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10 points on a tuesday

February 11, 2014

1. i am drinking black coffee because i have no choice… i am out of half & half.

2. i am watching It’s Complicated.

3. i am SO cold… i am wearing a coat inside.
and a scarf.

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4. how fun is this photo? i was making waffles in the kitchen and saw that she was reading on the other side of the kitchen window/wall cut-out. i just reached out and took a shot holding the phone facing down. She’s reading The Hunger Games in her jammies….stanley is all wrapped up in her knees…. the house is trashed. SO normal. so…so normal.

5. i went to see Monuments Men on saturday night by myself while two of my kids went to a different movie.
(that is one of the awesome things about kids growing up – you don’t always have to spend two hours watching a movie you don’t want to see and you can go to your own theater down the hall) (not every time… but sometimes)
i liked the movie!
i mean… Clooney is in it so… duh.
It was a very “feel good” movie if a movie about war and nazis can be in that category.
other than the lady giving the world’s most obvious play-by-play behind me…. it was a movie i would see again.

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6. i am loving this devotional book….Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream
it’s gets my heart pumping, mind racing, creativity swirling and reminds me to give all the glory to God.
she also has this same idea but in a book too…You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream
i think for me… this little tiny bit at a time is all i can handle.
i have so many ideas… so many dreams… that when i get going on my dreams it can be too much all at once.
does that make sense?
it sounds backwards when i say it because you are supposed to DREAM BIG right?
but i want the dreams i pursue to be the ones that God wants for me. Not my own ideas that please me.
So i am loving the way Holley has broken it down into 40 days… a little bit of dreaming at a time… for the BIG dreams God has in my heart.
Taking it slowly helps me discern a bit more.

7. Annie really wanted me to make Chicken Pot Pie the other night after we ate the CPP soup on our snow day.
The family was talking about how they love pot pie and annie said “I have NEVER had it!”
So… i made it. Pie crust from scratch… made the whole thing…. TWO pot pies.
And it wasn’t good.
it wasn’t soupy so it was really heavy.
i was SO disappointed.
like… i wanted to cry. doesn’t it stink to work SO hard on something and have it flop?
cooking is often like this for me. So much work to most often a less than expected ending.
cereal is so much easier.
oh well… maybe someday Alice will move in with us and take over cooking our meals, pouring the kids kool-aid after school and helping them solve their problems.
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8. we got to take lauren out for her 19th birthday last week.
it’s been a long hard road to get here but we did it. she made us a family way back when i was only 19 myself.
she made me a mommy.
she has taught our family so much. we have so many amazing memories together.
here’s to MANY more miss laurney. keep up the great work at school! You are a smarty pants.

9. i am getting very excited to start the 21 Day Fix program that i blogged about last week.
but it hasn’t come in the mail??!!!
silly thing.
i saw that a bunch of you joined too! Woo-hoo!
i know there are a bunch of groups with Marta so we may not be in the same group.
but i am going to talk a lot about it here… i hope… so we can share what we think together in the comments and stuff.

10. THiS.

i have watched it a bunch of times now.
it is so crazy hilarious. WHO comes up with stuff like this?!!

and are you excited for Jimmy Fallon moving to the Tonight Show?!
i am beyond happy.
my bedtime routine just got so much better.
that guy is just the best.

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brooke - ao, i’ll admit it, I’m a bad blog reader. I wrangle these two year old all day and I just haven’t been good about it, so I ‘binge’ several weeks at once. So here I am, bringing. At least it’s not ice cream! How funny, that you are doing 21 day fix with marta, b/c I have been following haus of girls for a whle now on instagram. Crazy how the worlds collide:) Hope you are having a fun craft weekend!! Or I guess it’s over now…so maybe you’re sleeping…but hope it was awesome!! I bet eating well during CW was a little tough. Hope you weren’t crabby 🙂 I would have been. Hope all is well, sorry for this marathon post 😉

Ruth Elder - I have a pretty easy recipe for CCP that I have perfected over the years. Happy to share it, if you are interested.

Lu - Hej,
I love your blog!
And I really liked the Birthday picture: It could have taken place in 1996 and would still look the same 😉
Wishing you a lot of blessings from Germany
Lu

Mindy - A dog, a book and some comfy jammies – sigh…what a way to spend a day. I have been wondering about the Monuments Men so glad to hear your take on it. Our daughter loved Full House growing up and I am a Tom Hanks fan so I am off to check out your video : )

regina - Pillsbury roll out crust< can of veg-all, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, salt, pepper and either canned chicken or "real" chicken. easiest recipe ever and its awesome!!!

Valerie @ Chateau a la mide - Haha, i’m still waiting for my Alice. I love hiow Carol just helps out with dinner, too funny!

Love that Lauren had a special birthday. Glad she is doing well at school.

Loved the Tom Hanks thingy and by the way, I saw the Beach Boys in concert and they stank! I’ve never been to a concert that bad since. It was so obvious they didn’t care to be there. Just a little side note 😉

Happy Wednesday!

Lemonade Makin' Mama - Girl I joined but mine hasn’t come either and I think I’m in a group with Haley not Marta. Still very excited and can’t thank you enough for the prompt!! Man do I need it. 40 is fast approaching and it’s scary. LOL

Kristen K - Meg…if I could do my house/crafts over again, I’d fill this primitive/traditionally-decorated home with vintage treasures & rainbows & polka dots & chickens & pets. Four kids, 2 kittens, and the love of my life is what fills it now (which is awesome!)…and a lot of dreams! But I’ve spent most of my life living to make someone else’s dreams come true, and I’m just plain chicken to ask God what my own dreams might look like. So many have come true in my family alone…but I long to turn my creative gifts and passions into something more, something for Him. When I start to get excited and dream…my brain fills up with doubt, someone gets sick, I forget to defrost the chicken for dinner (I hate cooking…least rewarding mom-job ever in my book!)…and I put off dreaming for another day/month/year. SO…thank you for sharing what’s making your heart sing, with all the speed bumps and blessings along the way. I am encouraged by you and the life you live for God – and I love your blog! Thank you! 🙂

Gail - Meg,
My 21 came yesterday. Ready to get it going. All this KS snow has cramped my running. I hate running on the treadmill. My ADD brain is also going crazy but I think that devotional is what I need. Thanks for sharing.

Kirsten J - What a fun list! I’ve cried over pie crusts before. Don’t cry, though! This is the best : http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2013/01/chicken-pot-pie-crumble.html
Only I cook the crumbles separately or they get soggy. And I add extra broth.

Ashley - I like you. And your blog. And your family. And your dreams.

Barbara (WA) - I feel the exact same way about cooking. And I am going to find that book, it’s just what I am thinking about presently. Thank you!

Rebecca - Our favorite chicken pot pie recipe is Paula Deen’s Hurry Up Chicken Pot pie. You can find it on the foodnerwork. Sooooo good!

Tanya - I’m reading the Holley Gerth book version right now and your description doesn’t seem weird. It *is* a lot to take in. I probably would’ve done better with the devotional.
I am just so happy with the living room pic and your opinion that your house is trashed, cause it just makes me feel not alone in the chaos that can be a house full of kids. Thanks for taking that pic and then posting it – for reals.

dona weigand - My 11 year old daughter Loves Full House! Thank you for sharing that clip, we enjoyed it very much. The beach boys episode is one of our favorites, hahaha

Jennifer - Is the book by Holley Gerth suitable for a man to read too? My husband and I feel that this is his year to determine his dream from God and next steps for the future. I am looking for resources to help us walk through this together but I know Holley usually writes for women.

