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September 29, 2012

wow….you peeps know how to ask some big qustions!!
i will answer them….most of them.
i started on a post but for now here is my instagram this week.
🙂

read this in The Message translation this week.
Get on with it!
Do it!

finally got a red cardi from Old navy…it's hard find a good red.
i like it.

i saw this and thought "i wish i had somewhere to take my lunch"
ha.
it was cute.

more volleyball games.

IMG_20120926_095129
driving out to my friend kerry's for the morning.
feeling sassy with my favorite big mug from World Market.

and this is what my truck looked like when i got back from kerry's….
dirt roads after rain is messy.

my four youngest kids ride the same bus to school everyday and it makes me happy.
i like to listen to them talk to each other (when they are being nice) in the driveway so early in the morning.
i overheard annie say "tell me when the bus is coming…i'm just gonna dance"
and she did.
in the middle of the road.

IMG_20120927_082256
i showed up to run with my friend and this giant vulture was at her back door.
it would not leave….it was so bizarre!
it was there ALL day!!
she called animal control and they told her
"our large bird specialist is out for the day. let us know if it's still there tomorrow"
so she had that looking into her house all day.

IMG_20120927_123057
i ate lunch with annie at school on thursday.
she loves it because i bring pizza hut. :)

double cheesecake making happened on thursday.
one for mr. duerksen and one for my friend's 40th birthday.

my girls i run with and i stayed up super late celebrating her 40th at the craft house.
and i got some fun gifts too.
those girls are so thoughtful.

happy birthday ang!

happy birthday to me.

then we had a sleepover!!

we started our spa day the next morning that we have been planning all year!

first stop starbies.

next stop… facials at spa #1.

cute sign.

after our facials we walked out and saw a rack of really fun scarves.
and we each got one!
everyone had a different one that looked so perfect for them.

lunch at Tanya's Soup Kitchen.
yummm.

did a little shopping…. hoped for this shirt someday.
because my running buddies and i committed to a half marathon in 2013!!
oy veh.
i am nerrrrvous.

we went to spa #2 for massages.
(the 1st spa could only get us in for facials & the 2nd spa could only get us in for massage)

it was sooooo relaxing.
we all felt so good.
best way to spend a birthday!!

out to dinner…looking refreshed and glowing!

enjoyed drinks & fabulous grown up conversation over steak and glazed carrots at Red Rock.
i love those girls.
(so much that i would agree to a half marathon with them…crazy)
we stayed out past midnight…soaking up the whole evening….drawing out the birthday celebrationas long as possible.

it was right back to reality early this morning.
soccer and soccer.

but i stayed warm in my new scarf and with a cup of hot coffee.
and of course my petal pusher from the pleated poppy makes everything cute!
:)

are you on instagram?
i am @ meg duerksen if you want to follow me.
i love it….maybe a little too much.

ok…i will be answering questions next week.
and looking forward to it!!

happy weekend to you.

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Victoria - Happy birthday! Looks like you have a fabulous weekend. How blessed you are to have such great girlfriends.
Love those little quilts you found – can’t believe the price!
I don’t say it much but I love your blog and all the happy colors. 🙂

Lisa M. - I do not Instagram. I have the app on my phone and have never opened it. Why? It scares me. I use my Hipstamatic app ALOT and love the pictures it gives me, but I guess I’ll have to take some time and venture into Instagram land.
Love the new scarf and the petal pusher. Pretty 🙂

Katey Deasy - What an amazing birthday! I love the grown up spend the night party!! And Annie dancing! so special to hear that. Happy Birthday.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Think I could insty with my flip phone???

sharla - I loved that annie danced while waiting for the bus:)

Holly - Happy Birthday Meg! Looks like yall had a great weekend!

Tonya - Happy Birthday. is there a way to follow you on Pintrest?

Kori - Holy cow! The vulture ‘segment’ made me laugh out loud! Definitely creepy, but definitely funny!! 🙂

Joanne B - Happy Birthday Meg, sounds like you had a fabulous time!!

Lana - I bought the same red cardi from ON and I love it! That is all. 🙂

Jen - Happy Birthday, Megan! The out to dinner pic of the 4 of you = beautiful! Y’all looked great!

melissa @jonahbonah - i was totaly going to say you girls looked so refreshed. good for you having a girls day out. you’re blessed to have such great girlfriends!

mama lola - happy birthday!
love the pics! and, um, that vulture looks HUGE & SCARY!

Jeannine - Happy Birthday Meg! 🙂

Angie P - We have the Lunch Blox and they are completely awesome! Maybe you could get them for packing snacks to games??? 🙂

Janelle - You need to tell us where you found those fabulous afghans in Wednesday’s post!!!

Krista - All right, this has nothing to do with anything, but I was looking at your pictures and I thought “Meg has the most beautiful skin…” So, when you’re in your question-answering mode, can you please share what your skin care regimen is?

Terrie - I love seeing your pics on Instagram! I <3 it too!!
And she can't seriously be 40?!!! Holy COW! I'm uber old!!!
Please tell her belated Happy B-Day from me!!
Hope you have a great b-day too!!
Love your new scarf...and lucky girls to have a spa day
and get to spend the day together...not much better gift than friendship!
Hugs!!

Wendy - ~~ HaPpY bIrThDaY mEg! ~~

Leonie - Happy birthday” I would love to find you on pinterest…… Any chance you could share that too x

melissahoop88 - I have the Rubbermaid lunch blox and I LOVE it. It even has it’s own ice pack that just snaps in.
I also love your IG pics. I look forward to the fun things you find at different thrift stores. 🙂

Susan - Sounds like wonderful girl time! Happy birthday!

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monday….you are alright.

September 24, 2012

well….we packed it in this weekend again.

our saturday was ridiculous becasue of sports but it keeps us together and busy.
and that's alright with me most of the time.

annie had a soccer game first.
she was a wild woman out there!

then after annie's game we went across the street to Talby's soccer game.
it was pretty chilly….we were all wrapped up in blankets.

talby is on the far right….with all the legs.
her field was WAY bigger than annie's so it was hard to get a good picture.
so that's all i have.

then we got in the car, changed from shinguards to knee pads, drove 8 miles to talby's volleyball game.

IMG_7005-6

she did great!
she's been working on her serving and it showed.

then we went home and i vegged out for awhile on pinterest.
because…that's what you do when you are tired and feel like there is a lot going on…. right???
it's what i do.

we headed out to Lauren's volleyball tournament but we were early so we went to the thrift shop real quick.
SCORE!!!

total price for both cute little quilts that will be perfect for soccer games…$2.50.

HA.
thanks mom for spotting them.

i drove through sonic because it was happy hour and….it was HAPPY HOUR.

we went to Lauren's volleyball tournament.

had already played three games by this time but i was at the other kids' games.
so now we settled in for three more games.

it gets long waiting at games…

she played so well.
they are really fun to watch…so competitive.

we ate a late dinner outside and it was COLD.
fall has definitely arrived in kansas.
and i love it….jeans and cardis are my favorite to wear so this week is perfect weather.

since it was cold we made a campfire by the barn.

my mom was visiting.
and waffle is so good when he wants your food.
sits like a gentlemen…waits so nicely.

we called out "bed time!" and headed to the house.
the girls had to do a few tricks on the trampoline quickly (stalling bedtime)
trampoline jumping at night is awesome with flash photography. :)

and that was our saturday.

filled to the brim.

i got a great run in this morning…we even had a tagalong CUTE baby in a stroller.
she never made a peep.
it's so fun when all the girls are there.
it's been a month since we have all been together!
crazy.

so…what about you?
how did your weekend go?

please tell me you at least got to do ONE thing fun that was just for you.

🙂

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Sarah - I love how that baby is looking at you in that last pic! So cute. You have the same kind of weekends we have here…I am ready for a breather!

Jeannine - I spent as long as I could cuddling my 6 week old daughter.
When my husband wasn’t stealing her for cuddles of his own, that is 🙂

Jen - Love your weekend photos, Meg. Looks like fun! Here in OH we…watched our 5-year-old daughter score her first soccer goal!, flew kites, took our dog for a long walk, sidewalk chalked it up, went to church, and RELAXED. I was exhausted two Sunday nights in a row and I MADE myself slow down this weekend and it worked. I have more energy so far this week. I actually laid down and rested for an hour on Sat. afternoon. Ahhh…
Pinterest – yes. I made a new recipe last night from Pinterest. A yummy pork recipe.

