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it was a big week

oh my goodness we are tired.
but we are IN the new house!!!
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my sons helped craig move every single thing.
this was a practice round a few days before the actual move… putting the fridge in the garage so there was room for the countertop guys to work.IMG_5874IMG_5879
they did a really nice job… and they were very talkative.  🙂
we choose quartz countertops.  These are LG brand and the color is Cirrus.
it was the least busy of whites with gray that i liked.
and the least green hues in the gray.

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the backsplash is sheets of 2×4 inch subway tile from home depot.
they had the same thing at lowes and menards but HD was the lowest price.
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craig worked so hard this last month.
it makes me tired just thinking about how much he has physically done.
he is a hard worker at everything he does.
i think i could be the luckiest girl in the world.
(and it’s his birthday today!)
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and then it was time to move!
we had no school on friday and so we moved that day.
the girls and i stayed at the old house all day packing up anything that was in each room.
the boys and craig loaded and unloaded.

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we were treated to lunch and dinner by friends and family.
it was so nice to not have to think about that in the day at all.
that was awesome.IMG_5948
these muscles got worked out big time all day friday AND saturday.
i am just SO PROUD of these guys.
those boys of mine are strong!

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the chickens will be moving later this week… everyone has been asking.
but moving a chicken coop and chickens is not the easiest thing to do.  IMG_5966
last family picture at the farm house.
we really will miss it.    we loved it out here.
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waffle and stanley were totally in the way and being total spazs.
they were just so excited and confused.
🙂

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this was what i started with….as long as this area was set up then i was all good.
the tile was grouted in white on friday morning as we moved in.
also the doors and drawers were installed as we moved in.

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pizza hut for dinner on saturday after another full day of work.
first time ever we did not have left overs.
they were hungry!  ha ha ha

we slept in the new house on friday night.
the four kids slept on mattresses in the basement… all together by choice.
they were talking and laughing till midnight.
it was such a fun day for them too.

sunday we met up with craig’s side of the family for Easter brunch after church.
it was so nice to take a break from moving and organizing and WORK to sit and worship at church.
ahhhhhh.
i kept sighing during the service.
in  a good way.
loved by jesus.  saved by jesus.  thankful for jesus.  in love with jesus.
happy to be there.  happy to be done with the move.  happy that my family was all together.
just happy.
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and we were all able to find clothes to leave the house!
i wore the same thing i wore last sunday because i knew where it was and i didn’t have to think.

and now this week is all the clean up.
clean up the old house…. clean up the new house… continue to unpack… find places for everything.
painting.
painting.
painting.

 

rebecca - I just reread this…I LOVE a front-facing kitchen!

Andrea - So glad to see that the move has gone well!!!! I love unpacking….finding a spot for everything! Have fun putting this new house together! Can’t wait to see more pictures and hear how the chickens move goes!

Katie - Your house looks wonderful! Could you share the source for the pendant lights over the island? They are great!

Karina - I am loving your new house decor choices and will eagerly check back for more detailed info when you have time to update us…I am also curious about the 21 Day Fix and will look into it. Congratulations on the move and Happy Birthday to your husband!

Sara - Meg, I have followed your blog for years and years. I am so happy for your family as you start in this new house! What a fresh start! I look up to you and Craig as you parent your children well. And you look fabulous!! XO

Julie - Hi Meg! Your new place is great ~ love the coffee station. 🙂 I can’t believe it has been a year since Kristen and I were privileged to attend CW. We went to a “Be Crafty” event in Tempe, AZ last month and were FAMOUS at our table because we’d been to CW ~ so fun! 🙂 Hope you are well.

Meredith - Congratulations on so many levels!
Beautiful home;
Strong, healthy, grateful kids;
Awesome husband {happy b’day Craig};
Sustaining faith and
Wow, do you look trim, taut & terrific:)
Looking forward to following your adventures in your new nest. M xo

cyndiloohoo - congratulations on the move and new home. from the pics I can really tell you have lost weight.

Ryan - Oh my…..your family pic at the farm house gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes! Weird, I know, right! 🙂 And YOU my lady look awesome in those little spandex pants. I thought it was one of your older girls at first!! Good job on the 21 day/running thing!!

Rach - All I can think of is how much I loathe painting ceilings. Good job Craig! Cheers to you!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Oh I so love that new house. Love the way you are decorating it. I know moving was hard but it sure looks like there was some great memory making.

Erin - The new kitchen looks amazing!!! We have the exact same tile in our kitchen, great choice 🙂

Sara - It’s been amazing to see how quickly you guys have renovated the kitchen, painted, removed a wall, and moved!! Whirlwind! And a Craft Weekend thrown in there too! I admire your capacity to work so hard and make so much happen. The Duerksen family gathers no moss! It’s funny to not know you at all yet so enjoy following along with your family. You’re the kind of family that makes the world a better, happier place. Thank you for blogging! Looking forward to the continuing adventures in your new home. 🙂

Karen Gerstenberger - Congratulations, and welcome HOME!

Lisa - Good luck with all the final cleaning and organizing!

Jenny B. - P.S. For later… when you get a chance to post more about the kitchen… Cabinet paint color? Wall color? Is that marble trim at the top of the backsplash, or something made from the same material as the countertop? Again… no rush… as I’m sure you’ll be back with the details LATER. 🙂

april r - congratulations and just very happy for you all! and thanks again for sharing
(i especially appreciated that picture of the big wide open sky <3)

Jenny B. - Oh, I am just so happy for you!!! I am literally sitting here grinning and trying not to tear up because I am just overjoyed for you and your family!!! I’m amazed at your ability to tell your stories so succinctly. You don’t use a whole lot of words, but you really pull me in, and make me feel like I was there. You have a gift! (Well, I think you have lots of gifts, and that’s just one of them!). 🙂 Your blog is always a bright spot in my day/week/month/year. Thank you for taking the time to share!

