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December 28, 2011

we had our christmas. :)

new jammies….the kids loved theirs and i bought some for me too…thanks aunt jan for the gift card!!

family gifts… we give one gift for each of our kids to open that is for the whole family.

the sandwich maker is a HIT.
they were so excited about it.

the headphones are to stay attached to the desktop computer and no one is allowed to take them off.
this way there is always a pair of headphones when i say "turn the sound off your game" or "i don't want to hear your music turn it off please" and so now they can listen to their game and i keep my sanity.

sibling gifts….they each got each other little things this year with their own money.
that was really cute.
they got us gifts too.

annie made these personalized travel mugs for me and craig. i could not love them any more!!! they are perfect!

talby gave me these sweet birds.
and scott picked a starbucks gift card for me.

sean got me a neck massager pillow but i couldn't find it to take a picture.
i think one of the kids confiscated it already!

then we gave our gift to them.
we give ONE gift to each one of them.
we started this three years ago? i think.
it was to the point of ridiculous with all the gifts they were receiving.
we knew we could not control what others would do so we changed what we could do.
buying less.
they have ENOUGH already.
they have TOO MUCH already.
so they get one gift and they have been fine with that…it's just the way it is.

annie got a keyboard. (my friend suggested the headphones…best idea ever!)

talby got an iPod dock/clock.

scott wanted strength shoes….for basketball….muscle building shoes.

sean got a 3DS that we found a fabulous deal on.
and lauren got an iPod classic that we got through craigslist.

we don't get them whatever they want….but we try to get them something nice that would enjoy…
but that we can afford.
and we do not do gift cards.
or money.

it has helped cut back on the excess.

AND their stocking (gift bags) are filled with little goodies that are picked just for them…
like basketball socks, saxophone reeds, lipstick, squinky sets and candy.

we had a chirstmas dinner.
IN THE DINING ROOM.
craig made a ham…so good!!
i made cheesy potatoes and cream corn and fruit salad.

and cream puff for dessert.

we went to my parents house and had another BIG dinner there.

my mom made all the little girls matching fur vests…super cute!

17 people in one room opening gifts….chaos.

my dad had this shirt made for me.
🙂

he is so silly.
i LOVE IT!

and today
i am sitting in a quiet house because scott is at basketball with craig, sean and talby stayed with their grandma and aunt, annie is playing with our neighbor and lauren is asleep.
so i frosted cookies peacefully.
and i will make some gingersnaps now.

then we are onto craig's mom's for christmas there.

how is your holiday going?
everyone getting along?

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Lisa - I remember Craig wearing those strength shoes all the time. Every time I saw him in the gym, back when I was in middle school, he always had them on! 🙂

Christy - Sandwich Maker – Best thing EVER! We’ve had one for over 10 years now. Best “I don’t know what to make for dinner” fix ever. Some of our favorites – Tuna melt, Egg and cheese (One egg per sandwich cook for 3 minutes for a runny yolk), Chilli and cheese, and finally Spaghetti (I know that sounds weird but sprinkle garlic salt on the buttered/outside side of the bread and fill with pasta and sauce premixed. It’s good.
Blokus is a great game. Quirkle is another good one.
Good choices!

crystal beutler - I am dying over those handmade cups — I think I would cry every time I pulled one out of the cupboard. I have this little shrinky-dink heart Claire made me when she was four. Something about the handwriting — love it.
Big question: How goes the muscle building with those shoes???? 🙂

Kathy (kathyb) - I love your approach to gifts Meg and will be making a note ready for next year. I too would love to hear if/ how you do Santa. Also how do you approach stockings? Do you have a set number of items or set budget or do you work more flexibly? Thank you for sharing your family’s traditions.

Tracy Fisher - I love what you say about Christmas gifts. Our family is the same. I was so proud of our son when friend of mine asked if he got everything he had on his list… he said, “I didn’t have a list, but I got the perfect things”. Almost makes me cry since we cut back this year more than ever. So, I thank you for your post. And I loved the ginger bread houses. I must get to those next year.
Tracy

Laura Phelps - love the mess of family and wrapping…after ten years of Christmas with no family, it is such a special gift to have a room full of noise.
off to get Jack and show him those sneakers….I would love to get our boys together to shoot some hoops.
xo
miss you

Cheryl - @Heather Bachman – Lauren got an ipod classic… didn’t you read the whole post?
Always love your posts, Meg. Sounds like a really nice Christmas. What a great idea to just give one gift.. i also like the 4 gift idea as some of your readers have mentioned.
Happy New Year!

Kelly - Did you get your red and white polka dot glitter ribbon at Michael’s? I had that too. yea!
LOVE the Cosby show!
I also like the one gift idea. We got our little guy three and I already felt like that was showing a lot of restraint. 🙂 Kelly

Kimberlee Jost - Yo! Tell Annie her mugs rock.
And that I miss her. 😉

Jenny B. - Meg, thank you so much for sharing about the gifts! I have been stressed about the excess of Christmas for the past few years, and you’re so right – you can only control what you buy – not what everyone else buys. It is so helpful and encouraging to see/read about how you do things in your family. Thanks again! 🙂

julie - Those shoes are CRAZY!!!
One gift is my fave.
Sugar cookies are not.
Unless they show up on my door. Then they too are my fave.
Merry more Christmas friend.

amy - i love the idea of everyone getting a family gift and then one big gift each. ooooh… but the sesame street fever t-shirt? awesome. this child of the 70’s needs one, too ; ) happy new year!!

JennyW - meg thanks for sharing the great photos!! Our family does 3 gifts each – just like Jesus received on his “birth”day. It really helps me to limit myself too – with all the good deals and holiday hooop-la it is easy for everyone to get carried away. Enjoy the new year!!

megan - Blokus is really fun. I actually enjoy it when the kids want to get that one out. Unlike some others–I’m looking at you Chutes & Ladders.

Kimberly Dial - Looks like a Merry Christmas was had by all!

Tanya H - Nope. Christmas Eve was mostly peaceful, Christmas Day was fabulous. But since then? I swear my kids have a bi-polar relationship. They are either going to kill each other or they are so happy they are collectively and excitedly OUT OF CONTROL.
I like seeing how you do Christmas in your family.
And I love the Cosby Show. My husband gave me the whole series a couple years ago. Its so handy to stick in a 1/2 hour happy show. 🙂

Heather Bachman - What did Lauren give and get? I miss her when you don’t mention her. 🙁
We stick to four gifts: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. 🙂

Staisha Klein - I love your new shirt! It’s A seriously thoughtful gift. I loved that album as a kid and at 36 I’m not ashamed to say so. lol “Do’n the pigeon!” Happy New Year! Love the blog. God Bless!

Trish - good for you for sticking up for not going crazy on christmas. we do three gifts for each kiddo and that works great for us. it does seem to control the madness and it is way less stress for me!

Shannon R - I would like to know also if you do Santa. We have three little ones (1,3 and 6). We do not do big Christmas for several reasons and it’s hard trying to balance our gifts and Santa gifts. I see some pictures of people’s living rooms covered in gifts after Santa comes. It makes me feel sick. One because all that money was spent on toys when so many people have nothing, and two I get that guilty feeling for a second that in some way I’m depriving my kids. Then many times I wonder, if we really are serious about teaching our kids about giving to others should we skip the gifts all together and use that money and energy to give to others who really need it.

Joy Kinard - I feel like my Christmas went by way too fast, but left me so tired! I love your one gift for each kid and lots of family gifts! Great idea!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Your Christams looks like it was wonderful. Just the way it should be with lots of family, food and fun. P.S. Would love me a Dr. Pepper cup 🙂

erin - I had that grover album. Did you? Doin’ the Pigeon… That was my favorite song on it.

