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i’m still here

December 28, 2008

just busy.

family is still visiting.

games being played, meals being prepared, cleaning up and staring all over again.

all good times.

i have so many pictures to share.

SO MANY!

but for now just a few of the house at christmas…

i hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

it's been full and happy and sweet here.

many memories were made (mostly good).

i am missing my friends

and my sister already….it was too short lorel!

I am so thankful that God sent his Son to earth.

Thankful that Mary said yes.

thankful for that tiny baby King born in a manger.

merry christmas.

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Sheila at Dodging Raindrops - I love, love, love the Merry Christmas banner. Where did you get it or did you make it? Thanks!
p.s. I’m not sure how I found your blog but I love it.

Aubrey - It looks like you make Christmas so magical for your kids–and fun.
And those cookies look yum-o and very very cute in their jars (you’re nice!). Next year I’ll have to get jars for the people I REALLY like. Everyone else gets plates and plastic wrap. 😉
Sheesh, and this year I thought I was doing well to print off Better Homes & Garden’s cool gift tags for our neighbors.
Looks like you had fun–thanks for all the ideas to COPY! 🙂

Brooke - Amanda you took the words right out of my mouth…
Meg – I LOVE your nativity…it is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen…I love how simple it is…
Your treat gift photos!! I now have so many great ideas for next year!!
My dad and step-mom received one of my favorites though…a friend brought over a dust pan full of sweet treats with a poem attached about the busyness of the holidays and in a rush to get her treats to her she dropped all the goodies on the floor and didn’t think her dear friend would mind if she just swept them off the floor and still gave them to her…it was too cute!!

AManda - I was reading through your entry thinking, oh, love those pics… love that one…how cute!…ah yup! good times… pretty!…then I get to the part…
so glad Mary said yes…and start bawling! Bless your heart that spoke to me. Thanks for never letting Jesus be to far from you… its probably one of the reasons I love your blog!
Many blessings-
Amanda

tausha - Meg-
I love to come to your blog. You are truly spot on with your descriptions of your life and all the fun that comes with it.
I love the pics of the family.
I send out valentines cards. For the exact purpose that life is too crazy in December and plus-it’s a really fun little treat to get in the mail. February is so blah-so a little card is always fun. Of course my pics will not come even close to how fabulous yours are-but I must have something to aspire to.
Have fun with the family and the crazy schedule.
I have just given up to the fact that my house will be a mess until the heathens go back to school.
oh well-a clean house is highly overrated!
Have a great weak!

Staci - Our Christmas Eve Mass was so good…talked about how very thankful that Mary said yes and can you just imagine how she felt…travelling so far…on a donkey…then, have The King Baby…and this little boy just wants to bang on a drum for him and smelly animals and sheep baaing????!!! Oh, man…I’m so glad I wasn’t Mary…but I’m so glad she was obedient 🙂 We need to be reminded of that more often 🙂 Thanks!

kasey - and life goes back to normal….

carissa - company here too… soooo great… but truly a different schedule! 🙂
ENJOY this time… your home is FULL of HIS spirit & LOVE!
love to you & your family!

Tami - Wow your a busy mom lol, love how you display your holiday cards great technique!

Jerms - So glad to see I wasn’t the only one with Whatever withdrawals!!! Love the pics! Glad you are having a great Christmas! Can’t wait to see all the new pics!

Michie - Wow, your photos are beautiful. I also love your Christmas card display and those cookies in those jars look so nice!

Rachel - Amen to that!
Your pictures are beautiful as always!

melissa @ the inspired room - I just caught up on all your posts…just loveliness all around. Your family photos are AWESOME. We had the weirdest Christmas ever. Record snow (most snow in 40 years), we were moving and didn’t buy Christmas presents other than a few random ones. But, it was still fun! I was sad though because we didn’t take our family Christmas photo, just completely forgot in the chaos.
Ok, moving in four days. Gotta run!
Blessings,
Melissa

sandy - love your array of photos … happy new year!

a thorn among roses - such fun and joy in the pics…have fun with fam!

Lorilee - Merry Christmas, Meg,
I love your Christmas card display! They cookies look yummy-love the jars!
Blessings,
Lorilee

anne - love your card display!!!
happiest new year to YOU!

Trina - Love your pictures… love how you displayed your christmas cards!
And I’m so glad to all of the above too! The other day I was thinking, really thinking about giving birth in a barn full of animals…can you imagine? Talk about having a good attitude….
Glad you had a good Christmas!
xx Trina

Kelly - Merry Christmas! Love the Christmas card display – mind if I post the picture and a link on my blog? And how did you do it? It’s perfect. Also love the cookies in jars. Those are great because people can reuse them.

Dana D @ BoysMyJoys - I was in ‘whatever’ withdrawals! So glad to see that all is well and that you’ve had a wonderful Christmas!

Julie - Lovely Pictures!

crystal - Yay meg! Love the pics…good to see you again…hope you continue to enjoy the season.

ForeverFoldingLaundry - Lovely! Glad you had a merry Christmas.

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done.

December 24, 2008

well….almost done.

done shopping.

done baking.

school is done.

this was annie's loot from her last day of school.

i still have to finish a few sewing projects.

yes…still.

said at midnight on the 23rd.

but i am so close.

we have one party done.

but three coming up….and much looking forward to.

our special christmas dinner is done.

and it did not go well.

although we should get an A for effort.

notice 2 seats are empty….sent away for attitude adjustments.

it was just a crappy dinner altogether.

i almost cried.

sometimes i just want to scream…"is it so hard to sit together as a family and have conversation?!!"

that's the christmas spirit!

let's think a bit happier…

i got these in the mail.

very fun.

i think i will make a garland with them next year (or something?)

and happy fabric that i have been looking for for a long time.

i knew it had to be out there somewhere but had never seen it.

it's by joel dewberry and i found it on ebay.

i see curtains, lampshades and pillows in it's future.

in january.

or maybe spring.

ok…back to work.