Brenna - Been praying for your move and am so interested in seeing how you will manage the chicken coop move – I am renting now and will eventually have to move my coop too. Oh and Talby got braces!!! Congratulations on a successful move.

Elissa - Congratulations!

CathyC - Fantastic! so happy for you all! Love that the coffee station was set up so fast, made me laugh.

Jenni - So, I saw your last family pic at the farm house on Instagram. I TOTALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE LAUREN! Now that I’m seeing it on a bigger screen…IT’S YOU! You look amaze balls.

Patti Mullican - It’s silly I guess since I only know you through your blog, but I’ve been thinking about you all as you move into your new home. May it be filled with new blessings and more wonderful memories. Enjoy!

Brittany - Your kitchen looks beautiful!! I love all your choices! Can’t wait to see the rest 🙂 Also, side note…you look amazing! Trim and lean! I can tell you have been working hard.

patti - Love your kitchen and how your whole family works together!!! Are your cabinets HD as well??

Mel - Love your beautiful family pictures! I can’t wait to see how wonderful the new house looks once you are all settled.

Kate - This is off topic – but you look so slim and fit! You go girl!

Rach - Congratulations on your new home, I’m sure it will be a very happy one and it looks fantastic already! 😀

Lisa - I’m impressed! Everything looks great! You guys work fast. 🙂

jill - Your family picture at the end really touched me. I thought of all of the hard work you all did and then how you all paused to gather and worship. I love that. Thank you for sharing!

Alicia @ La Famille - I am so tired just reading this. Moving is such hard work!! But it looks like everything went great! LOVE your new kitchen! Can’t wait to see everything else!

Angela - Annie is SASSY! What a doll!
Congrats on your new home and Happy Birthday to your man! I have a hard-working husband myself, and I know what a blessing it is. Awesome that he is training your boys to be the same.

Stephanie - The kitchen looks fantastic! Did you ever mention what gray paint color you decided on? I have about 50 shades on my kitchen wall right now and still can’t make a decision.

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where do i begin?

 

 

IMG_3427let’s see…. Scott’s team WON the STATE 3A Boys Basketball Tournament.
his team was undefeated the entire season.
that is so fantastic.  i am still just so proud of them all.
i will write a whole post about that because it deserves it and i have loads of photos.

IMG_4879i am still on the 21Day Fix… 45 days later.
i am loving it.
STILL.
the meal plan – lifestyle change is so great!
i sound like a dork i am sure but i am SO happy with the way i feel and what i am eating.
🙂
the workouts are challenging but not impossible.
i was thinking about how i have tried many dvd workout and seriously dislike them.
Jillian?  no thank you.
Tony – P90X?   nope.
this one though is just hard enough and then just short enough.
and very little jumping.
i dislike jumping very much.  (or i should say my bladder dislikes me jumping)
and i am loving the Shakeology.
it has been such a nice option to have when i just don’t want to eat any more meat or veggies.

and let’s talk about the new house.
oh my goodness.
we are SO EXCITED about it.
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the kids have been great helpers (at least for awhile… they are still kids of course)IMG_4851
annie painted the inside of the cabinets and i think she is a better painter than i am.
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i ended up getting 8 different paint samples of grays.
i ended up choosing the third one on the top.
i surprised myself!  it was the most gray that was light with less green or brown.
Seashell Gray by Valspar.
it’s a teensy bit blue on the wall but i like it.

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talby and sean removed wallpaper and loaded carpet to the garage.
for real!  talby was really good at peeling off wallpaper!
we put the carpet on craigslist and someone bought it.
i love craigslist (except for any weirdos and gross stuff).IMG_4901
i sat here several hours and painted that banister.IMG_4894
then we took out the kitchen.
yep.
we sold our existing kitchen and are getting a white one.
they carefully took it all apart piece by piece and will be a perfect kitchen for the new owners.
that makes me really happy.
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we took out a wall to open it up a little more and allow more light in the house.
and by WE took it out i mean our contractor took it out.
we are doing the work like painting or demo… not the other stuff.
and by WE i mean mostly craig and then sometimes i stop by and drop off things like lights or tile or toilet paper.
ha ha ha

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poor scott was gone on a ski trip during all this work.
i bet he is really disappointed he missed it.
he did get to pull staples out of the floor for quite awhile one afternoon.
KIDS ROCK!
IMG_5012IMG_5010that is the now empty kitchen.  i taped where the island will be going.
isn’t it fancy?  😉
the tile backsplash is gone now too and the floors have been sanded and stained darker as of this afternoon.

SO… yeah… we have been busy.
all good things!
all FUN things!

im sleepy.
gotta get up to get my workout in before the three ball tournaments begin.
yes.. 3 different kids… 3 different towns… 3 different tournaments.
should make for a high coffee intake kind of day.

 

 

 

Erin - did I miss a post about a new house????? either way, I”m excited to see it complete!!

erin - I can’t wait to see what you do! My home is 13yrs old and I love it but I LOVE the charm and character of a home like your Craft House. I am hoping to get some ideas from you of creating that charm in a “new” home. I am sure whatever you do will be fabulous!

