whatever

Blog

Category Archives: things i love

it’s a good monday.

January 14, 2013

i slept until noon today.
i did get up from 6:45 to 7:30 to see my kids off to school but then straight back to bed.
sleep is a good thing.

craft weekend was pretty excellent this past weekend.

lindsey and joy came as helpers and were nothing less than amazing at that job.

we did not plan our wardrobe… we just happened to all match perfectly!

wendy came too!! (blurry picture is better than no picture? maybe 😉

she took a bajillion photos for us doing all the things we do at Craft Weekend and i got to spend time with her which was super happy for me.

i hope you loved being here as much as i loved having you here wendy!
maybe you should ditch your world tour and just come to craft weekend every month???
there will be cinnamon rolls….

i know you are tempted.

kimberlee pampered us all with food that tastes so much better than anything i could ever make.

and our crafty guests were awesome.
so kind.
so happy.
so lovely.
such a treat to have them and get to create alongside them.

tulips are so cheerful in the freezing cold of january.

we made a really cool painting!!

and these were the treasures i brought home from the antique store on saturday.
a quilt…some vintage trims… salt shakers for holding tiny craft supplies…sugar shakers for twine…and a pencil sharpener for the craft house because we are always looking for pencils!

i can't wait to share about the actual weekend.
and tell you about our awesome sponsors we had this month.
it was just a really great time.

now… i guess i have to go run off the cheesecake & cinnamon rolls i stuffed myself with this weekend.
or at least i should go.
but… i would have to get out of my jammies.
and it is 25 degrees out.

we'll see what happens….

happy monday to you!

show hide 20 comments

add a comment

Heidi Jo the Artist - Love the craft weekend posts! 🙂

Kate - AAGH! You saw Wendy?! Guess what, guess what?! I am finally going to Go Pro this weekend – I am beyond nervous and my stomach is insane! I soooooo wish you were gonna be there.

Corinne - Meg – YOUR BOOTS!!!! Where did you get your boots!!! They are super amazingly cute and a must have, please share!!

Ashley - Those paintings are so fun…looks like you guys had a really great weekend!!

Gale - CW was the best weekend ever – would go again in a minute! It was the happiest place on earth – sorry Mickey! 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Eeeeeeeeek!
(Loving those paintings!)
PS – is it a requirement to do one’s hair for craft weekend attendance?

Crystal - One of these days I AM gonna go to craft weekend. Looks like SO much fun! Hey, I just started selling Scentsy and am trying to get my business up and running. I’m giving away a warmer on my blog. No entries yet so there are very good odds you could win! 🙂

Tiffany - I’m so glad you had such a nice weekend! No doubt every one of those ladies had the time of their life! Do you know the song by Mandisa called “Good Morning”? Your blog post title made me think of that. I love that song. 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnmWwudeqfM

Sara - I love your outfit with the gray boots. WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE FABULOUS BOOTS? I live in Michigan, so you don’t need to worry about me wearing them the same time as you do. 🙂

Jenny B. - Oh, how I love those paintings!! I just bought some canvasses (sp?) on a whim at Hobby Lobby. I had no idea what I wanted to paint on them… now I do! Would love a tutorial when you get a chance! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Linda - I love your post. They always make me so happy! Thanks the craft week end sounds AMAZING!!! Maybe someday I’ll get there!

elma - OH I just LOVE seeing pictures of craft weekend. The more pictures the better!!! I wish I could go but I am sooo not crafty~~:(

Stephanie Talty - Thanks for sharing the sneek peek into Craft Weekend-the pictures look amazing and the canvas paintings look like eye candy!! Can’t wait to see more!!!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Cant wait to hear all about it:)

Jill - I love EVERY photo! WONDERFUL and what FUN.
NOW. let’s get SERIOUS about you fabulous gray boots! I! LOVE! THEM!

Heather Simnitt - Glad you had such a great weekend! They look so fun!

Georgia - Awwww it looks like so much fun. I want to put myself on the list, but i cant afford to fly from the UK. 🙁 maybe one day. x

Tonya - Looks like such a great weekend!

Courtney Walsh - Sleeping till noon just became my #1 goal for 2013!!
Looks like an amazing time. 🙂
(Sorry for the previous deleted post…I was logged in on my work email!) 🙂

Melissa - So fun! Love your craft weekends. I so need to talk my mom aunt and cousins into trying to sign up. We would have a blast and don’t live far from you.

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

here we go.

January 1, 2013

#21

#25

2012 was a big year.

we had a lot of changes…we had a lot of work….

and a whole lot of a w e s o m e.

i am excited for everything God has in store for 2013.

are you?

show hide 31 comments

add a comment

chiropractors nj - Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.

Shalee Shuayto - I need the water color picture! I saw it on the craft weekend blog, looked like it was printed on canvas?? Amazing, love! Do you sell these? Love………..!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ashlee - I adore the picture of your face with paint on it! You look beautiful and happy!

Lori - Yes! And, I just love your blog. The rainbow colors make me instantly happy! Love all these pictures. Happy 2013!