Edee - Here is our favorite chicken pot pie recipe. It tastes exactly how you think pot pie should taste and it is pretty easy. My family says this is one of the best things I make. We’re having it tomorrow!

http://www.marthastewart.com/933543/chicken-pot-pies?czone=food%2Fchicken-recipes%2Ffavorite-chicken-recipes&gallery=894540&slide=933543&center=897845

Laura - When you feel up for trying again, my sister’s recipe for pot pie is fool proof and delicious. and PLEASE buy the crust! Pillsbury (the roll out one) I don’t make it often because: gluten because: carbs because: cellulite, but the kids love it. Recipe in link below.

http://reigningitin.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-first-ever-cooking-post.html

Kerri - My husband and I are planning to see “The Monuments Men” on Thursday and I’m really looking forward to it. George Clooney – yeah! And I can’t wait to see “Winter’s Tale” that comes out this weekend. Colin Farrell is in it and the actress who played the youngest daughter on “Downton Abbey.” I have a hard time staying up past about 10:45 p.m. but am ready for Jimmy Fallon; he is hilarious.

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pinning…

January 28, 2014

so… i will just say right away… i have a fake identity on pinterest so that you can’t find me.
it is the only place on the internet that i don’t share openly.
i just like having a little place that isn’t WIDE OPEN.
i like planning & dreaming without someone saying “i saw you pinning bathrooms… are you remodeling?”
does that make sense?
keeping it anonymous allows me to dream more freely.
but i do love to share some of my favorite pins i find with you too.

click on the picture to go to the original source so you can pin them too.
and if there is no link it is because the link led to nothing.

hello. this is brilliant. B R I L L I A N T!!!

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word.

i would LOVE to have this cool walk way in my yard!

stairway to happiness? i think yes.

so simple and so lovely at the same time.

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i would like to eat at that table… yes please.

i like pretty much anything Kal Barteski creates.
she is rad.

i am considering getting on the striped curtain bandwagon.
possibly.
so striking…. a bold move in any room.

i am not one who loves hearts… but this is super cute. even if it was just circles it would cute!
and then add in some colors.
yeah… i like this!

that wall is so cool!

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white floors make everything better. true story.

i believe this is a christmas craft but it doesn’t have to be. this looks like lots of fun!
adding in the straws makes it extra neat.

pink floors?!!! this room is precious.

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i could handle a cup of coffee out here with some lady friends… don’t ya think?

i want to paint ALL the THINGS when i see this. and then when i went through so many of her paintings i was just bursting with ideas! she’s awesome!

again… hearts.
but they are RAINBOW hearts.
and i like that.

loving loving loving this print.
love the verse and fonts but also love the painted background.

the gray grout.
and the baskets.
and old wood floors.
this picture gets better as you explore the layers! 🙂

it looks like a movie set.
maybe it is?

i would like this to be my birthday cake.
but no purple flowers please.
ewwww.
more pink and orange would be fine.
and maybe… sparklers.

details like this blow my mind.
this is probably 3 inches wide… seriously.
some people are so uberly creative.
this is gorgeous… and it’s a heart. HA!

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someday… i will put on a sparkly sparkled gown and dance around in the sunset on the beach.
it will happen.

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these colors together are lovely.
don’t you love these little scenes people make pulling out all the colors from a picture?
i think it’s awesome.

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i don’t want to ever forget.

birthday cake batter cinnamon rolls? whoa.

i think i am ALL COLOR ALL THE TIME and then i see this door and think “ohhhhhh……”

i have some pretty good friends.
(sadly the link to this is broken so if you know the artist who made this please let me know in the comments)

so cute.

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i LOVE this! it would be a blast to make.

white words on a white wall…. genius.

scrap pieces of wood to form a garden path.
it is super… it is easy… use what you have… loads of color.
i like it.
isn’t it interesting how just looking at cheerful, light and happy photos can brighten our mood?
if i am feeling a little down and then i jump over to Pinterest or a blog that is positive it really does lift my spirits.
i feel inspired just by looking.
i don’t feel pressure to change my house or MAKE something right then but i can appreciate a project or photo and say “i like that” or “this makes me feel happy” or “this is peaceful” and move on with my day.
i like shopping with people that get that too. I don’t have to buy it to enjoy it. i mean… i want to buy things i love but i can live without them. sometimes i will take a picture of something at a store if i am alone and text it to a friend saying “isn’t this beautiful?! i am not buying it… just sharing my love of it and moving on”

and then a really good friend talks you into buying it over text.
ha ha ha

i hope you have a super day today.

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All That Glitters... | Wedding Croissant - […] top left: Sequin Runner / We Heart It, Sparkly Kate Spade Shoes / Couture Events CA, Sequin Dress / Megduerkenson, Sequin Table Number / Dasha Caffrey Wedding Photography, Glass Baubles / Save on Crafts, Glitter […]

Nanette - I always feel that way after reading your blog! Today, in fact, you inspired me to watercolor with my kids! And I am really going to try to do that wood block path with them this summer. Thanks for always inspiring…in lots of ways!

Imogen Eve - Hi Meg, what a lovely blog you have. I love pinterest and I’m loving the straw garland and the cinnamon scroll and the rob ryan papercut.

I wanted to say that I’m touched you like my little heart embroidery up there and I think it is wonderful that you’ve linked straight to my blog, links seem to get lost somehow in pinterest land.

megB - Meg – I’m an avid follower of your blog, but a seldom commenter. I’m coming to your Craft Weekend at the end of February, and I’m so excited about meeting you! I just wanted to tell you – your blog is this for me. I always leave here feeling happy and encouraged – just wanted you to know! See you in a month!

Mindy - I will be pinning some of your great finds – thanks for sharing with us : ) I love that you are secret and kind of wish I had done the same…then I wouldn’t feel so ridiculous pinning things that seems so not me but could be one day, who knows? ALso grinning at your door comment because that is more my color (or lack thereof) palate but when I visit your vibrant colors I am in love with them.

Jessica Johnson - I’m feeling like you secretly heart hearts. And now I want everything striped. And cake batter cinnamon rollllllls. Darn you.

the whyte house - There are so few things left in this world that are private. I wish pinterest would let you decline followers. 🙂 I don’t know how you even come to the big city without running into a reader. I was talking to someone last week about the lack of contentment on instagram and how you(and other well known grammers) can’t even post a photo of a sick day without having someone say, “oh, where did you get…I have to have it!!” I just want to scream “leave the poor girl alone!” Lol. I wonder if anyone else feels that way or if it’s just me? 😉

Trisha - LOVE IT ALL! you have great taste.

Tiffany - isn’t it interesting how just looking at cheerful, light and happy photos can brighten our mood?
if i am feeling a little down and then i jump over to Pinterest or a blog that is positive it really does lift my spirits. – Absolutely!! And your blog is one of those fun places for inspiration.

Linda - I come to your blog to feel happy. Just a moment of sunshine when I need it. You have such a happy vibrant style that I am trying to incorporate more into my own life. “How would Meg do it?” which is a crazy thing to think of a perfect stranger. But you have inspired me so many times in so many ways. Thank you for having this little blog! and I had to go pin that hello shirt!!

