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back to normal.

February 28, 2013

the school bus was a very welcome site yesterday morning.
everyone was ready!

it was time for a regular routine.

tuesday they played around in the deep deep snow we had on monday night.
the ditch was gone…it was just snow!
we stomped over to explore the neighbor's pond.
annie kept saying how tired she was because walking through deep snow like that was hard.

they shook the snow off a tree which was pretty cool to see.

look at how massive that tree is?!!

it was up to the top of my boots!

they spent quite awhile throwing snow chunks into the semi-frozen pond.
the pond was like a slushi…not frozen but kind of frozen.

then we slowly stomped back home and got ready to go to Scott's ball game.

even though they didn't have school, they had a ball game.
the weather had cleared and it was the first round of the sub-state tournaments.
i was thrilled to have a place to go for the evening.

Scott has been playing on the varsity team the past month or so and playing a lot in each game.
i have absolutely LOVED watching him.
i am super proud of him out on that court.

his ankle made it just fine through out the game.
i was nervous for him.
he had 14 points in that game.
it is so fun to watch him and it's so weird to see how much he looks like his dad.

i am going to be bummed when the season ends.

but we have another game tonight so no reason to be bummed just yet.

NOW….

some things i meant to tell you about.

these girls wrote about Craft Weekend on their blogs and i forgot to share their links!

Shannan's post

Steph's post

Annnnnnd….did you do any shopping from all those coupons on the sponsor post a few back?
so many great discounts!
they are such wonderful companies.

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mama lola - great pics in the snow! your turquoise running legs are looking super svelte, way to go, mama!

tara - I’d love to sponsor your craft weekend. I don’t think we really talked about it when I sent you the sign for your gallery wall in your master bedroom…but if it’s something you’re open to, please let us know.
We could even send a custom small sign that the gals could fit in their bags…let me know what you think. 🙂
thanks!

Tiffini - we are about 2 hours from you and we had over 20″! craziness..:)
thankful for the snow for the farmers = helps drought but geesh so glad when spring arrives…xo

Jen - Had a very vivid, very weird dream that I was at the Duerksen house last night with you and your family.

Barbara - Those are some great pictures in the snow how I would love to have that just one day I don’t want to trade my California weather for anything.
I did take advantage of Lisa Leonard’s discount got some gold earnings, thanks so much!

Robin Canter - Ok, I seriously want to move to Kansas after reading Shannon and Steph’s posts about Craft Weekend. I could honestly be a helper at every one of them – just my kind of ‘ministry’! Can you possibly ‘franchise’ the craft house and weekends to Maryland? 🙂

Kayla - Does Scott ever notice you skulking around on the sidelines taking pictures of him? Those are such cool shots, but I just kept thinking my kids would notice me and be mad that I was on the sidelines drawing attention to them. My oldest is getting to that point where sometimes if I see him walk into a room out of the corner of my eye, he looks just like my hubby, Rainman. Scary.

Lina - Hi meg. Will you be selling some of your bunting in your etsy shop? Say yes pls.

beth davis - Hi Meg ~
I noticed (in one of the photographs from the ‘craft weekend’) that you had a little ‘shop’ set up. Is your ‘store’ open for business (etsy). I’ve been searching but haven’t had a lot of luck.
Thanks!
Beth

Seriously Sassy Mama - My daughters last bball game is this Saturday. I have had to miss all of them because I work weekends. It is ok though, because it is so much fun watching her give me a play by play.

happygirl - Your snow is so pristine white. That gal at this blog, http://itwasbroughtonbylove.blogspot.com/ has a recipe for “snow cream.” Your snow looks perfect for something like that. I’m not jealous, ’cause I hate shovelling, but that is some gorgeous snow. 🙂

Su@TheIntentionalHome - you gotta show your Scott and your hubby this basketball video. . it will make you cry. . my sister sent it to me this morning. It is only 2 min long. Here is the youtube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1bIzYMXRfY&feature=youtu.be

Sonja - I used the coupon code for Ike & Co and got the earrings I’d been admiring since your pre-craft weekend instagram photo of them. It was a pre-order, so I have to wait another TWO WEEKS until I get my grubby little fingers on them. 🙂
My four-and-a-half year old son was reading over my shoulder – he loves your blog because he likes “aaaalllll those colorful, colorful crayons!” Hee, hee.

Kathy - can I just tell you how much I LOVe all the color in your home, your life and even in the winter clothing you and your family wear! woohoo for living a bright and beautiful life!!! =)

Alicia @ La Famille - love snow days…but i love normal more. glad you’re back to routine!

Grace Keith - The napkins that have the cameras on them are fantastic and would make a wonderful addition to our daughters HS graduation party as she is going off to college for photography. Can you share where they are from please?

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4th snow day!

February 26, 2013

it had started to melt away on sunday evening but another round of storms came through on Monday.
they called off school again.
and for today too!

it snowed all day yesterday.
it began at 11 and just kept coming until evening.

and although the snow days at home are getting a bit challenging for kids stuck inside…
i am still happy for the snow.
it is just too beautiful and special that i can't complain.
we never get snow like this here.

for the most part everyone has found their own things to keep them entertained during our days at home.
there has been a lot of tv, computer games, DS playing but there has also been plenty of drawing, games, writing, playing and crafts.
yesterday while the 142nd Sponge Bob cartoon in the past 6 days was on….
i got out our paints, brushes, papers and filled glasses with water and then said "Let's Paint. Turn it off"

and we did.

if our egg cartons are clean i usually save them for extra eggs from the chickens next door in the summer.
but i saw this idea on pinterest and we went for it.

i showed them to craig and he said "Cool. What are you going to do with them?"
"Nothing. We made them to MAKE them. It's fun. It's relaxing. It's good for ours minds to create."
he stared at me.
then he said "i'm sure glad they have you for the other parent"

BEST COMPLIMENT OF THE WEEK.