Leanne Mackenzie - What a huge year for you all! And what amazing photos…
I am so excited to see what 2013 will bring!
Leanne xo

Traci - These are wonderful, thank you for sharing! A very big wish for a happy 2013 for all of us, thank you for blogging I enjoy your inspiration.

lisa - You are so blessed! Wishing you and your family a great 2013. I am excited for the new year, too. We built a house, moved, two kiddos started school… I am ready for a quieter year with my family.

Farmgirl Paints - TheSe are amazing. So much love and fun. Happy new year Meg;)

Tracy Fisher - i wish you and your family the happiest of 2013! -tracy

Tiffany - Oh Meg… Your photos are stunning! Such wonderful memories you helped your family create this year! They are so blessed to have you.

amy jupin - i love these collages.
super big time love them.
and i smile every time i see you and chicago jenny together too.
🙂

Meredith Feisel - We sure are excited for 2013! Our baby is due in a few days! What a way to start off our year!

Verna Lantz - Wow, what a year indeed! I love this collage. Happy New Year, friend!

jenny - wonderful photos! a blessed year indeed! God is SO good! 🙂

Tracy - Happy New Year, Meg!!

Kizzy - You have some amazing photos, I have made a promise to take a picture a day and add it to my tumblr site and I’m now really looking forward to looking back at them all after seeing yours.

amy - i love looking back at the year like this in pictures! what a fun, busy, colorful year. have a fantastic new year!!!

jennyonthespot - Love your collages. You always inspire me. Blessings on your 2013, my friend… xoxox

Lisa M. - I love all those pictures! And I LOVE seeing you in so many of them! I am ready to rock this year!!! I am not a goal setter and I am QUEEN of procrastination, but in 2012 I set one goal and stuck with it. Now, for 2013 I sat down and wrote out some more goals (not resolutions!) and hung them by my computer. I want to accomplish these things. All my life, if something was hard, I just quit if I could. I’m done with that. I want to be the best wife, mother and person that God made me to be and I found through HIS strength, I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to…even if it is hard 🙂 He never promised easy, right?
Thank you for your blog. It is a daily inspiration for me. Best wishes for you and your family in the upcoming year. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful one! Can’t wait to start seeing Craft Weekend again! 🙂

Tiffany - oh my word, such a fun collage, such a good idea, i want it printed (with my family instead of course). 2013, is here and it’s already awesome. really and truly. happy new year!

gina - Your post gave me the idea that maybe my word for 2013 should be awesome, as in more awesome. That’s what I want in my life fore 2013, more awesomeness.

Lennie Jackson - Great pics! Hope 2013 is all you dream for. Love your blog.

Lorraine R. - Thanks for bringing fun and color into my world!!! My style is warm, muted, farmhouse colors so I love stopping by and soaking in all of the fun vibrant color of your world!!!!
I’m so glad that I found your blog this past year – and will be looking for ways to incorporate a little more color into my life!!
God bless and here’s to 2013!!!! Looking forward to what God has in store for us all <3

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Awesome. Happy 2013!

happygirl - I keep coming back for the pics. Happy New Year.

kerry - aaaah! A post full of fun and A.W.E.S.O.M.E.N.E.S.S!!!
Happy New Year Duerksen family! xxx

Leah - Love your pictures! And agree, 2012 was an awesome year! I did my own collages this year too: http://leahsthoughts.com/2012/12/28/2012-the-year-in-photos/. Thanks for all the inspiration!

dalayney - Loving the recap! So bright and colorful! New to your blog and just wanted to say I’m inspired. And need to catch up! 🙂

Kate - Happy New Year! Let’s rock this!

Aby Gittings Baskette - Happy happy new year!!! I hope it’s FABULOUS!!!!!

donna - love your pics…….! have a wonderful new year.

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

christmassy

December 26, 2012

sooo….it’s over.
that went by WAY too quickly for the amount of work that it was.
bummer.

we started at my parents house over the weekend….

i was in charge of the mashed potatoes.

no green on my plate.
oops.

there was a kids table this year.

and braids. 🙂

lauren got her first pair of Birks. (i remember mine…)

some of my gifts.
how beautiful are the mugs from anthro?!

my dad had this shirt made from one of talby’s drawings.

the big hit of the gifts at my parents house was Just Dance 4.
my mom has a Wii at her house (we don’t have one) so my kids love to play it when they are there.
they started playing right away.

