whatever

Tricia - I love Talby’s name and I’ve always been curious about it. Is it a nickname? Is it a family name? I had never heard it before reading your blog and I just wondered how you decided on it. 🙂

Karina - How are you going to find the time to read and answer all these questions?? OK, that was NOT my real question…I am obsessed with convincing my husband we need a new kitchen and need more details about yours. I KNOW you posted about the reno already, but there is a photo of your husband eating breakfast at the new island and it is too small to Pin It…I want to show my husband what your kitchen looks like in detail and give him some idea of what it cost. So can you share about your kitchen again, please??? 🙂

Routh - You look absolutely wonderful and I wonder how you would describe your health and weight loss this year? What was the turning point?

Kassondra - do you someday plan on moving and living back at the craft house?

Meredith Feisel - Meg! 2 questions. I liked the question of how you got into photography. I am a photographer myself (husband is professional) and that would be a fun thing to find out. 🙂 Also I would love if someday you could make an info packet or something creative for us to know how to run our own craft weekends in our areas, like a breakdown. I’ve been wanting to go for 4 years as well. I thought about trying to have a girls night at my house but not sure where to start.

Meredith 🙂

P.S. Can NOT wait for the answers post. Fun idea!

Janel - Meg~ I’m wondering if you find it harder to make friends as you get older? (Probably not since I imagine everyone would love to be your friend!!) We had 4 of our close friend couples divorce over the last couple years and thru that I’ve lost many close relationships. I find myself in search of some more good friendships but at 45 I’m having a hard time figuring out how to cultivate new friendships. Any advice for meeting new people, starting to build friendships, and stepping out of my comfort zone in finding friends?

Christina - Where do you store all of your photos? I have online storage, but still have a hard time removing them from my computer. My computer is bogged down because of it. Help!!

Ann Marie - Hi Meg! I’m curious… Did you take classes for photography or was it just something you just sort of picked up? I think I’ve read it on your blog before (old blog) but I’d love to hear how you got into photography. I love all of your work!

Katherine - I love your Q&As! do you have any photography tips or tricks?

Andria - Can you recommend a fairly decently price pair of cross trainers? I’m going to start a fitness regime – treadmill & outdoor walking, as I become more fit I will invest in better footwear, but as a total newbie, I don’t want to shell out $200 right away. Thanks meg!

Erin - Do you ever worry about putting your life online for the world to see? My husband is in law enforcement and I often worry about posting info about my babies, house and life on my blog for security reasons!

Laura Pryor - Hi Meg! I spent last weekend at Craft House and I just have to say that I have never seen a more beautiful, creative and incredibly inspiring home. I didn’t want to leave and I already can’t wait to go back! I had such a great time with my crafty friends. Thank you so much for having our group! I purchased some prints, and am currently scouring the internet for just the right ball fringe and pom poms. I’m digging out all of my repurpose projects and favorite fabrics and collection of vintage embroidery hoops. We like seriously need to be friends!!! HA!!! Thank you again! I couldn’t have possibly enjoyed myself more!
Thank you!
Laura

Brantlee - I love it when bloggers do a “day in the life” post. Would you consider doing one?

Linda - M, I’ve been reading since Annie was little.I’m going to ask some very personal questions, but as an interested reader and parent, not a combatant.
You’ve been very open about getting married after becoming pregnant with Lauren. Does she ever get upset about strangers knowing that? Do any of the kids get “squicked” out about this information coming out? How do you handle the sex talks with them (especially if you promote abstinance)?

Jenni - Of course I want to ask you how you do it all?! Five kids, a cool independent business, an adorable house, an exercise regime, and activities, activities for the kids. Plus you always look great. Personally I feel frazzled 75% of the day. I have three kids and am a high school teacher. My kids are young, though. Are you feeling like life is a lot easier with older kids or no? Thanks

Laura - Can you provide a link for that fabulous tee shirt “Everything Will Be Amazing”?

Susan - Hey Meg, Will you do more vlogs? Really love those!

Jessica - Why do you still have the mPix ad on your website that always say that you can win free 4x6s but the contest ended like forever ago?

Laura h - Dear Meg,
I am afraid of color in my house.
Are you ever afraid of color?

Nancy - The question I asked very kindly yesterday is still “awaiting moderation”. Since this won’t make it out of “moderation” either and you will certainly see it, I would like to say that I believe only posting “positive” comments is very telling and shows your true colors. You most definitely aren’t willing to answer ANYTHING. You aren’t an “open book” and your lack of response only proves that this has become a place where Meg gets paid big money for getting stroked all day every day. I asked a simple question. It’s obvious you make money from the blog-the gajillion ads I have to click through just to see a post make that clear. Why not just own it and say so?

