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my babies.

talby and scott were laughing SO HARD watching this old video they found of themselves and sean.
i couldn't breathe when i was watching it…i laughed so hard i cried.
it is crazy and loud and nothing happens but my kids are LITTLE and their laughing is so funny.
i mean both those boys are taller than me and much bigger now. 

apparently they think getting their face IN the camera means they won.

and this is totally what spending some time with my kids can be like…. CHAOS. 

 

no one was injured during the making of this video.

i think it's 4 years old. 

oh boy.
they are so silly! 

 

and now…. i am going to sit back and wait for Disney to call.  
this has disney sitcom written all over it.

no?

are you sure?

ha ha ha 

 

 

Jacci in Ohio - Hi! Hi! Hiiiiii!!!! Ahhhhhhgh!!!
ha ha.
that was very funny and strangely sweet. and familiar.

Tami - My kids thought this was hilarious. And they had to watch it more than one time. I have 5 too and they act exactly the same way. That is why they thought this was sooooooo funny.

Angela - Scott’s giggling is cracking me up!

Routhie - Had this been around when we were kids, this is exactly what my brothers and I would have done. We managed to be that loud without it, though. Love happy kids!

Stephanie - It’s not just us!! I laughed at your silly kids. These are the kinds of things that are SO annoying while they’re doing them, but hilarious a few years later. We have seven and I feel like this is my life every minute. Except its in my face instead of the video camera. Lol.

steph - i love that they don’t really do anything but laugh… hit one another… and say ‘HHHHHIIIIIII’!!!!
that is one hilario vid.
i’ll have to show my girls.
i might have to bookmark it.
LOL

Suzanne G. - OMG…How funny! My speakers are not working so I watched it with no sound and oh my word, this is hilarious! I like that even Waffle got in the action!

tinaehb3 - Talby has no problem holding her own with the boys even when in a choke hold, lol!!

Melinda George - It’s like playing the game King of the Hill only video style. πŸ™‚

Lennie Jackson - Good times….good times. I was a little worried for Talby there for a minute during the whole choak hold thing but she recovered quite nicely πŸ™‚

Lisa - Kids are so funny! Love how they can enjoy the simplest of things. πŸ™‚

Meg P - My two year old little dude climbed up in my lap to watch this video with me. He definitely thought they were saying “Hi” to him! He kept saying “Hey!!” and waving so hard! And then when it was over he asked for “another!” Ha! Kids can be fun sometimes πŸ˜‰

Corinne - Yes please call disney! It is so much better then Dog with a Blog!

Angela A - Oh my. I have two that get crazy. I can’t imagine 5 of them. I love that Waffle had to join in too.

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hello… a week later.

hey.
remember when i used to blog everyday?

yeah… me too.

everyday i meant to write but just couldn't get to it.

there has just been a lot going on.

last weekend i brought my camera along for another day of basketball.
it started at the last day of the basketball clinic for kindergarten – 3rd grade.

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craig runs the clinic with another former college basketball player.
it is pretty cute to watch all those kids bouncing basketballs all over the gym.
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jump stop.

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bounce pass.

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dribble knock out.

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annie LOVED the clinic.  
talby and scott were helpers.   
i really enjoy watching craig with the kids…. that guy sure does love basktball.

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we left annie's clinic and went straight to scott's afternoon tournament.
what is there not to love about high school basketball?  
especially in a small town.
its one of my favoirte things to do.

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then we left that gym and drove to sean's tournament.
we watched two of his three games.
they won and sean played G R E A T!  
it was fun with the crowd too… all the parents were cheering.
it was a long day of basketball but i honestly did enjoy it all.

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talby plays too but this was a weekend she did not have games.

i really don't want the season to end.
it's always here too soon.

do your kids play sports?
what do they play?
do you love it or do you wish they like something else?

 

 

Kasey - Sounds like you guys were super busy! My 8 year old is playing basketball right now, but in a few weeks he will start baseball and soccer. and our 4 year old will start soccer in a few weeks too. My husband is a basketball coach so it has been crazy town around here! But we love it!

Sherry Stone - Hi Meg! Love your blog and can’t wait for my name to be called for Craft Weekend.
My oldest son plays freshman basketball and so does my 8 yr. old daughter. I’m always impressed with your GYM photos- not the easiest to capture. My son has always loved basketball. I agree, high school basketball is the best! Just last week he said
“mom, I don’t know what I’m gonna do now that the basketball season is over”….I replied, baseball starts next week so you will have that.
“baseball is just not the same. I would rather be on the court playing basketball getting yelled at by coach, than being on the baseball field being praised”………..
Sherry Stone
Crestwood, KY

Cris Marsh - We have 4 children and all played sports (every sport imaginable). I coached soccer, basketball,and softball so I could be there for every single minute of fun. Now we have grandkids and we are loving watching them play sports too!

Erin - My 7 year old is a swimmer year round. Basketballer in the winter. Baseballer in the Spring.
My 5 year old is a tae Kwandoer.
My 16 month old is a tag-a-longer. πŸ™‚
Love kid sports!!!

Tracy Fisher - that’s how i feel watching my kids play baseball and lacrosse. i know they are only young for a short amount of time. i wish someone had told me that years ago… oh, they probably did…haha. but now it is so important to see all of these moments. you are a good mom meg duerksen! πŸ™‚ -tracy

Lisa - I was going to say that seeing Craig doing the clinic reminded me of JAM basketball!!

Robyn B - I have one son who plays year-round basketball (11yrs) and another who plays year-round select soccer (14 yrs). The older is in middle school, so he also plays whatever school sport in in season – currently basketball. It makes for very hectic weekends, but I LOVE watching them play and wouldn’t want it any other way. I think my favorite sport to watch is basketball, followed closely by soccer (I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that it’s indoors, so no freezing, sweating, or being rained on πŸ™‚ )
On another note, I’m “training” for my first 5K ever – I know it’s not that big of deal to most folks, but I’ve never been a runner. My older son is running with me – of course, he’s looking to win the “men’s” division, I’m just looking to finish and not die.

Ali - My kids are 5, 2, and 11 months and I pray everyday that each of them play sports.
πŸ™‚

Jessica K - I was on Craig’s JAM basketball team back in the day! πŸ™‚ I loved growing up playing and being around basketball but my kids have yet to fall in love! Maybe one day!

Alice H - My daughter does cheer for football and basketball. My son plays football. And my baby (turning 3 this weekend) will be playing t-ball this spring. I love sports! Yes, life gets really busy with practices, games, etc, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. This is just a season.

Kara - We’re a huge basketball family – all the kids play (or have played) and my husband coaches. I love watching the games – good thing, right? I’m sad that my oldest is in college now and the days of watching him play are over…Enjoy it while you can!

Jen - Love the pictures, Meg. Thank you! My 8-year-old daughter plays softball and I help coach. I love that she loves to play. Both of our girls have tried soccer, but neither really enjoyed it. Our 5-year-old daughter really wants to try karate or gymnastics, and I think she’d be AWESOME at these, but I’m a fish out of water with these two. Need to do some research…Have a great day!

nora - The first few pictures, I thought we were looking at Talby … nope – it was Annie! Where has the time gone?!?! Anywho, love this post – I love basketball! The smell of the gym, the squeaks of the sneakers, and the fact that it’s INDOORS!

Becky P. - My kids are now 27 & 25 and I still miss Saturday’s in our small town at the YMCA watching them grow up playing basketball. Our youngest continued to play basketball until graduating from High School. That fall/winter after she graduated felt so different not having any sports to go to that we sought out friends and family that had kids or grandkids playing!

Carol S. - Nice to hear from you! I try to blog weekly and it’s too much for me, ha ha. It certainly is a job. If I could just write, I’d do it more, but pulling in the pictures is slow for me.
Looooove basketball and my son plays 8th grade. We just lost in disappointing first round of state playoffs, but experience was great. High school gets very competitive and he is working hard to be a player. We start AAU next for spring and summer, and that is lots of weekend tournaments which I love. Win or lose, we have fun escaping everyday responsibilities and focusing on the moment of the game. Had a varsity boys volleyball player who now plays Big 10 college club volleyball, can’t wait to see one of those games. Enjoy your week.

