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nashville

October 7, 2016

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last week i got to get away for some girlfriend time.
it was just what i was needing!
i met up with my friend shannan in nashville, tennesse.
her book “Falling Free” launched that week and her publisher is in nashville.
she was doing some press work with them and i just tagged along.
🙂

after arriving we took a nap. seriously.
we are wild.
off the charts.

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Shannan was speaking at an (In)Courage event that evening and i decided to join them too.
there was a panel discussion about friendship, then we chatted in small groups and made new friends. 🙂

the next morning shannan left early for book/work/promo stuff and i literally stayed in bed all day.
D R E A M Y!
(yes… i did bring my own mug! i knew i’d be in the room a lot, drinking lots of coffee and hotels either have teeny tiny mugs or paper cups. so i thought ahead and threw a REAL size mug into my suitcase to help me relax even more!)
after Live with Kelly (& Chris Pratt) AND The Price is Right… i clicked around the local Nashville news channels and there she was!
Shannan cooked tacos on Today in Nashville & got to share about her book.
how fun is that?

after it aired i texted her “i just took 72 photos of your news cast!”
i wanted to be sure i got a good one!

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that evening her publisher threw her a party at a very lovely restaurant called Adele’s.
i wish i’d taken 100 more photos but i didn’t.
doesn’t she look ga-ga-gorgeous in that vintage dress!?!
perfect choice!
it was so fun to get to celebrate her accomplishments and meet so many of her Nashville area friends!
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and see some of my own!
so fun to get to sit with laura at dinner!!!
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it was such a fun night!
i was so thrilled to be her plus one.
LOL.

we goofed around in nashville the rest of the weekend doing more eating and talking.
we are pros at NOT finding the cool things to do in cool cities.
neither one of us like to plan or make decisions so we end up at a strip mall or mcdonalds or dairy queen.
no joke.
but who cares – all we want is time to talk & the tables at mcdonalds over a fountain Coke work just fine for that.
seriously though you do not want us to be your tour guides.
we’re terrible.
three
we did hit Anthropologie.
that store is so pretty and so awesome and so ridiculous all in one.
usually i leave empty handed but filled with inspiration!
inspired because of things like this – check out this quilt (below)
IT IS MADE OF ENVELOPES!
one
it’s P A P E R!!!
who thinks of this stuff?!! who sews envelopes together to make a quilt?!
brilliant artists – that’s who!

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our friend tara lives close by(ish) and came to join us for saturday night!
she IS a wonderful tour guide and found us great spots to eat and shop.
she saved the day!
tara always brings the laughter to any party.
i feel lucky to be her friend.
the three of us stayed up waaaay too late talking about everything imaginable while enjoying our stash of party food.

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the goodbyes always come too soon.
AND i forgot to have shannan sign my book!

.
several times during the weekend i had moments of overwhelming gratitude to God for putting me with certain people at the perfect time.
i had some truly important DEEP talks with brand new friends that i NEEDED to have.
it blew me away with how specifically God was meeting my needs that i didn’t even voice out loud that i needed.
more than once i thought “wow God! thank you so much for this conversation! you really DO know my heart!” while the other person was still talking!
not to mention all the ways my “old” friends blessed me too!
i am a verbal processor and i needed several days to get allllll my words out – and processed. 😉

i felt loved by God in nashville.
(maybe that’s how everyone feels in nashville?! HA!)
that was not what i was expecting to get from that trip but i’m not complaining one bit.
so now…. the most important part of this post is this:

have you read Falling Free?

i loved it for so many reasons and i know you will too.
you can order it here on Amazon or it is available anywhere books are sold!

shannan – i am so proud of all the hard work you did to bring your words into the world.
you continue to be an example of humility, grace, wisdom and all with no frills.
i just like you so stinkin’ much.
the end.

🙂

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Tara - I was just getting lost in your blog, enjoying all the eye candy you enhance my life with and WHAT??? it’s me and you and shanbam and margs and ice cream and laughter and happiness and i want to do it all again. i love you so my friend!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Friends that you can say “hey, I want a nap” to are golden. Truth.

Tessa - I just started reading “Falling Free” and I can’t wait to read more tonight after the littles are in bed. I found Shannan’s blog when she went to Ecuador with Ashley Campbell. Oh my goodness, she has rocked my world in every good way possible and I haven’t read her book yet. In some ways, it is like I have finally found a kindred spirit and in other ways, she is pushing me out of my comfort zone by reminding me about the simplicity and importance of loving thy neighbor. I also have to add that I could totally relate to not needing to see the “tourist attractions” and instead, just wanting to veg in a hotel room and talk over a soda at McD’s. Sounds absolutely wonderful! 🙂

Heather - That Flower Patch girl is the best!! I love her va va vintage dress!! Hey can I ask what paint color you have in your “new” house!!

jo - Shannon is stunning looking in that dress. What a humble lady. Wish her much success with the book. Looks like you had a lot of fun.

Laura - Love you!!!!

Su - So I just got the following email from my mil and then I see this post. Perhaps I should order the book, eh? Here is the email. Pass it onto Shannan; I am sure it will encourage her 🙂

Email:

I have a friend that I am anxious to tell you about who, in agreement with her husband and children, have made a decision to give up the life they have been living and step out in faith to follow Christ – the kind of stories that excite you. Part of their decision was confirmed by a book, “Falling Free”. Below are reviews of the book and her blog if you are interested. Maybe you are already familiar with her. mom

sharon / tpt - Geez how fun! Good on ya.
I follow you both. Have her book already:) You are great lights in the world. For reals.

and #anthropologyNeverwrong !!