Sean moved onto to other things but the girls continued to create.

talby found this sun idea and got busy cutting out words.
it's so bright and colorful.

annie is planning on putting words on her rainbow when it dries completely.

after craig made it home from work, he took the kids to the gym and out to dinner.
without me asking for it!
THANK YOU!!!
i needed a break. i'm used to lots of alone time and this five day (now six day!) stretch is wearing me down.
so i got out my sewing machine and turned up michael buble on pandora.
i made bunting for the shop.

the break was awesome.

i kept sewing while mr. duerksen watched the KU game behind with Scott.
i love listening to them watch basketball… so animated!
DRAMA.
it's a bonding experience.
and i love eavesdropping on it.

then last night we got another round of snow.
it's at crazy levels now.
we never miss this much school or get snow like this!

practically buried!
i had to put my behind in the snow to get this shot… it's that deep out there.

this is the view out our front window.
that snowflake talby brought home is about the appropriate size to describe this storm.
oh my goodness…. so much snow.

and now they have all bundled up and headed out to play.
so i guess i will follow for a bit.
and talby just made a strawberry cake that needs frosting.

such a big to do list for the day….. frost a cake AND take pictures? how will i get it all done?

🙂

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Painting Just For The Sake of Painting | Simply Rebekah - […] to break out the paints and let Grace and Noah paint just for the sake of painting. I remembered this post from Meg Duerksen and gathered some egg cartons for the kids to […]

Katie - Hello! I absolutely love your table that is the pictures of the painting project. Is it in your dining room? Is it an antique or did you have it made? Any details would be much appreciated. Love your style- so relaxed and family friendly, but with some much personality!

Rach - Craig’s comment made me tear up. Agreed. Best compliment ever!

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Sitting down right now with our egg cartons.
(Have you ever seen where you cut the cups off and make them into tulips with a pipe cleaner? Might be a good phase II.)
Have fun at basketball today!

elisa - I live in sunny Arizona…..the temps right are in the 70’s. Today my 7 years old wore his jacket to school and a sleeveless shirt underneath for later when it warms up. I love these pics. Looks like your making the best of it, and your kids as well. My kiddos wouldn’t know what to do….they would go stir crazy.

jennibell - I had the same thought as Craig about the egg cartons. . .so glad that he is who he is and can see the value in what you do. Lucky woman 🙂
Our kids have wanted snow so much this year. . .and we’ve not gotten enough to cover the ground (we live in mid-TN)yet. . .I, myself though do not like snow but living through other’s snow days is fun. I could so relate with your post a couple of days ago, though, when you didn’t have snow apparel for your family — that’s completely what happens to us when we *do* get snow. . .the kiddos just layer up in sweats (lots of times they wear pjs as their layers) and socks and adult shoes that they can fit their feet into with all the sock layers — ha! All of your pictures had me longing for summer. . .thanks for sharing.

Stacy - Beautiful! I still love that turquoise bench. The lacy snow covered tree photos are my favorite! I hope you all have some warm weather soon.

Jacci in Ohio - I may be sounding like a broken record soon, but I LOVE YOUR FARMHOUSE 🙂 ANd I love, love, love seeing posts that are so *very* much like those you would post when you lived in town… you’re still you, still together, still getting BEAUTIFUL photos… but the house is so different. I just really think it highlights where so much of your life’s beauty is. And, although the Craft House is gorgeous, it’s not really “it”. Can’t tell you how much that blesses me 🙂
p.s. Also glad you have power! That’s a big praise for sure!

jacqui anderson - welcome to my world!! thats our winter all winter up here in British Columbia Canada! also a reason i need to head south to a wonderful craft weekend with girlies where there isn’t snow …… 🙂

Alicia - Enjoy every second!!!

Becky - I love your curtains! And I agree, that was a great compliment from one parent to another. Your blog brightens my day!! 🙂

Heather - Ummm, Wow! So doing this! I’ve been trying to get my girls to do more precise crafts lately (paint by numbers sound good for your sanity?) and I’d love to just let them go and then I can rework it into something Martha-esque later. When they are sound asleep.

Gina - I am glad your electricity hasn’t gone out!! Beautiful pictures!!

Heather - Oddly enough, that much snow wouldn’t bring a snow day here in Toronto. Kinda jealous you got five. And yet…not. 😛 I’m glad Craig gave you a break at the end of the day.

Tracy - Also, I love, love, love the sun project!!

Tracy - We had another snow day here in Kansas City, too. In 20 years, I have never seen this much snow here!! So pretty!
I’m worried my kids’ last day of school for the year will be extended if we keep using snow days though! I don’t want to cut into summer break!!

Jen - Love the beautiful snow and craft pictures, but above all, I love Craig’s comment to you. 🙂

Jenn - Such glorious snow! We don’t see that here in southeast Texas. I’m super jealous.

molly quigley - Meg,
I love your comment that you made them just to make them. Wow. You are a great parent. Rock on.
Best,
Molly Q.

Nina - It’s nice to do things with the family when it’s too cold to go to school. It’s always so comfortable to stay at home and have some family fun. These pictures tured out great!

Angela - Ahhh! Your snow pictures are BEAUTIFUL! I’m a Midwesterner displaced in TX and I MISS snow! Oh, and I love Talby’s sunshine!

Christina - Ha, my other comment disappeared…so I look like a kook writing “I also…”
I said beautiful post, and your house is soooo crazy cheerful and colorful!!
Sorry if it ends up posting twice. 🙂

Christina - I also love the conversation between you and Craig. So. Funny. 🙂

Mhairi - What kind of chicken wouldn’t want to lay eggs FOR those egg cartons?! 🙂 Looks like a lovely kind of day!

Brooke - Hey Meg,
Go on Pinterest and look up spring egg carton wreath. You can cut those fabulous painted cartons into individual cups and have an AWESOME wreath. I bet our girls would love it!!! Post pictures if ou do it. 🙂

Tiffany - I adore that convo you and your hubby had. Made me smile. Your whole post made me smile. It always does. Enjoy the snow… and hopefully a little more alone time soon! 🙂

lisa - Very pretty! We just had our seventh snow day up here in MI. I am jealous you have blue sky to go along with it – it’s been snowing so much but not much blue sky. Enjoy the memories you’re making with your family. 🙂

Amy Woods - I’m jealous! We just want one little ol snow day! Is it too much to ask? 😉 Of course, we did get a white Christmas. That was cool.
Enjoy it!

