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November 11, 2013

this sky last week.
it was SO unreal… looked like a painting.

those clouds went on and on and on.
for as far you could see… tiny puffy clouds.
i pulled over on a dirt road to take this shot.

waffle is a big baby.
if i would let him up into my lap he would try it.

kitten squeezes and loves happen every where.
even on the trampoline.

finally get some more running in.
like once a week.
but i am making my way back.
scenes like this make it much easier to be out there running. 🙂
we scheduled a race again in december (4 miles) just to get out there and not be too tempted to give up.
i am looking forward to it. (and the starbucks afterwards)

i spent the weekend with these lovely ladies…and twelve more awesome girls too.
we finished out 2013 Craft Weekends.
number twenty. i never dreamed it would be this much fun.
so crazy wonderful!!!
we had perfect weather… great projects and super creative women to hang out with.
always such a fabulous time. i will write all about it by next week.
and now…
i get 10 weeks off.

i feel very energized by that statement.
there are so many things i have been wanting to do but just haven’t had the energy for.
my mind has been focused on craft weekends and being a mom and wife.
there wasn’t much more room for anything else that took thinking or planning.
but now i am pumped for the stuff i want to make… lists to check off…. projects i want to start.
i feel ready to get crafty…. for ME and not for work. projects i want to make that are not test runs for CW.
just M A K E stuff for the fun of it.
artsy people need that ya know?
a time to refresh.
i am sure all kinds of people need that… it just looks different for all of us.

so we started right away on a project…. the third floor.
that junk that is up there has been bugging me forever!
craig went through it all with me and carried loads down the three flights and out to the curb.
he made my day.
i found his college basketball uniform while sorting… and of course i put it on and kept it on the entire time we cleaned.

and now that third floor is cleared of all junk.
ready for some ideas that i can dream up.
ahhhhhh….. feels so good!!!
what will the third floor become?! i think i know!
wait and see.

talby has a birthday on tuesday… her GOLDEN birthday.
she turns 12 on the 12th. she turns 12 on 11-12-13.
isn’t that fun?
she is going to have a great day.
i am going to make sure of it. 🙂

she baked and decorated all these cupcakes to bring to school.
she is really awesome.
and man is she funny!
she is hilarious.

i am so glad we get to have her in our family.

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kerry - Toooo much excitement in one post!

those clouds… those cupcakes… that jenny on the spot!

so so lovely. happy birthday talby darling! xx

Kirsten J - Happy birthday Talby! All day today I kept telling people it was a special day….what a cool date for your golden birthday 🙂

Alicia @ La Famille - Kinda teasing us hardcore with the third floor thing there….

Also its my dad’s birthday today and I thought 11-12-13 was so cool!

Karen Gerstenberger - Happy Birthday to your lovely Talby! I’m so glad you mentioned the golden birthday; it’s our David’s golden birthday this month, too – he’ll be 21 on the 21st. My husband said, “Does anyone even think about that anymore?,” and I said, “Yes!” So glad that you do this, too.

Kat - You should frame that pic of the sky and fields, it is amazing.
The sky looks gorgeous and those colours, sigh.
I hope Talby has a good b’day. I saw on facebook where Waffle ate the cupcakes, oops! 🙂

Sara - You look fabulous Meg! I like your hair longer 🙂 Your third floor space looks dreamy….can’t wait to hear what you have in mind. And-I’m so happy for you that you get a break! I love creating to my heart’s content……it is just so satisfying. Enjoy your much deserved break! 🙂 (I use that term loosely…mama’s and wives are always working) 🙂

Jenn - Those leaves! Ah! What a wouldn’t give to have leaves like that. So beautiful! Looks like all good times. Enjoy your break. Can’t wait to see the third floor, maybe in person.

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love these kinds of posts. sweet and lovely. 🙂

CathyC - Oh my gosh! When my group was there we were all dying to know what you would do with that third floor space! Can’t wait to see what it will be.

Tracy - What a fun date for a birthday!! Happy Birthday, Talby!!

Is that the 3rd floor of the craft house or the farmhouse? I can’t wait to see what you do 🙂

Have a great week!

kim - that first pic might be my most favorite ever! 🙂
i think you should make it a canvas, too!

mindy - Can’t wait to see what you come up with for that 3rd floor space. You are just so creative! Love all your pictures, as always.

Jaime ♥ Raising up Rubies - the third floor suspense is killing me.

Chris - Happy birthday to your Talby! I agree with Kelly- it’s cool that your kids can take homemade treats. We can only bring prepackaged stuff which is no fun.

I can’t wait to see what you do with the 3rd floor. We checked it out (since you said we could) it has so much potential!!

Marsha Kern - Happy Birthday to Talby! Do you guys still like living in the country? Will you ever move back to town or will it stay the country? Marsha

kelly - So cool that you guys can take home made treats to school.. That is a thing of the past around here…. Her Cupcakes are awesome and so is she…

Samantha - Happy Birthday Talby! I wish we can take homemade cupcakes to school but they have to be store bought to even be allowed on campus 🙁

Tiffany - I love birthdays and cupcakes, Happy 12th Birthday Talby!!!

Christy - Happy Birthday Talby! I hope it is a good one. The last year of being a preteen!! And Meg, I can’t wait to see what you are going to do with the 3rd floor. A blank slate…so exciting!

Betsy - Hey!! My son turns 12 today too 🙂 A special day indeed!!!

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wednesday list

June 26, 2013

1. wicket has taken a big space in our hearts over here. she is a total spaz. she leaps and jumps all over the place and she is fast! everyone loves her so much already.

2. i miss making things. it's been forever. i am just so busy. that is the dumbest excuse. i need to just do it. no plan. nothing… just start. because it is what makes me feel the most like myself.

3. i am reading The Help. i am not an awesome reader that pours through books and can't put them down… but it is growing on me. and i will be honest that i actually love that i have seen the movie so i can hear the voices in my head as i read it. i can hear emma stone's low gritty voice. i am pretty sure that is the opposite of what "real readers" say when reading a book that has been turned into a movie. oh well. i think i am finally outgrowing my A.D.D. or at least stablizing a lot more which is why i can read more than i could in the past. but i am not a doctor so really who knows what the deal is!

4. i mentioned again about the sky during talby's ball game last night to her and she said "I KNOW! it's like so beautiful every single night!" she is right. kanasas just seems to ROCK OUT in june!

it was blinding but so pretty!!! half cloudy. half storm blowing in. scorching hot. sun setting. it was just lovely.

5. my friend kerry is a garage sale queen. she finds all the good stuff! look what she has found for me!

that means more awesome maps coming soon to the SHOP!!

YAY!!

6. i get the night off so i am going to go enjoy some quiet time A L O N E. i am quite ready for that.

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Bree - I read the book after seeing the movie as well…and was SO GLAD I did! The book was better but having seen the movie helped it be even better since I was able to “see” and “hear” the characters. Glad to know I’m not the only one!

Sarah @Professional Doctorates - Wicket is so adorable. I can imagine that you guys just love that kitty to bits and pieces. I have fallen into a crafty funk lately as well. I just have not had the time to really create things. I miss it.

Jenny B. - I am the same way about books made into movies. I didn’t read any of the Harry Potter books until after I saw the first two movies. I loved that the movies did the hard work for me. 🙂 I love the audio versions of those books, too. It’s like watching the movies, only better since you get the whole story. 🙂 Anyway… not sure if you’re a Harry Potter fan, but just thought I’d share how I relate. Have fun with all those maps! You should use a few to make something for yourself. 🙂

misty tharp - would it be possible to get the cow print in a special listing in a 16×20?

Lisa - I LOVE Wicket! I just love orange kitties. We just got a new kitten for my son (no, really, it’s supposed to be his kitten!) and he is just so much fun to watch and to play with. Even my husband who proclaims to not like cats, can’t help but pick up the kitten and snuggle with it – I have proof – I took a picture of him while the kitten was snuggled up to his neck and they were both sleeping. 🙂 I love our Kansas skies, too! And watching them while sitting at the ballpark watching our son play ball is just some great summer fun. And I know what you mean about “needing” to create – I just found a free coloring sheet online of a beautiful design and I can hardly wait to get home tonight (after the ballgames) and get out my colored pencils!