Tiffany - Girl time, Girls Night Out, Girl Talk – Priceless!!

Stephanie L. Robertson - Hi Meg!
Enjoyed your post. Nashville is lots of fun.
Just two words: Nashville Flea Market! Oops, that was 3. Anyway, I live about an hour and a half south, so send me a msg the next time you guys all get together. Looks like so much fun!
Blessings!
Stephanie

Marcia (123 blog) - People on amazon are calling this book as “in the vein of Francis Chan’s Crazy Love” and that swayed me – I will buy it and I can’t wait to read.

SoCalLynn - I have read it and I love it. It has come at the perfect time for me as I am examining my existence and what I’m here for for the next 20 years. My youngest is graduating high school this year so that means I’m finished home schooling and I need to do something meaningful.

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me time.

March 5, 2016

last week i took a trip all by my big girl self.
i took my big suitcase so i didn’t have to think while packing.
i brought 6 pairs of shoes for a 5 night trip.
but that’s the beauty of free bag check… no over thinking.

my chicago bestie picked me up and took me straight down to Michigan Ave!
what a treat!
we shopped and walked and talked and ate for 11 hours straight.
literally.
my dream day. 🙂
and we were dumb and took NO photos at all.
who am i?

i got to spend time with her family who are three of my favorite people in the world.
i was able to to go to my former church on sunday ( i even worked in the nursery!). they treated me to chicago foods, tok me by my old house and saw the neighborhood.
we watched The Intern (could’ve been better but could’ve been way worse so it was… OK)
but mostly i was so happy to get lots of face time with Jen.

jenny has been through almost everything with me as a mom and a wife.
we met at church but also lived on the same hall in our apartment building… Glen Oaks forever!
there was one apartment between us – Frank.
she & dave were newlyweds and we were two years in.
we only had little bitty Lauren back then.
she even stayed with Lauren when we went to the hospital to have scott!
we were in a small group together that met every monday night for 8 years!
she’s been there for everything.
she was in the room for talby & annie’s birth.
she would’ve been there for sean’s but he was born so fast that even craig almost missed it.
Jenny’s my girl.
and i hate that we live so far apart.

after a few days jenny took me to meet up with Shannan for the second part of my trip.
and it just so happened to be National Margarita Day!
so obviously we celebrated.
we are proud americans – we had to!

love both of these girls so much!
and when i am with them i am not the tallest lady in the picture!
🙂

i had never been to Goshen, Indiana before.
i loved it.
we ate fancy pizza.
went thrifting.
laid around in yoga pants.
had massages.
ate fruity oatmeal.
watched season 4 Parenthood.
and i finally got to see Straight Outta Compton – just ask shannan about my rap history knowledge…
we talked till late and over breakfast and all day in-between.

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Howard liked me.
at least i am pretending that he did.

that blanket is a HUGE “quilt” that is crocheted!
each block is different!
it’s dreamy… i am hoping a certain college aged daughter will agree with me.

she made me tacos and homemade salsa with Siley’s help.
praise hands!

one funny story i don’t want to forget was that silas asked me in front of their whole family
“hey Megan… do you like Coors Beer?”
i laughed a little and said “do i like Coors beer? well… it’s not my favorite but i would drink it”
shannan said “WHAT?! Silas!! Why did you ask that?”
cory laughed and said “Silas why don’t you ask her again..”
Silas slowed down and said “Megan… do you like Cory’s beard?”

HA HA HAaaaaaa!

i told him i thought it was actually a pretty cool beard.
🙂

and then… Goshen had a surprise blizzard!
no kidding.
the day i got there her kids were riding bikes in shorts and then we woke up the next morning to this!
we haven’t had snow in kansas in two years!
i have missed it so much.

calvin shoveled the snow for the entire block!
what a cool dude!

Ruby and Silas made a snowman in minutes.
they played in the snow all morning because school was canceled of course.

we were bummed to hear my flight was on time so we loaded up and made the long drive to airport.
but shannan spotted this GIANT thrift store about 5 minutes before the airport and we had time so we hit it.
and just as we were getting ready to go.. stating our disappointment in how big the store was with so little to offer… i saw some black eyed susan peeking out from behind some other “art”.
i said “this has potential” and we wandered over.
it was this gorgeous original oil painting in every beautiful color with all my favorite flowers.
we both died.
then we couldn’t find a price… and you know what happens when there isn’t a price at a thrift store… no sale.
we weren’t going to stand for that.
we called for a manager.
she wasn’t as thrilled. she wasn’t going to budge. she told us to come back in two hours when it has gone through pricing again.
we said “we can’t come back – we don’t live here”
then she offered $20 in a frustrated voice.
S O L D.
the manager told the cashier “give it to her for $20… if we wait it’ll have a hole in it by 8:00”
so true.

shannan is providing foster care for my painting until we find a way to ship it.
i told her to hang up and enjoy it! Why not?!
make “Jack Baker” proud. (the signature in red on the bottom)
it was the perfect ending to my trip.

i came home rested and happy.
i loved having time with my friends one-on-one.
i enjoyed the sleep. the talks. the massage. the snow.
i was so happy to get a break from regular mom life.
and just as happy to come right back into it as well.

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meg duerksen - it’s an Orla Keily yoga bag from target. i do not use it for yoga. 🙂 i use it for my computer and all the crap i drag around with me everyday.

Janel - Where did you get that SUPER cute Black/white floral bag with the yellow handles….LOVE!

