whatever

Jen - I want to do this for my birthday party!!!!
♥Jen

Beth - Gosh, this sounds like so much fun! Love the pillow fights…I haven’t done that in years, long years! So glad you and your friends had a wonderful time and got to make so many goodies! Love the shed pic…oh and those lamp shades…too darn cute! Yummy cake looks good!

princess lasertron - LOLLL YOU POSING WITH LAMPSHADES
you dork
I love it
this sounds like so much fun. I wish I had girlfriends.

Kim - Wow- that looks like such a good time! And I love those shades!

shelley - what a fabulous idea! i somehow need my husband to see this post to get the idea in his head!
and your lampshades are awesome!!!

deb meyers - Love your lampshades Meg!
And we have the same Wal-Mart coat : )
(I got mine for 8$ [tax-free] on Black Friday…and it keeps me warm SKIING! Do you love yours as much???
deb meyers

Sherri - Kaysville Momma - I need my husband to do this for me!!!!

Liz - How can I tell my husband I want THIS!?? What a fun trip!
~Liz
http://www.AGiveawayADay.blogspot.com

vicki - There’s nothing like a hot momma with a couple a nice lamp shades, you CRACK me UP!!!!

Kelly - oh such fun! I’ve had weekends like this with good, very good, girlfriends. The back of that van looks amazingly familiar! Your lampshades are FANTASTIC! Kelly

Katie - I LOVE those lamp shades! Excellent.

Jilly - I love what you guys did for Jana, she has some special friends. Looks like a great way to spend a 40th. Man, another 17 months and I will be there, dread thinking about it. Would love to know how you made those lampshades. You make me smile when I need to the most.

Lorilee - Sounds like a great way to celebrate a birthday. Glad to hear your friend is out of the hospital! I am looking forward to a girl’s weekend next week. My sister-in-law and her 3 year old daughter are accompanying me to Fredericksburg, TX. I will be attending a clogging workshop Saturday in LUCKENBACH–just not with Willie, Waylon, and the boys! We will shop on Sunday! woohoo!
Blessings,
Lorilee
PS. I am trying the Tortilla soup tonight!

Melanie - I WANT the lampshades:) I love damask fabric. Glad you had a good time. Hope it helped you out of the funk you were in:)

Kelley - SO GLAD to hear your friend is out of the hospital. Can you believe I’ve never been to Sonic? I see the commercials but have never seen one in CA. Your weekend sounds like a DREAM. I LOVE the shades you made. I just bought my very first sewing machine a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know what to do with it though. I just look at it! I wonder if I’ll ever be able to make the things you do….doubt it! At least I can TRY!

Tammi - Girlfriend getaways are the best! Love the lampshades-where will you be putting them? Are those difficult to make?

Liz - Now THAT is one good husband. How fun! And that fabric on the lampshades? I have pillows in that fabric on my couch. I LOVE it!

traci - how wonderful that your friend is out of the hospital already. the power of prayer. looks like you gals had a great time. i love girlfriends and getaways – put them together and it’s the best.

Melissa - I totally teared up reading this! What a beautiful gesture. Jana must have feel so loved by her girlfriends. Praying for her recovery and good health!

Amanda Rettke - Well, this made me bawl of course. What a blessing. You guys gave her such a gift… I am so thankful for generous and loving souls like you guys… who make the world a better place!
Much love to you!
Amanda

Suzanne - how amazing are you all?!?
that is just absolutely INCREDIBLE!!
Jana, how can you not recover quickly with such supportive friends as these?? No more surgeries…who knows what they’ll do next;) Sending you prayers & best wishes…

Trina - Wow …what a group of friends.. how blessed are you all! The fun and silly makes it all the better.. I’m sure your friend feels loved and supported beyond words!

Elena Rego - First time here. This post brought tears to my eyes… Sisterhood is just the best thing in the world!

Chrince - What a beautiful thing to do for your friend! Hope she has a speedy recovery.