THEN the moms came down…. and we smoked them all.
HIGH SCORE all the three rounds.

oh yeah!

my niece is so cuddly.

this was one of sean’s gifts.
it was called Cube-bot.
he did not put it down….made it into every shape imaginable.

family photo 2012.

and gangnum style….

christmas morning was back at out house….just the seven of us….all in their new jammies and slippers.

new boots (from santa)

new movie (from talby to sean)

new coat (from santa)

new boots (from santa)

new book (from santa)

we almost always give a big stack of dvds as a family gift.

this was my christmas morning: green water cup from talby, blue water cup & starbucks card from annie, doughnut pan from sean, candle from scott, cookbook from annie, and a surprise gift of an itouch from mr. duerksen. 🙂

it was one of the most calm and relaxed christmas mornings we may have ever had.
i guess they really are growing up.
and they were very grateful and kind to each other.

a christmas miracle indeed.

we headed over to craig’s mom’s house for fondue and gifts on christmas day.
the kids loved playing games with christmas themes.

they all got new clothes and goodies.

fondue is their family tradition for like….ever.
my boys LOVE all the meats…and also especailly the cheese with bread.

annie was struggling with her cast and holding her plate so i jokingly suggested she get in the old high chair.
she got big eyes and said “CAN I REALLY?!!”
ha ha ha

she stayed there and had craig bring her cooked meat!
she said many times over that it was her most favorite meal she has ever eaten.

and the duerksen family picture of 2012.

we are done with our celebrations.
it went by so fast.
i still have christmas crafts to do though…. we are going to make them anyway.
they are too cute to wait a whole year more.

annie goes in tomorrow to get her cast off.

show hide 32 comments

add a comment

Jamie - oh my i spy mrs. meyer’s soap in a color {scent} i’ve never seen! do tell, please! what scent?

Victoria - Oh my I love Annie’s shirt/dress she wore in the pictures! That is adorable.
What a great gift from your Dad – I would love to have one of my daughters art pieces turned into a tshirt!
Looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year!

Robin Heim - What a great recap of your Christmas. Where did you Dad go to have the picture transferred onto the shirt? It’s such a wild idea. I love it!

Laura - i love seeing how everybody has their own style and tradition for Christmas.
the same running theme seems to be family…no matter where people go, what they eat, or what gifts they give.
it is all about family.
love that.
our christmas was a tough and strange one…
i cooked nothing
i bought NOTHING
seriously…Santa is REAL…he came through for our family BIG TIME this christmas
then nick got sick
merry christmas! HA!
BUT…
my family was together
and THAT is awesome
the people in our homes are the true gifts.
although those anthro mugs kind of ROCK
love to your whole bunch, and prayers for a blessed new year!!!!!!!
xoxo

Michele - Your family is just lovely. The family portrait shirt was my favorite :o)

This Farm Family's Life - Love your pictures! I am sad Christmas is over, but I’m already looking forward to next year and warmer weather!!!

Lisa - Where oh where did you get the JOY wrapping paper in your first picture??? Love it! Also, the picture of you and annie is so sweet. Looks like your Christmas was wonderful. Our Christmas morning was a bit lame this year, (Kids woke up by 4:45am and I was mad and having trouble being joyful),but was redeemed by having a real white Christmas and being able to go sledding as a family with my sisters family. I’ve never had trouble getting into the spirit of Christmas but this year was rough. Loved looking at all your pictures! Saw on instagram that Annie got her cast off! Hope it was a smooth process!

Tiffany - Great to be surrounding by family. Thank you for sharing. I see your baby girl growing up so much. Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Looks like a great time of family & celebration! Ours was kind of a weird Christmas-hubby in bed sick with the flu, his grandma admitted to the hospital on Christmas Eve with what was thought to be a heart attack. That meant no Christmas eve service for us(a true tradition for all of us) and no food/opening gifts at her house thet night either. We’re postponing it all until shes out of the hospital.
I told my husband “as much as we might say traditions aren’t the most important part of Christmas, its hard to let go of them when circumstances demand we do something else.” I love me some traditions:)
Merry Christmas! Enjoy that nap!

Carrie - Merry Christmas. Thank you for sharing your family with us.

Kelsey - I just watched a video that someone shared, and I immediately thought of you and your blog (and your readers!). It’s about having gratitude for each day in your life, but when he said, “Begin by opening your eyes, and be grateful that you have eyes to open… just think about the amazing colors that are here for us to enjoy!” and of course, I thought of your love for bright, happy colors. Check it out if you have a few minutes… very sweet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk

Kayla - What? Your Dad doesn’t Gangnam? 😉

Jenny B. - Love that Lauren got her first pair of Birks! I had green ones in high school and wore them to prom (yup. sure did.). I also love that Annie was so excited to sit in the high chair. I think my 8-year-old son would have had the exact same response! 🙂

Kimberly G - Looks like you had a great Christmas.

Danielle F. - Merry Christmas! Love the pic of Shawn with his DVD. Praying for Annie…and her mama. 🙂

Megan - I saw your “cute as a button” chair on sale at World Market today, just thought I’d let you know!!!! (online!)

Shara - I love that you smoked your kids in Just Dance!!! Talk about braggin’ rights! Merry Christmas Duerkson’s!!!

Tiffany - Sounds like you had a great Christmas. I’m so glad. Annie couldn’t be cuter… with the braids, and the high chair. My goodness. It is a lot of work for just a few days, isn’t it?! The wonderful family memories last forever though! Merry Christmas!

Kristin S - 1. Love Lauren’s boots. Wow, Santa did well.
2. Love that you took “all family” pics at both homes. Those will mean so much someday. I only have a few. Wait, I have a couple. That’s it. Two. I wish I had more.