Barbara (WA) - Thank you, these pins did brighten up my morning! I sorta want to re-pin most of them 🙂

lauren - that ‘friends’ papercut is by rob ryan – i’m almost sure of it!

Jen - Love the pom pom garland and sparkly dress. I have tried to find you on Pinterest. Now I know why I was unsuccessful. Good call, though. Don’t blame you one bit. Have a wonderful day!

Bethany - It’s fun to see some of what you’re pinning since we can’t follow you on Pinterest. I’m not one who gets depressed by Pinterest either. It’s fun to see other’s ideas and things that just look dreamy and pretty. I consider it like looking at a magazine-I know it’s not all real/realistic and that I don’t need my life/house/wardrobe to look exactly the same.

Hannah King - Hi Meg, thanks for sharing so many inspiring pins! I especially love the Scripture print / photo with the verse from Jeremiah. In answer to your question about the artist who made the papercut art quote about friends overlooking your broken fences, I am almost certain it’s by the British artist Rob Ryan, who makes beautiful papercut artwork:
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/misterrob

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - My name is Valerie and i am a Pinterest addict…just kidding, well sort of 😉 loved your fun stuff and those cinnamon cake things look yummy even if it’s 11:00 pm here 😉

Julie - I love seeing some of the things you pin – I have discovered so many new blogs, artists, ideas from these. Good on you for having some anonymity – you share so much of your life (in the nicest way)with us through your blog. Thanks for brightening up my day:)

Laura O - Striped curtains are like MY FAVE! Striped anything really…..
Love those pink floors!! So sweet. Speaking of purple, I saw Jules (joyshope) instagram recently and I had no idea so many people hated purple! I only hate it when it is associated with a wildcat (go jayhawks!).

Kristin S - You’ve shared it before and I absolutely LOVE that you have a secret identity on Pinterest. I mean, you are a famous blogger (you are) so what a gift to have a spot online where you can be anonymous.

These are all so beautiful.

Mitzi - I can’t believe you don’t like hearts!! I love hearts!! Clearly by all your pins, your conscious likes hearts too!!!! lol….

Christi {Jealous Hands} - That last pin is from of my fave blogs – Farmhouse38. So fun!

amy h - fixing broken links in pinterest is maybe a sliiiiiight obsession for me. I feel sad when people don’t get their credit for all their creativity! anyway, it looks like Suzy Taylor is the creative genius behind the paper cutting art. (-:

http://suzy-taylor.blogspot.com/2011/01/friendship-papercut.html

Kirsten J - Such fun stuff!!! Yep. I slowly let people know I was blogging….and then I got cold feet, worrying about what I was saying….and I fizzled out on blogging. And so I’m on Pinterest, but I don’t know how to use it…#firstworldproblems….

Sarah @ House Made of Marital Glue - Wow – it is so smart to have a private Pinterest account! I am wishing I had done that now, but I do have a few secret boards! I love the left brain/right brain one especially. I am definitely very creative but also very organized, so I appreciate both sides, but I love the right side of that picture! Have a wonderful day!

Gina - I’m not a popular blogger like you and I totally get what you are talking about. I really don’t even want my friends to see what I’m “pinning” sometimes. 😛 I do have three secret boards too. 🙂

Angie Pendley - That whole right brain left brain business…here’s a random fact about me – I have a near complete absence of the septo pellucidum – no division to my brain. I’m whole brained. 😉

Sara - Thanks for sharing these cheerful finds Meg! I love that you are “secret” on Pinterest. I have one secret board I pin to and it is my happiest place to look :). It is fun to have people send me pins though when something reminds them of me! Out of all your ideas I’m loving that scrap wood walk the best. I think I’ll add it to my spring dream list.

Tessa - This is exactly why I love your blog! I love the colorful and inspirational pictures you share … it always lifts my spirits. You see the beauty in so much and then share it with us. How cool is that?

Jena - “if i am feeling a little down and then i jump over to Pinterest or a blog that is positive it really does lift my spirits.
i feel inspired just by looking.”

Your post totally did this for me today! Each of your Bible quotes were exactly what I needed. I am gearing up for a conversation I don’t want to have – but with His words, it will be easier. Thanks Meg!

Sabrina - My cousin has a fake name on Pinterest too. Although, I of course know it because she tells me everything anyway. 🙂 She just likes to have a little bit of anonymity out there in cyber space… I get that!
Great pins BTW! They are lovely!

Kimberlee Jost - That front door is speaking to me.
But you knew it would.

Sharon - That’s why I can’t find you on Pinterest!! I have been looking and looking for you. Your blog makes me happy! I love the colors, the crafts and most of all, I love the chickens! Keep up the good work.

Meg - That hello shirt needs a home in my closet. Definitely.

Jenn - I love Pinterest. I feel exactly the same way. Its just fun and happy. I was totally drawn to the hello shirt. I would so eat at that cafe, the right brain is so me. I’m guessing its so all of us! And I loved the pom pom straw garland. That would be a great craft anytime.

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WINNER! (& i’m back from my random week of silence)

December 2, 2013

the winner for the sponsor giveaway of awesomeness…..

TONYA S – I am in love with Jenna Lou’s clutches. I’m hoping I’ll get one of those eventually!!

tonya…. send me your address and i will ship you a BIG box of happiness!

email me. 🙂

SO…. how did your holiday weekend go?!
did you black friday shop? did you eat too much? did you bake and cook all day?

do you feel crazy like me? do you feel like you couldn’t be more behind?

i am pretty sure that is not what jesus wanted christmas to be.
actually i am 100% positive it is not.
i am trying to get myself focused on the important parts of christmas and letting the other stuff go.
it is almost all “other stuff” but so much it has to get done anyway.
but i want to be in God’s word, listening and taking action this december.
instead of feeling like an out of control mess. family our thanksgivings were each good… and very yummy.
don’t you love a big meal that you didn’t have to make ALL yourself?
i love sharing that with family and coming together.. sharing the load.
LOVE it.
i think it tastes so much better too!

we got our tree up… the kids put all the ornaments on…while KU played in the background on mute… we watched Elf and i made a fun dessert for them too.
i am hoping it helps my christmas “cheer” kick in.
i got up early for my run yesterday morning…. so lovely.
those sunrises even when it’s super cold are so worth it.
i listened to another andy stanley sermon. he just makes sense. you should check him out.
i just download podcasts of north point ministries onto my phone and that’s it.
i feel like he’s talking to ME.
and that he is very caring. 🙂

run2 if you have wondered about kansas really being flat…. now you know.
ha.

i was a mile and half into my route and this was my view.
crazy isn’t it?

and then about 30 minutes later going back the other way…
a dude just comes up from behind me OUT OF NOWHERE and passes me.
i about had a heart attack.
WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
sheesh.
he was fast…. and wearing tights & cold weather gear…clearly a real runner… not a weirdo chasing me.
whatever… i was running too.
just way slower and at the end.

#32in44 is rockin!!!

happy monday to you!!

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Gina in Louisville - What do you wear to stay warm when you go running and it is so cold?

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Andy Stanley.
Let’s put him on the “good” side of our list.
Not the peaches and pets side.

rachel b. - Seriously. Those glasses are adorable. Where did you find them?

Lisa M - Silly request, but can you share how you download those podcasts to your phone please?

