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fondue party

December 29, 2014

every year craig’s side of our family has a fondue night at christmas.
like… craig’s WHOLE life.
kind of a fun traditional that i am glad they still keep up.
several people on IG asked for more information so they could do this with their family.
i will try my best to help you out.
it’s not really MY thing so i may miss some details.
we usually host which means i make sure my house is clean and there is space for every one.
then the other family members bring the food and set it up.

there is usually one pot of oil and one pot of broth to cook meat.
we have steak & chicken cut into small pieces & shrimp every year.
occasionally there have been chicken nuggets or meatballs too.
then bbq sauce, ketchup, cocktail sauce, A1 and…. i can’t recall what other sauces.
i think you could have any sauce you wanted.

there is always a cheese fondue.
this recipe would work fine or something like it.
we dip bread and veggies into the cheese.
someone cuts the bread into cubes with an electric knife.
this is the place i have a hard time staying away from.
melty cheese and bread.
YUM.

someone makes a caramel dip and a chocolate dip for fruit, marshmallows and angel food cake.
(this is the kids favorite area)

and then everyone brings their christmas snacks from home too like muddy buddies and sugar cookies.
this year i didn’t bake ONE single thing so i purchased cream puffs and eclairs from the freezer aisle.
it counts for something. 🙂

We have all kinds of ways to make this work.
we have an Oster Fondue Pot that gets used every year…varies what is in it though depending on the needs.

the oil is always in a wok like this: Aroma Electric Wok

this year my sister in law put the chocolate and caramel in her new Crock-Pot Hook Up Connectable System.
i totally want to get that system!
amazon seems to be out of reasonably priced crock pot hook ups to link to but i found them here at walmart.

the cheese dip was in a ceramic dish on a Hot Plate.
it works!

we have LOTS of Fondue Forks to keep track of which food is yours.
although some people still like to steal your meat if you don’t get to it quick enough.

You want to make sure that cords are out of reach from children to avoid burns… obviously.
we have even taped down cords in the past before we had an island with electrical outlets.
safety first for all of your guests.

do you have more questions?
do you have suggestions for us – something that your family does differently?
what kind of food do you see missing?
let’s hear it!

AND lastly…. check out this peanut butterscotch fondue!!!
we are making this one next year.
🙂

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Sue Linse - We also do Fondue every Christmas day. Have tried to do it at the table, but too many people so I want to try the island idea. For meat sauces, we also have honey mustard, horseradish sauce and teriyaki. For the chocolate fondue, we include maraschino cherries, pound cake and clementine oranges. Fun tradition.

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - So much fun!! We do cheese fondue every couple of years for my brother and sister’s birthdays in December. My fav things to dip in it are bread (obviously), sliced apples and blanched broccoli. The leftover cheese is great cooled in the fridge and then grated over steamed broccoli and cauliflower as a gratin. This is the recipe we use: http://smallhomebigstart.com/2012/02/cheese-fondue.html

Kimberlee Jost - I love this so much. It makes me want all of my cousins to live near me so that I could gather them up for a party like this. Hmmm…maybe I’m going to have to adopt some people. I think I know who and it involves Circles. 🙂

Rebekah - Meg, you needs tripod so that you can take pictures and actually be in the picture and not just show your face at a weird angle!!

Jennifer Andersen - A chocolate fountain would totally fit in there. Love the whole idea. Well done.

Amanda - Our family loves fondue too. It’s the time and conversations that you have that make it such a nice option to a regular meal. We like to end our meal with a round tube of refrigerated biscuits. Take one biscuit and place an unwrapped Hershey kiss and wrap/roll the uncooked biscuit dough around it. Then cook it in the oil fondue (no fork required just drop carefully to not get burned by oil). When done, it is like a doughnut with melted chocolate in the middle. Roll it in powdered sugar or regular sugar. Yummy!

lisa - What a FUN tradition!! All of those choices sound super yummy. My one thing is how do you make sure that the meat is cooked through!!? & that no one eats undercooked chicken? My under-cooked & raw-chicken-sitting-out-at-room-temp-too-long anxiety wants to know!! {sigh – lol!!}

Tiffany - Traditions, big and small, are such a sweet way to bring family together. Thanks for sharing this one.

Michelle - i have zero experience with fondue so please forgive my ignorance. Does having to cook the meat cause a big hold up in the movement of the supper line? Also is the meat seasoned with any salt or other seasoning before it’s cooked? this seems like a really fun idea, just trying to wrap my head around the full concept. Thanks!

vanessa schroeder - My family used to do this but sitting around the table. If your piece of food you dipped into the pot fell off the stick we had to give the family member on our right a kiss on the cheek! Sometimes we got Grandma & Grandpa to approve hugs as the cousins got older!

Kelly - We got SMART this year after learning from a chaotic celebration last year and since a bunch of family lives in town we split up the “kid present night” from the “grown up present night”. We got a baby-sitter and my mom treated us to million dollar spaghetti, a terrific salad, rolls, etc. and caramel fondue for dessert. We used to do that a lot as teenagers in our house but hadn’t had the fondue in ages. I thought the cream puffs in your photo were one of our favorite dippers at first – the toasted coconut covered marshmallows! Super yummy! I know it is over the top but I also like brownies dipped in fondue. Angel food cake is probably my favorite though so yay for that! Fun tradition! Kelly

Emily - Thank you so much for sharing this family tradition. I’m always looking for fun things to do with extended family when they come to my house to visit. What a great memory to create. I will be looking up those woks and crock pots. Thank you for all the info!

chrissi - we were just talking about having a fondue party. your party looks like so much fun. reminds me of growing up with lots of cousins and kitchen chaos. the best kind of memories.

Julie - Yum – my first and only cheese fondue was tried in Switzerland many years ago. Such a fun way to eat. I have to ask though, what is a muddy buddie?

Janel - I love love to do Fondue… Another fun alternative
is using a Raclette Pan. You can even find Raclette cheese for this very purpose. You basically grill thinly sliced potatoes on top and underneath the grill you melt your cheese in single serving pans. When the potatoes are cooked and cheese melted, you plate your potatoes and pour melted cheese over top and eat. Repeat repeat repeat…

I have done thinly cut meats and veggies to change
It up. What I haven’t done yet is fruit..I think that would be fun!

I purchased my Raclette pan on amazon
And googled my way thru for the best outcome.

Have fun!

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christmas at our house

December 23, 2014

well… i waited for the cleaning lady but wasn’t able to take pictures afterwards.
then we had a two big groups of company.
and lots of other things.
then today the sun is hiding behind gray skies but it’s clean enough and when i started taking pictures most of the kids were asleep.
but here is our home all decorated for christmas.

annie is begging to decorate the gingerbread houses.
Home Alone is finishing up.
i am supposed start dinner.
but Waffle found a skunk last night…. so i get to bathe a dog right now.
whatever you are doing right now i will trade you.

anything.
please?

ha ha ha

feel free to ask questions.
i will answer them. 🙂

***************************************************************************************************

Q: where did you get your gingerbread houses? They look like a perfect gift to a child packaged like that!

A: target in the bakery section.

Q: where do you keep your toaster and mixer?

A: it’s kind of funny actually… i didn’t include the picture because the cabinet door was open but i will include it here for you.

island
we keep the toaster IN the middle drawer and all the bread in there too.

then when the toaster is being used… we plug it in under the counter and leave the drawer open while in use.
when done… unplug and close the drawer.
and then there is no bread box on the counter either.

Q: How do you keep them clean? Are they the ikea ones with the washable slipcovers?