Mel - It is all very beautiful – the white snow and the beautiful paint against it and, most of all, your lovely attitude toward it all.

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - We’re bracing for our next round of the snow that’s supposed to hit tonight. Wondering if we’ll have school tomorrow? If not, I’m praying to get some sewing done myself. It feels like ages since I’ve had the time.

Seriously Sassy Mama - As pretty as it is, I am do very happy it is not near me. I will live vicariously through your pictures.

Moriah - the comment from your hubby sounds like the comments that come out of my hubby’s mouth. 🙂 yeah for creative moms!

Amy K. - Still jealous here… we got exactly NO SNOW from this last storm. double hmph.
Glad you are enjoying it, though! =)

Lori Austin - Have been thinking of you as I’ve watched the weather reports for your
area. That is A LOT of snow, but so beautiful! Those branch pictures are
wonderful.
The girls’ art inspires me to get ON IT and do some more crafting with my kiddos.
We always do quite a bit during the Christmas season, but I’ve been slacking lately. Thanks for kicking me in the pants! 🙂

Terrie - Love your crafts! Such lovely colors!
I’m a little tired of white myself…
But, isn’t it all gorgeous?!
I’ve taken thousands of photos the last 6 days!
Now to sort through them & get some posted!!
I heart yours!!
Momma’s sanity day starts tomorrow! 🙂

Kara - you have more snow than we do here in Colorado! 🙂 Beautiful pictures. With my four and two year old, crafty time stresses me OUT but I try to make time for it anyway… even if we have about a 20 minute window before my eyes start to twitch and I have to call it a day! ha! just had to comment and say… if you DID want to put those beautiful cartons to use you should plant some Easter grass in little egg shells, like this! (found it on Pinterest!) http://fourflightsoffancy.blogspot.com/2011/04/green-grass-eggs.html?m=1

Linda - WOW such beauty! Enjoy this slowed down pace with your family it all ends too quickly. you’ll be back to the crazy run everywhere schedule in no time! Amazing pictures as always!

angela - What’s amazing to me is that anyone could go OUT…like in a car…in that snow!! Here in N.C. if we get 2 inches we have to stay home….the roads are too bad! Amazing and beautiful!

Lisa M. - I love that you craft like that with your kids for no reason. I craft with my 7 year old to give cards and homemade pictures to his grandparents for holidays and such, but I never just craft with him to craft. If we ever get a snow here in Western PA (we’ve had one and it was in October. Crazy.), I am so going to pull out the paints. He will be ecstatic! Your snow is crazy! So much fun for the kiddos!
Enjoy!

Stephanie - Oh what beauty, especially against a blue sky. I miss snow.

laura b - Those snow pictures are so beautiful. There are times I’m sad to live where it never snows, but then I remember how cold it would be. And I love those chevron curtains! I saw that fabric last month, but at this point I don’t sew so I didn’t buy any. Your rainbow color choices always make me happy.

jen - that WAS the best complement ever. good for you mr. duerksen!

Lennie Jackson - Sounds amazing…much better than my 8 hours here at work staring at this computer. Lucky lady.

Debbie Smallie - Personally, I am thrilled with the amount of snowfall KS received…it caused my sons outdoor soccer tournament scheduled for the coming weekend to be canceled! Highschool baseball has started so I was going to have to take all of our kids by myself (my husband is the coach). I am also thrilled that St.Louis only received rain…I’m so over winter already!! Stay warm 🙂

Sarah Wolfe - Such beautiful pictures. I miss snow. But not the cold that comes with it 🙂

tiffany gardner - you must have no idea how much you encourage me. i want so badly to create and even craft with the kids. i often just push it aside and don’t mess with it because the thought of getting it all out is exhausting. you remind me that my 9 and 7 year old need it and I do too!!! Even with the two year old boy running around… I CAN DO IT! thanks for pushing me to be the mom I want to be. awesome.

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snowed in.

February 23, 2013

we had a wonderful day yesterday.
so laid back and fun.
i am sure if we had a snow WEEK that it wouldn't go so well but this surprise two days has been fabulous.
we found plenty of things to keep us busy.

memory and oatmeal.

more drawing.
she is almost through this whole How-To drawing book she found on our book shelf.
i got it at a thrift store years ago.
on wednesday night she drew for over two hours straight!
i told her we would soon have an art show in in the stairway. :)

i did some online fabric ordering from Hawthorne Threads.

someone was playing Barbies.

i made chocolate chip cookies… a double batch.
i have made this recipe since i got married.
we use it so much that it is taped inside of the cabinet door so we don't have to search for it.
you can click here for the recipe.

icing his ankle.
scott sprained his ankle on tuesday in the beginning of his basketball game.
he is almost back to normal now already, thank goodness.
i was so sad for him right away worrying if it was going to be worse than a sprain.
this snow day stuff was a good rest for him too.

some of them bundled up and headed outside.

talby help bury sean in the snow.
it was creepy to hear him singing from under the snow….
he was singing "Home on the Range"
what a weird choice?

while they played outside i made pigs in a blanket…because they asked for a "cool lunch".
see how cool i am!
wow.
pretty amazing isn't it?
ha.

there was plenty of wrestling.

lots of cookies were eaten.

then i took the youngest three to the sled in town.

having big kids is pretty great.
it used to be such an ordeal to go sledding… there was crying and it didn't last long.
but that is no longer the case.

they sled on their own for an hour and a half!
they only quit becuase it was time to go for me!
big kids rock!

i ran out for a coffee and watched them from the car after i took those pictures.
i forgot my book which was a bummer but still loved watching them sled.
i cracked the window a half inch just so i could hear all the squeeling screams of joy as all those kids went down.
it's a pretty fun sound.

talby made a snowlady.

the creek we drive over everyday is very frozen and beautiful.
everything around us right now is very frozen and beautiful.