Nikki - I love reading how others do Christmas and sharing ours.
A few years back I felt the gifts were getting excessive as well.
I remember a friend from when I was little. Her family did 3 gifts per kid. Jesus got 3 gifts so if it was good enough for him…..
So we do a big,medium and small gift. They all take turns and then open one shared family gift and stockings.PJ’s are opened the night before.
So much easier now that we have 4 kiddo’s.Chaos free 🙂

Jennifer B - Sesame Street Fever was my favorite growing up…I still have the album :-). Grover is the BEST & always my favorite!!!

Vonda - We have done the four gifts for many years. They get one present that is very special to them, and the rest are little things that they need or are practical, like pajamas, or a book or a family game. We do fun little things in their stockings too. Our older 2 boys have moved out now, and one of them wanted a new pasta pot and a set of wooden spoons(they went in his stocking)! I love it that they are so content and that they know they will not get everything-but they know they are very loved!!! Your Christmas pictures made me smile-I love your colorful cookies!:)

Holly - we only had one Christmas this year. It was great except the part where I was sick! But our little break has been going great! I love spending time at home.

Meredith@count it all joy - Headphones! Brilliant! What better way to encourage peace on earth & goodwill to all:). Merry Christmas to all at Chez Whatever. Meredy xo

Alicia @ La Famille - sounds like a good time. i love your idea of one gift. they all really do have enough stuff. my kids got way too much again! i saw a thing on pinterest where you do four gifts: 1. something to wear 2. something you need 3. something you want 4. something to read. thought that was a good idea too 🙂 have fun christmassing!

mary - omg my sister had sesame street disco…still does
last year we played “doing the chicken” song during my mom’s birthday dinner…hillarious!

Erin - I love that you changed what you do because you can’t change what others do with respect to gift-giving. We have our entire family within 3 miles of us. My 4 kids really don’t want for anything and it is overload. I love the idea of one present, especially as the kids get older — ours are 10, 8,5 and almost 2. Happy New Year! — a reader in San Diego!

Monica - Cute PJ’s…where? where? where? 🙂

angela - Everyone getting along? NO. You asked. 🙂

Sophie - I got a sesame street related gift too! My parents bought my sesame street finger puppets because I’m training to be an elementary school teacher! ^_^

Christine - @Sarah@Handbags–my son did that when he was 4. It was awful for everyone, him refusing to open one more gift. So we have been trying to find a way to cut back. Meg, I would love to hear more about this (of course, only if you want to share).
Do you do Santa? Both my boys still believe in Santa. This year it was ridiculous with EXCESS. After 4 Christmas parties with family, my children have MORE than enough to have for all year. We haven’t opened the boxes to nearly half of the gifts so I put them all up in the closet and plan to just pull them down randomly. What did your kids think the first year you changed this and how did you explain it to them? I think the one gift idea is a fabulous one.

Emily W - Hi Meg! I would LOVE to know where you got that Big Badminton set! My daughter LOVES badminton, but due to a stroke she suffered years back, struggles with the small rackets and birdies. And it wouldn’t hurt for this 37 year old(and little too fluffy around the middle)momma to have some extra help as well 🙂 I have looked everywhere I know of(online) and cannot find it annywhere. She has a birthday coming up at the beginning of March and I would LOVE to get it for her! If you could just email the info to me I would really appreciate it!

shannon - Can I just say that I get so excited everytime I see you have a new post up, it’s like opening a Christmas present for me 🙂
Love all the pictures and gifts! It looks like everyone got some great items and I’m gonna have to find those Cosby DVD’s that was such a great show back in our days 😉
We are all done with all of our Christmas celebrating now but we have moved on to Birthday celebrations, we’ve got 3 to celebrate in the next week along with New Years, it’s hectic but so fun!

Gemma - Sounds lovely Meg!!! I’m with my boyfirends family tomorrow for another christmas.
Gemma x

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - We’ve ALWAYS done very little for our two girls because everyone else does so much for them. For instance, when our oldest was about 2 or 3 she was in tears crying “PLEASE DONT MAKE ME OPEN ANY MORE GIFTS!!!” Im not bragging here; it was a nightmare for her and for us.
We’ve started doing special things with the girls to create memories as opposed to giving them one more thing to open. Taking them on a date, doing something special as a famile, etc… It works much better for us anyway.
Sounds like you had a very nice Christmas. Im enjoying a semi quiet home today too- such a special treat to be on vacation from school for a week!
And I just commented on Twitter about the shirt from your dad.WHATEVER! 🙂

Sarah - i love hearing how other people do christmas. and i love how you guys do gifts, it’s probably more meaningful and it probably helps focus more on the reason/meaning of Christmas than just on the gifts. hope your Christmas with craig’s fam goes great!

Hannah - I love the one gift idea. I think I will have to use that when I have kids (way, way in the future:).

Terrie - We are finally done with our 6, yes SIX Christmas’s!!
So crazy tired, but so much fun! And everyone got along!!
Seeing the grandson 5 days in a row…priceless!!
Loving those slippers! Just my color!
I think your idea of one gift is great!!
I would have a hard time with that…I LOVE giving!! 🙂
And the family gift ideas…super!!

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two crafts…one post!

December 23, 2011

both of these crafts are made of paper.
nothing else.
you have paper don't ya?
yes.

so…keep your kids hands busy with one or both of these today.
🙂

craft #1

cut a bunch of green patterned paper (or you could use plain green) into skinny strips.

i used a paper cutter.
but you could use scissors.

then i cut some of the strips into smaller sizes…. all different lengths.

then start stacking them.
random order..random pattern…biggest at the bottom….all the way up to the smallest.

glue them down until the tree is complete.

Add a star to the top, a brown trunk and circles for ornaments and you are done.

i would add glitter but my kids had moved onto another project.
but if it were MY tree….
there would be glitter on the star and all those ornaments.

……………………………..

craft #2

for this one you need red, pink, white and black paper.

and glue and scissors.
and a pencil or pen or marker.

the shapes do not need to be perfect in any way.
a rough pink circle and a rough red "triangle" will work great.

glue them together.
and add the black eyes and red nose.

now you glue on the beard.
we cut strips of white from a big piece of white paper.
any white paper will do.
and as you can tell the strips are not cut fancy or even straight….just strip shaped.
cover the bottom of the face completely.

THEN comes the fun part!!

curl the ends of the strip all the way up to the top by wrapping the strip around a pencil.
(you can even use your finger if you can't find a pencil)

and then you curl…curl…curl.

that picture makes me happy.

so cute aren't they?!!

and it's just paper and glue!

i love art.

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Melissa Kojima - Wow. These are so fun! I want to do them! The santa with the curly beard is just brilliant. I saw your cut paper trees on apartment therapy blog and had to come visit. Wonderful blog!

Jennifer - Terrific craft! Please share on our Christmas Crafts Linky Party and get some additional traffic to your site. Post as many holiday ideas that you have. And feel free to join this Blog Hop on your own site. http://thejennyevolution.com/2012/12/11/christmas-crafts-linky-party-and-blog-hop/

Intentionally Katie - These were day 3 of our Advent Activities today. My homeschooled kids are loving them…thanks for the ideas!!!

Marion MacGregor - I love these. Going to use them with my class. Thankyou!

Kristalyn (Learning is Messy) - i love both of these ideas. i’d like to use the paper curl Santa craft in my Advent Countdown Collection on my blog. could i use 1 pic from your post as well? i will link back to your post for directions and give you credit for the craft. please email me and let me know. thanks,kristalyn

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Cheryl - These are both such awesome crafts for the little guys! I can hardly wait to get mine on them next Christmas! Thanks for the beautiful tutorial!

Kelly - Aw, I love this. I wish I found you earlier!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love. this.

Jennifer Furry - so dang cute…we will copy!! merry CHRISTmas!!

karen gerstenberger - Your kids are so blessed to have YOU as their crafty mom. You make every day creative, which is so good for their minds and spirits, and you keep it simple, which is also good for their minds and spirits. Merry Christmas, Meg!

Tracey - LOVE these!!! Adding them to my pinterest boards.