A: Yes they are from ikea. we bought an extra set of slipcovers (thinking ahead….) and we have washed them all once since april.
they clean up really nicely! we are happy with them!

Q: Did you buy all the bulbs in your boxes at the same time or have you been gathering them for a while?

A: i have been collecting for many years. I just pick them up at the thrift shops when ever i find them.
and the santa mugs i have also been collecting for many years.
now they are priced higher which is so annoying so i never pay more than $5 and even that is high in my opinion. 🙂
Q: My question (is not house related) but I LOVE to know what people are reading; including magazines, blogs, devotionals, in their Bibles, and books.

A: i have been reading anything at all. SAD.
but i always check in with Shannan to find out whats good and what to read next.

Q: …that green beadboard wall! Did you trim the edges with moulding or just cut an even edge?
And that tinsel tree, I assume it’s vintage?

A: the tree is not vintage. crazy right? I’ve had it probably five years or more though.
there is no brand on it though. 🙁
and for the green bead board… we just cut it evenly. there is no trim piece.
And we have one more board to cut in half and put on the top before the wood trim.
Q: it looks like the back of that gray dresser backs up to an open railing. Is the back painted too??

A: i have mentioned about 5 times that i want to just quick paint the back but i never have gotten around to it.
but yes it should be painted. i agree with you. 🙂
Q: I LOVE your basket with blankets in it……where did you find it?
A: tjmaxx 🙂

Q: My question…..You have a basement…..(stairs)….I am dying to know what you are doing with it….
A: we do have a basement.
i never go down there. there are no windows. and there is carpet. and unpainted wood.
it’s hard for me.
ha ha ha
just kidding.
it’s a finished basement. there is a pool table, a sectional, a projector screen and an xbox down there.
the basement doesn’t need me.
🙂
i am sure we will make it more “us” but it’s not on the top of the list of projects right now.
Q: What is the square footage of your house? The main floor looks open and spacious!
A: i don’t even know. 🙂
i never asked.
im sure craig knows but i don’t.

Q: Are you ever worried something is going to fall victim to those precious big dogs with those long, waggy tails?
A: Not really. They don’t jump up on stuff and nothing is down low for them to get into. 🙂

Q: Wondering about gray paint on your wall. What is the name of it?
A: Seashell Gray by Valspar (sold at lowes)

Q: How about the pennants over your kitchen sink? Are they fabric or paper? Did you make them or buy them? Where from?
A: i bought them two years ago from Leslie Padgett’s etsy shop Salvage 517. (currently empty)
they are made from vintage christmas tablecloths and there is sheet music sewn on them too.

Q: what is the shade of green that you painted your dining room cabinet?
A: Catnip by Valspar

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Jen Sullivan - I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your family picture on the wall!! It is such an amazing picture!!!

Katrissa Howard - Hi Meg!

I just love this home tour! I came back to it again today because we’re in the (early) stages of a Kitchen/Family Room renovation and trying to shift the neutral color of those rooms from (existing) beiges/off-whites to whites/grays. I remember loving the gray on your walls from these pictures so I came to look at them more closely today. Does the gray tend toward blue at all? Our kitchen cabinets will be white, but the bigger pieces of furniture in the rooms we’re redoing are brown (big sofa, built in bookshelves and black (kitchen table, tv console). I decorate with pops of colors – currently reds and some greens (more yellows in the summer) and also rustic burlap and wood. I’m looking for a gray that will work with both the browns and the blacks and I’m wondering if this is it. It looks like it from the pictures! { I’m not putting the pressure on you to make the decision for me, just curious as to your thoughts!} Thank you so much! I love your blog so much! I feel like you’re a kindred spirit! 🙂

s - Loved the tour – your home is so liveable yet beautiful. Mine is so undecorated and clutter-y- too lived in lol. Thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

jennibell - Love the close-up of Christmas at your house!!! I was showing my husband all the kitchen pics in relation to other parts of your main living area. . .we are contemplating moving and your kitchen layout looks really functional. Thanks for sharing!

iralee poore - so pretty!!! i love that you guys painted everything white! i love the airy open and clean feel but its not boring visually bc of all the pops of color and black/white pops!

Rachel - Glitter JOY. Giggle. I think there is still glitter in my bag from last year from the JOY I brought home.

paige - meg!
i have to tell you, i’ve kept your blog up for days & come back to it over & over…i am smitten with your home & how you’ve decorated for christmas!!
love everything!!
especially your wreath over the chalkboard & how you color grouped the balls. my goodness….
i smiled out loud over & over

merry merry!

kel - Wondering about gray paint on your wall. What is the name of it? We are repainting- I bogged down in the paint samples. I’m avoiding the decision…. afraid to go too dark. I’m sure you have answered this before- but I can’t find it!

Kelly - How about the pennants over your kitchen sink? Are they fabric or paper? Did you make them or buy them? Where from?

Kristen K. - Meg…Merry Christmas!!! At least it’s midnight here in Philadelphia…and all is (FINALLY!) quiet. Whew! So I got to sit for a moment and look at the gorgeous photos you shared with us. Thank you! My favorite thing about your home(s) isn’t really a ‘thing’…it’s that your home reflects YOU and your family, your faith, your real life! Craft supplies in the hutch instead of dusty china that no one uses, photos of joy all around, but not over-the-top fru-fru style…color and Scripture and more smiles and vintage (a.k.a. stuff-with-a-story) finds. Just love love love your style, and the way you tell your family’s story. Thank you for sharing! 😉

beth larson - Meg, Hi friend! Just couldn’t resist telling you that my hubbie got a skunk in a trap today (by accident) and it sprayed and although it wasn’t a direct hit, it’s Christmas and the smell of skunk is permeating our house….hahahaha hohohoho, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a good night!!! Feeling for you having to deal with a skunky dog too- xox

I hope you got your card~ : )
Beth Larson

Lori - Your home looks beautiful! I’m so glad you shared photos! Merry Christmas 🙂

Lisa - I just love how bright and cheerful your home is. You and Craig have done an amazing job transforming this house to your personalities. I tend to decorate with mostly whites and neutrals but your home makes me want to add color. Merry Christmas!

Tracy - It looks lovely and festive! I especially love your green stools 🙂

Merry Xmas to you and all the Duerksens! I hope our Xmas card made it to you!

Lisa - Love your vintage bulbs and Santa mugs! Are you ever worried something is going to fall victim to those precious big dogs with those long, waggy tails? 🙂

Jill D - I have that same Christmas tablecloth! Passed down from my grandmother and mother. I remember it being used every Christmas when I was a child. Such memories.

Christine - Merry Christmas!!

Love the decorations.
Especially love the green beadboard!
Now sit back and enjoy it!
So So pretty!

Amanda Medlin - I love what you’ve done with your new house and how you have made it YOU. I have a question and forgive me if you’ve answered previously, I went through old posts and couldn’t find it…what is the shade of green that you painted your dining room cabinet? Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Jenny B. - LOVE everything! It looks so homey and Christmassy, yet uncluttered. I know… you waited until AFTER the cleaning lady came! ;). I want to pin every picture! My favorite things… the green beadboard coat rack, your kitchen, the backsplash and countertops (and the bunting!), the little collection of pictures on the wall by the gumball machine, the big basket of quilts (I need one of those!), the computer area with the big D and the 5 and the pictures and the crib spring with all the Christmas cards… 🙂 Sigh… Lovely.

Karyn - I saved the springs from our crib and it’s taking up space in the basement. I was just about to throw it out then I saw the green one by your computer. Now I have to keep mine!! Thank you for all the lovely pictures! I think of you each time I drive I-135 to get from Denver (home now) to Emporia (home home).