Jackie - My question is about those two adorable babies in the pictures for this post. What is their story?

Jessica Jackson - Hi Meg!

I’m a long time reader and an amateur photographer and I was wondering if you’d consider doing a little photography tutorial post. I love all your candid action shots with your kids (close up of frogs/bugs in hands, vacation shots, etc.) and I’m struggling with a lot of what I assume are basics when I try to capture that stuff with my own family. Your shots are always so vivid and in focus! Do you post process? Do you shoot in JPEG or RAW? Do you find yourself shooting mostly at a particular focal length? Favorite lens? Ahhh! Can you just come mentor me in Virginia?

Also, you’re amazing. I have no clue how you keep your house clean and manage to exercise and run a blog and business and everything else you do. I have 3 kids (youngest is 1 oldest is 5) and I’m lucky to get the dog puke picked up off the floor by the end of the day. Share your secret!

Janelle - One of the things I enjoy about your blog is that even though you post beautiful pictures…you also post “real” pictures. My favorites are when your house is a mess…and I loved the story about when you were being romantic in the bathroom and someone threw up in a laundry basket in the hallway.

Anyways…my question/request would be for you to share some parenting experiences…especially regarding teenagers. What are your thoughts on technology, house rules, homework battles, house jobs, etc. etc. You seem to be a really down to earth nice person and so I’d love to hear how you deal with the everyday stresses…that we all know are just minor stresses…but yet stress us all out! Totally understand if the kids don’t want to see that in your blog though 😉

jenny - how do you control the use of electronics with your kiddos? is there a set routine?

Kelly - Your blog is my favorite too!! Our first 5 kids are close to the same ages of yours so i love following your family since we seem so much alike. Anyhow, do you ever wish you had home-schooled? Our kids are all in public school and busy with sports and activities like yours. But sometimes when I come across other Christian mom blogs or IG where they are home-schooling I feel guilty (but not convicted or called) So I guess I was just wondering if you ever feel that way too?

MollyL - Hi Meg,

First off where did you get that cat mug?? I love it. I am so glad it didn’t fall off your hood the other day. 🙂

I have been a reader of your blog for awhile now. I like that you keep it real on your blog.

My question would be how to start my daughters, who are 10 and 12, off on crafts. My youngest is special needs, but she can do crafts, it’s just not sure which ones would be easiest for her to do. We don’t have a large craft space (kitchen table) so don’t want a lot of messy stuff to start out with, till I see how they would do. If you have any favorites that you would recommend to start out with, and crafts they can do together as there is an age difference. We have done small crafts together, but they are more crafty than me, but I want them to have fun.

Thanks!

Molly

Ronda - I would also like to know how you got craft weekend started: ideas, sponsers, supplies, etc.? As I would love to come to one of yours at some point and see how it is all run (fingers crossed that I get picked). Also can’t wait to see pictures from Camp Create!

Elizabeth - What is your most proud moment to date? Your biggest regret? What do you see your life looking like in 20 years?

gretchen - You’ve done an amazing job of being a great mom and pursuing your own interests. How do you balance it? My kids are getting older and it seems that my life is consumed with their activities. I think you’ve accomplished a healthy balance of being involved with your kids and also carving out space for your own identity. Any suggestions? Do your kids complain when you have events/craftweekend/projects? How do you work it out as a family?

Lauren M - Rainbow sweaters coming soon? My babies ‘need’ them this fall 🙂

amy jupin - ok, here goes:
1. let’s talk about music? i need some new stuff. what is your latest jam?
2. can we please have a craft weekend alumni party? five year reunion?
3. do you want to come over tonight? bring kimberlee. and jana. that would be nice!!!!!!!!!
4. how are you liking your new house?

LaDonna Abbott - During your craft weekends there is a shopping trip to “the barn” each time. Is it open to the public and if so where is it located at? I would love to visit the next time I am in the area.

Amy - What are your favorite Christian based clothing companies? I love wearing shirts that make you stop and think while supporting small businesses. The one you’re wearing above is a great example!

Sheila - Besides your husband, do you have a best friend – someone you talk to every day no matter what? Are you and your sister close? How about you and your mom?

Nicola - Were you born into a religious family? If not what is your conversion story? If you were what was your experience like? and how is it now raising your family?

Julie - Hey Meg- I love your whatever blog!
I have been pondering blogs lately, as I analyze way too much, so here is my question:
Do you ever feel at all creepy that total strangers like to know all about you and see what you are up to with family holidays and what you eat and stuff, and do you ever feel like not writing your blog anymore? (Please don’t stop!)
sometimes I wonder why I don’t want to get behind on reading your blog, and then I ask myself, this lady is a complete stranger, so why am I so interested in her family photos and her life updates??
Sometimes I feel like a creep, but then I remember that hey! This is a blog and since blogs came about we get to invade on strangers life’s and it’s not weird?! kinda like people watching in the mall, only bloggers volunteer more info!! What did we do before blogs?! Anyway, deep thoughts, I know.

