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random.

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things feel a little crazy around here.
tonight there are 4 things on the calendar.
all at the same time.

the washing machine broke last week.
a sweet old repair man ordered a new motor for it and came back to fix it.
i ran a load and it died.
dead.
he said "well….i guess it your transmission…you'd better buy yourself a new washer"
we haven't done laundry since last saturday!

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sean and i were talking on wednesday night after church.

sean:   mom…if you could come back from Heaven would you want to?

me:     it's probably so wonderful there that i would want to stay sean.

sean:    i wouldn't.  you'd be a prisoner.
            you'd have to wear sandals all the time.
            and sandals feel crappy.
            and you'd have to wear ragged clothes.
            i just want to wear my original clothes.

and then he left the room.

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Diana - Good grief, what are you people doin’ to that dog… ROTFL!!!!
Wait… OMG I can’t stop… ROTFL!!!!!!!
*gasp* And Sean is cutesy-funny-silly, too! Oh, don’t tell him that! LOL!

colette - this cracked me up- Now I dont feel so bad when I dress Pearl- the big black lab- in christmas red and white striped stockings or a bee suit at Halloween! This is soo cute.
Colette

Jenny - What fabulous photos. The dog ones are precious.

jerusalem - that is all too crazy. I love the heaven stuff. Pretty much all my reasons for not wanting to be a missionary when I was a kid. lol.

sarah - hahahahahaha

traci - first of all, the pictures are hysterical!! waffle is a trouper. and sean, what a vision of heaven he has. very cute. it will be fun to run that one by him in about 20 years, see if his ideas of heaven has changed at all.

Chrince - Waffles in glasses is the best. My husband saw it too and laughed and laughed.

Michelle - I hear you sister! I am so far behind that I am praying for a snow day just so I can catch up!

Jenny - SO SO cute! Love kid quotes. And cute dog pictures.

amanda - Funniest dog picture EVER! πŸ™‚ I needed a good laugh this afternoon … Thanks!

Wendy - I love the picture of Waffles with the glasses! Love it! I hope you get some clean clothes soon. And I hope we don’t have to wear sandals in heaven. If so I hope they’re comfy and cute Borns. πŸ™‚

Heather - I needed a laugh so badly today — the crappy sandal comment did it. Thank you Sean.
BTW — someone just went on our blog and totally chewed us out regarding our post — no idea who they were. We deleted the comments but doesn’t that seem in bad taste on a little baby’s blog??

Liz - Looks like cabin fever. πŸ™‚
I was thinking of making the switch to Typepad.. any advice? I was looking at their ‘price packages’ and had no idea what any of it meant.

Dana @BoysMyJoys - Oh, Meg! We had a similar situation a few months ago with our washer. I cried! I was so sad to have wasted money to fix it, and it only lasted long enough to refill with water and dirty clothes!
Bought a top loading, top of the line Whirlpool Cabrio with no agitator. Hated it! It spun so hard that it wrinkled our clothes! Even after drying them, I couldn’t get the wrinkles out of the clothes! Imagine ironing t-shirts! The store (HH Gregg) let me exchange it for another type. This time I bought a fabulous front loading Whirlpool Sport. I’m in love with it! Wish I would have spent money on a bigger tub instead of buying the drawer/stand. The drawer, though convienent, seems to add to the shaking of the machine during the spins. It sometimes shakes hard enough to knock the folded clothes off the top of the machine. But despite it shaking, it works like a champ!
Good luck with the washer shopping! Just remember that a lot of the washers for sale now REQUIRE high-efficency detergents, that cost a little more. Otherwise, you set off a sensor and it has to be reset by an expensive repairman!

brooke - This post of your little girl and dog is so sweet. how precious and your dog seems to be very tolerant. what kind of dog do you have? It is beautiful.
BTW, i love your blog! i can’t wait to see what is next and your play room is brilliant!
Blessings!

Beth - Oh man I have had a dryer that has seen the repairman for the last 6 months and still has not fixed it…maybe the best thing is for me to just get a new one…my has not died just keeps cutting off while trying to dry so push the button to turn back on and then cuts off again…then we do the same thing over and then finally the clothes will be finish…such a pain!
Sean really is a smart kid if he is thinking about what to wear in heaven…I never thought of that before! Kids can think up really some questions that make you use your thinking skills.
LOL…that dog of yours is really enjoyong his play time or is he the one really going crazy! hehehe
Just wanted to tell you again…I just love your blog…so intesting, every post grabs my attention! keep on with it! Have a great day!
Beth

Shannan - I guess I never really thought about the requirement of wearing ragged clothes in heaven…Streets of gold and ragged clothes. πŸ™‚ I remember thinking as a little girl that the best thing about heaven was that there would be apples bigger than my head. I think my big brother told me that, and it made a huge impression.

Suzanne - #1 so glad your friend is out of the hospital…
#2 how cool a time with your other girlfriends, which i’m starting to see you have a ton…i have to say, after getting to know you in blogland, who WOULDN’T want to be your friend…did you guys just rent a house for the weekend?? and walmart & sonic??? what else could you possibly need?
#3 that conversation could soooo be one with my son, jack! he can come up with some doozies & make it seem so off the top with his reasoning!
#4 good luck with washer shopping!! get a cute, colorful one…it so matches your personality! i just sent jack to school with dirty jeans because i haven’t washed since saturday…not because ours is broke, but just cause i haven’t:)
happy wednesday!!

Brooke - uummmm….hilarious!!! i love all the photos! bum about the washer situation….check out your area to see if you have a “scratch and dent” sears….c & i got our $3000 3 door refridge there for $1200 because of a golf ball size dent in one of the doors, but i cover it with a fun magnet and you would never even know it was there. they always have a ton of washers and dryers!! They can be difficult to find because they don’t usually list them on the sears website…but they are worth hunting down!

JulieKP - Coming out of lurkerdom to say that first picture is one of the cutest things I have seen in a long time.

Karen - ok…let me get this straight. the dog’s name is waffle? LOVE IT. the pics are great. love the wig of course.

Lee Ann - Picutres! Hilarious!!!!! thanks for the 5am laugh! Good way to start my day. And Sean….so funny. No sandals needed to walk on streets of gold πŸ™‚ And good thing you just paid that guy lots of money so now you can buy a new washer. Big Sigh. Hope you get it figured out soon so you can find the bottom of your laundry room again.

Lanny Stanard - Okay that’s the funnyest thing I’ve seen in along time! waffle is a doll no matter what he’s wearing…
Lanny πŸ™‚

Sandy - Love the pink wig!

Lisa - Hilarious! Poor washing machine. Enjoy the excuse for not doing laundry πŸ˜‰ I don’t know if anyone else will see the resemblance, but Waffles looks like a tired Jon Lennon in the last photo – LOL!

kara Griffith - I just LOVE kid convo posts!!! And, I know how you love cute hand-sewn etsy finds. Etsy item of your choice giveaway over at my place! Check it.

Staci - OH MY GOSH!!! I’m rolling on the floor of that picture with Waffle in the pink wig!!! LOVE IT! And those lampshades (from your last post) TO.DIE.FOR! I sooo want them!!!!

Donna - that picture of the dog is priceless, you need to enter it in some kind of contest……………it is soooo funny.

meghan - waffle is hands down the cutest dog i’ve ever seen. i think i’m in love with him….does he have brothers? hee hee!

PamperingBeki - I actually have an extra washer and dryer right now, if you want to borrow them. Seriously.
Strange and random, I know. I just got a new set the other day, but my last ones still work.

MGF - Poor dog, he need more love…….

Trina - Love this .. gave me good smile and laugh. WHAT KIND OF DOG IS WAFFLE? He looks like some type of doodle.. I just love love love him.
Thanks for the randomness.. I love randomness!

Michelle - Doggie in glasses is HILARIOUS!!!!!

Kim - Those photos of the dog are priceless. Seriously, I just about spit my milk all over my desk…I had just taken a sip.
And kids are just the best. I love the way they think about things.

Sara Ito - I am dying right now. Laughing so hard I may pee my pants. That was the best post I have seen all day. :0)

carissa - now that made me laugh! really great random goodness!
and oh how sorry i am about your darn washer! shoot! girl if you were close i would help you lug it over & we could tackle it together!

Carrie - If I can come stay with you for all the fun crafty things, I’ll do your laundry in return.
I think that is fair!

amy d - well thanks meg, (and jenn) my washing machine caught what your machines got and now mine is spilling water out of the bottom. maybe we could get a discount for multiple purchases πŸ™‚ i laughed so hard at the pictures of waffle that i snorted πŸ™‚ i bought a cute blond wig for miley after halloween for 95 cents, she didn’t sit nearly as still as waffle did, but it was too funny. sean and his sandles…priceless.

