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.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. 🙂
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.
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!
we have had a FULL week with more excitement still to come.
life skills being taught….
waffle was naughty and completely dorky as usual. he got on the couch while i was still home! how is he smart enough to know not to get on when craig is home and that i won't do anything? it's crazy. he slept with his leg up in the air for a long time.
the kids tried to dress up the chickens with american girl doll clothes. but realized chickens don't have arms to make it work. it was funny to try though.
one of these days those chicks will be gone & we will know that they learned how to hot wire Barbie's car…
i like having lunch with my kids. i wish i had done it with my older kids. i didn't know that was a thing that people did. your kids would love it if you showed up too. (with no other siblings… just you… and fast food)
campfires are pretty much the best thing ever. i have tried my best to keep all s'more ingredients stocked all all times at our house.
mother's day was a very nice day. i try very hard to keep expectations VERY low and that helps to keep the day flowing well. i was treated to homemade cards by the little girls…. and cashed in that free coffee immediately.
after church i went in my bedroom and shut the door and relaxed while my family made the entire lunch. what a nice treat to come out to a completely set table AND food.
then i went straight back in my room while they cleaned it up.
best mother's day i have had in many years.
gardening this year in pots only….this is a huge relief to me. the thought of gardening was LOOMING over me and i wasn't excited about it. but this is perfect!
lauren is done with high school. forever. it's so crazy how fast that passed! we are so proud that she made it through with excellent grades and can't wait to see her future unfold.
her graduation is sunday afternoon. it's been an emotional week….
this is what happens on a daily basis here. if we don't do the dishes every 18-24 hours… it looks like this. NO JOKE. we even ate on paper plates that day!
i sported pigtails today. after a 3 week break…. i went out for a run with my friends this morning.
it was short & sweet but felt so good to remember that i did still know how to run. :)
as i drank my second cup of coffee i looked down and realized i was a rainbow of colors.
so… we have a very busy weekend filled with parties to attend & to give, basketball, shopping, cleaning, rainbow cake making, graduation cermony and grandparents coming.
s -Love the kitchen sink pic…I keep up with the dishes but not so much the clutter and piles…sigh
misty-meg, you have to read this blog post http://lullabylubbock.blogspot.com/2013/04/rainbows.html
Kristen loves a rainbow as much as you 🙂 She is another fave blogger of mine & I messaged her about your blog too. I think you’ll love her sweet post
Rachel S -I discovered your blog a few weeks ago, and I have to tell you I’m addicted. I love how you show your real life, (with real messes in kitchens), the Scriptures, life with kids, the crafts (oh how I’d LOVE to be able to come to a craft weekend!!), the photos, etc. I have 3 kids and my oldest will graduate next year. It’s already hard on me, so I look forward to hearing how you make it through the change in seasons. So thank you for sharing your life with us! 🙂 Have a happy day!
miranda -Love your post today I laughed at those crazy chicks~~ and congrats on everything!!!!
Whitney-Oh my goodness, how is she old enough to graduate! They are growing up (too quickly) before our very eyes! Congratulations Lauren! Excited to see what the next step for her is!
mary -Love that you showed your dishes. my three kids are under five and this is how my kitchen looks after 24 hours of no doing dishes. Refreshing to see real life with kids. I used to panic when there would be a knock on the door when the kitchen looked like this, I am learning more and more that this is real life and it is good to share real life with people. Thanks for being real it helps me continue to be authentic too.
Victoria -Congratulations on the graduate! I know you guys must be proud.
Loving the littles dressing the chickens up in clothes!
Mindy-Oh, those chicken pictures make my heart happy – and the verse from the message makes it happier yet!
Connie -Congratulations to your daughter!! Thanks for the honest picture of your kitchen….nice to know I’m not alone!
Kari-congrats to lauren! that is great…
glad to see mine is not the only kitchen that looks like that 🙂 my oldest is playing 60 baseball games this year – youngest playing also – add in all the other end of the year stuff with a dance recital in there too and it’s been CRAZY! have a great weekend!
Vera-My three year old boy (who happened to be naked at the time) saw the chickens in the car and said “MOMMY! Get my clothes on! I want to go to that family’s house!” 🙂
colleen -Such a great post… I love the part about keeping expectations low on mother’s day so you can enjoy it. Congrats to your oldest graduating from high school.. how wonderful that she let you announce it on the blog… 12 years of school done.. not a small achievement for her or for you.
Love your spirit as well as your ability to “roll” with whatever life gives you!
Colleen
Barb -Hi Meg, could you please tell me what translation of the Bible you have? Thanks for the beautiful post! Barb
Tiffany-I love that you and your family love those chickens so much! I’m so glad you had a nice Mother’s Day too. Congratulations to Lauren! What a beautiful young woman (must take after her mama!).
Hubby is gone on a 4-wheeling weekend, so I’ve got the single parent gig going on. I hope to plant our flowers tomorrow, and hit up the Children’s Museum Sunday. Not nearly as exciting as your weekend, but I love my family time!
I hope you enjoy yours this weekend too!
Kori -Animal teeth always crack me up!
I had lunch with my son weekly if not a couple times a week when he was younger and loved it…it was a great way (better than volunteering in class, I think) to meet more of his friends and see what *really* goes on at lunch – both with the kids and the playground staff. He loved when I got there to stay and hated when I tried to make it a ‘going out’ lunch…he wanted to eat and then be able to run off to play, not be stuck with me in a car!!
Hope you have time to catch your breath in the coming days…
🙂
Michelle from Australia -My Dad has shingles 🙁 My daughter who has been vaccinated against chicken pox got them this week. Blisters, itchiness and one upset girl who couldn’t go to school. My son goes into hospital next Monday for surgery. We asked him what he wanted for a treat dinner the night before his operation. He said SMORES. We had them at Yosemite NP last year. So I went out and got ingredients as close to SMORES as you could find in Australia. And we are all ready for SMORES tonight and tomorrow. Here’s hoping we get through next week with God’s help and grace.
Tiffany-My son just turned 17, i am mentally wigging out about graduation next year. Dogs are smart! Waffle had got your #. Please photograph the Chicken Run, hilarious. Its so hard not to vent with your girls, but God is right there is a dofference between venting and back-biting, sigggh. How did none of your kids get your eyes? They are striking! Enjoy your weekend, im off to have another malibu-bu. TGIF.
Jennifer-Love all your pictures…and that Waffle….he is a hoot! 🙂
Sara Torbett-What a lovely post! The chicken pictures and Waffle’s close-up made me laugh :). Congrats to Lauren! I imagine it’s a bittersweet time for you…..I hope all your graduation festivities are lovely (I’d be bawling like a baby…..I’m tearing up at the thought even and I still have two tiny babies! Oh dear)
Your flowers are gorgeous…and who has time for massive flowerbeds when there are crafts to make and meals to cook? We don’t-we use flower pots too. 🙂 This weekend we’re getting some family pics made..wish me luck (two babies under two)
Kerry @ Made For Real-That looks like our dog. Exactly! Love the potted plants and love having an older set and younger set of kids as well : )
Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails}-WOW, Congratulations Lauren! Seriously where does the time go?! My oldest(9) is at a two day sleepover and Im getting ready to take my baby girl(ahem…7) to gymnastics. I remember the days of crying in the church nursery thinking “I’m NEVER gonna sit in another adult service ever again…I’ll be here FOREVER!!!” I blinked and those days are gone. But yet theres so much great stuff to look forward to also.