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Christian - I just happened to stumble onto your blog yesterday. I have now read all the way back to May 23, 2008. I needed some quiet time to my self while my in laws were here and it worked like magic!
Your family is beautiful! Your house is amazing! And I am in love with Waffle!! Oh and your photography is definitely something I would pay for.
The only problem is, your blog has made me depressed. It has made me feel like my own family life is boring, dull, empty and lifeless. I really feel terrible about my life right now after seeing all of the happiness in every single one of your posts.
We also live in KS. We live in Olathe which is right next to Overland Park where Deanna Rose Farmstead is. And we are huge Jayhawk fans as well!
Anyway…Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope 2009 is filled with great things for you and your family. I am definitely envious! Maybe I will try to add some “color” to my family this year.

anne - this is the stuff memories are made of eh?
🙂 it just gets better… chin up!
p.s. that fabric is FAB!

princess lasertron - oh yaay! cari kraft is my next-door neighbor in nebraska!

Kimi - I just found your blog via stumble! I love it!! Happy Holiday’s and can’t wait to see what you make with that fabulous fabric!

Rachel - Oh boy; the joys of raising kids.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas; all the best to you.

meredith - Ironically, “peace toward all men” is so elusive this time of year isn’t it? Why is it that tears of frustration are so often partnered with our highest hopes and best intentions? Thanks for sharing so beautifully throughout the year. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that the kids can give you a Christmas miracle at the dinner table at least once;) God Bless, Meredith.

Lorilee - Hi Meg,
Sorry the dinner didn’t go well. I completely understand how things don’t always go OUR way with kids! I am so glad that I am not the only one flying by the seat of my pants!!!
Blessed Christmas,
Lorilee

Jenny - Merry Christmas.
I love the fabric. I have been admiring it on different sites. Looking forward to seeing what you create with it.

Amber - There’s always those little (and big) last minute things to do. Good luck completing your projects. Enjoy this time with your family even if you do have to send some of them away for attitude adjustments. That comment brought back memories of my family growing up. I remember fights over Martinelli’s (there might not be enough) and siblings running away from home in the middle of dinner…it’s all part of the joys of family. Making memories, right? Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

traci - i am so sorry that your special christmas dinner didn’t end well. that’s very hard. especially for the mom that wants to make everything special and memorable. well actually, you’ll all probably remember this one for a long time. take care. have a wonderful christmas meg!

Tracy - Hey Meg – sorry to hear about the spoiled dinner – I had that at Thanksgiving with my husband and daughter and son and that made for a very frustrating “Thankful” day, so I understand completely! On another note, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Annie’s face in the first picture. I saw that and just cracked up at her innocence and happiness that she puts off with that gorgeous smile and how I’m sure she lights up a room like she does the photos. Every time I see that smile I just want to sqeeze her (HUG)the cuteness out of her! HA! The fabric is beautiful and I can’t wait to see what you do with it as well. I hope you and your family have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas holiday and Happy New Year. Big Hugs to all, Trac~ :o)

Andrea - I still have tons of sewing to get done before we head over to Grandma’s tomorrow! And don’t even mention the wrapping! I’ll be up with Santa tonight!
Sometimes our best laid plans for memorable moments with children are so disappointing. I am learning to have less expectations so when things go wrong, I’m a little less hurt. Sorry to hear about your dinner.

a thorn among roses - family meals at the holidays can be especially difficult for some reason…and i am in fabric heaven looking at the possibilities of that fine fabric! can’t wait to see the pics! merry christmas to you and yours!

lee ann - so glad you’re almost DONE! Hope you have a chance to just sit and relax and enjoy IT all.
I can hardly have a decent dinner with two children. I do cry….occasionaly. I get really angry when I put the food on the table and all I hear is “oooo gross…….do I have to eat that?…….how ’bout I eat this, but not that.” I left the room the other day. And when I returned, everyone had good things to say about the food.
So sad it didn’t go the way you wanted it too. No matter how much we try not to have expectations…..We still do. I think it’s just in us to want to sit….and have a conversation!
Love the happy fabric. Can’t wait to see how you use it!

Pattie - For the last few years our “family meals” have consisted of all three of mine texting underneath the table. Candlelight, china and texting. With daughter in college now they also include raunchy jokes and language thanks to the all boys school they so enjoy. Can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten up, slammed my napkin down and left the table. I guess I put myself in timeout!
We are actually able to enjoy the family table most of the time now but, darned if I don’t miss the spills, yucks toward the menu and all that. Go figure!
Your family photos are beautiful and I imagine they are even more special to you with the teenager showing such tolerance for the family, ha!
Hope your family has a wonderful Christmas and you get to relax in your jammies all day just like last year!!!!!

Blanca - I hear you loud and clear. Sometimes I want to go on strike as a mom. There is always bickering and attitude at our table. Even playing the quiet game during dinner can turn into a fight and most of the time I forget what I ate because I’m too busy being referee. Being a parent is so hard.
On another note I can’t wait to see what kind of goodies you make with that beautiful fabric.
Wishing you and your family a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Blanca

Melanie - Do we have to guess the two that were sent away for the attitude adjustments:)? I had fixed a nice meal a few weeks ago and I thought that I would light the candles,have my two boys (husband & son), and it would be nice. Well, having a 14 year old that is a picky eater and a husband that loves to pick with said son, it didn’t go so well. I was like you, just about to have a breakdown. I just said yall have ruined my nice idea and I blew all the candles out and they apologized. It was too late then girlfriend:) Merry Christmas. Enjoy your holiday and save a breakdown for after Christmas. That is my plan:)

Sandy - Merry Christmas, Meg & family!! Thanks for sharing your lives with those of us that don’t have it together 1/4 as much as you do!! I’m sorry two were sent away for attitude adjustments, but its always good to know that others go through the same thing, right?