Kristin - Oh these are both super cute! Love!

Jen - Oh I love these!! Might have to do some for craft time tomorrow!

Aby - OMGoodness!!! I’m SUCH a good mom these days thanks to you!!!! Hugs!!!

traci in virginia - I am a second grade teacher and am excited to see these! I will be doing them with my class next year! They fit the criteria…fun, and not too expensive! Thank you for sharing! Merry Christmas!

Holly - those are both very cute!

Kim - I want to thank you for posting crafts for kids! I used 3 of your crafts this week for my very first Christmas craft week with my kids. They love making things! I’ve also used a few of your ideas this past summer (robin nest and butterfly wall art). I just think it is so nice of you to share your thoughts and ideas! Happiest of Holidays to you and your family!

stephany @ home is what you make it - I am SO going to do these with my 2 and 4 year old today and/or tomorrow!
Thank you for the fantastic ideas!!!

Mindy Harris - adorable, megan. so doable for all of us!

Tanya H - We just might do the tree-strips one later today! This mama needs her stinkin migraine to go away.
My daughter is sitting here with me. She made that Santa in school and wanted to know when I took the pictures of all of them, LOL. The Santa was a hit for her!

Leah - Love ’em! That first one will be a great way to use up scrapbook paper.

Sharla - I love these, thanks!

The Orchard - Both of those are adorable! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa - You should be an art teacher …. U probably hear that a lot. 🙂 I’m not crafty at all but all ur posts make me want to try these with my kids!

meghan - These are great! I think I will do these with my little guy later today.

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december.

December 22, 2011

cookie exchange party….came home with these pretty snowflakes.

craft mess everywhere. :)

after 32 days i was finally able to do laundry in my own home again.
they ended up declaring my machine a lemon and replacing it.
YES.
it truly was a lemon.
and now i am enjoying this lovely new one….it sings a crazy long song at the end of a load.

milkshakes and a christmas movie has been our december friday nights.
the straws are from bed bath & beyond.
they are called milkshake straws. :)

annie bought a 3DS with her birthday & allowance money that she has been saving.
we found a great deal on black friday…craig is savvy with the internet deals.
i appreciate that so much.
so she has looked like this all month.

kerry had chocolate peppermint cupcakes this month!!!

*********i LOVE SNoW!**********

pretty morning in mid kansas.

my little girls had their elementary program on monday.
it was THE CUTEST program i have been to in my 16 years of parenting.
it was really hard not to cry over the totally sweetness of it all.

after i searched for two days, craig found my address book and these went out.

i used my last home alone day to wrap all our gifts.
this is the first year i have put all the gifts out.
but i was sneaky….i put fake names on all our kids' gifts to keep them from figuring out what's inside.
it's driving them crazy!
ha ha ha

every weekend this month we have spent in gyms all saturday and sunday.
i have to remind myself that i love basketball and i want them doing this.
it's good for them and i can handle one more game…. i can. :)

gorgeous sunset on the way to….. another basketball practice.

all this arrived in one day.
oh my.

family game night….sequence numbers.
that game is awesome.

scott's concert….really good too.
they sang jingle bells set to the nutcracker music….same words of jingle bells over and over.
it was really cool.
i wish it was on my pandora station.

treats for the girls' classes.
OREO POPS.
i went to make them at 10:00 PM and opened the oreos i bought for it and someone had been sneaking them!!
so there were HALF of what i needed.
don't you love going to the grocery store at 10 PM?
not.
………………………………………………………………..

IMG_4813-1

i received a copy of the Kids Power Bible for my kids this week.
it's COOL.
i knew my kids would like it.
it's bible stories in comic book style….what's not to like?!

you can get all the information at their website HERE.
cute stuff.

………………………………………………………………..

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Meredith - Meg, I lost my Christmas Card address book this year and did not find it until the week before Christmas. My cards went out the Thurs before and were thankfully delivered before Christmas.

Suzette - I love my Samsung song! Say that 10 times fast! I end up with it in my head all day. At least it’s better than the sexy sax man song (Careless Whisper)!

tammy - my mom used to put symbols or weird numbers on our presents instead of our names! we could never crack the code 🙂

Emily a la Blog - Oh my GOSH you put my Christmas card list to SHAME.
You’ve captured all the things I love about this season. The crafts, baking, packages, mailing, events… So much fun.

Jennifer - Love this post! You are awesome, i hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I love all the special memories you are creating for your family, that takes work!!

Carrie - I have to share my washing machine saga. In September the washing machine stopped spinning. Pur home warranty people tried to get sears to come out, the canceled so we got another company. They said the motor was shot and it would take 5 days to get the part. 10 days later, motor in, cool. 3 days later, water was leaking put of the machine. They came back, tub cracked, put in a too powerful motor. They forgot to call the home warranty people. 2 weeks later we get a brand new washer and the installers break something with our outlet. So it works with a menagerie of extension cords. Get the outlet fixed, washing machine is making a horrendous noise and walking the floor. GE claims that it is not their issue, it is the installers. Ohhhhh kay….. Get the installers back a few days later, they claim that the washing machine is missing bolts and to stop using it. Call GE, they argue with me, finally send someone on Halloween. The guy comes in, laughs, pushes down a bracket and says that the installers removed the packing bar too early and that is what happens. A 2 second fix. We have a new washing machine finally!! Did I mention that I cloth diaper? Our neighbors are awesome and I admit to hand washing those things a few times, never want to do that again!!

Kathryn - forgot to mention . . . I only do the secret wrap thing because I know what a snoop I was as a kid and that some (one) of my children (adults now!) has inherited that gene!

Kathryn - I ALWAYS wrap my gifts without names on them . . . using some sort of color coded wrap etc. I just hope and pray that I can remember what belongs to who when it’s time to open . .

nancy m - Gorgeous photos, Meg. I first started reading your blog a few Christmas’s ago when you’d decided to give “only one” gift per kid. You have been an inspiration ever since, and I don’t even have kids. God bless you this holiday, and in the new year ♥
Nancy in California

Spinning Wheel - I love the idea of the cookie exchange party! I think I may do this with some of my neighbors next year to spread the holiday cheer. My family and I have game nights often, especially around Christmas time, but we’ve never tried Sequence. It looks like a lot of fun and I bet my little ones would really enjoy it! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Kerry - I wanna know what’s in those boxes!!!!!!!!!!! And fake names? GENIUS!!! My kids have totally been ruining their surprises this morning, putting their presents into piles and shaking them… I’ve banned them from the tree 🙂
Looks like an awesome December to me Meg, Merry Xmas to you and yours xxx

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Heehee on the market at 10PM…I did the same thing the other night. My son needed Advil because he was running a fever. First of all I said, are you sure you can’t just go to sleep? Then I realized that was being a mean mom. I went out in my pj bottoms figuring they sort of look like sweats?!, my dirty hair in a half ponytail mess and a mismatched sweatshirt. Of course I actually run into someone I know and of course she is coming from a Christmas party looking gorgeous….oh my, whatever. Looks like this month is filled with lots of memories at your home and that is a good thing. Merry Christmas.

Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - I’m so glad you admitted you got those amazing snowflake cookies at a cookie exchange because my first thought was “Really?! How does she do it all?!” While I still wonder that, it made me feel better that you didn’t make them, ha! Looks like youre all set for the holidays. Have a super, amazing, colorful Christmas!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Love every single part of this post. Especially that pretty wrapping paper! Mind sharing where you got it?

Alice H - Love this post. I have to write notes on food if I want my family to stay out of it so I don’t have to go to the store at 10pm. Lol.

Lisa - i love the song my samsung plays – and my kids love hearing it and being able to tell me when the load is done! it’s just makes a ho-hum chore a little more fun!
have a merry christmas!

angi - LOVE the photo of the school bus and grain elevators. Reminded me of myself as a kid on a school bus in Ohio.

