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can’t forget this

i don’t want to forget….

craig’s mom asking for annie to sing her program song.
she stood up on a chair in front of us all
she shouted very loud waving her arms
“EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!”
not Away in the Manger.
then she giggled like crazy.
so did we.

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craig’s mom opening her gift with annie’s help
she says “we got dat! we got dat fo you at da MOLLL!! yeah…da moll”
nodding her head up and down.
she likes to talk about the mall.

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scott reading the christmas story for all of us on christmas morning.

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annie being sick for all of christmas.
poor baby.

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all the christmas art…
different every year.

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annie knocking over a table in my mom’s kitchen
with a candle, lots of dishes and food on it…
trying to get to her beloved playdoh in the bottom drawer.
we were very lucky that she wasn’t hurt.
wow…it was the loudest sound i have ever heard!
when we were leaving my dad hugged annie and said
“thanks for breaking my dishes”
she said “Wham-pa that was a ass-i-dent!”

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the beautiful snow that almost ruined christmas.
(those are my mom’s christmas lights shining through the snow.
it was nearly impossible to drive in.
thankful that everyone made it safely.

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a really lovely time with craig’s dad’s side of the family.
so nice to just sit and talk this year.
i really enjoyed it.
becky’s house looked so pretty.

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fondue at our house…2nd year in a row.
we love hosting parties.
craig’s family has fondue every year…
anything you can dip or fry – they do it.
lots of food…
then games for the rest of the evening.
chad, ross and gary you are too funny.
“terry brown”
“meat lover’s pizza”

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seeing everyone get excited when they opened their aprons.

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meeting amy’s friends from college
and getting this beautiful handmade christmas greeting…in chinese.

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changing our christmas this year.
giving each child only one gift and their stocking…
and seeing how happy they were.
no complaining (lauren tried to be unhappy but couldn’t stay that way.)

hope your christmas was full of funny special memories too.

Lee Ann - Hi Meg,
Would you share some favorite fondue recipes? I’ve had two pots for many years and have never used them! I know, I know….I’m scared to try something and have it be gross. After those killer chicken enchilladas though, I’d trust your taste any day!

Bonnie - Hi Megan! Just got your Christmas letter & photos! Thanks for the update – I can’t believe how big the kids are getting. I love your blog also & I now feel like I’ve been to your house. It’s spectacular! I’m glad to see that you have parlayed your creative talents to the web!
Take care & Happy New Year!!! Tell us when you are in Chicago next.

michelle - Thank you for sharing, I love your blog. My husband and I talked about switching to the 3 present thing also. I like the 1 present idea even better. This year was such a scramble it seemed to take the fun and the focus off of the true meaning of Christmas. We even talked about doing no gifts and going on a trip instead. There will be a change of some sort that’s for sure.
Happy New Year!

meg duerksen - hi girls.
i am responding to your comments here…it seems the easiest.
thanks for the compliments first of all. very much.
we went to one present this year because christmas just seemed to have become a time of greed and entitlement. it was very frustrating my husband and i. and with 5 kids…it just becomes too much “stuff”. and they need nothing.
we almost said no gifts at all. and we may still do that someday.
we told them that we would pick out one thing we knew they’d like. they were shocked at first but had the month to prepare and it went smooth as silk. i was proud of them.
talby kind of believes in santa but we rarely talk about him…and annie is clueless. talby asked me if i got her the hannah montana dolls and i said yes. they believe in santa for such a short time that i just don’t even mess with it…we let them believe if they want. but we dont’ make a point to talk about him.
their stockings had candy…chapstick…a cheap DVD or CD…little toys…make-up…a pack of socks and a pack of underwear. that’s why they were in boxes…the underwear and socks wouldn’t fit in the stockings. and they ALL needed new socks and underwear. 🙂
so thank you for the encouragement.
it is just our small way of trying to bring christmas into perspective…what it’s about…not what we get.
happy new year!
-meg

Julie K - Hi Megan!
I LOVE your christmas idea of one gift and stocking! I do three gifts each because of the gifts from the wise men, but one nice gift each is a great great idea! Your photos of course are beautiful as always. I’m so inspired.

Andrea - loved seeing all the beautiful pictures of your christmas. I really have enjoyed visiting your blog this year and look forward to the same next year. I am glad to hear that your one present thing worked out so well. My husband and I decided that next year we would do something similar. I had seen on another blog (and can’t remember where but thought it was brilliant ) that each child gets something they want, need, something to wear and something to read. Santa brings them one special presents and some fun stocking stuffers and that is it! Would love to hear about your 1 present. Was that from you or santa???? Happy New Year

Dana D - Hi! I recently discovered your blog, and am hooked! Your pictures are beautiful! I also am inspired by your sewing and decorating projects!
We’ve always let our children pick 3 presents, to symbolize gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This year was the first time it didn’t work. Our oldest changed his mind the week before Christmas, and it was just too late to do anything about it. I’ve been telling my husband that maybe we should narrow it down to just one thing. You’ve inspired me! I’d love some ideas on what types of goodies you put in their stockings.
Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer P. - Once again–great pictures, great stories! (I promise I do other things besides sit in front of the computer, even though I’m always first to comment–if I have something to say, I’m gonna say it :)!) The apron recipients were very lucky. SO cute! We do the one gift and stocking thing too, then let the boys draw names amongst themselves so they’re only buying for one brother. Kids really are pretty content if we let them be, huh? Glad you made so many wonderful memories. Thanks again for sharing your photographic talent with all of us!

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