Have a wonderful weekend! Keep the tissues close by.
Amy-I try to eat with my boys at least once a month at school. Of course, little sister is usually with me. But they love that. One likes to go off campus, one likes to have it brought to him and eat in the cafeteria. Hilarious. But it’s always fun. Of course, despite saying I’d shoot for once a month, I think this second semester I did it twice. And that includes this week. {ouch} By the way, love that pic of Lauren. She’s beautiful!!!
Hanny Norton-van der Valk -congratulations to Lauren, well done. Here in the UK it is still quite cold and I.ve just put the heating on to warm it up a bit. Also still having a lot of rain. We were hoping to go sailing tomorrow, but the winds will be too strong, so I probably will do a bit of gardening. I hope your weather is a lot better. Have a lovely time Sunday, you must be so proud of your daughter.
amy jupin-i’m totally tripping that lauren is graduating.
waffle is a dork and i love him.
annie looks like she’s in middle school and i want it all to stop.
the growing, the maturing, the time slipping by so quickly.
love you meg.
sally -Awww, your daughter is so beautiful!! Congrats to her and so happy we got to see her. 😉 I’m sure you are proud! I just read depressing news in the local newspaper about the economy and I came here and now I am smiling and Happy!! That is why I LOVE your blog…I leave happy!! 🙂
Shelly Massey-My happy moment this week was when the canvas of your wet watercolors photo arrived here! HAPPY DAY! I smile every time I walk by it. Thank you!
Janelle -I adore your messy kitchen picture. Wish more people would share those 😉
Heather Simnitt -My eye caught “basketball.” Basketball? In May? Really? It’s all baseball and soccer around here now. And recitals – oh the recitals! Last week piano, this week ballet. After that it’s all planning for vacay. It’s T-11 days! So READY!!!
shar y -Oh, how I cried when my first child graduated. Happy and sad all at the same time.
And, the chickens in the Barbie car, funniest thing I have seen all week. What a hoot!
thanks!
Nancy -I love the honesty of your kitchen picture. I have been reading your blog forever but I am not much of a commenter. My youngest is graduating from HS and I have a grad party pin board – http://pinterest.com/nancyhts/graduation/
Enjoy!
Cathy-Hey..hey what are you doing taking pictures of MY kitchen.. he he.. our kitchen always looks like that.. I have to stop ask myself, “why when I fill the dishwasher are there still dishes left that won’t fit”
Jessica -High school graduation, how exciting!!! Congrats to Lauren!
Tonya -Congrates to you and your daughter. my oldest son just graduated from College. Take tissue with you to the ceramony!!!
well…. i did it! it is hard to believe that i actually have done 13.1 miles. but it's TRUE!!
whoop whoop!
let me recap the weekend as it went down.
on friday, mr. duerksen left with four of my kids for a bball tournament out of town. so to begin my girls weekend i got a full 24 hours ALONE. um…yeah…that rocked! then…craig accidentally took my car keys so i couldn't even leave my house and you know what? it was such a blessing. i HAD to stay home and just be alone. ahhhhhh.
i did laundry, cleaned the chicken's box and watched crazy stupid, Love. (i love that movie!)
:)
saturday morning i put on my favorite shirt to bring good vibes my way…. ha!
my friends picked me up since i had no car. and we took off for our road trip! as usual… talk talk talk all the way there.
we picked up our packets with our bib inside it and shopped the expo a little. i bought sporty sunglasses…you know i needed them after all that fashion wear all winter. i hate the way the sport sunglasses look. so much. but i can wear them with my hat so it was needed.
they had this wall with the names of all of the people who died in the OKC bombing. the people the race was honoring. the first 168 bib numbers were given to them. it was emotional.
one of the best parts of marathon training is getting "CARB LOAD" the week of the race. and believe me… i did.
we went back to our hotel and right to bed. our wake up time was 4:00 AM. oy veh. i slept terrible as expected and leaped out of bed at the alarm. my roommate was pretty surprised by that. 🙂
we geared up with all our running stuff…gummy energy chews, wipes, kleenex, money (? we didn't know??), body glide, hair ties, hats, sunglasses, our bib numbers, ipods, phones and layers. we waited in the cool air for 35 minutes for the "every 15 minutes" shuttle that was suppised to be there at 4:30. blah.
then headed to a sunrise service at The Survivor Tree. again… emotional.
it's hard to see but that is because it was completely dark outside…it was 5:30 AM. we sang worship songs… Bless the Lord Oh My Soul and Amazing Grace were too hard to even sing. i was too choked up. i just closed my eyes and listened.
the pastor read from Jesus Calling and it was just so appropriate.
we made a stop at gear check.
(use gear check if you do a race… super easy and convenient)
we made one last pit stop… porta potties….gross.
then we found our pace group and waited. with 10,000 other people. they had 168 seconds of silence for those who died in OKC. i cried. and prayed. i was getting VERY nervous with all the unknowns… can i do this? am i safe? what if i get hurt? what if i fall? you know… all that stuff that Satan loves to put in your mind when big things are happening. i texted craig and kimberlee. i needed one last boost of love before i took off. they gave it to me. :)
some of my friends are conscience of their time when they run. these were free tattoos you could put on to know your pace. i was not remotely interested. i can only do what i can do at that moment. not anyone else's time.
the gun went off and we stood still for a looooong time because we were SO far back in the line 14 minutes after the gun went off we crossed the start line and began our first half marathon!
and it was fun!
there was loud music. people in their driveways all along the way. some had water… some had beer…. donuts… signs… all SO SWEET!
then the hills began. geez louise. there were so many hills on this course. we didn't train for that. but we did it. i mean come on….LOOK AT THAT HILL!!!
and that wasn't even the bad hill that everyone told us about.
the sun was coming up as we came through this tunnel. it was beautiful light… i wished i had my big camera. (and that i was not running… ha)
firefighters were all through the race. which made me tear up every time we came up on them. they were sweating like crazy walking with all that gear on… what amazing men!
we ran right past the capital building. that was really cool. and the sun was just behind it… GORGEOUS.
we hit the halfway mark and decided on taking a picture. try # 1 try #2 we were honestly smiling.
i repeated to myself so many times "God's spirit is with you" "present your body as worship" and "Glorify God with your body"
i made it 9.5 miles before walking!! that is AMAZING. i had never run more than 8 miles before that… so i had my personal best that day.