Sarah Wolfe - Our boys play baseball. But some of them are close enough in age to be on the same team, so usually we can get them on 3 teams. I love being at the ballpark. The little kids run around outside and play. We eat popcorn and chat as the boys play. My husband coaches and I love seeing him out there too πŸ™‚ I’d love to do basketball, but we are not the tallest of families πŸ™‚

Tami - Our family is a football family. Also music. So we get he best of both worlds. We love it all.

Roganne - I can not wait to have kids in organized sports! My two-year old is in mommy and me swimming lessons right now and we love it!

Alicia @ La Famille - i do love basketball. none of my kids play yet though. i remember those clinics and games like yesterday. so fun! such fun memories.

christy - Looks like a lot of fun! The little ones are so cute! How neat that Craig runs the clinic too.
My son plays soccer & I love it! Not a sport I ever tried, so I am learning more & more each season. He has played baseball, basketball & soccer & seems to like soccer the best.

Tiffany - Hey there! Don’t worry about not blogging every day. It’s fun to hear from you whenever it may be! Not sure what sports my kids will be into… Olivia has tried dance, gymnastics, and t-ball so far. T-ball is her fav, but she is only 5! It will be fun to see how they grow and develop in their interests and skills!

Stacey - All 3 of my kids play water polo and I had never seen a game before they started. I LOVE watching it now and I’m so proud of how far they’ve come in the sport. We live in Canada and we’re at the pool 5 nights a week with the different teams and I’m just happy that it’s in a warm pool and not a hockey arena!

Debbie S - Four kids = 3 soccer teams, 3 baseball teams, 4 on swim team, 1 gymnastics, 2 basketball teams and my husband coaches highschool baseball and 8th grade boys and girls middle school basketball. And through all of this, in the last three years I started running and have finished 1 half-marathon and 14 other races. So what I’m saying is, if I can find time to run, anyone can πŸ™‚

Heather E - My son plays soccer and we love going to games and watching him grow in his athletic abilities. He and his dad play basketball in the driveway all the time so I am sure basketball will be in our future! πŸ˜‰ And there is nothing better than watching fathers share and teach their kids about something they love.

Julie - I live in New Zealand, and my 9 year old son is in a school basketball team. They have games on a Friday afternoon after school is out throughout the year. I love it – the games are only 30 minutes long, inside so I don’t get wet and cold like I did when he played cricket and soccer on Saturday mornings. I still don’t get a Saturday sleep in – cos now he’s got guitar lessons at 8.30 am.

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - One of our girls(7 yrs) has found her niche in gymnastics. She just had her first competition and was nervous the morning of. She asked me to pray with her to calm her nerves. We did and she ended up loving every minute of the competition.
Its such a blessing to watch your kids try new things and figure out life, isn’t it?

Seriously Sassy Mama - My 9 year old plays basketball and I love it. I played ball in high school, and I LOVE teacher her skills. My 7 year old is in gymnastics. I like it now, but I hope she chooses something different as she gets older. It is very expensive, and I do not have the discipline to have a gymnast. I do not want to be up at the gym every day. I your husband played or KU, I probably saw him play. I went to Texas Tech, and watched all the men’s games the 4 years I was there.

heidi c - Your weekends look just like mine! πŸ™‚ except we only have one that plays basketball on saturdays, since our high schooler only play during the week. But, baseball lessons just started for the littlest one and my other son is taking about football. Yikes. But I love basketball the most. πŸ™‚

Juli - I grew up outside Wichita, Kansas. One of my fondest memories was going to my big brother’s basketball games for Derby High School. My family always sat high up in the bleachers, where the little clerestory windows would fog up from the warm, sweaty air inside and the snow falling outside. To this day, the smell of sweat and the squeak of tennis shoes on hardwood takes me right back there, 50 years ago.

Nikki Gamon - My daughter was a 3 sport athlete from 5th grade through high school and ran track in college. I loved every minute but I don’t miss all the driving and I really don’t miss sitting on the bleachers!

Krista - Gosh your kids are getting big. I was looking at the clinic pictures thinking it was Talby and then realized it was ANNIE!! How did that happen??? Bless you for your patience and being such a good mom going from game to game to game!!!

Becky - My son played “Biddy Basketball” for the first time this year. We’ve always been a “wrestling family” – but I LOVED that he wanted to try something new this year with basketball. It was actually less of a time committment for our family – and he REALLY enjoyed it and improved every week! It was all very fun to watch. πŸ™‚

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haiti… in photos.

two weeks ago i traveled to Haiti with The Adventure Project.
it was a very quick trip where i was able to see the inside workings of the stove project.

YOU donated $6270… We sponsored 313 stoves!!!  

THAT is so wonderful!!

and together the entire Adventure Project raised over $24,000 for stoves in Haiti.   

eight women from different areas of The Adventure Project met up in Haiti.
we were in Port-au-Prince the entire time. 

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the first stove vendor we met with has her stoves set up for sale in a big market.
she is the top saleswoman in this project.
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most people we were in contact with spoke french.
so we had translators to ask our questions and to give our responses.  

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when we told her what we were doing there she said "well if they can fix my car i could sell a lot more stoves."
that is thinking like a business woman! 
it never hurts to ask!

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anyone hungry?  
this was kind of mind blowing to me.  rabbits running around for sale?  turtles?!  
to eat.

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mmm…. delicious?

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as our group walked through the market we had a few men "protecting" us from anything they saw fit.
they were self appointed protectors.  they saw us pull up and rushed to "help" 
our local guides talked with them in french and it was all ok so the rest of us just followed along.  :) 
in return sarah and i bought some of his paintings.
because i really did appreciate the protection.   

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he made me a leather bracelet with my name stamped into it.   
i love it.
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and here is where we used the bathroom that morning.  :)
we paid to pee in a trailer that had stalls in it…and dudes in it…
and the guy gives you toilet paper in your hand before you go in!!!
shy bladders would not work in Haiti.

and did i mention…. there were DUDES IN THERE!
ha ha ha  

i was being a chicken and said i would wait.
then thought "this is no better than anywhere else"  so i decided to go.
rebekah came out and said "it's not that bad… you'll be fine" 
so i went up the stairs and to the only open stall and there was no toilet seat.
i popped my head out and asked rebekkah (but the whole crowd can hear me) 
"not that bad?! did yours have a seat?!!" 
she said yes and to wait for that one.

i sound like a baby i know but when you are facing everything opposite that you know…. like peeing in a truck with men with toilet paper from the guy outside the stall and there is no toilet seat…. it's hard to not sound like a whiny brat.
i tried very hard though.
i am sure i lost. 

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near the next stove vendor these children were playing together.
they were doing a dance for us and cheesing for the camera.
it was an orphanage.
beautiful babies….i have been praying for them.  

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we went down a very steep hill to get to Isaaic's home.
he is the only male stove vendor in the project.
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his sweet little boys were so shy with all these ladies showing up in their home.
i don't blame them one bit.
and that baby… i wanted to snuggle him and keep him forever.
but he was quite well loved i could tell.  :)
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i took this one with my phone.
he was drooly and had the biggest brown eyes in the world.

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we traveled onto another stove vendor's home.
she told us about her business and had lunch cooked for us… on her stove!  
she made us rice & beans with chicken on the side.
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she served us plates in these food covers to keep our clothes clean… i think.

while we in her home Becky's sister called on Face Time. 
she is a teacher and her whole classroom facetimed with us in Haiti.
technology is rad.
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yellow and turquoise.  

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this was the last stove vendor my team met with.  
she sells lottery tickets also.
we drew a crowd…. 
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chicken on a leash.
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peacocks and geese for sale.

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fabric store.

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fruits and veggies.

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poinsettias in bloom in pots!  
this was so cool to see in real life.
in kansas these are ONLY available at christmas shipped in from wherever.