🙂

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

ok…

the WINNER of the 31Bits $50 gift card is:

Andrea said…

hands down…..the Everly necklace….. I( love it!

Reply February 20, 2013 at 07:15 PM

send me an email Andrea and i will HOOK YOU UP!

i hope the rest of you did some shopping with 31Bits this week.
what a fabulous company they are.
i would LOVE to visit their center in Uganda someday!

my kids all had sleep overs with friends last night (four of the five) so they are CRANKY today.
one is already asleep on the couch.
it's going to be a long day around here possibly.
but i have BIG goals….

i think today is the day that we take down the christmas decorations.
it just feels like maybe it's time?

maybe.

ha.

and no… i am not joking.
the tree and lights and all are still up.
but not by tonight.

i hope.

happy weekend to you!

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Etsetara - meg!
we STILL have our tree up, too!
i do love christmas + especially the lights…but i am nearly on the verge of being sick of them! ha!

Victoria - I heard about snow in Kansas this morning on the news here in Ga and thought of you. So fun to see the pictures of the kids enjoying themselves sledding!
Oh and those choc chip cookies look amazing. Maybe 9:15pm isn’t too late to bake me some. 😉

Krista - Thanks for sharing your chocolate chip cookie recipe. My daughter and i just finished making some! Yumm! I have a great tasting recipe but the cookies never bake down so I have to flatten them before baking—these are so good, and no preflattening necessary!

Alice H - What?!?! You didn’t sled with them? I used to be too scared to sled with mine…because things (like falling, etc) hurt worse when you are older. LOL! But I did it a few years ago and it was so much fun!!!!
Also, I have a love/hate relationship with sleepovers…love having the time to myself, hate having grumpy butts who stayed up too late!!

katie - Always love your car pics of yourself, you look so adorable!

Lori Austin - Congrats to Andrea. Such fun sledding pics. Love how you
documented your snow day fun with pics. That TALL stack of cookies
looks quite yummy.

Barbara - I just drove through beautiful Kansas on our way home from Colorado to Missouri yesterday. All the fields were so pristine and the snow drifts were amazing. I’m sure the farmers were doing a happy dance with all the moisture.
On our way out to Colorado last wee, we detoured off of highway 70 and went to Marion, KS. We loved our short visit only wishing that The Barn had been open. Before heading back to the highway to go west, we went to Lake Marion and to our amazement, we spotted a bald eagle. We got a picture of him and he was just one of our trip’s highlights.
Blessings to you and your sweet family.

Julie S - Are you ready for more snow? I sure am. I love it! I love that it’s helping to fill our ponds and helping our crops.
My husband’s cousin goes to Hesston. I think he is a 3rd or 4th grader, I always forget! I wonder if he went sledding.
I just took my tree down this week. I think maybe I did it Monday, but the days are a blur. I have heard a lot of people were late taking their decorations down this year.

Karen Gerstenberger - Thanks for sharing your snow-joy with us. I loved seeing the kids lined up to take their turns going down that hill. The simple things really do make happy memories.
One question: the Barbie house now has “stainless steel” appliances? That is news to me! We still have Katie’s Barbie house (pronounced “the Bahbie” house), and it wasn’t quite so modern back then.

Kimberly Dial - I love the snow pics! You’re right, happy screams from kids is quite possibly the best sound ever, second only to giggling babies. I’m not sure. That’s one’s too close to call! 😉 I actually think “Home On The Range” was an incredibly appropriate song to sing while one is buried in the snow LOL Thanks for sharing Meg 🙂

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - The snowlady with strawberry eyes is the best.ever! Happy weekend!

mary beth - That hill cracked me up….we live in Kansas too and in our town we have one hill that everyone goes to for a sled day! glad you had such a great day, and yes it’s so much better with big kids! They can undress themselves and hang up the wet clothes!

dee - i love the photos.i am so envious of the snow where i live in Australia we dont get snow but you can dream-love dee x

Tere - You have a new screen on your Mac. Yeah! Thanks for sharing your snow day, we have rain, lots of rain.

Jamie - I’m so glad to hear that times with big kids are fun! I have a 3 and 1 year old and all the things I’ve dreamt about doing with my kids just end in disaster! My 3 year old doesn’t even want to walk in snow, let alone sled. Good to know it will pass. For now we’ll just enjoy hot chocolate and snuggles and all those things that little kids love (and mommas) love.

Kelly - Oh I am SO glad we weren’t the last to take down our tree! 🙂 Kelly

emma kate - it is so neat seeing all that snow while we are in the tailend of a hot summer here in New Zealand.
i have a question for you…i brought that barbie campervan from a thrift store for my girls…i put batteries in it but for the life of me cannot figure out what they are supposed to make work??
can you enlighten me? ha!

Laura H - I love snow, I do love snow! If I say it enough it will be true, right? I bow down to you for making this sun lover(ME) start to think she actually loves snow just by enjoying your AWESOME pictures!
Love your blog!
Love chocolate chip cookies…no convincing necessary!

angela - I cannot IMAGINE having a hill of snow like that. Here where I live in N.C. if we get 1 inch we do the happy dance! Great pics!

Tiffany - I have loved these last few posts. They just make me smile, and I enjoy seeing you having relaxing quality family time. 🙂 I should get my hands on a drawing book like that one. Olivia draws for hours at a time. She’s just now branching out to draw things other than princesses! 🙂

mum of all trades - Our tree is still in the back yard, I thought I was laid back but you are one level up! I would love a good heavy snowfall here, we never get snow like that unfortunately

Susan - I just bought chocolate chips a few minutes ago to make toll house cookies, but I’m going to try this recipe!

