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Christmas Camp Create 2023

July 27, 2023 Filed in camp CREATE


Well HELLO!
I miss this space.
Sighhhhh. Thanks for being here.

Coming November 2023 I am hosting TWO Camp Creates!
Camp One will be November 2 – 5 and Camp Two will be November 9 – 12.
These will both take place at The Whatever Craft House.
I AM SO EXCITED!

In 2019 we tried a new spin on our format of Camp Create by making it ALL Christmas!
I hoped it would be good but it actually was completely AWESOME!

What is different about “Christmas” Camp Create?
All of the projects we make will be Christmas-y!
The house will be decked out for Christmas!
We’ll play Christmas music! We’ll wear Christmas sweaters!
Eat Christmas cookies! We’ll go caroling! (just kidding… we won’t do that)
It is festive and F U N!
And it’s just before all the Christmas hustle and bustle begins at home.

Registration opens at noon (CST) on Tuesday, August 1 – CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION.



In 2014 I began dreaming and praying about what kind of place this camp could be…

CAMP CREATE:

– a place where women could come for a true break from the everyday routines
– to create & feel confident that they were created for a purpose
–  to meet other like-minded women who love crafting (aka: find your people)
– to be reminded that they are God’s Masterpiece
– to explore WHY their art and gifts are important
– to know that the desire to create is instilled in them by God and it’s REAL
– to feel safe to share their dreams
– to be taken care of and pampered (women are always caregiving… this is a time you get to be cared FOR)
– to grow spiritually, emotionally, and creatively
– to have a restful place to CREATE & PLAY

If you don’t consider yourself a “real artist” you will still fit perfectly at camp.
All skill levels are welcome – beginner to professional!


Camp One: Artist Instructors are Jenn Mcglon, Jackie Peters and ME.

Camp Two:  Artist Instructors are Lori Siebert, Sarah Alexander and ME.

We will teach skills and techniques that are unique to each of our giftings and Christmas-themed.  Our days at camp are FULL of creating art together.
Our time is very free-flowing and open-ended… it is WONDERFUL!



Camp ONE:  Our speaker will be Ashlee Gadd.

Camp TWO: Our speaker will be Jami Nato.

We will spend time each day listening to and learning from these amazing women.
I’m already looking forward to it!

Kimberlee Jost always prepares amazing meals for camp.
She is so talented at serving delicious food and making it look easy and effortless.
I am always happy to eat anything she serves!

Each camp we have had has been so GOOD!
You’ll make Christmas crafts but you’re also going to find new friends and go home feeling filled up with happiness.
Come join us this year!


You can read about our past camps here:

Camp CREATE fall 2018,    / Camp Create spring 2018, /  Camp CREATE 2017 – fall, /  Camp CREATE 2017 – spring,   / Camp CREATE 2016 – fall,  / Camp CREATE 2016 – spring, /  Camp CREATE 2015, /  Camp CREATE 2014
(we also had one in Spring 2019 and November 2022 that I never blogged about – oops!)

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

IMPORTANT FACTS to note:

1. Tickets go on sale on August 1 at noon (CST) in my shop.

2. Registration is paid in installments.
– First payment of $200 will be during registration in my shop.
This payment is non-refundable but will go toward your total registration cost.

– Second payment of $650 is due on September, 2023

– Third payment of $650 is due on October 1, 2023

OR if you want to pay more or the full remaining amount after August 1, you can do that as soon as you’d like.

If you need different payment installments please ask and we can work something out

3.  Airfare or travel expense is not included in the price but we will take you to & from the Wichita Eisenhower International Airport on Thursday & Sunday of camp. Flights need to arrive no later than 4:45 on Thursday and leave no earlier than noon on Sunday.

4.  If the camps have sold out and you would like to be put on a waitlist – leave that in the comments here or in Instagram comments.  I have had to use the waitlist for almost every camp so it’s worth a try!

5.  Leave your questions in the comments and I will try my best to answer them in the comment area.

add a comment

Peggy Engle - Curious if there would be anything gluten free available?
If not I would need to prepare & bring my own food.

If it sells out before I can register I would like to be on the waitlist.

Curious how many projects are planned?

Thank You for any information.

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GIFT LIST – TEEN BOYS

December 14, 2018 Filed in CHRISTMAS GIFT LISTS,GIFT IDEAS

here are my Christmas Gift Ideas for Tween and Teen Boys!
everything is on Amazon and I tried to find everything using Prime to assure quick delivery.
ENJOY!
NACHOsaurus snack set
Electric Dartboard 
Keeps score for you and has 32 different types of dart games programmed in that you can play,
Mini Basketball Goal for INDOORS!
This mounts to your wall! It’s not an over-the-door goal… it’s sturdyand can be mounted at the right height for your kids.
We have this and we love it!