Lorel - thanks for posting Meg – so good to see you and your family. I agree – over too quickly. Love you!

heth_07@yahoo.com - Hi Meg! Precious post! Praying for your sweet Annie!
Do you know where your dad ordered your t-shirt? LOVED that! 🙂

Lori Austin - That shirt is the best!
Sweet Annie and her braids. I will pray for her tomorrow.

Ana - Love your blog. My 3 girls loved the Christmas Tree craft you posted earlier. And they also loved the Zingo board game and some other ones you suggested on your previous post. Thanks, love all your ideas and suggestions.

danielle burkleo - meg! i really love all of these pictures…they make me feel warm and fuzzy. my faves are
lauren’s new boots.
annie in the high chair
all the just dance pictures
your new shirt of talby’s drawing – so sweet!
i imagine that our christmases in the future will look like this.
and that makes me really happy.
love you friend! merry christmas!

cheryl - i’m loving Lauren’s new boots. where are they from? other than Santa 😉

Kimberly Dial - I love big family Christmases. Thanks for sharing yours 🙂

Kimberlee Jost - Loved all the pictures of your families!
Miss you!
Need to run…too much food.
🙂

Susan - We had a wonderful Christmas too! We had snow in Fort Worth for only the 2nd time in my life! My daughter got Just Dance 4 also…huge hit! Happy New Year and stay warm!

Rita - Your mom and I have the same Christmas dishes! Merry Day After Christmas!

jackie chappell - prayers FOR SURE !!! … we have gone through a series of “tramitic” doctor visits of late … so i surley understand how to pray … our doc suggested some atarax (sp) before this last visit … i didn’t do it ..but after yet another GIGANTIC EMOTiONAL experience ..i wondered if it might have been a good idea (our four year old grandson has had a series of warts removed from his lips ..ear lobes ..fingers ..and .. and .. and .. so between the numbing shots ..the scraping .. and ..the cauterization it has just been a struggle … (holding him down is just THE WORST !!!) … so you can count on this nanny’s prayers .. with the hope that this will truely be her last visit … prayers for mommie too !!!
blessings ..jackie (from florida)

Leah - Looks like a great Christmas! And looking forward to your belated Christmas crafts! We still have a week and a half of vacation. So bring on the projects!

Kate - A nap sounds perfect! So glad you had a good one!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

God is good.

December 17, 2012

the shootings in Newtown were devastating.
it's horrible.
it's heartbreaking.
it is evil.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Lord continue to be with all the families affected by this tragedy.

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

my friend pam is getting better and her girls are getting better too.
their health is improving.

i am praising God for that this week!
i have absolutely LOVED the amazingness of the internet and cell phones this week.
she and i can "talk" fairly easily ACROSS THE WORLD!
getting an email from Pam is cause for stopping what i am doing and reading it.
i love to hear from her.

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

this is my "GET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT" week.
i am determined to get it.
i will bake. i will pray. i will sing. i will craft. i will shop. i will wrap. i will plan. i will BE MERRY.

there will be kids craft posts all week long!

i have five days to finish.
oy.

how are you doing on your christmas attitude?
are you having a hard time like me remembering that christmas is about jesus, not schedulues, gifts & decorating?

i am trying.

————————————————————————————————————————————

thankful for so many little details in my life this weekend….candle light dinner with the kids…creativity…healthy legs to run…those faces…kids who eat peanut butter like crazy…sleeping in LATE…cuddling with waffle…basketball games…silly moments like shoulder rides and running barefoot in the parking lot.

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

who says she can't be a lefty after all.
she drew the whole picture with a pencil first and then colored it all in…with her left hand!!

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

talby and i put together some Blessing Bags yesterday.
she said "this is so nice to do for people! this makes me feel good."
exactly.
she was reading my mind.
i look forward to her being able to pass them out.
we are keeping them in our car so we can be sure to have them when we need them.

read about how to make your own blessing bags HERE.

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

this morning….

super foggy…..ran with friends in 24 degrees….breakfast – i love those! ….annie bought an AG with her own money and it arrived today. she is going to be SO excited after school!!

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

I am joining The Adventure Project again this holiday to help in Haiti, Africa and India….

Go over to The Adventure Project to see HOW you can can be a part of this amazing tribe!!

show hide 20 comments

add a comment

Melissa - Lisa: I just checked..she’s still there. PUNKALOTTA. She also started blogging again a few weeks ago, pieceofcakeafterthoughts.blogspot.com.
I keep sending well wishes and prayers to Newtown.
Good luck Lisa.

Lisa - I can’t seem to locate Laura’s instagram page? It keep telling me it’s been deleted?

karen - that’s such a beautiful explanation Lorraine.