Mindy - What a fun trip for you! Friends are the best. I am cracking up over the Coors beer vs. Cory’s beard haha.

beth larson - I loved everything about this post Meg. Aren’t girlfriends just the biggest blessing??? Have a super great weekend! xo

meg duerksen - Michelle – i am pretty sure she meant that someone would accidentally ruin if it stayed there – it was fragile. 🙂

sharon / tpt - I mean. Your God-fearing, people-lovin, Coors drinking life. I love it.

Melanie - That painting is gorgeous! Congrats on such a great find and having such a good friend to hold onto it. Also, i LOVE your gray booties in one of the top photos. Brand? I am in desperate need of new shoes.

Michelle A - I think this might be the artist:
http://www.askart.com/artist/Jack_Baker/11086723/Jack_Baker.aspx

Nicole C - So funny! I live in Goshen and saw your thrift photo on Instagram and thought ‘I never have good finds like that’. I guess I need fresh eyes 😉 Also, that snow storm was nuts!

Marsha Kern - Wonderful trip!

Lauren Honaker - This might be a creepy comment but I live in Indianapolis and I’ll be driving out to the craft house in June. I’ve seen on IG that Shannan makes trips to Indy every so often. I’d be happy to drive your painting out if you’d like me to! -Lauren (@thehonakerhome)

Angela - Not the point of your post, but I am from Indiana and have been missing it so bad. My whole family still lives there, and I’ve been in Texas since 2006. I love seeing pictures from there, even if it isn’t my town, and I’m glad you had a great time with your friends. 😊

Michelle from Australia - I did a “Mum’s hiatus” trip in early 2014. I flew from Australia to Upstate New York. And they had a very unexpected 10″ of snow just after I arrived. This sub-tropical Aussie was in snow heaven. It was magical. That trip holds a very special place in my heart. It was such a time of re-energising for me. So much so that I’m doing it again in October and early November this year. Except I’ve added on a visit to Newton, KS on the way home. I’ve never been to Kansas before and I’m more than a little thrilled to mark ‘Go to Kansas’ off my Bucket List.

Kristin S - Oh, what a gift! There is nothing like time with friends.

jamie - i heart your friendship with jen. i got tears. i don’t remember ever hearing the history.

Julie - What an awesome break away. That painting is fabulous!!!

Michelle - and told the cashier “give it to her for 20… if we wait it’ll have a hole in by 8:00”
so true.

*******

Did she mean that you or someone else would put a whole in the painting — intentionally or accidentally?

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Q&A

January 23, 2016

on instagram a few days ago i asked for topics to share about here on the blog.
i love hearing from you!

some topics mentioned were:

– parenting tips for survival and sanity with schedules
– parenting teen girls
– dealing with mean girls
– how do we handle kids with phones and social media
– parenting regrets
– parenting big kids and staying close as they grow up
– what are your favorite things
– favorite fashion if money was no object
– Organizing photos/storage/printing
– what is your decorating inspiration
– how’s supper club so far?
– how was the happy hour with jamie ivey
– furniture painting tips
– how did you start craft weekend
– what devotional do you like and tell us about your bible time – how can you focus?
– can you share about your best, most loyal girlfriends?
– food choices, healthy eating and fitness
– dealing with Post Pinterest Inferior Syndrome (that was a cute one!)
– how do you balance life, work, hobbies
– what is your next house project
– what made you want chickens
– favorite family meals
– what blogs & IGs do you follow
– what are you reading

so… i am going to touch on a few here today.
and hit others soon.

most of the comments were asking to see our house.
gosh… you guys are very kind.
right now christmas decor is put away and nothing has taken it’s place.
so i am working on that.
we hung the barn doors up and i am working on how to make it pretty again.
i promise to show it as soon i do.

and the rest of the house.

if you are new-ish here you may not know there is a category in the sidebar for home decorating.
you can see all the post that have ever been tagged in that category.

How do you like living in a more modern house vs the vintage?
well… i don’t want to sound ungrateful in any way here so please don’t think i am.
i love this 14 year old house and i’ll tell you why.
i like having a garage. i like the big cement driveway. i like that it was built solid, sturdy and reliable.
i like that there is a tornado shelter! i like that all the windows work. i like having a sink in the laundry room. i love our block and location on our block. i like the gas fireplace! i like large open space. i like dry wall vs. plaster. i like i like that the plumbing & electrical is not even two decades old. it’s a really great house! i tell craig how much i like it here all the time.

BUT… if i could have an old white two story farmhouse with land and a view of sunsets and pretty fields with chickens all around the garden and an old porch with a swing…. i’d pick that in a heart beat.
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but with old houses comes old plumbing and probably a lagoon. Also drafty windows and doors and broken steps and paint that needs stripping and re-painting. it would most likely need new bathrooms and/or kitchen. there would be wallpaper to strip and I’m sure there would be trim that needed to be painted white. 😉 There would be much more work than this new house is.
And i would still choose that over the new.

BUT as 40 year olds with 5 kids, 2 jobs and a non-stop schedule AND another house… the newer, more reliable house is the best option right now.

and maybe ever. (cause we aren’t getting any younger)

What is your morning routine?
oh girls.
this one made me crack up.
because i am THE WORST about mornings.
and about routines!
i love sleep so much it’s not even funny.
but i hate to go to bed at night… i’m a total night owl.
it’s not falling asleep that i love… it’s the not getting up part.
summer break with big kids is the best thing ever! sleeping until 10 or 11? every day?! HEAVEN!
but i have kids in school now so i have to get up each morning.
we wake up around 6:30-6:45.
i make sure everyone got up with their alarm and i make coffee.
then i sit there and stare at nothing and drink the coffee while they get ready for school.
i say things like “did you put your homework in your bag yesterday?” “are you bringing a coat?” “tie your shoes please”
but really i have trained them to be VERY self sufficient.
they don’t actually need me to be awake but obviously i want to see them and help if needed.
then at 7:30 they leave and run down the block to catch the bus.
and just two weeks ago scott started driving so he leaves a little after them and drives himself & sean to school.
after that… if i have nothing going on that morning… i go back to sleep!
then i get up and drink more coffee and wake up real slow.
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probably not the inspiring go-getter routine you were hoping to hear… ha ha ha!