Alice H - We were busy with football games and friends being over at the house. BUT I did sneak out Sunday morning when my baby, ok 2.5 year old, was napping and I went and saw Trouble with the Curve all by myself!! I cried. Great movie. Then Sunday I took all 3 of my kids to Ray Harrell Nature Park so we could be outside in the amazing weather. Then we went to dinner and then to another park to play. It is so funny when my older 2, Emilee 13 and Zackary 11, enjoy playing at the park with Colton, my 2.5 year old.

Jenny wells - Well I learned a VERY hard lesson on my way to work about stray kittens and warm engines….always check your car!! My day turned around despite having to work because I am a NICU RN and got to be in the delivery room and “catch ” a baby during a quad delivery. Pretty exciting and little baby “a” is doing just fine so it sure made
My kitten nightmare on te way there a lot better!!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I want to jump inside that farmhouse and stay a while.
Our weekend? We kept a tiny baby overnight on Saturday, then returned her home Sunday and picked up two tiny baby TWINS. Baby Mania.

Lisa - Your oldest has hops! 🙂
That first picture of Annie’s face is
awesome!
We had our 5 yr olds soccer game
on Saturday… Nothing cuter then
a bunch of 5 yr olds playing soccer!
And our 9 yr old’s first flag football
game.
We have 4 kids and I am just
starting to see how busy we will be
once they all have practices and games.

Michelle From Australia - I finished researching the last of our USA trip accommodation and booked it in. Lake Tahoe, Monterey, Cambria and Santa Monica. All done and dusted. Maybe I can work in Kansas on our next trip?

Valerie @ Chateau Ala Mode - Your busy weekends bring back memories to me. Mine aren’t as filled up as they used to be anymore as my kids are getting to be young adults. There’s good and bad to that. I did get to spend my whole Sunday afternoon and evening watching the red carpet arrivals for the Emmy Awards…that’s my thing. Watching all the glamour and prettiness. Wishing I had a beautiful dress to where somewhere 😉 Have a great week.

Tiffany - I love those quilts! My Grandmas made block quilts like that often, and we still have several of them. Made from fabric from clothing my grandparents had. (In the time of not wanting to waste a thing.) It’s fun to think of the stories those blankets hold. As for one thing for me this weekend… I watched the latest episode of Project Runway after the kids were in bed Friday night. 🙂

Tracy Fisher - i had something removed from the back of my leg… alone…. in a dr’s office… laying on my tummy… waiting patiently for the dr. to come in… i almost fell asleep. haha…i will take alone time wherever i can get it… pathetic?… sure…. but that’s a mom for you :). tracy

sue - My Hubby and i brewed beer all week end. It was fun .

Kristin S - I just re-read my comment and it sounds really snarky and sassy. That isn’t how I intended at all!
I love all your family fun/sports/hang out/real life stuff. Makes me thankful for all my friends growing up and a bit sad I didn’t get a brother until I was 16.

Kristin S - Whew, I’m exhausted from reading that. 🙂 My mom needs to call and thank me for not being involved in sports past 6th grade.
Random: I seriously think you would have to pay me $1million to put on those volleyball shorts.

Tanya - We went to a small town Fall fair and had so much fun 🙂
Then we happened upon a crazy country bargain store where I scored a ton of giant Fall mums and pumpkins for really cheap! So happy!
Sunday night family dinner was at my mom’s and we ordered Chinese food.
Great weekend.

Loni - Busy busy! Glad I’m not alone. I did escape to enjoy a pedi with a fried.

Donna - The night time stuff looks like fun! You made me miss volleyball! I used to play in high school, one sport I was pretty good at! 🙂 It looks like they kicked butt!

Jenny B. - Oh, my goodness! So many games!! I can’t imagine. Talby is playing soccer AND volleyball?? No wonder she has Wonder Woman legs. You go, girl! 🙂
My weekend was quite the opposite of yours. My husband and I went to a B&B in Branson while our boys spent the weekend with grandparents. I hit all the flea markets in the old downtown area while he sat on a bench and read his library book. The weather was perfect, and we agreed it was an ideal afternoon for both of us. I found two globes and a vintage Fisher-Price Little People school house! Yay! FUN.
LOVE your thrift store quilts. I have an old quilt top that I need to figure out how to turn into a quilt. HA. 🙂

Chris - Hi Meg! I’m wondering what kind of lense you use on your camera. Thanks!!

J - We love bonfires at this time of year! Waffle looks like such a fun dog. I’d like to have a goldendoodle. My daughter, little granddaughter and I went to a nearby state park on Saturday. The leaves were gorgeous, we had fun being together and shared lots of laughter.

Julie - Let’s see we had varsity football Friday night where the senior and the freshman played side by side! So proud! And we they played so well and almost beat the #1 team in the state.
Saturday was a lot of waiting around for my husband to get home so I could run to Wichita by myself. Went to Penny’s and got some amazing deals for all the boys, including the husband. Didn’t even look at clothes for myself. Went to Dillon’s to pick up food for 18 yr old’s birthday dinner tomorrow night. I did stop at Sonic on my way home for a cherry lime Coke just for me! Rushed home to make supper.
Sunday was church, lunch out and then a nap while husband and oldest worked ground and drilled wheat.

Jenna@CallHerHappy - holy moly! that is a weekend 🙂 i got a nice looooong nap this weekend while hubs watched the babe. we’ve got another one cooking now, so i need sleep when i can get it!

Rach - Could you please (in your spare time) box up some of your lovely cold weather and the store that prices such beautiful quilts for such reasonable prices. We could use more of both of those out here in LA LA Land.
Thanks. 🙂

Cheryl E. - Ok, I’m so jealous (in a good way) of the $2.50 quilts! That’s just craziness!
Wish my weekend was a little more exciting. Husband was out of town (AGAIN) and all I did was run errands, clean and stop kids from bickering!

Debbie S. - Early? What does that even mean?! I don’t think we’ve ever been early to anything since we’ve had kids…definitely not early enough to have to kill time shopping 🙂 I’m impressed!!!

elisa - My family loves Waffle. It’s such a thrill to watch kids improve their game isn’t it?

Kate - So glad you had a great weekend! Those quilts are a HUGE score!

Momma of 4 - Your weekend sounds miserable! I am sorry if that sounds rude. I am admittedly not a Sports Momma. My son did soccer one year and it felt like we were at practices & games non-stop. He got the trophy & I swore- never again. I joked that I should’ve gotten the trophy for all of the running I did to get him there! HA! 😉 Guess my kids won’t be getting any sports scholarships! I used to be really busy at certain times of the year with my oldest really involved in musicals, the theatre and dance. I miss it sometimes but I’m really glad my husband pointed out what a hamster wheel we were on. This weekend, it was nice here, in the mid 70’s. We went to a drive-in theatre and saw “The Odd Life of Timothy Green”-awesome movie. Saturday morning, I went consignment shopping with my girlies and then we went to visit Grandpa and made him homemade chili. Sunday, we went to church and a Fall Festival. Nothing specifically for myself but lots of family stuff. Ours seemed non-stop, too.

jackie grandy - BTW, the Waffle updates crack me up and always bring a smile to my face.

jackie grandy - Hi Meg! I always love reading the weekend recaps. Weekends are crazy in our house as well with back to back soccer games, dance classes, birthday parties, it gets so exhausting. I was so exhausted from the chaos of last week that I actually fell asleep on the couch Friday evening at 7:45. How lame am I? I did do something for myself this weekend. I felt like I needed to get out and connect with nature, so I went on an amazing run in the redwoods, and it was blissful! Happy Monday!
xoxo,
Jackie

Lisa M. - You are busy…not that you don’t know that, right? 🙂 Unlike summer, our fall weekends seem to not be as busy. It’s our weeknights that are CRAZY!! But truthfully, I’d rather have that and be able to hang out on the weekends. I’ll savor that now, cuz I’m sure it’s just a phase 🙂 Love that you’re still running! I need to get my butt out there. Tonight. I’ve already decided tonight. I just wish I had a running partner like I do a lifting partner. It’s so much better when I’m held accountable.
Great post! I always look forward to reading them. Thanks for sharing!