Melissa - I too live in Connecticut about 30 miles away, and a Mom of four young children, and the tragedy in Newtown is heart-wrenching. My first thoughts when to Laura as I follow her too on Instagram actually. It’s so difficult to look at the children’s pictures and to hear the details of thier little lives and what they loved and thier families. I think what happened has forever changed me, and my outlook on life. I wish beyond anything time could turn back. I pray and hope that there is a god, and that these little children are with him now. Look for Laura on Instagram (Punkalotta) – she is posting some pictures of memorials around the town.

cj - I love the blessing bag idea. I posted the picture of yours and an explanation on Facebook and my post has exploded with responses. Last week it was very cold out and I saw a man at an intersection with a cardboard sign, homeless with a family. I only had a few dollars but would have given him all I had, but I was one lane over and the light turned green. If I had had a blessing bag with me I would have had the time to toss it to him, with a silent prayer that it would help meet some needs. I would rather do a blessing bag than try to buy little gifts for friends…..thanks.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - He is good all the time! Pure sunshine over here. Love that. Need that! Been praying for Pam and her girl. So glad to hear they are better. Yay!

Lorraine R. - I totally understand the confusion to Meg’s words….the thing is though, that God does not control people. He gave us free will to make our decisions, sadly people continue to choose their own ways instead of His. God was there with those children during the tragedy and His is with their families even now……His word says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” It’s up to us to acknowledge His presence….trust me, He is here <3

Jennifer - I don’t know Laura at all, other than from her blog (which I greatly miss). When I heard of the tradegy, I couldn’t help but cry. I used to be a teacher and just can’t imagine what the staff and children went through. Later, when I heard this had happened in Newtown, I cried for Laura’s family. They have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since. If there is anything that I can do from here in Kansas, please let me know.

Jody - Lisa
I cannot stop thinking of Laura & her family as well. Please let me know of anything she needs or that we can do for her community. Let her know that her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you.
Jody

sam - I love your posts meg, but really,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
Where was he when those poor little children needed him? How was he helping?
It is totally contradictory to say “Lord continue to be with all the families affected by this tragedy.”
Where was he when it needed to be prevented? If he is able to be “with” them in the aftermath, why isn’t he able to be with the gunman and make him stop?
“God is good”. How? Its convenient to say he is good when something great happens, but when something horrific happens, well if he has so much power, why does he let bad things happen? The whole theory that god even exists is full of giant holes.
With all due respect to you.

Betsy - Lisa, Please let me know if you do something for Laura and her family; I would be happy to contribute. I live about 50 miles away (in Simsbury), but I absolutely loved and miss Laura’s blog. She was the first person I thought of on Friday, and can’t imagine the heartache they are experiencing.

alicia @ la famille - i just really like you. i like the way you look at life. i like that you run and make breakfast. you’re a cool girl.
and yes, i agree…God IS good. even when things are bad…He’s still good.
that is all 🙂

Lisa M. - I love this. You are so right. Merry Christmas!

Lisa M. - You see, I wasn’t going to go for my run today because I have SO much to do. But then I saw your running shoes and then your picture with your running friends. You ran in 24 degree weather…if I go right now I can go in 51 degree weather 🙂 (most unusual temps for December around here in Western PA…where is the snow?!?!) Now, I have to go. Thank you, truly!
I have a seven year old, 1st grader. My heart has been hurting since I heard of the news that happened Friday. It is indescribable and I have been praying constantly for those parents. I have to literally force myself to think of something else because I am making myself sick. I know God is in control and I know He has a plan. And I KNOW He will make good out of this horrific bad. He goes before us, He knows all. His ways are not our ways and we are not supposed to understand why He allows certain things to happen. We (society) have allowed Him to be taken out of our schools and now everyone is asking, “Where is God?”. He was right there and now those lovely children are in arms, safe and happy. Easy for me to say, I know, but I also know God is in control and I pray that at some point those families experience a peace that “passes all understanding”.

Heather Simnitt - You asked:
“how are you doing on your christmas attitude?
are you having a hard time like me remembering that christmas is about jesus, not schedulues, gifts & decorating?”
Not this year, but here is why. I have learned that I can’t just *add* Jesus to the holiday that is really all His anyway. I had to get rid of some of the things that were cluttering the holiday and not letting Jesus in. We cut back the schedule. I got presents *early* (done and wrapped by 12/8), and we are making a concerted effort to give more and spend less. It helps a lot.

shar y - this was a great post, thanks. I would love to see a post sometime about how you choose your charity to help. There are so many and it is so daunting to decide. And, then, I think should I do a little here, or a little there? Or pick one and do it all for them? I love that you are involved with this. Especially now, today. Blessings to you and all of your family.

Jessica - I live about 15 miles away from Newtown. I have been thinking about Laura from Piece of Cake since I heard the news Friday morning. I started following her blog after it was linked to yours, and it quickly became a favorite. My heart is broken for Newtown. Such a senseless tragedy… If you are in touch with Laura, please tell her that I have been thinking of her and praying for her family.

hannah - saw this and thought of the sweet babies you’ve posted about…
check out sevenly’s focus this week!
https://www.sevenly.org/

Lindsey - I love the blessing bag idea! So sweet that your daughter loved the concept! Last night I declared this week to be my “Get in the spirit” week also. It is happening. The worship, the food, the gifts, the “living in the moment.”

