jennifer - man we had to look high and low for leaves in So. Cal but we found some, and just made our turkeys, thanks! love it!!

Kristin S - I love my family but… would you adopt me? πŸ™‚

Jeannie - If your testimony for God was not so strong, satan would not have had any reason to mess with you! bless you for boldly sharing your faith and guiding many of us to say out loud that we, too, choose to give honor to God in our days of dirty dishes, laundry, and children squabbling. thank you from the bottom of my heart!

The Fairy's Apprentice - I loved your post because I’m feeling so guilty when I’m upset with my 3 kids! It makes me feel I’m not alone and this is not a battle.
This craft project is such a good idea! You’re such an inspiration!

Leslie P. - Hm…I like what you said about how doing art together makes the arguing disappear. Insightful. I adore those turkeys. Wish we had better and more fall leaves in Socal. Mostly I love the way you regularly demonstrate that beauty in a family is FOUND in the mixture of personalities and emotions, not just in the happy parts.

Casey - Love all their artwork hanging up! Can’t wait to have kiddies of my own to do things like this! I have taken a few pieces of my old artwork/schoolwork and few of my husband’s and plan to frame it for a playroom one day. :]

amy jupin - love talby’s turkey’s glasses.
love the art wall.
love that my kids aren’t the only ones acting wild and crazy. πŸ™‚
and i loved reading about your coke trip. you are awesome.
you really are!

Vicki - So do we call it karma when that happens…when we say, “oh ya, he is a really good dog, never messes in the house.” And then you come home from dropping the kids off from school the next day and the darn dog has just pooped all over the play room. How do they know is my question!

Kori - Things I love about this post:
1. You yelled. Makes me feel normal although I know there are moms yelling at their kiddos all over the world even as I type this.
2. Daddy put the kids to bed while you took time for yourself. My son is 13 and still likes to be tucked in by me, which I have no problem with, but sometimes it’s nice for dad to do it while I read.
3. (my favorite thing) You are capable of throwing away projects. I sooooo need to learn how to do that! I recently tossed a cereal box/paper towel roll robot my son made when he was three and I STILL have guilt over it even though I’ve kept TONS of other stuff!
Your honesty and kindness is such kind gift you give to us blog readers daily that I really appreciate. Makes me wish we were neighbors. πŸ˜‰

crystal - I give myself time-outs all the time! I’ll say to my daughter: “Mommy needs a time-out,” then I’ll stomp up the stairs and close the door. When I come out, I’m a much nicer Mommy! I think all of the time, how does Megan do it with 5 kids??? How did she survive when all of them were so little! My kids are so demanding, and I only have 2!!!!

Rach - Have you ever thought about being a referee? I can imagine that you come highly qualified after keeping the peace with 5 children in the house.

Tracy - Am off to get some google eyes – my daughter saw these and we now have to make them!! Great idea!! Love it!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen R - I love reading your blog…it is so honest & real! What a great craft too. If I can find some leaves(I live in California!) we are making those turkeys. Thank you for sharing Meg! Happy Thanksgiving!

april - those are super cute and colorful….

candace - i will have to save this idea next year for my classroom. too cute! and your art wall makes me happy, dreaming of the day i can do that with my own kids!

Ali Richardson - I love them, they look GREAT!!!! I posted on my blog about the Water4Christmas Etsy shop and linked back your blog and to the shop. Hope it helps πŸ™‚ My ornament is on my way to Del Mar as we speak. Thanks again for doing what you do πŸ™‚

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I love the gallery. I used to hang them on my bedroom window before we moved… I need to get back to that! Have a very happy Thanksgiving sweet Meg!

a pocket full of posies - Too cute!!! and I LOOOVE them all hanging together- a little art gallery!! (we have several of those around here- cause I can’t seem to throw anything they do away- wish I could!- we are running out of walls!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Many Blessings!
Jill

Beth - so cute! Glad you showed what you do with crafts, I’ve often wondered. You’re not the only mom out there throwing away old projects ( I do feel guilty, but NO MORE!)
beth

Four Flights - we have tons of leaves in our house right now. this is a great project to do with them!

Toni :O) - Such cute turkeys! Sorry to hear about cranky kids…I’m cranky because I have to work tomorrow and my whole family is off…sigh…I DESPISE new jobs…blech! Here’s a suggestion, before you throw them away, just take a picture of them since you’re such a great photographer! I usually do that before I recycle art projects…then I don’t feel so bad when I do it.

Staci - Love it!!!!! This is what my kids can do while I”m chopping and dicing and chiffoning for 35 people that will invade our house on Thursday πŸ™‚ But I love it! Thanks Megan!