Trisha - I really really just love your cute fam! My most favorite part of this post was that Sean was buried in snow…. SINGING “Home on the range” Made me laugh so so hard! Thanks for your real hones family. I like it alot:)

Heather Simnitt - Looks like fun – I always find snow days hilarious! Too cold and dangerous to go to school, but somehow we manage to get to the cool hill in town to sled! 🙂 LOL
There was Monopoly, Wits and Wagers, no-bake cookies, snowball fights, and a 3hr 44 min movie at our house (when else do you have enough time to watch Gone With the Wind from start to finish????). Oh – and WAFFLES for dinner! So cozy and warm….

laura b - You crack me up! Still have Christmas decorations up? Sometimes you just have to live life and let the other stuff go! Looks beautiful there with all the snow. Good luck making it through the cranky post-sleepover day!

Kathy - oops…my first time commenting on a blog…didn’t know you weren’t supposed to use last names…..sshhh…don’t share….um, it’s not really my name…hahah

Kathy Leach - Can I just say that reading your blog is a joy….the kid, the colors, the joy, the DOG! I’ve tried color in my home and it always seems so contrived. For you it seems absolutely perfect and together!! Will you please tell me how…..I could just swap with you 😉 You could take my blah, dull and I could take your bright, happy! Have a great time in with your family! Kathy Leach, Greensboro, NC

Tracy - Looks like lots of snow fun! However…..one huge snowfall is enough for this mom in Kansas City. Have you seen the forecast for Monday/Tuesday?!?!?! No more snow please!

jamie - i am laughing outloud that you still have christmas stuff up. i adore your family! pigs in a blanket are yummy. my daughter makes them so perfect you don’t want to eat them. breadstick wrapped perfectly end to end and she squishes the seems together. i might need to try your chocolate chip cookies. after years i found a perfect recipe, but eighteen years and going strong must mean you have a winner! enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Terrie - I love the snow we are having! So many photo ops! I do miss having kids at home to play with and take their pics playing.Downloading the more than 500 pics I took today at a nature center near me.
I think I’ll have to make some chocolate chip cookies!
Your creek pic makes me miss our farm…now would be a good time to be there!
And thank you for letting me not be the last person to take down their Christmas decorations!
Although, my Christmas dishes are getting stored away today!
Happy Saturday!

flowerpowermomma - seems to have been a very productive snow day, crafts, games, cookies! Cool mom for sure. And memories were revived for me, too. I ALWAYS made a double batch of cookies, otherwise it nearly wasn’t worth it. Hope the christmas tree and such cooperates today and finds it’s home.

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finally we have SNOW!!!

February 21, 2013

i have been waiting for several years for this kind of snow.
i LOVE snow storms.
i love snow…. love being stuck inside for snow days… baking on snow days… hot chocolate… hot coffee….snuggling under blankets…taking the kids sledding…watching our crazy dog run like a maniac.
it is all my favorite part of winter.

yesterday we had a little snow… not much.
and they called off school for today.
i said out loud many times "it had better be a huge snow storm if we are not having school!"
i got my wish.

our road was completely snowed in.
my kids thought it was very cool to be able to LAY DOWN in the road and not have to worry about cars coming.
and then they found deer tracks and got really excited.

i was very happy that mr. duerksen got snowed in today too!

we could not find any of our snow gear.
i think it's in the basement at the craft house.
oops.
but seriously it has been so long since we have had enough snow to need our boots and pants that i doubt any of it would have fit anyone anyway, especially my big growing boys.
so we had to just keep adding layers and use any gloves and hats we could find.
it worked.

remember we used to play that game called find-the-teenager…..

this is how snow gets removed when you live in the country.
🙂
i had never thought about it until this morning.

scott and sean covered in snow from sledding…

and sean helping his sister put on her goggles.

and then this happened…. our road an hour or so later.

that is A LOT of snow!

and we are off of school again tomorrow.
i am excited about it.

we will definitely be getting crafty over here.

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josy - Wow, your oldest looks like a model in a J. Crew ad in the picture! Glad you had fun in the snow!

Sandy - I will be sad when Talby gets older and no longer wants to play with Annie. I hope they remain close FOREVER! Love the picture of Annie sitting in front of Talby and the sky is behind them. Cool!

shauna reed - i want a snow day.
no?

Jacqueline Goelst - Love reading your family stories 🙂 surreal sitting here at the bottom of the globe in Tasmania, Australia with our hottest summers day at 32 degrees Celsius! (90 degrees fahrenheit) Tasmania (unlike the mainland of Australia) is usually cold due to how close it is to Antarctica, but this is hot for us!
Enjoy your snow 🙂

beth - I am a rather new fan of your blog and I sbsolutely LOVED each and every photo on this blog post….I live in Minnesota where it snows and snows and still I love it so! I too blog about all the beauty to be found outside in this winter wonderland of ours- thanks for all the smiles. : ) : ) : )
xo beth
http://brownsparrowstudio.blogspot.com

Melissa - I love your beautiful pictures of the kids playing in the snow! Isn’t it fantastic?! Here in Michigan, we have had 7 snow days already- this is probably a new record! Since I’m a teacher, though, I don’t mind 😉 Snow days mean lots of sledding and hot chocolate and my kids sneaking more marshmallows when they think I’m not looking. love it all!

Verna Lantz - How fun! Such beautiful pictures. I adore the contrast with the kids bright colored snow clothes and the pure white snow. It would be so much fun to play in that much snow. Alas, Texas usually doesn’t get that. 🙂

Carrie - Beautiful pics! I love find the teenager. 😉
I live in SW MO and we got sleet and freezing rain. Like 3 inches. But the blizzard we had back in 2011 gave me enough snow to last awhile… still I would rather have snow over ice!

Jacci in Ohio - These are such SUPER happy photos!!! I grinned from ear to ear when I saw them on my phone earlier today, and just had to come back on my laptop to see them BIG! 🙂 I love, love, love seeing you all together… enjoying one another. And Annie’s hat. She’s so much fun!

Tiffany - What great memories you helped create with your kids! Looks like you all loved the day! Happy for you!

Andrea - Meg
How fun……it looks like waffle enjoyed the day as much as you all did! Hope you got to get crafty and just be together!