Jacci - Lovely 🙂 I really like the way the dining area is turning out. Good choice with the cow print. My question is… did you find a book called The Art of Neighboring at the craft house this summer?? I think I may have left it there 🙂 Merry Christmas, Duerksens!!!!

Beth ann - Lovely! Your hone looks so comfortable, inviting and homey! I was smiling at the progression of kiddos waking up and moving about. No real question than how to I make a stubborn 3 yr old go to sleep so I can wrap presents aaannnddddd have a glass or 2 of wine…. ha!

Kimberly - Love the how peaceful it looks and all the vintage pieces!

What is the square footage of your house? The main floor looks open and spacious! Is the basement completely finish?

Andrea - Meg….one more crazy question…I LOVE your basket with blankets in it……where did you find it?

Andrea - I loved seeing your home all decked out for Christmas!!! I love that your home is neutral, but colorful all at once. I am not sure how you pulled that off but I love it. Your collection of vintage ornaments is so beautiful and I love how you displayed them! (I am copying that next year!) I also collect santa mugs and loved seeing your collection. My question…..You have a basement…..(stairs)….I am dying to know what you are doing with it….I imagine a wonderful big craft/sewing room…..(cause that I what I want to do with our basement)

Happy Holidays!

Jane - I have some Santa mugs and a pitcher that my mom had when we were growing up. I love how you display yours!

Jen - I have some of those same Santa mugs! I love the little display box! I always struggle with how to display them.

LOVE the quote on the chalkboard too!!

Question : it looks like the back of that gray dresser backs up to an open railing. Is the back painted too?? Silly, I know. But I think I would have to paint the back if it was going to be “open” like that. :-/

Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!

Amy - What a festive house! My favorite thing is the picture of the 5 kiddos in their bathing suits that is above the desk. I assume it’s your 5. I know I can’t see it well, but it looks like such a real life moment.

Tami Vik - I love that green beadboard wall! Did you trim the edges with moulding or just cut an even edge? You always find the best stuff! And that tinsel tree, I assume it’s vintage? Fabulous! Good luck with the dog washing!

Melissa - I just love your home! I couldn’t believe you have 5 kids and your house looks like this so it was a relief to know you have a cleaning lady I was about to ask you if you were born with super powers or you learned magic along the way LOL! I guess having older children helps as well, I have a 5,7,9 so even when they do help I need to supervise or come behind and finish up.
I also noticed you have many drawers and cabinets which is something we lack around here I bet it hides alot of things so I will be looking for storage furniture from here on out!
THANKS FOR THE POST!! 🙂
–btw I am MeliMelsss on instagram 🙂 So glad I found your blog!

Tessa - You have made me love green even more with this post!!!

Julie - Thank you so much for sharing. I adore the boxes of baubles and the wreath. Merry Christmas to you and your Family.
PS: Posted your card the other day too.

Rachel S - One more question…where did you get your gingerbread houses? They look like a perfect gift to a child packaged like that!

Rachel S - LOVE your cute house! Love all the white with your happy colors everywhere. Your kitchen is just perfect and that silver tree (vintage?) is so cute on the counter. One question for you is where do you keep your toaster and mixer? I would love to have more counter space, but we use those 2 appliances (plus the coffee maker) so often that they take up my precious space.
Enjoy your Christmas with the family in your new home. I always love to see your spaces! So inspirational.

Amanda M. - I LOVE your home. I’ve LOVED all your homes! Here’s my question and I think you’ve talked about it before— Those white couches. How do you keep them clean? Are they the ikea ones with the washable slipcovers? I want white couches so badly but, boys. boys. boys. I have two boys that are 5 and 7. I’m pretty sure it would be an issue. Do you wash yours often?

Julie - Your home feels so inviting and charming! So pretty!!

Kelly S, I know your question was directed to Meg, but I’m currently listening to an audiobook on YouTube, “Hudson Tsylor’s Spiritual Secret” and enjoying it a lot. What a simple, incredible faith this missionary to China had! So inspiring!

Andrea - Oh Meg! Thank you so much for the photos!
Did you buy all the bulbs in your boxes at the same time or have you been gathering them for a while? (I’m guessing they come from places like The Barn?)
Also how long have you been collecting the Santa cups?

Lisa - Here’s my question…. Can I hire you to decorate my house?! Please!? I’ll fly you to Oregon to help me! Haha! I really love your style. 🙂

Melissa - Love love love – it looks so pretty. simple and pretty

Kelly S - Cute, cozy and colorful house. My question (is not house related) but I LOVE to know what people are reading; including magazines, blogs, devotionals, in their Bibles, and books.
I’m LOVING The Auschwitz Escape (book), my devo is Awake My Heart by J. Sidlow Baxter (love love love), reading through Bible in chronological order (I’m in 1 Chronicles) and also reading Timothy Keller-Prayer-Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God (awesome).
Merry Christmas!!!!
Kelly (Pam’s friend from Liberia) 🙂

Meghan - Can I move in?

Tami - LOVE your home, so cozy and warm! Happy Holidays! xoxo

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the big surprise.

December 26, 2013

a few weeks ago i was tucking annie into bed and i asked her
“what would be THE BEST best absolutely BEST thing you could imagine opening on christmas morning?”
she thought for a second and then said “iPhone 5”
i said “ummm…. that is a no. what is the second best thing?”
“well… i think a pet. i would say a dog but dad would never say yes to that so i guess i would like an iguana.”

she is so funny.

so that night i told craig what she had said… and i started looking for a puppy.
i texted a bunch of people asking if anyone knew of any puppies that would be ready at christmas
and within a day i had these pictures from facebook and i was already in love.
puppy1-tiff puppies2-tiff
i mean…. COME ON!! look at those babies?!!

i drove out to pick one from the group of 9 brothers & sisters.
they were a surprise litter of puppies from a mama who was supposedly fixed.
oops.
i chose the lightest one because i thought he looked the most like Waffle.
it was so hard to leave them there… i wanted to keep them all!
(remember that scene in Bridesmaids where Megan took all the puppies in her mini van… ha ha ha)

and then i had to wait and keep a secret for weeks!
it was not easy.
craig & i picked him up on monday and brought him to a friend of ours for the night.
i took some selfies with him while craig drove us there. 🙂
he was trembling and so scared… i cuddled with him a bunch.
puppylove
then the next day, christmas eve, they took him to another friends house for the night.
(i have the best friends!)

and on christmas morning our friends drove over to our house.
i went out to their car with my gift wrapped rubber maid box and we stuck the puppy inside.
i gave her a big hug and went inside to deliver “one more present that i forgot we had for everyone”

it was the ultimate surprise!!!
they never saw it coming.

everyone is crazy in love with Stanley.

stanners running
best christmas.

EVER.

and waffle is already showing him how to be a good dog.
waffle is such a lover… nothing phases him.
we are trying to give him lots of attention too so he doesn’t feel like the forgotten older child.

so much fun at our house this week.

i hope your christmas was wonderful!

and because i know you will be asking… we think he is a labrador.
but if he isn’t… we don’t care.
we love hime no matter what he is.

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Why Christmas was Awesome | a glass of milk - […] wasn’t the kind of awesome where everything was perfectly decorated or someone unwrapped a puppy. It was the kind of awesome that you get from a nice, low-key day, where the gifts are […]

jennibell - That was the *best* gift!!! I love, love, love that first b&w you posted of the kids and dog — absolute adoration on their faces. Beautiful. The video is something you will always treasure. You’re GREAT parents 🙂

Karen - That was seriously the cutest thing to witness! So glad you shared!