Jenny - I shared your blog with my sister b/c of your dog. She loves him (her?) too. What kind is it? πŸ™‚

Rosemarie - Oh, good luck with getting a new washer sooooooon!
I wouldn’t want to leave Heaven, either. God has a craft room all set up for me, waiting. πŸ™‚

Darby - meg.
that dog… he/she is too much. i’d like to spend some time with him/her. i know it’s a labradoodle but how old is it? i love it. i don’t want one… but i like yours! πŸ™‚

Crystal - Cute photos! πŸ™‚ And don’t you just love the thought patterns of kids. πŸ™‚ Hope you enjoy your new washer…maybe now is the time to get one of those HUGE ones that does a ton at once…one of my good friends (with four boys) bought one and swears it changed her life. πŸ™‚

Nichole - Love the photo of the dog with the eyes!
Sounds like its been a crazy week. I haven’t been able to do laundry either, but all the laundry machines work, I just haven’t had the change on hand to go use them.

jennifer - Out of the mouths of babes. I love it!
Our house is for sale. Has been for a while. My son says to me the other day, “Maybe God wants us to sell our house so that it will stay clean.”
Ya just gotta love ’em. They say the best things!

traci - ROFL…OHHHHH MY GOOOOODNESS…that last picture of waffle just was all I could take!!!! Funny stuff. Im so glad he is turning out to be a good dog πŸ™‚ Sean cracks me up too, arent kids minds just crazy?
We had washing machine drama too….isnt life grand? At least you are blessed to have the money. Some families dont. Love your blog to PIECES!!!!!

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40 is fabulous!

diana's husband gave her an awesome gift for her 40th birthday.

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a trip away with her friends for 3 nights!  
just after christmas when we needed it so much.
it was such a nice time!
we wore our jammies the entire time…watching chick flicks…working on crafty stuff.

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there were five scrapbookers and then pam and i worked on sewing projects.
yes..we both brought our sewing machines with us.
i made those curtains i was talking about with the red damask fabric…love that fabric.

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diana lives in a house of boys….her husband and three sons.
they picked out this sweet girlie cake for her  
and we got to eat it!

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of course there were pillow fights.
with girlish screams and giggling.

we were way out in the middle of nowhere kansas almost to nebraska…
perfect for getting projects completed.
there was nowhere to go.
except walmart and sonic.

pam brought her laptop so i wasn't completely without internet.
(THANK YOU PAM!!)
i thought i was going to have the shakes if i couldn't use a computer for three days.

good food, good friends, laughing and getting to know pam and julie.
julie came all the way from texas for di's 40th!
wow.

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there were only 3 of us left on the last morning 
but we still managed to fill the back half of a 15 passenger van with our stuff!
and i got to drive that bad boy home (and attempt to pull into a sonic stall….yikes.)

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and since i had no cute kids to photograph in front of this shed…that i loved…seriously….
amy took my picture!
with my lampshades i made on saturday night.

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i am such a dork.

diana….happy 40th girlfriend. 
lee….thank you again for a great time with the girls.

i am just so thankful for girlfriends.

(p.s….my friend jana is out of the hospital already…wowie-wow-wow!)

Jen - I want to do this for my birthday party!!!!
β™₯Jen

Wendy - Cute coat. I’ve got the same one I think. It goes well with the cute shades.
How fun is a girlfriend weekend! I love those. Glad you were able to partake.

Beth - Gosh, this sounds like so much fun! Love the pillow fights…I haven’t done that in years, long years! So glad you and your friends had a wonderful time and got to make so many goodies! Love the shed pic…oh and those lamp shades…too darn cute! Yummy cake looks good!

carissa - yeah Jana… happy to here she is home! prayers for a speedy recovery!
and THAT fabric! oh MY gosh… i very well might be IN LOVE with your fabric! tdf!

princess lasertron - LOLLL YOU POSING WITH LAMPSHADES
you dork
I love it
this sounds like so much fun. I wish I had girlfriends.

Kelly Boettcher - What a wonderful gift and weekend! Love the lampshades! Where was the retreat at? I live in nowhere Kansas (Leavenworth/Lansing actually) and am only 2 hrs from Nebraska.

Kim - Wow- that looks like such a good time! And I love those shades!

Amanda Rettke - I cant even imagine what this was like. I think I would go crazy. But then again, thats what Im doing at home anyway.
You have some awesome friends!
God bless-
Amanda

shelley - what a fabulous idea! i somehow need my husband to see this post to get the idea in his head!
and your lampshades are awesome!!!

kasey - oooh, how fun was that!!!

deb meyers - Love your lampshades Meg!
And we have the same Wal-Mart coat : )
(I got mine for 8$ [tax-free] on Black Friday…and it keeps me warm SKIING! Do you love yours as much???
deb meyers

Jennifer P. - i kind of like catching up on your life in one big lump like that. It goes up and down, there are always smiley kid faces, and great photographs, and friends, and food—and it’s just so real. Praying for Jana. And loving your lampshades!

Sherri - Kaysville Momma - I need my husband to do this for me!!!!

sarah - How fun!
And love those lampshades!

Liz - How can I tell my husband I want THIS!?? What a fun trip!
~Liz
http://www.AGiveawayADay.blogspot.com

Queenie Bee - I SOOOOO would have had my photo taken in front of that shed too! And can you believe…my F-I-L has a very similar shed that he wants to TEAR DOWN! GASP!!!! Need…a…breathing…bag…QUICK! Luckily though, I’m supposed to get to keep the door…
Looks like a great weekend! You always have so much fun! I’ve GOT to do more of that this year!
Glad your friend is recovering well…God is still in the miracle business, and I love it when He lets us see it! πŸ™‚

vicki - There’s nothing like a hot momma with a couple a nice lamp shades, you CRACK me UP!!!!

Karen Lehmann - So glad to hear the good news about your friend, Jana. I hope her recovery continues to speed along down the positive road.
What a wonderful gift to be able to get away with the girls – and to be crafty at the same time? Great treat!! I am jealous!
Love the lampshades – can’t wait to see them in use

Kelly - oh such fun! I’ve had weekends like this with good, very good, girlfriends. The back of that van looks amazingly familiar! Your lampshades are FANTASTIC! Kelly

Heather - The lampshades are gorgeous! I’m impressed!

Katie - I LOVE those lamp shades! Excellent.

lori vliegen - so glad to hear the good news about your friend jana…answered prayer…no other explanation for it! your play time with the girls looked like a ton of fun…AND you got to go home with those fabulous lamp shades!! life is good, huh?! πŸ™‚

Jilly - I love what you guys did for Jana, she has some special friends. Looks like a great way to spend a 40th. Man, another 17 months and I will be there, dread thinking about it. Would love to know how you made those lampshades. You make me smile when I need to the most.

Chrissie - There is no better way to spend a birthday!

Lorilee - Sounds like a great way to celebrate a birthday. Glad to hear your friend is out of the hospital! I am looking forward to a girl’s weekend next week. My sister-in-law and her 3 year old daughter are accompanying me to Fredericksburg, TX. I will be attending a clogging workshop Saturday in LUCKENBACH–just not with Willie, Waylon, and the boys! We will shop on Sunday! woohoo!
Blessings,
Lorilee
PS. I am trying the Tortilla soup tonight!

sara's art house - Love the lampshades!!!!!!!

Melanie - I WANT the lampshades:) I love damask fabric. Glad you had a good time. Hope it helped you out of the funk you were in:)

Aubrey - Meg! that picture looks awesome–nice coordinating your coat with your lampshades. πŸ˜‰ I like how you pop out in front of the gray shed. That’s so meant in a non-pervy way.
I love, love, LOVE that red damask fabric. Please–where did you find it? I’m guessing NOT at Wal-Mart. I swear you are the Queen of Cool Fabrics. I just need to start searching for a some good fabric stores here, but it’s not so easy with my three wild monsters. I’m still trying hard to NOT get kicked out of a store because of my children.

Kelley - SO GLAD to hear your friend is out of the hospital. Can you believe I’ve never been to Sonic? I see the commercials but have never seen one in CA. Your weekend sounds like a DREAM. I LOVE the shades you made. I just bought my very first sewing machine a couple of weeks ago. I don’t know what to do with it though. I just look at it! I wonder if I’ll ever be able to make the things you do….doubt it! At least I can TRY!

Dana @BoysMyJoys - What a fun time y’all looked to be having! I can’t wait to see where you put the lamp shades and curtains!

Tammi - Girlfriend getaways are the best! Love the lampshades-where will you be putting them? Are those difficult to make?

MGF - Your friends sound wonderful,
I am jealous of your time away. we all need to really good girl time…..

Liz - Now THAT is one good husband. How fun! And that fabric on the lampshades? I have pillows in that fabric on my couch. I LOVE it!

katy - That looks like an absolute blast! I’m so glad you guys got to have some great times together and that darling girly cake….oh, man!

traci - how wonderful that your friend is out of the hospital already. the power of prayer. looks like you gals had a great time. i love girlfriends and getaways – put them together and it’s the best.