Laura Phelps - SO TRUE! Just wrote how good I am with children, and ALREADY TODAY I wish I had none around me!!!!!
I throw everything away. My kids must think we have a hidden gallery somewhere…they think I have it all…
home, out of the backpack, in the garbage, the end.
can’t save it all.

Elizabeth Gleason - I don’t know what it is. I don’t even know you. . . but just reading your blog makes a bad day not so bad. So Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful you brightened my day:)

Heather R. - Love the turkeys. One wiggly eye big,one small…ha! And Annie’s clothes on her’s(reminds me of Chick Fil A). πŸ™‚
Hope you have a better day. Bickering is great, huh?(ugh.)

Stephanie@Geezees - Love this Thanksgiving Day craft!

Katy - Ooh, I think I will make some turkey art with my girls. πŸ™‚ Hope today is a better day for you (and you get dessert)! PS: I love Oprah!

carols - I usually smile at the artwork, but these are so dang cute I even laughed. Ah yes, I also had some monster mommy moments yesterday with my 12 yr old son. Yup, my kids get my highs and my lows. Their darn good kids though, so I gotta believe in the end, it is all working. Enjoy all your little turkeys this week!

Kimberlee J. - I don’t keep all our treasures either. I put them up on our back door and when the door is full, I take a picture. I then throw all but anything with hands or footprints away.

Suzanne - What treasures! I’m working on the “throwing things away” deal-it’s just so hard.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your lovely family!
Suzanne

Penny - Sorry about the cranky kids! I get so angry when I work hard on a meal and no one appreciates it. Glad you were able to relax with Oprah. I love how you have the kids artwork hung up like that! It looks so happy and cheerful. You are a great mom!

Amy Lynne - I love those turkeys! It is so cool to see the art wall! Thanks for sharing the good and the bad, it keeps it real!

Gemma - Hi Meg.
The Turkeys are so funny!!!!
Love that you can throw them away after a while…I need that kinda attitude!!
Gemma x

Katy Stone - i love how each personality came out in these! i also love how you display their work- i’m sure it makes them so proud and encourages their creativity.
yay for craft thursday! πŸ™‚

Holly - so cute!

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i love fall.

this weekend was full of fall goodness.
the leaves finally changed.
the weather changed.
it was so nice to be outside and enjoy it.

the three youngest carved pumpkins with me while craig and the older two were gone.
we started with hot chocolate and homemade whipped cream.

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then we got busy with the dirty work.
pumpkins are stinky.
but i am quick….i cleaned out two for lauren and scott if they want to carve one later too.
then helped annie and tably with theirs.
sean cleaned it himself.

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ewwwww!!!!

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we have them draw the face and then i do the cutting.

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i love it….
but i am glad we only have to do it once a year.

and i love seeing them all lit up.

fall is my favorite.

Mary - I have a post coming on Oct 29th showing grown-up children carving pumpkins. Hopefullly, the tradition will live on and on for your little ones as well.
http://cornersofmylife.blogspot.com/

Caitlin - I hate pumpkin guts, but I do love the roasted seeds! This year I found Mr. Potato Head-esque accessories for my pumpkin, so I don’t have to carve it. He’s a pirate. πŸ™‚

jenni@talkinghairdryer - I love that your little one still has a chocolate and cream mustache while she’s cleaning out the pumpkin.

Shelley - i just adore your life !

carissa... brown eyed fox - fall is my fave TOO!
yes indeedy!
and would you believe… we JUST had snow falling from the sky… just a bit ago! :O)

Lisa - Love this time of year too! We are carving this weekend, or maybe I am carving, lol…with only one teen left in the house we’ll see how that turns out πŸ˜‰

Valerie - Oh such fun to carve pumpkins. Looks like it was very fun!

mel - Fall rules. Best season ever.
October rules. Best month ever.
I can’t wait to carve our pumpkins (Friday night!!)
There is nothing better than homemade whipped cream. YUM!
Looked like you guys had fun πŸ™‚

linda@limein the coconut - Oh I remember those days with my four little ones carving scooping! Now I’m lucky to get one little one from the four!

Rach - I have to agree with you… Fall is my favorite too and not just because I am an October baby. I just think it smells better and it makes me want to be outside and it is orange and beautiful and I am starting to realize that I really need to live somewhere that actually gets a Fall! For now I will enjoy Fall through your posts so keep it coming.

karen - the squirrels got to 2 out of the 3 pumpkins…totally devoured!!
kinda funny!