Lisa - Stanley is so precious!!!! Glad he and big brother Waffle are hitting it off! 🙂

Rebecca Torzewski - He is so stinkin’ cute. With all the gadgets that kids want nowadays, Iphones,Ipads, Kindles, etc., it is so heartwarming to see them all playing with a puppy on Christmas. Thanks for sharing! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

jerusalem - So fun! Miles has been begging for a Lizard and Sweet Man has been saying no. But he changed his mind for Christmas – pretty great to see how excited Miles was! Welcome to the internet Stanley!

Jessica - That is one very loved pup! Your family is so adorable. I loved how they were all trying to be the first one to hold him. What a fun Christmas gift! 😀

CathyC - SWEET!!!!!

Melinda - I loved how that little puppy brought all your kids together. Quickly, right to the sofa, laughing and bonding, Amazing. What a fun Christmas.

Kimberlee Jost - I loved seeing this post this morning.
So fun…and hey, those are some amazing secret powers Annie has.
Going to have to work on the powers that be around here!

Michelle Whitlow - Oh my gosh, how ADORABLE!!!! Your kids and the pup 🙂

KirstenP - Aw, Meg, thanks so much for sharing the puppy-for-Christmas surprise with us! I loved watching the kid’s reactions on the video. Did any of them cry? Cool how the older kids got out their phones right away to take photos. Many sweet photos! Love the puppy in the sunny, snowy outdoors.

We tried your Crescent Chicken recipe tonight after seeing someone post on facebook. And, you’re right, I had all the ingredients on hand. We loved it. Thanks for sharing it.

Danielle - So cute!!! I keep teasing my husband about the need to get me a puppy. Thankfully he know me and knows I do not want the work right now. I just love the idea of a puppy. They are so cute!

Breenah - Both of your dogs are so cute! I can’t wait til we get a house because a puppy is going to be one of the first additions!

Heather - Oh.My.Goodness…I am in love with Stanley! What a wonderful & memorable surprise! Lucky kids & lucky dog! 🙂

julie - You just brightened my day! Your kids are as cute in their responses to the surprise as Stanley’s sweetness is! Congrats on the newest member of your family!

Lesley - Best.
Present.
EvEr!!
I thought you were the best surpriser after the Taylor Swift episode but this beats everything! Lifelong memories made!!! xox

Angela A - He’s adorable! I love that on the video the older kids start pulling out their phones to take pics. I CANNOT show this post to my children because then they will hate all their presents and only have one thing on their list next year. But maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

kimberly oyler - annie’s reaction is priceless! this is so cute meg! thanks for sharing!

Terrie G - Oh.My.Goodness. I Love Stanley too! Our new-to-us dog, Meg, doesn’t have that kind of energy. Of course, I’m not so sure I have the energy to train right now anyway. But, he sure does make me want to go out and find a pup for our new 5 year old adoptee! What a fun Christmas for your family! And Stanley too!! Can’t wait to see more of him and hear all about his antics…’cause I’m sure there will be some! 🙂 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family Meg!!

tammy - a little sad he wasn’t named Pancake!

Amy - What a cutie! We can’t wait to add a dog back into the family. Once the toddler’s potty trained I think it will become more of a reality but these puppy cuties make it tough to wait!

Gina - The photos and video say it all!! I have a big smile on my face!! 😀

Lori - Merry Christmas Meg (yah…I few days late). What a fun Christmas surprise. Such a cutie and with that sweater. Awww! Love the pics with the girls in the snow. Sweet!

beth - I LOVE this post….and Stanley? Adorable. Favorite parts- the video and when one of your boys says “whose is he”? and the picture right below the video—omgoodness!!! And the way one of the boys immediately blurts out Stanley for the name and then I guess it stuck?

: )

how’s the house breaking going?

tara - oh my goodness.
best present ever.
i bet she would choose stanley over an i-phone5 any day!!

ira lee - the best reaction!!! they were all so suprised!!! i loved the video!!

Amanda - Small Home Big Start - What a wonderful Christmas morning surprise! Your family will always remember the year they got Stanley. Love the little Christmas sweater he’s wearing. So sweet.

jen - what an awesome surprise!!! so fun! definitely a happy christmas!

Tab - This actually brought tears to my eyes. Love this. Perfect surprise for a Christmas morning!!

alicia @ la famille - what a great surprise!!! i so want to do this someday…but not when we have a baby. what kind of a dog is is waffle?? he’s such a lover.

Southern Gal - Love it!

Stephanie - Awww! I have tears in my eyes! He is the cutest puppy and all your kids loved him! My kids would……I can’t even describe the reaction if they got a puppy. Good job, mom and dad!

ann - I was hoping for a holiday post amd you did not disappoint!!! I am a longtime lurker amd enjoyer of the blog and Instagram. Keep posting! Congrats on Stanley.

Cori Scales Angelino - We have London, who is 13 weeks, and a golden/yellow lab mix. Mama rejected her so we’ve had her since she was 5 weeks old. You are in for an amazing time filled with fun! What lovers they are!!

Brittany - SO cute!!!! Surprising them is the best. LOVE it! They will always remember that. Merry (belated) Christmas!

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living vicariously…

December 12, 2013

so we have a tree up.
and the kids decorated it.
and… nothing else.

please tell me that with a few of you i am not alone.
some years you just can’t get that knock-it-out-of-the-park decorating done.
i want to.
but i want to do a million other things too so for now… in this rental house… it’s going on the back burner.
so other more important things can take my physical and emotional energy.
like crafts… we are doing those.
and if you are a crafty person you know that making crafts with kids take ENERGY.

so i was looking at lovely homes on pinterest and found some beauty to live vicariously through their decorating this year.
i also decided it is THE LIGHT that i am drawn in by, not necessarily the colors.
LOTS of natural light is a really big deal to me.

i was really loving this Christmas home tour at cuckoo4design .
i am usually all color and pattern but this one was so lovely!
there is still color and pattern it’s just not IN YOUR FACE.
she looks like a lot of fun!

how cool is that christmas tree?!!!
i LOVE it… i think she said she dressed up the ikea version.
but i haven’t been in an ikea for MONTHS and won’t get to for another many months so i don’t think it’s in my future to be picking one up.
it is so neat!

and that previous post led me over to this one at Finding Home.
the colors!
i think i need a white tree in my life.
i actually saw one a month ago at the thrift store and i left it there.
there is truly no excuse for it.
it is one of those things i will remember forever.
i have lists of things like that which i regret forever not grabbing when i could… the white tree will be one for the record books.

i always love ashley’s style at The Handmade Home.
a yarn covered hula hoop? awesome.

and then i found Candice’s home featured on Design Mom…
G O R G E O U S.

i love the black.
is black the new white?

then these were all in the top faves too…

pretty1
source and source pretty2
source and source pretty3
source and source pretty4
source and source pretty5
source and source

and then i went to look back at my past posts… and i missed living in the Craft House big time.
well, i do and i don’t.
i really think i miss having the energy and time to do these kinds of things.
it will come back.
i hope it comes back…. my mojo i mean.
either way we can all look at the way i decorated a few years ago and smile.
(and think to ourselves “wow she was really on her game… a few years ago…” ha ha ha)

i almost feel inspired to get decorating now.
but… i need a shower.
and i left my phone at the craft house last night when i went there to wrap presents.
and my kitchen looks like it exploded.
so i wil just read this post again and call it good.

but next year….
christmas 2014.
look out!
it’s going to be like buddy the elf the night before santa came to gimbels.
yes.
that good.
ha ha ha..

show hide 57 comments

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tara - i went super simple this year, and it felt so good and clean….
my mojo has been lost temporarily, too.
all of my kids went to school this year, and it’s JUST NOW hitting me how much of an adjustment it has truly been for me.

you’d think i would have had more energy, but it was the opposite. i completely shut down. for real.

you’re a fun mom…you’re doing a great job….your mojo will come back for certain things, if it’s supposed to. sometimes we lose our mojo in areas because we’re suppose to. 🙂

Lynda Anderson - So inspiring. I love the bulbs in the glass containers. It’s 12/20 and I have lights only on 3/4 of my tree … still have a Halloween table runner in the entry way and haven’t finished shopping! Thank you for this blog and the relaxation and enjoyment it gives me! Merry Christmas!!