Cathie - that is lovely
thank God for great friends – everyone needs them!

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my first big family session

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this was different for me.
i haven't photographed such a big group before.
they stand so still just waiting to be told what to do….
and grownups smile when they are supposed to….how nice!
so different from children. 

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the cutie in the pink vest was talby's kindergarten teacher.
and also cora's mom.
talby got to come along with me for this session so she could spend some time with her.

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there was a new grandbaby….named tripp.  
isn't that adorable?

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they put the baby in his stocking!
his sister got to hold him and kiss him….so sweet.
and she was rewarded with candy.

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this one made me laugh out loud when it came up on the screen.
she was trying to get everyone smile like they 'd done for her…shaking that rattle.
but she ran right in front of me.

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it's not good for me to be around babies.
i just want to keep them.
i come home and ask for another baby but craig keeps saying no.
i guess i was lucky just to get waffle.

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he is just yummy.

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and this one is in just to keep it real.
this is how it goes for my family so i am always happy to see we aren't the only ones.
trying to get pictures with little ones gets tricky.

this was a fun day.
thanks kathy for asking me…i'm glad you like them.
looking forward to next year.  :)

Misty - I enjoyed looking through blog as I am remembering this little girls face (Cora). You are a beautiful photographer. I was sad when I came to this big family photo….. out of all the pics I have seen of Cora, this one hit me the hardest, because it is a picture and a family that will never be the same. But also because I see her face and I see NOW in that picture, was a very sick little girl, and nobody knew it or could help her.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures.
God Bless.

Beth - Beautiful family…and great pics that you capture!

traci - super job meg. i love the outside one in the playhouse.

Tonya - Um, could you just drop by Portland, Maine sometime this week to take a few shots of my new baby? The photos I’ve taken of her are nowhere near as nice as these. Please? I’ll make lunch and provide good coffee.

Staci - What a beautiful family! Tripp is super cute! Yea, I’m done with babies though πŸ™ My little Mac dog is all I can handle these days πŸ™‚ Beautiful photos of course πŸ™‚

carissa - REALLY great! i can imagine that would be bit difficult… getting everyone “right”… not for you… you captured them so well Meg! and WHAT a BEAUTIFUL family… my goodnesss… ALL of them are so pretty!
hugs to you on this Monday morning! i’m going for my fourth cup! πŸ™‚

MGF - Meg- You did a great job.
I have been thinking of your friend that just had surgery and wishing her and her family well.
Tably’s teacher looks so young and fun, compared to my son’s older than life teacher. Don’t get me wrong she’s a good teacher- but Talby’s teacher looks FUN.

gina - Those pictures came out great- even the, maybe especially the, “keeping it real” ones !

Melanie - Your photos are gorgeous. And so is baby Tripp. I wanna babysit. πŸ™‚

Jessica - The pictures are great! I love the first one. My mom is SOOOOOO happy with them! Your photography is awesome Megan. I am so glad you brought Talby too. She is a sweetie. It was fun to see her. Thanks again…I can’t wait for you to take Cora’s pictures again. :o)

Kelley - Those pictures…and my two friends at church due ANY DAY make me want a baby NOW! Love the pictures.

traci - That baby is just PERFECT!!!! As far as Craig saying no to another baby I was always taught since the women carries and takes care of the baby mostly it is up to HER!! lol…Seriously, if you got pregnant would he say…Crap, no way! lol….I say, have no regrets and if you want another…have another!

danyele - i love it! great large group pics! how in thw world do you ever get the adults to shut up and not talk and only smile!! i can’t get my dad or my hubs to do it.
oh, that baby is delish!

sarah - That first picture is awesome! I can picture it blown up huge over a fireplace! You did well for your first large family – they aren’t easy to do!!

jesse Peak - What a good looking bunch. You did a great job!

Lanny Stanard - What wonderful picture’s Megan, I bet that was a fun and busy day! what a nice looking family πŸ™‚
Lanny πŸ™‚

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we shaved our heads.

my friend had brain surgery on thursday.

YES…brain surgery!
like what McDreamy does…but for real….on her own head!
and i felt sick in my stomach all morning…full of worry.

we were getting updates through email from her husband about every hour.
and then emails began between my girlfriends.
diana suggested we all get together 
and shave part of the back of our heads kind of like jana had to 
for solidarity and love and support.  
a reminder to pray.
everyone jumped right on board!

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thank goodness amy (my neighbor) has a hair salon in her house!
how convenient!

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oh we crack ourselves up.

we laughed and laughed.  
if there was audio with this….it would be all laughter.
what a fun way to ease our nerves on this scary day.

we really love you a lot jana!

she's out of surgery….doing well…getting better…in recovery…
being missed very much by her family and friends.
SO MUCH.

praise GOD.  

i can't wait to see you again jana.
and give you a big big BIG hug.
i wish i could do that right now.

soon enough my friend.
get better.
rest.

you are deeply loved.

Melissa - I totally teared up reading this! What a beautiful gesture. Jana must have feel so loved by her girlfriends. Praying for her recovery and good health!

Cindy - What an incredible group of women you are! You’re so blessed to have each other.
Thanks for the cry.
I hope Jana is doing well.

Amanda Rettke - Well, this made me bawl of course. What a blessing. You guys gave her such a gift… I am so thankful for generous and loving souls like you guys… who make the world a better place!
Much love to you!
Amanda

danyele - bless jana’s heart…and what fab friends! i love it! and i know she does too! and, for what it is worth, i think it’s fun too!

Suzanne - how amazing are you all?!?
that is just absolutely INCREDIBLE!!
Jana, how can you not recover quickly with such supportive friends as these?? No more surgeries…who knows what they’ll do next;) Sending you prayers & best wishes…

Ginny - You guys are amazing. You are all so lucky to have each other. I wish I had friends like that!
Good thoughts sent to your friend, hoping for a quick a recovery!

Trina - Wow …what a group of friends.. how blessed are you all! The fun and silly makes it all the better.. I’m sure your friend feels loved and supported beyond words!

callie grayson - praying for a speedy recovery for your friend Jana, and strength for her family and friends.
what a great bonding and loving thing you all did for her!! She is much loved!!

Elena Rego - First time here. This post brought tears to my eyes… Sisterhood is just the best thing in the world!

Musing - Found you thru StumbleUpon and had to tell you that this just made my day. πŸ™‚

Chrince - What a beautiful thing to do for your friend! Hope she has a speedy recovery.

sara - i hope your friend is doing ok. that is so sweet what you ladies did. a great group of friends!

Liz - You are an awesome group of friends. I’m sure she felt very loved by your actions. You are all lucky to have each other.

Aubrey - Oh man, I was totally waiting to see pictures of bald women and was wondering what you’d say you all said to your husbands. You’re smarter than I am–what awesoem friends you are. She must have felt your vibes and that’s why she’s doing well! πŸ™‚

bethany actually - One of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen. God bless you all, and especially Jana!

Alaina - Okay…that made me cry! Friends are such blessings! You guys are awesome! God is faithful!!!

MGF - Way to support your friend. She is lucky to have ladies like you in her life.

Patty - Oh. My. Goodness. What friends. What support. What tears. God bless you all and Jana.

rachel - What a great support system; she is very blessed to have family and friends like you. I wish her a speedy recovery!

deb - What amazing friends you are. I wish her a quick recovery.

carissa - what an amazing group of women!
you can feel the love!
lots of love & prayers for Jana!

jennifer - Friends are AWESOME! What would we do without them?! She is very blessed to have a group of girlfriends like you.

robin bird - y’all are amazing girlfriends!! you made me cry. i am sending my own hair care to jana, her family and her lovely freinds!!
xoo

Mary Ann - How great is that!!! So happy your friend is doing well… Love the Bud Light bottle on the table next to all the hair pieces !!!!

Sherri - Kaysville Momma - What great friends you are!!!

Heidi Jo - This is so very sweet. How lucky she is to have friends like you guys!

clgarrett - that was so sweet it made me cry!
i know that sick feeling, 12 years ago my best friend had brain surgery too. she’s 12 years post brain cancer!
fun photos!
i can imagine all the laughter!

Harper - Way to go ladies! I love that you all got on board! I am sure this will be such a kind and loving gesture to Jana, how hard it must have been for her to have to shave her hair, but with all of her friends doing the same thing, she not only fits in, but started the trend!

Sharla - Okay, tears here too. You are so blessed to have such a great group of friends and Jana is so blessed to have your support. I hope she’s doing well.

Staci - What GREAT friends! I’m so glad to hear she is doing well! Keep us updated πŸ™‚ I’ll say an extra prayer for her too!

northernmichiganmom - I have read your blog for quite some time now but never leave a comment. I had to comment this time to let you know that this touched my heart. What a great group of friends. I also have a close knit group of friends and I know we would do the same if ever in the position. Thanks for sharing and a speedy recovery to your friend Jana.