JulianneB - Gorgeous pics….when I heard Kansas was getting lots of snow I turned to my husband and said, “I can’t wait to see the snow pics on Meg’s blog”. You never fail to come through girl. A couple of weeks ago my sister in Michigan had 3 ft of snow….Southern Indiana we have nada so I will live vicariously through others.

Rach - I agree with everything you said in the first part. Makes me wonder why I’m in So Cal some days. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I got up and made myself a cup of hot chocolate after I read it because, you know, its a chilly 59 degrees here.

ira lee - yes!! snow days are the BEST!!!!!!! love all these pix! i agree with above comment, that bench is cool! and i love bright colored coats and hats against the pretty white snow!

jen - i love that you get excited! i did too when we lived on the westcoast but now in quebec it looks like your house around here for 4 months of the year and we are supposed to get more this weekend {we have a man made skating rink in our backyard http://gronicktales.blogspot.ca/2013/02/my-boys-and-rink.html} …i guess what is hitting you is coming our way! love the “make-do” suits and all the fun! you guys always seem to be having a blast!

Kari - ** by “that” i meant I’d call my husband by Mr. Shadrick, not Mr. Duerksen ;]

Kari - I just wanted to say that I LOVE the fact that you call your husband mr. duerksen, instead of his first name. It’s adorable, and I think I may start calling my husband that.

Tracey - Wow you take amazing photos!

Jeri - Sweet! You are so lucky. We should have got that snow that Kansas got…

Holly - Great pics! I love seeing kids’ reactions to rare snow falls. Over in my neck of the woods (up in Alberta, Canada), the wonder of winter and lots of snow wore off just after Christmas. We are currently on ‘let’s just survive this winter’ mode with probably a good month and a half left. Daily, my 2 yr. looks out the window and says, “snow, go away!” 🙂 ha ha! So, there’s another perspective on snow for you when winter lasts 7 months.

Lindsey - Enjoy your day at home! Great pictures! Love the one of the turquoise bench in the snow. PRETTY!

Gina - Fun photos!! Have a fun weekend!

tiffany gardner - so awesome. we live in ok and got a little… but with 3 sick kids we didn’t get to play in it!

Jenn - Magical and exciting! Makes me want to move to move to Kansas.

Gale - We had 12″ and loved it but your pictures make me really miss having my kids at home! Their favorite thing used to be putting water colored with food coloring in spray bottles and spray snow sculptures! You all definitely looked like you were having fun!!! HOORAY FOR SNOW DAYS!

Gail - And the thunder snow was awesome too. Enjoying my snow days too.

Penny - Now that’s what I am talking about! Snow, real snow days. Here where we live in Michigan we have not had a good snow storm. We have had no school due to cold and a little ice. This is what I remember growing up with, SNOW! I love the joy on your kids faces! And Waffle. Oh, my, that is one Happy Dog. That really is what doodles are though, Happy Dogs. He looks like he is in heaven. His people are with him in a joyous playground of snow. Great photos, thank you so much for sharing and making my morning!

Kat - These pictures are just beautiful.
Amazing to see all of that snow when we live by the beach and it is summer here in sunny Tasmania, Australia.
Looks like lots of fun.
Awesome pics, truly awesome!

Sarah - Love all the pictures and of course love the snow! so jealous.

Lisa - Love these pictures!!! And I love snow days!!! Have fun!

Stephanie - Wow!! I have not seen snow like that since living in Mo as a teenager. It looks cold and wonderful. What winter should be, at least once!!

the.mrs - Of course you could even excite this lifelong Minnesotan about snow with those adorable photos! I think it’s headed our way, so I will be NON excited tomorrow. They don’t close school here unless it’s multiple FEET of snow, so it’s just a pain. I like living fun snow days vicariously through your blog! 😉 ha.

Amy K. - I am jealous! I live in MINNESOTA & we can’t get a good snowstorm to save our lives this year, much less a snow day! The one time it snowed a decent amount (not quite a foot) was on a Sunday. wa-waaaaa.

Sonja - That looks so fabulous! I’m jealous. Though I am glad that I won’t have to take the baby out in snow like that. 😉

Seriously Sassy Mama - It is beautiful, but I am very happy it stayed up north and did not find its way to Texas.

Tracy Fisher - fabulous!!!!!!!!! -tracy

Alicia @ La Famille - good thing you got all those groceries!!! i love being snowed in too. what a fun day! have fun tomorrow!

Shannon - My girls loved these pics!! We get snow maybe twice a year and it just barely sticks for a day so they thought these pics were the greatest.
I think it looks beautiful but I would be enjoying it inside with some hot chocolate 😉

Laura Hesslau - I am obsessing over your wonderful blog. It is like reading a book you never want to end! I actually hide out in my house trying to read the archives without interruption. Literally hiding in a dark basement listening to my family ask where I am. Ha! I don’t like the cold weather, but this post is making me LOVE snow! Love love your blog!

Lisa M. - I was thinking about you as this storm was forcasted! I live in Western PA and we used to get storms like that all of the time, now it seems we get maybe one a year. Don’t get me wrong, we get snow. But usually just nuisance storms, like 2 to 6 or 8 inches at a time. Every year I ask for just one blizzard. Just one! A day to just hunker down in the house and watch it snow like crazy!
You seem so happy about all that snow. That’s great!! I’m wondering tho…did you get your run in? 🙂

Michelle from Australia - Good to see a cameo from Lauren! Living in the sub-tropics, I can not begin to imagine snow falling where we live. We are on the same latitude south of the equator as Tampa, FL is north of the equator. Loved the pics.

Carrie - Your excitement over the snow makes me smile. My kids get excited like that on our first snowfall (which was in October this year and is still here). I am on side with Pamela Gordon’s comment. Spring can’t come soon enough!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Last year we didn’t use any of the four snow days that we’d allotted in the school calendar so we got out early at the end of the year. This year its back to a fairly normal winter for us. We’ve had a few really good snow storms and dustings in between. I do love the white but as I’m getting a little older here and there I find I’m also liking warm weather more and more:)I’m only 32 but I remember such big snowfalls when I was little that we would go sledding off of house roofs!