Adidas Slides


Mini Desktop Basketball Game
Locker Safe Coin Bank with combination lock and key.
I linked the black one instead because the red one now says it won’t arrive until after Christmas.

NERF Foam Dart Blasters Guns
100 Dart Refil Pack – Nerf Compatible with Storage Bag

Bean Bag Bucketz Toss Game
I saw this yesterday when I was out shopping and thought it looked really fun!

Lightweight Winter Gloves 
Adidas Fleece Sweatshirt


Portable Wireless Bluetooth SpeakerSTAR WARS Death Star Jelly Belly DispenserDisappearing Dino Mug


Beanies with Beards

Funny Sayings Gaming Socks Motion Activated Toilet Night Light


Rapid Mac Cooker
It’s a really quick to make mac & cheese and the handles aren’t hot when you take it out of the microwave.Cornhole Game Set & Carrying Case

Banana Stand – Phone Stand

Captain America Key Cover

Multimedia Mini Home Projector
This projector can be connected to 10 different devices.Inflatable Body Bubble Ball Bumper Bopper
2 Balls included
my kids would love this SO much!
Star Wars “Chewbelta” Seat Belt Cover


Waterproof Head Lamp
Great for running, camping, reading, DIY projects and batteries are included.
Wooden Hard Carved Nose Shaped Eye Glasses Holder
I thought this was interesting and would be great on a bedside table!
Captain America Waffle Maker

Prime Climb – Colorful Mathematical GameCatchphrase
This is my family’s favorite game.  It’s fast paced and fun for any age!
It’s been around forever but it’s still the go to game.KANOODLE – Brain Twisting Solitaire GameDifficult Riddles Book
Eagles Nest Outfitters Hammock
Glow City Light Up Sports Balls
I was looking for a basketball to link and these were so fun!
They each have hundreds of rave reviews for these.
Of course a regular basketball can be found anywhere but these are really cool.
Wall Mount Ball Holders
These are cool!  They could be for everyday ball storage or for display from a game ball or an autographed ball.
They could go in the garage but they’d also be great as decor in a bedroom or rec room!


48″ Foosball Table

Snaptain Drone with HD Camera

Rainbow Multi Tool Set
compact, small & portable, 7 tools in 1
Animal Head Mask
I put this on the list because I just think it would be such a funny thing to open on Christmas morning!
There’s lots of different animals to choose from too.

Darth Vader and Family Coloring Book
soooooo funny!!!


Flickin’ Chicken – the game of Chicken throwing Insanity


NCAA Stocking Cap – available in 25 teamsPowerbeats Wireless Earphones

Funny Socks
Clocky – the Original Runaway Alarm Clock on Wheels for Heavy Sleepers
This clock really does runaway, jumps off tables and rolls all over the room beeping loudly until you get up and turn it off.

Lego Figure Led Lites


I linked this Avengers Minimalist Wall Poster last year because I think it’s so creative as far as super hero artwork goes.
And this year I found this set of Watercolor Poster Prints of Avengers Infinity War.
Total Upper Body Workout Bar

EVERY MAN JACK Grooming Products
Philips Norelco Multi Groomer – beard, face, nose, ear and hair trimmer
Some teenage boys have full beards!  It’s crazy how different facial hair can be for guys!
Electric Shaver
This is the only razor the guys use in our house.
No messy shaving cream or cuts.
STAR WARS Bop It

World’s Smallest Rubiks Cube
It’s teeny tiny.


Millennium Falcon T-Shirt

Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle
available in 3 sizes and in 28 different colors & patterns
Phone case with wallet

Wireless Charging Pad


Everyone needs a New Toothbrush in their stocking!NCAA Long Sleeve Shirt
available in over 30 different teams
The Inheritance Cycle 4 Book Box Set

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set 
Hobbit and Lord of the Rings 4 Book Set
Percy Jackson 5 Book SetShaken          Do Hard Things          The Manual To Middle School          The Driving Book

The Manual to Manhood          Victory 365           Boys Life Application Study Bible          Guy’s Guide to God, Girls & the Phone in your Pocket


Star Wars Cookbook        How to Survive Anything          NBA All Stars Coloring Book          The Way Things Work Now
Privacy Pop Bed Tent
The Bed Tent for Better Sleep during naptime, bedtime, playtime and alone time.
Specially designed to be used with your existing mattress and bed frame or can even be used by itself. HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
Print pictures right from your phone or your social media apps!
We have this and I LOVE IT!STAR WARS Heat Changing Mug

add a comment

Sara - Thank you so much for creating this list with the links, Meg! I just went through my gifts for my kids and realized my teenage son only had clothing to open on Christmas. I’ve remedied that with the Prime Climb game and the light-up basketball, thanks to your fantastic suggestions. You just saved Christmas morning from being disappointing for a teenage boy. Thank you!!

Beth Ann - Thank you for taking the time to put these gift lists together – I find them super helpful! My friend has 4 teenage boys that I buy for – I have put three of your suggestions in my cart for them!