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my favorite pot in haiti.  :)

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these vendors were outside of our hotel.
we all bought souvenirs from them.  
they are SERIOUS about sales.
if i made eye contact i was sunk.  
they can play me like a piano.
but i did come home with a bull horn canteen…. soccer season is around the corner ya know. 

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most interesting plant i have ever seen… it's very dr. seuss.
my grandmother would have been SO intrigued.
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my favorite wall in haiti.

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the "buses" were decked out in colorful design… very cool.
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our hotel had wi-fi off and on so when it was ON then we were ON.  :)
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spelling out T.A.P. the minute before we left for the airport.  
funny girls.

Haitipeeps

i was in no photos…and jody had already left for the airport when i decided to take headshots.
and judging from the customs agents responses…. it's best i was not photographed.

 

I love the heart of The Adventure Project.
i love that they have a fire for ending poverty in the world.
that is not an easy battle to fight.

God calls his people to care for the poor.
that is why i am a part of The Adventure Project.
i want to do something.
if i don't… then my life is all about me…. what i buy, what i eat, where i go.  
But the world does not revolve around me – NEWSFLASH.  
 
I want my heart to be for what Jesus wants.
Helping & Giving where i can.
and telling others about how they can help… telling others how much God loves them.

God loves you just as you are RIGHT NOW.
no matter where you live.  
no matter what you look like… he thinks you are beautiful.
He loves you because you are HIS and He made you.
He wants to be in a relationship with you.
He wants you to know you are special to HIM.  
that you are IMPORTANT to HIM. 
that you matter.

and i am going to keep telling you.

i am going to keep traveling places to see where God wants to use me.

and i will keep telling you about different ways to give your time, your heart and your money.

because how many cardigans (i just bought another one yesterday!!! i am an addict!) how many lattes, how many pairs of shoes, how many purses can we buy that will make us happy?

it's temporary.

we NEED a sustaining love and hope in something MORE.

and that is Jesus.
the One who saved me from sins. 
the One who set me free.
the One who loved me before i was made.

He is the way. 

:) 

 

Trish - this is awesome!
so the whole buy your food alive thing and everything else is so different and mind boggling… but when i saw that little boy with his toothless grin, my heart just ached! i wonder if he has anyone to be excited for losing a tooth? this moves my heart closer to wanting another child… not of my womb!

Eugenia - Glory is so bright. Translucence gold. God is light. Oh my my I see Him in all your photos. The smiley eyes, the bright colors, the obvious energy of the people, and your team’s bright joyful faces. All for His glory. May you be blessed for answering the call and calling us to do likewise.
May the Lord bless you richly to allow you to continue.
There is nothing like sharing.
e

Lora - Amen πŸ™‚

Jodi - This whole post was amazing. YOU are amazing Meg!

Mindy - Beautiful pictures and beautiful words. Most of all a beautiful heart shared with Haiti and with us. Keep reminding us there is more…

Ann - Hi Meg – Thanks for your Haiti updates. Your Haiti work makes me feel inadqeuate, and that’s good. I need to be pushed to realize that I can and I should do more to help others. I live in Kansas too, I have no excuses – seriously, thank you – for your work, and for posting the pictures, for making me feel guilty. Now I hope I shuffle my priorities to act on that guilt. Because we are all too spoiled and over-blessed here in good ole’ USA.

Gevay Piercefield - Hey Meg! Great post. I live in South Florida and the plant you pictured is abundant here. We call it Crown of Thorns. It’s funny that that is the one tropical plant you picked out-on a mission trip, speading the gospel. So cool!

Amy @ Fig Milkshakes - Yes, what a beautiful and fascinating post! I scrolled down with baded breath for each picture. I love the sign, “Jesus is the chief of my house”. What an interesting way to put it – I can only assume it is a cultural saying? I love that pot, too, and I love your friends purple pixie cut! πŸ˜€ And that first picture of the second vendor…I feel it gives a window into her character. Thank you for sharing with us!

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - Such a great project. Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I wold love to do something like that.

Tiffany - Oh my. What an experience! I’m so happy for you to have that opportunity!
Ok,I need to rant for a moment. (And I never rant…) Have you ever noticed on Facebook or Instagram when people use the word “Need”? As in, someone posts a cute outfit or something and someone responds, “I NEED that!” DRIVES. ME. CRAZY. I want to say, “Really, you NEED that shirt, that plate, that ____ ? Do you know what people in Haiti need? A safe way to prepare food so they don’t need to worry about their children suffering from respritory struggles. *sign* Such is the world we live in I guess. End rant.
You are doing such wonderful things with the gifts God has given you. I’m so excited to see where else it will bring you!
Hugs~ Tiffany

Sarah - Yes! I love this post! I’m so anxious to give more, this has been placed on my heart lately in a very special way. I’d love to hear more about how to give more time and energy to certain projects, whatever they may be. So often it’s easy to give money, which is very important, but I feel called to do more!

Jacci in Ohio - I love, love, love these photos. And I love how TAP and it’s stove project is helping Haitians provide for themselves and their families. It’s clear that the job opportunities those stoves provide are making a big difference in the lives of the vendors/salespeople.
I’m a little surprised that PAP looks so good in your photos. There’s still so much damage from the earthquake… But, I know how you always look for (and find!) beauty. This post celebrates Haiti. Thank you πŸ™‚

Tracy Fisher - wow. simply beautiful. -tracy

Sarah - I am tearing up with happiness. Thank you, Meg for sharing your journey with us. I love your heart. I pray that at some point I am able to join a team like this. May the Lord continue to bless you and this ministry! πŸ™‚

ira lee - the buses are called tap taps. they jump on and off and cram folks in there, on top, hanging off the back! its crazy!when you need off, you literally tap the side of the bus, he stops- right in the middle of it all and lets you off. there is also no traffic laws in haiti, so cars, trucks, motorcycles, tap taps are driving any direction on the roads, and speed. its very chaotic! we went from port au price to leogane which is about 20 miles, but it took 4 hours!!!

ira lee - yes, its actually haitian creole- a mix of french and creole. very beautiful to hear!

Gale - I love the beautiful pics and beautiful hearts!! My daughter has traveled there but I would go in a second – so glad you had a chance to experience this and share it with us! πŸ™‚ We are so blessed to have a BIG, HUGE God (and after all, He made the first rainbow so we KNOW He’s awesome – He must have thought, “I bet Meg will love this!!” πŸ™‚

ira lee - thank you for sharing!!!!! i went to haiti in august 2012 and fell in love and i can’t wait to go back again. i went with some dear friends thru our church and we served at the orphanage in leogane. and your pee story was hilarious. we didn’t have running water for 4 days- no bathroom, no showers, no clean clothes! but it didn’t matter, we were troopers (called the best group to ever go thru the compound- we helped clean up, we played with the kids who lived there, we wanted to visit the orphanage as much as possible- which is all just normal to us). i sadly can’t make a trip there this year, but my heart yearns to go back. looks like you stayed close to port au prince, we traveled into the mountains and deep into the country. there is a family opening another orphanage, they are from arkansas and its called hope rising childrens home. their web site is hrch.org. i highly recommend a little peek over there. god is working hard to deliver people with a giving heart and a calling for orphans.

Heather in Ohio - Your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. God makes great things. He makes beautiful things. He is the way. What an experience.

Diane - Bless you for living out and sharing the Good News!

mollie's mom - Meg, I can tell that Haiti “got” you. I have only ever met one person who went to Haiti and didn’t come back on fire to serve – there or somewhere else! Haiti is a life changer and it is amazing how so little can do so much there. I’m intrigued by the stoves and that entire project. So many are doing so much in Haiti. Loved the photos of the school children – I serve on an NPO Board that focuses on schools and a Christian education and those little children in their uniforms ( how do their mommas get them so clean and crisp in that environment?) touch my heart. Thank you for posting about your trip. I cannot quit looking at the pics! Marcie

Ana - BEAUTIFUL POST ! I love it!
Did you know that Brazilian government has a peace force within the UN in Haiti? We did.
You are a blessed person for worrying about others. I admire you.
About the “intersting plant” let me tell you more about it.
It is very common here in Brazil and it’s known as COROA DE CRISTO, Crown-of-christ (Euphorbia milii)in english. It is a thorny shrub originating from Madagascar, widespread in Brazil, where it is used as an ornamental plant and as protection in hedges.
See, now you know more about the plant!