3 Peas in a Pod - I’ve never commented before but this post hit close to home. One of my very dear friends had brain cancer. I love that you all shaved your heads to support your friend. She’s lucky to have you.
Much love from NJ,
Suz

sarah - That was so sweet of you all! I was in tears by the end.

Jennifer - YOU GO GIRLY GIRLS! That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!
Smiles (and hugs to your friend),
Jen

Queenie Bee - Oh man, girl! No wonder you were feeling so blah the other day! My prayers are with your friend. What a blessing to have such a caring group to encourage her healing. I’m so glad you shared this!

Shannan - What a fantastic idea! What a blessing to have a group of girls like that. Keep us posted on your dear friend.

chris - Your friend is so lucky to have wonderful and caring friends like you guys are .
Well done,
Chris

traci - first of all, my prayers to your friend jana. hope she is 100% really soon. you girls rock!!! what an awesome way to show you care. so sweet. i love the bud light bottle on the counter. perfect!

katie - tears. Thank God for friends.

susanne - what a sweet thing you have done. you and your friends are very special and supportive.
i hope she is feeling better and things went the way they were hoping for.

susanne - what a wonderful and supportive thing you and your friends have done.
i hope she is feeling better and things went the way they were hopeful for.

Christine - i just found your blog. I love your style, your faith and your heart. This post really
touched me. You are all such wonderful friends. God’s blessings on you.
Thanks for sharing your story through this blog.
Christine.

Erin - Way to tell your friend, “We’ve got your back!” This is so sweet and cute— she is going to CRACK UP when she sees it. And I think cry too… like I am.

Michelle - You brought tears to my eyes! Anyone would feel incredibly lucky to have you girls in their lives!

jesse Peak - Oh my Gosh that makes me cry! What a wonderful group of ladies you are! What great friends! I will keep her in my prayers!

Beth - that has got to be one of the coolest things that i have ever seen. what fantastic friends!

Marla @ Stolen Bon Bons - I think that is the sweetest story I’ve ever heard. Sending prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to Jana!

traci - ok…you guys were laughing but this made me CRY!!! Sooooo thankful this friend is ok. What fabulous friends you guys are!!

Heidi Jo the Artist - This is incredible! Such awesome friends you guys all are! I will keep Jana and her family in our prayers.
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

kristin at prairie daze - you are wonderful friends.
you’re like a good book i would read.

gina - OH MY GOSH- HOW WONDERFUL! i’M CRYING, BUT IN A GOOD WAY.
pRAYERS FOR jANA!!

lee ann - That just brought on chills and tears.
Everyone should have friends like you guys!

Darby - I can hear the laughter! Seriously. Y’all are the best friend’s a girl could have. Now, the lady with the really long, dark curly hair will have to wait years and years before her shaved part grows out! πŸ™‚ What a wonderful reminder to pray!!!!! Y’all are WONDERFUL!

Andrea - Ok, those last few photos made me cry. What is better than girl friends!

Margaert - This is a wonderful thing to do for a friend. I’ve been following your blog for a short while now. Found it through a friend of a friend. I will pray for your friend Jana. Thanks for blogging….
– M.

Lanny Stanard - OMGosh, how wonderful to have friends like you guys! I have tears running down my cheek… WOW…
Lanny πŸ™‚

Rosemarie - Wow – that is just amazing. Awesome.

Crystal - You are awesome friends! πŸ™‚

Cecilia LΓΆfholm - I’m almost crying in front of my computer! I think the support you showed your friend really showed how much you love her! And when she sees it, I think she will laugh a lot, just like you did. You seem like very nice friends!
Cissi from sweden

Beth - WOW SUPER WOW! What amazing friends, you all have bonded together! Best of luck to Jana!

pumpkinpinkcottage - what a bunch of amazing and beautiful friends you are…that is so beautiful..I’m glad to hear she is doing well, hugs, lisa

Rach - That is the sweetest thing ever. You guys define true friendship. Makes my heart smile. πŸ™‚

Melissa Mae - What wonderful friends she has! My mom has breast cancer, and I know that any kind of support shown by her loved ones means so much, whether big or small.

missanne - this post brought tears to my eyes.
you guys are amazing.
Praise God for your friend being out of surgery and doing well.
Many prayers for a healthy and happy healing.
xo
p.s. i LOVE the shaved spots!

missanne - this post brought tears to my eyes.
you guys are amazing.
Praise God for your friend being out of surgery and doing well.
Many prayers for a healthy and happy healing.
xo
p.s. i LOVE the shaved spots!

amie - ohhhh this made me cry so much! you are such an amazing group of friends!! jana is so lucky and so are you, and so are they! i want this…

Jane - You are amazing! I had brain surgery several years ago. This kind of support would have really helped me. Jana is so blessed to have all of you.

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

this is my new favorite.

craig's sister Sherri made this over christmas and i fell in love.
we called her for the recipe and i made it the next week.
it got many compliments….which makes me happy…so i have to share!

it looks like a lot of ingredients
but it's just open and dump it out so it's a quick prep meal.

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browning the onion is the hardest step in this recipe.

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while the onions are browning you add everything else (except the chicken)
into a big pot.

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but clearly you should use a bigger pot than i did.  
it was so close to bubbling over!
yikes.

after it simmers for awhile….40- 60 minutes…you can add you chicken.
and enjoy!

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add chips, sour cream and cheese to make it extra yummy ( = fattening)
it is so good.
and spicy…it's got a kick.
i am eating some right now and my lips are burning!
mmmmmmm…..

my kids will not even begin to try this so more for craig and i…woo-hoo.
good luck with your kids!
recipe is in the sidebar album.

viagra online - Wow, I love Peking duck and never thought to make it myself, but you are always a source of inspiration. Can I just say that when I first saw that picture, I thought had a 6 pack, and was ripped! Regardless of the athletic inclinations of the duck, the final results look amazing.

buy propecia - This gets my vote especially because I am from the Caribbean where cooking veggies in coconut milk is quite popular.

star trek voyager - I love your blog so much, and there are just some differences with others’. Hope there will be more wonderful things in your blog. Happy every day!http://www.star-trek-dvd.com/star_trek/Voyager/index.html

jimaiemarie - oh my YUM. i have to try this asap! i love the pictures you posted, so tantalizing!! πŸ˜€

Wendy - This looks like something we would love. Soup is on the menu most days around here in the winter and I can always use a new one to try. Thanks for sharing Meg.

Donna - Hi Meg – this has nothing to do with your tortilla soup – but that sure looks good, I am going to give it a try.
Anyhow, I wanted your input on something if you don’t mind. I am going to make myself a little craft room and I was wondering if you could give me input on what I should plan to do in there. Do you have any tips for me? It will never be like your wonderful room, but I don’t know where to start.
You can email me at Bourgoinfam8@aol.com……….thanks so much.
Donna

kasey - dear meg,
domestically challenged here.
but i will try:)
your friend,
kasey

Tami - Im making this today!

cecilia - Hello
I just love your blog,I found it a while back & just not found it again, I am tagging it for sure this time! I have to say your pictures are amazing! So beautiful.
I just have a question about the MINT BROWNIES, I dont buy bars of baking chocolate, I do have alot of choc chips that I had bought in hopes of makiing alot of xmas cookies…. what would be the conversion of squares of chocolate versus chips? Do you or anyone know?
Thanks, I really want to make these, they look so delish!

Anna - Looks like a delicious soup; I’ll have to try that in place of taco soup (hubbys favorite) sometime. I love spicy stuff, but you can hold the onions.

Victoria - Mmmm this soup looks and sounds yummy!
Loved the realness of your “blah” post. I can relate and know I need to get up off my bahootie too! πŸ™‚

Shannan - I have big plans for an All Soup Week next week, so this is perfect! Thanks for passing it along. πŸ™‚

elisa - I am a few months into your blog and I want to move!
I am in LOVE with your house, neighborhood, etc.
Sigh, totally jealous.

mom - I’m glad you posted this so I don’t have to call and get the recipe. When you made it at Christmas it was super. Thanks for sharing it.

Staci - Looks oh so yummy! I’ll have to give it a try this weekend πŸ™‚ In mourning right now over my Sooners losing, BIG SIGH! Ah well, it helps me keep life in the right perspective πŸ™‚ Lots to be thankful for…even if there is no BCS title! Happy weekending to your family πŸ™‚ (I’m POSITIVE my boys woldn’t touch the soup either!)

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - OMG….I can’t beleive this…my husband and I were just talking about this last night and were going to look up a recipe for this soup to make on Sunday! Wohoo!!!!!! You rock!