Crystal - Looks like you all had loads of fun!! Fall is my favorite time of year too. We are going to carve pumpkins tomorrow night! We are so excited. I enjoy your blog so much.

Suzanne - Looks like fun! We usually wait until the weekend of Halloween otherwise, the deer come up to the front porch and eat them. At least I think its deer! Now I’m SCARED!
Happy Halloween!
Suzanne

julia - I LOVE that last picture!
So jealous that you can drink hot chocolate and not have to turn down the a/c (like I’ve been having to do).

Courtney Walsh - I can’t believe I have never carved pumpkins with my kids!! I think this year I need to change that!!

Tanya @ Life in 3D - I did a cute pumpkin craft today with my toddlers. Take note they ARE 1 and 3…so it’s not glamorous..BUT they had a lot of fun πŸ™‚ Older kids could probably do some really cool things with the idea.
I love Fall too!
http://dreamsdiapersanddilemmas.blogspot.com/2010/10/make-it-monday-pickle-jar-jack-o.html

Heather - so fun! i can’t wait to carve ours. we have to wait until the day of though otherwise ours get all nasty from the az heat. have a happy day!!

Karen Gerstenberger - Love seeing the photos of your beautiful family enjoying an autumn tradition together. Your sunflower craft (below) looks awesome, and the chalkboard/chore chart/inspirational quote is so cheerful!

Julie Weaver - We’ve got a pumpkin waiting to be carved with the help of the husband. I love the classic Jack-O-Lantern!
I also love Fall!

Dawn - I love this time of the year too. I can’t wait to carve our pumpkins. Looks like the kids loved it too.

janet - So happy to see you and many others are keeping that tradition going. We are empty-nesters too, but we’ve also still carved pumpkins. Partly for me, but all those little trick or treaters who show up at the door too.
I imagine I will still carve them as long as I am able.
oh we got the cheap pumpkin carving knives, they are kid safe, and mom safe too.

crystal beutler - I LOVE carving pumpkins. We didn’t do it this year which makes me really sad. They die in about 2 days here, which makes me even sadder. I can’t wait to see your kids’ costumes!!

jen smith - a little FYI to make your carving a little easier…we bought the ‘my safe cutter’ knives from pampered chef. they are $3.50 and by far the best knives we have EVER used to carve pumpkins. we take them to our carving gatherings and have to fight everyone to use our own knives! with these knives the kids can carve their own and i don’t have to worry about them hurting themselves. it’s fabulous!
http://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/prod_details.tpc?prodId=9761&words=kids

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Fall is so beautiful. The colors are amazing, aren’t they?!

Casey - I love Fall too! I just wish here in FL we actually HAD Fall. I still have my air conditioner running. Supposed to be about 85 today!! YUCK!

Gekakel - Fall is my favourite too; I love your post!

Julie - Whipped cream? Legit.
Pumpkin guts? Creepy.
Happy kids? Totally worth it.
But the pumpkin guts. EWWWWWWWWWW.
I am the degutter here too. No likey.

Lisa - Can I come to your house? I want some of that hot chocolate! πŸ™‚

Dana@Bungalow'56 - I always envy those who celebrate halloween in warmer climates. We have had our first snowfall already, although it has melted, so I’m fairly certain trick or treating will be in winter coats and winter boots… in the dark. Our pumpkins were carved yesterday too, but we did it indoors : )
Dana

*LuLu* - Cute Pumpkins!
*LuLu*

Jennifer De Los Santos - Looks like fun. When we went to buy a pumpkin to carve, Kate insisted on getting a watermelon instead. She’s so stubborn. We’ll see how watermelon carving goes πŸ™‚

Sugar Mama - I make my husband clean out the guts. I shouldn’t say “make”, but he nicely volunteers to clean out the guts because he doesn’t want to watch me dry heave for half an hour.
We still don’t have our pumpkins, guess I better get to that!

Laura Phelps - we were supposed to carve yesterday
too busy
but with good stuff
Halloween party at my parents
football game
I am loving this Fall stuff…last year in LA we went to the pumpkin patch in 90 degree weather!
This is so much better
πŸ™‚

Staci - We carved our’s two weeks ago bc I just couldn’t wait any longer….they have rotted completely now ;( I’m just not up for cleaning two more out again πŸ™ Sooooo, we are just going to paint and bedazzle two more πŸ™‚ I agree….Fall is the best….football and pumpkins and hot chocolate…DOESN’T get any better than that πŸ˜‰ Well, except when the Sooners lose to Missouri ;( boooohoooo! But at least I’m not a Longhorn πŸ™ Pooooooooooor Texas!

pam - Our nest is empty but this is making me want to carve one….hmmm, something really different…easy but different. Hope your week is grand!