Tracy - I loved The Help. If you’re going to read a book, that’s the one to read! Stick with it!!
Excited to see the new maps in the shop.
Hope you ENJOYed your evening!!

Jodi - I do the EXACT same thing with books! I love reading them after I see the movie. The Help was one of my favorites to read that way!

Kelly MB - Another Kansan here who is often amazed by the sky, especially when storms are rolling in! I am an avid reader… as in I read just about every single day. I am currently reading the Harry Potter books for the first time, after seeing all of the movies, and I agree.. because I did it in this order I can see and hear the characters much more clearly. When I read a book first and then watch the movie I am often disappointed that the characters are not how I pictured them in my head. And it never bothers me that the ending has been spoiled!

Dena - Enjoy ” The Help”. I loved the book; read that first, but was disappointed some in the movie as there is so much they didn’t include.

Lisa - Hi Meg, I rarely comment here because you get SOOO many that is seems like it would just get lost in the shuffle, BUT….don’t feel bad about your “ADD!” As a mother for 23 years so far, I believe you’ve just been too busy and distracted to fully concentrate on books. As with your crafting, reading is my outlet and when I am happiest. As my kids have gotten older I feel like I enjoy reading EVEN more. And even though I’m still “mothering” in some way every single day (my youngest is home from college for the summer), I truly treasure the escape that reading gives me. I’ll bet you will start to read more as the kids get older……

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Hope your enjoy your alone time. Maybe you will make something 😉

Kori - Loved The Help…in book and movie form. Reading is my favorite. 🙂

Rach - I’m with you on #2. I have a 2 and a 4 year old. I can’t even sew a hem without being interrupted. 🙂

Tiffany - 1) Who wouldn’t love that adorable face! Oh my. I need to find myself a kitten stat. Just to play with, not bring home. I’m pretty sure my hubby might kill me if I bring another cat home.
2)I’ve been using my kids’ nap/resting time in the afternoons to create recently. Mostly little things to decorate for my future sister-in-law’s wedding shower this weekend. I’ve made 3 different kinds of bunting. I blame you. I never heard of bunting before you! It’s fun creating!
3)I’m self proclaimed ADD too! It was always tough for me to focus on something like reading when I was younger too. Finally managing it well as an adult. If you like funny, check out Jennifer Lancaster’s memoirs. Laugh out loud funny!
4)That sky! Are you kidding me?! That’s amazingly beautiful! As you post about beautiful Kansas weather it has me cursing my ancestors that decided to hunker down in Minnesota.
5)Love me a good garage sale! Lucky you to have a friend help you out that way!

CathyC - That sky is incredible. It looks like a piece of heaven.

Kerri - I loved reading the The Help! Since I am a teacher, reading for pleasure has to wait until the summer! On my list to read is Bread and Wine and Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist, Kisses from Katie, Sparkly Green Earrings and A Little Salty to Cut The Sweet. That Kansas sky is gorgeous! I see an angel with her wings when I look at it!

Rhonda - Meg..
I wanted to tell you that I used your idea of a shaving cream battle at my son’s ‘end of 2nd grade’ class party. It was amazing. (I got the idea from one of your posts last summer.)I am guilty of using ideas , and never following up with giving thanks to those who deserve it! So Thank You! I love your blog.. thank you for sharing your many talents. Take Care
Rhonda
This is what the teacher wrote about the party.
Thank you to all of you who turned out for the incredible last day party! If you came, I am sure you are glad you did! I can say unequivocally that I have NEVER seen children have so much fun!!! That is spoken by one who has taught for 28 years (and had 3 sons)! Not ever: it was unrestrained joy! Every child experienced it. It was interesting to watch some children hold back for a while, and finally they couldn’t stand it, and joined in the fun.
I truly wish we could start the school year with such an experience. The children were all BFF’s by the end of the shaving cream extravaganza!

Heather Simnitt - The Help is one of my favorite books ever. Read it in less than 48 hours…and if I recall it’s like 500 pages, so that’s a lot of reading while I’m supposed to be training up some kids. I even invited their friends over to spend the night so they’d all be happy together and let me alone to finish reading it. Sick, huh?
And you are so right, the sunsets in Kansas are the most amazing I have seen in all the places we’ve been. Homegrown Kansas sunsets are the BEST!

Katie - I made the white chocolate mint Oreo dreamy creation from your Monday post with my kids this morning…it was ready by afternoon snack time. It is awesome! Thanks!

Terrie - I loved ‘The Help’! Hope you enjoy it as much.
I can’t start a book unless I have the time to finish.
I’m a read until it’s finished kind of person.
I try to stretch it out…I’m really trying. 🙂

tere - Sounds like a great Wednesday. And I have that Target purse…I mean bag…I love the color and all, but I don’t know, I can’t find a darn thing in it. Enjoy your alone time. xoxo

Janelle - I actually took the two maps I bought from your shop to the framers today! Beautiful white wood frame with burlap matte – can’t wait!

Allison - You could try listening to audio books while you craft or clean. I often listen to them (or podcasts) when I am working on my artwork and it is a great alternative to music. Most of the voices are excellent and add a whole new dimension to the story. I download them online and put them on my ipod, so it is super convenient (most libraries have a great selection as well). Hope this helps! Happy reading!

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wowza!

January 21, 2013

well…. how awesome are you?

i was not sure i could meet my goal of 50 stoves…$1000.

and as of NOW we have raised $4230 and sponsored 211 stoves.

THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!

let's keep this momentum going!

🙂

we have five more days…. let's hit $5000!!!!! i bet we can!!

thank you to everyone who gave so far!
the adventure project thinks you are so cool.

—————————————————————————————————————-

this fake commercial was on Saturday Night Live last week.
i thought it was very funny….

also The Lumineers were on!!!!
they were so so SO goooooooood!
did you see it?
you should go over here and watch and then watch this one too!
they are pretty dreamy to listen to.

i meant to have my craft weekend post up and ready today.
but it's not gonna happen.
i have been so busy….very happily busy… all good stuff.

how about some instagrams from the past week-ish?

annie loves to go to the thrift store with me.
i told her she could pick one thing only….. i wish she would have chosen that couch!
instead we came home with that valentines bear from 2006.
i know it's 2006 because that is what is on the bear's foot.

my favorite mug.

kimberlee's coffee cake….it was totally delicious.

many monrings look like this over here.

i went back to the mall last week and the gold shoes
that were completely covered in gold glitter were 70% off!
score.

annie shouted "MOM pleeeeeease can i get one of these?! They are only $39.99!!"

only???

ran five miles by myself…. well, me and the avett brothers and mumford & sons.

tulips.
they are so nice on the eyes.

talby found these in the bathroom and wanted to know WHY?
Why do we have them? Whose are they? What are they for? Where did they come from?

(they are a mold of craig's teeth…fascinating right?)

a vase of dr.seussy flowers were sunny and nice during this FREEZING week we have had.

so cold.
going running in this cold weather is quite something.
frozen thighs no matter how far we go.
but the reward will be endurance when the weather improves…. right?
i hope so.

i love this breakfast.
cutie…greek yogurt… granola… coffee with LOTS of half & half.

cleaning at the craft house is always pretty decent because it's all so pretty to see.

i steal my husband's socks for cold running…. they are just better.

on friday we did our run and then gathered at my friend's house and helped her prepare 25 meals for her freezer as a birthday gift to her. :)
the gift was helping it get accomplished.
she is super organized so we did what we were told and it all worked out great!
that is my favorite way to cook… "just tell me what to do"

i chopped and chopped and chopped.

then i put together calzones.
it was a lot of work but so worth it! it's a GENIUS way to cook meals.

saturday morning i snuck in some time under a blanket with coffee and my book.
the sun came up and became too much for me sit there anymore.
but i will take that sunshine anytime!

i took sean to his basketball tournament for the day… just the two of us.
he had three games and i really enjoyed it all.
it has been SO MUCH fun to watch my kids improve in their sports this year.

after sean's three games we went to scott's game at our old high school gym!
it was very surreal to be there as a grown up… as a parent… of a HIGH SCHOOLER?!
so weird.
and lots of the same people sitting or standing in the same place they did when i was in high school?!!

i am reading The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out.

it's wordy but so far it's reeeeeally good.