Amanda - I will have to try this. It looks yummy.
Hope you are feeling better. I would say ifyou are enjoying the savory-ness of a good mexican dish things are looking up.
God bless!
Amanda

Tami - This looks very tasty on my way to the store now lol!

Carrie - I am so making this this weekend!
Thanks for the recipe.

Jill - Oh this looks yummy!! It has been soup weather here in Houston!! Soup and chili… πŸ™‚ ~Jill

Amber - I’ve been searching for a good chicken tortilla soup recipe. There’s so many out there and I never know which one to even try…so I just don’t πŸ™‚ It looks yummy although I’m a little wimpy when it comes to spicy foods. I’ll have to give this one a try…thanks for sharing.

Jessica - Hi Meg. I’ve been reading your blog for about a week now. I got hooked, and I read every entry! I love learning about your family, and it excites me that you are super crafty. There is a band that I think you’d enjoy, and it’s safe for everyone’s ears. The band is called Enter The Worship Circle, and they sing beautiful songs to the Lord. It’s not cheesy in any sense. I bought Chair and a Microphone, Vol. 3 on iTunes, and have had some of the songs on repeat throughout these past few months. Hope you like.

katy - That looks delightful! I will def. try this with my family…I might lesson the spice, so the kids might eat it. I LOVE spicy though. Thanks for the recipe.

Suzanne - you know how i love, love your recipes! thanks for sharing another! it may be on the menu next week:)

MGF - Looks SPICY– YUM-O
Thanks for sharing

lisa - Last week I made your enchiladas , they were a HUGE HIT!! So today I had just turned to your blog and you had posted this recipe , I needed to make something for dinner. I checked and I had everything to make it. I had to let you know it’s another success for our family – they loved it. Thank you!! Lisa

Crystal - yum! I would like this…doug would not. πŸ™‚ Hope you are feeling less blah today! πŸ™‚

traci - that looks delicious. have to try that soon. thanks!

carissa - i can not print that recipe fast enough… right to my heart! yummo!
thanks for sharing… woo hoo!
and the sour cream… a must! πŸ™‚

Kelly - Yum, that looks fantastic! Will definitely try!

a thorn among roses - so funny you posted this…mine is redy to go up next week! ha! we love this meal for the same reason…dump and run…and it’s delicious-o!!

Lorilee - Meg,
It looks delicious. I may have to tone down the spiciness just a tad. I like spicy, but I don’t like my mouth on fire!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Christy - Look yummy! Will try this. I also wasnt to try your potato soup recipe.

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blah…..

that is how i feel.

ready but not really ready for a new year.
feeling defeated…exhausted…worn down.
BLAH.

IMG_2239
i watched 2 oprah's last night…not good when you are having a pity party.
i felt worse than when i started.

i know in my head what i need to do.
but getting myself to actually do them is so tiring.

i will.
today.
i have to.
besides….even waffle is getting fat because of my laziness.  

taking down the christmas decorations will help.
clean table tops.
cleared out rooms.
getting a few drawers cleared out.
that will help.

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IMG_2257

bottom line….i must get moving so i can feel better so i can BE better for my family.
if i am exhausted all they get is crazy mommy.
tired yelling mommy.
and even i don't like her.
God gave me this perfectly healthy body and here it sits…wasting it's potential.

that is so wrong.

this verse struck me today: 
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Power. 
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand 
against the devil's schemes."  Ephesians 6:10 

the devil's schemes?

my desire to sit around and eat mint brownies for a month.
my desire to watch tv instead of read my bible.
my desire to stay up late and not give my body the rest it needs.
my desire to sit at this computer and not get things done.

so i am putting on the full armor this morning.
and i going out for a walk in the cold sunshine…for exercise and vitamin D.
i am sick of feeling like this.

this helps too.

IMG_2236

friends are awesome.
thank you.

ok oprah….i'm off to live my best life!
HA.

Thank you GOD (not oprah) for these thoughts.

this mind.
this body.
the Holy Spirit inside me moving me to be what God wants.  
not oprah.

Mamabear - Wow, I know I’m reading this 2.5 years later after you posted it and I bet you don’t feel like this anymore, because you rock. πŸ™‚ But I feel like this alot. I feel so guilty that I’m not living up to my potential, and guilty for not being the best mom that I know I should be. And blech. And don’t forget blah.
so thanks for the reminder. I’m reading your whole blog because it’s more fun that doing what I should be doing (like all those things you mention you need to do) but right now I’m feeling some conviction. Nail on the head. Ding ding ding. Off to get ready for bed…and what do you know, it’s not even midnight.

eryn - What a great and wonderful reminder to put on God’s armor. I was telling my friend today that I stay up too late, partly because it’s when I get adoption paperwork done, and partly because after doing said paperwork, I can’t fall asleep. She said, “have you tried reading your Bible?” Duh.
Jesus gives me peace, now, why didn’t I think of that before?
anyhow, thanks for the reminder. my kids don’t like crazy mommy either. πŸ™‚

Mattie - Amen, Sister. I need it too.

robin bird - you are such a good girl.. i mean that in a grown up girl kind of way. doing what you need to do. being honest with yourself. not calling yourself too many bad names….
you will do it. already you’re doing it i am sure!!
xo

Jennifer - I hope you feel better soon (mentally)!
This week has sure been hard to get back into the swing of things!
Cheer up soon!
Jen

diana - I love, love, love your blog, your style, your house, recipes, your crafts, everything!! Meg, you’re truly an amazing lady! And then today’s blog . . . Wow! I was reading and could not believe it was EXACTLY what I was feeling!! I had the same reaction after watching Oprah. And reading all the comments let me know I’m not alone. Thank you for your honestly. God bless you and your family! I pray He grants you the strength to tackle your goals and dreams for 2009!

Emily - Discovered your blog and love your style. I feel the same, so I can relate. Love your honesty. I made your mint brownies tonight. I should have doubled the recipe because they will be gone in no time. Sooo delis!

alyssa - I am so with you. I spent all day cleaning my house on Saturday and it still wasn’t done. All I’ve wanted to do for the last two weeks is sit and do nothing! I did get out and run around with the kids today-that felt good.
Enjoy your thoughts.

amy bell - i read this entry and thought….really? have you popped in my head lately? do you know what is going on? seriously. i totally relate right now. the same issues…
breathe…thank you for sharing….i needed to feel like i wasn’t alone.
xo
amy

jennifer - AMEN SISTER!!! To all of it. Your original and post and what you added in the comments. You are so real and that’s why I keep coming back. I’m feeling the same way and it’s so good to know I’m not alone and to at the same time be reminded that I have a Lord and Savior that not only loves me anyway, but will give me the strength to get through it.

sara - the blahs are going around i think. god bless you & hope you get to feeling better. your blog always brings a smile to my face. thank you.

Marnie - Thanks for explaining Meg. :o)

Anna - Um…I think that you read my mind. That is exactly how I am feeling right now. I have been that way since before Christmas. Today I finally started organizing and getting things done. It feels better…but there is still SO much to be donw. In fact, I should be starting supper right now. Just want to let you know that your blog makes me so happy and I have to visit it pretty much every day and I am bummed when there isn’t a new post (but I understand).
Need a laugh? Read my last blog post. My 21 month old thought it would be funny to lodge something in her nose at bedtime Tuesday night. Not fun! But now, it is funny! :o)
God bless you, Meg!!!

kasey - just checking in with you, and looks like you do need a little vit D.
Could use that myself here in lovely illinois.

Cathie - all that needs to be said ……. AMEN!!!

Suzanne - wow! your post was very similar to mine yesterday…your honesty always is actually what encouraged me to be so honest…i felt a great comfort knowing others were feeling the same i was…so nice not to feel alone! i miss you!! i don’t hear from you as much anymore…hopefully you’ll visit soon!
my today was certainly much better than my yesterday…i’m betting/hoping yours is too!
love ya!

Alyssa - I am right there with you. Spendinf way too much time not being the person I want to be. Your house always looks nice to me and you have 5 kids…I have 3.
Hope the walked helped.

Dana @ BoysMyJoys - I’m feeling exactaly the same way today! I think we function on adrenaline to get us through the holidays. Then the new year and new year’s resolutions combined with fatigue and trying to get back into the non-holiday swing of things. Not to mention all the work it takes to get your home back to normal. It just leaves us pooped and overwhelmed. Especially when we try to do it on our own, and not lean on God for help!
Anyway, just wanted to comment and say I know what you mean!
Now I’m off to make a pot of tea and get motivated!

a thorn among roses - a good friend always does the right food. it’s a tough time…after christmas and the weather stinks and well, i’ve been in the blah’s for a few days. i’m climbing out…prayers for you and yours.