Lee Ann - That makes me tired just reading it! 🙂 I ran a 10k with friends. Running with friends is so much better than running alone. I have a half marathon coming up – with friends. I keep waiting for you to do a half! You can do it!!!! Seriously! I’ve never come close to running 100 miles in a month! If you can do that you can run a half. Go Meg Go!!!! 🙂

roganne - gracious you are busy!! how do you schedule all of those events and keep everything organized? i can hardly remember what i went to the grocery store for! you are super mom!

Maria - craziness here too…3 soccer games and party planning madness for sunday’s pool party extravaganza…whew…i was ready for monday…but the weekend went by way too fast…boo.
as for time for myself…nada this weekend, but I did get in a nap or two, so I guess that counts right? maybe a manicure later this week will make up for it?

Jennifer - You really scored on those baby quilts from the thrift store…love them! We had a really nice and relaxing weekend. My in-laws traveled down to stay with us–it was so nice to have them in town for a visit. They were excited to meet our new little foster baby boy for the first time.
And, let’s see… I did treat myself to a salted caramel hot chocolate from Starbucks last week…yippee!
I love Fall weekends…already looking forward to next weekend. 😉
blessings,
jennifer

Sarah - love that lauren has her volleyball jersey tucked in- you don’t see a whole lot of modesty in volleyball these days. we spent our saturday relaxing (i didn’t even get dressed til noon!!)

Susan - We had a quiet weekend. A friend slept over Friday night and we hung out most of the day on Saturday. I am so jealous of your cold weather! Right now it’s 94 degrees here in Fort Worth, TX. My daughter would love to do volley ball but she’s 12 years old and 4’6″ and I’m afraid she’s a little short! All the girls who played volley ball when I was young were tall…maybe that’s a myth!

Whitney - This weekend was amazing for me! We got some great family time and that’s the best times! The weather has been absolutly perfect here!

seriously sassy mama - I work every weekend so I can be home with my girls. My time to myself is when I am driving to and from work.

happygirl - You are a busy mama. I can’t even imagine how you do all you do. Welcome to Monday. 🙂

janet @ ordinary mom - Wow! And I feel like two kids is enough when we do back to back jiu jitsu and dance on Mondays. You have a busy bunch.
I have been going through my pinterest pins and making a list of doable ideas for the next while. I want to do 1 thing a week if I can.
Here’s hoping. 🙂
Happy Monday.

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paint fight awesomeness!

September 19, 2012

a few weeks ago wendy & tyler of Blue Lily Photography came through kansas.

i had a paint fight with wendy and some friends at our GoPro reunion and wanted to try it with my family.
it was quite an experience.

it was the opposite of everything we have told them before.
which made it hard to accept your brother throwing paint right in your face.
or your mom!

but they caught on quickly.
and it got fun.
and super messy.

why do boys always have to tackle?

annie was overwhelmed.
she was probably about two years too young for this.
she had a really hard time with paint on her face, on her mouth and near her eyes.
it was a lot for a seven year old…she did great for what we put her through.

fyi….it was non-toxic washable tempra paint from hobby lobby.

tyler threw the last jar of paint on us all at the same time.

she hit her limit.

oh my goodness i sure do like that guy.

i told wendy i have always wanted pictures in the sunflowers.
🙂

i got my wish.
even better covered in paint.

we went to pick up pizza afterwards and annie was suddenly happy again.
she ran into the restaurant and pointed to herself and said "oh yeah!!!! OH YEAH!"
she is such a goofy little girl.
cracks me up ALL. DAY. LONG.
i chose to wait in the car for our pizza.

thank you Blue Lily for a super FUN way to do family pictures.
my kids will always remember it.

and i doubt we will ever do normal pictures again.
this was too fun.

have you gotten on the Blue Lily photo schedule?
they go all over the world.
seriously.
asia, coasta rica, new zealand, australia, holland, canada, london, NYC and all over the united states.
they even came through KANSAS!!!

yeah…it was only for an hour but still…they were here.

family pictures are a way to freeze time.
a special treasure of your kids staying that size in your mind forever.
because you never know what a gift those pictures will be….your family right now….just as we are.

what if it's the only ones you have?
that sounds a little dramatic but it's the truth.
capturing your family together is important.
even if it's in a field of weeds throwing paint on each other.

these are a gift.

thank you wendy & tyler so very much.

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Danielle - After seeing your post about the paint fight at the retreat I had my friend take pics of my family doing it! It was so much fun! They are actually younger 4&6 but it went really well, maybe because they are boys? I also did clear ketchup bottles intead so we could squirt each other! It worked great! Thanks for sharing a great idea!

betsy - Best. Family. Pictures. Ever!
Why did I tear up seeing all of your happy faces? That’s weird, right? Right.
Love the sunflowers & sun flare & all the bright colors.
Oh, and just for the record … I’d totally be crying with Annie. I won’t even carve pumpkins because I don’t like to get messy 🙂

Barbara (WA) - The coolest family portrait I’ve ever seen!!!

stacie bowers - you are an amazing and beautiful woman, meg!
i’m so glad i know you.
i hope our paths cross again someday.
these family pics are incredible!!
all seven of you will treasure them forever.
i totally agree with you in doing family pictures because life changes quickly.
much love, stacie

Courtney - I think this would be a DARLING Christmas card. We all need bright colors in the Winter 🙂 This would brighten anyones day! How fun!

Katey Deasy - Yes why do boys always have to tackle. Even my husband still gets in on the action. I don’t think they EVER grow out of it. Great photos. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see your older daughter. Been missing seeing her. She is so pretty.

Michelle - Your blog makes me smile 🙂

Lori - Oh my goodness, your eyes have always been so stunning. I remember Shane D. and I talking about them in the cafeteria in 2nd grade. (Weird that I have that memory but true!) And here they are still so stunning in a sunflower field. Beautiful photos! 🙂

April R - thanks for sharing these 🙂 how fun!
<3 the sunflowers and beautiful smiles and Annie's "oh Yeah!"

sarah j - I. LOVE. THIS.
your kids all look so tall and leggy!

Stacey - Love these pictures! Your family is so awesome! I especially love the pic of you & your husband…..looks like he’s looking at you saying, “I love you know matter what you look like!” this reminds me of my families experience at the color me rad run in Columbus, Ohio….so fun & great memories!

Jen Boyd - Entirely too cool!!!!

Valerie @ Chateau Ala Mode - I would so be just like Annie even though I’m just a little older than seven 😉 What great memories and they are captured forever. Such a blessing.

Angela A - Wonderful pictures of everyone together. Maybe next time everyone of the kids are going crazy you need to drag them all outside with the paint again and let them work it out. I guess that could get ugly (keep Annie inside) but maybe it would work?

Kristin S - As challenging as this was (I’m sure) to meet all ages and personalities, you’ll be so glad to have this memory and these photos!
I love it when all 7 of you are together. I’m sure you do too as they all get older.

Sabrina L - Awesome!! I love these…one day maybe I’ll be able to convince my family to do something similar! We had our first ever family photos taken about a week ago by Blue Lily in Detroit…I CANNOT wait to see them!

tiffany gardner - YOU. GUYS. ROCK.

Amber D. McNabb - That was awesome! Too bad the paint was washable. Your hubby’s shirt turned out great. I would have wanted to keep it and wear it for the memories.

Verna Lantz - That is fantastic! What a special memory for all of your guys, not just the kids. It’s the moments like these that make our lives wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

rebekah - Your photos are wonderful! We had the pleasure of shooting with Wendy just a week and a half ago. Waiting on the pictures is so hard!

Martha - This just makes me smile

Laura - Nov 5 with Blue Lily-Can’t wait! Thanks Meg and your paint pictures are amazing!