Katey Deasy - Thank you for sharing your amazing trip. God Bless You and the people you touched in Haiti.

Martha - You rock Meg. You are so real and that’s why your blog is so successful. Thanks

Susan - So enjoyed reading about this wonderful trip. Your pictures tell such a story!
Your post was a good “quiet time” for me this morning. Helps to put what I do
in perspective-rest of today.

Lorraine - Beautiful!!!! that wall was perfect!!! The colors, the people, the joy!!! I totally laughed out loud over the chicken on a leash!!!!! The stove project….what a beautiful thing!!!!

Lisa - Amen Amen Amen!!!! Love this post. Went to Haiti 14 yrs ago! Loved seeing your pictures. Brought back so many memories. I visited a christian Haitian church and heard them sing “I could sing of your love forever” in english and french. One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever listened too!

dani - Meg, you are SO awesome! Thank you for sharing this trip and your inspiring thoughts…you are a great example

Kate - Love you.

amy jupin - this whole post is so rad, i can’t stand it.
keep pushing us, meg.
keep sharing your heart.
keep listening to Jesus and the tugging inside your heart.
proud proud of you.

Brittany - Thank you for sharing! A beautiful place with beautiful people! So happy to see up close and personal where the money raised is going and the vendors. Loved the family with all those kids and edible baby! Keep doing the amazing work God has given you to do and keep sharing it with us, so inspiring!

Karyn - I don’t speak French AT ALL (even though I’m Canadian!) but my husband could understand that sign too. My friend lives and works with Clean Water for Haiti about an hour away from Port-au-Prince, and they actually speak Creole in Haiti – that’s probably what you were reading and why the spelling was all wrong. Just a friendly FYI. πŸ™‚

Heather - What an amazing experience!
Americans are incredibly fussy about toilets. Travel around the world a bit, and you’ll lower your standards, even in first world countries.
At the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you have to pay to use the toilet and the attendant gives you a neatly folded strip of toilet paper. And there are no toilet seats at the Uffizi in Florence, Italy. Yes, a world class art museum, home of “The Birth of Venus” and other artwork of Renaissance masters, but no toilet seats. We were in Nice, France last fall and the toilets at the train station are unisex and you had to pay to use them.
Always carry plenty of Kleenex and some loose change in the local currency with you in case you have to pay to use the facilities. Just remember the kids’ book, “Everybody Poops!”

Carol S. - Sweet story and pictures. You be the hands and feet and we can supply the funds and lots of prayer. I bet you are inspiring others to travel and get involved as well. This is awesome work. I was in Haiti way back when cruise ships went there and remember a very beautiful place with very poor people (and so many artists/crafters.) Thank you for sharing all of this…every detail was enjoyed. Loved the gal’s bright pink top and skirt, lovely proud people.

Lindsey - Thanks for sharing and inspiring me be more.

Debby Graber - Love it, Megan! Thanks for sharing!!!!

Stephanie - This is amazing and makes me all teary.

Tiffany - Living (& Giving) your life for others is a grande way to live. Beautiful pictures. And your words were gentle & kind, thanks for sharing.

Amy - ok…so when I was in Haiti, I had to go to the bathroom in a bucket behind someone’s hut! When I tried to clean it out, they insisted on doing it…such sweet people! Your pics make me want to go back! And I love the ministry you’re involved with there.

happygirl - It’s amazing. I was in Haiti 35 years ago and it looks the same. Thanks for the pics.

Taryn - What a beautiful Word! May it take root in the hearts of all who read this!!!! Love you!

Jennifer Allred - You are authentic! Thank you!

Lennie Jackson - Thanks so much for sharing your story with us Meg. I hope that you continue to share with world how God works through you.

jen - love these photo’s! i reminds me so much of guatemala…they have the same “style” of buses. loved to see all about the stoves and the people who are making them. so great of you. i also loved seeing the sign on the wall behind the one vendor – the woman in pink – completely wrong spelling in french but i could still understand what it meant…it was phonetically correct! {i might have to ask you if i could borrow that to show around here – they are so protective of their language! ha!} anyways, awesome trip – awesome you!

Liz Botts - What an amazing post. What a great witness. Thank you so much for sharing. πŸ™‚

gretchen - Amen!!

Paula S. - LOVE, LOVE the post! Thank you for sharing with us. So much to comment on…that pot is so beautiful and I want it….the “interesting” plant looks normal to me as a Floridian…I love your heart and actions for the Lord…and you really should have been in some of the pictures! πŸ™‚

Lauren - love this so so so much.

Beth - Meg, I’m so glad you posted this today! I was wrapped up in your trip with all your beautiful, funny and sweet photos. So often I wonder if these things (ie the stoves) are real, if they help, if that $$ goes….and here it is–real life, real people, using this amazing thing to help their families and themselves. Thank you for sharing, thank you for going. I pray God uses this to His glory!!

kim - this post is incredible, meg.
my heart is overflowing with joy.
thank you for being obedient to the Lord, serving his people, inviting us to join with you in all of that, and sharing your experience.
i have been blessed this morning because of it.
i am excited. hopeful.
God is so good. He is working so often, in the little stuff, and the big stuff. and it’s a joy that we get to be a part of that!
amen. and amen.

Lisa M. - Wow, Meg, what an awesome post. These pictures tell such a story. They are beautiful. My husband and I host two children (brother & sister) in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince. We sponsor them through Mission Discovery (based in Texas). The project is “HOLD the Children” and they have a school and an orphange. By sponsoring these chidren, it gives them the opportunity to attend school and pays for basic needs that they might otherwise not be able to have.
But, I have never seen pictures like yours and wow is that an eye opener for me, as I am sure is for everyone who sees this post. Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse of what you saw and what is happening. And thank you for reminding us why we were put on this earth. Why we were created and what we are supposted to be doing.

Heather Simnitt - Thanks for being the Hands of Feet, Meg! Isn’t there amazing beauty in Haiti? I’m sure you were digging on all the colors!

Lori H - Meg, Haiti is perfect for you – all that color!! Beautiful children too. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Tressa Duerr - Best post ever!!! This is all just temporary. I need that reminder daily. Can’t wait to see where God leds you next. Thanks for sharing.

Angela A - I love you Meg. Thank you for sharing your heart and these beautiful pictures with us.

Janelle - Oh you just made me tear up a little. Amazing to think about Haiti sitting here in my little suburban home. It’s truly hard to imagine.

Tina Jacobsen - What a wonderful trip you were able to be a part of! Those children dancing and smiling…I want to take them all home!! I love your heart and your love for Jesus! Thanks for sharing it all with us!!
Tina Jacobsen

Michelle Whitlow - What wonderful photos & stories!!! I would so love to do something like that but with my Crohn’s disease there’s no way. Your bathroom story had me cracking up…esp since there’s no way I can ever ‘hold it’!!! haha

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craft weekend is my fave.

alrighty… i have made it home from Haiti.
it was a super quick trip to meet some of the stove vendors and see how it all is working IN the field.
my trip was lovely.
i will share my pictures and stories at the end of the week.

i stupidly left my phone in the car of one of the girls living in haiti so i am without a phone for awhile.
feels like i am missing a limb.
somehow though i think will survive…. ha! 

and now…. Craft Weekend January 2013!

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a new year begins for Craft Weekend.
it is pretty exciting to me.
we have some pretty big plans for the Craft House and Craft Weekend this year.


we brought in a new piece for supplies….it's from the barn.
it is so COOL!  
it was from a post office but i am sure it is much happier living at the craft house now.
it was a pain to clean but i am loving it!
i  want to paint it…. although i never have time.  