Patti Mullican - Thank you for taking the time to share your shopping lists. I have counted on these the past two years to round out my shopping!

Merry Christmas!

Sarah Schafer - I look forward to your gift lists. It’s like you live in a house full of real-life teens!

Amber - Thanks! I look forward to your list every year.

Becca - Thank you for making this list!!! I love these ideas. It is getting harder and harder to think of gifts for our son!

Tiffany - The moving alarm clock sounds brilliant!

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GIFT LIST – TwEEN & TEEN GIRLS

December 8, 2018 Filed in CHRISTMAS GIFT LISTS,GIFT IDEAS

everything on my lists are from Amazon to help you do all your shopping in one place.
i hope you like the ideas i came up with this year.
feel free to suggest something you would add in the comment section.

Funny Socks 


Creature Cups 
18 different hidden animal options inside these sweet ceramic mugs.
I still have my little mug like this that I had as a child.
i loooooved it!
mine was a frog and my sister’s was a bear.
but just don’t even LOOK at the spider one because you might have to burn your computer and your eyeballs.
L’ORÉAL Ever Pure Hair Sheet Mask
These are pretty neat!  They are in all my girls’ stockings and I bought several just for me. 

Rainbow Colored Playing Cards


Giant Ice Cream Cone Room Decoration
it’s SO FUN!
🙂


HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer
2×3 photo printing on sticky-backed paper, mobile printing – take it anywhere,
social media printing – print photos from your social media profiles, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
This little printer looks amazing!
Foldable Portable Water Color Set 

Unicorn Power Bank Portable Charger
I mean… how cute is that?

Brushed Fleece Onesie Pajamas


Portable Phone Charger
it seems that every kid is needing to charge their phone all the time…

Selfie Stick
these make getting group shots so much fun!


Sony Bluetooth Portable Speaker
my kids use these ALL the time!

Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
This is coming our house this christmas and it’s going to be FUN!
Mini Disco Light 
Uses USB charge that lasts for 4-5 hours, protable and easy to take anywhere.
I think this together with the Karaoke microphone are perfect!

Wallet Phone Case with Credit Card Holder

Christmas Lights Phone Charging Cord 
It lights up when in use! So cute!

PopSockets grip & stand for phone and tablets.

Dutch Blitz Card Game
This is very popular at our house.

UNO Emoji Game


Rainbow Colored Jenga!
Unstable Unicorns 
Master Chef Junior Cookbook for Young CooksCute Rain Boots


Crosley Record Player


Silly Socks by Socksmith

Fleece Plush Robe


Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
I have been telling you for years how much I love this machine!
It’s great for beginners AND old pros… it’s solid and steady… very easy to use!

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Instant Film Camera available in 10 different colors


Plush Faux Fur Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket

Lip Smacker Set


Bliss Face Masks
Light up Magnifying Makeup Mirror
Counting Sheep Sleep Mask
Unicorn Snot Lipgloss 

Nail Polish SetTWEEXY
Nail Polish Bottle Holder


Da Bomb Giant Bath Bombs (in rainbow of course)

Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Sheet Masks

Handi Squirrels, Unicorns, Cats and more!
these would make super funny stocking stuffers.


CC Beanies in every color.

Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Curling WandRevlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler
I have heard this is amazing and I may have to try it for myself!


Hair Chalk
i love when kids can have fun with their hair and then wash it out when they’re done.


Infiniti Pro Hair Dryer 


Velvet Hair Scruncies

Bed Head Deep Waves Curling IronHair Styling Storage UnitBoho Braids
a book with 40 modern free spirited hairstyles

CROCS 

Hammock Swing Chair
i LOVE this!

Ukulele 
Color Changing Heat Sensitive Unicorn Mug
The mane is purple when the not in use and turns into this bright rainbow mane when filled with a hot drink.
This is always a favorite mug of guests at The Craft House.
Warm & Cozy Slippers 


Popper Toy 

Mini Fridge
Keeps contents cool or warm, holds 6 cans of sodaand it’s portable.

Pretty Eye Shadow Palettes
Beauty Sponge Blender

Revlon Lip Gloss

Contour Makeup Palette
Makeup Palette Organizer

Pretty Pink Makeup Brush Set

Silicone Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat

Facial Wipes
I like the packaging of these face wipes – great stocking stuffer!

Kitten Face Coin Purses
The Bob Ross Coloring BookColored Pencils in Zippered Carrying Case


Paint By Sticker Activity Books
These are the coolest!


CRAFT-TASTIC Craft Kits
I love ALL of the craft kits they make!

The Kids Book of Hand Lettering

Marvel Character Felt KitThis entire series of Doodling Books are so much FUN!Clip on Cell Phone Lens Kit
This is a really fun way to get some creative shots!

Mint Green Retro Microwave
maybe for college or college-bound kids?