Sheryl - Meg,
I love you, I just love you! You are so real and remind me of myself, except I feel this way with only TWO kids. Thank you for being candid about crazy yelling mommy. I am that person when I am too tired, too hungry, too overwhelmed….sounds like a two year old, right? Your laundry makes me feel less lonely with my “laundry pit”. Thank you for all you do, your beautiful site, your craftiness that encourages my crafty side.
I tried your Mexican Chicken recipe and my family loved it so much I just entered this as “Meg’s Mexican Chicken” in my upcoming church cookbook.
My sister and I look at your site everyday and we feel like we know you in person.
Thanks so much!!

Wendy - I’ve been feeling much the same lately. I had all intentions to start back to the gym Monday. I got up, and headed out only to be thwarted by a snow storm. I haven’t headed out since. I would love to hibernate but I will gear up and start back on Saturday.
I also tuned in to Oprah to catch up on her big week last night. I love what Dr. Oz says and the clutter guy and all the money stuff but her spirituality shows have turned me off to her in the past couple of years. Since it isn’t what I believe, I just turn it off completely. The time spent watching that should be time spent reading my own scriptures and worshipping in my own way.
Anyway, I hope you get out of your slump soon. I’m sure you will. πŸ™‚

Brenis - Meg, I think so many of us hit this point around the first or second week of Jan!! Moms are the ones that rush around keeping the house clean, prepping for parties, cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, and basically trying to make it a “magical” time for our kids!! It makes sense that about a week later it slams us in the face and WE BE TIRED!! LOL !! Cut yourself a little slack, decide it’s ok to listen to your body and rest a bit. God made us perfectly and wonderfully in His image! He WANTS us to rest one day a week!! But usually Sundays (at our home anyway) are just as crazy as the rest of the week!! Snot a whole lot of “resting” going on! πŸ˜€
And sometimes… when you’re just being still.. and quiet.. the Holy Spirit will speak to you in a way that you just don’t “hear” any other time for all the noise in our world!
Praise God for you sister! You’re rockin awesome!! (even if you don’t feel like it right now!)
xo Bren

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - Meg….I am thinking of you…I have been there…I wanted to say congrats! I was at this blog http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/
and saw a picture which I knew was yours! so I followed the link and found you here
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/nursery-tours/nursery-tour-megs-kidfriendly-vintage-chic-playroom-068773
What a great write up ….and of course….I was so proud to see your beautiful room being featured!!!!! Yeah!!!!!

MEG DUERKSEN - hi marnie…and everyone else.
πŸ™‚
you figured it out marnie…oprah has offended most evangelical christians. her online course and spiritual teachers use a lot of the same words as christians but they believe in coming to “god” any way you find him and any name you want to call him. like alah…or budah….or mother nature…or the universe. and she’s calls it “the higher power”. basically she is new age but avoids any label very carefully.
and slowly people are confused.
But Christians believe there is only ONE way.
the Bible says there is only ONE way.
that way is to Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believe that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.
He sacrificed Himself for us.
and that He rose from the grave into ascended into heaven on the 3rd day.
Believe that you needed Him to do this for your sins and Repent.
when you believe these things in your heart and say them with your mouth you will be saved.
that’s the ONLY WAY. (John 3:16)
christians have to believe the Bible is ALL truth….not just pick what you like.
so…nothing wrong with self discovery.
nothing wrong with getting healthy.
nothing wrong with gratefulness.
nothing wrong with generosity.
she does many great things every day.
but her spiritual teaching is not what i believe.
i still watch her sometimes.
because there is a lot of good stuff too.
but i just turn it off if it’s “spiritual” or “enlightening”…..using discernment.
and it’s funny because her shows i watched were not spiritual at all.
it was about health and weight and exercise (bob greene and dr. oz).
i felt guilty for the way i have been living (like a sloth! πŸ™‚
and she pointed it out.
and gave me lots of good ideas to get me started.
but when i turned it off and spent some time in prayer i knew that God has been telling me this for months and i felt sad that i listened and responded to Oprah and not Him.
So i wanted to be clear that i was not praising Oprah but God.
but then sure enough….the next day (yesterday) she had on all her spiritual teachers.
so i deleted that one.
i just felt the need to explain that a little more.
thanks for all the support ladies! i feel great today…ready and willing to do what God wants. wow. you guys are great…i wish everyone had this kind of support!

elisa - I just found your blog- can’t wait to sit down and read it when I have a quiet moment.
I too feel your pain, I am longing for summer, open windows and playing outside, quilts on the ground for picnics….sigh.
Winter can be so un-motivating.

traci - WOW~~even though I lOVE this entry and needed this entry who would have guessed the response???? WOW!!!

Barbara - AMEN SISTER! I’ve read your blog for quite a while now, never commented, but just had to on this wonderful thought! I, too, have felt this way….exhausted and weary before even starting…I, too, have found that getting closer to God has been the only answer to that problem. And THANK YOU for not singing the praises of Oprah (has some interesting topics from time to time, but she is NOT the goddess of America like some treat her), but of the One who truly deserves it!

Melissa - Thanks for your honesty, it’s a comfort not to feel alone in the new year BLAH. Keep fighting, His grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Carrie - I totally relate! I am normally charged and ready to go for the New Year, but this year, I just can not get motivated.
Cheer up!

Marnie - I don’t know where my comment went – it said:
Re: my earlier post – I’m not an American, I don’t follow Oprah, if she hasn’t done some thing to offend Christians (which is sounds like she has), I’m sorry if my earlier post was offensive.
Marnie

Marnie - Re my earlier post: I’m not an American, I don’t “follow” Oprah – so if she’s offended Christians, I’m sorry if my post was offenive.

Sara - Thank you for this! I’m feeling very much like this lately and it’s a.) good to know others feel this way, too, and b.) good to put things in perspective spiritually. So easy to forget those things sometimes.
Thanks!

Kari - I’ve been trying to log on to my internet all day and it hasn’t worked. Then out of nowhere it hooks up and your blog is what I decided to look at first. I needed this! I am sooooo glad I am not the only one that feels like this! My devil’s schemes are just like yours with exception to the mint brownies, mine is peanut m&m’s. And on top of this I just got done watching Barbara Walters interview with Patrick Swayze and his fight with cancer. I’m not even sick & I don’t have the umph to live that he does. I am ashamed of myself! Now that I’ve come to a realization, I’m going to get off this computer & go to bed at a decent time so my body can have the rest it needs & I will feel rejuvinated and fresh in the morning for the beautiful day God has in store for me tomorrow. Thanks Meg and God!

Kelley - Been trying to LIVE Col. 3:23 this week (specifically). May encourage you too…

katy - Well, I guess we’re all feeling this way. I told my husband a few minutes ago that I was ready for bed and it’s not even 9:00 yet. I might just go treat myself, put some comfy jammies on and jump in bed. πŸ™‚
I just posted this morning b/c I’ve been feeling groggy as well. So, I’ve got myself back on a working out routine…hopefully this will help (along w/ eating somewhat decently).
Have a great rest of the week.

Tami - Amen Sister !!!
Thanks for sharing
Aren’t you glad there is a army of us women in the same battle and a BIG GOD to carry us through… πŸ™‚
Blessings to you!

Marnie - I don’t watch Oprah … what did she do wrong?!!! I thought everyone loved Oprah!!! What am I missing!!!!!
Don’t forget Meg that your body is wanting very badly to hiberate at this time of the year … so don’t beat yourself up too much! Better to make small but consistant small steps than to demand too much and feel like you’re not getting it right. One of my favourite sayings is this:
“If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing badly” as in it’s worth messing up, getting wrong – just have a go. :o)
Love your blog!

vera - oh Meg I couldn’t agree more. I started up exercise routine AGAIN today too. Besides Annie’s cute face could motivate anyone. If only I had such cute pictures of my three girls 19,16,10!! Only four more days until she goes back to college. Still not sure good news or sad. I know sad. Anyway thanks.

Amanda - Hey Meg! You of all people know… this is just s phase!!! You have WAY to much creativity in you and way to much love for your family and way to much respect for our Savior to ever let this icky stuff get you down for long. So. I am sorry you are feeling blah. I am feeling it too…especially the cranky, impatient and yelling at my kids part of it… but you shall overcome!
You have a great Scripture on here… FOLLOW it!
And read James… they say it is written for the ‘mature’ believer…so it speaks to the trials and tribulations of someone who walks with Christ but gets overwhlemed or frustrated or just fed up with daily life. (Its short…and you’ll be glad you did.)
I’ll be praying for you!
God bless-
Amanda

pam - It is so comforting to know that it is not just me feeling this way! I have felt uninspired, cranky, tired, and just plain down in the dumps lately. Thanks for the verse and for putting your ick out there!