Liz - You are an awesome group of friends. I’m sure she felt very loved by your actions. You are all lucky to have each other.

bethany actually - One of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen. God bless you all, and especially Jana!

MGF - Way to support your friend. She is lucky to have ladies like you in her life.

rachel - What a great support system; she is very blessed to have family and friends like you. I wish her a speedy recovery!

carissa - what an amazing group of women!
you can feel the love!
lots of love & prayers for Jana!

robin bird - y’all are amazing girlfriends!! you made me cry. i am sending my own hair care to jana, her family and her lovely freinds!!
xoo

Sherri - Kaysville Momma - What great friends you are!!!

clgarrett - that was so sweet it made me cry!
i know that sick feeling, 12 years ago my best friend had brain surgery too. she’s 12 years post brain cancer!
fun photos!
i can imagine all the laughter!

Sharla - Okay, tears here too. You are so blessed to have such a great group of friends and Jana is so blessed to have your support. I hope she’s doing well.

northernmichiganmom - I have read your blog for quite some time now but never leave a comment. I had to comment this time to let you know that this touched my heart. What a great group of friends. I also have a close knit group of friends and I know we would do the same if ever in the position. Thanks for sharing and a speedy recovery to your friend Jana.

sarah - That was so sweet of you all! I was in tears by the end.

Queenie Bee - Oh man, girl! No wonder you were feeling so blah the other day! My prayers are with your friend. What a blessing to have such a caring group to encourage her healing. I’m so glad you shared this!

chris - Your friend is so lucky to have wonderful and caring friends like you guys are .
Well done,
Chris

katie - tears. Thank God for friends.

susanne - what a wonderful and supportive thing you and your friends have done.
i hope she is feeling better and things went the way they were hopeful for.

Erin - Way to tell your friend, “We’ve got your back!” This is so sweet and cute— she is going to CRACK UP when she sees it. And I think cry too… like I am.

jesse Peak - Oh my Gosh that makes me cry! What a wonderful group of ladies you are! What great friends! I will keep her in my prayers!

Marla @ Stolen Bon Bons - I think that is the sweetest story I’ve ever heard. Sending prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to Jana!

Heidi Jo the Artist - This is incredible! Such awesome friends you guys all are! I will keep Jana and her family in our prayers.
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

gina - OH MY GOSH- HOW WONDERFUL! i’M CRYING, BUT IN A GOOD WAY.
pRAYERS FOR jANA!!

Darby - I can hear the laughter! Seriously. Y’all are the best friend’s a girl could have. Now, the lady with the really long, dark curly hair will have to wait years and years before her shaved part grows out! 🙂 What a wonderful reminder to pray!!!!! Y’all are WONDERFUL!

Margaert - This is a wonderful thing to do for a friend. I’ve been following your blog for a short while now. Found it through a friend of a friend. I will pray for your friend Jana. Thanks for blogging….
– M.

Rosemarie - Wow – that is just amazing. Awesome.

Cecilia Löfholm - I’m almost crying in front of my computer! I think the support you showed your friend really showed how much you love her! And when she sees it, I think she will laugh a lot, just like you did. You seem like very nice friends!
Cissi from sweden

pumpkinpinkcottage - what a bunch of amazing and beautiful friends you are…that is so beautiful..I’m glad to hear she is doing well, hugs, lisa

Melissa Mae - What wonderful friends she has! My mom has breast cancer, and I know that any kind of support shown by her loved ones means so much, whether big or small.

missanne - this post brought tears to my eyes.
you guys are amazing.
Praise God for your friend being out of surgery and doing well.
Many prayers for a healthy and happy healing.
xo
p.s. i LOVE the shaved spots!