Single Cup Coffee Maker
It uses K-cups and it’s half the price of a Keurig Single Cup Machine!

Hot Cocoa Sampler K Cups

super cute set of Star String Lights 

Soft & Cozy Sherpa Cardigan in lots of color options

Whatever is Lovely           Jesus Today          Lies Young Women Believe          Perfectly Unique
10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know         Beautiful Word Bible         Kisses from Katie           Daring to Hope
Be Unstoppable          Priceless           Live Fearless           The Baking Cookbook for Teens


Adored              Speak Love            Love Does             100 Days to Brave


Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

add a comment

Peggy Rice - Your gift lists are the best!!! Thank you for making them❤️

terrie - This is just the best list! I put 3 of these things in my cart. Thanks!

Lori - Enjoyed this post. Such fun ideas!

kris - Love your lists! How about one for Tiny? 🙂

dixie romano - Thanks so much!!! I always look forward to this post of yours!! 🎅🏼🎄🤶🏼

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HERE WE GO…

November 17, 2018 Filed in family fun,foster care,Uncategorized

On Instagram this week I mentioned how I was missing my blog so here I am.
there’s too much to cover if I make myself go back and write about everything I skipped so I am starting with today.
I can tell you WHY I stopped blogging. There are several reasons – time, bigger kids, different season, etc.
But I think a huge part of it was feeling like I had no more words.
My energy for words was gone.
You’ve heard the saying “little kids – little problems, big kids – big problems”
For awhile… parenting big kids really felt like a punch in the gut.
The emotional energy being poured out all day every day took all that I had.
It’s not been a smooth & easy path so I really felt like I had no words left to say at the end of the day.
I felt defeated & exhausted.
I certainly don’t have it all figured out now but I have been able to find a new rhythm.
It sounds crazy but what has brought back my energy has been taking of our sweet foster baby this past year.
He is all light & joy & fun all day long!
Caring for him has been life giving for me and helps me smile 100 times a day.
He’s brought our whole family closer getting to love on him together.
There’s plenty of stress that comes along with foster care too (because of all the adults not Tiny) but with so much happiness surrounding me it is so much easier to handle the highs & lows of foster care, parenting and life!
So that is where I am today.  It may change tomorrow… who knows?!

Here’s a bunch of pics from the past few months!


Our daughter Lauren had a baby in July!  He is so much fun!
His name is Lowry.
It’s weird having a baby at the same time as your daughter… but weird is not bad.  🙂 
Tiny’s favorite thing in the whole world is lawn mowers.
And getting to sit on it with Craig is better than anything!

who needs parks when you have a mower?

On my 43rd birthday I was serenaded by waiters singing mariachi and it scared Lowry!


Tiny can walk now (when he feels like it) and reading books is the way to his heart (unless you have a lawn mower…)

we 
we celebrated Tiny’s 1st birthday! He came to our home when he was 6 days old.
He did not like the cake, was confused by the singing but really loved the new ride on toy that plays music.

Talby has had a full season of volleyball.
I’ll post all her volleyball pics on another post but these were from a tournament day where they won everything and played with Tiny inbetween all their games.

kansas views… at the end of my block.
I can’t take the cuteness!!!!

I got to spend a weekend at the Craft House with these friends.
I love these girls!!!

Sean’s (#53) also had a full football season…  more pics to come on that too.
He is a senior so football is over forever.
SO SAD!!!!

Craig & Sean went to a Chiefs game.
That’s A LOT of red!!!


Annie turned 14 – WHAT IS LIFE??
How is this possible?  She is just a tiny baby… how can she also be 14?
She and my dad share a birthday so we sang to them both and they sang to each other.

we made Tiny a crown out of the chip bag at Chipotle.
and wore him out with all of our birthday shopping.
i love wearing sleeping babies!!! their little kissy lips breathing baby breath on my neck??? HEAVEN!

Annie started basketball and has had 4 or 5 games already!


Talby turned 17.
She’s the sweetest kid!
NONE of her birthday gifts arrived in the mail on time so she had birthday WEEK – getting different packages each afternoon after school.
we went to dinner with the whole family to celebrate…not quite as easy now that we have another baby (Lowry) and a toddler who doesn’t want to sit at the table (normal).  But it was wonderful to be all together none the less.


Lowry & Tiny are 9 months apart.
Tiny is smallish/average for his age and Lowry is a tank.
They are so cute together.

So that is my post easing back in to blogging.
I want to FINALLY answer the loads of the questions I got about foster care.
There were over a hundred and it overwhelmed me.  Foster care itself overwhelms me on certain days…
so I gave up on the post.
but I will do it because there are kids out there that need a grown up to stand up for them.
It can help more of you consider foster care or helping a foster family so I will do it.

And as far as Tiny’s future with us… in the next week we should know a lot more.
I love him.
forever.
he’s changed our lives, our hearts and our family.

and he just woke up from his nap so I will be done with this post.

thanks for reading for all the years!