Andrea - Congrats to Scott and his team!!!! So GREAT! I’ve been hoping for pics of the new place! Can’t wait to see the new white kitchen!

Lisa - Congratulations to Hesston! I saw in the paper that both your teams won State and was so excited for your family. And fun things going on at your new house. The changes are definitely making it more your home. Hope the reno continues to go well – am excited to see it in it’s “more final” form (’cause houses are never really “done”, right?).

Jenni - SUPER GREAT idea to sell your carpet and kitchen to someone who will love it so you can get something you love!

Chantel - I am so happy to see all of the trim painted a pretty white! I know that people may say otherwise, but something about wood trim makes rooms feel smaller and dirty to me. The white just seems to open it all up and make it look so crisp and pretty!

Sydney - I’m tired just reading about your days! Congratulations and take care. Fabulous house!

kimberly oyler - you are so fast! can’t wait to see it.
missed you this weekend.

Laura - MY annie is gonna love this post! gotta show her. She is obsessed with HGTV…love it or list it…rehab addict..the property brothers…she is great fun to bring to a furniture store! She will truly enjoy seeing your house transformation! Wish I could send you a Starbucks while you work….or a bowl of kale chips 🙂

Michelle B. - Wow! Congrats on everything! Wow! What a week or two or three, I’d be on the floor!
Hang in there and enjoy the ride:)

Jill - Oh, wow! That is a whole lot of work going on! I am glad to see that kids grow up to be good helpers. That gives me hope. 😉 Can’t wait to see more of the house. I’ve missed your posts!

Kristin S - I love that you took apart and sold the kitchen cabinets. So so smart! Too often people just tear out perfectly good stuff and toss it. I’m sure someone will love yours!

I’m trying to choose a bathroom color right now and have 15 swatches taped to the wall. I need to just go get samples made. PAINTING it on the wall makes all the difference.

april R - thanks for sharing! happy busy post!

Mindy - COngratulations on the State Championship! When our daughter was a senior cheerleader our football team won the state championship and it was just SO exciting! I love that you sold your carpet and cabinets instead of just trashing them like they often do on TV (even if smashing something with a big hammer might be a little bit fun…). Can’t wait to follow along and see all the changes you do to make it just perfect for your family. Thanks for letting us peek inside : )

jz - more of these posts!!!
love, love, love reno projects. how exciting for you all.

Library Momma - Wow! Where I have I been, I must have totally missed the post about a new house!?! Congrat’s!

Maureen - Awesome house…congrats! I’m happy to hear you like the 21 day fix…I’m about to start the 21 day reset and I’m scaaaaared!!

tere - The house is looking great. Enjoying the view of your progress.

Tracy - WOW!!! I can’t wait to see the end result! Your kids….such awesome helpers! I am very very impressed!

Michelle - I have been wondering how Scott’s team did. I assumed they had lost since you hadn’t posted anything. I am so happy for they won! I am excited to watch your new house transformation. Lots of good going on in your life-awesome!

Lee Ann - Love it all! Renovation pictures just make me giddy. Can’t wait to see what you have in store. Thanks for blogging again 🙂

Jenny B. - OH, Meg!!! I am so so so happy for your family! You guys are jut not afraid of anything! 🙂 It is already starting to look more “Duerksen-ey.” I love it! I have been looking at so many houses lately, and just can’t find one I like that’s “me.” We haven’t even put our house on the market yet, and I have been a little bit scared that we would sell it and then have nowhere to live because I hate all the houses! You just gave me a huge amount of hope and a little bit of courage. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Barbara (WA) - Cute photo of your hubby ! And you know what I think is awesome? You don’t have to move in and then begin all the mess. That is a blessing.

Barbara (WA) - Cute photo of your hubby ! And you know what I this is awesome? You don’t have to move in and then begin all the mess. That is a blessing.

Alicia @ La Famille - GIIIIIRRRRRL!!!! I am SO oddly excited for you!!! Oddly, because, well, I don’t know you really. But I KNOW that you’ve probably been dying to get in your own space and rip something up, paint it, and make it YOURS! I am feeling the SAME way. I am using lots of capital letters, I know this. Sorry. But I’m like seriously STOKED right now for ya! Think of me while your slappin’ paint on those beige walls…cross your fingers I’ll be doing the same thing before 2015! Thanks!

BTW, are you using oil based paint for the cabinets and banisters? I’ve always heard it sticks better, but I just wondered.

Whitney - So exciting!! I love the house and can’t wait to see more!! And you are really inspiring me with your exercise/healthy eating updates 🙂

Breanna - What is the workout you are enjoying so much? I, too, dislike jumping! 😉
Thanks!

cornelia krahn - Love what you’re doing to the house!

Jenn - Seriously exciting stuff going on! I can’t wait to see everything finished and the in between stuff too. We have a busy weekend as well. Lots of yard work and a sleep over for a birthday girl (yeesh!) Happy Saturday!

Tiffany - Wow Meg! I took a break from Facebook and Instagram for Lent and that means I’ve been slacking on reading blogs too. Congrats on the new house! It looks amazing… So big and open! I love doing your own work on a house too. In excited for you and look forward to watching the transformation. Miss you!

elma - Oh what fun!! All the kids helping out!! I can not wait to see it all done!! It will be amazing!!!

Amy Lynne - It’s going to be amazing! It is so nice to have big kids that can help…we’ve been putting ours to work too!

Becky - I can’t wait to see the finished project! It’s going to look so great!