Lisa - Meg, I’m not sure if you talk to Laura (from piece of cake) on a regular basis but two of her children attended that school. Thank God they are okay but there is still much healing that needs to be done in them and in their community. I’ve already emailed her about her immediate needs and haven’t heard back yet, but I’d love it if we could all come together and do something great for them. I live only about ten minutes away from them so I could certainly drop things off if need be. Please let me know if you’d like to help or if you have any ideas. While we can’t bring back the victims, we can help the survivors.
lisajoseph79@gmail.com

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

normal.

December 8, 2012

i will update on pam's sweet Beth as soon as i know anything different.
thank you and keep praying …………………………………………………………………………………

just regular everyday goodness.

show hide 37 comments

add a comment

jodi - Dear Meg, Oh how I LOVE your blog- Thanks for being you! 🙂

Michelle Merimee - Kyle Idleman is our pastor here in Louisville. LOVE LOVE LOVE that book. Life changing. 🙂 Great to see it on here.

Barbara - Love that you have scissors at the ready! Cuties are made for kids!

Megan - Love this so much.

Dana - Do you like Not A Fan so far? It’s on my reading list, but I have not purchased it yet.

Melissa - ove your every day goodness! I also have those same festive Christmas PJ pants and love them! Tempted to wear them in public as you obviously did. LOL

janet - i read “not a fan” this spring. a life changing message. lovely pictures too:)

Jacci in Ohio - Loved this post!
Thanks for the rainbow polka dots. They made me SMILE 😀

dee - i love this post ..just pure joy looking at the pictures ..thanks for the smile -love dee x

Krista - Sweet little Annie trying to peel that orange with one hand…. How we take such things for granted!

Jen - I sometimes think your regular everyday posts are my fav. Hope you’re having a wonderful regular everyday day today.

colleen - This is beautiful… thanks!

Gina in Louisville - Dude. I just heard Kyle Idleman preach last week. Let us know what you think about the book. I’m curious.

Waffle-Wednesday - How mesmerizing are your pictures of loveliness! Thank you. I feel like I just read a great story that wouldn’t let me leave it.

Tanya - Just prayed for Beth.
The everyday is the best in my opinion 😀

Christina - I just prayed for Beth and the family, and the doctors.
These pictures are lovely. They inspire me to be on the lookout for beauty. Most of the time I want to run away from my home. It’s not beautiful in many ways (a lot of disaster). But…I bet I could find it in some places, and work on making it in other places (it=beauty). Thank you. 🙂
Love your pj bottoms, and Precalculus with Limits? Let’s just say…Limits. haha!

tiffany gardner - beautiful.

dcgraber@cox.net - Love those random pictures of normal! Praying for Pam’s family!

Chrissie Grace - Love this. My favorite posts of yours are ones like these…beautiful shots of the little moments that’s me life so grand! 🙂

Lisa - Love the everyday pictures! And still praying for Beth!!

ali moll - Always love “normal”! Especially, after life has thrown some curve balls!

Linda at Lime in the Coconut - The BEST kind. You do everyday SO well!!

Allison - Beautiful pictures. Went to school at OCC with Kyle and his wife and sister. Amazing and beautiful people, inside and out

Erin - Our Sunday School class is going through Not A Fan right now. Convicting. Ouch. But a good ouch.

Susan - Hope this kind of sweetness follows you all the way into the new year!

Thewaregirls.blogspot.com - Thanks for the pick of the Rose Hill Rockets! I went to high school there way back when. I love reading your blog. It reminds me of the great things about Kansas life. Thanks for what you do! Happy Holidays!

Kristin S - I love every single one.
Except the precal. Blech.
And…. one of my favorite things about my polka dot Old Navy PJ bottoms is the big, wide satin ribbon! I see yours too. Maybe I need more of those PJ pants….

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Love this post Meg. And I laughed right out loud at the “Precalc” book. Mine would sure have to have LOTS of limits:)
Looks like Annie is figuring out a new normal(poor kid)…is she handling it all well?
Love your cone trees too!Happy Saturday.

Wendy - Your “everyday” is colorful and stunning. ♥

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’ve been kicking around a “Stuck” study. I should go for it, right? I really liked her “Anything”.
“Not A Fan”…I wasn’t a fan. :/

Suzanne - everyday normal rocks!

Tiffany - I love your normal. Looks like a fabulous way to live! 🙂

Courtney - That Not a Fan book is really good! Love seeing all the beauty in your every day!

Lori Austin - A Saturday post. Happy!
Love that you have your jammies on in the car. 🙂
Hope Miss Annie is getting along okay. Look at her peel that orange
one handed. Good for her. It’s amazing what you can learn to do one
handed.
Will continue to pray.

Alisa - Gratitude:
Waking early in a quiet sleeping house to the light of the twinkling Christmas tree.
On the couch under my favorite quilt….watching the day get light out the window.
One Thousand Gifts devotional… “recognizing” Grace.
Slow, lazy morning with the family…still in our pj’s at 10:30am.
Nowhere to go, no place to be, not in a hurry.
Drinking coffee to the last drop while it’s still hot.
Sisters making eggs.
Happy husband
Fun plans for the day.
(Sharing my little list with you. You are also a happy part of my days and your pics make me happy today. Love the pj’s in the car. Fun.)