around mile 11 i was feeling a little delirious. and i said to my friend "have you seen Taledega Nights?" and i quoted this line.
i know i know. ricky bobby and carl naughton jr. are complete blasphermors through that entire movie. but… i quoted it because as i was dragging and weak..
i said "well….i am picturing my jesus in running shorts and nike frees…running beside me"
we giggled a bit and decided Jesus probably would have been way faster than me.
i walked a bit, ran a bit, walked a bit and then at mile 12 an older man on the sides controlling traffic, looking like morgan freeman, leaned in towards me and did a quiet clapping and said quietly
"let's go. let's go. run. you can do it. let's go"
and it was so quiet that i just listened to him.
i ran.
and suddenly there was the finish line way up ahead!!
i turned to my friend and said "i am so glad you made me do this! THANK YOU so much!"
i meant it. it was such an awesome morning!
i took out my headphones and took it all in. people were all cheering and screaming for the runners. it was so cool. big races are such a positive atmosphere! every runner feels like a rockstar.
and there i was. done. THIRTEEN MILES. 2:46:48 it's not fast but i don't care one single bit. i did it. (nice glasses…..)
after we caught our breath, regrouped, ate oranges, bagels and bananas to refuel, we headed to the memorial again.
MANY people ran for those they lost in the OKC bombing. the memorial had all kinds of sites like this.
we made it to the shuttles.
i was beginning to feel sick.
then i got sick.
and i was miserable.
my body was in full-on-freak-out mode.
it was not pretty.
my friends let me sleep for awhile and after an hour and a half i was better.
i rallied.
i ate a quick lunch and then it was time for massage.
it's what we do. we run hard and then we go to the spa. the best way to run a race. period.
then dinner and a DELICIOUS drink to celebrate! i am so proud of all of us!!
we trained hard for months. with 15 kids between the four of us…and all of our jobs…and busy lives…
Andrea@KnittyBitties-I loved reading this Meg because one week from today I’ll be running my first half. My stomach already lurches if I think too much on it, but it’s going to be amazing and great and fun and I can’t wait. I did 10 miles yesterday and felt really good, so 13.1 should be cake, right?!?! 😀
Congratulations on training and following through!
XOXO,
Andrea
tara-oh how i remember the half that i ran in ATL…..
crazy awesome and crazy hard.
i laughed when i read that you imagined jesus running beside you in shorts and nike frees. i am sure he was there beside you..i need to quit imagining him in a white robe and try your imagination.
hilarious.
Carrie -This made me cry. So proud of you.
I am part of a full/half/5K organizing committee as part of my job ans runners never cease to impress me. Love their spirit and determination and sense of humor. If I didn’t have fibro I think I would try it. But I’m just not tough enough!
Momofthree -Great job! I am training for my first half marathon at Niagara Falls in June and watching as you trained has been inspiring:)
Did you talk anywhere on the blog about your running playlist? On my shorter runs I have been happy with no music but now for the longer distances I really think I would like to have some music to help me along. I’d love to hear what you were listening to!
Katherine @ Grass Stains-Had to add my congratulations and tell you how proud I am of you for running your first half, Meg! (And even if you never do it again, it’s something to be incredibly proud of!) 🙂 Way to go!!
Lora-I teared up many times reading your post. Congrats to you!! I especially love the part about the Morgan Freeman man cheering you on. That’s so great! Since he played God maybe that was God’s way of cheering you on 🙂
I’ve been to the OKC bombing sight and walked around the fence with all the memorials stuck in it. It was completely silent. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was very emotional.
Yay for you!
Leslie-As I read that I felt so proud of you! I read your blog all the time and you are such an encouragement to me! 🙂 How excited to ACTUALLY do it!!
Jenn-Wow! I’m sitting here crying. You may or may not know this, but you ran for your kids, your husband, those that died that horrible day, those that died in Boston another horrible day, those that were hurt, you ran for those of us that read your blog and you ran for you! I’m so proud of you! You rock! And Jesus was with you in running shorts and Nike frees and he’s proud of you too!
Alicia @ La Famille-CONGRATS!!!!!
I’ve run four halves…two were to get me back into shape after babies. I’ll have to start thinking about another now! It is SUCH a rush every time. SO SO worth it!!
Congrats again!!!
Andrea T -I havent been by to read in awhile…busy, back to work. something made me drop by. i am so glad i did. i am wiping away the tears. just the motivation i needed! CONGRATS!!!!!!! what an amazing accomplishment!
Heather R. -RoCk oN!!! You should be so proud of yourself! Great job!
Krista -So proud of you MEG!!!!! Thank you for sharing!
P.S. Your pace is just fine 🙂
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to run/ walk for nearly 3 hours but I’m working on it!!
denise@victory rd.-meg, tearing up.
i just love every bit of this- even the photos that don’t do the reality justice.
i love your honesty.
the beginning the day in worship, and continuing in worship as you ran (and as you blogged).
i related to the not sleeping, and jumping up at the alarm, and to the texting for one more dose of love. praise God for those relationships that nourish us.
and i loved that you all ran for okc.
but my FAVORITE part (when i really teared up) was when “morgan freeman” spurred you on. makes me think of the Spirit nudging you so you finish well (which from my experience if more for my good, than God’s).
and WOOT WOOT!
maybe someday i’ll join you and run my own 1/2 (yikes).
amanda d-Congratulations! Smiled through the whole post … “God’s spirit is with you”
“present your body as worship”, and “Glorify God with your body” – made me teary. I’m going to say it when I’m on the treadmill b/c I always feel like I’m dying when I’m running. 😉
Lori Austin -This post made me BAWL!!
So proud of you.
That’s all (heading for tissue). 🙂
Lisa -I’m so sorry you got sick! ugh! I have done 2 half marathons and both times I got totally sick after too. Not sure why that is cause all through my training I felt great! So glad you did it and had a great time. 🙂
Talia -Congratulations! You ROCK girl! Well done!
Amy -Beautiful and inspiring, Meg! I will never run but I LOVE the enthusiasm my running friends have 🙂 You did it!!!!
Mindy W-Well, I’m proud of you. Just plain bursting my buttons proud of you.
Kimberly Parker-My cousin ran in the same race! I’m proud of you both!
beth larson-Meg…I am smiling and crying and so happy for you! What an amazing accomplishment Girl! My body really and truly was not made to run- but it would be my proudest accomplishment if I could ever do one. : )
Proud of you and for you!
p.s. I ordered one of your prints and framed it for my BFF for her birthday and she loved it soooo much! It’s the sunflower with the words I am here to serve with JOY. It’s so her- xo
a -Awesome!
I ran my first (of two) half marathons a couple of years ago and I was so proud of myself. I called my dad and told him I had finished and my time and he said “Isn’t that usually the time for a full marathon?”
Jill -Congratulations! It’s been fun to read about your journey on your blog.