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february’s craft weekend

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this group was awesome!
i was worried the entire weekend about the ice and snow.
but they just crafted their hearts out and shopped till they dropped.
we had a scare that we would all be stuck at the Craft House another night but miraculously every single flight went out that day!

Carissa was my helper and taught us how to make perfect pom poms!
we used a Clover Brand Pom Pom Maker… i am obsessed with them now.
Jess helped Kimberlee in the kitchen cooking amazing meals for all of us.
it is a team effort every CW!

i loved meeting each of these women.
it is a joy to have them at the house, create together & get to know their hearts.
At Craft Weekend we try to create a very relaxed atmosphere to make sure everyone goes home feeling inspired & refreshed.

if you would like to come to a Craft Weekend you need to read this first.
then get yourself and all your friends on the Wait List.

and if you don’t want to wait for your name to someday maybe get picked…
you should gather your friends and rent out the Craft House for yourself!

Jill - Meg, this was the MOST AMAZING WEEKEND! Thank you for all you do to make us feel pampered and important. I LOVED having the time to learn a craft and get it finished without kiddos interrupting me. All the crafts were so cute and I have them displayed in my house. Thank you again for being so darn AWESOME!

Kim - It was such an awesome weekend, even with the weather. The craft house is even more amazing in person. After the weekend I felt refreshed and inspired, thank you!

Emilie - THAT was a super fun weekend. Thank you for your hospitality Meg.

teresa - Looks like awesome fun!
Happy Day

Lisa M. - I always look forward to your Craft Weekend posts. I love seeing all of the pictures and the different crafts you are making. And as always, I love seeing all the aprons that were made and what different patterns they chose to put together. Thanks for sharing!

Bethany - I always love the pictures of Craft Weekend. Looks like a perfect weekend. I saw your twin at the Hearts at Home conference this weekend. I literally did a double take, but then I saw she was pregnant. Definitely not you, but a dead-ringer.

Jen - PLEASE tell me someone took that quilt home! *LOVE*

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answers from monday.

UPDATE on Scott… THEY WON!
they won the first round so they will play friday night and saturday too.
it was so exciting.
i made my family take a selfie with me to distract me when they were not ahead and i was super anxious.
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my nieces, my daughters, my mom, my sister and my sister-in-law.  🙂

 

let’s talk about the 21 Day FIX… again.

in the 21 days… i lost 6 pounds and 9.5 inches.
no joke.
i think that is SO awesome.
i was smiling so big about it on monday.
i am THRILLED!
you may be thinking… “ummm 6 pounds? that is not much at all.”
well…. my friend…. you are way wrong!  six pounds is over half of my goal!
six pounds is a very BIG deal to me.
even if someone lost 100 pounds… they have to lose the first 6 pounds first right?!
🙂

let me answer some of the questions in the comments from the previous post.

did you always like salad?  i love salad that other people make for me but when i make it i rarely enjoy it.  and honestly… that salad in the photo was the first salad i had prepared the entire 21 days! i ate a few restaurant salads but the other four times a day for 21 days i was eating broccoli, cauliflower, celery, carrots, etc.

what dressing do you use?  at restaurants i try to remember to ask for dressing on the side.  i use basalmic vinegarette.

how do you resist treats at Craft Weekend or baking at home?  ummmm…. i am not verygood at this.  but i did have less than i usually would have at CW. if you are baking at home for your family… maybe it a good time to try some healthier treats?  my problem there is that all my kids can bake now so THEY are making cookies and cupcakes all the time and it is hard to resist.  it is easy for me to not bake because it takes time i don’t have.  but it is so hard to walk by cookie dough or brownies for sure.  my kids love baking treats!  the main point of this answer is that everyone has temptations, mistakes or set backs but that doesn’t mean you quit.  you just say “i will do better tomorrow.” or “i am doing great and that is not going to stop me.”  just pick yourself back up and keep going.  it’s not ALL OR NOTHING.  it’s baby steps to getting where you want to be.

how are the kids adjusting to no junk food at home?  i got rid of the things that tempt me most… but they are still doing their own thing.  i don’t buy the things i would grab and eat all day long (my favorite cereal, m&ms, cookies, ice cream, whipped cream) but there is still junk food here.  BUT when there is so much fruit and veggies and protein here too it is not as hard to choose wisely.  with the 21 day plan you have certain categories to fill each day and it makes choosing healthy way easier! i want to not go over in a certain area and make sure i get enough in all the groups.  it changes your mid set to picking the right thing over just eating something because i am cranky and bored.  my kids are having to try veggies at every meal though.

how can i get exercise in my already PACKED days?  hmmm…. i think working directly with Marta would help you a lot.  she is really good at helping you be your best YOU.  she can get you thinking about where you can make little changes and tweeks to change things up.  what my answer would be is to focus on your foods.  REALLY focus on eating clean and healthy.  the walks you take on your “smoke breaks” are great… can you walk faster?  you can add in short 10-15 minute strength training in the morning.  if you are getting up at 5:30… i wonder… could you squeeze in a quick 15 minute exercise by doing something the night before to make the morning quicker?  setting out your kids’ clothes the night before?  give baths at night? breakfast on the table when you go to bed?  BUT SERIOUSLY… let marta change your life.  🙂  she is so good at it.

how can i incorporate eating out with this plan? with the 21 day FiX you can eat (healthy stuff) from a restaurant, you just need to make sure you don’t over do it.  the containers are to show you portion size.  you could bring your containers with you… or after a few times of measuring your food with the containers, you have an idea of how much one serving looks like.  at a restaurant… most likely you are going to be WAY over a healthy portion size, even in veggies.