Kerry Wiebe - Megs, I’m so glad you like the cupcakes and I’m so glad you came for the cookie exchange! I love your pics and your family!! Have a great Christmas talk to you soon!

carly - i have the same washer and dryer set, love them! where did you find the oreo idea??

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Mmmm… those cupcakes look amazing!

Bailey C - That’s a lot of Christmas cards! I’m sure I’m not the first/only one to think of this, but here’s my tip: save your addresses in a label document rather than an address book. You can open the file and update as needed and then at Christmas (graduations, weddings, other big events) you can just print them off and stick them to the cards – save yourself some time and hand cramping!
Merry Christmas!

Lee Ann - I love it all! Except for going to the store at 10pm 🙁 I had a friend growing up that had 4 siblings. The mom used a different colored paper for each child’s gifts. No names. Your names are a fun way to do it too!

amy jupin - yea for new washers!
yea for milkshakes (and big ol’ straws)!
yea for cute cowgirls,
and amazon.com,
and snow,
and christmas cards DONE!
🙂

shauna - i want a milkshake with a milkshake straw.
i sorta want to be your kid.

April R - LOVE this post! thank u for sharing and Merry Christmas!
btw – if you like the comic book style Power Bible you might like the Action Bible – http://theactionbible.com/
we picked one up for our kids last year and they love it

Teresa - I love Scott’s Jayhawk ornament. Let’s hope 2012 brings them some winning games!

Christy - I have the same dryer! I find the music a nice change from the same old same old buzz. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!

Robyn B - I know what you mean with the sports – we’ve got one who plays soccer, one who plays basketball – both year round! I always have to remind myself that I WANT them involved with sports, it’s GOOD for them physically and they make great friends, they ENJOY playing…because practices night after night get old 🙂 But I love watching the games, it’s the practices that drive me crazy – that’s why I asked Santa for a Nook this year!
Merry Christmas from Texas!

Alicia @ La Famille - you were a rockstar mama this month! i’m not into all the games and practices yet, but i know that’ll come. you’re such a good mama 🙂

Heather Simnitt - Read an article in Reminisce Magazine (I’m an old soul – but only 34 years old) about a family where each year a child would unwittingly be assigned the make of a car. They would have to wait all December to see who was the Buick, the Chevy, the Ford. It was always something different every year. Cute idea!

Kathy - I so enjoy reading your blog. You are very REAL! Love that about you…..Merry Christmas!

Gina f. - What a bunch of fun photos!! I am going to check out the Bible game.

tina - I love ordering online especially since the nearest mall is about an hour away!!
The gift hiding thing is crazy at our house, it makes me laugh every year!
Merry Christmas 🙂

angela - I LOVE this post! Merry Christmas!

happygirl - Love that you encourage your kids in sports and music. I think you are a clever girl. Fake names on gifts, indeed. I’m glad I found your blog. 🙂

Jen Logan - Where did you get Lauren’s camera ornament? I have been looking for one.

Sue - Yay! So glad your kids liked the Power Bible. Thanks for taking the time to look at it and include it on your post. Merry Christmas!

Jenn Shock - I bought the same exact wrapping paper a few days ago….all of the ones you have in your pic! Excellent taste 🙂

Weza - I always always smile when you post pictures of fabric piles.
Merry Christmas Meg.
xxx

Holly - December looks like a fun month in your house! Merry Christmas Meg!

sara @ it's good to be queen - peppermint chocolate cupcakes?! YUM. can’t wait to see that kansas snow tomorrow! we haven’t had one flake in arkansas. oooh, my boys would love that Bible.

Allison - What was in all those boxes you got?! That’s like Christmas day right there. Love all your photos, Merry Christmas!

Seriously Sassy Mama - I love the Bible!

Lisa - Meg, do your little ones not believe in Santa Claus? I’m tired of hiding the presents but don’t want to ruin the surprise of Christmas just yet…

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sparkly sparkles

December 20, 2011

it's almost midnight.
my computer is almost out of power.
and i am almost out of power.
🙂

here are some shots from around our house this christmas.
enjoy.

i think christm
as came EXTRA fast this year.
what's up with that?

my kids are out of school after wednesday.
i am hoping for some serious chillin' in our jammies the rest of the week.

how about you?
are you ready to chill or are you still in the thick of the christmas craziness?

i promised myself that i WILL NOT have a christmas crash & burn meltdown like i always do.
i hope i can keep my promise.

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LeaAnn - Absolutely beautiful! I am so enjoying your site! Merry Christmas!

Catherine Snelgrove - Your home looks amazing! Love all of your photos – they look like they are straight out of a magazine. Your photography inspires me! Have a wonderful Christmas.

carly - love, love, love it! the colors are beautiful. thanks for sharing with us!

Gina f. - You have decked your halls beautifully!! I especially love everything in the flash card frame photo. Merry Christmas!!

Lisa - Yay, I’ve been waiting for your Christmas decorating pictures!! I love the little Merry sign on the mirror and the shiny ball wreath. I am sitting in my jammies right at this moment drinking coffee, watching a Shirley Temple movie and reading your blog, perfect relaxing morning. No hustle and bustle over here, running out of money helps with that!!lol
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
XOXO

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meltdown avoidance prayers happening now!!! 🙂 Hugs to you and Merry Christmas!

Kristina Carter - your house looks amazing! truly inspired by you!! Merry Christmas!

Tracey Husted - Oh my gosh…I LOVE your decorations. All of the colorful ornaments are Fantastic! I’m going to run out and buy more…this is crazy cool. Thanks for sharing!

MichelleB - I think it is because we lost a weekend…Christmas being on the weekend, means we lost a weekend. Really only three weekends in between thanksgiving weekend and christmas… is it normally like that? Of course I love your decorations! you amaze me everyday!

Saks2Salvation - I seriously could not stop scrolling down! Image after image kept embodying the entire Christmas spirit. You have such an amazing eye and I love the colors, arrangements and style of your holiday pieces. Gold sparkling accessories are my favorite choice for seasonal decor. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

Valerie@Chateaualamode.typepad.com - I started to say I love all of your sparkly balls and then thought maybe I should rephrase that, so I love all the vintage sparkles and the Christmas ornaments in the glass containers. So fun! Looks very merry!

Lindsay - Can I move in? I love your house and what YOU do to houses – I know it was you because I saw the before pictures! 🙂

April R - Merry Christmas Meg 🙂

Bullymama - I refuse to crash and burn this year!! I have been known to leave a Christmas Eve dinner at my sister-in-law’s with a roll of HER tape so that I could go home and finish wrapping…insane I know. Anyway, wrapping will be done by Friday :). My youngest son was sick with a fever over the weekend which seemed like a bummer at first (not that I want anyone sick) but it made me slow down and just hang out on the couch with him in front of the Christmas Tree, I don’t think I have ever done that so close Christmas it is usually rush, rush, rush. It was nice to spend that time with him and enjoy our house and our tree. Today we made your craft week #3 snowmen…they turned out great and with 3 boys it isn’t always easy to get them on the craft wagon…one wants to make one for his teacher he liked it so much. Made lasagna soup for dinner…you are a big hit at our house!! Thanks for all of your great ideas. Loved the pics of your decorations. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Jenna@CallHerHappy - i think you actually live in pinterest. as if the website was a home and you live there. so pretty!
jenna
callherhappy.com

Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - What a beautifully decorated home! I would love to go all out like this, but 1) I have a 10 month old who is into EVERYTHING! and 2) Where do you store it all in the off season?!Hope you have a very merry Christmas!

amy jupin - so, so pretty!
love it all.
and i love how it is the perfect reflection of you.
merry christmas, meg!

karen - meg, how do your kids not eat all those candy canes??

karen - LOVEEEE the decor! your good girl!!

Rachel B. - Merry, merry Christmas! Loved seeing your house…and your reflection in the ornaments 😉

Kristen - your house looks awesome! merry christmas!