 

add a comment

Michelle - So great to hear from you, Meg! I’ve been reading along for years…

Rebekah - I am giddy that you’re coming back to the blog!! Yay!! Your pictures and words always bring me joy and I know it’s the joy of Jesus shining through you!

Patti Mullican - Thanks for blogging! I love your blog and instagram feed and I am so inspired by you as an artist, mom, Jesus lover, etc. Blessings on you and yours this Christmas season! P.S. I hope you do a gift buying guide this year – I always end up purchase at least one or more items from your list! LOL

Karyn - I am glad you are back! Will you please post one of your gift giving or stocking stuffer ideas for Christmas! I love reading them.

Jenny B. - OH, wow!! This post was bittersweet for me. I mean, not really bitter, but there was a tinge of sadness because my oldest just turned 14, and he and Annie were so little back when I first started reading. Sigh… To quote you — time is a jerk. 😉 Also, Sean has changed SO much. He looks so grown up now! This just tells me I need to follow you on Instagram! Hello! Why have I not been?? I miss blogs, but IG is good too… Congrats on your grandbaby, and I hope things go well with Tiny and your family! Thanks for the update!

Beccy - Congratulations on your new Grandbaby!!! Parenting is not for the faint of
heart. Looking forward to your foster care post.

Becca Groves - I’m so glad you are posting on your blog again! Thank you for sharing this way! And I will be praying for Tiny this week with earnest prayers, for him and for all the adults making the decisions for him. And especially praying for you. Love and Peace to you.

Toni :0) - I have always loved your blog. The colors, the family, the babies, you are just fun and so inspiring. It brightens my day. Thank you for being a flashlight 🔦 in a depressing world. Look up Kristen Hampton on Facebook. She’s funny and joy filled and she will explain the flashlight. It’s because of you that we love Jim Gaffigan and got to see him last summer in person. God bless you for fostering Tiny. 💜

Andrea - Loved the post. Love your blog….love to follow you on insta…. update us on Tiny. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Rachel Jeter - MEG! So glad to see you back on here blogging. Sometimes I browse thru your old posts. I’ve loved your blog since 2010! Praying for you guys on this foster care journey. What a blessing you are to Tiny and no doubt Tiny is blessing you. Lots of love from Arkansas and hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

Lindsay - So happy to see you back! Looking forward to more blog posts! ❤️

Erin - Love to you, Meg! Long time reader who is praying for you all and so thankful for each time you do share.

Linda - So happy to see you blogging. I know what you mean by having no energy after dealing with big kids! Wow it is tuff. But I love your blog and the happy spirit it always has. Glad you are back!

Dana - So good to see you on here, Meg! We have 6 kids and our youngest is 4, so I’ve always looked to you to have a glimpse into what life could look like in the future. I completely want to do what you’re doing when all our kids are bigger, too- foster a baby! I know I would end up wanting to adopt, but I’ll leave that part up to the Lord. What you are doing is so important! I too have been a little bit disillusioned by foster care and DHS, but these kids are the ones who lose when we give up because it’s too hard. Keep up the super important, life-changing, good work!

CathyMA - Love this update Megan ❤️

Michelle - I saw one or two other people say this, but I also have been reading your blog forever and I’m wigging out at how big your kids have gotten! Congrats on making it through (I feel like we all need congrats on just getting by sometimes.)

Michelle - Welcome back, Meg! I don’t feel like you’ve been too far because I follow you on Instagram but this was a lovely update and I was grateful to read it. I hope this week brings the best outcomes for everyone involved. Not sure there is such a thing, but as close as you can get it my wish for you and Tiny. xoxo

Kelly - I loved “catching up”. I pop back into my blog and I do love it when I do it. Blog as much or as little as you want! Kelly

Heather - I’m so happy you’re blogging again! I have followed you for YEARS and always look forward to reading your posts. They are real, encouraging, and always helpful, from parenting to paint colors! 😉 I look forward to your Christmas gift ideas for teen girls each year and my girls get great gifts from your suggestions.

I’ve had the hardest parenting year of my life. I’m raising two teenage girls (15 & 16). And while they are great girls, teenage years are HARD! I found myself wishing for the days of sippy cups and Dora the Explorer. But God is good and makes good of all things. Lifting your family up in prayer!

Blessings,
Heather

Kayla - I can complete relate to your reason for stepping away from blogging because I have done the same thing. We have 6 kids and blogging about our lives was easy and fun when they were little. Now they are big-ish….and I feel like I can’t share “their lives” or candid moments anymore without their permission. I also had to pick and choose my words carefully, which made it more like work than fun! But, I am happy to get an occasional glimpse into your lives – from someone who understands the struggle!

jennibell - I’m so glad that you are blogging!! I’ve missed you so much. . .but know how seasons change and all that. I’m rarely on Instagram but have kept up a bit through that. Great post. Happy Holidays!!!