~ A fellow runner and fan in San Diego
Valerie @ Chateau a la mode-Meg, can I just say I am so, so proud of you. I wish I knew you in real life to give you a huge hug. You rock girlie. May I also take a minute to let you know my husband is a firefighter and I got a tear in my eye with the photo of the firefighters. They truly are heros. They really are men and women who would lay down their lives for others and not think twice about it. xo
Tracy Fisher -i am so very proud of you! -tracy fisher
Katey-Your post brought tears to my eyes several times. Wow. So powerful. I’m glad you did it. Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure. I loved reading about it and seeing your pictures. God is Good.
Cari-This had me in tears. For one, I am originally from Oklahoma. Things like bombings always seem so much more “real” when they happen in your home. Secondly, I am freaking OUT about attempting my first 5K next week. Freaking.Out. I have convinced myself I’m just a big girl and it’s okay if I walk a lot of it. I need to change my attitude. Thirdly, so proud of you for reaching your goal! What an accomplishment!! Way to go!!! Thank you for letting us “run” this journey with you.
Debbie Hargadon -What a great recap and nice post. Thanks for all that you share!
Rebekah-GO MEG! You made me cry, and almost — ALMOST — made me want to run. Not quite. But almost. 🙂 Way to go!
shiela-believe me….once you start doing some kind of marathon, you are hooked for the rest of your life! keep running & keep inspiring sssso many gazillions of people around you…way to go! too many lives are waiting to be touched by your example. every sweat/trials/hills…they are all good & will make you stronger. to God be all the glory! He is the one that allowed you to accomplish more than you could ever imagine.
Wendy-You are such a motivator! I want to do this. thanks for posting about it. I love the Taledago Nights quote. So funny!
Tracy -Congratulations, Meg, to you and your friends! YOU ROCK!! so inspiring.
Robin Canter -I don’t know you but feel so happy for you and am so glad you ran this race and had such a positive experience. Pretty darn good girl.
Cathy-Ok.. you made me cry.. I am so happy for you.. maybe that little guy was your running angel.. only you could see/hear him.. say run… now I have a quote. Run Sally Run.. Dick and Jane. I would love to try a half.. considering I don’t RUN to start with that would be a big thing..
Janelle -Oh you made me teary eyed! Thanks for the inspiration…I think you’re right, I can do it too 🙂 Any tips for how to start??? Did you do Couch Potato to 5K? Number of days per week?? Amount of time spent running? Would love to know how you got started when you get a chance!
nora -Congratulations! But I must say – you did not run 13 miles, you RAN 13.1 MILES! That .1 counts!!!
Thank you for the awesome recap. What a wonderful race.
mary liz cawley -Love this post … brought tears to my eyes the whole way through. Congrats on 13.1 … you rock. I especially loved the “Morgan Freeman” man quietly cheering you on … LOVE HIM
kathy -And you trained through a horrible winter-that is the most impressive part to me! I loved the reading from Jesus Calling. Thanks for passing on some inspiration 🙂
Hannah-CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so so awesome! most of my friends are BIG runners…so i signed up for a half last year…just so i could be in on the girls trip! ha! i wasn’t fast…but you can’t explain the feeling of accomplishment when you are done! not sure if i will ever do it again…but like you…i can say…i did it! love how you take pictures along the way!!! :):)
Gale -CONGRATS!!! SO proud for you – and I lived in Norman when that bombing happened. So sad and terrifying and something I will never forget. My Okie heart is so blessed to see those pictures and know you were part of it.
YOU ROCK, GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
sallie -WooHoo! You did it! Congratulations! I’ve been following and checking in to see how you did! Amazing accomplishment! Wonderful words about your journey and race day! I love that you had the chance to worship before the race! You and your friends are an inspiration!
Leslie-WOW!! Congratulations to you and your friends – what a true accomplishment. I was teary when reading about the moments of silence and the pictures of the memorials. Thanks so much for the recap – glad you shared with all of us 🙂
Heather -This is so beautiful, Meg. You did it!!! What a moving experience. How awesome is that Morgan Freeman guy? So cool. One day when my baby is a bit older, I’ll get back to running. You’re my inspiration!!! 🙂
Terrie-What a great post Meg! I’m so proud of You! And the rest of your group too…Go Angie!!
How stinkin’ emotional…I’m not sure I would have made it…
Shoot I teared up just reading this and thinking about how emotional it would be.
What an accomplishment…with family, friends and God..we can do anything!
Praising Him for all your Blessings!!
Hugs!!
Jenni -Thanks for posting. I knew you were training but didn’t realize it was for the OKC run. I grew up there and was a senior in high school when the bombing happened. Now I live in California where no one quite gets the impact of what happened there. It was a nice surprise to see this today.
And way to go! You inspire me!
Jess in Chicagoland-Meg, congrats on finishing your first half marathon! Reading this post of yours was such a huge inspiration for me and I got chills as I read all about it 🙂 I’ve been on a running journey of my own for the last year and a half and am currently training for my first 5k (it’s on June 16, eeeeek, haha). I’m a little nervous, but I know I can do it! Thanks for sharing your experience… it is quite the wonderful accomplishment! <3
misty-I wish I would have known you were there! I would have LOVED to have met you!! {I’d rather meet my favorite bloggers than any celeb} My mother in law & her sister run marathons. They are so amazing. I would love to be able to run an entire marathon one day, or actually, even the 1/2 would be fantastic. Isn’t the memorial so moving? We went last year & I couldn’t hardly sit through the part where they play the phone calls. I still remember sitting my my math class & hearing what had happened… I was in 7th grade, but I remember it like it was yesterday.
So excited for you! What an awesome accomplishment!
jodie -You are amazing! So proud of you ans your friends. You are all an inspiration! !
beki-Wow, Meg, that was powerful! You’re my hero 😉
Barbara -YAY MEG!! I’ve been checking here the last couple of days to see if you posted about the run….great job! So very happy for you!! Way to go!!
Mary-so rad!!!
what an amazing accomplishment!
xoxo
Jan B. -That was a great recap. Way to go! Very inspirational.
Linda -You are amazing and inspiring! Thank you!
Jenna -Tears! What a race to run … An amazing tribute. Congratulations!!
tonya -that pic of the firefighters totally did me in! so proud of you and your girlfriends for training so hard and accomplishing your goal!!!
Kathy-wow wow wow I am SO proud of you! I have been thinking about training for one of those but so on the fence … now you have me thinking even more about it … GREAT JOB!!!!
Heidi Durant -You did rock that! So awesome. Last month, a friend and I ran NINE 5ks. It was insane, but when I crossed the ninth and final finish line, I was so proud if myself and us! Loved your training posts and running attire. Moms can and will run!!
Lindsey -Way to go! What a great accomplishment!
Heather -I cried through this whole post. You inspire me. Craftily, Spiritually, as a Parent, Style-wise. You’re rockin it! 🙂 Good Job Meg!
Angela A-Congratulations Meg! Such an amazing accomplishment and amazing day. So thankful you had so many to cheer all of you on–even the Morgan Freeman dude!