"for grace proclaims the awesome truth that all is gift"

sunday night swimming…. yes please.
craig and sean spent almost the whole time wrestling.
why do boys do that so much?

talby organized all annie's babies for her so annie had to feed them all before going to bed herself.

and this morning…. we ran 6.17 miles in 17 degrees.
it was HARD.
but it's done. THANK GOODNESS!

then we met AGAIN but this time at the craft house and we made freezer to crock pot meals!
we made 6 recipes all together and bagged them in freezer ziploc bags!
awesome.

touching all that raw meat all day was kinda gross but i think we will all happily eat it.

i will definitely blog the recipes we tried and show more pics of that soon!
i honestly can't wait to do it again!

and now i am stinkin' tired.

i am going to bed.

thanks again for the stove sponsors!!!

you are RAD!

if you haven't given yet and you want to… CLICK HERE and it will tell you how.
it couldn't be easier.

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Jaime Melcher - Will you share the 25 meals for the freezer with us? I would love to do something like this… just tell me what to do! 🙂 Smiles!

tinaehb3 - the commercial is hysterical!!!!!!

jennibell - Your Annie and my Margaret would get along so well!!! She always picks out stuffed animals or some other gross thing like that at thrift stores but I say “no”. . .it has to be something that can be washed without falling apart — ha! And she would completely want to help Annie feed all those babies too 🙂 Yea on the stoves and double-yea on the running in 17 degrees. . .I.could.never.
And we’ll have our first high-schooler next year. . .wow.

Angie - How in the world do you manage to accomplish so much? There are so many awesome things in this post I don’t even know what to comment on. What I do know is that Freezer Cooking is awesome. I wish I could find the time & dedication to do it!!!

Lennie Jackson - Love the couch also! I bought a stove :). Hope you surpass your goal!!! Way to carry out God’s work a little at a time.

katie - When I saw this I thought of you.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/united-colors-of-benetton-kids-stripe-sweater-dress-little-girls-big-girls/3323704?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6655

denise@victory rd. - snl clip is hilarious.
want your polka dotted.
it’s too cold to run (and i live in cali. wimp).
ragmauffin words, so so good. i don’t deserve Him and His love either.

Tracy - Congrats on the stove donations!!
Can’t wait to hear about the crockpot meals!!!

amanda - Woot! It’s amazing what people with a purpose can accomplish!

Lisa - Freezer to crockpot meals sound awesome – totally what this working-outside-the-home mama needs. Can’t wait to hear more about it! 🙂

Erika - I LOVE your blog and look forward to reading it every day!!!! This is my first time posting. I am amazed and so proud of you for running in the cold…brrr!!! I also would love to know the freezer to crockpot meals and what the other meals your friend organized for you guys to make for her birthday. What a fantastic idea!!!!
Erika
essvedy@aol.com

susan - Love all the pictures, Meg! I have to tell you that I went to Ikea this weekend and saw that tray and thought of you! I almost bought it, but got the long rectangle with rainbow dots instead.

Lisa M. - That’s awesome about the stoves! Great job!
And you ran in 17 degree weather?? I’ve stopped running outside at the moment cuz it’s reeeeaaallly cold (1 degree today) and I don’t know if I’d make it. My problem is clothing. I always start out really cold then half way through I’m taking off gloves, my hat and wishing I could shed some clothes! I think I might have just been inspired to go out (no, not in 1 degree). Maybe when it gets above 20 🙂

Lisa - Wowza is right!!! So awesome how many stoves were bought!

Jenny B. - So fun! One random question… Do you like your new rainbow knives? 🙂

Janna - CONGRATS!! AWESOME!!! On the stoves AND the running;) Had to comment and say hey! that’s my fav mug too;) Is it a RE mug from Target? I just got one at Goodwill a few weeks ago, same color, and it’s my new fav! Your flowers look so yum. Makes me wanna go buy some. And I just printed off 19 recipes to double and a groc list from pinterest to do freezer to crockpot meals. Can’t wait. I LOVE your idea of doing it with friends for their bday.Genius! Also I am so in love with the Craft House and CW I can hardly stand it. I am 34 now and told my best friend that is what we are gonna be doin in ten years. Sounds like the BEYOND DREAM JOB!! I hope her and I can come to a CW before ten years tho. YOU ROCK!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I am blown straight away that you ran 6.something miles in 17 degrees. I mean…Superwoman. I ran 1.1 mile in the warmth of my basement and thought I might die. And I walked half of it.
Also: The stoves!!!!!!!!!!!!! woop woop!

Tiffany - I’m so happy for you with the success of the stoves! See the difference you make?! Amazing! YOU rock!

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it is friday after all…

November 23, 2012

well..annie's broken arm changed a lot of my plans this holiday.
i am supposed to be black friday shopping with my mom & sister and going out to breakfast.
it's such a fun day together.

i hope you girls went anyway!!
missed you this thanksgiving.

we ate a lot… twice.
annie was so worn out and said "can we please go hooooome?"
and requested the yucky tasting stronger medicine.
poor baby.

i thought i would share my instagram pictures from the past few weeks.
and NEXT week i will have those giveaways i told you about. :)
broken bones and surgery trump blog posts.

1. rainbow? i think i am needing a new bible… 2. breakfast & blocks with annie (pre-broken arm)

3. waffle is a pretty sweet dog. i like him. 4. i was having an arm party with some of my faves.

5. kansas sunsets are rad. #nofilter 6. 31" Batman dolls are super creepy and BIG.

7. lunch with annie at school last week 8. got lost in a new (to me) antique shop 🙂

9. made glazed apple bars…. holy heck YUMMM! 10. creating while we listened to christmas music

11. new pants in my closet…annie & i will be twinsies. 12. playing with my globe collection at the Craft House

13. my new stern notes i wrote on the washer and dryer. my kids do their own laundry and i am so tired of the laziness that has taken over in the laundry room.
i also taped the the laundry chute closed… out of order children!

15. ten baskets AND a mountain of bedding… REDONK. 16. got my hair did…love sitting under the dryer.

17. pumpkin waffles for thanksgiving breakfast! 18. strengthening her bones… GO ANNIE!

19. craig's uncle & aunt got a new puppy… we were smitten. 20. my sean is… awesome. :)

are you on instagram?

i am Meg Duerksen on IG… come follow along.

are you going out black friday shopping?
i am in the morning…starbies first….then all my favorite shops but it won't be the same without you mom & lorel!

i actually LOVE black friday.
it's not as crowded as you think.

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lorraine tuohy - my most precious piece is my late mom’s engagement ring, what makes it even more special, is that she gave it to me before she passed. She said I want to see you enjoy it while im still here!

Christina - Poor Annie!
Your pictures are awesome, as always. I need to get to creating with these children of mine!! Your house always looks so fun.
Well, not the laundry part. 🙂 It looks just like mine in that regard!! haha! I like doing laundry, the smell of the detergent as it’s going…it’s the putting away part that kills me! I want a dresser for each person right in my laundry room! So…I need a pretty big room. ha!
Thanks for sharing your life. It always makes me smile. You have a way of making life look so beautiful. (I need that inspiration!) (I hope that doesn’t sound as lame as I think it does…I’m trying to compliment you, not sound pathetic! 😛 )

Nicole G - Meg, I just want to say Happy Holidays to you and your family and thank you. Your blog is a place I can go to when I am feeling not so happy about the current state of things in life. Your positive attitude and gratefulness for the wonderful things God has given us each day really opens my eyes and reminds me that I am blessed in so many ways. I am so thankful that you share your world with us for it really means a lot to many, myself included.
God Bless you and your family,
Nicole

Jenny B. - OH NO! I’m so sorry about Annie’s broken arm! I just now checked your blog and went back and read the past couple of posts. That SO stinks. 🙁 Praying for quick healing.

Andrea @ This Pug Life - The only place I went for Black Friday was Michael’s. I popped in before work. My store was dead! I bought an embarrassing amount of ribbon, but at 70% off, I couldn’t help myself.