Cecilia Löfholm - Have a wonderful and cozy christmas!
Cissi

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photo shoot 2008

December 22, 2008

yeah…i know it was 4 days before christmas….

but we got it done.

with minimal bribes.

i cleared a spot in the playroom for good light.

i dusted off the tripod.

it was almost enjoyable.

then they just got goofy.

so nice to see that smile….

good stuff.

christmas/new year's cards will go out late this week.

i hope.

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kim Scrap to my lu - What a great shot! Adorable!
I still can’t believe you have all those children!
You look like you’re about 22.

cjs - smiling…you all look like
SIBLINGS.
yes. that is right. all seven of you.
great pics.
meg rocks.

princess lasertron - lauren is beautiful. I love her smile in the picture of her laughing. I love all of your girls and your boys look so much like dad!
nice photos 🙂 the silly ones are the best ones because then end up meaning the most and reminding you of everyone’s personality.

Tracy - I am also wondering what kind of dog you have. Such a cute family.

Cottage Lifestyle - Your family photos are beautiful. Thanks for sharing the Joel Dewberry fabric. As a quilter I am always interested in finding new fabric. I checked out Joel’s collection on his website…wonderful selection.
Happy Holidays!
Renee

Jill - Your family is beautiful, but I have a crush on Waffle. :o) What kind of dog is he? Merry Christmas to all!

michelle allen - What a darling family you have Meg. I especially love the “silly” shots. Those are always my fave. Merry Christmas Eve!

Brooke Masters - Merry Christmas Meg!! I love your family photos!!! I don’t know what part of Kansas you live in, but my family and I did a 2000 mile trek from Alabama to Utah to surprise my dad for a Christmas visit and we briefly drove through Kansas City, KS and I loved it!! The weather will be too bad to head back that way so we will be traveling through the Southern part this weekend, but it was definitely one of the more eye appealing states to travel through!

Rachel - Oh what memories!!! These are so great…you have a beautiful family!
I wish you and your family all the best this Christmas!
Keep the beautiful posts coming in the New Year!

Jhoni - Great photos and what a beautiful family!! (I really must figure out how to use the timer on my camera.) Merry Christmas to you!

Kristi - I love the b&w one of the fam. The ones of Lauren, esp. the last one…wow…it takes my breath away.

Ashley - What a beautiful family!
Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad from Colombia!!

Alyssa - You have such a beautiful family. Love the photos. I cannot believe you have a teenage daughter. You look so young and youthful to have 5 kids. I have 3 and I do not look half as good as you.

Anna - HI!
I ran into your blog a few months ago and have checked in on occasion. You have a beautiful family, and I am so impressed with ya’lls group photo. I have a family of 3 (with a 1 1/2 year old), and we have quite a time trying to get our family photos taken. I need to invest in a tripod!
Have a merry Christmas!

danyele - love the pics…and ur still a few days ahead of us! i don’t have ours done yet. why is it that pics are so hard of ur own fam?? anyway, silly is the best…love ur fam pics! merry christmas

traci - HOLY MOLY….HOW did you get Lauren to not just smile but she was actually clowning for the camera???? I almost got teary eyed! The pics just kept getting better and better…LOVE THEM. I dont know how you got them to all coooperate but you must have bribed well..lol

Linda@ Restyled Home - Beautiful, beautiful family…and you are a champion photographer!!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Linda
xo

Liz - Your photographs are, as always, fabulous. Sending you and your family merry Christmas wishes from England.

Erin - Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family! I started reading your blog last summer when I was searching for “photography” on google. I now check in a couple of times a week! I am so inspired by your fun stories and creativity. I am a middle school art teacher in Indiana and I am thinking about the same age as you. Thanks for allowing me to read about your life

Becca - awesome pictures. Love the goofy ones the most. Hope you have a very merry christmas.

cecilia löfholm - Wonderful pictures! I love it when the photos aren’t “stiff”. Beautiful family you’ve got.
Christmas wishes from sweden
Cissi

jennifer - So fun! I love the one of the three girls. Adorable. And your oldest is gorgeous.
And by the way, I found sprinkles at Michaels. Go figure!
Oh and the laundry room floor post made me laugh out loud. I can so relate! And it was funny because just that day my middle son said about his younger brothers bedroom floor after he cleaned his room, “You can see the floor of his room Mom. I didn’t think he had one!” Kids are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!

Staci - What a beautiful family!!! I can’t get OVER how big Waffle is….those tall legs! I can’t stand it! I love ’em! I also loved Lauren’s smile 🙂

stljoie - Your family is just beautiful…and even the dog posed!?!

Wendy - Cute family. I’m impressed you did that yourself I’ve gotta get a tripod. Would save me lots of money. 🙂
I have a Lauren myself and it IS good when a smile makes an appearance. Love those teen girls!
We also have a Waffle. She was too crazy to make the pictures, though we tried. Good girl Waffle!
Have a wonderful Christmas!

Aby - They are all so beautiful! I love all of the pictures!! What a great family. Can I come live with you?

Molly Pearce - What beautiful pictures. Have a Merry Christmas!!!
~ Molly P

MGF - Fun…
How many shots did you have to take it get it right? Probably only a few.
Glad to see your oldest. She is very beautiful.