Terri - I laughed out loud at work when I read about the other runner coming up behind you out of nowhere.

elizabeths - After reading about a dude coming up behind you out of no where do you ever worry about being abducted? Seriously, there is nothing out there and where would you go for help. Just sayin..but it is a beautiful site.

kris saia - Yes, it IS flat… but it’s also beautiful! We live in a hilly area around Topeka, but I’m coming to love the scenery of western Kansas. Very calming — It makes my blood pressure drop. 🙂

April R - thanks for taking time and sharing your tree, your family, and silly waffle dog in the face pictures.
thanks for sharing the sunrises and the beauty of Kansas (I can’t see the sunrise in my neighborhood for the trees and houses).
And thanks for sharing ’bout the serious-fast-runner-out-of-nowhere dude
made me smile and lightened my heart (is that weird?) have a great week 🙂

tonya - i love how different the different parts of ks look! i’m about 100 miles ne of you in the flint hills…there’s nothin’ flat up here! 😉

Melissa - Andy Stanley is a favorite of mine. I listen to him during my walks. I listen to some sermons over and over. I listened today to Follow:fearless and Follow:followwear AGAIN. I go back to those over and over.
Crazy pic I cant imagine how flat it is out there. I live in the “endless mountains of PA”

Tracey Garcia - Love the pics of the kids all together—so weird to be reading your blog since Annie was in kindergarten and then to see them looking so grown up. Crazy how fast that happens!

Rachel S - Well, I’m a little bummed that my name isn’t Tanya S, but after hearing in a sermon that it’s much harder to “Rejoice with those who rejoice” than it is to “mourn with those who mourn”. So I’ll choose to be very happy for Tanya! 🙂
I hosted thanksgiving for the first time this year, so it was fun but exhausting. My husband and I also did our first Thanksgiving day 5K run/walk. He ran and I walked but ran at times. Even though I wanted to stay in bed that morning, it felt good!
Way to go on your #32!

Stacy P. - Love that you love Andy Stanley. Our family goes to a “strategic partner” church of North Point Ministries–meaning we have Andy on the big screen for our sermons each Sunday. He really is a great speaker….and very welcoming. The church is also that way. I download the sermons I’ve already heard to listen again. I can always learn something new.
And as for the flat Kansas picture—that is crazy. Bundle up and enjoy your runs! Love the blog. 🙂

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I got back to the gym today after a two week absence. I run at home when it is warm. I do not do cold weather. I love Christmas, but for the first time in my life, I hope it goes by quickly. I need to try one of those sermons while I am at the gym.

beth larson - just sayin hi and wanting you to know how much I love your photos and words and getting a peek at your sweet family life. xo
p.s. Kansas really IS flat isn’t it? haha

Heather S. - Those glasses look great on you. They are like, perfect for your face shape or something.
Looks like a great, relaxing Thanksgiving weekend!

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pinning…

October 18, 2013

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this project looks so cheerful yet simple and easy to do.
i need to print some photos!!!
raise your hand if it’s been more than 2 years since the last time you printed photos….

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this is stinkin’ adorable.
i keep looking at it trying to figure out why i love it so much… the glasses? the lowlights in her hair? the freckles?

i think it is that the shirt is just three stripes.

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does this owl project make you want to create?
that is all i can think about when i look at this picture!
i want paper, scissors and glue RIGHT NOW!
i think my kids would like making this.

i pretty much love everything Kal creates.
ALL OF IT.

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funny.

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i bought the new Avett Brothers immediately.
isn’t the “album cover” the best? i love that.
i really like the violin (cello?) in The Clearness is Gone… i greatly dislike the DRAMA part of Vanity… Apart from Me is lovely… and Good to You… and Bring your love…
basically i love the whole darn thing.

we got creative after seeing this watercolor painting on pinterest.

there is something about sitting down and painting… it is so calming.
i always have music on quietly. it is a memory i hope they keep of time we spent together.

as soon as i finish this post i am getting up to make these.
i have a ton of apples that need to get used.

ed69927ab2783d868ccb30d6a119c7fc
aren’t these super cute?!

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and then these make me not want to carve any pumpkins at all – we can just paint!

it is going to take a lot of self motivating talking to myself to get pumpkins carved this year.
“it’s not so bad meg. you can do it”
“the kids love it. just do it megan”
“you will be so happy you did it when they are done”
etc.
please tell me i am not the only one who feels this way about pumpkins.

have you heard of Lindsay Letters?
she is super rad.
she donated a canvas to danielle’s adoption fundraiser… i bid and won. 🙂
it was a hard decision to choose which canvas!
in the end i picked Come Thou Fount… but i ALMOST chose Ecclesiastes 9:7-9.
i mean… the C O L O R S part??? it really would be perfect for me…
maybe my next order!
seriously amazing work she does.
ok… gotta make those apple bars.
and cuddle with my kids.
our house is FREEZING so i am happy to let kids warm me up.

did you know it SNOWED here today?!! Craziness.

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Cran - I feel the same way about pumpkins. It rarely works out how I wanted it. Then the mold thing.. errr.
I would never carve them, except I love roasted pumpkin seeds. 🙂

ROBBIE - Where do I buy the gorgeous shopping bags?

Heather S. - the pumpkin carving task goes to my hubs. i’ve never liked it and always made him do it. our girls are over it now, so it looks like it won’t get done this year.
and those sunburst watercolor prints will get on our crafting list asap.
snow – we had the big fat flakes for about an hour friday afternoon around Topeka – did you get the fatties, too? They’re the best!

Mindy - I love the look of watercolors and you have me wanting to get mine out ASAP! Congratulations on your canvas – great choice.

Kerri - Enjoy your posts very much. I am not creative, but you make me think I COULD be :)) “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a favorite hymn of mine – good choice! Have to love our Kansas weather; I live in east central KS and no snow here yet.

Renee - this was a fun post! I made these caramel apple cheesecake bars when i had a lot of apples. they were AH-mazing. my mouth waters just thinking about them. http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/

love the ‘come thou fount’ – that was a good choice! and the painting 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m coming over for a blondie and some quiet-music painting. You think I’m joking??

Sara - Apple bars look tasty! And now I’m wanting to paint. Do you buy the cheapo watercolor sets? I never know what craft supplies to splurge on.

I’m sitting next to a warm fire, blogging 🙂

Ruth B - Meg,I want to thank you for finding the best Pinterest has to offer at the moment and sharing it. You are great for enabling my laziness, or busy-ness (honestly haven’t really looked at Pinterest in 6 months!). I hear you with the Pumpins girl, I try to talk our kids out of it some years-that’s an awful confession I know-see laziness!

Susanne - Is it wrong to be a little jealous that it snowed for you already? (I live in the most NW corner of the state of WA – rarely snows and it’s really sad after growing up in Nebraska)(altho it IS truly beautiful here!) Anyway – once on Duck Dynasty, Jase said “I don’t trust meat from the grocery store” I’ll add to that! “I not sure I trust people who don’t like The Avett Brothers!” 😀 My 2¢? Carve the pumpkin!

Tiffany - Olivia loves to paint. She has been begging for it recently. That sunburst project looks like a good one to try. And I need to join her. Often it’s tempting to think, Oh good, kids are occupied with something, time to get something done. But I know we would both love it if I took time to paint with her. It would be good for both of us.

I can’t believe it snowed there! It hasn’t in MN yet! You beat us!