the 21 Day FiX workouts? do i have to have a treadmill or any equipment? can i do this in my basement??  all you need with the 21 Day FIX is light and heavy hand weights and a floor mat. (i currently use 5, 8 and occasionally 10 pounds.  in the beginning i wished i had lighter than five but now i can use the five.  some of those tricepand shoulder moves are hard with even 5 pounds! but you get stronger everyday and it is so cool to see your own improvement.  i do the workouts in my living room so i would think your basement would be fine.  🙂

where you found that snack container that you have your apples and pb in?  it is rubbermaid and i think i found that at walmart.  i know target does not have them.  it also possibly could have been at our Kroger grocery stores.  they are really good!  the blue container is a ziploc brand.  🙂

where did you find your cute water cup?  that cup i found at walmart also.  the brand is Bubba.  it is a 24 oz. cup.  i love the squishy straw and that the lid pops off… no screwing it on just right or breaking the lid.  i have two.  they are $10 at walmart and i think $12 at target.  they are also washable!

 

ANY more questions?  i am happy to just keep answering to help you ladies out!

🙂

Allison - Hello! I saw you did the 21 day fix back in March! How do you feel after a couple of months of doing it? Did you keep any of the 6 pounds off??? Please let me know, I am considering trying it.

Amy - Just wanted to say I stumbled upon your blog today looking for 21-Day Fix recipes, and am so glad I did! I’ve read quite a few posts, and it’s been a lot of fun…and motivating! Keep up the great posts 🙂

Lisa Risse - Hi! I HEART those pom poms!!! Can you give me some ideas on what to make with them? I’m sure a cute little garland would be fun…..any other ideas?? It’s a great project b/c my girls can make them with me….I bet my 6 year old son would ALSO love making them! Thanks for the ideas….you are always fun a GREAT ONES! I so enjoy your blog! Lisa

chrissi - six pounds is aaaaamazing. love it!

Amanda - So awesome Meg!! you look great and happy and healthy!
6 pounds is HUGE! The inches seem to come much easier than a big ol pound 🙂
Way to go!

Brittany - 9.5 inches?! That is amazing! Way to go!!

Christy - 6 lbs in 21 days is AMAZING! I am doing WW online & losing about a 1 lb a week. I don’t mind the slow process. It will be worth it in the end. Your post are really helping motivate & alomost, almost making me want to wake-up earlier every morning to work out before I take my son to school. I am trying to pysche myself up about it. 🙂

You are doing a great job & if a busy mom on the go with 5 kids can do this, it gives me hope. Thank you!

Stacie Jameson - I just ordered mine last weekend. My one thing that I’m worried about is I’m vegetarian. We eat a lot of beans and I count them as my protein but on the fix they count them as carbs. Do you think it would be fine to count them as protein? Also do a lot of one dish meals how would I do that? I was thinking I would have to separate and measure mine first and bake it in a different dish. Thanks so much! 🙂

Michele - Thank you so much for answerign the questions this is great! I j ust ordered the 21 day fix and Shakeology and I have been wondering if I did the right thing. I have been in a rut with Spinning and wanted to change things up. I love the idea that it changes your eating habits and will likely make it a life change not just for the 21 days it will make you think. Again thank you so much what was your thoughts on the Shakeology it was pricey but I wanted to fully commit,so just wondering your thoughts on it!

Heather S. - Hey Meg,
Thanks to you I ordered the 21 day fix this week. It’s back ordered but should come next month. I.can.hardly.wait!!! I’ve been in an exercise rut & am so excited to switch things up with something new. I’d like to lose 10 lbs. A medical issue I had forced me to lay off all exercise till I healed & now I’m back up & rarin to go :)… with a few lbs to lose now as well … your honesty & joy is contagious & I can’t wait to join you. 9.5 inches & 6lbs – holy smokes! GREAT JOB!!!!!!! High five to ya lady. Hopefully one day I’ll get to finally meet you at a craft weekend! 🙂

Angela - Did you get your sports bras yet? Did you have a favorite?

Leah - 9+ inches sounds awesome….but what does it mean exactly? How do you do the measurements?

jodie - Hey! Just signed up with marta for march! Thanks for the recommendation!

Traci - That’s awesome, you should be proud of your accomplishment! Love how colorful things are around here, by the way.

Jessica Jackson - Which sports bra did you find to be the best? I’m in dire need of a good one to start running (for the first time ever) while a full time nursing mom. I bought and sent back way too many from amazon. 🙁

Tara - Is Shakeology required? They are pretty pricey–wondered if there was another option.

Andrea - Meg…..you have inspired me. I have emailed Marta and am hoping this is the inspiration I need to get healthy….thank you

Sarah D - I found the Rubbermaid snack containers at target today!!! And then I saw that there is a cartwheel for 20% off Rubbermaid! (2 days left on cartwheel offer) Wahoo!!! I wanted to dance in the aisle I was so excited. 🙂

Adrienne - I hav worked out 3 of the last 4 days :)) there are many, many video choices on YouTube. Thanks for a little nudge! Congrats on ur 6 pound and 9+ inches! Woo hoo!!

lynn - Good Job on explaining everything!