Pamela Gordon - Beautiful photos of your snow storm. I think it’s really neat how you get so excited over a lot of snow because you aren’t used to it. 🙂 We are so tired of it here now that it’s ‘old hat’ and we can’t wait, at least I can’t wait, to not need a big parka, boots and gloves any more. Oh well. We live in to different climates and I hope you and your family have an awesome fun day tomorrow playing in the snow! Blessings, Pamela

Kristin S - Beautiful!

Linda - Love that first picture of Waffle!!! He looks so happy!

jen - You took some beautiful photos! I love a good snow storm! We get a good few months of snow where I live (Ontario). And had about 10 months of the year of snow when I lived in Nunavut (north pole). Looks like you know how to properly enjoy it!

Monica - Ooooh – I’m kinda jealous! Love how the colors pop against the white of the snow! Love the turquoise chair {?} Yay for fun memories made today 🙂

Kassondra - your crazy! lol i am not a fan of the cold!!!! though you can tell your family had a great time together so i guess the cold was worth it

Lorie - SOOOO jealous. We haven’t really had a good snow this year either. It comes, then melts the next day. UGH. Where is the great snows of my childhood?
Wwe are in Indiana…is it coming our way?
Would love to be snuggled in my bed with the kids off school.

Heather - I’m getting cold just looking at all the pictures. No snow in Southern California 🙁

Michelle - A Lauren sighting! The snow looks like a ton of fun, we have gotten a couple good blasts this year, but I’m hoping for one more before spring. The storm that just past through there is hitting us tonight, but only 2 inches. Bummer.

Kate - Oh how fun! Stay warm for me!

kate - you got some great pictures!! waffle is so furry, he looks adorable!

lisa currie-gurney - I love that bench too!!!

lisa currie-gurney - Happy, Happy, Day!!!

Stacy - That turquoise bench is gorgeous! I hope you’ve enjoyed your snow day! http://baublesandbrownies.blogspot.com

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winter sunset

January 23, 2013

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

it has been reeeeally cold here but then suddenly there will be a 65 degree afternoon here and there.
this was one of those.
sometimes you have to rush out and soak up as much of it as you can.
(squeezing that inbetween laundry and dinner prep and everything else)

talby went out just as the sun was setting and shouted for me to come see her flip she has perfected.
she has worked for years on it!
woo-hoo!!

as soon as the trampoline springs start squeaking the neighbor dogs show up in our yard.
they love my little girls.

talby pretends she has a ball and they wait and wait for her to throw it.
she and annie play with them a LOT!

so silly.

as we were taking these pictures craig pulled up from work.
that is my favorite part of the day.
all my people under one roof for the night…. yes.

the stoves are still being sponsored!!
YOU are AWESOME!

we only need 15 more stoves to reach $5000!!

that is totally doable in three days!

it's INCREDIBLE that it's up so high already!

you guys are the best best best!

i am dying to see one of these stoves in real life and be able to share my stories from Haiti!!

the more i read about Haiti… the more i am falling in love.

FIFTEEN STOVES.

three days.

be a SUPER STAR today! let's make a difference!

we can change things in the world!
WE CAN!
we can change children dying from toxic smoke…. we can.

SPONSOR A STOVE CLICK HERE.

—————————————————————————————————–

ok….i have crazy long list to check off today.
all the last minute things that i need to pack and have copies of, etc.
i made two more freezer meals last night and two more this morning.
i am feeling prepared i think.

we will see how i feel tonight…. yikes.

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Flower Patch Farmgirl - Better late than never. 😉
Praying for you!!!!

nomart5 - Has anyone bought stoves in Olathe, CO? I really want to buy one, but I don’t know where to go. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Laura Mastropaolo - Hello Meg! My name is Laura, and I have enjoyed your blog for several years.
I want to thank you for your support of Haiti! You see, my husband and I are the adoptive parents of an awesome Haitian boy. He was a restavek (child slave) until age 3 or 4 (no one knows exactly how old our son is…) – when a missionary saw him being auctioned at the slave market. She did the only thing she could think of to save him – SHE BOUGHT HIM FOR $60! Then, our son lived in an orphanage in P-a-P for 4 years until he was able to join our family on December 29, 2005.
May I ask where in Haiti you are traveling? In particular – will you be in Port-au-Prince for any extended period?
Like many others, our community of Haitian adoptive families was heart-broken by the catastrophic earthquake of 2 years ago. You see, most Haitian children in orphanages are not “orphans” in the sense we understand. In many cases, their families released them to the orphanage because they cannot care for them. Thus, many of our children have family in Haiti that we have been unable to find proof of life since the catastrophe.
If you will be in P-a-P, could circulate several names for our family in the off chance that someone you are networking with would have any word?
Our son’s Haitian name is Castera Charles. His Haitian father in Gerard Charles, Haitian mother is Michlene, older brother (approx. 22 years old) Emmanuel Charles, younger sisters – Alexandra, Geralda, and Juanna. The girls would now be between the ages of 8-12.
I know this seems such a strange request – but word-of-mouth is the only way we will ever be able to find if they survived. Through just such a connection, we have been able to find his baby sister, Nika. (If you ever want to hear that story of God at work – I would love to share at some time!) If you or any of your readers have any questions, please feel free to email me at: laura.mastropaolo@gmail.com
Thank you and Bless you…
Laura

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Tomorrow is pay day. That’s what I’m saying. 🙂
When are you leaving for your trip? Are you already gone? Yes, these are rhetorical questions.
I will be praying!

Lisa - So very excited for you to go on this trip! Will be praying for safety. And these pics are beautiful. 🙂

Nikki Gamon - I am feeling down tonight after hearing some sad news. I read your post and donated a stove as an act of hope tonight. Thank you for all you share on your blog Meg and thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Tracy Fisher - I am very proud of you and your adventure. Blessings as you travel. -tracy

Lisa M. - Girl, why are you running in 17 degree weather when you are having 65 degree afternoons?? 🙂
Awesome pics of the dogs.