(Katie Daisy art is from Pottery Barn Teen)

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lindsey helped me set up my shop on the stairway…. so adorable!
she is so good with displays!
and a new/old map is up in the foyer making me happy every time i walk by.

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we were ready a little bit early this time (YAY!!) 

our guests arrived and the party was officialy under way!

after dinner we got busy on our aprons.
i am always so interested in watching how they choose.
some are done right away and some are still deciding an hour later.
πŸ™‚
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ironing, hemming, pinning, sewing…almost done.
i love the sounds of 6 sewing machines going at once!
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they were all done earlier than any group has been! 
that doesn't mean it was early, but it was earlier than the previous groups.
and i am fine with getting a little more sleep.  

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on saturday we took a COLD field trip out to Marion to our favorite shop, Bearly Makin' It.
it was crazy cold.
craaaazy.


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tere had a jeanne oliver bag!  
so cute.

i always like to see what people gravitate to at the store… the quilts? the books? glassware?
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after a sonic break we made it home to get crafty again.
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these girls were fast workers!
most of our projects get quite messy.
if you are going to make a mess it may as well be a pretty one right?
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i found another 7up crate at the barn (and then quickly got back in the van before i froze to death)

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Lindsey led a project that she has posted about on her blog before.
it was so fun to make!! i LOVED it!!

i want to make a huge one now.  :)
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joy led a project that let us use hammer and nails for the first time at Craft Weekend!
its fun to get a little noisy!
(actually it was A LOT noisy…kind of unreal how loud it was!)

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my canvas before i started with bright colors. 
we used canvases and paint sponosered by DecoART! 
we love thier products!

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my friend wendy of blue lily photography came for friday & saturday to take a ton of photos for us.
i was so happy to have extra time with her!
she squeezed us in before she took off her World Tour with Tyler and her kids.  
i am so grateful!
you NEED to get on their schedule …. they go every where in the world!  
check out their dates by you!

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roomie pics…..

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seriously adorable aprons!
they added flowers and pom poms and really cute trims.

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i don't think i have ever been able to pick a favorite.

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we made fabric covered button bracelets….. LOVE these!
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these are the signs we built with joy.
everyone came up with neat quotes and colors!
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our paintings with lindsey!

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everyone's was slightly different in the shades they chose.
but i thought they were all awesome!  
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what an awesome group we had!
i felt completely relaxed when it was over….love that…how wonderful to finish your WORK and feel great?!
    krista from kansas                                                       erin from kansas
Cw12a
                                                       mary from kansas                                     angie from dominican republic
   katherine from texas                                                    meredith from texas
Cw12b
                                                           dani from utah                                                   tere from washington
   charly from kansas                                                       sara from kansas
Cw12c
                                                                                                                                           gale from kansas
   joy from california                                                       lindsey from california
Cw12d
 
here's the whole gang!  
such a lovely group of women…. i miss you girls!

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kimberlee and i pretty much have the best jobs ever!  
we love serving all these women and guiding them as they create alongside their new friends.
somehow i have no photos this past month of all the YUM-O food she prepared.
i was too busy shoveling it in my mouth apparently.
her meals are just the best…prepared so thoughtfully…taste so GOOD!
i am so grateful for everything she does at Craft Weekend.

but it's really too fun to be called work for us both!

what is your favorite part of craft weekend when you read about it?
i would LOVE to hear that!
happy monday!
 

Carolyn - What a special time both crafy and in friendship! I just love all the colorful pictures. What a sweet ministry you have there. I follow you on Instagram but didn’t put it together until now! I feel so inspired to get crafty with some girlfriends. πŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn
http://www.sillyhappysweet.com

Sara - LOVE those ruffled aprons! Is there a tutorial somewhere for them??

Christine Ishmael - You know what Meagan? I love seeing the craft weekend pictures and always wish I’d been there but you know what stuck out most this time I viewed…EVERY woman you’ve ever had at the craft house have all been so beautiful…all different and unique but each and every one gorgeous…thanks for sharing – Christine

jennibell - I had an extra canvas laying around. . .one I did a background paint on *years* ago and never got around to finishing the project I had “planned”. . .so. . .we’re spending our Friday night making some art πŸ™‚ Thanks for the great idea!!

Amy M. - Every time there is a new Craft Weekend post, I feel like my heart just smiles. I love hearing how this is a ministry for you with people you love. It seriously just gives me joy to know that there are tons of people that seem to “get” what I love. Sometimes you can feel like you are alone on your on craft island. Thanks for the hope and joy and just fun it is to read your posts and see your photos. Oh…and dream about finding a vintage quilt for less than $20! Sweet! Thanks for all you!

Denise W - I am wondering how the picking for the craft weekend spaces goes? My daughter and I were on one of the very first lists and we would still love to come!!! Do the earlier waiting lists get entered for each draw with all the new ones each time? Thank you!

Stacey - Where did you gt your super cute gray boots? Would love to find a pair before winter ends!
I would love to come to a craft weekend, but honestly don’t think I am her crafty enough. Where do I find details on it, though?
You are such a neat person, love reading your blog!

tara - oh my goodness….my little girl looked at this post with me, and she asked why her room couldn’t be as colorful as your house.
think my next project might be getting some more color in her room.

Melissa Davis - I LOVE all the pictures of the craft house…gorgeous colors!

Anessa - Looks like another lovely craft weekend. Just wondering if you were ever planning to put some prints or pillows back in your shop? I would love a print of those paints or the gum ball machine or maybe that typewriter. Anyways, I love them all and hope you open up the shop again soon. πŸ™‚

Jacci in Ohio - My favorite thing about CW posts is your photos πŸ™‚ It’s fun sometimes to see it all through someone else’s lens… but, really, I always like *your* photos best. And although Instagrams are fun and quick to load… I like your big girl camera photos BEST best.
So, thanks for taking the time to shoot them, edit them, upload them, share them. They make me smile and they inspire me πŸ™‚

Laura - I always wonder how the ladies get their crafts and loot from the barn home? Most of them fly, so I was wondering if they ship the stuff home or pay for the extra suitcase to fly it home?

Monica - Love all of it. Love to hear about the food too! I hope I am still on the waiting list. Monica

Karen Gerstenberger - Meg, since you love globes and maps, do you think it might be fun to put push pins in one of them, with flags showing the name & home of each person who has come to Craft Weekend? xoxo

Janna - IT”S ALL my fav!!! But I mostly love to see all the decor in the craft house;) You have my DREAM job! I want to come someday!

Stephanie Talty - Thank you for sharing the Craft Weekend photos with all of us!
I look forward to seeing them each and every time and they amaze me!
The Craft Weekend house has to be like Disney Land for adults!!
It simply looks like the most magical place on Earth.

Jenn - I love seeing the faces of the lucky ladies that get to attend and where they are from. I’ve got to tell you, last month I had a dream that I was selected to attend and I was so excited that I final was going to get to see the third floor of the craft house. Crazy, huh?!

Amy @ Fig Milkshakes - *Squeal*. I feel it takes quite a bit to make me feel jealous – but… JEAAAAaaaAAlouS! What fun ladies! Thanks for the inspiration, I feel like working on my craft room today…

Angela - I love the aprons every time! I can’t ever choose a favorite either. πŸ™‚ And I love seeing pictures of all the Craft House nooks and crannies… what a special place!

shar y - I love them all, but I do love looking at the house photos and all of the crafts ready to go! I also love looking at Kim’s food so missed those this time. The whole thing looks great and so much fun!

Lisa - My favorite thing about this craft weekend’s post is that AWESOME piece of post office furniture! Don’t paint it! It couldn’t be more beautiful than it is right now. All those little nooks filled with colorful ribbons and things. that picture just melted me. Of course, then I saw the picture of those cute button bracelets. Your life must be so satisfying, sharing all that creativity with others and creating such beautiful art of all kinds. sigh…….