eryn - What a great and wonderful reminder to put on God’s armor. I was telling my friend today that I stay up too late, partly because it’s when I get adoption paperwork done, and partly because after doing said paperwork, I can’t fall asleep. She said, “have you tried reading your Bible?” Duh.
Jesus gives me peace, now, why didn’t I think of that before?
anyhow, thanks for the reminder. my kids don’t like crazy mommy either. 🙂

robin bird - you are such a good girl.. i mean that in a grown up girl kind of way. doing what you need to do. being honest with yourself. not calling yourself too many bad names….
you will do it. already you’re doing it i am sure!!
xo

diana - I love, love, love your blog, your style, your house, recipes, your crafts, everything!! Meg, you’re truly an amazing lady! And then today’s blog . . . Wow! I was reading and could not believe it was EXACTLY what I was feeling!! I had the same reaction after watching Oprah. And reading all the comments let me know I’m not alone. Thank you for your honestly. God bless you and your family! I pray He grants you the strength to tackle your goals and dreams for 2009!

alyssa - I am so with you. I spent all day cleaning my house on Saturday and it still wasn’t done. All I’ve wanted to do for the last two weeks is sit and do nothing! I did get out and run around with the kids today-that felt good.
Enjoy your thoughts.

jennifer - AMEN SISTER!!! To all of it. Your original and post and what you added in the comments. You are so real and that’s why I keep coming back. I’m feeling the same way and it’s so good to know I’m not alone and to at the same time be reminded that I have a Lord and Savior that not only loves me anyway, but will give me the strength to get through it.

Marnie - Thanks for explaining Meg. :o)

kasey - just checking in with you, and looks like you do need a little vit D.
Could use that myself here in lovely illinois.

Suzanne - wow! your post was very similar to mine yesterday…your honesty always is actually what encouraged me to be so honest…i felt a great comfort knowing others were feeling the same i was…so nice not to feel alone! i miss you!! i don’t hear from you as much anymore…hopefully you’ll visit soon!
my today was certainly much better than my yesterday…i’m betting/hoping yours is too!
love ya!

Dana @ BoysMyJoys - I’m feeling exactaly the same way today! I think we function on adrenaline to get us through the holidays. Then the new year and new year’s resolutions combined with fatigue and trying to get back into the non-holiday swing of things. Not to mention all the work it takes to get your home back to normal. It just leaves us pooped and overwhelmed. Especially when we try to do it on our own, and not lean on God for help!
Anyway, just wanted to comment and say I know what you mean!
Now I’m off to make a pot of tea and get motivated!

Sheryl - Meg,
I love you, I just love you! You are so real and remind me of myself, except I feel this way with only TWO kids. Thank you for being candid about crazy yelling mommy. I am that person when I am too tired, too hungry, too overwhelmed….sounds like a two year old, right? Your laundry makes me feel less lonely with my “laundry pit”. Thank you for all you do, your beautiful site, your craftiness that encourages my crafty side.
I tried your Mexican Chicken recipe and my family loved it so much I just entered this as “Meg’s Mexican Chicken” in my upcoming church cookbook.
My sister and I look at your site everyday and we feel like we know you in person.
Thanks so much!!

Brenis - Meg, I think so many of us hit this point around the first or second week of Jan!! Moms are the ones that rush around keeping the house clean, prepping for parties, cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, and basically trying to make it a “magical” time for our kids!! It makes sense that about a week later it slams us in the face and WE BE TIRED!! LOL !! Cut yourself a little slack, decide it’s ok to listen to your body and rest a bit. God made us perfectly and wonderfully in His image! He WANTS us to rest one day a week!! But usually Sundays (at our home anyway) are just as crazy as the rest of the week!! Snot a whole lot of “resting” going on! 😀
And sometimes… when you’re just being still.. and quiet.. the Holy Spirit will speak to you in a way that you just don’t “hear” any other time for all the noise in our world!
Praise God for you sister! You’re rockin awesome!! (even if you don’t feel like it right now!)
xo Bren