Kristin S-Yea Meg, yea, yea, yea!!!
So proud of you!!!
After a year injured, I long to run again. I’m a run/walker and really do enjoy it and miss it – as do my growing thighs. I have hope of returning but am content if it isn’t God’s plan.
Maybe, someday, I’ll walk/run a half. I want to!
tinaehb3 -This brought tears to my eyes 🙂 This is definitely going on my list of must accomplish!!
Carrie-I am racewalking my first post second baby event on May 12. Prior to her I have 6 marathons and several halfs under my belt. She is almost 2 1/2 so it has been awhile and I am nervous. I racewalk and I look nerdy doing it, but I am evidently good at it. I wish my knees would let me run. I am hoping to keep a 12:15 pace, slower then what I used to do, realistic now I suppose. My husband against my getting back into this as it has involved some watching of the kiddos while I do my long training on the weekend. I have not shared that I already have a race picked out in September!!
Colleen -Congrats to you and your running friends! Quite an inspiration you are…maybe I will try for a 5K first! Well done.
jenny -You’re such an inspiration! Congratulations!!!
Amy K. -SO PROUD OF YOU… that you did it, but especially how you have spent the past week using the whole thing to glorify God!
Tiffany-God is so good….(then u say) ..All the time. I am very happy for you, this is an impressive accomplishment! Rockstar!
Hannah Lesley-There is nothing cooler than running a race. I am convinced of it. You should be so proud of yourself! I’m proud of you:)
ann-Congratulations Meg! I am so proud of you and being a runner myself, I know what hard work that was! Yea! Go you! Isn’t amazing that so much of our physical body has to do with our MIND! (Having God give you strength helps, too!!) Hugs, Ann in Park Ridge
Courtney-Congratulations! I got a little teary reading this too! I ran my one and only half a couple of years ago and it was amazing! My body freaked out afterward too and I felt horrible! I love the encouragement you got toward the end and how you kept yourself going! And super impressed that you ran that far before you walked! Super inspiring…thanks for sharing!
melodee-you are amazing! all of you girls are! congrats!!
Jeanelle -I just wept when I read what the older man said to you at mile 12…God is just the best. So glad you made it. You’re awesome.
Kelly-I’m getting emotional for you! I know what it means to mentally and physically do something you didn’t think you would ever be able to do! Such a HUGE accomplishment! Congratulations!
becky @ farmgirl paints-i am so proud of you meg. seriously running a marathon seems impossible to me…but YOU DID IT! rock star. love the mantra you said to yourself.
Connie -Congratulations!
Leann -Congratulations to you and your friends!!!! You are all AMAZING women in my book.
Rachel B. -I was tearing up reading your post! What an amazing opportunity! What an example of Philippians 4:13!!!
Mia-AMAZING! You are an inspiration to all of us who have never run a half marathon. Clearly, those runs in 17 degrees weather paid off!
Tiffany clark-GOOD FOR YOU! You’re so amazing! I’m so happy you did that for yourself! I didn’t realize how emotional it would be, but reading this post, now I get it. Wow.
Carol S.-Remember I hung up my running shoes after my first 5K….but am sooooo proud of you. Loved all the pics and stories. Adored Morgan Freeman’s encouragement at the end, and the Jesus in the tuxedo clip really made me laugh. Haven’t seen it but I need to memorize that line…cause I like my Jesus to party a little, too. Sigh, great work Meg, thanks for sharing the journey.
CathyC-Good for you Meg! That is super-awesome!!!!!!! You should be so proud!!!!!!! 🙂
Mary-Way proud of you! Big congrats!
Had to chuckle about Jesus in running shorts…I have a feeling he was smiling too!
Rach-Congrats! It must have been an amazing feeling of accomplishment!
chrissi -inspiring post. thank you, i loved it.
Anne -I’m so proud of you!!! Way. To. Go. And you look adorbs in those running glasses. Don’t tell yourself otherwise, cause its just not true! Congratulations to all of you.
kim-i’m so proud of you , meg.
this post made me choke up.
(which isn’t something that happens for me a lot).
picturing the morgan-freeman-lookalike quietly encouraging you made my throat swell up, and tears well up.
and the special sights at the memorial. the bibs.
so amazing.
i remember the day of the bombing, i was super young, and spent the whole day watching the news (unsupervised). i think it is incredibly special that you did this.
and you’re right. now you can always say you did it. 🙂
it’s a good feeling, isn’t it?
Lori H -Love this story Meg and I am so proud that you did it! And here I am, worried about an 8K with my lately-rebelling 50-year-old body. Haha.
tracy dickinson-way to go! my sis has done the okc half and it was pretty amazing. i am training for my first half in november! now you need to do a full…!!!!!
Stephanie -I’m totally wiping tears away. 🙂 how amazing for you! I love that you leaned on God and wanted to present your body a living sacrifice.
I lived in OK before the bombing. That memorial is so moving. I would love to go back.
I ruptured my Achilles’ tendon almost 2 years ago while on a run and it still bothers me. I don’t see a half marathon (or even a mile run! Lol) in my future.
Good for you! So glad to see the update!
Jenn -Meg, you made me tear up by the end of the post. I ran my first two half marathons last year and am so ready to do it again after reading about your experience. You did rock that half. Way to go!
Melissa-So proud of you! Sounds like you did amazing and soaked it all in – perfect! Stinks you got sick afterwards.
tiffany gardner-YAY MEG!!! I was totally standing on a street in my neighborhood (by the beer guys) cheering you on! I kept telling my husband… I have to cheer on my blog girl… he said .. is that creepy??? Maybe… but I said I would be there and I was!! My hubby and oldest son ran the 5k. The run was awesome… the day was awesome … our city is awesome. So glad you came!!
Lynette-Great job, sounds like a pretty cool experience!
Lisa M. -So wonderful Meg!! I’ve been checking for this post all weekend and all day today 🙂 That is so awesome that you took pictures throughout the race to save those memories. I love your mantra “God’s spirit is with you….” Thanks for sharing. I ran a 5 mile race last fall and I had just started training in September. After about mile 3 I kept asking myself, “Why? Why am I doing this?” but then when I was done, I was so glad and I will probably do it again, but honestly? Give me a 3 mile run any day and I’m good 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS on reaching your goal!
Ashley E -Great job Meg!!! Sad I didn’t get to see you, but that’s life. 🙂 You should do the Route 66 1/2 in Tulsa this November…. 🙂
jamie -oh my gosh. i better hurry up and wipe my tears before my kids come down here and see me crying. what a beautiful recap of your race experience. i am so proud of you my imaginary friend! what an amazing accomplishment!
stephany @ home is what you make it-Nice work!
I refuse to run for longer than 1 hour at a time, so I train for 10k’s.
Maybe I’ll decide that I would like to run for longer than 1 hour at a time someday, but for now that is good.
Right now I am training for a 10k at the beginning of August…and it is in the park i run in all the time, so I can practice the route from my house!
Does anybody go for a run during Craft Weekend?