Gretchen - Just when I thought I had an original idea … haha! Can you believe that I posted about my geometric art YESTERDAY?! So funny! Great minds think alike! πŸ˜‰ http://neweveryam.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-canvas-geometric-art.html

Melissa - Your craft weekends always look like so much fun! how often do you host them?

Amber - I don’t know if it’s my favorite or my least favorite part when I see things I NEED to own in the background of pictures from Bearly Makin’ It and have to debate the 90 minute drive to pick up something my husband will give me the side eye over.

Southern Gal - I have some empty canvases, I now know what I’m going to do with them! Beautiful.
I love that supply holding piece of furniture. Wow. My daddy worked with the railroad and had a ticket cabinet that I so with I had kept. I think he ended up selling the thing years ago. Bummer.
And I just told my husband and son yesterday that I want a roll up map to put over the chalkboard in our kitchen where we do school most days. Where did you find it?

Heather Crawford - Wondering what letter stamps those are that you used for the lettered signs…all the crafts you made this time are AWESOME!

Georgia - I tried lindseys tutorial and I just cant get the circles to overlap equally lol ahhh if at first you dont succeed….
Georgia x

Su@TheIntentionalHome - My favorite photos is order are
1. pics of the craft house all decorated and ready for guests
2. crafts ya’ll made
3. what everyone bought at the barn
so are those bunting with pom pom fringe next to the pillows in your shop?

Angie - I love your Craft Weekend posts! It always looks like so much fun. I want to be there and create all those amazing projects. I love all of them this time, not sure which is my favorite. Maybe the aprons, they are darling!!!

beckyk - My husband and I live in Scotland but go to Kansas City a couple of times a year and in December we made a trip out to visit friends in Salina. I couldn’t believe he said yes when I asked if we could drive via Marion on the way and visit Bearly Makin’ It and the Barn! It was so fun! The lady there was super sweet and said you had another trip planned for January. Would have been funny to run into you there!

Lisa - Definitely the photos of the charming, magical playhouse for adults! I savor each one! This is such a fairy tale accomplishment for you and Kimberly. See everyone, dreams do come true πŸ˜‰

cheryl @ a pretty cool life. - I really love the pics of your house. So bright and happy!

Jennifer - seeing the barn and your home so beautifully decorated are my faves. that house looks like the coziest get-away. yes, you guys really have a great job! πŸ™‚

Suzy - I love to hear about it ALL! And I love every.single.photo! I look forward to this post every month! I can’t wait until my name is picked! Every time I see your pics of CRAFT WEEKEND it reminds me of the saying “Do What You Love!”.

Valerie - Oh geesh I just saw that I mispelled rolls…not roles, silly me!!!

Valerie - Wishing that one day I will be able to make one of those gorgeous aprons and eat Kimberlee’s cinammon roles πŸ˜‰

Lisa M. - i always love seeing all the finished aprons. All that beautiful fabric! And I love looking at the Craft House too πŸ™‚
And I loved seeing the fabric bracelets. So cool! Thanks for sharing.

Momof2 - Love all the pictures!! But my favorites are the crafts that were chosen and what people got at the barn. And then dreaming about what I will get at the Barn when I am chosen to come, ha!! : )

emily - 110% Amazing! So much happiness!

Tiffany - So fun seeing that house again! And all those women you get to bless… lucky them! Glad you and Kimberlee got a nice pic together this time. (Opposed to the SUPER windy one from November.)
I used to love seeing all of the different creative crafts. I still enjoy that, but now I love seeing your smiling faces even more!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’m all atwitter.
(LOVE those canvases!!!)

tinaehb3 - looks like another successful weekend πŸ™‚

Jen - Glad you’re home safe.
LOVE your pictures!
FYI…I’ve decided I’m moving into the craft house.

Cindy - It would be a cool idea to have each of your guests mark where they live on your world map! πŸ™‚

Heather Simnitt - Reading about craft weekend makes me wish I was a crafty girl. For real. I love the idea of crafting, but whenever I begin something with my girls I find myself wishing I was just *done.* What’s up with that? So…looking at craft weekend photos makes me feel like I experienced a little crafting and I get to see the end product right away!
Oh – and drooling over all of the bright colors! *LOVE*

dee - I have been following your blog for awhile and you never cease to amaze me.You inspire me to be a better person with all that you do and love- dee x

steph - i love seeing what everyone gets from their antique hunting!
and the aprons are always so awesome to see!
the best part for me though?
definitely that i get to BE THERE in less than 2 weeks doing the same thing!!!!
yipppeeee!

jenrobburton - I definitely think the color and the happiness shows through in the CW photos. And I’m always jealous of the finds at the antique shops.
I would NEVER paint that post office desk. It has such a lovely patina from years of use. And all your craft supplies just pop against the wood.
Glad you made it home safely.

Charly - This is like my third, maybe fourth time to look at them. I love them all! It was an amazing weekend! Now to send a link of the blog to my family and friends…to show off my five minutes of crafting fame!

happygirl - Welcome home. Talk about getting back into the swing of things without taking a beat. You ROCK!

gale - It was the most fun I’ve had in a LONG time – so glad I got to go – and I would go again in a minute!! πŸ™‚ I loved it all – and thanks for the pictures and post! It’s fun to relive the weekend πŸ™‚

elma - Sigh…… I just LOVE LOVE LOVE those aprons!!!! I so love seeing all the pictures!!!
I would LOVE to come some day!!

Melyssa - I love to see the craft house and The Barn! Also love hearing about how the groups differ. I have my fingers crossed that some day my name will come up and I’ll have enough $$ squirreled away to have the best weekend ever!

Lacy - My favorite part is seeing all the color. Seriously, that much color just can’t help but make a person happy! I also really like the different finds people snag at the barn and the other antique shops. I’m on the list and hope to come someday!
I know you’ve answered many questions before but, I’m curious, how far in advance do you let people know they have been chosen?
Thanks for sharing your “work!”

Kate - You guys are so beautiful! What a very, very happy place – YAY!
Did you know that I didn’t get to go to GoPro πŸ™ I broke my elbow – super awesome, huh?
So glad Wendy got to come to the Craft House! I bet she had an awesome time!

Tiffany - My favorite part is the colors & fabrics, and mostly happy (non quarreling) women. Yay! Joy’s project was especially nice to see, the different interpretations from the women. In this “episode”, I really liked the postal desk, every craft piece looks so happy and and the Katie Daisy print – beautiful. You guys do have pretty fun jobs!

Katey Deasy - Welcome home. Glad you made it safely. Can’t wait to read about THAT. I love seeing what everyone bought at the barn! I love seeing the house all set up ready for your guest. One day it will be and my mom you will be waiting on. One day. Thanks for sharing with such enthusiasm.

Tanya - It just feels like a vacay when I get to look at the pics. They’re like my sunny Vitamin D in the dreary winter πŸ˜€

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haiti…

i am still here in Port-au-Prince.
we have had a really great time so far.
we met with 7 stove vendors yesterday in their homes or shops.
i loved that!

i will post more about it in a few days but for now here are a few pictures from today…. 

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OH….and how amazing my readers are!!

we raised $6230!!!!!!!!!!!!

that is so CRAZY awesome.

i love it.

NOW…. go over to The Adventure Project Blog and read WHO won the trip to Haiti.

it was exciting to make the video….GO WATCH.

 

i am having a Haitian beer and chillin' with the team before we head home tomorrow.

more photos soon….

bye.

 

:) 

 

 

Ari - A friend just showed my your blog! It looks like we were in Haiti at the same time a few weeks ago. Small world. I’m trying to help some friends buy a house in Haiti, so please share this if you are able to. Thank you! reamteaminhaiti.blogspot.com

misty - all I can say is, “WOW!!”
my friend Traci Ward is adopting twins from Haiti & she blogs about it over at thewardfamilycircus.blogspot.com
she is such an amazing person & because of her I have felt such an attachment to Haiti & the NEED to help.
Love this post meg!

Jess - Ahhh!..Your pics take me back to my trip almost two years ago. Would love to go back some day and see the people again. The people of Haiti just grab your heart and never let go. I’m glad you got to go! Your pics are beautiful!