Tiffany - Amazing pictures. Talented Talby. Cute dogs. Awesome you. Such a good mom… providing for your family even while you’ll be gone. I love hearing the garage door open too, telling me my hubby is home. Famiy together is the best. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for this adventure!

Terrie - Love how you make me feel like a Super Star…
said in my best SNL Mary Katherine Gallagher voice…
of course, complete with actions!!
I’m loving those warmer days!
Just filled my freezer with meals last Saturday…
love coming home to a home-cooked meal during tax season…
especially when I hadn’t planned on working full time! LOL!!
Hugs to you on the loss of your grandma…and have a great time in Haiti!!!
Take LOTS of pictures!! 🙂

Lennie Jackson - I will pray for safe travels for you. I am sure you are emotional right now. It’s a big deal!!! Enjoy it and soak it up then come home and tell us all about it!

Danielle F. - Prayers for a SAFE trip! 🙂

Sarah - The story about the dogs is adorable. Fun that they come to visit. They’re super cute. Great cause with the stoves too! Excited to make a difference.

Kari - And I posted it on my business Facebook page so hopefully you will get some more purchases 🙂

Kari - I just bought a stove – what a great cause!

kate - my girls love doing flips on the trampoline too! my oldest does backflips now… if only she could do them on the ground for cheerleading though!

Alicia @ La Famille - cute puppies 🙂 i think you need a couple of your own!

Trysha - Nice neighbor dogs are the best. The joy of playing with a dog with none of the clean up. Our dogs would never allow another dog to play with their boys…Waffle must be tolerant. 🙂

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here we go.

January 1, 2013

#21

#25

2012 was a big year.

we had a lot of changes…we had a lot of work….

and a whole lot of a w e s o m e.

i am excited for everything God has in store for 2013.

are you?

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chiropractors nj - Thanks for the great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.

Shalee Shuayto - I need the water color picture! I saw it on the craft weekend blog, looked like it was printed on canvas?? Amazing, love! Do you sell these? Love………..!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ashlee - I adore the picture of your face with paint on it! You look beautiful and happy!

Lori - Yes! And, I just love your blog. The rainbow colors make me instantly happy! Love all these pictures. Happy 2013!

Leanne Mackenzie - What a huge year for you all! And what amazing photos…
I am so excited to see what 2013 will bring!
Leanne xo

Traci - These are wonderful, thank you for sharing! A very big wish for a happy 2013 for all of us, thank you for blogging I enjoy your inspiration.

lisa - You are so blessed! Wishing you and your family a great 2013. I am excited for the new year, too. We built a house, moved, two kiddos started school… I am ready for a quieter year with my family.

Farmgirl Paints - TheSe are amazing. So much love and fun. Happy new year Meg;)

Tracy Fisher - i wish you and your family the happiest of 2013! -tracy

Tiffany - Oh Meg… Your photos are stunning! Such wonderful memories you helped your family create this year! They are so blessed to have you.

amy jupin - i love these collages.
super big time love them.
and i smile every time i see you and chicago jenny together too.
🙂

Meredith Feisel - We sure are excited for 2013! Our baby is due in a few days! What a way to start off our year!

Verna Lantz - Wow, what a year indeed! I love this collage. Happy New Year, friend!

jenny - wonderful photos! a blessed year indeed! God is SO good! 🙂

Tracy - Happy New Year, Meg!!

Kizzy - You have some amazing photos, I have made a promise to take a picture a day and add it to my tumblr site and I’m now really looking forward to looking back at them all after seeing yours.

amy - i love looking back at the year like this in pictures! what a fun, busy, colorful year. have a fantastic new year!!!

jennyonthespot - Love your collages. You always inspire me. Blessings on your 2013, my friend… xoxox

Lisa M. - I love all those pictures! And I LOVE seeing you in so many of them! I am ready to rock this year!!! I am not a goal setter and I am QUEEN of procrastination, but in 2012 I set one goal and stuck with it. Now, for 2013 I sat down and wrote out some more goals (not resolutions!) and hung them by my computer. I want to accomplish these things. All my life, if something was hard, I just quit if I could. I’m done with that. I want to be the best wife, mother and person that God made me to be and I found through HIS strength, I can accomplish whatever I put my mind to…even if it is hard 🙂 He never promised easy, right?
Thank you for your blog. It is a daily inspiration for me. Best wishes for you and your family in the upcoming year. I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful one! Can’t wait to start seeing Craft Weekend again! 🙂

Tiffany - oh my word, such a fun collage, such a good idea, i want it printed (with my family instead of course). 2013, is here and it’s already awesome. really and truly. happy new year!

gina - Your post gave me the idea that maybe my word for 2013 should be awesome, as in more awesome. That’s what I want in my life fore 2013, more awesomeness.

Lennie Jackson - Great pics! Hope 2013 is all you dream for. Love your blog.

Lorraine R. - Thanks for bringing fun and color into my world!!! My style is warm, muted, farmhouse colors so I love stopping by and soaking in all of the fun vibrant color of your world!!!!
I’m so glad that I found your blog this past year – and will be looking for ways to incorporate a little more color into my life!!
God bless and here’s to 2013!!!! Looking forward to what God has in store for us all <3

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Awesome. Happy 2013!

happygirl - I keep coming back for the pics. Happy New Year.

kerry - aaaah! A post full of fun and A.W.E.S.O.M.E.N.E.S.S!!!
Happy New Year Duerksen family! xxx

Leah - Love your pictures! And agree, 2012 was an awesome year! I did my own collages this year too: http://leahsthoughts.com/2012/12/28/2012-the-year-in-photos/. Thanks for all the inspiration!

dalayney - Loving the recap! So bright and colorful! New to your blog and just wanted to say I’m inspired. And need to catch up! 🙂

Kate - Happy New Year! Let’s rock this!

Aby Gittings Baskette - Happy happy new year!!! I hope it’s FABULOUS!!!!!

donna - love your pics…….! have a wonderful new year.

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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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