Sarah Wolfe-Awesome! Makes me want to do one too… eventually 🙂
a few months ago my running buddies and i decided we'd sign up for a 10K to keep us motivated.
it was hard to keep running some mornings but most of the time we made the effort.
this weekend….we did it!
i am sure you know how hard it is to have time with girlfriends. so instead of just never seeing them….we meet up to run.
and to distract us from the running we talk about what is going on in our lives.
we each ran the whole 6.2 miles….no walking.
woo-hoo!!!
these are positive, encouraging, Godly women that i love. we support each other. we lift each other up. we are happy for each other when good things come. we pray for each other. we want to see the best for each other! they are so special to me.
i am so proud of all us for sticking with it and working hard.
when we were done…we weren't even exhausted. we all agreed we could've kept going.
sweet.
our post race tradition is starbucks and the spa.
this time we could only do starbucks because we had to get back home for our kids' swim meet. but next time…
we are going to the spa.
and there IS a next time.
10 miles.
in the fall….it's ON!
and there is talk about a half marathon but that scares the heck outta me right now.
some of you have asked me about specifics on my personal running gear….
let me tell you that this sports bra has been A W E S O M E!!!
i used to have to wear two sports bras to run…until i found this. it's my fave. it's available on amazon even….i got mine at Dicks Sporting Goods.
it's not cheap…but it's about the same as having to wear two before….and it's totally worth it.
josy -Anyone who can run and talk at the same time is a superstar in my book!
Julie -I’ve been doing the double-sports-bra thing for years, and hated it. Based on your recommendation, I swallowed the money guilt and went right out to get that bra. I don’t usually do that, but I figured you wouldn’t steer me wrong. After my “long” run this morning, I can safely say that it is everything you said it would be. I really really appreciate it. Thanks for being a running inspiration to me.
Jennifer-Hey Meg…love this post. Congrats–that is so awesome! I turned 40 this May and have been feeling this sense of urgency that I need to get back into some sort of work out routine. I have for the past few years since my son was born just put it on the back burner. Your enthusiasm has motivated me to get more serious about getting my booty in gear. 🙂
JoLynn -So inspirational! I am overdue right now for baby #4, but running looks fabulous! 🙂 I would love to get into it once I recover. Do you have an iPhone that you listen to music? I am really behind the times when it comes to technology, but would love to buy something good to listen to tunes on for motivation. Thanks and keep up the hard work! 🙂
Christina-That is sooo great! You have been very inspiring to me with all of your running. Congratulations on doing this race!
karen-I didn’t even know running skirts existed!! yay! I have pink adidas trainers and I’m certain they give me wings!
On a side note, I just saw the orange You is…throw pillow you make on Pinterest!!! I am inlove!! I am in the middle of making my homeschool room and just painted it SR robins egg blue and that pillow would be the happy in the room!! WOuld you consider making one for our room?? You are so gifted!! And where did you even find cursive writing fabric??? I think I have a crush! karenevoy@hotmail.com http://oakhillsacademy.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/reclining-dad/
Tiffany -So awesome!!! Congrats on 6.2 miles, I always say running is not for me. Maybe I need the cute skirt? Nah, bur some inspirational friends would certainly do it.
Tanya-Congrats Meg!
I just ran my first 5k race weekend 2 weeks ago. I loved the energy. Pretty great…and addictive. My sister treated me to a LuLu Lemon outfit for race day! WOW 🙂
Yay for running!!!!
shiela-that was quite ssstrange that my previous comment got erased for some reason…? don’t feel like re-typing everything again & if this message gets “erased” as well…then, oh well!
Emily B-That is awesome! You look amazing! Races freak me out. But you’ve been (your 100 mile month), and are continuing to inspire me to keep running! Thanks for that.
Megan-Absolutely amazing! I am just starting on 5k’s and am so thankful for the inspiration you are!
elz-Congratulations. Be careful, I started with 5 and 10ks and now I’m a half marathon runner! You know, you can easily run twice as far as you’ve run before. Meaning, you gals are ready for a 1/2 marathon! Don’t be afraid to walk when you run (walk 1 minute every 10 minutes or so), it’s actually better for your muscles in the long run (ha ha, pun!). It keeps you fresher longer.
Ashley-Congrats! I think you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to add mileage, once you get past that 10K distance. It is daunting, of course, but seriously once I did seven miles it seemed like oh heck, what’s another mile? Good luck with the 10 miler, and I say go for it. Find half to sign up for! You can do it!
Kimberly Dial-So awesome! Congrats to you & your friends!
steph-way to go meg!!!!
so proud of you girls.
i always find a race gives me a kick in the pants and running is easier when i schedule it in.
so if i’m training, i’m more inclined to get out there.
sometimes i just ‘train’ pretend so that i get lots of mileage in.
i’m so sneaky! ha ha!
i love it though too… and i love running with my BFF.
we call it “coffee time” without the calories. 😉
right now i’m training for my third half marathon.
it’s on father’s day.
i’m sorta freaking out but excited too… in a barfy kinda way.
make sense?
ha ha ha!
i’m encouraging YOU to do a half too!
you will love it!
honestly!
lots of hard work but such a great feeling afterward.
if you want some training tips ever, feel free to email me.
i have always followed a very easy training plan.
only involves running 4 times a week.
3 shorter runs during the week and 1 long run on the weekend.
doable, for sure!
there’s nothing like the feeling of finishing the half too…
like having a baby without drugs.
super crazy hard… think you can’t do it… then it’s over… and you feel like a million BUCKS!
awesome!
roganne-you are so inspirational! i totally hate running. if i have to run, it is usually only because i am being chased! great job!
Kristin S-So proud of all of you! I’ve never run with a group because I love the alone time but I like this concept for encouragement.
I got achilles tendonitis in both feet (waaaa) four weeks and two days ago and haven’t run a step since. It is HARD. I miss it. I feel like a crazy, psycho woman missing running. I mean, I miss ice cream, but running?!?!
Thanks for the tips. I’m always on the hunt for a good sports bra. The cross back ones always seem so complicated but yours has a zipper! Brilliant. I get mine from Title Nine.
Run for me!
amy jupin-soooo proud of both you and jana!
this takes time and dedication–to running and to each other!
way to go girls!
p.s. va-va-voom! hotness.
Katie Jones -How did you get started like did you do a program or something?
Also still wondering about your devotional you were reading last week??? Which one is it????