Debi - so this year i just let my 16yo daughter and some VISITORS, traveling basketball team girls…not even people I know!, decorate our tree and living room. I am just soooo tired. At least the shopping is done. It doesn’t feel like me at all and the same old tired decorations… but they had fun and … did I mention the shopping is done?

alicia @ la famille - I saw Shanon’s comment about rental houses being mojo suckers…so stinking true. This is my third Christmas in a row in this townhouse we’re renting and it is sooo hard for me. I look at Pinterest and blogs and its almost painful how much I miss that…I feel like I can’t be ME right now. Its hard. I want 2014 to be my Buddy the Elf year too, but I said that last year and never would have thought I’d be right here in the same place this year. Am I depressing you yet? 🙂 I just hope I get my mojo back someday….

tasha roe - I’m so glad you posted this!! SERIOUSLY THRILLED!! I put the old tree up and let the kids have at it and that’s it. I’m usually the one with the house decked out to the hills before thanksgiving. Too many big things going on and i don’t have the energy, and quite frankly it will be covered in drywall dust before it gets put away.
sigh…… Love the pictures and inspiration!
thanks for making me feel normal. 🙂

Jenny Wenzel - I am glad I am the only one who hasn’t had the energy or drive to go all out this year! I keep seeing all these lovely pics of houses all done up looking clean and perfect…kind of gets me down…this was good for me to read!

Jennifer Dawn - Oh thank goodness! I am not the only one. We have a tree. That’s it. LOL! I think I will live vicariously through your post too. Last year I went overboard decorating as early as October. Yes, that’s right…October! My dad had just passed away and I needed something happy and cheerful. I think I was overcompensating. A year later…I just kinda have a case of the bah humbugs. I keep threatening to get the rest of the Christmas stuff out, but like you…there are other things that have come first.

Gretchen P - our tree has been up for 2 weeks, and it just got decorated yesterday. Other than that, we have nothing else done. I don’t even have my son’s stocking out. I’m glad he is almost 14, and knows the true reason for Christmas, so it is not a big deal.

Talia - Thank you for such an honest post! I didn’t put up the tree this year as we won’t be home for Christmas. The rest of the house is decorated but very simply. I just can’t come home to a tree.

flowerpowermomma - relax and enjoy your simpler holiday season. everyone. Christmas is a time for love.

Patty - I know how you feel! I felt that frazzled every year, tree up at the last minute, lots of knick – knackie stuff to put up, all of it with no intention.

Then my daughter went to her first year of college and it was worse because we did so much of it together ; (

Well for her sophomore year, I declared that by the end of Thanksgiving weekend when she went back to school, the tree had to be up, decorated and we had to be done with decorating or we would have to resort to the dreaded fake tree. The Christmas season has been so much better, less rushed, with more creative time together.

Some years the mojo is just not there…. that’s okay. Just go with it and it’ll be better next year ; )

Ali - I am in love with the gumball machine print in your shop. I neeeed it. I also totally think you should add a print of it filled with your vintage ornaments. I would totally buy that too. I love your style!!!

andrea - I also agree about the natural light. That is probably why i love older homes – more and bigger windows. This is also why i love your pictures from the craft house – all the light. (And your great decorating of course!)

andrea - You make me laugh! Yesterday my 11yo daughter said “Momma you do know that Christmas is just the Wednesday after this? And we don’t even have a tree?!?” Ha. I just took the pumpkins off the front porch three days ago. My husband & i just purchased most of our Christmas gifts Friday night online. Still have stocking stuffers to get & take the kids to get theirs for each other. And haven’t baked the first cookie. Sigh. I need to stop writing this down; now i am feeling overwhelmed.

chris - Oh Meg you’re not alone , I have nothing but my porch decorated for Christmas at all as I started a complete family room reno at the beginning of December just a completely new coffered ceiling and ripped out the carpet and installed new detailed pine flooring, no big deal Christmas will wait…what was I thinking. I should put up a tree somewhere shouldn’t I, Tuesday I will that’s my goal anyway.
Glad I found your blog again.
Chris

Linda - You are not alone. No tree up yet. But I am loving my family! We actually ate together every night this week. Busy teens you know. The adult kids are gone. Our new normal. I can’t wait for next year either. It’s our turn for Christmas!!

Heather - I found this on Pinterest & I think you’ll need to make this rainbow scarf with your girlies! It’s all finger knitting so it’s pretty easy! 🙂

http://diy-projectss.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-finger-knitted-scarf.html

Linda - I passed up a silver tree once. Always regretted it. It was just a time in my life when I didn’t have another $20 Your home a few years ago is what has inspired my decor. I loved all the jars of Christmas balls. So beautiful and reflective of the light. Which here in the Northwest we need that! SO that’s all I do anymore. lights, christmas balls and a simple nativity. We focus on traditions and family experiences! Merry Christmas!!!

Kristi - I am so with you this year. I just got a little decorating done, only because I had people coming over. I also let my 4 year old single-handedly decorate the tree. (Until her father got home and helped her get the top branches.) I still have a list of things I need to make and then another that I would like to sit down and do with my daughters. Those are top on my to do list right now. I love the inspiration photos that you posted. The ones of yours too! Some of those are on my pin board as well. And I think that there is nothing wrong with living vicariously and letting someone else do the work at times. That way we can focus on the important things, like taking naps! :o)

Jennifer Cole - Meg – I love your honesty and I love this post. Yes, the pictures of the other houses are pretty – but not as pretty as the craft house decorations. The craft house is one of the cutest places I have ever been – even without Christmas. I don’t think your kids will remember if the rent house was perfect or not, but they will remember the time spent with you. And they will appreciate the reasons you moved your life to the rent house. Seasons. We all have seasons. And Buddy was pretty much psycho. Merry Christmas!

Cindy - Spend time with your kids, do fun things. That is what they will remember not how the house was decorated. They grow up & leave home too quickly, then you’ll have more time to decorate. Plus, you will have a lot less “”stuff” to pack up & put away in January!!! Wishing you & your family a Christ filled Merry Christmas!!!
Cindy

Mommyjulia - Those first few pics are lovely. But my faves are yours! I completely understand not having a lot of decorating done this year. I’m super sicko, pregnant with twins & am not going to do nearly as much this year. But you’re right, there’s always next year (though next year I will have 4, 4 & under to contend with!) Merry Christmas! Love seeing you craft with your girls 🙂

Mindy - Love so many of these pictures – especially the top two. I know a lot of people who have scaled back this year in decor.

Jenn - I hear ya! Just tapped out. Next year, next year will be epic! I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used that word…hah!