Debbie H - Thanks for the post, Meg! LOVE all the photos! You must have even gotten out the BIG camera for the flowers and butterflies! 🙂 . Pray for you and Tiny that the best decisions are made. . . although I know from experience the system sure seems flawed. Hugs! And thanks for sharing yourself with the “rest” of us. So great to have you “back”. Happy Thanksgiving to your entire family. We all have so much to be grateful for. xoxo

Melissa - Are you going to adopt Tiny?

Lorri - Welcome back to this wonderful home you have made here on the Web and invited all of in for a visit. Thank you for sharing your home, business, family and journey these many years. Please know total strangers are out here rooting for you and your family, and sending prayers to all. God bless.

Tracy - So happy to read your stories again!! Makes me so happy! Can’t wait for the next post 🙂

Lisa - I feel like a creeper saying this but I randomly discovered your blog when Annie was like 4 years old! Which means I’ve been following your life for 10 years. The internet is a weird place. But I do want you to know your blog and Instagram and family has been an encouragment to me. Even your story of getting pregnant with your oldest. My 17 year old is pregnant and due soon. Your story encourages my mama’s heart! Also your comments about big kids is spot on. So thankful their stories don’t end during those teenage years. Xoxo

Beth - Love this and bless you for fostering!!
Nice to read about what you have been up to lately. I’ve been reading since tabby was like 3!!!

Shannon - Thanks for posting Meg. As the parent of four kiddos 13-24 I needed to hear this. I thought I was tired when my kids were little, but I had no how emotionally exhausting it is to parent big kids. Hang in there and know you are not alone!

Sue - Loved this. Thanks for the update! Thanks, too, for the confirmation that parenting big kids can be as draining as it has been for me! Will look forward to more whenever you’re able to post. Absolutely love seeing and hearing about Tiny.

stephanie ackerman - love EVERYTHING about this post..love you more and love #tiny even a little bit more than all of that #auntiesteph

liz c. - So fun to see a post from you, and so many beautiful photos. Tiny and Lowry are both darling. Sending good wishes to you and your family.

Tiffany - My energy for words was gone. – Sheesh, I hear you. But delighted to hear that you have more energy and looking forward to the Foster Care information.

Kristen - I’m newish here. I started following your Instagram because of Selah Signs. Visiting the craft house is on my bucket list! I didn’t even know you had a blog. But I feel like I could have written this. Except for the foster baby and the first grandchild. I have a kid who recently turned 17 and another who is 13. And another teen in the middle. I used to keep a blog too. And in this different season of motherhood, there’s just not words. But I sense God is doing something big. I don’t know what it is yet, but maybe it will come with a return to my blog.

Susan - So glad to be reading this!

Amanda - Life at Cloverhill - Lovely catch up. Nice to see everyone is doing so well 🙂

Melissa - Welcome back!

Cara - So glad you are back!!!!!

Rachel - So lovely to read your words again – I’ve missed your blog 👍😄

Jennifer - Welcome back! It was the perfect post. Thank you!

Kim - Just wanted to say “you’ve got this”. I don’t have teenagers yet but my 3yo is giving me a run for my money. Glad you came back to this space, it will be here when you have time for it. No pressure. 🙂

Kathi - Thanks for the post! I’ve missed you, Instagram just isn’t the same as a good old fashioned blog post:)

Lynette - I am so glad you posted. I so enjoy your words and your pictures are always so colorful! I have five kids, ages 5-16 (17 at the end of the month) and while the teen years are so much better in many ways than I anticipated, I love my teen girls, it is also such a challenging parenting season. We are so busy and life is full of weighty issues. In some ways teens feel just as needy as toddlers but their needs are more emotionally draining. I find myself completely done in at the end of most days!!! Mommying is hard. 😊 So inspired by your foster care story. It’s always been a dream of mine to be a foster mom.

Michelle - Thanks for sharing! I loved seeing all the pics!

Rachelle - So glad you are back. Much love and light.

Lisa Anderson - It made me so happy to read this post. I’ve missed your blog. Thank you so much for being honest about the big kids, big problems. I feel ya and sometimes I think I’m the only one having problems. It’s good to be reminded I’m maybe normal. Love your beautiful family and adventure with Tiny. Thanks for giving us the time!

Emily McNulty - Thank you for blogging again! I sure have missed you🌻

Kimberlee - I hope it felt good to write that. It felt great to read it! ♥️

Sara Neufeld - So good! Love reading the update! Reminds me of the old days when I read your blog every single day and Annie was a preschooler! Time just flies on by. Have a great weekend!

Shanna - Loved loved loved this wonderful update! It’s so beautiful to see this season of your life and all the joy you bring to it!!

Rebecca W - Thanks for posting all these years!

Jenn - Loved reading this post and seeing a bit of family life – thanks for sharing!