Alisha - Poor Annie. I hate it when you can’t take the hurt away. Just makes your heart sink. Where did you get the ADORABLE round link fabric covered bracelet? I must have one of those!!! 🙂

Lori Austin - Keep thinking about poor Annie. I remember my broken arm so well. Not being
comfortable is NO fun. 🙁
Love the bracelet party on your arm. Pretty!
A little Black Friday shopping for me. Nothing worth going out super
early this year so I took my time getting up, showering, making hot tea and
then heading out. I did see Christmas cards with *your* Whatever verse and
thought of you. 🙂

michelle - meg,
i am cooleyfamily on IG. sorry your plans were foiled but glad you made lemonade outta those lemons. god is great all the time.
peace,
michelle

Andrea - “Redonk” and “Starbies” funny words! Laundry is my arch-enemy! WHERE does it come from ALL the time? Why? How? I don’t understand it!! I am impressed you have your kids do laundry–I should start, or maybe not! Ugh!

Kirsten J - Poor Annie – well, you’ll have to make next year a great Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, I went at midnight with my kids. My 22yo was going to take my daughter and her friend, but my husband thought better of that idea, and somehow that translated into hubby staying on the couch and me driving the kids. At least I took a little nap before. Target was not bad at all since we didn’t want electronics, then American Eagle and Aero were all ours as well. We drove through McDs at 2:30 and the girls proclaimed it “the best shopping trip ever”. And my brother-in-law took over pies this year so there was normal pumpkin, and a “Hoosier” pie – not bad, and thankfully no Splenda.

s - Hope the arm heals – poor thing!!

Ashley - Sean is also your TWIN!!!!! OMG I never noticed before how MUCH he looks like you! Like……EXACTLY LIKE YOU! 🙂 cute!

Jacci in Ohio - I’m “mrsmogun” on Instagram, btw. Confusing to have multiple usernames, huh?
Have a great weekend!

Jacci in Ohio - It makes me happy to see you drinking out of my mug 🙂 I think I mentioned this on IG, but my kids call that my Covenant Mug. I’ve told them before that it always reminds me of the promises of our God… our God Who never changes and is always faithful, even when we are faithless. So, it’s happy to me to see you with it. I drink my morning coffee from it almost every day.
Also, poor Annie 🙁 She’s the same age as my middlest… breaks my heart to “see” her hurting for so long. Praying for her.
And thanks for the Waffle peek! I miss that dog! 🙂

lorel - next year, baby! next year. we missed you too. 🙂

Kerstie Pederson - No Black Friday shopping for me. My son BROKE HIS ARM yesterday! NOT EVEN KIDDING!!!
ER last night, Doc today, now sleepy time. 😉

christy - So sorry that lil’Annie is in so much pain. Poor lil’ munchkin.
Went out last night & the lines were cra-azy, I decided to go back home. Then b/c I oculdn’t sleep went out about an hour later & was home by 11 with a few small items, but not the big item on my list. Scored that today, thank you Amazon! Hope you had a nice time, even though you were missing your momma & sis.

Kerry Wiebe - Went out and conquered! Love LOVE LOOVVVVEEE the black friday! I hope you found your kitchen aids 🙂

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Hubby and I went BF shopping last night(after dropping the girls off at Nanny’s for a sleepover:)) and then again this morning. Last night was INSANE! We usually don’t go out until Friday afternoon but last night one of the stores was so crowded and so HOT that I nearly passed out.
Everyone was generally in good spirits though(which was a nice surprise after being a little taken aback by the ambulances at every store entrance). Except for one woman who loudly proclaimed behind us at one point “If I don’t get a F%$&^#@ TV I’m gonna rip someone’s head off. WOW.Some people scare me:)

Leadia Jarvis - Hope Annie’s feeling better. Hopefully we can continue our “no broken bones” streak at our house because that doesn’t sound fun. Did it happen on the trampoline? Say “no” because we have TWO! I went Black Friday (or technically Black Thursday/Friday) shopping for the first time yesterday. I was scared, but if you go in with a plan and don’t browse, it’s not that bad at all. I only slept 4 hours so far today. LOTS of coffee is in my future!

Ann Williams - LOVE that Annie is smiling even though she has had a tough week. 🙂

Amy - Hey I have that same rainbow mug!! My favorite!
So sorry about poor Annie. Sometimes holidays just work out a little differently than planned, so I hear ya. Our Thanksgiving ended with a trip last night to the E.R. with my 7 year old son, who was having breathing difficulties from a piece of candy he ate (he is our peanut allergy kid). So I can commiserate. 🙁
Hope Annie heals up quickly!!

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - Have fun, hope you get some good deals!

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friday.

November 16, 2012

aren't you loving my incredibly unique and thought provoking post titles this week?!

🙂

my mind seems a bit blank to come up with anything more.

with craft weekend ending for the year…
and most of my big projects winding down…
i had one more big thing to check off the list.

talby's birthday party.

she invited a bunch of girls to the little hotel here in town that has a pool and a party room.
it worked out perfectly.
annie brought a friend along to keep her busy (didn't work) and sean was not supposed ot be there
but he was and when i asked talby if she wanted me to send him home with Dad
she said "he can stay. i don't mind"
so he did.

he loved all the attention.
he was the KING of chicken.
🙂

they ate pizza, opened presents, ate cake and LOTS of very LOUD time in the pool.
12 girls and 1 boy is VERY loud.

thankful for all of it.

happy birthday sweet girl.

———————————————————————-

i know there were a lot of ads here this week.
it's just how it goes sometimes.

but the good news….next week i have several giveaways!!!
i am excited for you.

———————————————————————-

after a 10 day laziness break….
i went running this morning.
it was hard!
i am so glad i went though.
i have been so cranky and not sleeping well…

i think i am suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome (you have to say that dolly parton in steel magnolias)

———————————————————————-

i need a new bible study or great book that is biblically grounded.
i was going to Bible Study Fellowship but going to wichita every week just doesn't work with my schedule this year.
so i am studying on my own.
what books or studies do YOU suggest?

spill it!

———————————————————————-

happy friday to you.

ps…i am currently rocking out to Home by Edward Sharp.
(and singing loudly because i am alone)

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add a comment

kristy - I’m in BSF right now. But I have to say that Beth Moore studies have changed my life. My favorites were James, Living Beyond Yourself, Breaking Free, and To Live Is Christ (life of Paul) is also a good one.

Tfab@new.rr.com - Meg, it’s Tara from wisconsin. Can u please tell me where your bracelet is from? The one that I loved with the bible verse on it? I wanted to ask for that for Christmas from John and te kids.

meg - 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Beautiful and life changing.

ira lee - i want a birthday party like that!!!! who cares if im 33! lol looks like a blast. grown ups should have parties like that too!

Sallie - Meg – Your blog so makes me smile and I love how you share your family with us! So many good Bible studies have been recommended and I can second a few of them; anything Kelly Minter has been great for our small group. Beth Moore’s studies are always thought provoking. Working through her James study right now. Absolutely love Lysa TerKeurst and her studies. Lysa’s ‘Made to Crave’ study changed my life and health habits! Just finished her ‘Unglued’ study and got to see her in Western KY, last weekend! Our group loves Priscilla Shirer as well, God brought her study ‘Life Interrupted’ to our small group @ just the right time last year! Have in line for this year, 7 by Jen Hatmaker, Stuck & Anything by Jennie Allen and Nehemiah by Kelly Minter. cbd.com and Amazon carry almost all of these DVD studies and books! I always compare to see who has best price! Enjoy and have a blessed Thanksgiving! Looking forward to Craft Weekend’s 2013 hoping to get to ‘meet’ you! :p)

liz - hi meg- pretty faithful reader of your blog, but don’t comment much. sorry:) LOVE your writing & photography!
anyway- i’ve been really wanting to check out this book:
A Woman’s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything
By Lydia Brownback
it was recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick. and i’ve really gleaned a lot of wisdom from anything Elyse has written, esp her books Give them Grace and Women Counseling Women.
(i think you might really like Elyse’s books as well!)

Candy - Stuck by Jennie Allen, it is amazing. I have never been so impacted by a bible study. It is life changing. Seriously.

Sue Groff - Our Women’s Bible study just finished Beth Moore’s “James”. WONDERFUL!!!

lisa - She is beautiful. Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!

amy - Beth Moore’s James is great, I have the disk to the study if you would like to have them. {Love her}
I am almost finished reading Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst, & really like it.
My next one is going to Make Over by Jen Hatmaker, I hear it is really good.
Can’t wait to hear which one you decide to do.
Amy

Linda - Priscilla Shirer is awesome. Our Bible study group did that earlier this year. HIGHLY recommended.