Erin - Wow! You have inspired me to add more sparkle to my Christmas next year! Everything looks so festive. Merry Christmas.

Tanya - These pics make me so happy 🙂
Happy Christmas Meg and fam!

FawninBC - Wow, I have been a seasoned blog ‘lurker’ for almost a year and I think this is my third comment ever! It is very rare that I am moved enough to actually post a comment. This post is so absolutely gorgeous that I just had to share my appreciation 🙂 I know you have so many comments already but man, you are amazing, I just had to say that. As I scrolled through this post, each picture took my breath away, each and every single one! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home, and beautiful outlook on life with us.

Julie - Love, love, love….love the colors, the silvers, the whites! Everything looks great!

happygirl - NOW I’m in the Christmas spirit. Shiny Brites are my FAVORITE ornaments. LOVE LOVE LOVE your decor. 🙂

kristin - Love your decor, but especially at Christmas! Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for letting us peek inside! 🙂

Emily a la Blog - I love Christmas at your house. It inspires me (maybe next year I’ll have more glam and glow and glitter like you). 🙂 Love your blog! Thanks for sharing your life. XOX

erin - I really love your home! Thanks for sharing!

jenni - There is not a single thing about any of these pictures that I do not LOVE. From the holiday vocab cards to the chalkboard handwriting to the colorful bulbs everywhere, I wish my house looked HALF as jolly and bright… You could hire yourself out as a decorator!

sara @ it's good to be queen - gorg. meg…your style is amazing…the perfect blend of sparkly and vintage and it is by far my favorite favorite in all of blog land. your blog is the one i get most excited about and the one i *always* read first. even i have no time to read blogs, i will at least read yours. thanks for writing and posting and letting us in on your world. you’re a little spot of sunshine in my days. 🙂 merry christmas.

flowerpowermomma - praying you don’t crash and burn…nor any of the other harried commenters. we are keeping things simpler here, and i’m modifying my expectations. of course my kids are much older than yours…so it’s easier to do. 🙂
“dear Jesus,
all these mommma’s who’s hearts and minds are hurried, stressed, and over worked, please send them peace. May they rest in Your assurance of joy regardless. May their children remember the love, laughter and fun of the holiday..and not the melted down mommas. please keep their eyes on You. in your name…amen.”

Heather - I always love seeing your Christmas decorations- they are what I aspire to! I love the sweet vintage ornaments and the handmade touches. Just gorgeous! I had to pin it. 🙂

Joy - It is all so beautiful!

Elma Riedstra - Wow what a beautiful home!! I LOVE the wreath!! Did you make it and if you did is it easy??I have ton of vintage pink and aqua ornaments and would love to make one:) As allways your home is amazing!!! Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!

tiffany gardner - I love Christmas but for some reason this season always makes me more emotional….if that is even possible. I just want it to come and stay a long time and every year it seems to go faster and faster. Maybe that just means I’m older. 🙂 This year all my brothers and sister and I were together with my mom for the first time since my daddy died in five years! We were only together for one evening but I will carry that evening with me forever. I am trying to remember what this season means and not to have a meltdown too. Thanks for making day with all your beautiful photos. You are a blessing and make me laugh regularly. Merry Christmas Meg….my FAVORITE blog girl.

karen gerstenberger - Somewhere in between. Cleaning up after a busy weekend with guests, preparing for the upcoming weekend. Finishing Christmas cards, Katie’s Comforters Guild “thank you” notes, preparing to deliver blankets to the hospital for the kiddos who are in-patient over the holidays, and waiting for the hard copy of MY BOOK to be delivered for final proofreading!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Meg.

Juli - What a bunch of delicious treats for the eye! Thank you.

Aby - I love your house and your style Meg!! Everything looks so beautiful and magical and kid friendly…just as Christmas should be!! We have so enjoyed doing your crafts too!! My girls (10 year old twins) love your blog as much as I do!!! lol Thank goodness I can rely on you for creativity!! You’ve made me a better mom!!! THANK YOU!!! God bless!!!

Dawn - It is all just perfect!
Thanks for inviting me in.
Blessings on you this Christmas.
!!!
Dawn @ 4:53 am

Suzette - Amazing! Beautiful! Can I move in? Where did you get the Christmas flash cards?

Mandy - I adore your colorful home!
Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!!

elz - I LOVE your colorful Christmas decor. It’s so effortless and fun!

RLG - Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures, Meg.
They are warm and wonderful. Have a merry Christmas!
love, Renee

Lindsey - Gorgeous!!!!!!! A sight to behold!

Cathy - Love the pictures! I made a wreath similar to that this year. Love all your decorations.

Cecilia Madden - Oh my- everything is so beautiful! I LOVE the mix of fabrics you used too, to accent some of your displays. Just beautiful.
Have a happy, peaceful rest of the week 🙂

Miranda - your home is so festive! love it! merry CHRISTmas!

Tiffany - Love it. The chalkboard (wow!) great title too, sparkly sparkles!!!

beth e. - I have to admit, somewhere in the back of my mind i was waiting for this post : )…to see your casa in all of it’s sparkly christmas glory, so pretty!!! Here on the west coast of canada, the kids have been out of school this whole week already so it’s been a sea of play dates & hockey. This morning, as i’m begrudging getting out of my p.j.’s in a minute here, which i wish i could stay in for the rest of the day, to head to a 9 a.m. play date, i’m asking myself, who on earth scheduled this anyway? I must have been feeling really happy that day! Hope everyone reading this has a wonderful holiday & and heaps of great memories made. cheers, beth

melissa@joyineveryseason - oh meg … your home is so beautifully sparkly and festive … and your photos are -as always- gorgeous. I love stopping by your blog! Merry No Melt Downs Christmas!!

Brandi - I did the same thing with our stockings and Pottery Barn monogram ornaments– when I saw you had done it, too, I gasped and thought, “Ohmygosh! I bet we’d be friends!” and then I realized how funny that was and had to share. Beautiful pictures!!

Heidi - Wow, these photos are simply stunning. They look like they’re straight out of a magazine! Meg, you definitely have a talent and eye for creating all things beautiful and lovely! How lucky your kids are to live with such a creative, talented woman who creates such a beautiful home! Thank you for sharing photos of your home with us! Such an inspiration! May you have a relaxing, stress free holiday and remember the reason of the season. =)

Christy - Love your style! The colors are amazing!

Carrie - I think your style is so awesome. It’s kinda retro and whimsical and so fun!!! I think I love it because it is so completely opposite of all my traditional red and green decor. Opposites attract I guess. That is why I love your blog.

martina fegan - Beautiful!

Holly - very pretty Meg! Our kids have been out since last week! We have been doing some volunteer stuff this week and jammie time next week!

Carol - It is all so beautiful. Truly – I love how colorful everything always is at your house! We are trying to slow it down around here, but that goes very against our grain and is an up-hill battle.

Lori Austin - What a beautiful post! My daughter came and looked over my shoulder while I was looking and said “oooohhhh that is so pretty!”. 🙂
Love, love the vintage ornaments all around. So pretty. I only have a few. W-A-N-T more.
I keep reminding myself to keep the craziness in check. I SO don’t want to be the whacked out mommy flipping out about everything and then melting down Christmas night because it wasn’t just how I wanted it because I have unreal expectations. (super long run on – I know) I keep reminding myself (and praying) to keep focused on the true meaning and finding joy in each moment (even if my kids are hanging from the ceiling fan!).

amanda - So bright and cheery! Merry Christmas to you and your family …

Kayla - Love all your pictures….it makes me want to come and crash on your sofa and just absorb all the…..color…..and happy vibe that seems to be floating everywhere! Please don’t crash and burn….it would steal our joy! Merry Christmas!

Pamela Gordon - Your home looks so beautiful decorated for Christmas! Lots of inspiration in your style – which I love. Have a blessed Christmas!