Kate - Oh I am right there with you. I have felt so horribly lazy/sluggish ever since Christmas. That verse was just what I needed to read tonight. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Jessie - Thank you so much for these thoughts. I am feeling the same way, even though mentally I keep trying to pump myself up I feel defeated before I start. I have the Oprah’s on my dvr for this week, but now I am considering deleting them, so I am blissfully unaware of what I’m ALSO not doing.
I feel like I need a vacation, but even that sounds exhausting at this point. I’ve got to plan a wedding, paint the inside of my house and hopefully loose 50+ lbs. I’m tired…pity party.
Thank you also for reminding me who we live this life for. I will remember this body is a precious gift from God and I will continue to try to nurture it mentally and physically through the best of my abilities.
God Bless and I hope you feel like super woman soon πŸ™‚

Wendy - buy some fresh flowers and get some exercise. those always help! i often feel a little down this time of the year too and it is so gloomy out.

Jules - Hi Meg,
I just discovered your blog tonight – on the other side of the world no less! I’ve had a blast going through all of your previous posts, you have a beautiful family, take gorgeous photos and are a fantastic mum!
Everyone gets a bit down (especially at this time of the year – I spent the weekend in a similar funk) Still, just remember, this too shall pass.
Anyway, thank you, you have definitely inspired me tonight, I have been threatening to start my own blog for a long time, and after reading your posts I think I just might…. and I will be back to read your updates!

Cindy - Thanks for being honest, it helps to know it’s not just me. Watching TV instead of reading my Bible, worrying instead of praying, not getting enough sleep or exercise. I wonder if it’s a “mom” thing right after the holidays. Okay I’ll go make dinner now.

Sarah - I just went thru this, this past weekend. I just chalked it up to getting sick.. but I was just down and out and feeling sorry for myself…
so I took a day off work.. and was lazy… and it helped some… but then tuesday came.. and I had to go back…
its better now…
God helps us thru everything!

Rebecca Kriner and Tom Burke - Very well said Meg! Very inspirational! We Love you!

traci - This is actually one of my FAVORITE post you have ever done!!!!!!! I love that scripture…Im going to copy it and paste it everywhere, I truly am!! I love that its NOT Oprah…she makes me feel BLAH and some other things…it IS ALL ABOUT GOD and giving Him our best!!! LOVE THIS POST!!!!!

christine - must be something about this time of year
you were incredibly productive this holiday season
it’s only normal that our bodies crash at times
be kind to yourself and focus on all that beauty your hands created. You will get your groove back. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time. i’m just starting to get mine!But i still have to take down all my christmas decorations!
Enjoy

Sarah - Hi Meg, I’m a longtime fan of your blog and first-time commenter! I just wanted to say that I know how you feel (as so many of us do). Sometimes when you are feeling really burnt out and exhausted you really have to take some luxurious time for yourself before you feel like you have the energy to start overhauling everything and living Your Best Life. At the very least, you should try to go up that gorgeous bathroom of yours and have a nice long soak in the tub with a magazine or frothy book, and then put on your softest pajamas, and see if you can take the rest of the night off. Then, maybe you will feel more like starting fresh tomorrow and doing what “needs” to be done. I hope you find your energy and inspiration — it’s around here somewhere!

Jennifer - I can so relate. I can’t believe how blah I’m feeling. I don’t want to go to bed at night and all I want to do is be on the computer. So then I’m tired all day and have these guilty feelings. I feel so guilty because once my kids got on the bus this morning, I went back to bed and slept until 1:00PM!! Now I’m all groggy and still don’t want to answer those dishes and piles of laundry calling my name, much less the treadmill. Thanks for the post though…it motivated that I can (and will) do more with the help of our sweet Heavenly Father.
Thanks Meg for always keeping it real.

colleen - I have been reading your blog on and off for awhile. You always seem to keep it real so that is why I return. We see the good and the bad and thank goodness there is always more good for you and your family.
God came into my life in 2008 after 38 years of looking for Him. It’s a long story and you can click on my name to read our blog if you would like but to sum it up, my 5 year old sweet daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor last April. It has been one of the worst times but thankfully because of God, it has also been one of the best times in our life. We are very blessed and we understand how incredible each day God gives you is and we try not to take anything for granted.
It’s a new year and starting it out with God and being the best person you can be is a wonderful way to begin. Here’s to savoring it all and being happy!
-Colleen
Moseley, Virginia

Staci - Oh I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. I made a commitment to myself (I’ve done this before many times) to work out before even allowing myself time on the computer!!! WHY do I do this to myself !!!??? But it does help me not to sit down at the computer and totally “blow” an entire afternoon away. My Christmas ornaments have invaded our dining room table just waiting to get all wrapped up in their little homes for yet another year πŸ™‚ So glad there is someone else out there who doesn’t have everything put away πŸ™‚ Hope the walk with Waffle will help πŸ™‚

erica - oh thank you for this post. i’m so sick of hearing oprah praised. if i hear anyone else quote oprah i think i might just throw up. thank you for your example of seeking for help from a higher source. from the only One who really can help.
i love your blog.

traci - i am so glad you praised God and not oprah – although she probably thought you were praising her. sorry, that wasn’t too nice of me. πŸ™‚ hope your walk made you feel better. you are a great person and a great mom, meg. all kids have crazy mom’s once in a while. {{HUGS}}

MGF - LOVE the Krispie Creme MUG.
Enjoy……

meredith - Hang in there, Meg. The enemy can’t stand a woman of fortitude and conviction – it ruins all his plans. Hope you have a good night sleep and a better day today.

Jenn Thomas - Abuelos is calling us girls – we need a night out together

Mod Girl - Amen to that! Without Him we are nothing.
Love your knew header.

Lanny Stanard - Girlfriend you’ve said it all I’m right there with you! I’ve been feeling the same way but I’m feeling better now! things will get better I know they will…
mE…

carly - what encouragement! and said so perfectly and honestly. thank you.

Brooke - THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!! My new year is starting off trying to center my life around His expectations for me and not my own (as always), but also about really being in this world but not of it! 2009 will be a big challenge year for me!! Thank you for being so open about your love of Christ, it is definitely encouraging to know you can reach so many with just one little post!

anne - Amen sister!
GO out and live your life!
and take some Vitamin D too!
xoxo

Sarah Keith - Exactly what many of us are thinking you’re just brave enough to admit it for us all! Go out in to the SUN and praise HIM for our many blessings! I love to be in HIS wonder! By the way…I made your YUMMO chicken enchiladas…FANTASTIC…and a couple of shirts with my girls initials on them. You just never know who is watching us and being inspired!!! Keep On! Love from Texas!

clgarrett - amen and amen.
and so glad you didn’t give “O” the credit. even though she has some good shows…but i won’t go there.
i think we all feel like this at some point. i decided to do my best DAILY this year and have more “BALANCE” in my life. new year = clean start. and those are always good.
i wish you the best…i pray that you are encouraged every day and that you find the rest that you need to stay on track and be strong!

tracey - tis the season for the ‘blahs’ i think. but all it takes is the slightest of perspective shifts to give yourself that little get-up-and-go that you need. i think taking the holiday decorations down will help too. : )
make yourself some cider or something special as you do it. it helps. and don’t even get me started on Oprah.

Kelly - Oh my goodness, me too, right down to the Oprah. It’s been a tough January so far. I keep thinking that it’s almost spring to help me keep positive.

Shannan - Isn’t it amazing how easily we can see that we are not alone, when we are just honest enough to reach out? At least that’s how I always feel.
I watched Oprah last night, too, and felt all sorts of similar ways. I was lying in bed thinking…I need to get a flax seed grinder! I need to go eat 14 walnuts! Ugh.
Thanks so much for sharing. We can never be reminded too often that the Devil seeks to deceive us and rob us of our joy. Thank goodness we have the Truth.

lulusparkles - just what i needed to read
so good to know it is not just me
feeling that way.
i think you are pretty dang awesome meg

Gwyn - Amen and Amen! I often get the January blahs, but not this year! God had empowered and created me for a specific purpose and this is the year that I will seek his guidance more than ever to fulfill that purpose!!!!!

sarah - I’ve been feeling the same way lately.
And I need to do the same things. Clean up, clear out, put up the decorations, etc.
And thank you for the verse, and this post.
Definitely something I needed.

Kelly - Amen to God not Oprah and I too shall put on the full armor of God! Great way to apply that verse. I too have been falling into the wanting to sit at the computer/stay up late/eat sweets temptations. I need to get in gear when I get home and do some laundry so my sweet husband will have some clean clothes to wear! Kelly

amy j - My muffin top has suddening escalated into a huge donut ring. How did I let this happen? My clothes are tight and I’m leaning toward sweats. I don’t want to be that person. Thanks for the feeling that I am not alone and I WILL take care of myself better. Starting NOW!

Donna - I can TOTALLY relate. Maybe this will make you feel better – your blog motivates ME…………it makes me want to get my house in order and do the things you do. I have 6 kids, so I can relate to you ~ and especially the photo of your laundry, mine looks like that ALL OF THE TIME. Keep blogging, you are INSPIRING. I am going to start a post on my blog of before and after photos of all the rooms in my house that are getting a RE org very soon –

Kim - Thanks for the push and the good reminders. I am blah today too but have no reason to be. Time to wake up and appreciate it all!