MEG DUERKSEN - hi marnie…and everyone else.
🙂
you figured it out marnie…oprah has offended most evangelical christians. her online course and spiritual teachers use a lot of the same words as christians but they believe in coming to “god” any way you find him and any name you want to call him. like alah…or budah….or mother nature…or the universe. and she’s calls it “the higher power”. basically she is new age but avoids any label very carefully.
and slowly people are confused.
But Christians believe there is only ONE way.
the Bible says there is only ONE way.
that way is to Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believe that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.
He sacrificed Himself for us.
and that He rose from the grave into ascended into heaven on the 3rd day.
Believe that you needed Him to do this for your sins and Repent.
when you believe these things in your heart and say them with your mouth you will be saved.
that’s the ONLY WAY. (John 3:16)
christians have to believe the Bible is ALL truth….not just pick what you like.
so…nothing wrong with self discovery.
nothing wrong with getting healthy.
nothing wrong with gratefulness.
nothing wrong with generosity.
she does many great things every day.
but her spiritual teaching is not what i believe.
i still watch her sometimes.
because there is a lot of good stuff too.
but i just turn it off if it’s “spiritual” or “enlightening”…..using discernment.
and it’s funny because her shows i watched were not spiritual at all.
it was about health and weight and exercise (bob greene and dr. oz).
i felt guilty for the way i have been living (like a sloth! 🙂
and she pointed it out.
and gave me lots of good ideas to get me started.
but when i turned it off and spent some time in prayer i knew that God has been telling me this for months and i felt sad that i listened and responded to Oprah and not Him.
So i wanted to be clear that i was not praising Oprah but God.
but then sure enough….the next day (yesterday) she had on all her spiritual teachers.
so i deleted that one.
i just felt the need to explain that a little more.
thanks for all the support ladies! i feel great today…ready and willing to do what God wants. wow. you guys are great…i wish everyone had this kind of support!

traci - WOW~~even though I lOVE this entry and needed this entry who would have guessed the response???? WOW!!!

Melissa - Thanks for your honesty, it’s a comfort not to feel alone in the new year BLAH. Keep fighting, His grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Marnie - I don’t know where my comment went – it said:
Re: my earlier post – I’m not an American, I don’t follow Oprah, if she hasn’t done some thing to offend Christians (which is sounds like she has), I’m sorry if my earlier post was offensive.
Marnie

Sara - Thank you for this! I’m feeling very much like this lately and it’s a.) good to know others feel this way, too, and b.) good to put things in perspective spiritually. So easy to forget those things sometimes.
Thanks!

Kelley - Been trying to LIVE Col. 3:23 this week (specifically). May encourage you too…

Tami - Amen Sister !!!
Thanks for sharing
Aren’t you glad there is a army of us women in the same battle and a BIG GOD to carry us through… 🙂
Blessings to you!

vera - oh Meg I couldn’t agree more. I started up exercise routine AGAIN today too. Besides Annie’s cute face could motivate anyone. If only I had such cute pictures of my three girls 19,16,10!! Only four more days until she goes back to college. Still not sure good news or sad. I know sad. Anyway thanks.

pam - It is so comforting to know that it is not just me feeling this way! I have felt uninspired, cranky, tired, and just plain down in the dumps lately. Thanks for the verse and for putting your ick out there!

Jessie - Thank you so much for these thoughts. I am feeling the same way, even though mentally I keep trying to pump myself up I feel defeated before I start. I have the Oprah’s on my dvr for this week, but now I am considering deleting them, so I am blissfully unaware of what I’m ALSO not doing.
I feel like I need a vacation, but even that sounds exhausting at this point. I’ve got to plan a wedding, paint the inside of my house and hopefully loose 50+ lbs. I’m tired…pity party.
Thank you also for reminding me who we live this life for. I will remember this body is a precious gift from God and I will continue to try to nurture it mentally and physically through the best of my abilities.
God Bless and I hope you feel like super woman soon 🙂

Jules - Hi Meg,
I just discovered your blog tonight – on the other side of the world no less! I’ve had a blast going through all of your previous posts, you have a beautiful family, take gorgeous photos and are a fantastic mum!
Everyone gets a bit down (especially at this time of the year – I spent the weekend in a similar funk) Still, just remember, this too shall pass.
Anyway, thank you, you have definitely inspired me tonight, I have been threatening to start my own blog for a long time, and after reading your posts I think I just might…. and I will be back to read your updates!