Shannan - Lauren is so pretty! I love the one with her and her two sisters. I had to think…one day, she will want to be around them as much as she possibly can. At least that’s what happened with my and my younger (by 5 years) sis!
Also, loved the shot of her shoes on the green chair!

meaghan easterhaus - these are sooooo great! i adore the goofy pics!

Ashley - It is so fun to see pictures of your entire family. Your oldest is gorgeous! Those are really some great family shots – I love big families, there is always personality in every shot. Enjoy your week…I know you’ll be busy!

carissa - and with a tripod… you go girl!
REALLY great! so happy Waffle was there too…!
i need to try the tripod thing… mine always end up being the girlies!
very pretty… the “goofy” shots are way fun too!

Leah - Can you guys get any cuter?? I love the one of the three girls together…Annie is so sassy in it!

anne - what a gorgeous and fun family!
🙂 merriest little christmas to you and yours!
♥

Lanny Stanard - Oh My Goodness! I love them all and you all look so cute and I must say being the dog lover that i am Waffle eat him up yum! Love it love it love it… Thanks so much for sharing and Merry CHRISTmas!
with love, Lanny

sara's art house - Love them all!

Kelly - I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures of your oldest before. She’s lovely. Your whole family is beautiful – nice pictures, they turned out great!!

jesse Peak - You have a truly adorable family! Merry Christmas!

Jennifer - hi, i’m a new reader to your blog. i found you via “confessions of a sometimes serendipitous girl” we’re snowed in up here in seattle so i have been spending some time getting caught up on blog reading. i am enjoying reading through yours…you have had me laughing out loud on many occasions! Anyways, just wanted to tell you that i love your blog and your pictures. you are a great photographer! you have an adorable family too. happy holidays to you all

Tami - Cute family pics!This is ours:
http://talkingwithtami.wordpress.com/

Jenn Thomas - First of all – Lauren is just beautiful! Not a cute little girl anymore but a beautiful young lady! Whoot whoo and the rest of the family – they also look great. Waffle he just completes the “All American Family” look.

Lee Ann - I’m all about the New Year’s card! And what great shots. They look like you were having fun….even Lauren! So nice of you to have those photos to cherish.

traci - oh meg – those are fantastic. everyone looks so cute. it’s so nice to see lauren having fun with you all. such a beautiful young lady. i love the goofy ones!! they are so fun.

sarah - You have SUCH a beautiful family.
I love the third one with just the kids….I love all of them, but I was drawn to this one for some reason..

Alyssa - Your family is so beautiful. You are so blessed. I love the laundry floor, great news that you found it. Hope you find the missing couch soon.

Christy - Glad to know I am not alone! I still haven’t done mine, and I only have 1 kid (well & 2 dogs), not 5 to wrangle.
Love all the shots, even the goofy ones at the end. The last family shot & the last one with all of the kids, those are my favs of the groups, although they are all great! Would be great for a gallery wall.

Nina - I think the pics are wonderful…….especially the “goofy” ones. They are my fav!
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

crystal - looks like you got some wonderful shots!!! And is it just me or did Lauren maybe,almost enjoy herself? 🙂 hope your week is good neighbor!!!

mom - I get to be the first to comment! They turned out very good. Love Waffle being squished in the 2nd photo!

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BiG AnNouNceMEnT!!

December 20, 2008

i have found it!

the floor in the laundry has been found!!

i have heard tales that it existed….but i just didn't believe it.

i do now.

i was so happy i even vacuumed the concrete!

oh it was such a happy moment.

but in other sad news in the duerksen home….

our couch has gone missing.

it's been missing for many days and no one seems to have noticed.

no one sees this sitting in the living room.

they sit near it.

they walk by it.

the even climbed on it.

but no one offered to start folding.

so we bribed them with ice cream.

that's just good parenting.

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Katrine - So funny! Great blog!

princess lasertron - my grandma used to pay me a nickel for each thing I ironed…that was big motivation for me. sometimes it ended up being like five dollars!!

michelle allen - LOL! You are tooooooo funny! I think I’d resort to being dirty all the time! That is a crazy amount of laundry.

Deb - When you find your wayward couch, ask him to send mine home, too. No hard feelings. I just miss him. Lol.
I’ve missed checking in on you. Have a very merry Christmas and a joyous new year (attitudes aside). Lol.

carissa - as i was JUST thinking… i need to get the laundry flowing again! 🙂
the never ending… always there for you laundry pile! 🙂
hmmmm ice cream… my kids like ice cream too… “oh girrrrls”! 🙂

chris - If anyone could justify to sets of washers and dryers you can , but girl you need a big front loader don’t you ? and a dumb waiter I am sure.
Our new dryer with computer board went cookoo last night , less than a year old too ,isn’t that great , so I told my husband to hang up some things to let them dry , to my horror he thought it was a good idea to spread every wet item he had all over anything in the basement , on a clean duvet all over my cotton carpet , painted stool , OMG what was he crazy , ever hear of hangers dude , we have a big old curtain rod up attached to the joists just for hanging things to dry , crazy , see I make my husband do his own laundry , I have enough to do with me and my girls , it works out nicely , he cleans what he needs ,now to get that dryer fixed.
Oh the kicker was today my Dyson vacuum hose ripped this morning , what will number three be I wonder?

Leah - Hey Meg! I was so excited to get a comment from you! We dont call it slitching…just sledding…but we might need to start. I call it scary! Do you do it? I finally got caught up on your posts coming back from our trip…what I love most is the little boxes you have of your kids homemade ornaments. So sweet! Thats a sign of a good mom;) Merry Christmas!