Lisa - Please please please help this mama out! How do you manage 5 kids messes? Do you have routines for picking up/cleaning/chores? Do they just know to put their crap away? I’m losing my mind with my 4 kids. Mostly cause I’m pregnant with #5 and so exhausted. But I need help! Seriously! We live in a small home and I can’t seem to get them to do what I want…. Ok, this sounds kinda pathetic. But any tips are welcome!
And PS- I do not need a perfectly clean house. I’m really ok with a bit of chaos and mess. But it has gotten OUT OF CONTROL. (Now I need an emoji with the tongue sticking out looking like a crazy person!)

Amber - Favorite books on faith? I’m going through a season where I am trying/struggling/fighting to reconnect with my faith and my spiritual side. I am currently reading Cold Tangerines, and feel as though my heart is enveloped in one warm hug. 🙂 Thanks!

Patti - Hi from Canada!
Love your blog and all the fun things you do. Question: do you need a lot of sleep?

Kellie - I would love it if you did ‘a day in the life’ post!

shannon - I want to know about the green thing you use to make your coffee. I saw it on instagram and am dying to know. I need to quit my love affair with coffemate!
Also, could you think up a cute Christmas gift for grandparents? ha. I started following you way back when you had the snowman handprint ornaments.

Lachalle Jones - Those lovely white IKEA sofas . Love them /hate them . Give the good the bad and the ugly about them . Are they HIGH maintenance? Thanks lots they are on the wish list and might make the cut .

Hannah - What are some of your favorite blogs?

Candace - I would love to hear more about your kiddos younger years… It is encouraging to me to hear that my kids will turn out okay since yours seem wonderful! 🙂

Lisa - Oops! My question disappeared from your comments
You’ve mentioned in the past that you consider yourself somewhat of an introvert. I think you seem very outgoing–always hosting or participating in large social groups. Is that challenging for you?

Michelle from Australia - I love the questions above. And love that two ladies have already asked exactly what was on my mind. I’ve been on the Craft Weekend waiting list for a few years now and would love, Love, LOVE to get my chance to come to Kansas. But coming from Australia a little forward planning (think…..a LOT Of forward planning!) would be involved. That doesn’t worry me. But realistically, am I ever likely to get chosen? Or should I just give up on it? Thank you for the gift of your blog Meg. It is often the bright point in my day.

Tracie - Hi Meg! Love your colorful blog, something I look forward to reading during my work day. So, are you interested in adopting a 30-something from California? We don’t have houses like yours, wide open fields and good thriftin’ out here on the west coast. I like to organize and make a mean homemade salsa! (Wouldn’t have to sign any official docs!) Ha ha ok—Would love to know more about the Craft House, the history, etc. Is life really that picturess and good in Kansas?? Last, I promise, How do you say not take home every treasure you come across when you take the girls antiquing?!? You pictures are dreamy

Alicia @ Investing Love - I really wanna know your blog tips…like how to be so stinkin’ awesome. 🙂

Tina J - Hi Meg! Wondering what’s on your reading list and what music your listening to right now??

Valerie Alicea - I am a long time blog reader, and have loved seeing you be so intentional about being creative with your kids. What tips do you have for doing crafty projects with a toddler?

kimberly oyler - why did you guys decide to move out of the craft house?

Jacci in Ohio - Ok 🙂 I’ll go.

I think we’re all tempted to think others think the same way we do, struggle the same way we do, work through things the same way… but, that’s not always true. It really may be that you’ve been able to walk away from the Craft House with no struggle… but, if not, I’d really like to hear more about what God has taught you through leaving that house. Our own family moved 5 years ago into a home that we’ve been remodeling since. It’s been a looooong, extended lesson for me in contentment, thankfulness, materialism, and what really makes a house “home”. It has exposed idols I didn’t realize I was clinging to. I struggled SO much with having most of my house ugly and torn up for years. I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work remaining. I know you and Craig have completely redone two homes. If you’ve had to work through struggles like that, I would be encouraged to read about them… and about what you’ve learned… where you are now.

Thanks, Meg 🙂

Nicole - Would you ever sell your clothes you don’t wear anymore on your blog?? Like first come first serve type of thing? I love all the clothes you wear!!

Karen Boldt - As someone who comes from a Mennonite background, I see the name Duerksen and of course like any good Mennonite wonder if we could be distantly related?! Or more specifically I suppose to your husband if that is his last name. And Mennonite is a big word and means lots, to different people in different parts of the world. (I’m Canadian) So my question that I’ve often wondered is- do you and your husband embrace the faith of our Mennonite heritage?