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - Beautiful and colorful — a perfect way to capture you and your family!! Love!

donna - I LOVE it. those pictures are priceless. You have such a beautiful family. I was lucky enough to get Tyler and Wendy to photograph my daughter for her senior pictures while they were in Michigan. I was hoping for a family photo session, but 3 of my kids are away at college 🙁 Anyhow, Wendy and Tyler are not only wonderful at what they do, they are wonderful people – we Loved them.

Jocelyn Pascall - Uhm…I love this SO. MUCH. You have a beautiful family and I love all of the colors. What a fun way to capture a moment in time.

christy - LOVE,love the photos! I was just thinking the other day that I have next to NO pictures of me & my son together, let alone one with my husband, son & I. I need to get over my body image issues & just.do.it. Thank you!

Shelley - The most beautiful family pictures ever, seriously looove them! Your smile is as lovely in person as it is in photos! I Sooo enjoyed craft weekend with you, Kimberly and all the others. Can’t wait to do it again!! xo Shelley C

Kate - i’m seeing them in nov and I can’t wait! You are so beautiful Meg. love your face.

Ashley F. - SO much fun!

Karen Gerstenberger - I love this idea…and I believe that Annie will love these photos in a few years.
What a great batch of photos you have there.
I finished my thrift-shop table – the first thing I have spray-painted, due to your inspiration. I put beach glass on the top, and would love it if you would hop on over and take a look. It’s on my new blog:
http://www.abundantlivingaftercatastrophe.wordpress.com
Thanks for inspiring me, Meg!
-Karen

Jenna@CallHerHappy - It reminds me of that Modern Family episode with the muddy family picture. It’s the messy moments we remember most 🙂

Trysha - Fun!! I love your family. 🙂 It’s so awesome to look at your kids and see which one looks like you or Craig.
We’re having family photos done this November. We’re definitely not a “sit Dad on the ground and everyone crowd around him” in our matchy-matchy outfits family. We’ve picked out our super hero shirts and have us a Big Bang Themed shoot ready to go. I really think picking the right photographer is a HUGE deal. It’s more than “that person takes pretty pictures”. Those are the photos that you look at everyday in your own home.

Helen Wall - Love this. And love your family. When did sean get so darned big?!

happygirl - It is so good to see your WHOLE family together. Sweet Annie and your compassion and understanding for her inspire me to be kinder to people. Great pics and it looked like a lot of fun. Cool that you can convince your family to do these things.

Tiffany - What a cool mom you are!

danad@hotmail.com - What a unique and memorable experience!
And if your Lauren gets any more beautiful, you’re going to have to lock her away! 🙂

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alright….it’s a new day.

September 18, 2012

so i got lots of texts yesterday and emails asking "what's going on??!"
i guess i was making people nervous or being dramatic?

or keep it to myself too often that when i explode people get nervous?
i think people were worried.
it's all ok…it's just HARD….and i wish it wasn't so hard most of the time.

but i got it all out in writing here yesterday and felt so much better almost immediately.
God gave me another day to try again.
thankful for that.

we made chocolate chip cookies. (best recipe ever)
a double batch.
and it was like yummy therapy. :)

then i took the four youngest who were off of school to a movie.
and freddys for dinner.

it was good to get out of the house.

still liking this book a lot.
i am about halfway through….it is very interesting writing…i am so curious to see where it leads.

i had a happy box on my porch.
it's about time i got on board with this company.
what has taken me so long….seriously?
i am a convert.
love them and want to get some more already.

good thing we gave waffle that bath…..

watching talby play volleyball this past weekend made me realize how very tall and grown up she is getting!
right before my eyes.
and she was the only one with out knee pads… #parentfail

speaking of growing up… holy cows.
i don't get the hair but i understand the need to make your choices and have a "style" you like.
i am not sure what that is…but he does and so i am not making a big deal.

he looks good in black and red though.

i am a sucker for good marketing that is visually awesome.
and this is.
old navy you have great designers.
i want every color.
(except purple…no thank you)

this morning i printed out my pdf files from CLEAN MAMA and i am ready to get organized.
i love that she has the jobs written out already.
that was a huge for me.
i get so overwhelmed with chores and cleaning and keeping up at my house.
so becky has all kinds of ways to help me get organized and doing it such a cute and colorful way!!!
thank you Clean Mama for getting my life together!

okie dokie….
i am off to get my hair did.
and go to the bank
and the walmart.
and high school volleyball games tonight.

thank you for the hundreds of encouraging "you are not alone" comments and emails and texts.
THANK YOU.

i felt lifted up in prayer and in friendship.
i felt heard.
i can be open and honest here and not be attacked.
i am so grateful for that.

and my husband teased me about the mama grizzly. :)

but it's TRUE!!!

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Erin - Just finished Donald Miller’s book. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Kelly Henderson - Thanks for the heads up, girlfriend! 🙂

wesandruthb@gmail.com - Meg,
Love you for being you.
You are real
and that’s why
other blogs come and go with me-but you…
you feel like my friend from Kansas.
Aren’t we grateful our children
will remember our faith, when
the time comes they need their Savior?
Because we all do.
Loves, Ruth

Jessica R - If you’re quick and get to the ball you don’t need knee pads! That was my motto in volleyball ;). I want to see what Toms you picked. I’ll definitely be heading to Old Navy soon – super cute!

julie - Rock Star jeans go on sale tomorrow for $19. For reals. Treat yo’self. To a lot of them.
Happy jeans are cheaper than therapy.

mich - I love this blog so hard. I only have two, and their 5 and 3, so I can’t imagine all the craziness that comes with FIVE, the oldest being in high school. Nuts. Cut yourself some slack, girl.
And I notice that you mention wanting babies a lot on here. 🙂 I get it. I think we might be done at two kiddos, but something I’ve been considering down the road is fostering. Who knows? Maybe that would be a good fit for you guys? You seem to have so much love and fun to share, and those tiny ones in foster care could really use it. Just a thought…

christi - so glad you are having a better day!
if you haven’t already … go now and get the rockstar skinnies! they are AWESOME. no, more than awesome. like infinity awesome! some of the best fitting, most flattering and incredibly comfortable pants i’ve bought in a while. at a whopping 35 bucks! score on sale for $30 right now! the dark purple are fantastic … the green delicious … mustard so totally fall … red/orange energizing. size up. size up. size up. i always have to size down in ON but def. size up in these bad boys. they are ROCKSTARS! can you tell i love them?!

Andrea - Some days – and I read your blog every single day – I leave it feeling envious of you – your skill, your home (the way you make it a home), your craft weekends. Then I remind myself “comparison is the thief of happiness.”
I tell you that to tell you this: Even more inspiring than your home and your craft weekends is the way you honestly parent, the way you honestly share, the way you honestly keep working at your relationship with God.
Thank you so much Meg, I just love you.

Leah - I’m in awe at this Clean Mama stuff! I just want to buy all of her stuff. So before I do, which packets of hers did you get? Thinking about the 2013 starter kit. I’m one of those odd organizing freaks, so the more tools I have, the better!

Anne - You are SO not alone in the “parenting struggles” department! While I felt sad for you, and could totally relate to what a crummy day you had had, it was quite refreshing that you just put it all out there. I love your blog! I love your honesty and the fact that you just typed it out! You are the {real} deal, Meg! Totally legit. No faking from you that everything is all hearts and flowers and rainbows all of the time. Parenting is HARD work! What a blessing to be able to communicate, and make new friendships, and touch so many lives via the Internet. You keep typing, and posting your fabulous photos, and I’ll keep reading! Oh yeah, pull my name for Craft Weekend, and I’ll come to that, too! I’d totally die!!!

Tracy Fisher - I just have one thing to say…. I get it, sister!!! Happy Tuesday. -Tracy

Jennifer - Ok, so maybe no knee pads, but definitely Talby has the most awesome shoes!
I didn’t write yesterday b/c I didn’t know what to say….except I have moments like those…monthly. Times where I want to scream at my girls, “YOU BETTER START APPRECIATING EACH OTHER!” We wanted siblings because of all the love and joy they bring to each others’ lives. So start enriching already dammit! And the days when nobody listens? Or storms out of the room? Or stomps up the steps? Hello 10 and 12 year olds with attitude.
Anyway. The bad times pass, but they are not fun when you are in the throes. Most definitely you are not alone, and I’d be willing to be you handle it a lot better than I do.
<3

Kristin S - Oh, and, now I want those cords in kelly green. I worked at The Gap in college and we had colored cords and denim! That was 1991. It all comes back….