BUT i have a routine that i WISH i was great at and that i am attempting to try.
5:30 – workout
6:30 – coffee and quiet time
7:30 – shower
8:30 – have a productive day
hmmm…. it sounds horrible.
truly awful!
wish me luck.
it starts in the morning… i’m trying not to cry already.
i saw this blog post on pinterest and thought it was right on!
i’m going to try some of her tips.

being a grown up is dumb.

and last for today:
How do you maintain your house… no clutter, no piles?

well…. there ARE piles and clutter here.
but not crazy amounts i guess. (the laundry room doesn’t count)
house work is not my strength.
my husband is the clean one and the one who keeps things neat.
i am not a slob but i don’t have a binder with cleaning charts and a schedule either.
i am able to be pretty chill about all of it… clutter and mess do not undo me.
i have no trouble going to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes or unfolded laundry.

i’d say there are 3 things that help keep it under control.
1. the kids clean up their rooms and bathroom on saturdays.
that is their space and their responsibility… i do not get involved.

2. our kids alternate loading and unloading the dishwasher
(meaning i don’t have to do dishes every single day)
we started this as young as kindergarten for unloading.
right now my boys take turns loading the dishwasher and the girls unload.

3. i have a cleaning service.
the woman who cleans for me is absolutely awesome!
i spend several hours picking up the house in the morning on the day she comes so she can deep clean.
having professional help has kept the clutter & chaos down immensely.
she cleans the main floor of the house except for annie’s room and the guest room.
that means the kitchen, dining, living room, hallway, bathroom, my bedroom and bathroom.
i know that it’s not the answer for everyone to have a cleaning service… but i decided about 3 years ago that FOR ME it was absolutely worth the money because the keeping up with the housework had gotten to be too much for me with everything else going on.
i hated it!
i hated thinking about it, worrying about it and of course DOING it.
and i hated that i couldn’t keep up.
so for me – a cleaning service was the answer.
it has made my life easier and it is my favorite!
i am grateful and it’s freed me up to get other things done during that time!
AND she’s so much faster than i ever was.
when my kids were babies and toddlers it didn’t feel like the best use of money because little ones are tornadoes of mess 24/7.
but with bigger kids who are gone all day and many evenings… it is totally worth it!

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thanks for all the topic ideas!

and guess what i’m going to do now… yeah.
another basketball game.

🙂

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Amy aka aphotomama - Thanks for answering!! It is so encouraging to read your answers and just get the sense of you being you and being content with who you are and where God has you. It can be a struggle in today’s Pinterest/competitive world where it seems people are afraid to just be authentic and real. So thanks. Love the part about the country house. I grew up in the country in the house my great grandfather built. Every time it would rain hard, the basement would flood. Thanks for all you do and share! Hugs!!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Do you know what a relief it is to know that I am not the only mom in the world who love, love, loves her sleep? That is all.

Kimberlee Jost - I need a tshirt that says “being a grownup is dumb”. 😉

Lis - I think you did a post about this awhile ago but I can’t find it. What do you do for kids’ chores? Ours are 6, 7, 8, 8, and 14. The house is constantly a disaster and chores are essentially non-existent. I make them clear and load their dinner dishes but the rest (my fault) seems to fall on me. What were your expectations and do you pay them?

Jenny B. - Love the Q & A! 🙂 Love the picture/quote about cleaning with kids. So funny and true. I also identified with “cause we aren’t getting any younger.” My husband I will both turn 40 next month, and I am feeling some urgency about big decisions. Are we going to live in this little house for the rest of our lives? If not, then we need to get a move on! It’s like “someday” is upon us and it’s time to act. And, oh my word, are we saving enough for retirement? And, what about the kids’ college tuition? Oy… You’re right. Being a grown up is dumb (and time is still a jerk).

Amanda - 3 broken windows, a handful of others that don’t open, floors that are unlevel, trim not on, that needs painted, snakes in the scary cellar, kitchens and bathrooms waiting for time and money to be redone. I could go on. I wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time reading about this!! Just a week or so ago I asked Craig how you guys were liking moving from old to new. So funny reading this now. I’ll admit I almost had to quit and tell myself to breathe…it’s ok…we gave up some amenities for others. But the journey and potential ahead is exciting. And in all of its imperfections, it’s feeling more like home in 6 months than the other did in 10 years. So there’s that. 🙂

Marcia (123 blog) - I love reading your honest morning routine. I’m also not a morning person but sadly, I have to get to work so I wake at 6.45 most days.

Interestingly, I heard on Gretchen Rubin’s podcast a night owl said “I have to exercise first thing while I’m not awake” and I think the exact opposite. I am useless in the morning.

I live in an old house and I love it but Lord, the maintenance….. I sometimes dream of no draughty windows and doors, and things that don’t leak, and so on. Still deciding 10 years on 🙂

Can’t wait for the rest of the Q and A

Momma Ginny - Meg! You are adorable!! You remind me of myself! If that makes sense?! Thanks for sharing!!!