Brianne Sommerfeld Epp - Gosh! I thought you were going to say you were pregnant! 🙂

Tami - Hi there, I feel your pain I really do! lol!

lelu - How funny! I just posted a similar post on my blog. Crazy how much laundry consumes your life when you have five kids! Love your blog!

sarah - HAHA.
I can’t wait to have some helping hands when doing laundry.
Even if I have to bribe those helping hands. 🙂

Jenny - Yay! The laundry floor.
My laundry is SO small that our washing is constantly piled high in the family room. Depressing…
Unfortunately my kids are not very good at folding and putting away their stuff.

Diana Cornielle - Lol…Oh, I can relate!!!! Good luck finding the couch! Lol!

Shannan - If my front(?)door was as gorgeous as yours, I wouldn’t notice the piles of laundry on the couch, either. I’m sure that’s why the kids walk right by…they are transfixed by the gorgeous, leaded-glass door!

Sandy - That’s hilarious! Just last night I was tripped by the towels that were folded and sitting in a neat pile on the floor. …of course they were only on the floor instead of the couch so that my 3 year old niece could lay down on the couch.
I love how real you are!

meredith - At least you’ve narrowed down the laundry mountain to one location. My heartfelt congratulations on finding your laundry floor – I’m sure there’s not a better Christmas present you could be given. If the kids can free the couch your Christmas miracle will be complete. Ice cream, by the way, is not a bribe – it is an essential parenting resource.

kasey - hilarious.
I wish i had a laundry room that could accumulate clothes, but i don’t. my laundry is in the cellar (aka basement of old house).

Rach - I can’t wait to have my very own laundry room so I can have these wonderful discoveries for myself.

creole wisdom - I’m excited to have a family someday, but I can’t lie- the laundry thing scares me. I hate laundry, and it’s hard enough for one person. You need an army to fold all that! But way to go on getting the floor cleaned up : )

a thorn among roses - i have that problem too…could you send over your detective??

MGF - It’s why you have a second couch. One for laundry and one to use.
Hope your kids has happy folding.

Rachel - I love these pictures…it reminds me to enjoy the laundry I have as it means we have clothes on our backs!
Way to go with the ice cream; that is motivation for a group folding party!

Staci - Oh my goodness you are funny! I can’t imagine the neverending laundry you encounter! I hope the ice cream bribe at least helped a little :0

meaghan easterhaus - isn’t that why we have kids?

jerusalem - it’s a Christmas miracle! Now if only I could find mine…

Gwyn - I often wonder if I should have two couches. One to keep the laundry comfy and one for the rest of us to sit on! LOL!

LibraryGirl - OMG! I was scared for a moment that you know where I live! Then I realized your couch is a different color and I knew my secret laundry lair’s location is still safe!

Traci Thorson - i always feel like laundry is all i ever do, but just at those low moments, you post about your laundry and i feel much better. the laundry room floor looks great but that poor couch. good parents use whatever methods that bring results!!

lee ann - what a feeling! I L*O*V*E the feeling of all the laundry done! We are iced in our home today. Probably tomorrow too. That’s when I’m going to wash every article of washable material in this house. And then I will pack…..and hope the airport thaws so we can get out of here! Oh, and a bribe that leads to the end result, is always good parenting 🙂

Heidi - Awwwww, I’ve had celebrations like that, finding floors and such!!
I love the look of your couch. I bet it brings comfort to any of that aren’t obsessive cleaners and wouldn’t be caught dead with an overtaken couch.
Happy for your laundry success!

Jamie Sampson - Congrats on finding of the floor. 🙂 Love the post. 🙂

Brenis - ROFLOL!!!!!!! Oh mannn… that happens at MY house too!! My couch dissapears for the same reason, and all the little people think it’s a new jungle gym! Just HOW is that possible??? LOL Hoping your awesome family helps you out Meg! If not, me thinks you should hide the Christmas presents under and IN that pile! They’d never find them!! 😀

mom - Now that’s what I call a Christmas miracle! Way to go!

Kim - Haha! So funny! I am doing laundry right now. Try having your washing machine in the middle of your old country kitchen and your dryer on the back porch. Oh, my charming old home.
Truly, you are so funny. This just cracks me up this morning.

Daisy Cottage - LOL…
You are TOO cute and your blog is one of my absolute favorites, as you know!
Merry Christmas Meg to you and your adorable family!!!
xo,
Kim

Jen M - I would SO come over and do your laundry for you. I actually enjoy it.

Romana - oh gosh, lol, too funny 🙂 especially as I relate a little too well (and don’t have as many children as you!).
I hope the couch turns up soon and is none worse for wear for it’s trials 😛

Dana - You are TOO funny!

Amy - You are just too cute! I just loaded and unloaded the dishwasher for the third time…you’d think they’d all help at least one of those times! I hope you enjoyed the ice cream at least!
You’re hilarious!! Thanks for the smiles!

meleea - wow – i am the first to leave a comment on a post! that sounds like fabulous parenting to me!! love your concrete floors – but your couch does look oh, so sad.

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all the way from the north pole….

December 19, 2008

santa and his friends came to craig's office again this year.

annie has been talking about since last december.

all summer when we would go to visit craig…we'd be in the parking lot and annie would say

"do you 'Fink Santa is don-na be derr?"

she was not as nervous as last year.

but still a little bit.

i think the crowd made her more nervous than santa.

because when he said (in his big santa voice) "Is there an ANNIE in here?"

she raised her hand and climbed right up in his lap.