Kristin S - Meg, I’ll say it again, your post was so refreshing! I don’t go to your blog because it is all cherries and rainbows (well, rainbows, yes…) but because you are real and normal and honest and love Jesus.
I linked to your post yesterday at the bottom of a difficult post I had just written before seeing yours. http://kristinwithani.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/weary/ Many readers clicked on that link and I know were blessed by your gut-level honesty.
His mercies are new every morning. Praise the Lord!!!

Valerie @ Chateau Ala Mode - Hi sweet Meg, just caught up on your last two posts…please don’t get too overwhelmed with being a mom, although I totally get it. I hope you realize that being a good mom means we get overwhelmed and we get frustrated and we feel like we’re not enough, yada, yada. A good mom does feel like that…alot because you care and you want so desperately to raise kids that love the Lord, and love you and love their family. You want them to succeed in the world and in their life. Check all of that out…that’s alot that we have to do and think about. I’ve said many times that I really don’t know how I would get through raising kids if I didn’t have God to lean on. If I didn’t have prayer and His word I would have to be heavily medicated to do this job. It’s a heavy load to do by yourself. Glad you’re feeling better today. Chocolate chip cookies help 😉 but so does a big God.
P.S. My son went through the wild hair stage at about that age. We let him do his thing and it lasted about a year and after that he’s kept it short ever since. Sometimes I think letting them do their thing (within reason) is the answer.
Sending you a big hug!
Valerie

Lisa M. - Glad to hear it’s a better day. I sent a little prayer up for ya yesterday 🙂
I thought I made the best ever chocolate chip cookies!! Now I’m going to have to try your recipe. I didn’t see butter listed in the ingredients. Hmm…

Flower Patch Farmgirl - 1. Talby is RIPPED!
2. I always experience the same sort of thing when I let the ugly out. It freaks people the heck out. And I’m always like, why? I’m having a bad day. It happens!
3. But I think you’re right, some of us keep it in and then it takes people off guard.
4. Why do those tight cropped cords look so cute on other people but I feel like a dork in ’em?
5. This is quickly turning the corner to Part II of my rambly comment from yesterday…

Becky-Clean Mama - It’s a new day! Thanks for the feature – you are too sweet 🙂

Kimberly Dial - So glad you are feeling better. Chocolate chip cookies & a trip to the beauty shop … two awesome ideas!

Sarah - I completely understand where you’re coming from with the hair. I let our 6 year old get a real mohawk this summer and even painted it for him every morning after I spiked it up. It made him happy, it was what he needed after our big move so I went with it. And I’m so glad you’re feeling better! We really do all have those days.

northern cottage - what a gift that we get to start all over again each day…each sunshiney – fresh – wonderful day. add coffee to make it even better! xo

Corny - Kids, I raised 4 and they can embarrass you sometimes, BUT as long as they don’t steal, and are drug free they are going to be just like there parents. Just fine!

Beth - It’s good to see that you’re feeling better 🙂
I am cringing at that volleyball picture though… #7 has her fingers interlocked. No, no, noooo…. my old volleyball coaches’ voices are playing in my head. haha.
Btw, those cookies look DELICIOUS! We’re going to make some on Thursday to take to our local police and fire stations… we’ve been talking about it for months. Might have to use your recipe!

Brooke - Those jeans…don’t even go there…at least I couldn’t. They are not like the target version. They are made for talby size girls with no hips. Not that I’m bitter… At least they have great marketing! I think you are doing a great job walking through this honestly….and knowing that all parents walk through the journey of not knowing if you are doing things right. You’re doing a great job. Clinging to your husband and the Lord and just hoping (praying) that you are not screwing anyone up and that everyone will choose wise things SOMEDAY….
And thanks a lot…saw your insta chocolate chip cookies and had to make my own. Thanks for making me LESS likely to fit into any colored jeans anytime soon.

happygirl - You are bouncing back. I’m glad. 🙂

Jocelyn Pascall - Glad you are having a better day. Hang in there…

angela - So glad His mercies are new every morning.
I’m with you on the color purple.
Love me a cookie.
What a great mom to let him rock his own hairstyle. I failed in that dept.
You is kind. You is smart. You is important.
And I love your heart.

Linda@Restyled Home - Hah! I love that you hate purple, too!
I love that you are real and don’t hide the not so nice bits of life.
We all have them!

seriously sassy mama - I need a pair of Toms. I never wear socks and am always wearing either converse or loafers. The would be a nice addition. Love all the colors to organize with. Reminds me I need to update my planner.

Heather S. - You had a “poo” day and then the next day you made cookies, took the kids to a movie, and then hit Freddy’s? You really know how to bounce back! LOL 🙂

sara @ it's good to be queen - i like you. you’re good people. 🙂
p.s. the new rockstar jeans from old navy are awesome. have you bought a pair? not too low rise…not too high. perfect.

Alisha - So glad you’re having a better day! I’m always amazed at how the promise and arrival of a new days gives a whole new perspective to what seems dark and impossible at times. Bless you for sharing.

Kate - You are LOVED. Not judged. Just loved.

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - I always feel better after I dump out my brain in my journal and cookies sure do help make it better too!! So glad today’s a better day — hugs!

stephany - isn’t it great that a new day always gives a “do over”!
being a momma is hard work…we do the best we can.
have a great day!

Regina - YAY! Glad you were able to “turn that frown upside down”, lol! 🙂 Here’s to many more great days ahead!

elma - Life is hard and you are awesome!!!

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friday

September 14, 2012

it got cold here yesterday….now it’s fall.
so there are no outside baths and swimsuits going on this weekend.
poor waffle is in desperate need of a haircut.
he has to wait till wednesday though.

we are going to a home high school football game tonight to see the little girls do a cheer routine…very cute.
then saturday morning we head out to 2 soccer games, one 5th grade volleyball game, one 6th grade football game and one high school volleyball tournament.
i don’t think there will be any relaxing whatsoever.

this weather just makes me want to curl up and take a nap.

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Kari - Going to the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair!!

Tracy - Which High school football game did you go to? Was it Hutchinson vs Rockhurst?? We are in Kansas City and my son played on the Rockhurst team. Great game (for Rockhurst)!!

Mum of all trades - Your Saturday sounds similar to ours. We had a football tournament this morning, then onto a charity fun run. My husband has taken the 4 boys for a round of golf now and I am just getting warmed up on the couch with my youngest. It is very cold here in Ireland too, but I love this time of year. It brings out the best in us mums I think, feeding the brood up and keeping them protected against the elements. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Terri - Oops! I don’t know what happened to my spelling! I meant do you remember where you bought the adorable polka dot COLLAR that Waffle wears? I love it!

Terri - Do you remember where you bought the adorable polka dot solar that Waffle wears? I love it and would love to get one for my golden retriever!

Gittygitt1196 - Hi! This is my first comment post…..yay!
Fall has arrived in Northern Ohio too our days are getting colder and our nights are just about ready to make a cozy fire. I am heading to a huge craft show today, The Village Peddlar! Hoping to score some cool finds to bring Fall into our home. Have a great “sporty” day!

Leah - I envy your start of fall. San Diego decided to hit 108-degrees today. There was no fall in sight. Hopefully it cools down so I can get out the fall decor and make soup and chili. I can’t stand this weather, especially when it’s nearly fall.

Cheryl E. - Spent the day at a flea market & antique show with my hubby! It’s a good thing though because the rest of the weekend involves driving kids to and from sports and other activities!

Debbie S. - 7 soccer games and 2 baseball games! Puttin’ the miles on my mini-van this weekend 🙂

April R - We’re doin’ the same thing – desperately need to get the garage under control 🙂
Putting some good music on and getting started tonight!

Rach - Could you send some cold this way please? It’s 103 today!! I want to make some Fall soup and sit on the front porch in a blanket and drink warm cider in the morning. Please post some cool weather pictures so I can live vicariously until it cools down here.