Lisa - Being a grown up IS dumb! Haha! I could not agree more. And I wanted to cry when reading your schedule you’re going to attempt. Waking up and working out at 530am?! I’m not sure i could ever do that! I have a hard time waking up at 730am! Haha! Fun to see a glimpse into someone else’s life!.;)

Kelly - These posts are so much fun! I clicked over to your old blog via a pinterest link the other day and you know what I kind of miss (I really liked it but I only kind of miss it because it was a time suck but oh such a fun time suck!) that little side bar you had of all the fun linkies! 🙂 Kelly

Heather S. - Oh Meg! You and I could not be more different, but I love that I still think you’re fabulous! If we were all the same, well, all but one of us would be redundant!
Going back to bed after coffee???? 🙂 Impressive. I’m far too awake after coffee – that’s when I hit the elliptical!
Love the honesty! Always fun to get a window into someone else’s world.

Tricia - Your morning routine is basically identical to my own, except we start at about 6am, because the school bus comes really early here. lol. I sometimes wish I was a morning person, but I’ve about given up hope.

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ordinary week

January 18, 2016

my giant barn doors finally came inside this weekend!!
HOORAY!
i am in love with how they change the space.
i’ll show it when i have it styled the way i like (which could be a long time but i’ll try not to let it be)
i wanted them to be hung on the wall because i wanted them to go almost to the ceiling.
so we had to figure out HOW to do that.
and it only took two trips to the hardware store.

cuddly brothers. IMG_0782-2
these guys are still here.
they are the world’s most boring pets… FYI.
and they creep me out.
i’m not “afraid” of them but they just gag me.

the bathtub at the craft house is heavenly.
it’s worth driving 15 minutes to take a bath.
100%.

talby had a volleyball tournament last weekend… those are crazy.
crazy loud. crazy crowded.
but love watching her play and smile and be silly with her team & her brothers.

and we had another week full of basketball games.
like… 9 games.

funny guy.
🙂

of out ALL our kiddos… i think annie may possibly love basketball the most.
which is fun to know we still have a lot of basketball in our future.
and that is serious. i am not being sarcastic.
i love to watch them play!
(i also love to stay home and do nothing but we get to do that all summer)

i love this 40’s house but i really do miss the chickens being out like when we at the farmhouse.

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last week was busy with scott, sean AND talby getting their driver’s licenses.
scott got his full license and the talby and sean got learner’s permits.
a learner’s permit means you can drive with any licensed driver over 21 in the passenger seat.
then at 16 (or after driver’s ed) they can get a restricted license that allows them to drive to work or school only.
it was a big week!

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i got to help make a meal for Scott & Sean’s basketball team last night.
i like those boys.
all of them.
and i am LOVING watching all their games this year.

i did some art journaling (keeping with my 2016 goal of creating something each week)
🙂

.
i started reading this book… I Quit Sugar
on paper it seems so easy.
and logically it IS.
but it’s so much deeper than that isn’t it?!
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i thought both of these books looked interesting at B&N this weekend.
The Paleo Kitchen and Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind
they both had really great photos and everything looks SOOOO good to eat!

silly
and keeping with pure randomness… these 4 pics cracked me up this week.
1. i don’t answer my phone unless it’s my child.
2. i cut my boys hair and they don’t love it but don’t want to go GET a haircut either.
3. this sign needs to live in my laundry room
4. i would like 7 of these tank tops. one for every day of the week. ha ha haaaaa

.
and lastly…. craig and i went out on a date (that i begged for) on saturday night.
(begged is a strong word) (threatened… ? ha!)
we ran into Barnes & Noble & i was chatting with mr. duerksen, looked up & said “well hey! that’s my friend Jeanne!”
and sent her this grainy pic immediately.
🙂

Jeanne has TONS of classes on her site but there is one going on right now called LISTENING.
she asked over 20 men and women to share our thoughts on Listening – Finding the Quiet and hearing the voice of God.
and i am one of those women and i did make a video about my personal struggles and praises.
so come join this free class!!!
it started january 1 but it’s not too late to join at all…you can still see all the videos.
listening-tagline_zps6kygw4ko1 listeningteacherscolor_zpsqjhdh1a51
alright.
my house is empty today! my husband is off work and the kids are off school but no one is here!
i am making PW Dr. Pepper pork in the crockpot.
my husband has requested Bread Pudding for dessert (see??? deeper than the logical I Quit Sugar)
and i HOPE we get to watch a movie tonight as a family.
(but no doubt there will be a football or basketball game on that can’t possibly be missed…)
HA.

did you see The Martian?! we watched that on friday and LOVED it!

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Cat Sasser - Please! I MUST know the name/brand of your toe nail polish in the bathtub pic! (It’s perfection!) 🙂

meg duerksen - Michelle- I don’t have that tank top. I saw it on Facebook but I bet if you google it you’d find a source.

Michelle - Where did you get the “Am I skinny yet” tank?

Jenny B. - Love your art journaling piece! My grandmother passed away at the beginning of January, and that was the hymn she had requested we sing at her service. <3

Love the barn door! How did you end up hanging it? French cleat? Have fun styling it! 🙂

meg duerksen - our walls are SeaShell Gray by Valspar.

meg duerksen - Shelly – i was just helping with the meal… but they served baked potatoes with chili and/or shredded pork as a topping. Not chili in bowls. and desserts. 🙂

Lisa - I just spent the weekend at a volleyball tournament with all 5 of my kids. It
IS loud and crazy. But so fun! I also need that laundry sign. Too funny! 😂

Andrea - we just watched the Martian… (it was really good and funny!)