Penny - Great pumpkins. This reminds me of when our girls used to do the pumpkins. My husband was the helper with that tradition. I always took them to the apple orchard with my Mom and we got the pumpkins. Then hubby was the carver while I prepared the seeds for roasting. Miss those days! Guess I will wait for grandchildren!

Holly - This is my favorite time of the year! I just love those funny toothless grins!

Gemma - Love it!! Yummy hot chocolates and carving pumpkins…great stuff!!!
Gemma x

visart-dali.com - How very cute! I wish we had that tradition

Keri ~ Forever Folding Laundry - Mine too.
October is the best month.
Do you guys roast the seeds?
I love that.
This year I saw a recipe for cinnamon & sugar seeds that I’m going to try.
Love Annie’s whipped cream mustache! πŸ™‚

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craft thursday #13

i have a big file of crafts i think my kids would like but today i found this craft and we did it.
i found davinie through the crafty crow. Β  (can i just say how much i ADORE the crafty crow?!!)

well….first we tried a pumpkin craft that did not go well.
too hard for the girls.
there was crying….and then i yelled…because crafts are supposed to be fun!!!
“THERE”S NO CRYING IN CRAFTING!!”
ha.

so i said “what about this one?” Β and pointed to the photo on my computer.
and the girls said “ooooohhhhh. Β yes!”

we changed gears and started again.

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all smiles.
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while they painted their plates i traced the petals.
i just made a quick template out of some cardboard (from a granola bar box)

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the girls wanted colorful centers to their sunflowers….

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sean’s was brown….like a REAL sunflower….of course.

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talby and sean used the glue gun.
annie used the school glue.
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and then we were done.
it was a pretty fast craft considering we didn’t mean to do it in the first place.

IMG_2017Β IMG_2016

IMG_2015Β IMG_2018

i was kind of bummed i didn’t get to make one.
they needed me more….cutting petals and such.

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we hung them all on the giant chalkboard so i get to look at them everyday.
yay.

Debt Advice - This blog is really very nice. I love this art and also love the sunflowers and love the chalk board. It looking so impressive.

Daisy Cottage - I just love you Meg.
xo,
Kim

Robin Sampson - That chalkboard is homeschool dream!! Where did you get it? Great raft, great colors. I made some Bible lapbooks and file folder games you might like. You can download at
http://heartofwisdom.com/homeschool/?cat=201

wendy b. - OMG! I love that chalk board! Do you change your verse each week?

Lisa - OVER THE TOP CHALK BOARD LOVE GOING ON RIGHT HERE!!!
HUGS FROM MAINE

carissa... brown eyed fox - sensational sunflowers yall!
my girlies would love that!
and that orange CHAIR!!!!!!!! :O)

Emily - Today I needed to see the verse on the chalkboard. Thanks.

crystal beutler - LOVE that giant chalk board. I’m so making one of those. The sun flowers turned out way cute!
Hey, have you ever made indians and pilgrims out of walnut shells? I will have to send you a picture. They are fun for Thanksgiving. We glue them on place cards and give everyone at the Thanksgiving table an indian name. You have to guess which name is yours when you sit down to eat. My kids love it. We also make turkeys out of tulle and pipecleaners and fill them with M&Ms it set at everyone’s place setting. Do you do that? If not, let me know and I will send you a picture. Your kids would love making them. πŸ™‚

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, these are great! BTW ~ I really love the ‘chore list’. I need to get that done. It would make evenings go so much smoother around our house…

Shar - How much fun these look. Also, the chalk board is so cool. Love the chore list. What wonderful fun you have with your children!

Danielle - That chalk board is great! We made the eye sees you from the Family Fun website over the weekend. the kids could have done them all day! Brian even made more than one. We used tea lights but Braeden said he overheard one of the parents in charge of the fall party say they were going to hang them on Christmas lights. So much FUN!

Dana@Strawberrytart! - I love your giant chalk board!!! Love Love Love!!!

Dana@Bungalow'56 - I haven’t seen your big chalkboard before. I’m so glad you showed it as I’ve been wanting to do almost a whole wall and I wasn’t sure if it would work. The craft was great too : )
Dana

Lisa - Very cute!

nora - Cute craft! Kinda keeps summer around a tad longer πŸ™‚
This is probably a lame question, but do you do with the crafts after awhile? Do you keep a portfolio for each kid? Do you send them to other family members? Just wondering…

Alicia - I SO want a giant chalkboard just like that in my house!! Or even a chalkboard wall like you have in your craft room/studio. SO COOL!