Bethany - My tree and an outdoor garden flag were the only Christmas decorations at my house until a few days ago. I had been so busy it just hadn’t gotten done. I’m hosting a holiday craft sale at my house today and tomorrow so I kind of HAD to get some decorating done. Still, I have kept it simple and not spent a lot of time or effort on it and it still looks nice. But whatever I get done, it will have to be good enough because I still have some Christmas shopping to do and a few gifts to sew. 🙂

Beth Ann - My Christmas Decorating mojo is missing this year as well! We moved into a new house and I haven’t even finished decorating it so the thought of putting ‘temporary’ decorations up is just too much for me this year. we have a tree, and some bulbs in bowls and a few trees outside decorated with lights, but that is as far as I have gotten or I am going to worry about. I am *TRYING* really hard to just enjoy the season, but it takes effort for me. I always get so grouchy with all of my ‘To-Do’ lists while my husband and children skip around merrily, completely oblivious to all the effort that I am putting in to create the “magic of the season”. Perfect gifts for teachers, co-workers, friends, family, bus drivers, bosses on stop of snacks & treats for company and friends and parties. Perfect wrapping of gifts, decorating, plate of cookies for Santa. The dang Elf on the Shelf. I am trying not wish the days away and enjoy the magic moments that happen each days with the kiddos. So this year my hands are in the air and anything goes. My father in law arrives tonight from DC and I am not even going to worry about the fact that there are legos all over the floor, dirty floors, clean laundry on the couch waiting to be folded. I am just going to go with it…..

Lisa - People who have the time, energy, money, talent and creativity to decorate so beautifully amaze me! All of these homes are gorgeous. I didn’t have one gift bought until yesterday. I’m right there with you. Feeling so behind, tired and not able to do all I would want. But! I am trying to create some fun family time. Movie nights watching our favorite Christmas movies. Hot chocolate after school. Talking about Jesus… I think each year is different and that’s ok. It’s hard when you feel like you’ve lost your mojo though! Merry Christmas!

Kelly - Every time I pile some of my shiny brites in a container and set it somewhere I think of you. 🙂 Kelly

Kristen Kerwin - Meg – to the woman whom I MOST ADORE AND ADMIRE on the inter webs…regardless of what your mantle looks like this year. You are beautiful because God made you extra shiny. Your home is amazing because it’s a gorgeous reflection of your heart, and your family. Your family is the bomb, because you follow God and you are real and you don’t need to make things extra shiny because you are fabulous exactly the way you are. Life and decorating and crafts (I agree! Exhausting! My 4 blessings just can’t seem to keep the glitter glue on the project! ARGH!) come and go in seasons…but you will remain you, and that is a wonderful person to be. You inspire me and my family (my girls love to see all of the pictures you post – thank you for sharing!), and I am blessed to read your blog…it really adds joy to my days, and I know it’s not easy…so thank you. Merry Christmas, sis…and I will pray for you as I pray for me to embrace the beautiful chaos!!!! 🙂

Angela - Meg, I found one of those ikea trees on ebay so no need to go to the store. 🙂

I always look at all your December posts, I am always so inspired by them. I actually just looked at them yesterday! lol And yes I always think, holy cow, she has 5 kids and did all that!

Tiffany - You are cracking me up.
“either way we can all look at the way i decorated a few years ago and smile. (and think to ourselves “wow she was really on her game… a few years ago…” ha ha ha)” – priceless. Let’s raise our glass and toast to Meg’s Buddy Elf Style Christmas in 2014, Cheers!

the.mrs - Feel better, dear! I don’t even have a tree up. Or ONE SINGLE decoration this year! We just bought our first house, so we have been ridiculously busy with that bad boy. We WILL get one up.. tomorrow.. or the next day… haha. My kids asked if they would still get presents if we didn’t put a tree up! *tear

Cassie - Last Christmas my husband had just finished his last round of chemo and was in remission. I had no energy to decorate, but we were very happy. This year I still don’t want to drag the tubs up from the basement. I have one lovely lighted decoration out and am ok with that. More importantly, I got the Christmas spirit back. I had been majorly bah-humbug this year until last Sunday. We sang Little Drummer Boy at church and “I have no gifts to bring” struck me….what do I have to bring? Immediately I knew…..a better attitude to honor His birth. It’s made all the difference. I don’t feel guilty about not decorating, and I still have time if I want to decorate. Have a Merry Christmas! You have a beautiful home(s) and family and are a blessing to us, your readers!

beth larson - W-O-W those are amazing photos Meg….great decorating and great photography! thanks for sharing~

Katie - Just wanted to say we can’t do it all. This year with having my 5th bundle of joy I chose 3 – 4 things to focus on during this season. When I am tempted to do more I go back and look at my initial list. That has been helpful.

Julia@Cuckoo4Design - Thanks for the shout out! There’s so much inspiration in your post loved seeing all the other photos!

Shannon - Ha. That’s supposed to be super simply, not supper simple.

Shannon - We went supper simply this year too. We had a new roof put on the house yesterday and our family leaves for two weeks in Rwanda on Christmas Day. So this year many of the things I usually do were left undone. One strand of lights around our front door, that was done because of pressure from the kids. No real tree; just our little artificial one and it has about 10 ornaments on it. Two were given to us this year and the rest the kids and I made from paper. I did put up our stocking and hung some ornaments from our lights. It’s amazing how simple it is but how much I still really enjoy it. So much so I’m thinking of purging one both of Christmas stuff at the beginning of the year. I know I’ll be even more motivated after we come back from our trip. I also LOVE seeing Ashley on here. We went to college together and she is as amazing as she sounds on her blog.

Jen - Two thoughts: One: ENJOY this season! Someday when the “Craft House” has run its course and the kids are older, you’ll be so happy for the time you spent doing crafts and helping other ladies to do the same. After all, every “stage” has its pros and cons!

Two: stay away from Pinterest, especially if you’re already feeling inadequate! 🙂 I find I really have to be careful about my blog/pinterest time. It can lead to such discontentment. And I know that’s MY problem-not the fault of the “inter webs”.

Hope you can relax and enjoy this season. After all, Christmas isn’t about the glitter and lights. Jesus came without any of that–and HE saved the world! 🙂 Merry Christmas, Meg!

amy jupin - i feel like this with my whole LIFE.
seriously.
where the crap is my mojo??
it’s like i WANT to do ALL the things but i DON”T want to do ANY of the things!
i think your mojo and my mojo are off in hawaii or somewhere together having a pina colada!
send help.

Gina - I am in the same boat as you, so here I go to read your post again :).

Amy K. - You are ahead of me!! Our tree is up, no lights, no decorations. Last year we left it all till the last minute, and then it was still all fun & new on Christmas. Hopefully it’ll work that way this year too! ha!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Rental houses = Mojo suckers.
The BDR darn well killed mine.

Yours is just snoozing, that’s all. It’ll be back.

You NEED to do a rainbow striped tree next year like the picture!
And I’m loving the colorful Christmas tour and Ashley’s stuff.

jen - as always, beautiful.

i also have not been in the decorating spirit. looking at everyone else’s beautiful decorated houses makes me smile and wish i had a crafty bone in my body.

jen - I am so there with you!! tonight i was going to finish decorating and now it’s dinner time, then kids baths, then pick up husband….so…maybe tomorrow night. i just feel like there is so much crap everywhere all the time! anyways i am with you – let’s make a pact to knock it out of the park in 2014 – i’m in!!