Sarah - I just went thru this, this past weekend. I just chalked it up to getting sick.. but I was just down and out and feeling sorry for myself…
so I took a day off work.. and was lazy… and it helped some… but then tuesday came.. and I had to go back…
its better now…
God helps us thru everything!

traci - This is actually one of my FAVORITE post you have ever done!!!!!!! I love that scripture…Im going to copy it and paste it everywhere, I truly am!! I love that its NOT Oprah…she makes me feel BLAH and some other things…it IS ALL ABOUT GOD and giving Him our best!!! LOVE THIS POST!!!!!

Sarah - Hi Meg, I’m a longtime fan of your blog and first-time commenter! I just wanted to say that I know how you feel (as so many of us do). Sometimes when you are feeling really burnt out and exhausted you really have to take some luxurious time for yourself before you feel like you have the energy to start overhauling everything and living Your Best Life. At the very least, you should try to go up that gorgeous bathroom of yours and have a nice long soak in the tub with a magazine or frothy book, and then put on your softest pajamas, and see if you can take the rest of the night off. Then, maybe you will feel more like starting fresh tomorrow and doing what “needs” to be done. I hope you find your energy and inspiration — it’s around here somewhere!

colleen - I have been reading your blog on and off for awhile. You always seem to keep it real so that is why I return. We see the good and the bad and thank goodness there is always more good for you and your family.
God came into my life in 2008 after 38 years of looking for Him. It’s a long story and you can click on my name to read our blog if you would like but to sum it up, my 5 year old sweet daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor last April. It has been one of the worst times but thankfully because of God, it has also been one of the best times in our life. We are very blessed and we understand how incredible each day God gives you is and we try not to take anything for granted.
It’s a new year and starting it out with God and being the best person you can be is a wonderful way to begin. Here’s to savoring it all and being happy!
-Colleen
Moseley, Virginia

erica - oh thank you for this post. i’m so sick of hearing oprah praised. if i hear anyone else quote oprah i think i might just throw up. thank you for your example of seeking for help from a higher source. from the only One who really can help.
i love your blog.

MGF - LOVE the Krispie Creme MUG.
Enjoy……

Jenn Thomas - Abuelos is calling us girls – we need a night out together

Lanny Stanard - Girlfriend you’ve said it all I’m right there with you! I’ve been feeling the same way but I’m feeling better now! things will get better I know they will…
mE…

Brooke - THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!! My new year is starting off trying to center my life around His expectations for me and not my own (as always), but also about really being in this world but not of it! 2009 will be a big challenge year for me!! Thank you for being so open about your love of Christ, it is definitely encouraging to know you can reach so many with just one little post!

Sarah Keith - Exactly what many of us are thinking you’re just brave enough to admit it for us all! Go out in to the SUN and praise HIM for our many blessings! I love to be in HIS wonder! By the way…I made your YUMMO chicken enchiladas…FANTASTIC…and a couple of shirts with my girls initials on them. You just never know who is watching us and being inspired!!! Keep On! Love from Texas!

tracey - tis the season for the ‘blahs’ i think. but all it takes is the slightest of perspective shifts to give yourself that little get-up-and-go that you need. i think taking the holiday decorations down will help too. : )
make yourself some cider or something special as you do it. it helps. and don’t even get me started on Oprah.

Shannan - Isn’t it amazing how easily we can see that we are not alone, when we are just honest enough to reach out? At least that’s how I always feel.
I watched Oprah last night, too, and felt all sorts of similar ways. I was lying in bed thinking…I need to get a flax seed grinder! I need to go eat 14 walnuts! Ugh.
Thanks so much for sharing. We can never be reminded too often that the Devil seeks to deceive us and rob us of our joy. Thank goodness we have the Truth.