Julie - Love the sunflowers and love the chalk board! You’re a great mom, Meg! Your kids are blessed!

Susan - My boys are in their 20’s and 30’s and i still have all the craft stuff that they made.Do you keep yours and where?

Cassi - Thanks so much for the kind words and link love for The Crafty Crow! I *love* how your sunflowers came out and I’m so happy you were able to find a project to fit the day πŸ™‚

Cari - Love! Definitely going to do this with my girls! Got a question, though…Did you do fun stuff like this with Lauren when she was little? I know I had some, ummm, “issues” I was working through when mine were little. And that makes me sad that I missed out, ya know? Wait. Was this more of a private email question? Probably. I’ll stop now. Happy crafting! πŸ™‚

Heather - they look so fun on your ginormous chalkboard, which i am completely coveting by the way! it’s fantastic.

Jaime @ Queen of the Creek - Very nice! I always love your craft thursday’s…
The kids did a great job with this one!!

Lorie - I have loved looking at all your crafts over the summer! What do you end up doing with them all? I also LOVE the giant chalkboard. Wish I had room for one!

Tracy - Such a great craft! And I had to LOL completely at the “there’s no crying in crafts” – HA! :o)

Terresa Wellborn - Love that craft! We have paper plates on hand, now to find a fabulous giant chalk board! πŸ™‚

shauna reed - You are a treasure. I Wantaa do these!

julia - Great sunflowers! I love your chore chart and verse. Somehow the chores don’t look like work so much as fun when they are put up there! Maybe the kids feel differently though πŸ™‚

Chris H - I know scissors are a skill that is encouraged, but if you’re the one relegated to doing all the cutting out, may I suggest my favorite tool? A Cricut would make really quick work of cutting all of those leaves! I just used mine this week to cut stencils for a couple of cute folk-y signs for my home.
I teach 3 year old class of preschool girls, and I’m always excited when a new craft post comes up on your blog– it’s handy for using at home with my own boys too! Thanks!

Elizabeth - Those are so great. I am wondering what you do with all of these crafts, where you put them, for how long and then what?

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Love it…colorful and sunflowery. What could be better. And no tears. That’s a very good thing:)

Amanda Fuentes - Very cute! I need to store this idea away for this winter when we need sunshine and flowers!
My girls made “baby ghosties” this week as a craft, they turned out cute! I blogged about it today matter of fact, if you want to see! πŸ™‚

*LuLu* - I Love The Rainbow Colors!
*LuLu*

Gemma - Lovely!!!
Gemma x

Layla - Absolutely delightful!
I love them- and I love your blog.
Can’t wait to read all your archives!
πŸ™‚
Layla

Julie Weaver - I really love reading your blog. I love looking at the pictures, and reading about your wonderful (yet real) family. I even used one of your Craft Thursday crafts for my daughter’s birthday party. And listed a few more at my mom’s group yesterday when they were asking for fun ideas for kids.

Penny - They are wonderful sunflowers! I have to admit I love “craftycrow”, too, and my kids are 23, 20 and 16. Your craft Thursdays remind me of the club my two older daughters had with a group of their friends. They would all come to our house on Mondays after school. We would do crafts, have a snack and then they would all play for a bit till their parents came to pick them up. Once they were a little older we started taking field trips and having camp outs. It was much like Girls Scouts, without having to sell cookies! πŸ™‚ A great bunch of girls. Just last week I ran into one of the older girls and she gave me a hug and said, “Can we have sunshine club!!” Great memories.

Melanie - Very cute craft!

Debby - This is a great idea! I think both my girls will love it. My almost three year old should even be able to do it with a little help. Thank you!! Love your blog!!

Beth @ Dirty Laundry - Thanks for saying you yelled. It’s supposed to be fun! Why are you not having fun? Why are you fighting with your brother THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN! Sometimes I yell too, good to know I’m not the only one! Beautiful sunflowers!

amac - Super cute craft! It’s fun to see the differences in your kids’ personalities being expressed through what they are making! You have a beautiful family, and I just adore your blog πŸ™‚

se7en - Those are stunning!!! But what’s not to love via the Crafty Crow!!! I also feel let down when I don’t get to play and do their craft along side them!!! I really consider it to me my play time too!!!

amanda - I love that Sean has such firm ideas about how his crafts should look and how everything is ‘just so’. He totally reminds me of my oldest little boy.
Yay for craft thursday!

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