Lisa D - OK – LOVE those doors! I grew up on a farm in SW Minnesota and I have a thing for barn doors!! 🙂
And….what color are you walls….almost a gray/white color??
Thank you for all of your wonderful posts – Lisa

Shelly - OK – what did you feed the team? I’m on my third team meal of the basketball season and I’m OUT.OF.IDEAS!!!!! Please help!! 😉

Kelly S - Read The Martian, then saw The Martian, and LOVED both!!!! (book was better, of course, but movie was fun and great). Excited to see The Revenant. I don’t know what revenant means? 🙂

Melanie - I was just thinking that my coffee habit is keeping me away from my goal weight, and how I would like to quit/reduce my sugar intake. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet, huh? le sigh. I’m with ya sister! Keep the faith, try try try again.

Michelle - My husband and I just watched The Martian last night and thought it was great! 🙂 Hope you have a good night with your family. I’m watching PW while my 3 month old naps….looking forward to the days of family movie night. We are in the throws of nursing and diapers! 🙂

Julie - Looking forward to seeing how you style those doors. We turned mine into my sewing table and another into my cutting and fabric storage table.

http://justjulielou.blogspot.co.nz/2014/08/weekending-sewing-room-edition.html

I have looked at going sugar free, but have decided that I am going to stick to the everything in moderation theory, besides I cannot afford all the nuts, fresh dates, cacao nibs etc you are meanto use instead in cooking and baking.

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forty?

October 2, 2015

so…. i had a birthday.
i turned 40 on september 30.
i made lots of jokes to my family the night before to not be scared when i turned into a creepy old lady in the night… i kept picturing the witch in Brave.
FullSizeRender-30
i know – what’s wrong with me?
but thankfully that didn’t happen and i made it through my big day without tears or a breakdown.
i thought all year about what to do on my day but as it got closer i was just too tired to plan something.
i booked a massage and facial at my favorite place… took my book and sat there in my robe for several hours.
then i hit tjmaxx because that’s what i do.
craig made me steak & added my favorite restaurants sides for dinner.
friends and family gifted me wonderful things.
there was homemade coconut cake!
my mom sent me a pretty coat!
all my social media outlets wished me happy birthday… my phone was on fire all day.
lots to be grateful for.
apparently i am even being whisked away with friends for a girls weekend soon but i have no details other than “pack a bag and be ready” I guess i can handle that kind of surprise. 🙂

i really can’t believe i am actually forty!
i guess i thought 40 would be different (not overnight but getting here in general)
i thought i’d feel old but i don’t.
i feel like I’m at the top of my game!
not to say that in a braggy kind of way… just meaning… i know who i am MUCH more than i did 10 years ago… or even five years ago.
i know the things i want in my life to take my time and what i don’t.
i am able to say no and know why i am saying it.
i can see things in people that i admire that i couldn’t recognize before.
i am not afraid of so much that i used to be.
i have confidence in who i am… and in how God made me.
i mean… i am not perfect or “done” or have life figured out BUT i am a lot farther than i used to be.
and that’s what 40 is supposed to be right?
getting better every year. 🙂
or at least trying.

so here i am at 40.
mother of five big kids.
wife of 21 years.
FullSizeRender-31
bring it FORTY.

and in unrelated news but totally related news…
i have heard lots of things about Nester’s 31 Day challenge over the years.
i know myself and until now could never commit to that – especially with writing.
i am too all over the board for that.
i love it for others but not with my brain.
but since it was october 1 and i had a moment to think i decided to do my own 31 day challenge.
Yoga.
not writing.
YOU should write if that is your thing.
or Paint.
or Read.
or Run.
but i am going to do Yoga everyday for 31 days.
and i’ll see where that leads…. maybe i will hate it… maybe love it… but i figured it was not too hard to commit to since it can pretty much be done anywhere and it can be as easy or hard as you make it to be.

so… that is my first two days of being in a new decade… Yoga committed.

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Lucy - Happy late Birthday!! I will be 30 tomorrow and totally relate to this post! I am so different than 10 years ago too! You are awesome! I love your blog!

susan@avintagefarmwife - Happy birthday! And enjoy your yoga-I predict you will love it. Is there Holy Yoga in your area? If so, I want to encourage you to check it out. It’s wonderful!

Carol S. - Happy and healthy birthday wishes to you dear friend! Great hair and makeup and fitness at 40. Sweet blog post. Nice that you appeal to many generations including this 52 year old. Fifties are pretty good too! I’ve been using the mantra “there’s joy at every stage” and am hoping that remains true for me and you.

Shellie - You look great! And, I totally get you. I’m 47, what, what? It’s crazy to even wrap my head around that, but it happened. I finally know who I am though, and it’s awesome! God has really shaken me up the past 5 years and I’m so, so thankful.
I hope you love yoga. I tried it for the first time about a year ago and I’m hooked.
Love, love, love it!!!
Enjoy!

Patty - Happy fortieth, Meg! As long as we continue to learn and grow, each year we get better. Wishing you health and happiness for the coming year!

PS The photo above is perfectly beautiful! Will you share your secret as to how you get such nice volume on top?

Courtney L - Happy Birthday Meg! 40 is Fabulous (so I hear, I’m just a couple years away myself)

I saw your coconut cake on IG and I had to run out and make one myself. By far the most decadent thing I’ve ever made, I LOVED it!

Thanks for being you, here’s to 40+ more fabulous years!

Dena - Happy Birthday!! I’ll be hitting that “milestone”, hack, cough, in May. Hard to believe how fast time flies. May God continue to bless you on your life’s journey!