Kristin S - These pics make me wonder…. was I ever free enough to just run around the yard in a swimsuit and not care? Maybe? Probably? I don’t remember that, though.
Now I have to deal with cover ups, tanks, shorts, self-tanner, hair-remover….
They have no idea how great they have it?!?!?
Weekend? Last free weekend until December so I’m doing housework and burning fall smelling candles.

Alicia @ La Famille - it’s starting to get cool in the mountains of NC too. i love this time of year. we picked apples today…very fallish 😉 happy (busy) weekend to yOU!

Shannon - Jealous you have cold weather! It’s still in the high 90’s here in CA, not good weather for Fall 🙁 I want soup, pumpkin candles lit all day and blankets right away!

Barbara - Tonight I think I’ll be making Mr. D’s Peanut Butter pie. Thought I might try putting it on an Oreo cookie crust. We’re going to some friend’s house tomorrow night so this will be the perfect thing to bring – if it makes it til then! Thanks!

Amber - Helping a friend learn to use power tools and build a custom baby gate and maybe, just maybe meeting my new niece or nephew if (s)he decides to come out into the world.

Michelle - It got cold here too! We’re relaxing this weekend, after travelling last weekend and a crazy weekend upcoming, we’ve decided to do a whole lot of nothing.

Jocelyn Pascall - I WISH it would get cold here. I live in Portland, OR and we are still in the 90s over here, which is very unusual. Anyway, my husband and I are going to tackle cleaning out the garage this weekend. Not a fun project, but something that desperately needs doing. Have a great weekend!

Tiffany - ick!ick!ick to fall. more summer for me please. its our annual block party, turned ice cream social with the neighborhood. come over, guests are always welcome.

Maria - 2 soccer games, watching some friends in Grease, one scout campout for the older boys and youth group for the older boys, hopefully a movie for the younger ones..the calm before the storm, “easy” weekend for once…and maybe a stop by olive garden for some soup!

happygirl - You remind me that our dog really needs a bath. And I need to make soup. Now I’m tired just thinking about doing those two things. 🙂

elisa - Love seeing Waffle in his collar 🙂 just posted your post link on my fb page. I didn’t forget about your armband- someone bought the one I had laid out to send. I will get you one soon. Waffles need a new collar? It’s halloween time ya know!
Have a great weekend!

Christy K - This weekend the plan is to clean the craft room (insert horror movie music here)and drive up to the cottage for the day to see the progress on some construction we’re having done. It’s been cool here too, it was zero degrees when I woke up this morning! Made for a rather brisk wait at the school bus stop, haha. Sounds like you’ve got quite the weekend ahead, here’s hoping you have a few moments to relax and breathe! Happy Friday!

Sophie - Waffle always looks like such fun! 🙂
This weekend I’m packing to go visit my best friend from high school who’s moved away to another city for college – I get to spend a whole six days with her but it’ll probably be the last time I get to see her before Christmas and New Year.

Terrie - Oh how I miss all those games!! I don’t miss all the running that came with them.. Ha!
No more kids in school…but there still seems to be crazy schedules…somehow I thought that would end.
Silly thinking on my part.
We walked into the Lion King on Wednesday night and it as all hot…walked out and it’s like we were in a different season…
just like that!.
My weekend involves a funeral for a Bible study leader…so sudden and unexpected.
Then to the KSU football game, visiting with the in-laws.
Sunday…so excited…going to pick up my daughter and my grandson so they can spend a week with us while her hubby is at an out-of-town audit. Trying to baby-proof my house today…since he’s walking already! Wish me luck!!
Have a great weekend!!
🙂

Alice H - almost the same as you…high school football game tonight. Go BA Tigers!! Then I am meeting up with some friends to watch a band at a bar. Tomorrow I have a 6th grade football game. Then laundry and more laundry, and cleaning, and cooking/preparing meals for the week. Exhausting! But I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Denise V. - How funny–we had the very same exact soup for dinner last night. I fixed ours in the crockpot and it was ready when I got home. I must have gotten this recipe from you originally in another post. So good!

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i really like my job

September 13, 2012

all the little details of Craft Weekend are part of the fun for me.
the flowers….the food….the fabric…the quilts….the colors….the music….i love the details.

our sponsors send fabulous swag for each of our guests.
i love working with all of our sponsors!
we had several new ones this month too….so fun!

craft supplies make me happy.
it's a fact.

IMG_20120907_214443

jenny and mari went above and beyond with their aprons.
they were the last to get a sewing machine so they had plenty of time to just keep adding and adding.
patience pays off…their aprons were quite amazing.
but i always love every apron!

we took our field trip out to bearly makin' it and the Mill. (i call it the barn but they call it the Mill)
they were preparing for the arts & crafts fair that is every 3rd weekend in september in hillsboro & marion, ks.
THOUSANDS of women come to these small towns to shop for treasures and crafts
and most of them end up at the Mill too.
can you blame them?

that is THIS WEEKEND…september 15 …..you should go if you haven't ever been!
it's REALLY fun.

i always end up shopping IN THE PHOTOS!
thinking "i didn't see that white canvas basket….i wonder how much that costs….."

there is something for everyone…even the girls who have to fly home can find smaller items.

we couldn't resist a photo shoot on the red and green doors.
they were so colorful…begging to photographed!

it's hard to get four faces in a self portrait on your phone!

we filled up kimberlee's van with very little room to spare.

each time we take our CW girls out i think "they got the best stuff" and i thought it again this time too!

really great finds…some worked really hard too….going through shelves and shelves and boxes of goodies.

when we got back from our antiques adventure these girls were so ready to craft!
they were starting before me! :)

we got everything set up and michelle got everyone started on her canvas project.

we even got to paint with our hands!
i loved getting messy and working on something new.
michelle was encouraging and inspring.
painting is very therapeutic.

i kept these girls busy all evening with several other crafts too.
they worked hard!

lots of detail.
lots of color.
they were committed!

this Craft Weekend was our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
we celebrated an awesome year working together.
we both really and truly LOVE our jobs.

this was what time i went to bed on saturday night.
2:47 AM
but knowing that everyone felt satisfied with their projects and could sleep well is a good feeling.

mari and cathy with their finished canvases.
i wanted to take a picture of everyone holding theirs…and i forgot.
too much going on at the end to remember i guess.

i hope we have kimberlee's cinnamon rolls at CW forever.
or at least that i can get kimberlee to make them for me forever.
they are unreal….soft and fluffy with thick yummy frosting.
they are HER OWN recipe and they are worth getting up for after going to bed at 2:47.

and seriously…ALL the food Kimberlee prepares for us all weekend is wonderful!
i am blessed by her thought and time and love that goes into every meal….and especially dessert.

jenny with her loot from the barn and her crafts…she made her bag and her word.

they made plenty of headbands.

we covered wire with strips of fabric and bent it into words or letters.
this was addicting.

we decorated the wood bunting sent to us by our sponsor SayHello Shop. (you need these at your house!!!)
they each painted the back with chalkboard paint and then decoupaged fabric to the opposite side.
i was LOVING these!!!

and the aprons….
they are all just so GREAT!!!

brooke….i am sorry again that i missed your apron.
bummer.
it was beautiful!

let's meet our crafters……

becky from canada robyn from canada

heather from canada aime from oklahoma

brooke from georgia shara from virginia

rebecca from georgia cassie from missouri

shelley from california jenny from oklahoma

cathy from oklahoma mari from oklahoma

michelle from oregon alyssa from kansas

love these girls.

this poor little man that walked by just as we set our timer….he was very confused by us!!!

michelle and alyssa were like super hero helpers!
everything done before asking….meals came together easily…dishes…cleaning…they were such a blessing!

roomie pictures!

whatever craft weekend has become something kimberlee and i couldn't have imagined.
it's a time of refreshment. it's a time of inspiration for people who thrive on creativity.
it's an encouragement for those who have missed that side of themselves for awhile.
it's a way to meet new friends. it's a safe place to be yourself.
it is so much more than i thought it would be.
i just wanted to make crafts with women.
and here we are a year later….80+ women served….feeling like God has given us an awesome opportunity to serve HIm by serving these women with a time of refreshement and creativity.
they can go home feeling inspired, pampered and ready to be their best.
it's pretty cool!!

to get on the Whatever Craft Weekend wait list…..first READ THIS and then email whatevercraftweekend@yahoo.com to get put on the list.
the list is very long BUT we chose by random number so you never know when you could get picked!

getting your name on the list is the ONLY WAY to get to Craft Weekend.

you can see all of our other weekends on the Whatever Craft Weekend blog.

i miss all you crafty girls!!
hope you have caught up on your sleep and have had a great week!!