Jennifer - Is Talby playing orchestral bells? I played that instrument and other mallet percussion ones for seven years of band growing up!

alicia @ la famille - cosy. lovely. normal 🙂
have a great day!

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

hello…i am still here.

December 2, 2012

well i kind of just disappeared.

my week just sucked the life out of me.
annie was sick & throwing up with the flu…with her broken arm….so sad to watch.

then she went in for her real cast after she had been so sick.
she was still weak and queasy.
it was a craaaazy appointment.
long story short…. she passed out for a moment….and there was a lot of screaming.
talk about stress!!!
that 30 minute appointment took me days to recover from.

she chose KU colors for her cast and it looks so fun.
but honestly she is SICK of the cast already and i am for her.
it is so exhausting doing anything because she is right handed.
i just hurt for her not being able to be her spunky self.

but it will pass… it's temporary.

i focused on my husband for the evening and surprised him with pumpkin pie with homemade pie crust.
sometimes you just need to snuggle in with your man and eat something yummy like that to make the day feel okay.
am i right?

teenagers can be hard and emotional and confusing…but still wonderful.
jr highers can be too.
i just want to raise them with out them making any mistakes that they will regret forever.
i realize that is not possible.
everyone makes mistakes.
and sometimes they are big…. and sometimes they aren't and we have to deal with figuring out which is which.

and that is HARD to deal with day in and day out.
especially when there is puking and broken bones and LIFE going on at the same time.

all week what kept me going…kept me from crawling under my covers, drawing the blinds and crying was

"saturday is coming".

my girlfriends and i ran the Jingle Bell Run again this year.
we dressed up a little more than last year.
and it wasn't AS killer as last year (but it was still hard for me)
it's a four mile run.

and when we run a race we have a tradition of starbucks and massage afterward.
so we did.

oh mama.

going for massage is one of the best ways to spend some time.
ever.
it's just so good.

time away with friends is refreshing.
good to get a new perspective on things….getting to talk out loud with grown ups about anything… sharing dreams… encouraging others dreams… shop… laugh… eat…. it's all so good.

it makes weeks like this feel okay.
like i'm gonna be alright.

🙂

ok……

winner for the MPIX.com canvas:

Nanette said…

Right now it is a picture of my 3 boys on the 4th of July…from 2 years ago when my youngest still had rolls of baby fat under his navy blue shortalls…all waving flags, smiling and hugging. It has been front and center on my entry way table for the last few years and always makes me smile and remember how fast they grow!

Reply December 01, 2012 at 09:13 AM

and the TWO winners for the Lisa Leonard gift certificates:

Melissa Hermon said…

My mom's wedding ring. She passed away 11 yrs ago and it is such a great reminder of her.

Reply November 30, 2012 at 10:53 AM

AND

Naomi said…

My most meaningful piece of jewellery is a necklace my parents gave me, with my grandfather's nickname for me stamped on to it.

Reply November 29, 2012 at 12:11 PM

————————————————————————-

email me your info and i will hook you up with your prizes!!

show hide 26 comments

add a comment

Gina - Happy Monday…sending you sunshine!! Have a fun week!!!

Lori Austin - There is NOTHING like seeing your kids suffer. My kiddos have been
through so many tests, appointments, hospital stays and surgeries.
I am WAY over it. Sorry it was such a rough week. Praying the weeks
pass quickly for poor Annie. Hang in there Momma!

Gail - I missed running this year’s run, good times for a good cause. Did you have a burger? Sending prayers Annie’s way.

sara @ it's good to be queen - oh my lands. bless your heart. you’ve had a week. thanks for sharing…good to know i’m not alone. being a mom is way harder than i ever dreamt…so good and so hard. so glad you got your fun saturday. 🙂

Laura - we are all living such similar lives!!!!!
broken bones…
teenage parenting…
pumpkin pie 🙂
thankfully…God knows how much to give and when to give it…though I do question His judgement A LOT..in the end..it always makes sense. We always get by. And emerge ten times stronger.
And I should come over so we can drink margaritas.
I am going to pray for THAT.

Tiffany - So sorry for your tough days lately. You’re a great mom, wife, and friend! 🙂

Tracy Fisher - I hear you sister. Thanks for being real! I wish you a fabulous and easy week this week. Hugs! -tracy

Heaven B. - I’m right there with ya, Momma. My husband (my biggest child) had knee surgery last Wednesday, so he was home the rest of that week. Exhausting. I had to watch my wedding video once more to verify that I DID say “in sickness and in health”, because by Friday…I was at the end of my rope, let’s say.
How do you keep your sneakers so clean? My running shoes look like they’ve been dragged through the mud. Oh, wait…they have.

Kirsten J - Hey, I often feel like crawling under the covers and crying, without broken bones or flu in the house. And sometimes I do. Poor Annie….poor Mama. And I can walk an easy 6 miles on a good day but run 4 miles!?!? not happening. Good for you! Look forward to getting out of the cast -and hey! Christmas is just around he corner.

tiffini - bless your heart…us mommas.
we are so tough
you are tough
and your little annie…
you will be ok:) and thank you for being real
xotiff

Janelle - Oh it’s so good to hear you say that about teenagers and junior high kids. I’m telling you it is HARD. Makes me miss those babies!
So sorry about Annie…that doctor appt. would definitely take a week or so to recover from.