Jennifer - No need to feel bad, Meg. I haven’t put up any Christmas decorations this year (besides a 3 foot tree the kids have taken to decorating). That’s what you get when you agree to move the week of Christmas!
And, don’t you just love Ashley’s (Handmade Home)designs?! She is as fabulous in person as she is on her blog. She’d make an awesome Craft Weekend special guest!

christina - Meg, I’m with ya! tree is up and decorated, but the boxes are still out!! and have been out for 3 days now. gotta get on that!

Beth - I’m so thankful for this post. I’ve been feeling so guilty that I’m not more into the whole decorating thing this year. We still don’t have a tree and I don’t think we will be sending out cards for the first time ever. It’s nice to know I’m not alone! Great inspirational pics though! 🙂

Iris - Oh how I love light and beautiful Christmas decorations, but sometimes we can’t do it all and we have to prioritize. For me, this year, that means taking time to really get into the true meaning of this season, crafting with my preschooler (STRESS), doing family activities, watching Christmas movies and just being. That’s it. The tree is up and so are the advent candles, but the rest is packed away. This is the year of a simpler Chistmas and I am loving the memories we are making. Sometimes memories trump the perfectly put together Christmas. Love your honesty.

Kimberly - THANK YOU for not being perfect and for sharing that with us! My house is very simply decorated for Christmas and definitely does not even compare to all the beautiful homes on Pinterest and the blogosphere. But, I have babies at home– they keep me up day & night. They are more important than decorating at this life stage. Think I’ll go take my nap now!

Tracey - oh, I know EXACTLY what you mean. I don’t feel like I have my mojo this year at all. Yesterday I finally took my Halloween wreath off the front door and put up a Christmas one. (Yes, I did say Halloween). I’ve been looking at all those lovely pics too and it makes me want all those beautifully decorated rooms. And I want a white tree too!!! Did you see this one on Pinterest? http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160088961727827180/ It is from Treetopia and I have been stalking it!
Oh! And it is 2:30 p.m. here and I am just now headed to the shower! 🙂

Alisa - Oh Meg, my decorations are not what they were a few years ago either. Most are still in the basement. Since I am in Germany, we don’t even have a tree yet – that comes late here – but they are always real & smell fantastic.. Two weeks ago my family was in a very lucky car accident, which could have easily killed my husband and my 2 kids 12 & 9. I am still shaking about it and so glad they are ok – car is gone, but who cares. Christmas means family. Some years we go all out, some not….

Julie - I love the look of a house beautifully decorated for Christmas, but reality strikes when you don’t have a gorgeous mantlepice to decorate, and the rooms in your house aren’t large and spacious. I also find that living in New Zealand and having a summer Christmas, the traditional decorations, wreaths etc don’t suit our lifestyle. Yes we have the tree – full of decoration with stories and meaning to us, I have made a scrappy fabric wreath and I try to gave fresh flowers. It is hard to decorate the outside with lights, when it is not dark until 9pm, by which time you are getting ready for bed so don’t really see them. It is still nice to drool over other people’s decorating and as you said experience it vicariously.

Sabrina - Ah yes! I remember your Christmas house from a few years ago! So inspiring! I’ve had good decorating years and not so good. Last year I spent most of December in the hospital on bed rest waiting for my baby to be born. He came 6 weeks early and we spent Christmas in the NICU… so no decorating that year. This year I have a one year old and a 2.5 year old, and I have energy to only do the basic decorating… maybe next year I’ll decorate more! ha ha we’ll see! 🙂 Merry Christmas!

Jessica R - I agree with you — it’s the natural light! Lots of natural light is a big deal to me too and those pictures look all the better because of their light!

I’m not going all out with Christmas decorating this year either. I think it’s because Christmas comes so soon after Thanksgiving this year; I kind of feel like it’s not worth the effort to put everything up only to take it down 4 weeks later…The tree is up and the mantle is decorated and that’s about it!

Nan - I’ve done nothing. Barely bought a gift. I’m also freaking out because it’s our 25th wedding anniversary on the 23rd and I don’t have any idea for a gift for my husband. New flat-screen tv?! Nothing says love like electronics, right?! Sometimes it’s a little too easy to whip out that plastic and try to make the holiday a happy one. I just don’t have the motivation this year. Bah humbug! Send Buddy the Elf my way, please 😉

Sarah D. - I’m living vicariously this year, too. Like you, our tree is up and decorated and that is as much as is done around here. And it will most likely remain that way for this year while the rest of my Cmas decorations stay in their tubs in my basement.

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April 23, 2013

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christmassy

December 26, 2012

sooo….it's over.
that went by WAY too quickly for the amount of work that it was.
bummer.

we started at my parents house over the weekend….

i was in charge of the mashed potatoes.

no green on my plate.
oops.

there was a kids table this year.

and braids. :)

lauren got her first pair of Birks. (i remember mine…)

some of my gifts.
how beautiful are the mugs from anthro?!

my dad had this shirt made from one of talby's drawings.

the big hit of the gifts at my parents house was Just Dance 4.
my mom has a Wii at her house (we don't have one) so my kids love to play it when they are there.
they started playing right away.

THEN the moms came down…. and we smoked them all.
HIGH SCORE all the three rounds.

oh yeah!

my niece is so cuddly.

this was one of sean's gifts.
it was called Cube-bot.
he did not put it down….made it into every shape imaginable.

family photo 2012.

and gangnum style….

christmas morning was back at out house….just the seven of us….all in their new jammies and slippers.

new boots (from santa)

new movie (from talby to sean)

new coat (from santa)

new boots (from santa)

new book (from santa)

we almost always give a big stack of dvds as a family gift.

this was my christmas morning: green water cup from talby, blue water cup & starbucks card from annie (i think daddy helped her out) doughnut pan from sean, candle from scott, cookbook from annie and a surprise gift of an itouch from mr. duerksen. :)

it was one of the most calm and relaxed christmas mornings we may have ever had.
i guess they really are growing up.
and they were very grateful and kind to each other.

a christmas miracle indeed.

we headed over to craig's mom's house for fondue and gifts on christmas day.
the kids loved playing games with christmas themes.

they all got new clothes and goodies.

fondue is their family tradition for like….ever.
my boys LOVE all the meats…and also especailly the cheese with bread.

annie was struggling with her cast and holding her plate so i jokingly suggested she get in the old high chair.
she got big eyes and said "CAN I REALLY?!!"
ha ha ha

she stayed there and had craig bring her cooked meat!
she said many times over that it was her most favorite meal she has ever eaten.

and the duerksen family picture of 2012.

we are done with our celebrations.
it went by so fast.
i still have christmas crafts to do though…. we are going to make them anyway.
they are too cute to wait a whole year more.

i hope your family had a nice celebration.
my favorite part of all of it was the christmas eve service we went to.
it brought my heart back to where it was supposed to be all along.

annie goes in tomorrow to get her cast off.
if you think of her…say a prayer for her to be brave and for full healing of her arm.

thanks.

i took four of my kids to a movie today and now…i am going to take a quick nap.

happy december 26 to you.

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Jamie - oh my i spy mrs. meyer’s soap in a color {scent} i’ve never seen! do tell, please! what scent?

Victoria - Oh my I love Annie’s shirt/dress she wore in the pictures! That is adorable.
What a great gift from your Dad – I would love to have one of my daughters art pieces turned into a tshirt!
Looks like you all had a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year!

Robin Heim - What a great recap of your Christmas. Where did you Dad go to have the picture transferred onto the shirt? It’s such a wild idea. I love it!