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snow day and a recipe

i have had times where i dread a snow day but i was actually excited about this one.
it was as if we had the time for a break.
that is kind of sad but it is true.  I was caught up enough that i was excited for a snow day.

first off… we made hot chocolate donuts.
snow6this was our recipe….  a boxed cake mix we had in the cabinet.  Two mixes actually.  the marshmallow frosting comes in the box.  and we have a donut pan.   AND a few weeks ago my little girls BEGGED for the Mallow Bits so it was perfectly meant to be on our snow day!donutIMG_3215we each just watched it snow all day long while still in our jammies.  snow3oh these dogs.  they LOVE this stuff!IMG_2680IMG_2707we finally ventured out of the house at 4:00.  it was so beautiful!IMG_2701IMG_2693IMG_2692IMG_2690IMG_2686IMG_2709snow7IMG_2743“HEY MOM!!! I”M CLEANING THE FENCE FOR YOU!”
thanks sweetie.  it had really been bothering me how “messy” it was.   ha ha haIMG_2674IMG_2684
IMG_2729IMG_2721IMG_2756snow1doesn’t he look like bigfoot combined with the abominable snowman?!IMG_2753IMG_2750IMG_3284snow4snow2we wore this guy OUT!

for dinner i looked through my computer for something yummy to make.
and looked.
and looked.
snow8snow9between a bunch of different recipes… i threw this soup together and it was YUMMY!!!
we made bread to dip in it too.
seriously…SO GOOD.
ALL of my kids ate their whole bowl….  WITH VEGETABLES IN IT!

you could add broccoli too or other veggies.
i didn’t put the peas in since i knew i pushing it big time with the celery AND carrots in one pot.
but maybe next time they can handle it.

it was delicious comfort food after playing out in the snow.

katey - Oh the snow looks wonderful!!! We are keeping our fingers crossed that Alabama will get at least one snow this year. And the soup looks great!! Will have to try that one because the family can only take Chili and Veggie Beef so many times in one winter. Thanks.

Mindy - What wonderful fun topped off by homemade soup – the best!

Shelby Shreck-Beck - Looking through the pictures makes me smile and I so wish I had your skills for taking pictures! Your girls are beautiful, your boys are handsome and your dogs are so stinkin cute!!! Thank you for putting a smile on my face! Oh, I love snow days too!

Deb Meyers - i just knew you’d buy the green-lidded tin at Target (seen in picture with Sean). 🙂

deb meyers

Lisa - Great pictures! We got a lot of snow today but no snow day… boo! 😉 And that soup looks so yummy!

Andrea - What a great snow day. Your dogs had as much or more fun than all of you! that Waffle looked like he was in heaven!

Kimber-Leigh - what a gorgeous snow day! and that soup sounds delicious!

Tiffany - You create such stunning pictures of every-day life. I love it. I’m amazed by your winters down there. Weren’t you out taking pics without jackets and no snow on the ground at you last CW, and now this much snow?! I guess MN is so different. Once it snows it stays for a good 5 months. Plus there is no way we would be out without jackets. (-10 degrees air temp as I type.)

PS- That recipe sounds so yummy! I’m going to have to try that one. Hummm… maybe tonight. I think I have everything. What would be the chances of that?!

Heather - You take the best pictures!

kim - i havvvvvvvve to be honest. i’m super jealous of this snow day.
as much as i am enjoying our wintersummer, this looked all kinds of magical. what i wouldn’t give to be cooped up in my house for a full day or two, enjoying cocoa and donuts. 🙂

thrilled to see you guys making the most of it, and the pups too. i can’t get enough of them!

Michelle K. - Love seeing all your pics, especially of the ones with the dogs playing…they are absolutely adorable.
Now a question for you, do you do anything to protect your camera when taking pictures in the snow? I love taking outside pictures, but have been afraid since my camera once malfunctioned because of snow/water getting into it.

Kim Barlow - I love the pic of Annie by the big tree. It’s so sweet.

danielle - Looks like a perfect snow day! We are a little farther south than you I only dream of that much snow. Thanks for the yummy looking recipe! I am cold right now and that looks really good!

ira lee - those donuts look so yummy!! as does the soup!!! and you are right, it was beautiful in that snow!!

Suzette - Meg, I love you and I love your blog! Don’t ever change!

Penny - Oh, that sweet Waffle! He is perfect! The new little guy is pretty cute, too. We love snow days and have had our share. 7 so far! I work at the local middle school, so snow days are days off for me! I love how you captured these great memories for your kids! I wish I had pictures of times like that when I was young!

Julie - That looks like a lot of snow and a lot of cold. I think I would love to be able to experience playing outside in the snow like that at least once in my life. I am very much a summer girl though. Those dogs of your look like they are having an absolute ball. Keep warm.

Pamela Gordon - Wow, you had a great snow day there. It looks beautiful and I loved seeing the pics of the kids and the dogs out playing in the snow. Fun! The soup looks delicious and easy. Pamela

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q u i e t.

all your comments on the One Word post were fun to read!
i feel like we are all in this together don’t you?
everyone working on becoming better versions of us through God’s grace.
i love it.

i am very much enjoying the quiet house with the kids back at school.
i say that not because i don’t like to be with my kids but because i have not had any silence since the school break began!
having kids home all day everyday, a new puppy that barks ALL NIGHT LONG in his kennel, not traveling anywhere for christmas to break up the time, freezing cold temperatures…. you get the idea.
i loved the sleeping late and no place to go or be for days and days but after awhile i miss routine of school and a quiet house.
the older i get the more i enjoy quiet.
complete silence.
i have been sitting here for 5 hours now with nothing but the sound of the heater and the dogs breathing deeply.
they needed down time as much as i did.
IMG_2196i made my meal plan for the week.
if i ever get it down in a photo friendly kind of way i will post it.
but right now it’s all messy on notebook paper and scribbles…with my grocery list.