Southern Gal - Love all the gorgeous colors and glass ornaments.
I have Joy to the World on our chalkboard with Nora’s manger scene underneath it, too. Maybe I have just a smidge of creativity in my body.

keely - Oh, Meg! What a cheerful, lovely Christmas home. I love love love it all!

jen@thecottagenest - It all looks beautiful. Good luck on the chillin in jammies. I hope to accomplish that too and I agree about the pace of this December. I wish I could play the next few days in slow motion.

paige - your home is so fun & amazing & twinkly & colorful!
merry chirstmas
excuse me while i go pin away! 😉

jen - I love to see your house decorated! We celebrate Hanukkah but I just didn’t have it in my heart to decorate this year (sad story too sad to tell), so thanks for the vicarious fun!
On a totally separate note, I’ve been trying and trying to find the white Good MOrning mug you have–WHERE did you get it?? I hope you answer this so I can stop my exhaustive googling!! :o)

Jen Brandt - Love the Christmas tree, stockings, wreath, presents pic the best. Beautiful. Getting ready to head out on a 2-day drive to Texas with the fam to see the in-laws. Praying for safe travels and good health. Happy Christmas vacation!!!

Kim from Miracle-Round - I love all the sparkle. So pretty. My kids don’t get out of school until Friday. So late this year. Merry Christmas!

Liz - It all looks very festive. The to-do list here has very few ticks!

Lori - I haven’t wrapped thing one! Love all your beautiful color. Where oh where did you find the cool Christmas flash cards??

Alicia @ La Famille - no crash and burn. i went waaaaay simple with everything this year…it feels good.
your house is beautiful! and fun! and sparkly!

amy - love the flash cards an dal of the vintage cuteness.
can’t get enough of it all.
i have that vintage light up santa too.
and when my kids see presents wrapped under other people’s tree they wonder why they are there because i never do it until like the day before.
why can’t i pull it together?
merry christmas.

meagan - Meg your house is so cute and fun. I bet your kids will always have the best memories of their childhood home! Have a blessed holiday!

Terrie G - I LOVE seeing other people Christmas decorations! I always love yours!
Your ball wreath turned out way better than mine…mine is a little lopsided I think.
I need to get out of the craft room and take pics of my decorations…
so much to do! I’ve to let some of it go…’cause I feel a big meltdown coming on.
Looking forward to some chill time soon!!!
Merry Christmas to you!

Jamie Ervin - Beautiful! Where did you find those simple flashcard-esque word cards? I love how simple they are 🙂

Simply Lanny - If I lived closer you’d be sorry I’d be at your door looking in ! love everything my friend … Merry Christmas to ALL and give Waffle a big hug for me 🙂

tina - GOR-GE-OUS !! Love them all!!

Lisa Biedebach - I am done, but my crash and burn is more emotional about my kids getting older, time moving too quickly, etc. I love your house any day!
Lisa

Mindy Harris - your home is beautiful, as always. my fave is the embroidery hoop art. super cute.
i too hope i don’t have a holiday melt-down. there’s still so much to do, including christmas cards. they are still being printed at shutterfly.
xoxo!!

shauna - im promising too….
we’ll see right?
your house is a happy sparkly burst of delight.
hopefully everyone that comes into it can follow suit.

Dina - This is my most favorite post every year…out of all the blogs I follow…THIS is the one!:-) I adore your house! SO beautiful!

Tanya H - 🙂 I have to say, I would love to crash on your couch and just look at all the shiny pretty for a while. Your house ROCKS! 🙂

Leah - As always, your house looks beautiful! I love seeing all your Christmas decor. Merry Christmas!

keri - forever folding laundry - Love all the pics.
Can I come over for coffee tomorrow?
I’ll bring fudge.
My kids will be out Thursday, too.
I need more time.
Merry Christmas, friend.
xo.

Kimberlee Jost - I’m getting my crash and burn out of the way right now. 🙂
And your house looks lovely my friend.
Merry Christmas.

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girls day

December 19, 2011

the men in my home (and a friend) went to the chiefs/packers game on sunday….Boy's DAY.

so….
we declared it GIRLS DAY at home.

the day before i got tickets to the Nutcracker.
we got dressed up.
we did fancy hair dos….

and i painted their nails in christmas colors.

and we went to the ballet.

we made it through most of it with minimal "when is this OVER?" whispers.

the girls begged to go to Krispy Kreme.
i tried to convince them of the goodness of starbucks but they were buyin' it.
it's probably better they not go in there yet…we'll leave it that as a Mommy Place.

not only do i love their donuts….i LOVE their packaging and signage.
fabulous fonts.

then we went to Justice.
they had their own money to spend.
we were there for over an hour…. calgon take me away.
their music is on a short loop and LOUD.
but my girls were so happy.

next stop: the bookstore.

the girls sat and read for a long time.
i found a few books for a few people on my list….
books are always a good gift.

and last stop was the big tree for a picture.

it was such a nice day with my two littlest girlies.
they were sweet to each other and to me.
we enjoyed just being together and being girly.

and the boys got to see the Chiefs win.
i hear that doesn't happen too much so i think everyone had a good day!

………………………………………..

i keep forgetting to tell you about something!
i am a crafty contributor over at alphamom.com
come see my christmas craft we made for her.
we'll call it christmas craft #4.

🙂

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Zymeth Blues - I love the hairdo! It’s so neat and girly! 😉 Whenever I have a girls’ day out with my daughter, I always make sure that she enjoys each and every moment that we’re talking and playing. And I see to it that I capture those priceless smiles in photographs. 🙂 BTW, I love their boots!

Carmen Seda - I happened to stop by your website from Pinterest and I’m so excited to see a CHIEFS family!!! I’m from And live in Kansas City and my house was going crazy to see the Chiefs pull off the win against the Packers. Love your site!

Tracey Young - Looks like a great day! We took our 3 girls (6,7,13) to see the Nutcracker last weekend in Omaha-the Aspen-Santa Fe ballet company. I highly recommend them if they are near you. They had special effects! Kept them all entertained! We are former Kansans, now in Nebraska, so all to aware of the Chiefs issues! Just glad my dh can usually catch a game on tv. Will be back in KS for Christmas! Merry Christmas and thanks for your blog! I love to read it–keep waiting to see if you photograph any families we might actually know!

Amanda - As a veteran employee of Justice, I can attest to the loud/repetitive music. Some days I can tune it out just fine, but other days I want to rip my hair out!

happygirl - LOVE the girls day, but SERIOUSLY, the Chiefs beat the Pack and broke the streak. AWESOME.

Linda - What a fabulous day!

Molly Pearce - Me and Annie have the same glitter boots! I looooovvvvveeee mine! Merry Christmas Meg!
~Molly P

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Alright Annie. You and my 6 year old were meant to be BFFs. Seriously…the fashion, the girly-ness. I see it every day here. So cute!
This was a fun post Meg. Merry Christmas!

Kerry - aaah what an awesome day! A girly day with my 3 girls is way overdue.
And those sparkle boots Annie??!! Too flipping cute xx

Kelly - yea for girls’ day! I love the pic of you reading with Annie. Reminds me of that video you did of her reading. You look adorable! love your outfit. Kelly

Kimberly Dial - Oh Meg, every time I see pics of your Annie, I smile, ’cause she reminds me so much of my oldest grandgirl, Emmy (who just turned 7)… they have the exact same fashion sense! 😉 I love it! Sounds like a lovely time was had by all … girls & boys alike! Merry Christmas!

Rebekah - I LOVE Annie’s “going to the ballet” outfit. Absolute perfection.

Lisa - Looks like a perfect day! My girls and I did the same thing weekend before last (even Krispy Kreme 🙂 It was their first time to see the Nutcracker. They were totally swept up in it. Wonderful memories!

Karol - Lovely photos! I must say that I find refuge at Justice after a trip to A&F or Hollister with their loud music, dark lighting, and overdone cologne smells.
Looked like a perfect day.

sandi - my cousin used to be a graphic designer for krispy kreme… love when the hot donuts now sign is on. too bad ours is far away.

cassie - You and your girls are so beautiful! I must agree with you on the music at Justice-ACK!!