(santa is collin….craig's co-worker…sees annie all the time…but annie doesn't know)

"i want a Lillllieeest Pet Shops for Christmas"

it's just so good.

so good for your heart to be around little kids at christmas.

even mommy and daddy sat with santa.

niiiiiiice.

good job santa and helpers…they built that whole set from scratch.

impressive!

annie and i had lunch with craig

and went to target just ONE last time before christmas….mostly for the starbucks. :)

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princess lasertron - annie has the BEST clothes

Rachel - What a great pic of you, Annie and hubby.
I love the outfit Annie has on; she is adorable!

Jamie Sampson - so cute and sweet. BTW- you are gorgeous, love the photo of you on Santa’s lap. Love Annie’s cute little clothing ensemble.

kasey - darn cute.

Lorelei - How sweet these photos are! I love how candid they are.
I love the necklace you’re wearing!! Wish I could get a better glimpse! It’s a nice style. One I’d like to try out in my own designs.

Alice - I love the picture with the three of you in it with Santa. You three are adorable. I love Annie’s outfit. Did you color your hair? It looks amazing!

Alice - You three, are adorable. Did you color your hair? It looks amazing!

Christy - How fun! They went all out! My company does a kid party too, we love it!
Love Annie’s little outfit! Do you have favorite stores to get her clothes or just wherever & whatever is colorful? She has the cutest wardrobe EVER!

Lorilee - I love Annie’s outfits too! They just look so HAPPY!
Blessings,
Lorilee

meaghan easterhaus - noooo! hubby’s cute!

Aubrey - That backdrop was so big and impressive, I almost couldn’t find Annie or Santa. Luckily she had one of her signature outfits–I love those.

traci - that is so special. those are the memories that last a lifetime. annie looks so sweet with santa.

Meaghan - never seen hubs before! cute! what did he think of you sitting on his friends’ lap?

a thorn among roses - impressive backdrop…colorful and fun! love that the grinch was there too!

Erica - I’m impressed she would sit with him, even I’m scared of Santa. Something about beards….

katie moreland - awww… she is so cute!! I love Christmas with kids!! Have a great weekend. 🙂

Chrince - Annie wears the cutest clothes! I wish they came in my size!

carissa - Craig’s company ROCKS! They “get it”… get the importance of family life too! VERY cool!
her precious face… telling santa what she wants!
and speaking of Target… i was so happy to see they had restocked… got more LPS! 🙂 yippee!
our girls will be so happy!
the BEST Friday to you!

jerusalem - that is too cute. neither of our kids have asked to see Santa this year, but they have written letters and Miles has even “sent” Mrs. Claus a present. Too cute.

Kim - So cute! It reminds me of all those trips to the mall to see Santa when I was little. Good memories. I love Annie’s outfit! Such style. I want some tights like that!

Tammi - How sweet. I came across your blog and am so impressed by your home, and the fact that you have 5 kids and can manage to have a “girls craft night”…Kudos to your decorating and crafting abilities-great ideas!!
Also, I noticed in the Santa pic it looks like you colored your hair darker, no? It looks pretty….

Shannan - So precious! And the one of all three of you is great – you look bee-utiful! Oh, and Annie’s outfit made my day. I’m loving little girls in crazy combos.

Sharla - She looks so cute on his lap – she BELIEVES which is so awesome.
My 4-year-old has seen so many Santa’s this year he’s been asking how he will know the real one (“Mom, all the Santa’s have different beards. How will I know the REAL one?”). I tell him Santa has many helpers and the real one comes only on Christmas – the only response I could think of.

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craft night….and brunch

December 18, 2008

i hosted my second annual craft night with girlfriends.

click HERE to see last year's craft night.

we made a martha stewart craft….who else?

it was easy, inexpensive and cute.

the perfect craft.

i was also having a brunch here the next morning with my bible study group.

(i scheduled it all together so i only needed it clean once)

i left out all the supplies for this craft to give us something to do while we chatted.

then we woke up to a bunch of snow!

so we canceled the brunch.

but then slowly everyone showed up to the canceled brunch.

no one had gotten the message!

it was so funny….and spontaneous and fun.

i had dirty dishes in the sink.

i hadn't prepared any of the food i was going to (they each brought food though)

we made and drank 2 full pots of coffee and had a blast.

it was hours and hours of complete relaxed girl time.

fabulous!

between 2 craft sessions i made my family's initials and a few extras.

easy craft to do in front of the tv too.

go check it out on martha's site….HERE.

you DO want the 20 gauge wire and the bigger seed beads.

all can be found at a craft store in the jewelry isle (or maybe even wal-mart?)

it takes a bit of practice to get the letters just right but i know you can do it.

one week till christmas!

oh.

my.

goodness.

UPS don't fail me now.

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kim Scrap to my lu - Oh, that’s right, I want that starbucks ornament.
Love the santa photos and I think the girls craft night is a great idea.

Kim@ForeverWherever - These are so pretty! I think they will make great gifts!
Merry Christmas!

amy j. - What a gorgeous group of girls! 🙂 So glad we have a crafty friend like you… who buys all the supplies and tells us what to do. You’re the best!

Beth - Lovely! I saw Kristi’s and I was so jealous! I have to try them! I’m in total denial that Christmas is in a week (or less)!!!

Sara - This is a great craft, and I love the idea of an annual craft night with girlfriends. Fun!

cjs - I spy a michigan state sweatshirt. :o)
enjoying catching up on here. once again, your pics and life are stunning. you capture the everyday like no one…

meaghan easterhaus - love those! love the funky hodgepodge tree. just what it’s supposed to be!

Carly - my gracious. can i be your friend? can i come to your craft party? i am there in spirit, for sure.
i don’t know you, but i visit you daily and feel like i do. i want to tour your house and soak in all the colors and life. i just love it all!!
please keep up the inspiration. just keep doing what your doing.
merry christmas to you!