Linda - Just finished Breaking Free by Beth Moore, unbelievable!

Ashley - I agree. It’s what I’m reading right now, too.

Kate - It’s not a Bible Study – but I am ready Cold Tangerines and I am in love. so, so good.

Christina - Love about Sean…such a sweet picture of part of their relationship. 🙂
I have started a book twice, and am now going to finish it…Reordered Love, Reordered Lives. It is good…I just get distracted and
Like right now, I forgot where I was going with that sentence. I’m going to finish the book. From what I’ve read, it’s highly recommended.
Two friends have told me to read When Life and Beliefs Collide by Carolyn Custis James, which I did read many years ago. It seems like Someone is hinting to me…so I will likely be reading that one again, too.
I need to get to running too. I haven’t been in months, so…you should feel pretty good about ten days! ha! 🙂

Tiffany - Great Idea For the PARTY!!!
I’m looking for a NEW Bible Study too.
I am leaning towards Beth Moore.
I always get so much out if hers.
I truly enjoyed “Esther”.
Excited about giveaways next week. : D

Carol S. - Fun party!!! Looks fab. And just my two cents, but NO APOLOGIES for ads and recommendations, you wouldn’t promote something you didn’t like and you are an inspiration to many. I started a blog this year just to keep family up to date on our move to TN…and OMG as much as I would love to post more often, it takes time and work. I keep saying if I could blog my thoughts an pictures while carpooling I’d blog way more often. God bless you and your family Meg.

Amy - Closer Than Your Skin, by Susan D. Hill. You feel like you are getting first-hand insight from someone who knows. Comforting and encouraging and thought provoking. you don’t want to put it down.

Danielle Thompson - RADICAL It is currently changing my life!

Angela - I second “Grace for the Good Girl” by Emily Freeman. I’m also a big fan of anything Lysa Terkeurst or Angela Thomas. And on the plane back home from Craft Weekend I finished “Hope for the Weary Mom”. I’m currently reading “A Confident Heart” by Renee Swope.
Looks like the birthday party was a FUN time!

Kayla - I am in the middle of Discerning the Voice Of God, by Priscilla Shirer right now and loving it! Happy Birthday, Talby….I think it is awesome that big brother helped entertain at the party….lots cheaper than a clown!

Julie - I suggest the Book of Mormon. You won’t find a more powerful Christ-centered book. It changed my life for sure.

Erin - Ah, I love reading that you had been doing BSF! But understand the schedule thing.
One that is always in the recommended reading list at the end of the year is Praying the Attributes of God, by Rosemary Jensen. I really have wanted to get that book for a personal study time each summer. I always get in the summer rut between BSF years. But it has caught my attention several times because it is more geared to an individual study time.
Can’t wait to see what you land on!

Weza - Im currently onto my third Beth Moore study for this year. They are life changing, full of wisdom, bible based and meaty. So so good.
The Esther study is very very good. You can get all the videos online and then do your daily study which takes about 30mins. Trust me you will love it!
PS Im happy to show you live kangaroos here in Aussie (post from a while ago) we have this great little park down the road where wild ones hang out with their babies. Its spectacular.

Jenny B. - I don’t have a book to recommend, but I really enjoy the daily devotional magazine, Journey. You can buy copies at Lifeway stores, or order an individual subscription here: http://www.lifeway.com/Journey-Magazine/c/N-1z140ew

Dori - I’m hosting a women’s small group this semester, and we’re reading Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P Freeman. It is amazing. Emily’s blog is awesome, too! http://www.chattingatthesky.com/the-books/grace-for-the-good-girl

Karen Gerstenberger - I have loved “Believing God” by Beth Moore.

Lisa M. - “Not a Fan”. My husband’s small group just finished it and loved it.

Erica - Out of your list, I’ve only done the “CrazyLove” study… but oh, what a good one.. not just good… life changing… (for me, anyway)

Ashley - That last photo is the best…she looks so genuinely happy. Good stuff friend. Good stuff!

Tanya - I really liked Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst.
I didn’t think I’d be able to relate but I could and it spoke to me.
Good one.

casey - radical!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR radical together.

casey - yes! we just did the multiply webcast at our church! great!

becky - Looks like she had a ball. I’ve read seven. I’ve started the Donald Miller book. Both were good. Seven was humbling. Convicting. I’m not great at studies. I’ve been working on Beth Moore’s James study. I hate homework. Personally my favorite read is my kid’s Jesus Calling. Simple and speaks right to my heart.

Janna - Anything my Nancy Leigh DeMoss–like “Choosing Gratitude” but she has a lot of great ones. And I just read “The Fruitful Wife” by Hayley DiMarco (sp?) all about the fruits of the spirit–it was awesome!

Tiffany - Looks like a fun time for Miss Talby! Happy Birthday to her!

Sarah H. - I would recommend the Good Morning Girls studies. They are online studies that you can do by yourself or join an online group. I am in a facebook group of girls and we all study and share (or not) what we are learning. There are weekly videos to watch about the study (we just finished the book of Colossians) I loved really getting into the Word. We are getting ready to start a 2 week study preparing for Advent. Check them out! http://www.goodmorninggirls.org

Jenn - Oh that song… I love that song… Home is wherever I’m with you… Love it. Rock on sister.

blu - “anonymous” by Alicia Britt Chole
“…Jesus appears to have walked unstressed and unhurried. His peaceful pace seems to imply that he measured himself not by where he was going and how fast he could get there but by whom he was following and how closely they walked together.” {page 33}
so. good.

katie - have you ever read “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom? it is my all-time favorite book. it is an auto-biography, but it is beautifully written in a way that will challenge your faith and stir your heart to be thankful in any circumstance.

julia - I love the LifeChanges series by NavPress. I did Romans last year and it was amazing.

Amy K. - THANK YOU for asking the bible studey question of your many readers!! It is awesome to have so many suggestions in one place.
Also, the pictures of Talby’s party make me feel 11 again – that tired, waterlogged, hungry feeling and how GREAT pizza and cake tastes when you feel that way!

Patty - Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah study was great. I downloaded the video through lifeway (they were only 2.99 each week) and thought it was one of the most transforming studies I have done it quite a while. Both the homework and videos were terrific. I loved reading all the suggestions in the comments and making a list for myself, too.

Alison Vaclav - “Hosting the Presence” by Bill Johnson is awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosting-Presence-Unveiling-Heavens-Agenda/dp/0768441293

April R - Elisabeth Elliot – anything by her 🙂 although ‘Passion and Purity’ is a favorite.
Hell’s Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron.
Totally sweet bday for Miss 11 and how cool to find a way to swim in November! I have a December baby and she’ll be 11 this year, wonder if she’d like a pool party…

Bethany Faucett - Try reading Spiritual Warfare for Women by Leighann McCoy. It has opened my eyes and is amazing!

cassie o - “this momentary marriage” by john piper

alicia @ la famille - right now i’m doing beth moore’s patriarch study by myself and you can download all the videos at lifeway.com/women. you just have to go buy the book. i love her studies. you can do any of her studies that way now…online. you do have to pay for the video download each week. it’s like 5 bucks.
have a fun weekend!!

Lisa - Talby just seems like a really sweet, down-to -earth girl. Happy Bday Talby!

Karen - “Choosing Gratitude” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – book has a 30 day gratitude challenge/devotional at the end – fairly quick read but well worth doing – very convicting/challenging! and if you’ve never listened to her podcasts “Revive our Hearts” I would recommend them as well – I often listen to that while I’m running – feel like I excercised body & spirit!

Candice - Check out “Sacrilege” by Hugh Halter. It’s not very long, but very thought provoking. Really makes you want to dig in to Jesus, be like him, and love others like he did/does.

Shiloh - Just finished “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idelman and loved it.

Mandy - David Platt and Francis Chan recently wrote a book together called, “Multiply” about disciple-making. I haven’t read it yet, but I heard them speak about it…AWESOME!

Nicole Franks - Beautiful Outlaw! It isn’t a study, but an amazing book about our beautiful Savior. A fresh perspective, and I was so challenged, and more in love with Jesus after the read!! Highly recommend =)

jen - just finished the lineage of grace. loved it

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - What a fun party! Love that she let brother and sister come along, sweet kids you have Meg. Also, those mismatched ones on the cake made me smile. So awesome.