Amy K. - That is *exactly* how I feel about pumpkin carving – dread it, dread it, dread it, hate cleaning them out, then suddenly thrilled that I sucked it up & did it b/c we had a great time & they turned out great!

Leah Faye - I’m so happy that Brittni Rhodes told me about your blog! I am her student teacher and live in your area! I love your blog and can’t wait to follow along! It is so fun to find other bloggers near by!
Leah Faye
a clover and a bee

Katie - I’m not a fan of pumpkin carving… Maybe because I stink at it?! Love all the prints.

Julie - Some great ideas – love your girls paintings. That owl collage is something my daughter would love, and I am thinking that apple slice recipe may have to get tested too.

Is it early for snow – we are just starting to get warmer spring days in New Zealand now, I even got a bit of sunburn on my arms yesterday.

Enjoy your weekend.

colleeen - Snow… are you kidding? How magical is that? I’m sorry but Kansas weather is really, really unusual! I met a friend from Kansas in my grad program and she made cookies for National Kansas Day… who does that? they were very good and I’ve wanted to go to Kansas ever since. Enjoy the early winter visit…. I would if it happened here in Ct ( and yes we too have had october snow storms… if you don’t like the weather in New England just wait a minute ( it will change).. Sounds like Kansas….
Weren’t you swimming a couple weeks ago?

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this week.

October 5, 2013

my birthday week was wonderful.
my girls made me sweet cards and picked some cute kitchen utensils for me and a candle and lotion. 🙂
my cake caught on fire from all the candles that were lit… oh my.

one

sean found a snake while taking out the trash.
everyone came running to see it.
i am so glad none of my kids are scared of things like bugs or snakes.

spiders don’t count.
everyone should be afraid of spiders.
everyone.

two three

we found some pumpkins at our garden center.
i think picking them out is so fun… i like to see ALL the choices.
six ten
check out the big brown and orange pumpkin!
she is pretty.
and the weirdo green/black gourd? odd.

THANK YOU for so many orders in THE SHOP this week!!
i have so much fun playing with all that fabric and so glad you like it too!
there are still pillows to choose from and the canvases are on sale until October 15.
Use the code FPFG15 for 15% off canvases.
photo-2 (fyi… that peony fabric is G O R G E O U S )

a few weeks ago i hurt a muscle in my back.
i haven’t done any kind of exercise since.
so i was going to head back out for a run on wednesday… i thought i would take a selfie to document this big occasion.
i have a self timer app and it takes four in a row with three seconds in between.
the left picture is pic number one… the right is pic number two, etc.
our kitty leapt up onto my shoulder and scared me so bad!
four five

mr. duerksen and i are away for a long weekend celebrating our 19th anniversary a month late.
our mothers are watching our kids so we could do this… thanks Moms!

we started off with the Lumineers concert.
we met friends for dinner before too… so much fun.

trying to get a group photo in the dark with a flash and the phone turned around was almost as bad as a cat jumping on your head.
so funny… great memories.

Lumineers are still new… still fresh.
they came out IN TO the crowd and played IN the crowd.
that was pretty sweet.

mr and i are having the best time.
we may or may not have already watched 6 episodes of Homeland… we are WILD like that.
and we are eating good food.
and smiling a lot.
AND finishing conversations!!!
that is a big deal… talking it out till we want to move onto a different topic. with all those kids at home this never happens.

ok… i want to hear who your favorite concert has been.
cause i decided yesterday i want lots more concerts in my future.

WHO do i need to go to?!

happy weekend.

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Heather - The. Polyphonic. Spree. Enough said.

The lovely one - Rascal Flatts. Best concert EVER.

Kim - Could you send me the self-timer app that you use? I would love to have something like that, as I use my phone for almost all my pictures now….thanks!

jennifer - First of all I love that final photo of you and Mr. Duerksen. You both look so happy and relaxed!

Second… concerts. I saw Charity and Josiah from the Head and the Heart in a tiny venue in Seattle last year (The Tractor Tavern). AMAZING. I would love to see the whole band play sometime if just those two were that good! I have heard their shows are super awesome.

Lori - Sounds like you had a great birthday celebration.
One problem…..you HAVE to put a warning at the beginning of any blog post that contains snakes. EEEEKKK!!!

Melissa - You NEEd to see U2. Hands down the best concerts ever. Bruce Springsteen was pure fun too

j - Last summer my husband and I went to Austin for his work. We went to a place called Stubbs BBQ. There were a couple of bands playing that night. We stood in the crowd of mostly college students, listened to music and had maybe, one beer. It was one of the best nights I have ever had.

FLWendy - Happy Birthday Meg!! I think you’re next concert should be Michael Buble! Such a wonderful show! I love the pic of you and the Mr.

Darcie Perrin - Hi Meg! I would LOVE someone to give me anything from Red letter words! I thinks Dees shop is so beautiful and having the words from scripture on my wall keeps me aware of where my priorities are!
I actually think I may be giving some of her work for gifts this year! ( and yours too. The farm girl in me is loving the cow canvas)

Kate - I love Kid Rock in concert – he is my very favorite bad boy!

Rochelle - Taylor Swift is the best entertainer! Lots of costume changes and different types of dancing and acrobats. And she does a third of her concert from a revolving stage at the back of the theater for the cheap seats. I’ve been to two of her tours and they both beat every other concert I’ve ever been to for best ever! Almost worth the money!!

Jennifer - Avett Brothers!! Best concert ever! Of course, if you ever come to Nashville in December, Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb concert at the Ryman is pretty amazing too. 🙂

Heidi DeGroot - You all absolutely need to go see P!nk !!!! I went to see her last Feb in St Paul MN at the Excel Center and she was amazing! I loved it so much I would love to go see her again and again. She definitely puts on a good show. Oh, and the gal who commented about no tickets under 100 bucks—it is worth all the money in the world. I think that’s about what I paid and I was toward a back corner of the arena about 26 rows up and the view was just fine. Plus, she does some awesome things that may let you see her a bit closer;) But, I won’t give it away you will have to go see for yourself.

Rachel S - Hands down, the best concert I’ve been to was Chris Tomlin. Saw him in Minneapolis in April. Amazing!

Rachel - definitely NeedtoBreathe.

Lisa - Please tell Talby that I really like her hand-drawn font on your birthday card, and I may be copying it for a poster I need to make for Sunday School this week. The brown and orange pumpkin – so cool! As are the pictures of kitty jumping onto your shoulder 🙂

Mary - Needtobreathe and Coldplay were my absolute faves – MUST see live shows 🙂 happy birthday and happy anniversary!

beth larson - well…concerts I’ve LOVED in the last few years have included, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town. OH and my girl —MIRANDA!

Karen S. - What a generous giveaway ~ I’d love to win! Thanks……

Alice H - I cannot believe I forgot to mention Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan. I have seen them 4 times each and they always put on the best show.

Alice H - Dave Matthews Band has been my favorite so far!! He played at the ballpark in downtown OKC. I enjoy any outdoor concert that doesn’t assign seats. I like to be able to get up and move!!

Cindy McAllister - TRAIN….Loved their concert !!!!!

Heather S. - This summer my girlfriends and I went to Starlight Theater in KC to see Train with Michael Franti and Spearhead as their opening act. We LOVE Train, but honestly, the show Michael Franti put on was the best I’ve ever had with a concert. He was all over that auditorium and dancing with people. It was a blast!!! Very interactive and his songs are so fun and upbeat – some of my fave running music!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - Back in 2009 I went to a ACL music fest in Austin. It was awesome! My favorite concert to date was back in 1995 when I saw the Ramones and Pearl Jam. The Ramones are my favorite band, and I had no idea they were playing. It was one of my best days ever up by the stage with 30000 other people singing Ramones music. I would love to see Ray Lamontagne in concert.