Krista - Maybe it’s my own holiday overload, but your pictures and your Girls Day have brought tears to my eyes. Have a wonderful holiday with your family!

sara @ it's good to be queen - so many things….that big tree is beautiful! your girls are gorgeous…wow talby is growing up… love the thought of a girls day and boys day. happy christmas!

Holly - when the boys in our house get together we call it man day. Our 6 yr old LOVES man day with his dad and papa! Glad yall had such a lovely day!

Southern Gal - I’m distracted now. The chocolate covered custard filled doughnut is my favorite. It’s calling my name.

Jennifer - How fun…I must admit I’m a bit envious, I wish I had daughters to go do girly stuff with. 🙁
Happy Holidays!

Kristin - looks like a fun time.. my mom and i went to the nutcracker together for years and i look forward to starting up again when my little ones are old enough to join us. how fun too that you have the book “if you give a dog a donut” in a picture – it’s a Christmas present for my donut loving 3 year old this year. merry christmas!

Leah - Awesome pictures and just went to Alphamom to check out the craft. Love it! My daughter would be all over the Starbucks. Not sure if that’s such a good thing though.

Tracey - LOL, I am with the girls on the Nutcracker, it just doesn’t end fast enough. 🙂
My kiddos would have had asked for Krispy Kreme too—although they do enjoy a cake pop or whoopie pie from Starbucks. maye too much since my youngest just asked me today if I would take to Starbucks before Christmas so he could get a Christmas treat.

Mae - Looks like SUCH a fun day!!! LOVE the outfits!

Rachel - Nice girls’ day! I love Annie’s polka dot tights – perfect! Do they make them in grown-up sizes? 😉

Seriously Sassy Mama - That tree is awesome!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Sooo, when I grow up, I want to be as fashionable as Annie. Seriously! Grey and yellow leopard print, polka dot leggings and sparkly boots? Love!! 🙂
Great post, Meg!

andrea - LOVE the boots! I’m jealous. Our nutcracker is sold out! Tried to get tickets just last week. Abbe went with school but they didn’t show the whole thing like they did when Ruth went and Abbe was disappointed. Am going to have to look into the tickets earlier next year!
Love girls day. Need to have one with my girls soon.

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christmas craft #3

December 17, 2011

ok….

this craft is a bit more time consuming
BUT
all three kids said "that is AWESOME!" when i showed them.
sean said "it's so creative!"
🙂

i saw one at the hallmark store that was similar but clearly mass produced & i thought "i bet i could make that"
so we did!

you will need clear ornaments, foam balls that are smaller than the glass ornament, fake snow and scrap fabric.
i found those all at hobby lobby.

i did this step apart from when the kids were working.
i carved a hole in the foam that was exactly the size of the top of the ornament where it hangs from.
i used a screwdriver….? it was what i found in my drawer.
the foam is really soft and easy to work with.

it will look like that.

take the silver ornament hanger off the ornament.
make a cone with paper and fill your ornament with fake snow….as much or as little as you want.
this stuff goes everywhere so the cone was the least messy way we found to work.

add hot glue to the top of the ornament… around the top ring.

then you IMMEDIATELY push the foam ball that was hollowed out onto the ornament.
it should be tight… i had to help annie.

we made hats by cutting a circle of black paper for the brim and rolled paper to fit inside the silver ornament hanger.
and hot glued it all together.
there is a close up picture of the hats below.

cut a strip of fabric or felt for a scarf about 12" long.

tie it around the head in a knot.

we cut some "fringe" on the ends.

the faces are painted onto the head before the hats are glued on.
and buttons on their tummies.

and we added a little scrap of fabric or felt for the hat.
(p.s. mine is the one with the really wide set eyes…i like my snowmen that way. :)

sean

for this hat we hot glued felt around the head and tied the top together.
then snipped the end into fringe.

IMG_4807-12
annie

we watched frosty the snowman tonight on tv.
man….frosty returns was on afterwards….ummm….yuck.
how did that movie become a "classic?"
seriously.

we watched "it's a Wonderful Life" last night.
i cried from the start.
love that movie.
but i fell asleep at the last 10 minutes.
like…i was out cold…missed the best part.

DID YOU WATCH MY CRAZY VLOG???

the sound was nuts wasn't it?

DID YOU DONATE TO CHARITY: WATER??

do it.

come on….join us!

it's $10 to change lives!

CHANGE LIVES!!!!

it's real.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

you make a difference.

your heart is big.

you matter.

HELP OTHERS.

🙂

don't forget to enter my giveaway (and the others) if you donated!

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crystalbeutler - What a fun craft!!!! Hey, did you change your hair?? Super cute photos of you. 🙂

Katrina - My 7 year old saw me reading this post and said “I want to make that!”. Looks like I’m going to have to head over to the craft store.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - L O V E !!!

Lori Austin - Such cute snowman. Love the flannel.
Just watched the weather – looks like a white Christmas for you. Hope you have a lot more crafts stashed.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Amber Pamper - Meg I am so grateful to have your blog. I’ve been reading for a long time and I look forward to your new posts!! :o) Merry Christmas!

Gretchen - The nearest Hobby Lobby is about an hour away, but it is SO worth it! Thank you for inspiring me to do more crafts with my kids. Before finding your blog, I had forgotten that crafts are still magical, even for older kids. Hugs!!!

Jen Brandt - I am crazy about snowmen and have added this to our craft list for next Christmas. Thank you!
Meg, on an I’ve-never-met-you, but love your blog kind of way – I love you. Your blog is very uplifting. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Kayla - My kids say that my “catch phrase” is….”I bet we can make that ourselves!” Drives them crazy….and I do sort of say it a lot! But it is true….and it always saves us money. I love this idea and that each snowman has a personality all its own!

Kara @ June & Bear - crazy cute snowpeople. and we are with you on the frosty returns. it’s not good.

Hannah - seriously. the. cutest! i love it!

Kati - Super cute!!! I will be ‘pinning’ this for next year! My son makes ornaments every year for our family. I love this one.

stacey - Super cute! Living overseas makes me miss good craft stores 🙂
Merry Christmas!

tami - that is too cool! Love snowmans!

Kristen - That is an adorable craft. I’m tucking it away for future crafts.

gramme joy - … adorable snow people!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - These are such cute ornaments! Love love love. And those zebra scissors? Ive been eyeing them at Walmart since this past summer. Maybe Santa will put them in my stocking:)

Rachel - Love your snowmen! I am a collector of snowmen so I know a good one when I see one 😉

sheryl salik - where did you get your fabric? no where ive found had chevron!!

Leah - That is an AWESOME craft! I’m not sure if my 4-year-old can do it, but I certainly want to try it. And though I have not seen Frosty Returns, we did watch some of Rudolph’s Shiny New Year today and all I can say is BIZARE! Glad I didn’t waste money buying that one.

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - So pinning this to make next year with my girls!
And can I just tell you that that picture of Annie is SO adorable! Her sweet face, the shirt, zebra scissors (!), polka dot fabric, the chippy paint chair in the background.. Love it all. 🙂
Happy Holidays, Meg!

Nikki - That is adorable!! I’m so doing this!

shannon - so adorable! how do you come up with these things. I’ll have to make these next year when my girls are a bit older.

Holly - those are super cute!

Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land - Really love this one…might give a whirl one day when I have time.

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pretty cool.

December 14, 2011

mpix approached me to be in their ads for the winter…thanks to ashley who passed my name on to them.
i was thrilled.
we shot it right in my kitchen.

they have such neat products!
i loved opening the box with the big black & white of talby already matted AND framed.
so easy.
i got one of sean too.

there is a page about little ol' me right here.