Heidi Jo the Artist-So proud of you! 🙂 I have a ways to go, but I keep chugging along each week. Really hoping to try out that sports bra. I wear two when I run right now, and sometimes I think I need three, so I definitely know what you mean!! What headphones do you like? I remember you said you listen to music most of the times you run by yourself. I’ve got cheapies right now, but want to invest in a nicer pair that will stay in my ears well. I wish I had a lot or even ONE girlfriend that liked to run in my area. My brother runs a lot and between him, you, and another person online I know, you guys really inspire me. 🙂 I’d run with my brother, but man I got the short end of the stick and have super short legs compared to him and even if I was in pristine shape he would leave me in his dust… Trying to get my hubby and my oldest son to run more. My oldest son really wants to get a medal; my brother has gotten several and that is great encouragement for him. I really need to push it up a notch though, did lots of walking over the weekend so that made me feel better than doing nothing. I started doing stretching and some yoga over the past month. Every morning I had bad back pain the day after I would run or walk lots. I can’t believe how much of a difference it makes. Last night I was in a lot of pain from walking so much over the weekend and I just did the stretching even though it was painful, and wow felt pretty good this morning. So that is my advice if anyone ever asks you about backpain. 😉 Have a great week!
Suzanne-Great job, Meg! I am starting the Couch 2 5K program – I really LOATHE running. But I really need to get in shape, and I set a goal of running a 5K, so….
april-You look sooooo great!!! Congrats on the race! xoxo
April R -Yeah you guys! 🙂 That’s so awesome!
and I can see how those shoes would make running happier 🙂 super cool!
happygirl-You are a ROCK STAR! You look great. Good for you. 🙂
Jenna@CallHerHappy-I need to get back into running. I was in a running accident a couple of years ago, and I’ve had a hard time starting up again. Prayers for me? I’ll say some prayers for you that keep getting more awesome!
Jenna
callherhappy.com
Londen-congratulations! I will do any kind of workout but hate running, always have. you are looking quite fit btw!!
Seriously Sassy Mama-I so love to run. I just started, and hope to run a 5k in a year. I actually like running by myself. It gives me time to listen to music, think, and talk to God.
Jennifer-Congratulations! That is quite the accomplishment. I’m not a fan of running, but I go to a bootcamp 3 days a week and we do lots of running. What keeps me going…..friends. You are so on the money with that. They motivate and empathize about the pain and being tired. Thanks for the tips on the running gear. I agree the Under Armour bra is the best and have wanted to know which shoes you had…so cute!
Laura Wilder -Wow Meg – Awesome AWESOME job! Just yesterday I was checking back in your posts about running music. I just started back up again after a long hiatus. 🙂 It makes me feel free.
Sandy -Way to go! That is awesome! I want to be a runner but I am no good at it. I’ll keep CrossFitting and working on my running. …
Terrie G-Oh.My.Gosh. I’m almost embarrassed to show my age…I was one of your dear sweet running friends’ youth group leader! LOVE that girl!! She has such a sweet spirit about her! I’m so happy that she has sweet, wonderful, faithful, Godly women like you in her life! Puts a smile on my face!
Congrats on your accomplishment!!
Holly-congrats Meg! That is awesome! We are doing a color run here in Nashville in October. You need to see if there is one close to you because you would LOVE it!
Ashley-I am so proud of you…and in awe of you. That is a LONG run, a REALLY REALLY REALLY LONG run in my book. Great job friend!
they are super bright and happy. Nike Free Run +2 they are so comfy. today we did another 6 but only ran a little over half…but 6 miles is 6 miles. period.
kimberlee and i went to the world's best barn for some craft weekend neccessities. since i have moved out of the my house in town i had to replace a few of the things we took with us. and add some more really fun things!
i almost got this.
check out this table kimberlee is sunning herself near. it's giant. it's covered in the perfect amount of rust…from sitting outside somewhere forever. it weighs a ton. it's the perfect height.
it came home with me….delivered on a trailer.
it had to….if i didn't get it i knew Anthro would have come by and snatched it away. i had NO choice. ha ha ha
craft weekend SWAG is pouring in my mail box everyday. sunshine by sara there is another one coming up in just two weeks! it's such fun to prepare for!
so now these are all in my kitchen at the old house. how fun is this? and messy i know. i had the tables built for this room by the guys at the Barn from old barn wood & old porch posts (turquoise!!!) i am IN love with these huge tables.
🙂
rust AND bright yellow? yes please.
oh Ree. you are super woman. this cookbook is so beautiful. i hope to make every recipe. you make it look so easy.
check out this happy table! this is not where things go….it's things that are stacked waiting for places to land. but it is one happy corner for sure! do you see my awesome canvas from MPIX.com? i absolutely adore it. crystal clear….BRIGHT perfect colors….amazing quality….i could not love it any more than i already do!
and lastly….do you know what this means?
my etsy shop is making it's way to a comeback. slowly but surely. 🙂
ok…gotta get dinner made. and i think tonight deserves a dessert. something super yummy. hmm….maybe from Ree's cookbook?! yes.
Heidi Jo the Artist-Wow, those are some rad shoes! 50 miles!? You go girl! I have a ways to go…
Love the rusty table and all the mismatched chairs!
Lea -Love the sneakers too! I saw them at the Dicks sporting goods over the weekend and loved them…Im jealous.
Curious..Is Kimberlee now your business partner with the Craft House? We seem to be seeing her quite a bit. It really is a smart idea and sounds lucrative too. I’m impressed. I think you have good ideas all the way around and a craft weekend sounds like so much fun!
Jenny B.-I couldn’t help it… I saw that dark kitchen in the background of the chairs picture, and I felt a little sad… no Annie climbing on the barstool, no waffle running around… does it just feel really weird to go there and know that you you all live somewhere else? I’m excited for you about the new place and all the awesomeness that will happen in the craft house, but I am just imagining how I would feel if it had been my home. 🙂 I think it would be fun to have it all to myself, though, and be able to spend time planning and decorating, and not picking up toys or doing laundry (besides cute fabric and lovely vintage quilts, of course). Ha! 🙂
elisa-I love this post. All the color. And that water color canvas!!!! I want another pillow from you. Mine is still in storage in Ohio somewhere. I miss it. It was mine. All mine.
April R -inspired by the mpix (thanks for the reference!), the shoes (go go go), and your desire to make all of Ree’s recipes! thanks for sharing 🙂
elizabeth-Those shoes are amazingly awesome!! Your blog is so happy and bright! Love it!
Tracy Fisher -I love your new shoes :). Thanks for keeping me motivated on my workout journey… you are truly an inspirational person, wife and mom. Tracy
Krissy -I love the canvas!!! It’s so happy! :o) I guess i’m totally behind the curve, i didnt even know you had an Etsy shop. (although i’m definitely not surprised lol!) When you put it back up, could you put a link to it? I would LOVE to look through it!! Your colors always brighten my day!
Beth -I have ree’s cookbook! it is so beautiful!
Karen Gerstenberger-Your photos always make me happy – especially when you go to the Barn and bring home something wonderful that deserves a new life with you. YAHOO!
Melanie-I’m not a runner, but those shoes are SO cute! I love the happy colors.
What in the world are you going to do with that ginormous metal table??!
jen-love it all.
and surprisingly i love the sneakers. might just have to copy. 😉
Laurie-You have got to search for Pete the cat I love my white shoes – live telling on youtube.com
Your blog title instantly made me think of that awesome song. Your shoes reminded me again.