Susan - Great photos. Made my 4th trip to Haiti in November. God bless you as you travel, and as you meet new friends in Haiti. They will capture your heart. Enjoy your Prestige! Bondye beni ou.

Jacci - hugs, sweetie πŸ™‚

ira lee - digicel tents, tap taps, small closets called ‘banks’, the most amazing mountians, trees, and oceans, and BEAUTIFUL children everywhere! makes me miss it so much. as soon as i saw these pictures i was immediately taken back- bad smells and all! lol

Sarah@ This Farm Family's Life - I cannot wait to hear all about this trip and see all your photos!

Kayla - Okay, those 2 precious kids on the right are just cracking me up. Especially the sassy little girl with her hand on her hip!!!

mollie's mom - Oh. my. goodness. Haiti. Your pictures take me back. They look so much like the hundreds I took that it is crazy. Cannot wait to hear all about your trip. I can’t wait to go back!!
It’s so hard to leave there. I’ve only met one person in all the people I know who have traveled to Haiti with NPO’s or church groups that doesn’t want to go back – Haiti and it’s people grab your heart!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - That picture of the school kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristin S - Meg, these are beautiful!

Tiffany - Awesome. I wish I could carry a basket on my head AND look that good!

Kimberlee Jost - Beautiful photos.
The one that struck me straight to my heart was the Unicare building.
Can’t wait to hear more from you.

Janelle - Wow! Whenever you have a chance would you mind posting about how this opportunity for you came about? I would love the opportunity to help somewhere someday…and would also love to have my children involved too…but I don’t know how to go about planning/making arrangements/fundraising, etc. Thanks πŸ™‚

Heidi Jo the Artist - Amazing photos, thanks for sharing! Praying for your and the others safe return. πŸ™‚

happygirl - You are an amazing woman. God bless you, friend. And thanks for the pics.

Amy - I love Haiti…got to go in 1996…looks the same…beautiful!!

Tiffany Clark - So glad you’re having a great experience! I’ve been thinking of you often!

Christy - Glad you are having an amazi time! You should try to check out The Apparent Project . (16 Rue Cassagnol Prolongee,
Delmas 75 Port au Prince) they train women to make jewelry and other products to sell so that they can support themselves and their families. It’s a great organization and their products are beautiful!

Alicia @ La Famille - that is just so cool!! have a great trip and be safe. my friend’s daughter and her new hubby are living there right now as missionaries.

Marie Tere - You are such an inspiration and are doing amazing work. Those you touch are blessed. Safe travels home. Xoxo Tere

tonya - what a cool experience! a group from topeka is there now with the haiti lifeline ministries…one of my good friends is meeting her son and daughter for the first time and is hoping they’ll be home by christmas!

Dawn G - So awesome!

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winter sunset

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it has been reeeeally cold here but then suddenly there will be a 65 degree afternoon here and there.
this was one of those.
sometimes you have to rush out and soak up as much of it as you can.
(squeezing that inbetween laundry and dinner prep and everything else)
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talby went out just as the sun was setting and shouted for me to come see her flip she has perfected.
she has worked for years on it!
woo-hoo!!
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as soon as the trampoline springs start squeaking the neighbor dogs show up in our yard.
they love my little girls.

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talby pretends she has a ball and they wait and wait for her to throw it.
she and annie play with them a LOT!

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so silly.

as we were taking these pictures craig pulled up from work.
that is my favorite part of the day.
all my people under one roof for the night…. yes.

 

the stoves are still being sponsored!!
YOU are AWESOME!

we only need 15 more stoves to reach $5000!! 

that is totally doable in three days!

it's INCREDIBLE that it's up so high already!

you guys are the best best best! 

i am dying to see one of these stoves in real life and be able to share my stories from Haiti!!

the more i read about Haiti… the more i am falling in love.

FIFTEEN STOVES.

three days.

be a SUPER STAR today! let's make a difference!

we can change things in the world!
WE CAN!
we can change children dying from toxic smoke…. we can.
 

SPONSOR A STOVE CLICK HERE.

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ok….i have crazy long list to check off today.
all the last minute things that i need to pack and have copies of, etc.
i made two more freezer meals last night and two more this morning.
i am feeling prepared i think.

we will see how i feel tonight…. yikes.

 

 

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Better late than never. πŸ˜‰
Praying for you!!!!

nomart5 - Has anyone bought stoves in Olathe, CO? I really want to buy one, but I don’t know where to go. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Laura Mastropaolo - Hello Meg! My name is Laura, and I have enjoyed your blog for several years.
I want to thank you for your support of Haiti! You see, my husband and I are the adoptive parents of an awesome Haitian boy. He was a restavek (child slave) until age 3 or 4 (no one knows exactly how old our son is…) – when a missionary saw him being auctioned at the slave market. She did the only thing she could think of to save him – SHE BOUGHT HIM FOR $60! Then, our son lived in an orphanage in P-a-P for 4 years until he was able to join our family on December 29, 2005.
May I ask where in Haiti you are traveling? In particular – will you be in Port-au-Prince for any extended period?
Like many others, our community of Haitian adoptive families was heart-broken by the catastrophic earthquake of 2 years ago. You see, most Haitian children in orphanages are not “orphans” in the sense we understand. In many cases, their families released them to the orphanage because they cannot care for them. Thus, many of our children have family in Haiti that we have been unable to find proof of life since the catastrophe.
If you will be in P-a-P, could circulate several names for our family in the off chance that someone you are networking with would have any word?
Our son’s Haitian name is Castera Charles. His Haitian father in Gerard Charles, Haitian mother is Michlene, older brother (approx. 22 years old) Emmanuel Charles, younger sisters – Alexandra, Geralda, and Juanna. The girls would now be between the ages of 8-12.
I know this seems such a strange request – but word-of-mouth is the only way we will ever be able to find if they survived. Through just such a connection, we have been able to find his baby sister, Nika. (If you ever want to hear that story of God at work – I would love to share at some time!) If you or any of your readers have any questions, please feel free to email me at: laura.mastropaolo@gmail.com
Thank you and Bless you…
Laura

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Tomorrow is pay day. That’s what I’m saying. πŸ™‚
When are you leaving for your trip? Are you already gone? Yes, these are rhetorical questions.
I will be praying!

Lisa - So very excited for you to go on this trip! Will be praying for safety. And these pics are beautiful. πŸ™‚

Nikki Gamon - I am feeling down tonight after hearing some sad news. I read your post and donated a stove as an act of hope tonight. Thank you for all you share on your blog Meg and thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Tracy Fisher - I am very proud of you and your adventure. Blessings as you travel. -tracy

Lisa M. - Girl, why are you running in 17 degree weather when you are having 65 degree afternoons?? πŸ™‚
Awesome pics of the dogs.

Tiffany - Amazing pictures. Talented Talby. Cute dogs. Awesome you. Such a good mom… providing for your family even while you’ll be gone. I love hearing the garage door open too, telling me my hubby is home. Famiy together is the best. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for this adventure!

Terrie - Love how you make me feel like a Super Star…
said in my best SNL Mary Katherine Gallagher voice…
of course, complete with actions!!
I’m loving those warmer days!
Just filled my freezer with meals last Saturday…
love coming home to a home-cooked meal during tax season…
especially when I hadn’t planned on working full time! LOL!!
Hugs to you on the loss of your grandma…and have a great time in Haiti!!!
Take LOTS of pictures!! πŸ™‚

Lennie Jackson - I will pray for safe travels for you. I am sure you are emotional right now. It’s a big deal!!! Enjoy it and soak it up then come home and tell us all about it!

Danielle F. - Prayers for a SAFE trip! πŸ™‚

Sarah - The story about the dogs is adorable. Fun that they come to visit. They’re super cute. Great cause with the stoves too! Excited to make a difference.

Kari - And I posted it on my business Facebook page so hopefully you will get some more purchases πŸ™‚

Kari - I just bought a stove – what a great cause!

kate - my girls love doing flips on the trampoline too! my oldest does backflips now… if only she could do them on the ground for cheerleading though!