Lee Ann - Oh the yelling mommy. Where does she come from? She’s at my house all too often.
Thanks for the verse. So good. Reminds me that I cannot do it on my own. I need my armor….provided by God. Reminds me that He doesn’t want me to do it alone either. He will provide me with what I need to be who He designed me to be.

Ashley - Great post….I hate the crazy mommy that comes out from exhaustion and wasting time too.

Heather S - Oh I feel your struggle, I keep pushing back the date to start living healthfully. There’s a party with yummy food, it’s too cold out to exercise, a glass of wine with dinner and I’m too tired to do anything, let’s just eat out it’s easier. On and on and on.
You can do it!

Beth - I totatly agree with you…nope Oprah can’t help with it…but God surely can. I am feeling the same way when I get home from work…just tired and lazy…but I am starting on my exercise program..figured I would walk on the gezelle when I am watching my favorite show…so that should be easy.

Amy - Megan, I hope you don’t mind, but I put your post on my blog today (giving you full credit and removing your personal pictures) My blog is new, and my friends and I are trying to overcome bad habits and make a fresh start, and are going to blog about it to keep ourselves accountable. Your post just fit in perfectly with what I’ve been writing this month. I am praying for you, for strength to overcome!
Good luck to you,
Amy

amy d - thanks meg.

katie moreland - everyone is entitled to a blah day!!! Hope it gets better for you though!! πŸ™‚

Julie K. - Amen sista!
You’ll be fine. It’s just the after christmas slump. Creative burn out. Maybe make a couple of yo-yo’s … you’ll feel better. :o)
hugs and prayers for a better day today.
xo~julie

Cheryl - I love this post. It puts me in my place πŸ™‚

julie leak - I have been following your blogs for months. I can’t even remember how I came upon it. I have gotten so many cool ideas from it (I even mad the little hot chocolate treats for my girls class christmas party :D).
Your post today was so encouraging (to me and obviously many others). Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. It is such an encouragement to mom’s like me. There are so many days where normal everyday life has me just feeling blah. Ephesians 6:10 is definitely a great scripture to keep in front of me on a regular basis.
Your creativity is so amazing to me. I love crafts and such and have printed off and gotten directions to so many things that you do. I just haven’t gotten around to doing many of them πŸ˜€
Thanks again for such a refershing read that you put out daily.

brittany - I am in the same slump! So thank you for that…I really needed it!

carissa - love it… this post… the sharing… YOU!
big hugs!

Darby - Meg! Fabulous post. Praying for you to be strong in the Lord today… may He go before you and all that you set out to achieve and may He make it all possible. I’m already looking forward to seeing what y’all do together {you & Him}! Crank up some praise and get on with your stuff… and as Helen Keller so wisely said…
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller
Be encouraged!!!

Nessa Dee - Amen! Thanks for posting this. I’m going to put on the full armor today and march right out of this pity party I’ve been in!

Melanie - Sending you hugs from Florida. You do need to get your rest because it always makes things better. You have a clearer head and you’re not so ‘fuzzy’. I struggle with insomnia and after about 3 days of being up in the middle of the night and not sleeping, you kinda break down. I have been very busy since Thanksgiving and after Christmas, I rested. My husband had hurt his leg and when he got home from work we would sit and watch football and just didn’t DO anything. It helped. I got my list made, cleaned up Christmas decorations, and got myself organized for the New Year. I feel much better. Rest your body & your mind and you WILL feel better:)

Cori - I have enjoyed you blog for months! I don’t think you could possibly be a lazy person….look at your posts! They are amazing and put people like me to shame. Don’t listen to Oprah. She is really good at preying on insecurities and in the end she somehow makes money from that! NOT COOL! Read your Bible it is much more inspiring!

Tammi - Good morning! and…I feel your pain…for some reason this new year IS NOT making me feel the way I think I should feel, just not too motivated about all the “New Year” hype…
Everything (biblical) that I have been hearing for this year is to “guard your heart”! Watch what we are putting into our hearts by what we hear, see, etc…”For out of the abundance of the heart the mouths speaks” Matt 12:34
That goes right along with putting on your full armor…you are also protecting your heart!
I DID NOT feel like messing with all those Cmas decorations, but once I got started, I was just a little bit excited about getting things back in order and somewhat “normal” again. And when I was all done, it felt so nice! You can do it!
I just wanted to encourage you a bit…have a get-r-dun day!! πŸ™‚

Tami - I feel the same way.My mind is tired. I feel like my wheels are spinning all the time. I need money, but have small kids that need me. Hubbys money not enough now in this crazy world!If I work spend more money(gas,lunch,clothing,sitters)its very hard, I feel trapped! Im miserable behind a desk or in a cubicle!

PamperingBeki - Haha!! That’s EXACTLY what I’ve been thinking the last few days.
I had DVR’d those Oprah’s too and had the same thoughts.
I was forced to walk and pick the kids up from school yestarday. Not only did I survive, I actually enjoyed it!
The sunshine and fresh air were so good for me.

Kate Eschbach - Seriously. Amazing.
Thank you for posting this. I suddenly feel encouraged. Still BLAH, but much better.
I need sleep. I will go to bed on time tonight, so I can be the wife and mommy they need, not the selfish want to stay up with my hubby and vent girl. Who does that help anyway?
Thank you for posting this. I’ll be praying for you to be inspired today. πŸ™‚

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hunter

IMG_1906

this is my nephew Hunter.
he is showing me the stain on his shirt.
he really wanted to be on the blog.
he could recite the address and everything.
every picture i took over christmas he would say "that's going on the blog!"

so here you go hunter.
love you bud.
i really enjoyed being with you and your family this christmas.
hope we get to visit your new house this year!
and maybe even see you race.

he's a swimmer.
when he was in kansas he raced and beat his old uncle craig….pretty easily i hear.
i was sorry to have missed seeing that.
keep working hard hunter…we are really proud of you.

and by the way….
her code was her graduating year.
just like you thought.  :)

Joki - It fires one type of shot right? then it swaps the type of ammo used. Then fires a diff shot. Then swaps the ammo back again and repeats.This is for those who use two types of ammo cause they are poor and cant afrofd to buy the top stuff and try to use crap ammo on crap shots and good ammo on good shots lol. Smart but rly quite useless

Tegan - Hahaha. Nice work Hunter- you got on the blog…looking not too bad if I say so myself. Oops, okay so that’s a little embarrassing :$

missanne - handsome fella.
πŸ™‚
sorry about the stain!

Amanda Rettke - I LOVE the name Hunter and would have chose it for my own child but hubbys best guy bud chose it for his kid. Dangit. Anywho… hope Hunter enjoys his new found fame. Think he’ll get a girlfriend out of it? Just wondering. he he
God bless-
Amanda

kasey - thanks for sharing the pic. it reminds me of my son and what his shirt always looks like.

carissa - hey there Hunter!
so nice to meet you!
how fun!

traci - Hes a cutie!!!

Shannon Davis - This is Hunter’s mom and Craig’s big sister. Hunter will be excited to see himself. In anwsers to your questions about the hat — yes, it is extremely cool to leave the barcode on the hat AND the big sticker that is on top of the hat as well. Go figure. Megan, we also had a great time this break (even though I dreaded coming). Thanks for posting “the Hunter” –he will get a big charge out of it — and will tell you “told you so on the graduating year”

maile - how funny! hi Hunter! I agree that it’s cute that he wants to be on your blog. Hope i’m that cool of an auntie someday too!

Darby - Hunter, Congrats on your debut as a blog star. This made me laugh out loud! Watch out… you may start being recognized in public!! I too, often get asked, “Is this going on the blog?!” πŸ™‚

Sandy - Hi Hunter! You’re a star!
Troy, OH

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - Hunter is a cutie! Then again…I haven’t seen any of your family that wasn’t!!!!! By the way Hunter…I am always dropping food on my shirt too!!!!!! Can’t take us anywhere, can they? Swim fast!!!!!

traci - hi hunter – welcome to the blogging world. now your famous.

danyele - hi hunter! you finally made it! welcome to star town!

Wendy - My husband is always wanting to “make the blahhhg” too. And if a drip on your shirt is all it takes, he’d be featured quite often.
Congrats hunter. And great hat!

katy - He sounds like my family…asking the same thing. Funny. Hi Hunter…glad you got to be featured w/ your big ‘ol pic. on the current post!! yay for you!

Rosemarie - What a cutie. And I love the tag on his hat.

MGF - FUN, that he wanted to a part of something that his aunt does.
Is leaving the barcodes on a hat a new trend? It maybe is a old trend that I missed- I may be out of touch with fashion. That I know is true.

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