——————————————————————————————————————————

i sound like a dork.

at least i sound like a nice dork. :)

Mpix has everything a Mom photographer could want.
you can print your photos on boxes, playing card, wall clings, calendars, canvases, standouts, cards, key chains, mouse pads and much more.

their gallery wrapped canvases are FABULOUS.

……………………………..

my kids had play dates today so the crafts got benched.
more tomorrow.
and my giveaway for project 320 too!

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add a comment

Daphne Paramo - Your photos are beautiful and brought Christmas cheer into my morning .
God Bless you and Merry Christmas!

the whyte house - how fun!
i LOVE mpix, however i just switched to picture perfect, a locally owned store in wichita. both companies do the same quality of work and have generally the same prices. mpix has a more user friendly site, and they show you the preview of your photo in all of the sizes(I LOVE THAT!),but they don’t do PAYPAL!!! do you hear me, MPIX?!?! i need you to do paypal!! 🙂 haha.

bonnie - awesome!

elisa - this is awesome 🙂

Emily - So cool! and really loving mpix. Never heard of them before but in love with too many of their products!!

Ruth Baumgartner - Meg, Congratulations! If you are a dork, you are the coolest dork I know…. I always think-along with the rest of the world, “If I lived in Kansas, we would be total BFF’s…” You deserve every happiness, and any spotlight you recieve!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
PS If you ever come to Montana, or go to Utah again, PLEASE tell me! I would LOVE for you to photograph our family!

Brandi Pryor-Lies - i love mpix. i love that you are featured on mpix. it’s always fun to see someone you know in places you frequent. smashing good time! 🙂

www.coconutsandlimes.blogspot.com - LOVE it…and love your winter list, too!

sue - Love everything you do Meg. Any chance of a little look at the Winter List. Please.

Suz - cool, just a comment on your outfit though…next time make the jeans super skinny if you are wearing a long top like that…better lines for you, beautiful Meg.

megan - squeee, that’s awesome, meg! the pic is great! and, do you know what else I think is awesome, that you linked to my humble blog….what??! girl, you’re the best. xoxo

Heather G. - You’re so famous!!! Great picture! xoxo!

Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - LOVE mpix! Been using them for years! What a great opportunity for you!

Tracy Fisher - You go girl! YOu look adorable.
Tracy

rhonda - that is awesome!!!! i live in the town that mpix is. love that place!!! great shot of you!

Kim from Miracle-Round - Congrats! That’s so exciting. And you’re not a dork. Seriously.

Oberheu.wordpress.com - Meg I want to be you when I grow up! So awesome!

Renee - Beautiful ad! So cool!! Congrats!!

Isabel Kallman @AlphaMom - so cool and you look fabulous, of course! Congratulations. Your family must be so proud.

Tiffany - You look so official. Mommed out, then the Chucks. I luv it. Thanks for keepin it reals. Talby is gorgeous in the b&w and Sean is so handsome. Keep up the good work.

amy jupin - two words: rock star.

Cindy - Such a great ad! You look adorable and your list is so NOT dorky! We had our wedding gallery wrap from MPix too. Great company! Thanks for sharing!!!

Kimberly Dial - You’re a celebrity! Congrats! You are so cool 😉

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Well congrats Miss Meg. Very exciting for you I’m sure. You look like a real live celeb!

Deborah - I opened our Jan issue of Pop Photog the other day, and there you were. I promptly showed my hubby and after her drew a blank look, I explained to him that it was Meg, the awesome blogger and toger that I always talk about.
How cool!!! I was thrilled to see you there! Btw, you do NOT sound like a dork!
Blessings!
Deborah

Anj - Ack! meg you are so cool!!! I want to be just like you 🙂

seriously sassy mama - What a cool place! Now, if I could just take a good pic to print.

Rachael - congratulations! that’s so amazing!

tiffany gardner - Nice! This is the lab I use for my photography too and I love them!

Trish - fun! go you!!

Ellen - I was looking at my Jan 2012 Popular Photography mag on my Nook Color when I saw this ad. I have been following your blog and knew you immediately! It was exciting to see a familiar face, even though you do not know me at all. Great ad!

Alicia @ La Famille - congrats, girlie!!! you are incredible!!

danielle - I saw your add in the photography magazine I get! I was like I KNOW HER! Oh wait I don’t 🙂 I get the blog world and the real world confused sometimes. Congrats!

Sandy - WOW that’s so cool! Congrats!!

Kelley Wenzel - How fun?! I love mpix.com, too. Ten years ago, would you have guessed this is the life you’d be living? Reaching and impacting thousands through your blog and being featured in magazine articles. Good for you, Megan!

Ashlyn@Pinecone - Love it – you look fab!!!! Congrats!

TinaM. - that’s AWESOME!!

Melissa - I ordered from mpix for the first time this month and am in love with them!!

keri - forever folding laundry - Niiiiiiice!
Congrats!

Kim - My 3 year just pointed to your picture and said she wanted to, “go there.” I said, ” inside that picture?” she said, ” yeah, I’ll just go there and play and then come home.” your photo display looks like a good time to her! 🙂

Lynette - Meg,
This is soooo cool! Congrats! Very proud of you!

Sharla - Very cool! I think I am the dork. I have never heard of mpix! Definitely checking it out

betsy - You look SO cute! What a perfect photo shoot! I’ve never met you in person, but I feel like this picture is a perfect representation of what we know about you: fashionable, friendly, crafty, great mom, artistic, great designer, brave, bold, warm!
I kept looking at that picture of the crayons and couldn’t imagine where you found such GIANT crayons … but then realized it was probably a canvas of one of your photos. Right? Am I the only one that wanted to google “extra large crayons” when looking at this? 😉

elz - I love mpix. I’ll make sure I continue to use them now that I “know” someone in their ads!

Southern Gal - I love Mpix. Thanks to them we were able to get my daughter’s 16×20 bridal portrait mounted on matboard with lustre coating and put it in a frame from Michael’s all for $51! How neat that you’re a spokesperson for them.

Di - Yea, you, my friend! what does it mean that our pet turtle made it onto the background photo? the boys will LOVE it! shh…matt hasn’t gotten his pic yet. So proud and thrilled for you, my favorite dork!:)

AshleyAnn - So I’ve been looking for the magazine EVERY time I’ve been at the store this month. The anticipation was killing me. Such a great shot. Love it…so happy to see you featured. They are smart people over there at Mpix 🙂

Lisa - My husband just saw this in Popular Photography and showed me. You are SO BIG TIME! So happy for you. (Oh, my semi-oblivious-to-blogdom recognized you. Double big time 🙂

happygirl - This is so cool. You deserve the best in life. Have a Merry Christmas and enjoy your new found FAME.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Squeal! I am so, so, so happy for you! Happy dance!

shannon - that is way cool! i LOVE mpix!!!!! 😀

Holly - very cool! MPix is my fav!

Katie - The Winter List is genius! Congrats on Mpix…I am hoping to make photo books soon…January!

Terrie - How exciting! You are far from a dork! Goof maybe…dork nah! Just Kidding! 🙂
I’m getting ready to place my first MPIX order this week. I’ve heard a LOT of good things about them from the peeps in my photography club!
Phew! No pressure on a new craft today! LOL!!
I’m making an ornament wreath from my son-in-laws Grandma’s ornaments.
She passed away last year, so this should be a nice way to remember her for them. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration from last year!

Tanya H - That’s WAY cool!! You don’t sound like a dork at all!

Mae - Awesome!!! Can’t wait to check it out! Love your Winter List…

amanda - you are amazing. and hot. lovely.

Laura Phelps - fabulous
so happy and excited for you
I wish I were a nice dork
I am way too sarcastic
and vulgar
but NICE sarcastic and vulgar
your hair looks AMAZING too

Mindy Harris - you don’t sound like a dork. you are adorable. i want to be in a magazine someday. there’s a little pic of my holiday table in women’s focus. 🙂 ha. it’s a start.

amanda - what a cute picture! congrats 🙂

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