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Felicity - You’ve inspired me and I start my craft night in 2 weeks! eek!
What wire did you use for the words?
Big hugs xx

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - I wanted to pop back in and let you know I was inspired by your fabric wrapped wire art and did something on a smaller scale with our youth group girls. I just started a youth craft night with them and this was our first project. They LOVED it!
I blogged about it here.
Thanks for the inspiration Meg:)

Penny Smith - OHHH! I think I am really hoping we get to do the wood banner next month! So darn cute!!
Making me even more excited for next month! 🙂

melinda quinn - i am soooooooo wanting to come to one of your workshops….when and where is the next one? peace, melinda
ps…i agree people building is hard! my last one just flew away to college this fall and i am haunted by all the mistakes…broken promises and wasted time! my only saving grace is that love covers a multitude of sins. keep up the good fight!

Jill - Does Kimberlee SHARE her cinnamon roll recipe? I looked for it on her blog but either missed it OR….it is a VERY BIG SECRET????????

Kristina - It’s just always gets better and better! I’m glad the list is very, very long so hopefully one day I can sign up. It is on my bucket list!

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - I know these are two polar opposite thoughts, but…
-I loooove Kimberlee’s shoes!
-Even though I’m on the list, I’d love even more to come to CW as a helper! That’s more my love language. So, if you ever need another set of willing hands, you have a volunteer right here! 🙂

Christel - Wow, I love your aprons!! You have an amazing job!

Eva Scott - Would you consider doing a tutorial for the headbands and the aprons? Pretty please!?!?!

northern cottage - i love your job too! I feel so blessed that we get to glimpse into the creativity and the color and the fun and the love obviously present! thank you girlie!

beki - Yep, you have my dream job 😉

Amy @littlefora littlewhile.blogspot.com - I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to be coming to CW in November! I have been plagued with morning sickness for the better part of 10 weeks now, and i’m treating CW as my reward for getting through it (for the 3rd time now!) Can’t wait to meet you and KImberlee! xo

emily anderson - i want to come!!
mainly because i want to see your craft weekend house. i’m sure the pictures don’t do it justice!

Jamie Van Nuys - there is so much happy going on in this post! I love all of the colors and patterns 🙂

Emily - I want to go to this someday… When my youngest is a little older I plan to put my number in! I would also LOVE to do something like this where I live!!!! How did you start?

elz - I’ll admit that every time there is a Craft Weekend post I get really jealous! I can’t wait for my number to be called; and I plan on bringing an extra huge suitcase for all the fun. Love those letters, what a great new addition.

Melinda - I know Shelley! We went to high school together. Such a sweet girl. I hope I can make it some day!! Happy Anniversary!

Jessica - Loving the wire words! I think it would be a great craft for my daughter’s upcoming birthday party! What gauge wire did you use?

Flower Patch Farmgirl - It’s so fun to watch your life become even more of your dream. And I can’t stop loving your hair. And I want a roll. And you’re probably still awake right now…just like me. haha.

melodee@polkadotnotebook - you girls are just adorable. I wish I could just step through my computer screen and be in the craft weekend…I love the pics from it all! so inspiring, so cute, looks sooo fun!

Tiffany - I still feel like I’m in dreamland thinking about my turn coming up soon. Every CW post just gets me more and more excited! You have found your calling! Thank you for blessing other’s lives with it!

Kristin S - So fun to see the faces of the women for whom I prayed!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - I love how the wire letters turned out – that was a really cute idea instead of making the necklaces! xo

Mary Jo - Wow! Looks like so much fun! Were Becky and Robyn from Canada twins?

Anne - Wow! Every time I see one of these posts, I cross my fingers and hope that my name will get drawn next! What an amazingly fun weekend it looks like y’all had. I love, love, love the fabric wrapped wire words! Are they wire hangers, or thinner gauge? The link to Jenny’s page isn’t working for me. What’s her blog, please? I love her green pants! So fun!!

Shara - You SHOULD love your job!!!Fulfilling your calling, what an amazing way to serve, thrive, and give! Thanks again to all you wonderful ladies who made the weekend such a time of encouragement and inspiration! Even on a limited amount of sleep, it rocked!!!

tania - I would love a tutorial on the fabric headbands! They are adorable!!!!

tania - pleeeeeease do a tutorial on how to make those fabric headbands! So cute!

Georgia - I will come to craft weekend some day… I just need to save up the money for a flight from the UK! i am wishing on fate that when i have the money i can come… *fingers crossed* x

Brooke - Meg, it was so fun. Just an amazing time to hang out with other amazing women, with amazing food and fun crafts. The house is DREAMY! I wish you could come to Georgia and arrange all my stuff to be as AMAZING as you have done in the craft house. Maybe your next job should be to style homes…for people that have your amazing style!! I’m glad we were able to be there for your one year anniversary. Such a great weekend.
I hope you aren’t trampled by the 50,000 craft hoarders coming into Kansas this weekend…. And, you should love your job! You are great at it!

Brooke - Mari’s pants were Matilda Jane. You can find ones like them here.
https://www.matildajaneclothing.com/shop.php?CategoryID=11
I was at craft weekend this weekend, so I checked them out 🙂

Sarah - i would love to have your job too! infact i’ve toyed with the idea of hosting a craft day (i’m a youth director at a church so i can’t committ a whole weekend at this point) up here in northern mn. do you have any pointers/tips?

Linda - I love you job too.
What an amazing thing you have done.
It makes me happy even thousands of miles away!

Kati - I’m loving those wire fabric wrapped words!

Tiffany - I love your job too! What fun 🙂 And Mari’s pants are too cute. Happy Anniversary Megs and Kimmie!!

Robin Canter - wired words with fabric? to die for. Love the craft weekend posts and cannot wait for my number to come off that waiting list.

Michelle Z - I just came to ask the same thing about Mari’s pants. They look like soooooo much fun!

Lisa M. - I love these posts! It’s so neat to see all that was made and I LOVE those aprons!!
Just wondering, Meg…do you ever miss living in the craft house?

Angela A - Happy anniversary! You and Kimberlee do an awesome job. I love the wire words. What size wire is that–does it matter?

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - Oh my goodness… where did Mari from Oklahoma get her amazing gypsy pants. Would love to know!
Everything looked to happy and colourful. So fun to stop and look at all of it. I really do find it all very inspiring. I think its time I try sewing again. Haven’t pulled out my sewing machine in years. Loved it all!

stephany - Someday my number will be picked. 😉
Looks like a fabulous time, as always.
Happy one year anniversary!!

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it’s monday.

September 10, 2012

hi.
how was your weekend?

craft weekend was wonderful.
i am so happy about it.
can i just say….how awesome is the internet?
i know that it can have really awful stuff but for me it has been AMAZING!
God has blessed me with SO many friends, so many ideas, so much inspiration, so much FUN through the internet the past few years. I get to connect with and meet women that are so completely awesome that i never would have met otherwise because of the internet!
i love LOVE LOVE that God is in the details of everything…even the internet.