NS - Michael Buble! I saw him on your playlist last week. Good choice. He is wonderful in concert! He was just in St. Louis 3 weeks ago (my birthday present 🙂 ).

jen - Philip Phillips. He was SO good!
And I really want to see Pink, she’ll be in my area in a week. Can’t find tickets under $100, so… not happening. But I think that would be a crazy fun concert!

Caroline R. - I’ve only been to a few concerts my self, but the ones I went to were super great- Michael Buble and Coldplay! Coldplay is on a break, but Buble is on tour now… Happy Belated bday!

Tiffany - I thought I didn’t have a comment but as I scrolled down I realized Adele was in the list. I think I would consider camping out for her tickets, she got me through a rough time in my life, and she doesn’t even know, music is good like that. C’mon Adele, bring baby (I’ll watch baby!) double my pleasure, get that message to her would ya? Oh, Happy Anniversary!!! Best Wishes for Many More!

Kate B. - We saw The Lumineers in Lincoln, NE this past May-great concert! When they came out into the crowd, my husband and I were seriously about 4 feet away from them. Yay for 10 minutes of being close to celebrities! The best concert I have EVER been to was Mumford and Sons! They came to the Pinewood Bowl in Lincoln, which is an outdoor theater. The setting was beautiful and the concert was a solid 2 hours of great music. Another great concert is the Avett Brothers! Really cool brothers and I love the messages the share in their songs.

Jennifer - Your hair looks FABULOUS in that last picture!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. I am TERRIFIED of snakes. But not spiders. Still love me, please.
2. Pretty hair!
3. SO excited for this new season of Homeland.
4. Now I just want to know about the good food..you know me, I like hearing about it. Sue me.
5. PCD! Duh.

katygirl - celine dion’s heart of the ocean tour in 1997.
there was even a titanic boat replica.

Dusti - The hubs and I have seen sugarland twice in okc at the zoo and LOVE Jennifer nettles! I’m surprising him in December with zac brown tickets for December 28th!

Jen - You and Craig look so very happy and in love. Love that you make time for each other and nourish our marriage. That is food for the marriage soul.

Concerts??? I was never a Lyle Lovett fan AT ALL until I met my hubby. He hooked me. Saw Lyle in concert a few years ago and he and his big band played for almost three hours straight and sounded great. Lyle has a great sense of humor, too. Have a great week, Meg!

Mindy - That last picture of you and your hubby is SO cute! And your pumpkins on the porch with the chicken – where is BH&G’s photographer?! The last concert I went to was a Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith combination at our State Fair and I loved it. Getting lost in a huge crowd of worshippers is good for my soul…

Valerie @ chateau a la mode - Happy anniversary and birthday! All time favorites Paul Mc Cartney, Elton John and Mercy Me. Get to see Bon Jovi next Friday….so excited! I love concerts. So much fun.

Dawn - Love that last shot. You are SO adorable. I can call you adorable since I am old enough to be your mother.
Just sayin.

Breeanna - Happy Happy birthday! This next week is my birthday week! The best concert I ever went to was Mumford and Sons. It was last minute too. My friend texted me on a Monday night and said she got two tickets from one of her student’s parents. 2 hours later we were at the concert! They were the best live performance I’ve ever seen.

Michelle M - I don’t know what you think of country music, but Kenny Chesney puts on a great show! My DH who is not a big country fan loved it.
Glad you are having a great b-day weekend-you are looking hot girl!

Kimberlee - If Adele would go on tour I might die.

Alicia @ La Famille - Girl, I love concerts so much. We’ve been to a lot but hands down favorite? Mumford. And. Sons.

Amazing! Other good ones: John Mayer, Edward sharpe, Brandi carlile (have seen her 3 times), David grey, and joe purdy. We’re going to see The Head and the Heart in a couple weeks. They’re pretty new, not very popular yet but you should check them out. They’re good stuff. New album coming out in a week or so.

On my list: the Lumineers, Adele, Florence and the machine, Mumford forty more times, and the avett bros

Is this the longest comment ever? I love concerts. You hit a big conversation starter here for me 🙂

Wendy - My hubby and I just celebrated our birthdays in August with Depeche Mode concert during a long weekend in Chicago. The concert was fantastic but I loved the down time with my favorite guy even more. I love reconnecting with him away from the daily chaos. So much so that we are scheduled to see Jimmy Fallon in St Louis this month for our anniversary. Can’t wait!

Katie M - Glad you are having fun! We only have one little one and I can totally relate to not getting to finish convos. We recently saw Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and they were AMAZING!!!

Sarah K - Seriously so fun!!! Happy birthday sweet Meg! If you can ever catch an Avett Bros concert, you won’t regret it!

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - Happy Birthday!!!! Sounds like you had an absolutely lovely birthday week.

What app do you use with the timer?

Margaret - Sounds fun!! Have been to 7 Avett Brothers concerts with my hubs..they have this energy…fantastic every time.
Love your blog and reading your chicken posts!

Debbie S - My husband and I flew to Chicago FOUR days after we met to see Dave Matthews Band play at Soldiers Field. Four kids later and we still love to see them play 🙂 And….every woman really needs to go to a Bon Jovi concert at least once. Meow.

Janel - I have seen Fitz and the Tantrums and Neko Case recently. I loved both very very much. I am seeing Gary Clark Jr next week….this year I decided to see all new artists. So far it’s been working out great!

Happy belated Anniversary and Happy Birthday!

lisa - We saw the Avett Brothers this summer and they were amazing! Loved them. Happy Anniversary!

Tara - Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! My husband and I saw The Avett Brothers last fall….we LOVED it. I hope we get a chance to see The Lumineers!

Dana Marshall - NEEDTOBREATHE!!! oh my goodness, BEST concert of my life.

Angela A - Oh, you were in OKC! I was wondering how you guys were posting pics of the concert on the same day as a friend here!

Kathy - Ok so the pic of you and the Mr … you are simply GORGEOUS! Do you think you might share what you do/use for skincare and makeup in a future post? Pretty please? =)
Kathy

Angie P - We saw the Lumineers open for Old Crow Medicine Show at the Fox Theatre in ATL last August – such an AMAZING show!!! Old Crow is a fun one to see if they’re ever in your neck of the woods. 🙂 (and it was our anniversary date too!)

Jenn - Needtobreathe for sure. You’ll thank me later 🙂

Meghan - Happy belated birthday

lacy - if you’re from Houston,bring afraid of snakes is ok. bring afraid of snakes can save your life here! Dave Matthews puts on an amazing show, everytime! he’s so great!

Anne G. - I haven’t been to any concerts since high school, almost 20 years ago, but want to see Maroon 5 or Dave Matthews. Congrats on 19 years and Happy Birthday to you. How did your run go after a few weeks off. I have a hard time after not running for three days straight. By the way, your top in the last pic, where did you get it?

Margaret - I had never seen Homeland.. Until 2 days ago. I watched seasons 1 and 2 at once. (Got nothing else done) That show rocks!
Miranda Lambert is a great show!,

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my last 10 pins…

May 8, 2013

i am secret on pinterest…. but these are some of my recent pins. :)

best colors.
that mint green in there… seals the deal.