Tausha - When all the craziness comes together and we actually get to enjoy it-love that christmas part!! Just love it! Wish I could have come to craft night. I love the little initials. Great for topping gifts. Or a neighbor gift topped on a plate of treats. too bad I still have a list that is longer than the amound of sense I have left in my brain!!1 🙂

Carrie - Can I be your friend? neighbor? kid, even?
I am always so jealous when I read your blog.
Everything you do is just amazing!

Suzanne - what fun! can i be your friend and move to kansas too?? ya’ll look like a wonderful bunch…and waking up to snow???? “if only in my dreams…”
you make me want to go crazy wanting alphabet ice trays, bottle caps, wire, beads…please, oh please tell me michaels or hobby lobby do you find such goodies???

Wendy - Hi there. Jennifer Peterson sent me over here to see your house. WOW! I LOVE it! I love everything about it. And your blog is wonderful. Your photography is beautiful. All the colors you use are inspiring. We have a goldendoodle so I can appreciate your cute Waffle. Do you mind if I link you on my blogroll? You have inspired me to be a little more crafty.

Shelley - That is such an awesome craft, thanks for sharing.
And I need to know where you found Waffle’s ornament! We have a new puppy in the house this year too.

deb meyers - i’m all over your blog today.
I decorate my tree with Christmas Starbucks cups too! Only, I have the real cups, didn’t realize they sell an actual ornament.
Also Ben and Jerry cartons.
We didn’t put up our tree this year, though, as we are traveling. It feels very weird.
deb m

AManda - I ADORE those initials! What a festive evening…AND morning! Wow. You sure did handle it better than I.
As I am sure I would have been in dirty clothes… hair greasy and messy… some dried hot cocoa on my face and shirt from the night before…scratching my butt and checking emails.
I LOVE that you took it in stride and had a blast!
many blessings-
Amanda

Jennifer P. - I NEVER do Martha crafts….until I see YOU doing Martha crafts, and then it’s like, hmmmm…if Meg can do it :)….
They turned out lovely, and I’m glad you got to have a great impromptu get-together with friends!

lee ann - looks like so much fun! I just may have to give it a try.

MGF - Yahhhh, is what I would of thought if they all showed up. At least everyone knows what dirty dishes look like.

traci - fun bead letters meg. i love them. looks like you ladies had a great time. aren’t you glad no one got the message.

Aubrey - Those are cute–where are yours and Waffle’s? I’d like to make some for my family, but I don’t think I’m brave or patient enough–there would be far too many serenity nows! going on.

carissa - VERY fun… and SO needed in the middle of all this nuttyness! sheer nuttyness!
i am SO praying that UPS… USPS… FED EX… don’t fail us now! everytime… at this time of year… i think JUST HOW IMPORTANT they are! my goodness!
happiness… & loads of coffee… we’ll make it!

a thorn among roses - super funny…i love mongrams and initials so i think this is fab!

Ashley - So fun! I love how they all were willing to brave the snow and wintry weather for brunch with the girls!!! Sounds like my kind of group!

Shannan - Those letters do look super fun! Gotta love Martha. I just discovered her craft kits at Michael’s over the weekend. I’m going to snap some up when they go on sale!

sarah - sounds and looks like such a wonderful, relaxed time!!
cute ornaments. gotta love martha 🙂

lorel - What a fun time. I wish I could show up in the snow for coffee talk with you! I love how much personality your tree shows – a starbucks ornament, Chiefs players, an EEEEE-gle, a train, a cow in overalls, and now a cute beaded “A”. Also the pom-pom garland is just right. Can’t wait to see it in person.
love ya!

Shana - I think I can do that!! Whoa!

Molly Pearce - I have been following your blog for some time and love it. You have great ideas and a awesome craft room. Looks like you had a blast on craft night and at brunch. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.
~ Molly P

casey Ohmen - The craft is cute. I did the exact same thing for place cards at my wedding for the family. We made their initial and put their name below it on a name tent. How funny.

krista - super cute, super fun….
laughing at your friends showing up anyway…..i probably would have still been in my jams or maybe even back in bed! made the ribbon notebook for me niece she’s going to love it….so thank you!

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serenity now……insanity later

December 16, 2008

i am feeling the pressure now.

feeling the christmas eve meltdown coming on…..

i have been saying to myself all day long –

"keep calm and carry on"

"serenity now"

"deep cleansing breaths"

there is just so much yet to do.

i have been so busy crafting that i am behind on everything else.

but i am thinking everyone is feeling this way….right?

ahhhhhhh…..

i think a hot bath is necessary for me tonight.

(with a special grown up drink just for me.)

goodnight.

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susanne - i LOVE all the santa cups. they remind me of my childhood xmas’s at my grandmas. i love how you have different sizes and used them as decorations as well as for their intended function.
and your M. Stewart letters are great!

deb meyers - Meg, I love your cut-in-half silver lid turned sconce. Did you do that?!
deb meyers

vicki - Here is what I told myself just yesterday: when we look back at our memories, we tend to only remember the good, positive stuff (example-childbirth) so next year I won’t remember the urrrrrrrrrg, and will blissfully remember the ahhhhhhhhh in my memories! So even though I have fabric, beads and other projects strewn all over and covering every flat surface in my house…all I will remember is the glow of the tree, the roar of the fire, and homemade cookies. Good luck my friend!

christine - i haven’t checked in in awhile so i sat here in awe catching up
your photos are a visual feast especially since i’m partial to the color red!
and those bottle caps – AWESOME!
i’m actually going to TRY to whip up a few for gifts
if i lived next door i’d invite myself over for a grownup drink in your santa mugs sitting at your beautfully set table!!!!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS

meaghan easterhaus - hee hee a grown up drink

Crystal - I’d love to come over and help….
and now I know who to buy those mugs for when I see them at yard sales! 🙂
Happy day to you friend!! 🙂

Sandra - Well, if you are feeling pressure, you apparently work well under pressure! All of this looks fantastic!