You’d love it! I just know it!
here’s a link for it too… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U
Cara-I love all your yummy pictures. Every. Last. One. And I love the stories that go along with them. It would be a dream to fly out and join the craft weekend. Maybe someday, just so busy these days. I’m so happy you’ve decided to move your fam to them farm. What a beautiful and honorable decision. Happy St. Patty’s Day, Meg.
Vicki-You should sell prints of your paint print in your etsy store! It’s so extra cheery! and there is something so hopeful about a brand new paint set…
Jen Brandt -The “paint” print canvas is AWEsome! Absolutely love it! Like your new big table too. Happy weekend!
Shauna -Oooh, i hope you’ll be selling some of your prints. I love your “paint” print! Im still thinking about those bird nest photos…any chance of putting those in your shop??
Kerry-Maaaaannnn, I was going to list all the things I love in this post – but then I would seriously be re-writing the ENTIRE post.
those shoes……..oh how I love thy shoes. x
Prairie Jenn-Beautiful colors, flea market treasures, and Ree’s new cookbook…what’s not to love?! Thanks for sharing the happiness:)
Headed to our old downtown antique (and junk) stores to find a few treasures myself today!
angela-I think I am in love with the places you visit to buy your *junk* that I love! I remember the cold, winter Saturday I sat in front of my gas logs and read every. single. post. I am still in love with your blog!!!!
Leah-I got PW’s book yesterday. I’m already in love. And hungry.
lacey poag -Love your HaPpY blog I NEED the watercolors canvas print…pretty please!
Lin -I want so many things pictured in this post. The Wonder Woman poster? I still love that show. I am so sad that I can’t find anyone to watch it with (I tried making my daughter using threats of time outs if she didn’t, but she knew I was bluffing). The happy sneakers? I was thinking of getting myself a pair of bright, happy, rainbow colored ones in the hope it would motivate me to exercise. And your canvas of the water colors? I don’t want it, I need it.
Margaret-I just bought myself those shoes for running. I love them. I have 15 miles on them so far 🙂
Holly-Love that table and the canvas. I have a very similar photo from our water color adventures and I have always thought about making it into art. Yours looks great!
Lindsey -Oh, the antiques barn – how I love thee. I hope to visit again sometime! I can’t wait to see the etsy shop open up!!!!!!
AshleyAnn-This whole post makes me really happy for you. It also makes me feel more relaxed for you…two spaces. One for you and your family, out in the country, private & peaceful. Another place to celebrate being creative and entertaining with others. So happy for you.
Oh, and this time I didn’t have to type in my info. Now you can come fix that on my blog for me 🙂
Kelly-I’m loving all of these colors!! Can’t wait to get my hands on Ree’s new cookbook, too. Enjoy your weekend!
Denissa -WOO HOO on 50miles! And those shoes are RAD!! 🙂 love how bright they are!
The table is amazing, and the canvas..speechless! You blog has totally made me fall back in love w/ rainbows. I have a rainbow wreath idea in my head, just hoping it turns out how I’m thinking it will 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Sara Torbett-The watercolor picture is happy and fabulous and perfectly colorful all at the same time! Rust and chippy paint make my heart sing. 🙂 thanks for the early cw swag mention. 🙂
Lori Austin -Those shoes!
Those tables!
Love it all!
Kristin F.-i LOVE your shoes. just be careful — Frees aren’t great for everyday running. i started running in them and the end result was a wonky knee and a new pair of shoes :). they are good for a few days a week to strengthen your feet. LOVE the turquoise — mine are purple & lime green!!!
Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails}-Its so funny that you started this post with running sneaks b/c just today on my way home from school I had it in my mind to email you and ask what you’d recommend. I’m NOT a runner, but have always wanted to be(weird, I know) and I need to get my lean-ness back. Yet I don’t want to injure my feet or knees. Wanna help a non-runner out and give me ideas?
And lastly, Ive gotta say I miss seeing the old house so much. I was thrilled to see bits and pieces of it again:)
Elizabeth-I am going to the barn 4 sure when I go visit my sis in Wichita….. I HAVE TO…… there is no other choice! Loving those shoes by the way!!
megan@contentedsparrow-gorge! all gorge! those shoes! that canvas (drool)! that rusty table! the big table! you reopening etsy! yeah!
Katherine -Just have to post and say that I am grateful that you share your gifts with us, I am always lifted when I read your blog…and encouraged to live more joyfully. I have none of your God-given talents, so it is really fun to see what you are up to. Thank you for sharing!
Justine -I was just at the barn on Monday..and i saw your tables that oggie (sp) built, he told us they were special order–didn’t know they were for you lol so crazy…to bad we weren’t there at the same time but we would’ve fought over the wonder woman photo so it’s pry good we weren’t. 🙂
Jacci-YAY for opening the store again!!! Woo hoo! I am PUMPED! 🙂 Oh, pretty please – a sunflower print. The one that used to hang over the chippy white cupboard in the family room. I have loved that photo for EVER and totally missed them all last time.
Very fun that you’re gearing up for a new CW. The change is… I admit… hard for me. I’m such a dork. But, I am totally excited for you.
Love the watercolors canvas print, too!
Linda -Oh my goodness that picture of the paints is pure happiness. My heart just totally smiled! And it so needed it today Thank you!
Valerie Rodriguez -You and your blog… made me fall in live with rainbows again!! I wish I could come out for a Craft weekend but instead I will live vicariously through your great photos!!
Marianne-How could you not buy that Wonder Woman print?!?! It is amazing. And I love that pic of the paint- it is even more amazing!
Sandy -I really, really, really should get my name on your waiting list!! I want to attend a CRAFT WEEKEND!
Kim-Don’t you love it when something follows you home? Love the table. I bet it’s great getting ready for craft weekend once again, in a house that is now just for that purpose. I mean, you can set things out and nobody will touch them, nobody will mess up the house. How great is that?!
Congratulations on 50 miles. 6 miles IS 6 miles. I need to get out and walk/run. And I will. The snow is finally gone!
Sarah Wolfe-So will everyone eat at that table with the turquoise legs? Fabulous! And I never noticed when I was a little girl what a body Linda Carter had… I’m surprised they let my brother watch with me 🙂 that paint pic is so cool. Love it all
Seriously Sassy Mama-Those tables are fabulous! I want to paint my kitchen table turquoise. After the move. I am so jealous of The Barn. i must find something like that around me.
Pink and Green Mama MaryLea-How did I miss another craft weekend deadline? GAH! I need to get on some kind of direct notification list…. : ( I’m off to sulk.
but, first…I have to say, Your photos are adorable.
Love the giant watercolor canvas,
E wants your gum ball machine
and yes, that table HAD to come home with you
— love. it. all.
xoxo
ML
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our thanksgivings were each good… and very yummy..jpg)
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i got up early for my run yesterday morning…. so lovely..jpg)
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if you have wondered about kansas really being flat…. now you know.
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!