{source}

such a grown up lady bedroom.
someday i want to be a grown up lady. (ha ha ha)

{source}

drooling.

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melissa you made that hallway TOO CUTE!

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get in my belly.

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i know just where i would like to do this.
super sweet isn't it???

{source}

i love a great poster. it's an oldie but goodie.

well…. there are no words necessary.

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when i see things like this i am reminded how little details are what make a home so special.

{source}

this room is CRAZY fabulous.
the palette…the honey comb…the headboard… i love it.

i would like to smile into that mirror everyday.

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how much fun is this house tower?!!

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totally making this this summer with the kiddos.

we are doing this for our chicks when the coop is done.

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chicken coop is underway with this picture as the inspriation…. FABulous.

{source}

i could make this quilt.
i want to make this quilt.
it's fabulous.

i want to go to there.

{source}

this has been a recurring theme in my life this year.

i would like to stand in front of that wall.
the cake looks a little… cardboard-ey.
but if i had to eat cake while stood in front of that beautiful wall…i would do it.

{source}

The LORD…. He's awesome.

{source}

color is so rad.

pretty.
too bad horses aren't as easy as dogs.
if they were i would need some in my life.

and did you notice….i shared 21 pins… 11 more than 10.

it must be your lucky day.

🙂

now…i am off to eat lunch at school with Talbs.

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Carole - well I NEVER comment on these things but I have been following you a long time…just had to say
I AM GOING THERE!!
Cinque Terre next month with my hubbie and I can’t wait!! woot woot. hope it is as great in real life, i have seen a lot of pretty incredible pictures…saturated but incredible. 🙂 so excited to see a picture of it on here!
great blog, you are my hero of beautiful colour…God bless!!

Nikki - We’re going to Cinque Terre this summer to celebrate my 40th birthday and our 15th anniversary. Can’t wait to check out the blogs that have recently been!

tara - i did wonder if i should go back and count to see if it was 10. 🙂

Lindsey - Great pins! Thanks for sharing!

Lori Austin - Great pins! LOVE Melissa’s map wall. Plus I just bought that purse! 🙂
Also, that yellow bathroom makes me happy.

Angie - That chicken coop is nicer than my house LOL

Kori - absolutely no words whatsoever. 😉
he’s just so super dreamy.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room - YAY! Thank you for featuring my little hallway! xoxox
Loved all the pins!
PS. I’ve always wanted to go to Cinque Terre too, oh my it looks amazing!!!

Leslie Padgett - Sometimes I wish I had a grown up house like that one bedroom. But then I’d just be copying, and trying too hard, and I may yell more at my kids for jumping on my bed. Since kids can’t jump on grown up beds. So nah.

The Orchard - I have been there, too! GO! It was one of the best trips of my life! So vibrant and stunning!

Stephanie J - I love your 30 Rock reference, I least it was in my head, And I too want to go to there.

Lori H - Meg, if someone showed me those pins and said “guess whose pins these are?” I would pick you immediately. They are so you! MAKE the quilt! Can’t wait to see your coop, lucky chicks! The HAPPY pillow is awesome and I pinned a picnic scene from that blog when I went to the source to check it out…
Oh, and I had no idea it was more than 10..I am always wanting MORE from you so I didn’t even count 🙂

Tiffany - I think you are a super smarty pants to keep them secret! 🙂 And yeah, I was scrolling, smiling, and thinking, wait, there has to be more than 10 on here… 🙂 Hope you had a great lunch with Talby. What a lucky girl!

Julie - Sorry I just had to repin George – and the beautiful flowers. Thanks for sharing them with us.

Terrie - I want a honeycomb wall…
and horses…
I remember the days of our dog jumping into the lagoon…
seriously worst smelling dog ever…well, maybe 2nd
skunk struck dog #1
🙂

steph - ahhhhhh manarola!!!
the cinque terre in italy is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
you need to go there with craig.
it was so gorgeous and so romantic.
we stayed here:
http://www.torrettas.com/
here’s a whackload of my instagrams from that trip here:
http://thejoyinthemiddle.blogspot.ca/2012/05/insta-trip-recap.html
seriously… you NEED to go there!
the colors are amazing!!!!!!

Southern Gal - Love these. I’m repinning some from the original source. Thanks for sharing.
P.S. Those private boards are amazing for surprise party and wedding planning. Some things need to be kept secret.

Kristin S - Way to go keeping your pins private. You gotta keep some things private in blog world – pins and teenagers are good choices.
Thanks for sharing these!

Casey - EEE we just got back from the Cinque Terre!!! Our little hotel is in that shot 🙂 I put up pics in this post: http://classicwithapop.blogspot.com/2013/05/hiking-cinque-terre-and-my-150-mistake.html Go!!!! It’s just as amazing as you imagine it would be!

Michelle - Great pins…I have some of those pinned!!! LOVE that map wall. I must do that!!

Jennifer - Love these, but I think my two favorite are the sweet treats….oh my–they look soooo yummy! 🙂

lauren - everything is lovely….but george, oh george.

sally - BOO, that your pins are private!! I don’t even follow many people but I would LOVE to see your pins. They just make me happy looking at these!!! PLEASE share with us. 😉 😀

Beth - Meg,
Your link for the Lord fighting print doesn’t work. Can you update it?
Thanks!

Tracy - Such pretty pins! I wish you wouldn’t be secret….I want to follow you!
We had the MOST AMAZING double rainbow this morning in Kansas City! Made my day.

Heather Simnitt - Laughing…halfway through I thought, “this sure seems like more than 10…..”

Gina - Fun, pretty pins!! Thanks for sharing. Have a good day…hope you have caught up on sleep from CW.

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ice ice baby.

April 10, 2013

All right STOP. Collaborate and listen.

(dorkiest title E V E R but i did listen to that song on my first date with mr. duerksen)

yesterday i wore a skirt and flip flops.
we woke up this morning to a blanket of ice.
it was wrapped around everything in site.
kansas is going off the deep end!

IMG_1060-1

these are icicles!!
icicles on every branch and leaf and blade of grass.
and it was still raining.

i took all these pictures in my yard while i waited 20 minutes for my car to warm up enough for the ice to melt off the windshield!
SOMEONE took my ice scraper this morning before she left for school even though she got her own ice scraper in her stocking this past christmas… a NICE one with a fur glove from eddie bauer!

the ice was so thick over all the windows that i couldn't see out AT ALL.

this was my view from the driver's seat out my front windshield!!!

seriously!

and if you have never experienced an ice storm…
it has a very weird sound.
it seems quieter because of how the ice must absorb sound? maybe
but then all the branches and bits of ice touch together when there is wind and it makes a crackley sound.
and then big tree limbs fall off all over town because of the weight of the ice on old heavy braches.
very exciting!
not.

for now… we have power so that is good.
this happened 8 years ago when annie was a new baby and we lost power for 8 days!
so i am hoping this ice junk (even though it's pretty) will be all melty by tomorrow.

besides… i have running to do!
that little 13.1 mile run is only 18 days away!
ugh.

i wish it was 18 days ago.
i am ready to stop thinking about it.
i want it over!

i put bbq ribs in the crockpot this morning.
then drove very slowly to the craft house for a hot bath because the hot water was out at the farm.
for reals.
the washing machine is broken too.
a tree limb knocked down the fence in the yard.
and the glass in the back door shattered last night.
AND for some reason this storm makes everything smell like the lagoon in the back.

so yeah… a hot bath was happening no matter what.

and now a blanket and a movie?

yes.

that.