Holly - My girlfriends and I have done Kelly Minter’s bible study books, each one is about 6 weeks. They are about Ruth, No Other Gods and Nehemiah. Jennifer Rothchilds Me, Myself and Lies is good too. Beth Moore’s are AMAZING, even if you do it without the DVD lessons.
Good luck!
Sometimes we just do the SOAP method of a particular book of the bible when we need a break from a person’s book study.

Juliana Whisman - I agree with Gina…anything Beth Moore! I really loved her Fruits of the Spirit one.
Love seeing how you guys celebrate your kids’ birthdays! Simple but so incredibly fun!!

Jen Boyd - We are currently doing “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman with our Church. Love it! Quite thought provoking.

Lia - Looks like a fun birthday party! I like the balloons – fun colors! I’ve been following along with the She Reads Truth plans for the last few weeks: http://shereadstruth.com
Speaking of running…I better get out of this house and go on one. So important for my mental health. Plus, I’m supposed to be training for a 12k on Dec. 1st. Yikes.

Stephanie - As someone who picks out Bible studies all the time, I recommend Stuck by Jennie Allen. It’s good to do with a few friends, it doesn’t cost much, and I had the most positive feedback from the group as a whole when we did it. Seriously, in all of the studies we’ve done at my church, usually I have 50-60% positive feedback at the time; with Stuck, I’ve had about 80% positive feedback, which I continue to get months later (I’ve never had such lingering results). http://jennieallen.com/projects/stuck

angela - Happy Birthday to your Talby! Love the pics! She is adorable!
There is a new book (or new to me) called *Not a Fan* that i want to do as a bible study…check it out!

Jennifer - Knowing God by JI Packer is so so good–different from those you have listed though. and i’ve heard feminine appeal by carolyn mahaney is great. let us know what you pick! 🙂

Gina - Happy Birthday Talby!! Anything by Beth Moore is awesome!! I have done a few of her Bible studies with a group of friends so we all pitch in to buy the DVDs and workbooks. My favorite study of hers so far was Daniel. I did it about 5 years ago and would love to do it again. I learned so much!! Have a good weekend!

Lorraine R. - Crazy Love was amazing, 7 was also amazing but in a totally different way than Crazy Love….next on my list are Radical and Interrupted!!!

Amy - Happy Birthday to your girl 🙂 Looks like a great party!
I suggest Romans. GREAT stuff 🙂

shar y - Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Just finished this study and it is awesome! Teaches how to listen for God’s voice and ways to find His voice that you never think of. You would really like!

Kristina - Although I haven’t gotten into it quite yet, everyone is suggesting “She Reads Truth”. It’s something you can do via Instagram which I looooooooooooooooove.

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random

October 31, 2012

i feel like i just make lists and make more lists and i am still forgetting stuff and never catching up.

do you ever feel like that?

stress.

i AM excited about trick or treating tonight.
i mean…as excited as i could be…i guess i am happy to get to walk around with craig.
since the kids run ahead and leave us way behind usually.
it makes me happy to not have to worry about answering the door….no one trick or treats in the country. 🙂

i have a bumble bee, a pirate and a banana this year.
thank you wal-mart.
you helped a mama out!
and btw…my kids were so excited to open the box of costumes that came in the mail.
i was actually even smarter and i ordered 3 for each of them and let them pick from the 3.
they each chose differently than i thought so it was a great way to do it.
and i returned the others because walmart is awesome about returns.

i did go out for a run/walk today.
it is so nice to do this with a friend because you get your exercise and you can talk about everything.
at least that is what my running friends and i do.
we are dealing with big time real life stuff while we are sweatin' it out on the dirt path.
killing two birds with one stone.
three actually….exercise, social face-to-face girl time AND vitamin D sunshine baby!
i love running.
it's true.
i may not always want to go…i usually don't want to but i am ALWAYS happy i went.
always.
never changes.

girls get the best clothes.
i LOVE these shirts at old navy that i got my girls but wished they came in my size.
someone on instagram suggested cutting them up and making it an applique on MY shirt.
ummm….brilliant!??
i am totally going to do that!!! (with a new shirt not with their shirts 😉

because grown up moms like rainbows too!

measuring heights on our doorway ruler.
scott is 5' 9.5"
so weird to have my children taller than me now.
bizarre.
i am pretty sure i will be the shortest in my family in about 5 years.

i made a fun wreath last week for the Craft House door.
🙂
scraps and hot glue.
she is a very low maintenance wreath…i like her.

not very "fall"ish but it's very MEG-ish and that is what matters.

after craft weekend i usually sleep on mondays for a LONG time.
i get up and see my kids off on the bus and then crawl IMMEDIATELY back into bed.
it is such a nice way to recover.
i actually spent the whole day at home which i haven't done for a long time!
i rearranged a little…picked up a bit.

it was a nice sleepy cozy day on monday.

last year we rocked out our pumpkins with AWESOME designs and colors.
this year?
we did nothing.

ha ha ha

i had a canvas made of an older picture of scott.
he sure is a cutie.
i like that it's black and white…and his basketball is all ratty.

(and i like that he looks just like his daddy)

did you know Parenthood wasn't going to be on last night?

i wish you would have warned me.
i got all cozy and ready to watch…waiting long enough in so i could watch it on the dvr without commercials and not catch up to live tv…and then it wasn't on!!!
i know, i know….get a life meg!
but i was ready to just chill with the bravermans!

we watched the office instead on dvr. (i thought you were Adam Lambert….)

i really want Mad Men to hurry up and come back on already!!!

steamy.

i have go get groceries today.
don't you feel like that is all we do as moms?
buy the food. fix the food. clean up the food. repeat.

can't we all just eat cereal??
why is that frowned upon?
what is the big deal?!

blah.
we are having this for dinner tonight… take two.
i started making it on monday and was missing chicken broth.
so i will try again tonight.

alrighty…..i desperately want to go back to bed.
just for a bit.
but i am going to shower (i stink from runnning), get groceries and make one of the crafts for
the November craft weekend…and get one ready for my girls after school.

i am.

i can do it.

i am really sure.

GO MEG!

one more cup of coffee first…..

show hide 26 comments

add a comment

melissa stover - i’m watching reruns to tide me over but oh how i miss don draper.

julie - That soup is my favorite. It is so cozy and comforting. I need that in my life.
How in the CUSS do you run and talk at the same time. Because I run and want to die or murder people and for sure do not want to talk, even to the friendly elderly people walking their dogs that say hi. The thought of using oxygen to blurt out a simple hi back is more than I can take. I need every breath to not fall over dead. So I smile. Zero talking. Just me, near death, sweaty, murdery, and my music.
You would not like to go running with me. I am mean. And super unfriendly.

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Well it’s. official, I am the shortest in my family, unless you count the dog standing on her hind legs and then I”m pretty sure she is a smidge shorter. Welcome to the club of short moms!

Julia @the BackLoop - I love how he looks like he is trying to stand up as straight as possible.

Tiffany - I’m so glad you have a Monday recovery day after CW. My Monday after CW in November looks like this: Wake up at 5:30AM, get myself and two kids out the door to daycare and school, teach all day, and have parent-teacher conferences all night. 🙁 I’ll survive. The weekend will be so relaxing I’ll build up all kinds of energy, right?!

Kori - I also waited to watch Parenthood and was soooo sad that it wasn’t on!
“I thought you were Adam Lambert.” was one of the funniest things I’ve heard in a very long time. I laughed my butt off even though I am a kinda sorta fan of Adam’s…at least of one CD, anyway. 😉

Emily - I had been stuck inside for TWO days because of Sandy (no major damage, thank goodness) but had major cabin fever and was waiting all day to watch Parenthood and almost cried when I realized it wasn’t on.

Lisa - I agree! Cereal and toast for dinner every night! (Just kidding….kind of)

Dawn - Be thankful that you don’t have a full-time job outside the home, as well! Focus on the positives….crawling back into bed, shopping during the day, enjoying a leisurely cup of copy, starting dinner before 6:00 pm….lots to be thankful for here 🙂

jacki - You sure have running determination. It really would be strange too, to hit that point where your kids are taller than you! Love all the ‘color of life’ you bring to your blog here.