i found lots of new recipes to try…. and of course i want to share with you too!
i am going to try to do this as often as possible.
i hope you like it.
7food

1. Skillet Mexican Zucchini

2.  No Bake Banana Oat Energy Bars

3.  Chicken with Roasted Butternut Squash & Green Beans

4.  Thai Peanut Chicken Salad

5.  Tuscan Chicken Soup

6.  Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

7.  Broccoli Crack

 

i found these through Pinterest of course!
apparently i like chicken.
next time i will try for some other meats… but i DO like chicken so this is good for me.

i will be putting them to use over the next two weeks in our evening meal plans.
some of them are more for the kids and some are more for me.
tonight we are having #3… i picked an easy one because it’s a ball game night.
(four of the next five nights are ball game nights!     crazytown.)

i have already made the broccoli many times and i eat SO MUCH because it is sooooo good!
who knew broccoli could ever taste so delicious?

Renee - yum yum! glad you’re sharing. i have worked hard the past 3 years to transition into regularly cooking fresh and healthy meals. sometimes i’ve been teaching, sometimes i’ve been having babies. so it’s not like gourmet is my goal here. easy. fresh. yummy.
one trick that works for me is to repeat meals once or twice over the course of 2-3 week. the first time you make anything, it always takes longer and seems more labor intensive. and if it feels hard, you’re less likely to do it again. but if you can make it a couple times in a couple weeks, it’ll feel easier and the people you’re cooking for might like it more subsequent times. their palletes just have to adjust 🙂 ANYWAY, the easier it feels, the more likely you are to start making your ‘go-to’ meals in your repertoire these healthy & fresh ones. (instead of casseroles, and things that involve pillsbury crescents or something.) That was a lot. sorry! good luck!

Aubrey - Thanks so much for sharing the recipes! I’m always looking for healthy recipes that aren’t to complicated.

Maria - First off I am a huge fan of your blog! I live in SW Missouri so I can relate to your posts about weather and the countryside!

I made the Broccoli Crack and the No Bake Banana Oat Energy Bars today. Both turned out awesome! The Broccoli Crack was a bit salty for my taste but I ate almost half of it at lunch! My kids LOVE the energy bars (I might have snuck in a little extra stevia :))

Sarah{Handbags*and*Pigtails} - “Broccoli crack” huh? I dunno…seems sooo far away from Julie’s version of crack,haha. 😉

tara - this post reminds me how nice it would be if i would make time to do a month long meal plan….sometimes, those work great, if you can make them with your calendar in mind.

Stacey - Love these meal ideas! love your blog:-)

Amber H. - I’ve found using an app on my phone works great for meal planning. I use the Paprika one. I can download recipes directly off the Internet or I’ve added my own to it over time. This way when I decide on a recipe when planning my meals I can add the ingredients needed with the push of a button. If you get the app for both your iPhone and ipad (if you have them) then they will interface with each other. No I am not payed to promote this app but yes, it’s my fave app out of any I have on my phone! LOL

Mindy - Mmm your recipes look delicious AND nutritious – great way to start the New Year!

Tracey Garcia - This broccoli recipe is great. Both my kids love it and my youngest will eat 2 or 3 servings every time I make it. Of course, I found it on Pinterest. http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/11/the_best_brocco.html
I’ve been meal planning off and on for a couple of years now and my week really goes much better when I’ve planned the meals. I know what I need to buy at the grocery store, I have everything I need each day for the evening meal, and there is no last minute scramble to figure out something for supper. Plus, my kids HAVE to know what they are eating for supper BEFORE they leave for school. LOL I don’t know why—I guess they are afraid I might forget to feed them.

KirstenP - Check out this show on CBS on Sat morning 11am Eastern – Lucky Dog. Brandon McMillian helps shelter dogs to kick bad habits, including barking, before they go live with their new families. I know Stanley(is that still his name?) isn’t a shelter dog but his techniques might work with your puppy. Good luck.

Susan - Meg –

I have the BEST recipe for you, and your vegetable-hating kids will love it! My kids can’t get enough of it, and it sounds like they are a lot like yours. Anyway, all you have to do is take a bag of shredded carrots (or shred your own if you aren’t as lazy as I am), toss them with 1-2 tbsps olive oil, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 until crispy (about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your carrots). Sprinkle with salt. These taste like shoestring potato chips! The only trick is that you have to watch them at the end, they go from almost cooked to burned pretty quickly. But the burned bits aren’t too bad, either! My kids, 15, 13 and 6, actually ask me to make these.

Ruth - Meg, I am excited that you are sharing your recipe finds! Thank you for the inspiration,in so MANY ways. You are a delight, I am grateful God put you in my cyber “path” a couple of years ago.

Tracy - I love you recipe sharing!!! Please continue to do it!!

Christy - Try cauliflower roasted too! It’s delicious!

Sheryl - Thank you for posting the recipes. I love getting new ideas for meals especially healthy ones!

karen - i feel ify about meal plans. it seems like something that could get to be seen as more work. i would just ALWAYS have your fridge loaded with fresh food and go with it. roasted anything works for me. and never shop in the center isles of the grocery store!! only the perimeter.

Kris - Ok chiming in…again…sorry! Try pioneer woman’s italian meatball soup….I bake the meatballs though! Have a big pot on the stove right now! Also try roasted cauliflower….it’s is amazing…and roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze( I LOVE Pinterest for recipes!)
Love seeing those recipe ideas!
I’ll have to try these!