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Tracy Fisher - hi. i swear there was a full moon. our fence just fell down too. and one toilet is not flushing and one sink not draining… and i’m leaving on vacation at 4am tomorrow (sigh!). good news is i got my computer back… 748 messages to return by 4am. i think i will take a HOT BATH!!!! hugs, tracy fisher

Karen Gerstenberger - My friend MB in KC tells the same kind of weather stories – spring, then winter, then spring again – all in one week!
Your windshield view looks like the surface of a lovely pond.
I hope you continue to have power, and that your hot water is restored soon. Power outages are NO FUN – we’ve had them due to high winds – but they are survivable if you are prepared (and even better, have a wood-burning stove).

tinaehb3 - Confession…. I like to watch “The Vanilla Ice Project” show on DIY 🙂

Leslie - Your pictures are SO cool – love the pine tree ones at the end! We don’t get this in CA so of course I think it would be neat to see in person 🙂

Carrie - I have a 1/2 marathon on 5/12 and I also want it done!! I am racewalking mine and I look like a freak of all sports to be talented in, argh! I also just agreed to work an extra day at work for the next month and then remembered about this race, I guess my training schedule just got harder!

elisa - Pretty pictures, I hope it warms up there soon. You can move here to Arizona where were in the 90’s. Already too hot.

kate@stillroomtogrow - we woke up to 4 inches of snow in wisconsin. we have not had a warm sunny day in about 6 months. it is brutal! i am from missouri, so i’m used to the random warm days to get you through the winter months. on a positive note the pictures look pretty.

Katey Deasy - You make me laugh.

Tracy - Awesome that you remember hearing that song on your first date! It’s the little things.
Beautiful photos!

Kristin S - The ice on the grass needs to be blown up and added to your shop. Beautiful

Angela - Fun times 😛 Beautiful pics meg!!

Lisa - Wan’t the ice beautiful this morning, with the sun shining on it – the trees and shrubs looked like they were made of crystal. The crabapple trees with the small red berries were just beautiful! Enjoy the Lord’s fine art, for it is already melting off and we’ll be enjoying springtime weather by tomorrow, with an awesome weekend on the way!

Lindsey - Love the title – my two year old and I jam out to that song almost daily (and nightly – will it ever stop? Yo! I don’t know) The ice pictures are gorgeous, but glad we don’t have that here. Yuck-o.

ranee - i ran a half marathon last fall and it was so great…i was kind of unsure and dreading it beforehand as well, but trust me, you will be so glad you did it and i can almost guarantee you’ll at least consider doing another one when you’re done! 🙂 sorry about that junky ice, i am sick of winter too…hopefully the bath helped!

Valerie - Meg your pictures are stunning 😀

Tiffany - Ug, so sorry for you that you are having that yucky weather. Here in MN we are getting hit with snow! Like a foot of it! Rediculous. On the plus side, you got some KILLER photos. Such talent you’ve got, girl.

Andrea - Oh Meg…yuk…once you break the flip flops out it’s tough to go back. So sorry….I think so many of us are ready for winter to get out…..it showed up late to the party and doesn’t want to go home!!!!
Hang in there!!! hope the bath did some good!

Michelle from Australia - We live in the sub-tropics. We are the same latitude South of the equator as Tampa, FL is north of the equator. So I know nothing about ice storms, ice scrapers, snow or anything related to having 4 distinct seasons. Just another reason I hope to one day get to Kansas…..

Kla - We are having the same weather in Oklahoma as well! I love the picture of the prickly tree covered in icicles!! Hope you guys stay warm and it warms up again soon!

Kristi - Wow! Glad we dodged that! Hard to believe ~ it was absolutely beautiful last weekend!
Missing you and the craft house!! xo

valerie - Hahaha BEST title ever… When you hear STOP do you immediately think
a.)STOP collaborate and listen, OR
b.)STOP in the name of love, OR
c.)STOP (insert disco lights here) weee ohhh ohhh STOP weeee eeeee ohhh ohh
Good times either way! I love your blog so entertaining!

Susan - These are truly beautiful. Sorry about the weather glitch, but at least you’ve captured its glory.

Janna - Commiserating in Nebraska. I had just done a yard walk-through noting what was finally coming up Now it is all covered up with sleet and a fine layer of snow. Needing a refund on spring!!

Stephanie - Ahhhh…Kansas weather. Next week you will have a tornado warning, no doubt? Still, I loved KS when we loved there. LOVED. His used to happen in OK too, when I was there. It was beautiful, but kinda scary.

Karie W - Oh I remember those ice storms from when I lived in Missouri…

Southern Gal - Wow. We were in the 80’s today which makes me concerned that we may skip spring all together this year.

Amy @Lucky Number13 - the joys of living in the midwest : ) i am in illinois… shorts and flip flops for the kids yesterday, rainy and chilly today– but no ice here, so that’s good. i do love the changing seasons of the midwest, don’t get me wrong, but just kinda wish they didn’t all happen in the SAME week!!!

Seriously Sassy Mama - This makes me appreciate that all we had was some rain and cold. Keep warm!

Rebecca - Sorry to hear about ICE in APRIL!
Would love your crockpot rib recipe. Would you mind posting it?
Thanks!

caroline - That was s crazy ice, glad we didn’t get it here in Topeka! About the only fun thing about ice is your pictures 🙂 ha!

Sarah - Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen ice quite like that. It’s nutty weather here too, but nothing like that. Near 80 yesterday, high 30s to low 50s for today. Not a fan.
Hope you all stay safe and warm!

Susan - This has been crazy weather in TX too. We are in Fort Worth in the 40s but yesterday it was 29 and snowing in Amarillo and 106 in Laredo. This has so far been a psychotic spring! Stay warm and dry!

Nicole - oh my goodness! I’m glad you’re family is safe & sound!
I think I remember the storm from 8 years ago. What we thought was lightening turned out to be power transformers exploding all across town.
here’s hoping & praying it all melts away soon!

Sara Torbett - Oh my word, I hope you enjoyed your bath, blanket, and movie….all those other little inconveniences are just too much! I will say though, your “deep end” looks so beautiful still…..the chippy paint of the chair with the ice IS rather beautiful, don’t you think? But then chippy paint makes everything better. 😉 Sending warm thoughts your way!

Linda - WOW those pictures are amazing. I’m glad you have the craft house to take refuge in!

Gail - Got to love Kansas, agree it is pretty but am ready for Winter to be done. Believe me the last week or two of long distance training is the hardest. You are just done and want to get the race over. But after the race, you will be amazed on how you feel about yourself, like you can deal with anything. I am so ready to be able to run in shorts and a tee instead of layers of clothes. Come on Spring, I know you can do it.

Terrie - I’m getting ready to go out & see if I can photograph some cardinals against the icy backdrop.
Isn’t this weather the craziest!
And with all this ice…I never even thought of that for a title!
Now, it will run through my head for days! LOL!!

Marsha Kern - I live in KC so I know exactly what you are talking about! Our weather can change so fast in the Midwest!

Mandy - Same weather here in Iowa! Isn’t it lovely!?
That was sarcasm….:)

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