Terrie - If I had seen that it wasn’t going to be on …I would have let you know.
Didn’t realize until it was time to watch…same as you.
I think we need to make a pact…we should all call each other if we see it isn’t going to be on.
Seriously bummed me out!
I made that soup last week…so yummy!
This week it was cheeseburger soup…hubby’s fav!
I was going to do pumpkins like yours last week…I didn’t even buy any this year.
I’ll vote for cereal!!
I hate the grocery store!
Happy Candy Day!

Lachalle - I have felt the exact same way as you do about the lists. Even if we ever actually finish a list another one or two has already began ….
have a HAPPY Halloween !
~L~

sam - I am so glad to hear I am not the only one who was taken aback by the lack of Parenthood. I purposely waited to go to the gym so I would watch it while on the treadmill and was so bummed when I realized it was preempted by coverage of the storm. You are so lucky to have friends to run with, I miss my running partner so much. Hopefully I will find another one when we move again.

Rebekah Mathis - My motto ever since having my third child has been, “All I do is feed my family.”

Louise - I love this, Meg! 🙂 I love the line, “Can’t we all just eat cereal? Why do people frown upon that?” That actually made me laugh out loud. 😉 I found myself thinking the other day, “Do they have to eat EVERY day?” Ha… And…to answer your question…I do feel like sometimes all I do is buy the food, make the food, and clean up the food…and I only have 2 kiddos. I can’t imagine with 5. A Tuesday without Parenthood is always a little sad. I LOVE the Bravermans. Thanks for the smile today…as usual. I have just started running and am motivated by you lots.

Jenn - Love it! I need to watch Mad Men.

Suzette - Shop. Cook. Clean. Repeat. I’m gonna’ put it on my kitchen wall! Would that be so horrible? I guess I should go with {Eat, Drink, Laugh, Love} but inside I’m thinking shop, cook, clean, repeat, shop, cook, clean, repeat…

Maggie - My favorite quote from the Office this week was when Erin said “Buts are for pooping.” I laughed out loud.

Lisa - I like your random posts. 🙂

Charla - I loved the Adam Lambert comment on The Office, too. And yes, no Parenthood = unhappy parent (that would be me!) Not til after the election?!?!? What the what? And yes…my life is spent at the grocery store. Blech! Have fun tonight. I know we will!

Shara - Crawling back into bed. What is that like!?!? I”m gonna have to remember the walmart costume tip for next year. Three out of four have costumes, we’re still working on the last one. Trying to use what we have! Happy grocery shopping! and as my youngest say’s, “happy ween!”

Lisa M. - Love your randomness, Meg! Going for my run later this afternoon. It’s 34 degrees outside!! But, I am entering a 5 mile race (I know, easy peasy for you, but not for me:) and we had “Sandy” on Monday, so I need to get some road time in. Brrrrr……

Vanessa - I totally am with you – all snuggled up and ready for Parenthood . . .after my “WHAT?” was yelled out to absolutely nobody, I decided to make the best of it and prayed for the hurricane victims that were being reported on. I am also completely with you on food and cereal. COMPLETELY!

Tracy - I loved this post! Thanks, Meg!

Jill Franklin - The only thing I did for Halloween this year was buy candy. I know, mom demerit, right!? We’ll make our traditional Goulash tonight though.

Lori H - Usually Parenthood will say if there is going to be a break in programming, but not this time. I didn’t realize it until I tried to DVR it and it wasn’t on the schedule. So nothing until 11/13!

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my brain….

October 8, 2012

i feel a little out of it.
i think it's all that is going on in my head preparing for Craft Weekend again.
lots of things to get ready.
all good…but just lots of things to remember.

i had six cups of coffee today.
for real.
that can't be good for me i am guessing.

waffle.
he is such a goober.

annie made a birthday card for me…she worked so hard.

:)

i got The Help and a blender as my gifts.
perfect gifts i think.
not kidding.

some of you were asking to see the farm house and how i "decorated"

ha.

this is my kitchen.

this is my kitchen when i make cheesecake.
i don't know why there is a lighter in the middle of that mess….

this is the front room…the room you walk into when you come in the house.
it has a big set of windows that faces the yard on the right side of this picture.
(one of my kids "hung" that paper star on the curtain hardware months ago… it's not a decoration)

this is where i spend 95% of my time when i am home.
it gets the light.
but there are no screens on the windows or door so it has no air flow whatesoever….it's a bummer.

that door way in the back…goes to the garage.

the family computer is off to the right.

the coat hooks are to the left…. i showed this picture way back in the summer.

and this is our bathroom.
that we ALL share.
there is another bathroom upstairs but none of the kids like it so they all use this one.
there is a tub behind the door…and the toilet.
it's no wider than the the doorway. :)

do you see why i miss my bathtub? my big private bath tub in my private grown ups only bathroom???

this weekend i decided to reorganize my closet.
i took out everything and put it on my bed.
that is my bedroom….i am in my closet taking that photo.
there is nothing decorated in it either…just our furniture we got a long time ago….and some of my grandma's.

and there is my reorganized cleaned out closet….
craig has one 2 feet to the right of mine…but his isn't paneled…i am the lucky one.

this house is a rental.
i like living here but do not feel a desire to decorate.
i may someday….but i feel uninspired at this point.
we are still adjusting to the smaller sized space that is not really "ours".
all of us.

this was on my bed last week after a monsterous tantrum by annie.

she is pretty cute!

we have a no screen rule for the first hour home from school.
if you don't have homework you can read, draw or play.
she made this story….it's awesome.

ok…i am dead tired.
i am going to bed.

goodnight bloggy people.

🙂

show hide 42 comments

add a comment

Allison - Does Meg ever reply to the comments? I remember asking a few questions in the past with no reply. I find it curious too as to why she moved. I’ve been reading her blog for years and then one day (after the fact) she said, oh yea, we moved lol Hopefully one day she’ll fill us in 🙂 I’m guessing they are using craft house as a form of income, kinda like a small business going on… crafting/bed and breakfast. Do what works for you Meg and what makes your family happy!

bathroom lighting fixtures - Nice post! I think your bathroom is a little overworked. I mean I’d change the counter tops into something smaller to conserve space, which I think is really important especially for a bathroom where we don’t have that much to start with.

Kelly - I really enjoy seeing these photos! Your white couches in the family room make it seem so “you”. But it’s not about the stuff it’s about where you live and there have been some really good and nice comments about all that. Kelly

Antonette - I looove your coffee table set up with the kids chairs. I remember you once said the coffee table is actually a dining table, but where did you get the little chairs?! I’m having a hard time finding any that small. Thanks!

Tracy Fisher - We ALL share a bathroom too. In our rambler. I thought it best only one bathroom looks disasterous (15 yr old girl with hair products everywhere and 11 yr old boy who has discovered AXE). The other bathroom is for guests. It stays pretty clean. There’s no great solution when you only have 2 bathrooms! haha. Love the letters you share. I keep mine. Especially the ones where they are apologizing. They are so cute. Have a piece of cheesecake for me! -tracy

elisa - Awww I love that you showed pics of the farmhouse. I know people don’t get it. And I love that you don’t care. 🙂
It’s all good.
Love you girly.

Alisa - This was nicely said Jenn! I think the people who don’t understand Meg’s decision are less questioning the fact that she downsized or went to the country or even got into a rental. Many people choose to or have to do this. I think the hard thing to understand is that the other house is still there and is a craft house. Most people who downsize don’t (or can’t) keep the large house. Anyway beautifully written Jenn.

Heidi Jo the Artist - I really love Annie’s card and how she added on to the grass to make it perfect for mom. 🙂 Cute farmhouse too! I love the turquoise box with the flip flops!

Susan - I don’t understand why your family lives in a rental with one bathroom while your beautiful home is reserved for crafting time and craft weekends? I may have missed the explanation, but it is confusing.