Randi - I love your bowl full of Santa mugs … I may have to copy that although I think I need to collect a few more mugs first!

meredith - I love that in the States you celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving so joyously, but it must place alot of pressure on all you Mums. I think you deserve a medal for 1. still being on speaking terms with your family 2. having a smile on your face and 3. being able to string a sentence together. Well done Meg – enjoy your grown-up drink (or three).

sarah - Love the Santa Mugs and the pretty setups .
We had similar santa mugs growing up in our house. 🙂

Ashley - I think I need a ‘special grown up drink’ tonight, too! Love all your Christmas photos! It looks like you’ve got everything under control!

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - You aren’t the only one having adult beverages….serenity now…serenity now….maybe if we keep saying that!
Love the mugs!

PamperingBeki - I’m telling ya, the stress-free Christmas I’m doing this year is the way to go!
I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a December as much as this one, honestly. And 2 of my kids have December birthdays!
Deep breaths, a few adult drinks, keep calm and carry on (those signs are all over etsy!)… stress free. Ahhhhh. It’s nice.

lee ann - LOVE the Santa mugs!
Well, if you must know…..there are those of us who are NOT crafty. We purchase every gift…..sometimes from the comfort of our eazy chair. (I did create 4 this year though and am so stinkin’ proud of myself!) But…..some of us DREAM we could be crafty like you! But you’re kind of turning my dream into a nightmare 🙂

Aubrey - Do you throw your hands in the air and yell, “serenity now!” like George’s dad on Seinfeld?

carissa - i hear ya loud & clear! 🙂
and would you believe we have VERY similar vintage santa mugs… he sure is a cute fella!
i enjoyed a BIG adult drink last night! 🙂
might need to repeat tonight!
happy day gf!

AManda - Apparently I am in the advice giving mood today! Lucky you.
I think one of the best things we can do when anxiety starts to creep into our peaceful, chaotic, and comfortable exhistance and verbally proclaim…that is, OUT LOUD…
“I am giving this to you God! Any ripple, any problem, and circumstance that keeps me from basking in your Glory and Love! Its ALL YOURS GOD!”
Seriously. Say it out loud. You can do it. No one is watching. Except Him of course. And He LOVEs it when we do stuff like that!
God bless-
Amanda
P.S. Beautiful table and pictures and everything is going to be perfect…even if its not!

Lorilee - I love the vintage Santa mugs and the white plate! It is all beautiful! I have already been having my “grown-up” drink in the evenings. YUM Egg Nog with a splash of Bourbon. Talking about behind and panic, I still have to TAKE the family photo and create the family Christmas card, along with shopping, and baking. And 2 more days of teaching!
Blessings,
Lorilee

meghan - your whole santa table thing got me really inspired to get this show on the road! i am so with ya on the crafting thing. i have yet to get my christmas cards out the door….yikes! let alone plan the christmas meal!

Jamie Sampson - hope the bath and grown-up drink was just what you needed.
Gorgeous table settings.

Jodi Peck - Looks lovely to me!! when it is all over…..you will wonder “what was I so worried about?” :0) On a different note I LOVE, LOVE those red striped bowls….could you tell me who made them please? cherishedroses@hotmail.com Thanks, Jodi

a thorn among roses - i have Santa love now…love those mugs!

Shannan - That second photo is absolutely perfect! In fact, all of the photos do a great job of masking your jitters. Perhaps a round of grievance airing by the Festivus pole would work to further calm you? It always works for us.
ps- Have you happened to see the “Keep Calm and Carry On” signs that Rachel Ashwell sells on her Shabby Chic site? I want one!

Shana - Yes! I feel it too…and I haven’t crafted anything! Okay, maybe helped with kid things, but otherwise…PHEW!

mom - So who is coming for dinner? It looks wonderful. Is there anything I can do for you? My stuff is almost done. But then, I didn’t craft anything this year!

traci - all your serving pieces are great. love those santas. i think my mom had a couple of those when we were young – but she didn’t save them. i am starting to feel the pressure too. few gifts left to get, all the wrapping yet to do, and no menu planned for christmas eve or christmas morning. better get a move on. but it feels good to know that i am not the only one.

Deb - I hear you. Last night I divvied up all that’s left for the days that are remaining. I hope it all works out!

Lanny Stanard - Megan i can’t even tell how i love visting everyday, and yes i’m there with you! Christmas is coming up fast, see you soon…
Lanny;)

Darby - Oh MEG!! Those SANTAS…. Mmmmmm! I love ’em! FABULOUS just fabulous! Keep taking those deep breaths… you’ll be just fine!

Denise - I love visiting you each day. You are real and take the most amazing pictures!! I have this new thing I have been trying…it seems to work better than anything else I’ve tried. I go to a very quiet place and sing/song in my head, “The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength” You should probably know that sometimes it takes 30 seconds, sometimes it takes 2 days! (I have a 15 year old son)

anne - i think Susan Powter said it best when she said “Stop the Insanity”!
Love your sweet Santa mug collection!

Christina - Oh my, what Santa mug goodness. I just love the little ones.
My day would read “insanity now” if truth be told.

callie grayson - Love your santa collection! the table settings are perfect with the santas and the red and white dishes!!!

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