Mary - Happy birthday!!!! Enjoy the celebration. And I’ve got ask, what color lipstick is that? It’s fantastic on you.

sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com - tjmaxx on your birthday (i have done that too) is so great because you let yourself buy that thing you’d normally put down and say ‘i shouldn’t’ every other day of the year.
i have visited Whatever for a long time ~ thanks for being you. all 40 years of you!!
also, your s-m-i-l-e matches your eyes 🙂 what could be better at your age?

Molly - Happy Birthday Meg!

Wait till you hit 50!!

But really I loved my 40’s, as you said I really feel that I hit my stride in my 40’s and I really enjoyed them. I felt like I knew who I was and where I was going so much better than in my 30’s. I hope your 40’s are all you imagine them to be. 🙂

Kelly - Happy birthday, Meg!!!! Thanks for sharing your colorful life with us here!

Katie - Glad you had a great day!

Amy - I’m a long term reader & fan of your wonderful blog. Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday! You look amazing! With love Amy x

Cindy - Happy Birthday Meg! have a wonderful time with the girls. I’ll be turning 40 in a few months and I love your honest thoughts on it all! absolutely love your blog and the inspiration!

Kathleen W. - Happy 40th Meg !! I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I feel as though we are on the same page about many things, it feels like I am catching up with an old friend when I check in to see what you and your family have been up to!. I will be turning 40 in January and everyone keeps asking what I want to do and a spa day is exactly what I want as well. You will rock 40 just as I plan too !!! Best wishes 🙂

val - You have a lovely heart Meg Duerksen, bless you. Happy birthday xx

Tasha - Happy birthday. I, too, am finding that the older I get the more comfortable I am in my own skin, even though that skin is developing a few wrinkles. I’d still prefer wrinkles to the insecurity and uncertainty of my youth :). Hope 40 is your best year yet.

Nicole - Happy 40! This 30 day series might help you with your challenge. It’s free and Adrienne is a great instructor! https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLui6Eyny-UzwxbWCWDbTzEwsZnnROBTIL

Amy K. - Happy birthday!! My grandma wrote “My 40s were the happiest time of my life” in my birthday card when I turned 40, and I think I agree with her… I can’t wait to see what the next half of my life brings!

Katie - Happy Birthday! I have been reading your blog since before Annie went to school. My oldest is the same age. You have the best blog! The only one I check consistently. Have a great year!!!

Deb Meyers - You are GORGEOUS Meg, and strong. bring it 40!

Southern Gal - Happy Birthday! Forty looks good on you!

You have heard of The Pixar Theory, right? Boo from Monsters, Inc. is actually the witch in Brave? 😉 Look it up. YouTube has a great video.

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i’m alive…

September 16, 2015

that could be my longest blog break to date.
totally accidental.
i was working my booty off on that 3rd floor room at The Craft House and then straight into camp and had no words left in me.
but i think i have some now again… thanks to several mornings of sleeping late.

i found this sunflower field several weeks ago and thought i would be able to go back for more photos.
because we all know how much i LOVE to photograph sunflowers!
but when i went back it was D E A D.
black.
over.
totally done.
so sad.
all i have is these phone pictures which will have to hold me over for another year.

Camp Create was crazy amazing.
i can’t wait to share about all the goodness.
but i am still trying to form my thoughts about it yet.

can we all just agree that raising humans is a big deal?!
especially the older they get and it’s tricky.
oy veh.
so many decisions.
so many ways we can mess up… or be awesome… or wish for a do-over… or step back and smile.
it’s so good and so hard all at once.
i love it everyday.
but sometimes i want to do it with a margarita in each hand.
these sunflowers were bigger than my face!

the morning after camp was over i went back off of sugar again.
because it was time.
i had gotten so lazy/stressed that i was eating it ALL.
all the sugars.
so it’s over now.
and it’s hard!!!
but i like things like my pants fitting… not wearing spanx… not looking pregnant… etc.
so the sugar had to go.

i would love to say its permanent.
but i like cake so much…. i don’t know if i could do it.
or if i would want to.
i think it’s a moderation thing.
and because my birthday is coming soon!!!

so i’ve taken three days to recover from the last two weeks of work and i’ve decided that’s enough.
thursday – i’m comin’ for ya!

🙂

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Lisa - Thanks for being real about parenting older kids. We are in the teen years with our oldest and it’s so fun on one hand but the mistakes she’s already made? Oy is right! 😜 Thankful she gets to learn about forgiveness and second chances with us cheering her on.

Jenny B. - My 40th is coming soon too. Are you having a hard time with leaving your 30’s? I am. I have never been bothered by age before, and I actually sort-of thought people who were bothered by it were superficial or just silly. I never understood why people always say life is short, but I’m starting to feel it. It’s not that I wish I could go back and live life differently, but I am not exactly looking forward to the future anymore. Getting older and fatter and grayer and more tired just doesn’t sound very exciting, you know? Anyway… Sorry to be Debbie Downer! I need to follow your lead and exercise and go outside and find something pretty to photograph. Oh, and not eat pie every night. 😉

Traci - Hi Meg, Awhile back you talked about some high wasted leggings you just loved. Could you send me the link on those so I can find them? Thanks!!