(these are instagram pics from the past few days.)

michelle allen from close2myart was my blogger/teacher/helper this craft weekend.
i don't even know who found who as far as blogs and how we connected.
we have been emails friends for a few years now and we finally got to meet.
she is a life long friend now i can guarantee.
i loved her.
(and her hair was soooo rad)
she was even better than i imagined and i had made her pretty great in my mind already! 🙂

so yeah….i love the internet and i am not afraid to say it.

this is my loot from the barn on saturday.
an old RC crate that is really rough (which is why i like it), a old metal box that seems like maybe it was a breadbox, a Super Nutro Hog feed bag, an embroidered runner with horses, a little quilt to make into pillows, a small candy jar and some doilies.
i love the internet AND i love old junk.
:)

these three books arrived for me this week.
i am starting with A Million Miles in a Thousand Years tonight.
i have basically been told by God in about 10 different ways that i am supposed to read this book.
seriously.
He couldn't have been more clear.
so i will let you know how it goes….

i read Interuppted and my world has been ROCKED.
so i am equal parts nervous and excited to read this one.
because i knew i was supposed to read Interrupted too.

was i just too open right there?
i feel a little vulnerable about those two paragraphs.

here is my front seat on my way to craft weekend.
my backseat looked the same.
happy car!

right now i am sitting at the craft house (because i came to town for paint & the internet is so slow at the farm)
i stopped by the thrift store this morning and picked up a few dishes, some fabric and a globe.
i can't NOT buy a globe when it's at a thrift shop because they are so much cheaper than at an antique shop.
i made mini bunting here last night while my husband attempted to fix the dryer we got on craigslist.
it's a bummer when people are dishonest on craigslist don't ya think?
i guess ANYTIME people are dishonest it is sad but when they take your money….ugh.
(so that would be a down side to the internet…)
i picked up a gallon of Kilz to start a big paint project this week.
and i have now finished off the candy corn we had left from CW….for lunch

i need to get working.
i have stuff to paint.

are you on instagram? i am @megduerksen if you aren't following me yet.
it's so fun.
i am….addicted.

happy monday to you.

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Georgia - I love the internet too, as without it i wouldnt have found your blog!!! xx

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Hey Meg I saw these rainbow donuts and thought of you. 🙂
http://justbakedbyme.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/mini-rainbow-vanilla-bean-donuts/

Kate - Meg! I have really enjoyed reading your blog after finding it a few months ago. I’ve bought several books because of your recommendations! Don’t ever feel afraid to share where God is leading you!! Can’t wait to hear what you get out of the most recent ones.

Sarah - i just had the same problem. just type her name without the @ symbol and with a space between first and last. that finds her!

Tracie - I just got “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” to read. Did you read “Blue Like Jazz?” That is a beautiful book too. “Radical” was a tough read, but a wonderfully convicting book. And Happy Monday!

Stephanie - Love her kiwi earrings!!!

Shannon Phillips - A million miles in a thousand years is absolutely one of the most life changing books I have ever read!!! It is going to rock your face off!

Marla - Donald Miller is totally awesome I loved Blue Like Jazz…didn’t know he had another book out…I’ll check it out on my nook….The Irresistible Revolution is very interesting…I was upset at times reading it…it’s been a few years but I remember not being sure about the whole thing…be interested to see what you think

Amy - Don Miller is an amazing writer and you’ll love the book. I reread it immediately after finishing it just so I could soak in his words. It’s a great book to hand to a nonbeliever in hopes that they might consider the gospel as they choose a new story. He speaks about a man named Bob Goff and I’m currently reading his book, Love Does. Try it next.

Angela - Vulnerable, sure. But we were made to live in community (…and the internet community totally counts), and vulnerability is just a part of living in community. Too open, never. YOU just might be one of the thousand ways God is leading OTHERS to read a book that will drive them closer to Him. So sure, feel vulnerable, but never ever feel sorry for opening your life and your faith to the world.

Lisa - I started Irresistible Revolution last week. Oh. my. Haven’t read A Million Miles…guess I need to check into that one! Looks like a happy couple of days at your house. 🙂

Heather Crawford - For some reason, I can’t find you in Instagram? Weird…

beth - Hey Meg….
Just wanted to say not to feel vulnerable about the books. I wish to hear more about your faith walk on this blog. ….and picking up tips on good books at the same time is just bonus!

Terrie G - Not too vulnerable…I love how authentic you are!
I <3 instagram too! so much fun!
looking for a washer/dryer for our son...think I'll stay away from craigslist...
sorry you got swindled...makes me frustrated when people are dishonest.
gorgeous flowers and so happy you had a great craft weekend!!

Julie Kittredge - I just finished “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.” It was good! An easy read. 🙂 Plenty of earmarks … in the book that belongs to the library. Maybe I’ll pick up “Inturrupted.” 🙂 Sounds like a winner!

Christy - Irresistible revolution is pretty intense as well! I have radical on my list, but my husband read it first. Irresistible is a tough read, but I feel God used it to change my perspective on a lot of things! Good for you for listening to the still, small voice even when it makes you uncomfortable!

Kara - Curious where you heard about Jen Hatmaker? I was able to meet her and hear her in person this spring at a women’s retreat. (The one Nicole Quiring headed up!) Jen was AMAZING! She has challenged me more than anyone else in how I’m living my life. I have loved reading Seven and Interrupted and am leading the Interrupted book study at church. I am hopeful the church as a whole is turning around and more people are getting on board with her message!

Lisa - Not too vulnerable. I think God is using your blog to tell ME to read Interrupted. I keep hearing about it and you keep mentioning it. I’m addicted to instagram too. Like seriously addicted. 🙂

ko. s - I love that you can put it all out there in your posts! The way you give glory to God, be you, be honest, be vulnerable, it’s why I keep coming back to read! You ROCK my dear! Thanks for being a huge light 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Can flip phones do Instagram? Haha.
Your stack of books pretty much seals the deal: We must debrief. M to the U to the S to the T.

Martha - Finding a globe at the thrift store is a major score! I’m interested in how the book turns out. 🙂

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - Not too open at all!
It was HONEST!
That’s why we love you!
And, I love it when God shows me things clearly, sometimes my ADHD-self truly needs Him to be crystal clear!

Katie - Isn’t it crazy when you know that it’s God leading you to do something? The results can be mind-blowing. Happy Monday!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - Michelle’s chalkboard art looked so great – wish I had the skills on the chalkboard!
Too bad about the Craigslist dryer – I don’t know why people want to do stuff like that?! Weird 🙁
Happy Monday ; ) xo

April R - <3 instagram
and I'm glad to see you there now too

Siobhan - Your awesome everything about you. Your transperancy makes me love you more. Thankyou for trusting us with your vulnerbility.

Brooke - I love that you said you were a little too open in those two paragraphs. BAH! Let’s get real. Tell them about your cw devotionals. That might be too open. I love when God is CLEAR about what to do. So often, I’m left waiting and asking, so I’ll take clear (slap me in the face) answers any day. I am in a craft fog today, so tired. I didn’t get to nap yesterday! LOVE the internet, love that we got to hang out. You were super fun. If I lived in Newton, KS, I believe I would force myself into your friendship circle. Or just show up at the farm. with chickens. You would be so happy.
My new globe just found a new place in globe city at my house. Snuck the wire baskets in so my hubby wouldn’t complain about the massive amount of things he hauled to storage while I was gone this weekend (while I proceed to haul new stuff in!). Good times. Happy Monday!

Cheryl E. - Just finished reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years thank to your friend, Kimberlee! I read her blog, too and once she posted about that book, I knew I had to read it.
LOVE the new finds, by the way. Such fun!!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Totally weird, random comment but your mums? Love em. I got the biggest one Ive ever seen over the weekend at Sams Club. Its burgundy and I cant wait to put it out on the front porch to welcome fall.
Have a great day! (Boo to dishonest Craigslisters)

Cori - A Million Miles in a Thousand Years may just be my favorite non-fiction book of all time. Radical was amazing, too! Enjoy 🙂

Alicia @ La Famille - full fun day indeed! happy monday to you, ms. meg 🙂

Trysha - I’ll have to look up those books! I’m looking forward to Joel Osteen’s “I Declare”.
I was reminded of God’s love this weekend as I photographed a wedding. We didn’t have pens to sign the Marriage Certificate, there was a mad scramble and I sought out a guest who had a purse. She managed to find two pens at the bottom of her purse, matching from a random local church. The Bride looked at her and said “See, The Lord will always provide. Always.” 🙂

Amy - InterRupted….AMAZING!! Radical will be a good follow up….
I may have to go pick up the one you just mentioned! Don’t you just love it when the Spirit leads you….you just HAVE to do it….Enjoy the quiet time on Monday!!

Suzanne - Happy Monday! I hope you enjoy your books, and I hope God rocks your world. I love it when He does that ~ and hate it… but mostly love it! Have a great week!

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