Michele - Good for you! I love the quiet, too! 🙂
I have been meal planning for about 10 years. Yes, it’s a pain, but it really helps in the long run. For healthy recipes, check out skinnytaste.com. Her recipes are delicious, but you won’t feel deprived. We love her salisbury steak and cajun chicken pasta! I don’t stock very many pre-packaged foods in our house and I buy organic whenever I can (those pre-washed organic salads blends and spinach at Walmart are a lifesaver)! I also don’t stock the house with things like ice cream, Oreos or soda…not because I never eat those things, but because if they are in the house, I will! And if you haven’t jumped on the green smoothie bandwagon, I highly recommend it! I have one every morning and I can’t tell you how good and energized it makes me feel. And think about adding flax meal to things you already eat–smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. Good luck, Meg!

Tanya - They all look awesome…like really yummy.
Hope it’s all received well 🙂
I am very happy kids are back at school as well.
Moms need some quiet. No apologies.

Lennie Jackson - My bestie and I were just discussing how badly we need easy clean family friendly meals. Thanks so much for posting!!! Can’t wait to be on this journey with you!

Julie - My house is just starting to become noisy again – my husband and daughter have been away for 10 days at Scout Jamboree in New Zealand. She came back last night and he comes back tonight with our son who has been at his grandparents. Only 4 weeks till they go back to school. Thanks for the zucchini recipe link – I have a glut of these and cucumbers in my garden at present.

Sarah D. - In case you are interested in the CI link… http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/4032-roasted-broccoli-with-optional-garlic#

Sarah D. - Roasting broccoli like that is my absolute fav. I found that exact same method in a Cook’s Illustrated magazine almost 6 years ago and it has been my all-time go-to for broccoli ever since. Is is delicious!!!

Natalie - I was so looking forward to some quiet tomorrow morning and then… they canceled school. It’s cold but we don’t have any snow here in Atlanta but oh well… maybe Wednesday! I love a good meal plan too! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your quiet time and back to routine!

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love meal planning. I have been doing it religiously for about 2 years now. I can fee my family of 5 for two weeks on $250. I only go back to the store for milk,bread, and apples. We eat a ton of apples. My husband laughed at me the other day because the majority of our groceries are produce. I cut up fresh fruit and veggies for our sides. It helps that we all eat like birds, especially our three daughters.

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gingerbread housing.

oneIMG_1780
we spent a night over at the Craft House last week before christmas.
we knew a storm was coming in so we thought getting snowed in at that Craft House sounded like fun.
and it was!
we ate dinner, made a fire in the fireplace and made the gingerbread houses.
i bought the kits from World Market…. so easy.
and i always get some extra candy too.

IMG_1784IMG_1792twoIMG_1782
then we watched a christmas movie by the fire.
it snowed all evening… so pretty.
3IMG_1816IMG_1815IMG_1814
to quote annie while we worked on the houses (and snacked on candy)

“who would’ve ever thought of gingerbread to be made of art?”

round about way of saying she was happy to be creating… even with food!

Julia - One trick I learned a few years back is to hot glue the gingerbread house pieces together. It’s instantaneous so you don’t have to wait for the frosting to dry and hope the walls are aligned. We don’t eat our gingerbread houses after the holidays.

I bought some extra cans and tubes of frosting to use, too.

Interesting idea of blowing the gingerbread houses up with firecrackers- maybe a New Year’s activity!

Janna - Waiting to hear what your word is:)
For the first time I chose a word…or it chose me…and I am taking ali’s class and I can’t wait!

Nurture is my word for 2014

Iris - My word for 2014 is eucharisteo.

tara - they’re beautiful.
how fun that you guys hang out at the craft house when you feel like it.

we didn’t make gingerbread houses this year…i think i was more devastated than the kids, although they did mention it at least 1/2 dozen times!

the flu hit us hard, and most of our traditions just had to be let go…
except for snuggling while watching movies…that one stayed! And, we did it over and over and over and over.

happy new year, meg!

Sydney - Wow, those are some very fancy and pretty gingerbread houses. (Look tasty too!) That snow was pretty and it was about four inches, enough to make our Christmas white which was what my kiddos wanted. (We live in Eastborough)

andria - I use all the Halloween candy we don’t like ie) rockets, sweet tarts, skittles etc… for our gingerbread houses……. also, you can use regular cake frosting in a can for building houses and decorating – works amazing – holds the houses together no problem and tastes much better than royal icing or the stuff that comes in the kits….

Wendy - They are all adorable – being snowed in like that sounds fun! I’m curious…do you make extra icing? I never feel like the kits have enough icing. If so, what kind works best?

Barbara (WA) - Kids of friends of ours used to make gingerbread houses every year. Then after Christmas, they got to blow them up with firecrackers saved from the 4th of July!!! That was way more fun than eating them – a great idea, I think!

Meg - We made gingerbread men from the kits you can buy… pretty sure there was plastic somewhere in the recipe. They tasted HORRIBLE! Are you supposed to eat them? Probably not… even the dog wouldn’t touch them. It’s definitely a fun family event making them though!

tricia w. - You are such a great Mom!

Laura - LOVE how she phrased that…not that art can be gingerbread…but gingerbread can be art!

it IS all art…isn’t it?
food, family, creating, snow fall….
all of it art.

you are so smart, annie.

would be fun to get our kids together again and let them create, while we do margarita art!

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