Gwyn - Amen and Amen! I often get the January blahs, but not this year! God had empowered and created me for a specific purpose and this is the year that I will seek his guidance more than ever to fulfill that purpose!!!!!

Kelly - Amen to God not Oprah and I too shall put on the full armor of God! Great way to apply that verse. I too have been falling into the wanting to sit at the computer/stay up late/eat sweets temptations. I need to get in gear when I get home and do some laundry so my sweet husband will have some clean clothes to wear! Kelly

Donna - I can TOTALLY relate. Maybe this will make you feel better – your blog motivates ME…………it makes me want to get my house in order and do the things you do. I have 6 kids, so I can relate to you ~ and especially the photo of your laundry, mine looks like that ALL OF THE TIME. Keep blogging, you are INSPIRING. I am going to start a post on my blog of before and after photos of all the rooms in my house that are getting a RE org very soon –

Lee Ann - Oh the yelling mommy. Where does she come from? She’s at my house all too often.
Thanks for the verse. So good. Reminds me that I cannot do it on my own. I need my armor….provided by God. Reminds me that He doesn’t want me to do it alone either. He will provide me with what I need to be who He designed me to be.

Heather S - Oh I feel your struggle, I keep pushing back the date to start living healthfully. There’s a party with yummy food, it’s too cold out to exercise, a glass of wine with dinner and I’m too tired to do anything, let’s just eat out it’s easier. On and on and on.
You can do it!

Amy - Megan, I hope you don’t mind, but I put your post on my blog today (giving you full credit and removing your personal pictures) My blog is new, and my friends and I are trying to overcome bad habits and make a fresh start, and are going to blog about it to keep ourselves accountable. Your post just fit in perfectly with what I’ve been writing this month. I am praying for you, for strength to overcome!
Good luck to you,
Amy

katie moreland - everyone is entitled to a blah day!!! Hope it gets better for you though!! 🙂

Cheryl - I love this post. It puts me in my place 🙂

brittany - I am in the same slump! So thank you for that…I really needed it!

Darby - Meg! Fabulous post. Praying for you to be strong in the Lord today… may He go before you and all that you set out to achieve and may He make it all possible. I’m already looking forward to seeing what y’all do together {you & Him}! Crank up some praise and get on with your stuff… and as Helen Keller so wisely said…
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller
Be encouraged!!!

Melanie - Sending you hugs from Florida. You do need to get your rest because it always makes things better. You have a clearer head and you’re not so ‘fuzzy’. I struggle with insomnia and after about 3 days of being up in the middle of the night and not sleeping, you kinda break down. I have been very busy since Thanksgiving and after Christmas, I rested. My husband had hurt his leg and when he got home from work we would sit and watch football and just didn’t DO anything. It helped. I got my list made, cleaned up Christmas decorations, and got myself organized for the New Year. I feel much better. Rest your body & your mind and you WILL feel better:)

Tammi - Good morning! and…I feel your pain…for some reason this new year IS NOT making me feel the way I think I should feel, just not too motivated about all the “New Year” hype…
Everything (biblical) that I have been hearing for this year is to “guard your heart”! Watch what we are putting into our hearts by what we hear, see, etc…”For out of the abundance of the heart the mouths speaks” Matt 12:34
That goes right along with putting on your full armor…you are also protecting your heart!
I DID NOT feel like messing with all those Cmas decorations, but once I got started, I was just a little bit excited about getting things back in order and somewhat “normal” again. And when I was all done, it felt so nice! You can do it!
I just wanted to encourage you a bit…have a get-r-dun day!! 🙂

PamperingBeki - Haha!! That’s EXACTLY what I’ve been thinking the last few days.
I had DVR’d those Oprah’s too and had the same thoughts.
I was forced to walk and pick the kids up from school yestarday. Not only did I survive, I actually enjoyed it!
The sunshine and fresh air were so good for me.