Laura - i love seeing how everybody has their own style and tradition for Christmas.
the same running theme seems to be family…no matter where people go, what they eat, or what gifts they give.
it is all about family.
love that.
our christmas was a tough and strange one…
i cooked nothing
i bought NOTHING
seriously…Santa is REAL…he came through for our family BIG TIME this christmas
then nick got sick
merry christmas! HA!
BUT…
my family was together
and THAT is awesome
the people in our homes are the true gifts.
although those anthro mugs kind of ROCK
love to your whole bunch, and prayers for a blessed new year!!!!!!!
xoxo

Michele - Your family is just lovely. The family portrait shirt was my favorite :o)

This Farm Family's Life - Love your pictures! I am sad Christmas is over, but I’m already looking forward to next year and warmer weather!!!

Lisa - Where oh where did you get the JOY wrapping paper in your first picture??? Love it! Also, the picture of you and annie is so sweet. Looks like your Christmas was wonderful. Our Christmas morning was a bit lame this year, (Kids woke up by 4:45am and I was mad and having trouble being joyful),but was redeemed by having a real white Christmas and being able to go sledding as a family with my sisters family. I’ve never had trouble getting into the spirit of Christmas but this year was rough. Loved looking at all your pictures! Saw on instagram that Annie got her cast off! Hope it was a smooth process!

Tiffany - Great to be surrounding by family. Thank you for sharing. I see your baby girl growing up so much. Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Looks like a great time of family & celebration! Ours was kind of a weird Christmas-hubby in bed sick with the flu, his grandma admitted to the hospital on Christmas Eve with what was thought to be a heart attack. That meant no Christmas eve service for us(a true tradition for all of us) and no food/opening gifts at her house thet night either. We’re postponing it all until shes out of the hospital.
I told my husband “as much as we might say traditions aren’t the most important part of Christmas, its hard to let go of them when circumstances demand we do something else.” I love me some traditions:)
Merry Christmas! Enjoy that nap!

Carrie - Merry Christmas. Thank you for sharing your family with us.

Kelsey - I just watched a video that someone shared, and I immediately thought of you and your blog (and your readers!). It’s about having gratitude for each day in your life, but when he said, “Begin by opening your eyes, and be grateful that you have eyes to open… just think about the amazing colors that are here for us to enjoy!” and of course, I thought of your love for bright, happy colors. Check it out if you have a few minutes… very sweet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj2ofrX7jAk

Kayla - What? Your Dad doesn’t Gangnam? 😉

Jenny B. - Love that Lauren got her first pair of Birks! I had green ones in high school and wore them to prom (yup. sure did.). I also love that Annie was so excited to sit in the high chair. I think my 8-year-old son would have had the exact same response! 🙂

Kimberly G - Looks like you had a great Christmas.

Danielle F. - Merry Christmas! Love the pic of Shawn with his DVD. Praying for Annie…and her mama. 🙂

Megan - I saw your “cute as a button” chair on sale at World Market today, just thought I’d let you know!!!! (online!)

Shara - I love that you smoked your kids in Just Dance!!! Talk about braggin’ rights! Merry Christmas Duerkson’s!!!

Tiffany - Sounds like you had a great Christmas. I’m so glad. Annie couldn’t be cuter… with the braids, and the high chair. My goodness. It is a lot of work for just a few days, isn’t it?! The wonderful family memories last forever though! Merry Christmas!

Kristin S - 1. Love Lauren’s boots. Wow, Santa did well.
2. Love that you took “all family” pics at both homes. Those will mean so much someday. I only have a few. Wait, I have a couple. That’s it. Two. I wish I had more.

Lorel - thanks for posting Meg – so good to see you and your family. I agree – over too quickly. Love you!

heth_07@yahoo.com - Hi Meg! Precious post! Praying for your sweet Annie!
Do you know where your dad ordered your t-shirt? LOVED that! 🙂

Lori Austin - That shirt is the best!
Sweet Annie and her braids. I will pray for her tomorrow.

Ana - Love your blog. My 3 girls loved the Christmas Tree craft you posted earlier. And they also loved the Zingo board game and some other ones you suggested on your previous post. Thanks, love all your ideas and suggestions.

danielle burkleo - meg! i really love all of these pictures…they make me feel warm and fuzzy. my faves are
lauren’s new boots.
annie in the high chair
all the just dance pictures
your new shirt of talby’s drawing – so sweet!
i imagine that our christmases in the future will look like this.
and that makes me really happy.
love you friend! merry christmas!

cheryl - i’m loving Lauren’s new boots. where are they from? other than Santa 😉

Kimberly Dial - I love big family Christmases. Thanks for sharing yours 🙂

Kimberlee Jost - Loved all the pictures of your families!
Miss you!
Need to run…too much food.
🙂

Susan - We had a wonderful Christmas too! We had snow in Fort Worth for only the 2nd time in my life! My daughter got Just Dance 4 also…huge hit! Happy New Year and stay warm!

Rita - Your mom and I have the same Christmas dishes! Merry Day After Christmas!

jackie chappell - prayers FOR SURE !!! … we have gone through a series of “tramitic” doctor visits of late … so i surley understand how to pray … our doc suggested some atarax (sp) before this last visit … i didn’t do it ..but after yet another GIGANTIC EMOTiONAL experience ..i wondered if it might have been a good idea (our four year old grandson has had a series of warts removed from his lips ..ear lobes ..fingers ..and .. and .. and .. so between the numbing shots ..the scraping .. and ..the cauterization it has just been a struggle … (holding him down is just THE WORST !!!) … so you can count on this nanny’s prayers .. with the hope that this will truely be her last visit … prayers for mommie too !!!
blessings ..jackie (from florida)

Leah - Looks like a great Christmas! And looking forward to your belated Christmas crafts! We still have a week and a half of vacation. So bring on the projects!

Kate - A nap sounds perfect! So glad you had a good one!

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merry christmas.

December 24, 2012

i have posted this before….but it makes me so happy to watch (and listen to) that i had to do it again.

hope you have a wonderful christmas.

we are all getting on our new christmas eve jammies.
the kids are headed to bed.
craig is making our breakfast casserole and then we are going to watch It's A Wonderful Life.

it is.
a truly wonderful life….a gift to be breathing and loving and smiling.

merry christmas.

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Vivian - Christmas video was so sweet. I noticed in your picture of your living room, there was a blind string hanging down….please wrap it up out of the way….can cause child strangulation.

Stephanie - they played this video at church at christmas eve service. Love it!

Tiffany - Very cute! Thanks for sharing that. Merry Christmas Meg!!

Carol S. - I still like that video too, thanks for sharing it. Merry Christmas, every year is different but every year is good. God bless your family this Christmas.

Weza - Hi Meg, I love this clip too. The group that created it are from New Zealand and their latest one ‘An Unexpected Christmas’ is written by Simoney the author of the blog Greatfun4kids. I absolutely love it and I bet you will too.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Lisa xxx

Karen R. - Merry Christmas Meg! We loved the clip- and this one by the same church! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM1XusYVqNY awesome!

laura b - Hope you all have a very merry day!

angie - merry christmas to you and your family!

Catriona - Merry Christmas, Duerksens! I love that ou love this clip, too. You must check out their offering for this year. It’s called An Unexpected Christmas and you can find it on YouTube. x

Stacie - Merry Christmas to you too! It’s a gift for me that our paths crossed in real life this year. You are amazing and inspiring! xo.

Leah - Merry Christmas, Meg! Thanks for bringing wonderful words, color and brightness to my life with your blog!

Terrie G - Merry Christmas Meg!
Praying you have a Blessed Christmas with your family!

Kirsten J - Merry Christmas to you – and thanks for being a bright spot on days when I sometimes need it 🙂

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