Jan - Will you share how you cook the chicken for your taco night? Looks yummy!

jamie - oh sugar. i just don’t have the willpower to stop eating it. but i would love to. so maybe someday. raising kids. just four hours ago my almost 20-year-old came home at 3:30am. i got up to go to the bathroom and knocked on her door and peeked in and said {are you just getting home? are you okay?}. she looked at me like i was an idiot. and lastly, there is a gigantic neverending field of sunflowers on the road i take into the nearby town where we do everything. i’ve been driving by it for seven years. people stop all along the road to take photos. this year the owners of the fields put up these obnoxious huge cardboard permanent marker signs {STAY OUT OF SUNFLOWERS} and {NO TRESPASSING}. i’ve never stopped or photographed them {it’s a busy country highway}. i know the field is owned by people. it’s their property. i get it. it was just sad to see such a thing after all these years. the joy those fields bring to people. it’s not like folks were cutting down half an acre and taking them home for vases. they would stand on the edge of the field and take a photo. i know. privately owned fields. but it still makes me sad.

Jen - You are so right about the sugars and you might have inspired me to do the same. Are you off just white sugar? Or fruit too? Giving up fruit always seems unhealthy to me, but I might do it if it makes my jeans a bit looser!

Stephanie - Definitely. Raising humans = huge deal.
Beautiful sunflowers!

Kathi - Raising humans is a BIG deal! I have 3 boys, 26,24,20. They are great guys, oldest is married. Many times I wished for a do over. I love the sunflower pictures, all we have here in Illinois is corn. Corn just doesn’t have a photogenic face 😉

Kristen K. - Ok, Birthday girl…when is the special day? Because I totally want to eat cake in your honor…wouldn’t want to miss it…you know, for you. I’d eat cake just for you. 🙂

tiffany day - omg totally agree about raising kids! and feeling like you mess it up everyday, wanting a do over ALL of it!! So stressful! In the throws of that right now! With you Meg! But you can do this! I am so thankful for grace!! And wine 😉

xoxo

Tracy - Raising humans? Yes, so challenging! A nearby margarita and supportive husband/dad (who also loves to drinks margs with me!) are very helpful!

I have 4 teens, ages 16,16, 17 and 19! Quite an adventure even though they’re really great, well-behaved kids! Good luck to us both, Meg!

Love the sunflowers! I live in Leawood (burb of KC) and missed a beautiful field west of us, too!! 🙁

Lee Ann - I’ve missed you! But I knew you were busy.

I’m off sugar – again – too. No amount of exercise seems to keep me in my jeans if the sugar thing is out of control. And I wish I could “just do a little”, but lately I just can’t. Seems to be all or nothing. Maybe it has to do with being 40? 🙂

Lorri - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the sunflowers! And parenting? Oh gosh … pour me a margarita, too!

Beth Ann - “but sometimes i want to do it with a margarita in each hand” YES! PLEASE! My oldest in only 9 and in 4th grade, but I am already struggling! She keeps asking friend advice and dealing with drama – I feel entirely ill-equipped to provide advice because I am probably the worst at friendships – I have the whole “f-it, I don’t have time for this and don’t need it” mentality and just walk away. I just KNOW i would provide better advice if I walked around in life with a margarita in my hand!

Tiffany - Can we all just agree that raising humans is a big deal?! YES!

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i’m loving…

July 18, 2015

well… i’m home.
another trip and lots of driving and packing/unpacking/more laundry.
i love to be taking trips and adventuring but i also LOVE being home!

we hit the beach in michigan for 5 nights (everything was booked otherwise we would’ve stayed longer!)
and i didn’t wash my hair the entire trip!
i can do more with my hair when it’s not freshly washed – it’s not so heavy and slick.
my friend shared her favorite dry shampoo and i couldn’t believe it.
i was buying the dumb $18 can because as far as i knew it was the only option.
they were all around $16 – $20.
i loathe paying big money for beauty products.
i always have.
that is why i still use noxema and generic oil of olay on my face.
so when amy said “i just use the dove brand dry shampoo” i was giddy!

Dove-dry
it’s $4 at target and walmart.
YES!!!

ok… the song that i am loving right now is “Dearly Departed” by Shaky Graves.
craig and i have been listening to this band non-stop because of this song.

that video above is the acoustic version… after his interview.
i love the radio version too.
but don’t love the music video because i don’t care for ghost/zombies…
BUT THE SONG IS SO GOOD.
so you should listen to both. 🙂

you’re welcome.
🙂

and what else am i loving?

mojitos.

jenny made excellent mojitos on vacation and i want one right this second.
click that photo for the link.

ok… i have a ton of laundry to do!
happy saturday to you!

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Carol S. - Super fun idea with all the trimmings. Wow! Your flower pots are booming, really love the colorful punches all around. We had a yummy casserole for dinner then all watched a movie on Netflix. Just being together makes for a great night!!

Heather - Suave has a great smelling dry shampoo too. I’ve found it at Target. I have a couple of pricey ones too but usually pull out that one bc it’s quick.

Nichole - If you like Shakey Graves you might also like Channing and Quinn. My favorites are “Fall” and “Slow Burn” on their Temporary Things album. You can find it on Amazon under digital music.

Lyn - I’m seeing Shakey Graves in Jackson,WY in A few weeks while on vacation with my family! I can’t wait! I also use that dove dry shampoo. It’s my fave drigstore brand!

Lindsay F. - I LOVE that Dove dry shampoo!! Like big puffy heart love! I’ve used several in different price ranges and it’s definitely my fave! I have fine, straight hair and I use it daily for some texture and oomph!

Angela - I’ve only recently gotten up the gumption to try dry shampoo. I wasn’t convince it would work on my hair. Anyway, I’ve really come to love the Not Your Mother’s brand of dry shampoo. It’s also super cheap at Target, so if you’re looking for options, I’d recommend it.

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