Alicia @ La Famille - cute puppies πŸ™‚ i think you need a couple of your own!

Trysha - Nice neighbor dogs are the best. The joy of playing with a dog with none of the clean up. Our dogs would never allow another dog to play with their boys…Waffle must be tolerant. πŸ™‚

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wowza!

well…. how awesome are you?

i was not sure i could meet my goal of 50 stoves…$1000.

and as of NOW we have raised $4230 and sponsored 211 stoves.

THAT IS SO AWESOME!!!

 

let's keep this momentum going! 

πŸ™‚

we have five more days…. let's hit $5000!!!!!  i bet we can!!

thank you to everyone who gave so far!
the adventure project thinks you are so cool. 

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this fake commercial was on Saturday Night Live last week.
i thought it was very funny….

 

also The Lumineers were on!!!!
they were so so SO goooooooood!
did you see it?
you should go over here and watch  and then watch this one too!
they are pretty dreamy to listen to. 

 

i meant to have my craft weekend post up and ready today.
but it's not gonna happen.
i have been so busy….very happily busy… all good stuff.

how about some instagrams from the past week-ish?  

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annie loves to go to the thrift store with me.
i told her she could pick one thing only….. i wish she would have chosen that couch!
instead we came home with that valentines bear from 2006.
i know it's 2006 because that is what is on the bear's foot.

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my favorite mug.

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kimberlee's coffee cake….it was totally delicious.

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many monrings look like this over here.

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i went back to the mall last week and the gold shoes
that were completely covered in gold glitter were 70% off!  
score. 

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annie shouted "MOM pleeeeeease can i get one of these?! They are only $39.99!!"

only???

 

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ran five miles by myself…. well, me and the avett brothers and mumford & sons.

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tulips.
they are so nice on the eyes.

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talby found these in the bathroom and wanted to know WHY? 
Why do we have them? Whose are they? What are they for? Where did they come from?

(they are a mold of craig's teeth…fascinating right?)

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a vase of dr.seussy flowers were sunny and nice during this FREEZING week we have had.
 
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so cold.
going running in this cold weather is quite something.
frozen thighs no matter how far we go.
but the reward will be endurance when the weather improves…. right?
i hope so.

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i love this breakfast.
cutie…greek yogurt… granola… coffee with LOTS of half & half.

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cleaning at the craft house is always pretty decent because it's all so pretty to see.

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i steal my husband's socks for cold running…. they are just better.

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on friday we did our run and then gathered at my friend's house and helped her prepare 25 meals for her freezer as a birthday gift to her.  :)
the gift was helping it get accomplished.
she is super organized so we did what we were told and it all worked out great!
that is my favorite way to cook… "just tell me what to do"

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i chopped and chopped and chopped.

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then i put together calzones.
it was a lot of work but so worth it!  it's a GENIUS way to cook meals.

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saturday morning i snuck in some time under a blanket with coffee and my book.
the sun came up and became too much for me sit there anymore.
but i will take that sunshine anytime!
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i took sean to his basketball tournament for the day… just the two of us.
he had three games and i really enjoyed it all.
it has been SO MUCH fun to watch my kids improve in their sports this year.

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after sean's three games we went to scott's game at our old high school gym!
it was very surreal to be there as a grown up… as a parent… of a HIGH SCHOOLER?!
so weird.
and lots of the same people sitting or standing in the same place they did when i was in high school?!!

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i am reading The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out.  

it's wordy but so far it's reeeeeally good.

"for grace proclaims the awesome truth that all is gift"


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sunday night swimming…. yes please.
craig and sean spent almost the whole time wrestling.
why do boys do that so much?

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talby organized all annie's babies for her so annie had to feed them all before going to bed herself.

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and this morning…. we ran 6.17 miles in 17 degrees.
it was HARD.
but it's done. THANK GOODNESS!

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then we met AGAIN but this time at the craft house and we made freezer to crock pot meals!
we made 6 recipes all together and bagged them in freezer ziploc bags!
awesome.

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touching all that raw meat all day was kinda gross but i think we will all happily eat it.

i will definitely blog the recipes we tried and show more pics of that soon!
i honestly can't wait to do it again!

and now i am stinkin' tired.

i am going to bed.

 

thanks again for the stove sponsors!!!

Securedownload

you are RAD!

if you haven't given yet and you want to… CLICK HERE  and it will tell you how.
it couldn't be easier.

 

Jaime Melcher - Will you share the 25 meals for the freezer with us? I would love to do something like this… just tell me what to do! πŸ™‚ Smiles!

tinaehb3 - the commercial is hysterical!!!!!!

jennibell - Your Annie and my Margaret would get along so well!!! She always picks out stuffed animals or some other gross thing like that at thrift stores but I say “no”. . .it has to be something that can be washed without falling apart — ha! And she would completely want to help Annie feed all those babies too πŸ™‚ Yea on the stoves and double-yea on the running in 17 degrees. . .I.could.never.
And we’ll have our first high-schooler next year. . .wow.

Angie - How in the world do you manage to accomplish so much? There are so many awesome things in this post I don’t even know what to comment on. What I do know is that Freezer Cooking is awesome. I wish I could find the time & dedication to do it!!!

Lennie Jackson - Love the couch also! I bought a stove :). Hope you surpass your goal!!! Way to carry out God’s work a little at a time.

denise@victory rd. - snl clip is hilarious.
want your polka dotted.
it’s too cold to run (and i live in cali. wimp).
ragmauffin words, so so good. i don’t deserve Him and His love either.

Tracy - Congrats on the stove donations!!
Can’t wait to hear about the crockpot meals!!!

amanda - Woot! It’s amazing what people with a purpose can accomplish!

Lisa - Freezer to crockpot meals sound awesome – totally what this working-outside-the-home mama needs. Can’t wait to hear more about it! πŸ™‚

Erika - I LOVE your blog and look forward to reading it every day!!!! This is my first time posting. I am amazed and so proud of you for running in the cold…brrr!!! I also would love to know the freezer to crockpot meals and what the other meals your friend organized for you guys to make for her birthday. What a fantastic idea!!!!
Erika
essvedy@aol.com

susan - Love all the pictures, Meg! I have to tell you that I went to Ikea this weekend and saw that tray and thought of you! I almost bought it, but got the long rectangle with rainbow dots instead.

Lisa M. - That’s awesome about the stoves! Great job!
And you ran in 17 degree weather?? I’ve stopped running outside at the moment cuz it’s reeeeaaallly cold (1 degree today) and I don’t know if I’d make it. My problem is clothing. I always start out really cold then half way through I’m taking off gloves, my hat and wishing I could shed some clothes! I think I might have just been inspired to go out (no, not in 1 degree). Maybe when it gets above 20 πŸ™‚

Lisa - Wowza is right!!! So awesome how many stoves were bought!

Jenny B. - So fun! One random question… Do you like your new rainbow knives? πŸ™‚

Janna - CONGRATS!! AWESOME!!! On the stoves AND the running;) Had to comment and say hey! that’s my fav mug too;) Is it a RE mug from Target? I just got one at Goodwill a few weeks ago, same color, and it’s my new fav! Your flowers look so yum. Makes me wanna go buy some. And I just printed off 19 recipes to double and a groc list from pinterest to do freezer to crockpot meals. Can’t wait. I LOVE your idea of doing it with friends for their bday.Genius! Also I am so in love with the Craft House and CW I can hardly stand it. I am 34 now and told my best friend that is what we are gonna be doin in ten years. Sounds like the BEYOND DREAM JOB!! I hope her and I can come to a CW before ten years tho. YOU ROCK!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I am blown straight away that you ran 6.something miles in 17 degrees. I mean…Superwoman. I ran 1.1 mile in the warmth of my basement and thought I might die. And I walked half of it.
Also: The stoves!!!!!!!!!!!!! woop woop!

Tiffany - I’m so happy for you with the success of the stoves! See the difference you make?! Amazing! YOU rock!

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