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - Oh Meg, so sorry to hear of your hard week. If I know one thing though, it’s that you are an AMAZING mom (and woman in general). When I was younger, I had to witness my older brother and sister both make some terrible life choices and costly mistakes, and we didn’t have parents that were involved or really step up to guide us. And you know what? It all worked out. They turned into AWESOME adults. So knowing the kind of mother you are, your kids are going to grow into amazing adults too. I just know it. How can they not? It’ll all come full circle and they’ll come around, eventually. Chin up, girlfriend. Hugs!

mary - i have been thinking of you …. and your family… and the struggles that we all face as mom, wife, friend, daughter, and sister…hoping that your routine returns and life settles down….prayers and good thoughts your way…xo

Valerie @ Chateau a la mode - Oh Meg so sorry for the crazies of this last week. I totally get it. One thing I have learned as a mom of a few more years under my belt 😉 than you is that there’s one word that helps me. It’s Surrender, which means God has my children in His perfect place and His perfect timing. It’s really not up to me to make their life happen. I can’t follow them everywhere all the time (which I know is the way we want so badly to be) or help them always make decisions, especially those really hard ones like who their friends are, where they will go to school, what stupid things they will do and all I have to remember is pray, pray, pray for them. Don’t ever forget there’s real power in your prayers and after the praying, it’s surrending to our Almighty God. Not easy to do, but it’s what we are supposed to do. Hope this helps a little bit. xoxo

Heidi Jo the Artist - So sorry you had a rough week. Nice that you were able to have an enjoyable times with your friends. 🙂 Hope you have a better week this week!

Angie - The Jingle Bell Run looks awesome. Your outfits were too cute. Glad your weekend was a good one. Sounds like you had a tough week before.

Brenda - Poor Annie, I broke my left arm twice (once roller skating, once ice skating)when I was little. When I was taken into surgery to have my arm pinned they realized that both bones had broken through the skin, so they could not pin it. I also passed out when they took the cast off, which totally freaked out my poor mom as well! Hang in there it will get better and will be off before you know it!

April R - fitting that tonight’s advent is “hope” and we know who are hope is in 🙂
prayers that His peace, joy, wisdom, love, and more will continue to be yours

Judy@Considering the Options - teenagers can be hard and emotional and confusing…but still wonderful.
So very true!! I thought I had things figured out after my first -you took his senior pics two summers ago:). But each one is so different. It’s like we have to be a different parent to each kid. They all need something unique from us. It’s hard. And then there are those moments when your heart is so full from them. It’s probably much like they think of parents – hard, emotional and confusing:)! Prayers for you – Hang in there!

Sarah Wolfe - I’m so sorry about Annie. Medical stuff is so stressful, especially with our babies.

mum of all trades - Poor Annie, that is just not fair. My son broke his last Summer and missed out on so many fun things, my heart just broke for him. I hope she can keep her spirits up until the cast come off. In awe of the race by the way, any sort of running in general would make me keel over!

alicia @ la famille - yucky week 🙁 but what FUN race pics!! i had a goal to train for a 1/2 marathon after each of my kids…that’s my motivation to lose the weight. your pics make me excited to race again after i have this baby in april. so much to race with friends!! hope this week is waaaay better 🙂

Weza - Megan, my 20 month old broke his leg this year and was in a full leg cast for 6 weeks, then he got a vomiting and diarrhoea bug. Talk about HARD! So I know exactly what your week has been like. No wonder you made Pumpkin pie… I love the idea of a Christmas fun run, if only I could get motivated to run. We are currently in a heat wave here in Aussie so I think ill be sticking inside under the air conditioner. Take care. xxx

Kristin S - Snuggling with honey and loving on your kids. Far more important time than blog time.
Heck, yeah, we miss you, but you know what’s best.
Yep.

Lori H - Meg, I wish I had all the answers so I could share with you (and write and book and make a fortune!). haha With the faith in God that you share here, I know you are doing the very best you can for your kids, and they will come out just fine. At least, that is what I count on with my kids 🙂

jerusalem - Oh I feel you. I have a broken right foot (which means no driving) and my Sweet Man had the flu and now both my boys do too. And I had a craft fair in the middle. What a week. Praying Annie feels better soon and that you get some peace and rest. You are not going to screw up your kiddos. Just keep on keepin on 🙂 I work in a Middle School so I feel your pain a little.

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

it is friday after all…

November 23, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

are you on instagram?

i am Meg Duerksen on IG… come follow along.

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

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

show hide 23 comments

add a comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

s - Hope the arm heals – poor thing!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Share on Facebook•Tweet this Post•Pin Images to Pinterest•Back to Top

« Newer Posts
1
…
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
…
16
Older Posts

search

Search for:
Instagram
Categories

Categories
Archives
Archives

Category Archives: things i love

search

Instagram

Categories

Archives