Laura - I loved reading this! I love your blog and I have missed it 🙂

Astrid - <3 Thank you so much for returning and sharing bits and pieces of your life with us. I truly have missed reading your posts. (PS…you helped to inspire me to paint our stairs in rainbow colors <3 )
I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts and learning more about foster care.

Amy - Yay!! I’ve missed your blog. Thanks for sharing!

Rita - So nice to catch up a bit! Good luck with it all!

Angela - This made my day!! Your family has grown so much! I was thinking about all your wonderful Christmas posts today while I was putting up our tree. So glad to see you back at it!

Catherine - Welcome back!!! So nice to read a post! Thanks for sharing so much! Life can keep us really busy and trying hard to figure out all that comes our way. ❤️❤️❤️

Kelly - Love all those sweet pictures and all the color and rainbows we know you for!

Rachel Boers - So glad you are “back.” Yes, life with “bigs” is a challenge, and in a different way than the physical exhaustion that came when the kids were little. And the stakes are so much higher too! Its not always easy (or right!) to ignore that and act like everything is fine, yet you have to respect their privacy at the same time, which can feel deceptive. Not to mention there is a grieving when kid after kid leaves the nest. Every year there is a new normal, not just for me and my husband, but also for the kids left at home. I’ve said to my husband over the past five years, “I just don’t know how much more change I can take!” It’s a season of transition, and while it’s necessary, and, in the end, good, it’s also still messy and JUST PLAIN HARD. But I’ve learned that I can’t let it steal my joy, and it looks like you’ve learned that too! There are still lots of great things happening, of course, and I am getting better at being content in this season of life. Please keep writing!

Mary Byberg - welcome back xo you were missed

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Camp Create September 2018

October 3, 2018 Filed in camp CREATE


Camp Create September 2018 was so much fun!
We had several ladies returning to camp and I wasn’t sure how that would turn out but it of course was wonderful because THEY are wonderful!
The Craft House is the place to be to make new friends!


The campers arrive, traveling from as far as California and Florida.
It’s a treat to see everyone come into the house and smile so much.
I think The Craft House is sort of like a Barbie Dream House for grown ups.
It’s got color everywhere!



Our speaker was author, podcaster, business coach, and mama to five boys, Alli Worthington.
She led our evening and morning time sharing what God says about being busy and having a fierce faith that overcomes fear.
A quote I wrote down that caught my eye again today:  Jesus says “You are enough because I am everything”
We all enjoyed our time with Alli.
Alli’s newest book is a devotional and it just came out this week!
The Year of Living Happy – Finding Contentment and Connection in a Crazy World




We enjoyed delicious meals made by Kimberlee Jost.
There is so much good food at camp!!
From morning till night she feeds us the best meals!
Doesn’t a meal that was prepared for you taste so much better than one you make yourself?
YES!


Artist and author, Megan Wells of MakeWells taught her Funky Florals Workshop for us.
She taught us her technique for art journaling and we created all afternoon.
It’s always a good day when we get to get out all the paint & brushes and get messy!
You can take her online class yourself and get messy too!




We made covered button necklaces and they were ADORABLE!

We used flannel and felt in fall colors to make this THANKFUL banner.
I always love to see everyone make their own version of the project.
I made a pattern out of cardboard for the bigger and smaller pieces.
We printed out the word we wanted in huge font on paper and then used it as a pattern for the word on felt.
Then we hot glued it all to twine.
It was a fairly simple, no-sew project with a big impact.  🙂


Artist and blogger at Pitter Patter Art,  Laura Kelly taught us how to make covered rope rainbows.
She was inspired my @mandismoothhills beautiful rainbows.
We used all kinds of textiles to cover our rope making the rainbow in any color way we liked.
They can be made as big or as little as you wanted.
This was relaxing and was great for creating while chatting with friends.
I wanted to make a hundred of them!

On Saturday we ventured out of the house in search of antiques even though there was a chance of rain.
I take all our groups to Bearly Makin’ It in Marion, Kansas because it is unique.
I have never seen a store as clean & organized as this one… everything together in groups.
There are always so many treasures to find.

And sometimes we get lucky and the bakery next door is still open when we get to town!

We look for all the best junk and we take lots of fun photos.
The red door is everybody’s favorite!


I bought a huge yellow lard can that I plan to use as a flower pot next spring.


Sonic is on our way home and we always need a caffine fix by this time of the day.
or a milkshake…


Shelly and Briget are sisters and they got to come together all the way from California.



All four of us are foster moms – we had plenty to talk about!

https://pen-and-paint.com/
Another project we worked on was decorating our bags from Pen & Paint.
We stitched on them… some people painted… some people added fabric and tassles.
It’s more of a long term continuos project that you can keep adding and adding as you have time.



Megan covered the chalkboard in the kitchen with beautiful flowers!
Dreamy!