Jenn - If living in a real, undecorated, zero storage, one bathroom farmhouse means your incredible kids, and you, and your husband – have the best chance to become the best versions of yourselves…then throw the throw pillows out the window and put your feet up on the furniture and listen to the cows bellow across the field while you wait in line to use the bathroom and know that we LOVE you for that because that is life and living. Your house is awesome and it’s a privilege to have you share it with us. Family is the CAKE of the home, decorating is the sugary icing. There is no such thing as too much cake, but too much icing can ruin a perfectly good slice. Like you, our family decided to have our cake and eat it, too. We left the 4-bed 3-bath beautiful home with its walk in closets (man, I LOVED those closets), and we moved into a 2 bed, 1 bath, 112-year old farmhouse in the country. Sometimes I worry that a friend will come to visit and see this home and not understand and ask why we left our beautiful house. I hope that she finds her answer in the country lane that sees more foot traffic than cars, in the old barn with its soaring beams that arch over us like a cathedral, in the meadow where the butterflies and birds make the wildflowers dance, in the warmth of my neighbor’s eyes when she comes to leave tomatoes and hen’s eggs on my front porch, in the smell of the sweet country air. She won’t find it in my shoebox-sized closet, in my quirky farmhouse kitchen with its sloping floors and cracked countertops, in the walls which remain unpainted and bare. But come on in anyway, throw your feet on the furniture and your troubles on the floor. No pretense here, just some real living going on. And here – in this raw, undefined, unrefined space – we are becoming our most authentic selves and are finding joy in doing it. Dirty dishes and all. Thank you for sharing with us and trusting us to understand and to not judge. Love you, love your blog, love your house!

Shelly - We live in a rental too. We moved from CA to PA. I think it’s a permanent move but we just can’t quite bring ourselves to sell a CA property that is 2 miles from the beach and we have really nice tenants in it. Our first rental out here was smaller living space rooms and we all shared a bathroom upstairs – that drove me nuts. Then, 8 months later, we had to move again for weird reasons and this place is bigger with more bathrooms and living space but now my girls share a room and all our lights are very “dated.” But more outdoor space – it’ll look beautiful in the snow this winter. 🙂 Our basement floor actually has a shuffleboard game built into the laminate tiles. ha! When something breaks, we make a phone call – which is the best of all. 🙂

betsy - Don’t you just love when dogs curl up and do funny things with their legs for a nappy? It kills me!
🙂

denise@victory rd. - Annie is right, it would be funny if a dog could bowl.
Thanks for sharing a peak into your reality.

Kristen - I know you had a good reason for leaving your other house, but oh my goodness, I loved it!! It’s taken me a while to get used to the farmhouse. Actually, I’m still not! At the same time, I love the barn on your property and I imagine what you would do with the house if it were yours, considering what you did with the craft house. I love your blog and you seem like someone I could have coffee with 🙂
And you look amazingly similar to one of my cousins. Weird.

pattykaplan1@me.com - I am guessing you can’t paint anything in this rental? Small is doable, no problem, but it’s not being able to really do what you want with it because it’s a rent. I am guessing you moved there because of the school system? I am new to your blog and love your honesty. I hate it when people act like everything is peachy all the time, like WE can’t say we are having a shitty day or my kids are driving me crazy today…it doesn’t mean we don’t love and appreciate each other…it just means we are human! Thanks for sharing! By the way, I love the area where you hang your bags and take your shoes off!!

Kristin S - Emachin
I used to teach second grade and that just made me really miss phonetic spellers?!?!? I loved trying to decipher their daily homework.
Emachin
Makes perfect sense to me!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love everything about this post. thanks for taking real pictures of real life…trash in the trash can and all. 🙂 LOVE it. we are going on two years in a rental and it is hard. i *choose* contentment a lot even though my heart longs for a forever home. thanks so much for this post.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m having flashbacks from that pink bathroom tile! Man, we really missed out on the pink bathroom era. I’m glad you and I have been able to experience it.
We have the same after school rule. It grates me when Calvin comes home and starts asking to use the computer. ??? So the new rule is, if you even ask in the first hour, it’s a no-go all day. Mean.

traci - I understand wanting to live in the country and the only reason your comments about you can do without bug me is the fact that you are not really doing without. You are keeping TWO houses going which is expensive. One day, maybe you will decide to chat about why you have decided to keep two houses but for now I am perplexed.

Brianna - How long is your family planning to rent the farmhouse? Thanks for sharing your home with us!

beth - rather than trying to put how i feel into words, when the last commenter (jacci) has spelled it out so eloquently, i’ll just say, i echo her sentiments exactly. thanks for this very real post! : )

Jacci in Ohio - I just want you to know that when I saw that first full picture of the family room, I teared all up and said, under my breath, “Thank you, Megan” 🙂 Because this shows it. *This post* shows that you are you, no matter where you are. And it encourages us to remember that contentment is not found… as you reminded me months ago… in granite countertops. Joy and creativity and family can happen in wood paneling! And dated kitchens can still make yummo cheesecake 😀 Thank you so much for sharing these! You blessed me today.

mama lola - annie’s cursive is lovely! what a little lady!
your rental looks cozy for all of you! and, you’re quite the brave mama for having white furniture– wowza!

julia - I think people who don’t like to bowl are weird too! So funny!!1

Sarah - why did you move to the farm house?

Heather F. - I love the “sorry” note. My kids used to write those with pictures of themselves with big bubble tears coming out of their eyes. Precious.

colleen from alabama - Smiling. I live in a house from the early 1900’s. I love the closet pictures. My husband & I share a closet the size of yours. double hung on both sides, no shelf on top (he is 6’2″ & needs longer hanging space:) 1400 square feet gets tight at times but we always know where our kids are! We only have one shower. My oldest is a girl. 12. drama. one shower is getting stressful. one bathroom with good light is too. Thanks for keeping it real. That is sweet mercy & grace to the rest of the world who doesn’t have it all perfect either. like me. You are my kind of people.

Jennifer Davis Wood - as a Ps. When you guys lived in the big craft house I know it wasn’t perfect but it was lovely. It was also inspiring to me, I was never able to get my home as cute as yours, that’s okay! Seeing the farm house makes me feel like the energy is in the right place. Relaxed family. that’s what I’m all about right now in my life. I’m letting go of the perfectionism and concentrating on my family and traveling lightly through this world. I have a big’ol house and I miss my smaller home and it’s layout. The house I live in now is never fully cleaned and organized. We do our best and that will just have to do.

Emily M. - I love how real you are and I really like the charm of living in a home that’s not picture perfect. I like it because you can let your kids hang paper stars on the wall and it doesn’t mess up your design among other reasons. 🙂 I love your no screen rule… I’m going to have to use that someday when I have babies of my own. Hope your sleep cured your weird mood… i love the way Annie spelled weird. 🙂

Jennifer Davis Wood - OMGoodness! She is Totally Adorbs! Really funny, I can tell:) I have a couple of my own that are that way. It’s the best.

Krista - Don’t you love “kid writing”? Every time my girls ask me how to spell something, I tell them to write it the way they think it sounds. Love her cursive!

Tiffany - I agree with Stephanie, the book is awesome. Most books do…

Tiffany - oh goodness that annie is sweet. can you keep her this age?

Stephanie Talty - You are going to love the book, The Help it is amazing!
Have you seen the movie?
The movie does not compare to the book-enjoy!

amy cornwell - Ellie just started making her “y” just like Annie’s with the loop on the bottom…it’s so cute! Thanks for sharing the farm house with us 🙂 I think I missed something – didn’t realize it was a rental, are you still looking for something else to buy? I’m still envious all the same…someday I’ll live on a farm!

Alisa - I teach third grade! Wish I could have Annie in class. Such a neat kid. Love the writing!

Tracey - Annie’s notes inspire me to encourage the kids to write more to me and me back to them. Just so I can read them and save the awesomeness for later.
Love shaved Waffle. He makes me smile. 🙂
Do you have slipcovers on the front room furniture? If so, from where? I love the smoothness of yours. Mine always look like they are falling off.

Kate - Goodnight bloggy friend.

Jack - I keep all the little notes that my kids leave around for me. The ‘sorry’ ones are the best!

Rebekah Brummel - I lived in a house like that for years. . . . rental living wears on you 🙂

lisa currie-gurney - good night friend.
hugs from my heart

Tania K - The only reason I follow your blog is to see pictures of Waffle. For reals. LOL
How about a Craft weekend just for teachers? Count me in! I teach second grade.
I love how Annie writes.

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