Angela - Will you ever take your *show on the road* and come to us in NC.?

Rebecca - Nothing to ask, just a BIG HUGE thank you for never disappointing me over the years….I think the first time i read your blog was when you were having a Bible study at your house and you ran out of cheese for cheese dip and sent someone to a neighbor’s and discovered you were out of TP and sent someone to another neighbors and Annie comes downstairs with yellow paint all over her…You sent Talby up to look and she said, “mom, it’s bad” she had painted the tv, among other things. When I have the time I will go back and read. Ok, love you to pieces!

Barbara (WA) - Just wondering if you have used the 21 Fix again? Inspired by you and some other bloggers I purchased the program but have struggled with buckling down and figuring out the food plan. And the DVD only worked in my hubby’s TV downstairs which is the room we are remodeling right now, poo. You look great so I decided to ask! (Oh, and I am probably old enough to be your Granny, heh!)

Wendi - ditto to many of these questions…
curious about the reality of the sugar detox when feeding my young family.
would always love to hear more about your faith.
does sharing online ever make things weird/uncomfortable with your “real life” friends/family/acquaintances?
would also love to hear more about the craft weekend business…how you got started, more of the details of the business end, preparation reality, how your family handles it when your gone, etc.
I just have to say that I love your blog because you are so real…I think we would be friends in real life 😉 thanks for sharing!!

s - Will you and Kimberlee ever share craft weekend recipes??!!!

jessica - How do you manage to eat healthy with your kids and their junk food? Do you make separate meals for your family?

Elisa - how do we get more waffle & stanley pics?

how about a day in the life post (pick your most maxed day bc it always amazes me all that you get done)

can you do one of those tour guide posts for your area/region? I enjoyed your vacation post in St. Louis; added a lot of ‘must see’ to my vacay list

how do you incorporate your faith as a family in everyday living? how do you help guide your children to further grow in their personal faith?

broadly speaking, what line of work does your husband do?

so about those doggie pics… 😉

Lisa - Hi Meg

I recall you saying that you consider yourself somewhat of an introvert. I’m wondering how difficult it is for you to do so many large group social things. You seem so outgoing! Thanks!

Jamie - Your blog is full of great ideas, crafts, dreams, etc. Ever thought about publishing a book??

Erin - What does the mister do for a living!?

Erin - Hi there! I have a random organization question for you–how do you store/wrap the bunting that you’ve made in the past? I have visions of mine turning into a Christmas-light-snarled mess of a nightmare! Thanks for (hopefully) answering. BTW, your blog is such an inspiration–bring on all that saturated color 🙂

Ana - Had you lost a lot of weight recently? Do any of your kids play instruments?
I love your blog. It’s the one I never tire of.

Angela - I have followed your blog for many years, (it’s my favorite) I’ve watched it evolve which I realize is natural with the kids getting older and your priorities changing but recently I wondered if you’re tired of blogging or if you rather make it mostly about the craft house. So (finally, lol) do you think at some point your blog will only feature craft house posts?

Amy Griffin - So how would you feel, if my Bestie and I showed up at your house one day and asked you to take us to the Barn??? I am just joking…well kinda!! LOL

Kathi - Hi Meg!
I’ve been following for a while, before Annie started school. Do you ever worry or had any problems putting your life online?

Jenn - I hope you don’t mind a few questions. I know you said don’t make it awkward, so I’m just asking because you said I could..hee 🙂 I’ve been on the CraftWeekend wait list for almost 3 years. I know you said it was a lottery, but how exactly do you pull the names? How’s Pam? Do you exercise everyday or do you rest on the weekends? Thanks for sharing your life. I love how God helped me find you and I draw such inspiration from your blog and you.

Sami Jo - So here it is – all official and schtuff – how do you juggle your walk with the Lord and focusing on getting healthy. I’ve found with almost ALL of my friends that once they start working out – that is ALL they talk about. ALL they think about. And I’ve mentioned to you, that I think you do this quite well. I am incredibly unhealthy and I realize this – so maybe that is why I notice them chatting so much about being and getting healthy – because I’m not and I feel bad about that — feel guilty. … I just want to get healthy and not have it consume my everything. … that’s for Jesus, ya know? And juggling your business and your family…? What are your best tips/advice, girlly? Thanks!!

Carrie - Hi Meg,

My question… do you ever feel panicked that you have such a large following? I question myself a lot, and I wonder how you are so confident…

and another question… will I ever been chosen for Craft weekend? I’ve been on the list for about 4 years? 🙂

Really though, just my first question.

Marsha Kern - How is Pam and her family???