For each Camp Create we have awesome & generous sponsors that gift our campers with their products.
I will tell you all about each one of them in the next blog post coming soon.
The Adopt Shoppe – Fed By Bread – Dayspring – Eleventh Candle Co. – Jeanne Oliver – Jamie Ivey – Milk & Honey Tees – Pen & Paint


Thanks to each of these 4 ladies for teaching, planning, cooking, cleaning and everything else that goes into making these retreats so amazing.

Such a great weekend with the loveliest women!
I am so lucky to get to work with the coolest creative people and I get to meet the most kind and sweet women at every camp.
There’s something special about the Craft House and the people who gather there.
We share about the little stuff and the BIG stuff.
It’s a place to be with other creative souls who love the same stuff.
It’s the gift of time away from the chores of daily life to rest, find inspiration, to laugh and have fun.
Camp Create is the best!

 

The next Camp Create will be March 21-24, 2019 – Registration details to be announced soon(ish).

You can read about past Camp Create:

April 2018 with Jenny Randle, Megan Wells & Carol Spenst

September 2017 with Honey Holden, Rachel Denbow& Tara Steele

April 2017 with Jessica Thompson, Rachel Denbow & Mary Wangerin

September 2016 with Ruth Simons, Stephanie Ackerman & Ashley Campbell

April 2016 with Amber Haines, Jeanne Oliver & Laura Kelly

September 2015 with Honey Holden, Jenny Horn & Stephanie Ackerman

September 2014 with Holly Gerth, Michelle Allen & Stephanie Ackerman

add a comment

Nancy Lehman - As always—looks like so much fun!!!

Marilyn Turnley - Number 1 on Bucket List. Saving every cent I am able. Meanwhile soooo enriched by the beautiful spirit and inspiration you share. THANK YOU. From Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

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rainbow everything!

July 10, 2018 Filed in GIFT IDEAS,things i love

It’s no secret that i love rainbows and color.
recently i found a few cute rainbow things on Amazon and that made me wonder how many more things are out there?
i love shopping for fun things that make great gifts or just fun to enjoy.
so…. I complied a list of All Things Rainbow!
it was so much fun to make!
ENJOY!


Rainbow Drink Tumbler



Rainbow Sweater



Rainbow Backpack



Rainbow Popsicle Floatie



Rainbow Sunnies


No Spill Paint Cups & Brushes in Rainbow Colors


Rainbow Key Chain



Rainbow Sneakers for Women



Rainbow Wall Hooks



Girls Rainbow Sweatshirt


Rainbow Watercolor Hearts Pillowcase



Rainbow Baby Onesie


Unicorn Sprinkles Sugar Shaker


Rainbow Pool Floatie


Rainbow Maracas



Rainbow Head & Wristbands


Rainbow Leggings



Rainbow Sticky Notes


Kids Rainbow Tube Socks


Rainbow Art Book



Rainbow Striped Body Pillow



Rainbow Popsicle Art Puzzle



Rainbow Bath Bombs



Rainbow Tape Dispenser



Rainbow Stripe Tote Bag


Rainbow Kite



Rainbow Cloud Floatie 



All the Colors of the Rainbow Nail Polish Set



Curved Rainbow Stacking Blocks



Rainbow Pool Floatie for Babies  (i got this for Tiny)


a different Rainbow Art Book


Rainbow Glitter Nail Polish


Rainbow No Tie Shoelaces


Rainbow Painted Xylophone


Rainbow Striped Backpack



Rainbow Coffee Cup


Rainbow Eye Shadow Palette


Rainbow Waterproof Rechargeable Camp LED Light


Rainbow Purse


Rainbow Colored Coasters


Rainbow Shaped Pool Floatie



Insulated Rainbow Lunch Box


Set of Rainbow Washie Tape


Universal Rainbow USB Charger



Rainbow Umbrella



Rainbow Calendar



Rainbow Throw Rug


Extra Tall Rainbow Birthday Candles



Rainbow Wooden YoYo


Rainbow Swim Trunks



Rainbow Swing


Rainbow Ukulele


Rainbow Playing Cards



Rainbow Glass Wind Chimes


Rainbow Tinsel Eyelashes


Hair Dryer in Rainbow Chrome Finish



Rainbow Make Up Brushes



Rainbow Rain Boots


Plastic Rainbow Party Cups – Set of 8


Wasn’t that fun!?!
Surrounding myself with colorful things makes me happy.
🙂

add a comment

Christy - I have those no tie laces, not in rainbow, but I love them! They are so awesome.

Jeanie - Hi, Meg,

I’m not on Instagram but saw your daughter is at 40 weeks with her baby. Congratulations on the upcoming grandson, and godspeed to Lauren in her delivery!

Jen - I was soooo disappointed to see that first rainbow sweater is only for children. 🙁

Kate - ❤️💙💜💚💛🧡

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