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yesterday and today.

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so yeah…..car not starting at 7 AM….not cool.
it was soooo cold.
i even tried bringing out my hairdryer to warm it up???
nothing.
it was a long shot….i was desperate.

my neighbor got lauren to her school on time….thank you amy!

my friend picked me up to go get a different vehicle.

we were late to school anyway….so donuts would cheer us up right?
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yum….carmel donut.

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my kids LOVE when we get to drive the 15 passengar van.
L O V E
and to be honest….i do too.
it's way loud so they can't hear me and i can't hear them….and they are far away.
i kinda want one.
for real. 

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i dropped them at school at 9 AM and drove off into the sunshine.

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waffle greeted me like a big puffy dork.

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i threw dinner in the crockpots.
i got a second crockpot for christmas.  :)
i made kimberlee's italian chicken minus the potatoes in the silver one.
and filled the red one with foil covered potatoes.
we ate at 7 PM.

:) 

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went to scott's ball game.
so fun to watch him play.

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my mom came to town last night for scott's game.
we picked up my fixed car.
ate dinner late.
i fell asleep whle playing apples to apples with the kids.
but then got a second wind because of my 2 minute nap.

the car started this morning….YAY.
took my kids to the bus on time.
it was 18 degrees.
oh my.

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i got some prints in frames and i was so happy just looking at them.

(left – print from madebygirl.com  frame @ hobby lobby

right  - print katie daisy and frame from michaels.)

when the bathroom is finished i will hang stuff….too dusty now.

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took a HOT HOT bath to warm up.
it was really nice.

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smiled at my happy fabric that came from hawthorne threads this week.

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got dressed for my day….
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and i put my mom to work.
she is an excellent cleaner.
something i used to not like because she was always cleaning….but now….i need her.
and she is so good at it.

we are tackling all the kitchen cabinets.
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do you think it needs it?
ha ha ha.

we are rockin' it.
thankful today for Magic Erasers, windex, bleach and pandora radio.

what should we do to reward ourselves tonight?

 

Tyra Shortino - I love that photo you took from inside your van, hehe. It seems like your kids like to have separate seats for themselves. Are those their permanent seats whenever you drive them to school? Who sits in the last row, btw?

cheap scooters - I am making your mom’s margaritas tonight for girl’s night. You should have one, too. Your reward.

Melissa - It’s awesome to see that another grown woman’s mom comes over to help her clean. I was having a really hard time recently and my mom knew I was overwhelmed so she came and did my kitchen and my bathroom so I could catch up on laundry.
Moms are incredible.

Jalissa - You need me. I would have your whole hosue spotless, and organized. You wouldn’t know what to do with yourself. Love the house though perfect!

Tammy - I LOVE your random scattered posts….your brain works similarly to mine! I love that crockpot recipe too!! I just stumbled across a new recipe blog…I think it would be right up your alley…it’s called http://www.plainchicken.com I also discovered a nifty recipe tool via this site that allows you to save your favourite web based recipes in one place and make shopping lists etc all for FREE. (it’s called ziplist)
Keep up the inspiring posts…I love coming here for a daily dose of happy!

shauna - i like your mom.
cheers to realizing that the stuff that bugged you about your mom can somehow be awesome now!
i mean, i know not everything….but still

Jen - These pictures make me happy…the fabric, bath, framed pics. My Mom is the same way, I know whenever she is here she will be cleaning things, it’s awesome! 🙂

Heather G. - Happy that your car is fixed!!

Alicia @ La Famille - you are too fun, ms. meg. i hope your kitchen is all sparkley white and i hope you rewarded yourself with something super fun! 🙂

Lora Hill - I so enjoy reading about and SEEING your days! And your days gives me ideas about MY days! I work 40 hours a week at my computer. I am blessed, because I do work at home. I just wish I had more hours for ME! Thanks again Meg for sharing with us. “HE is faithful!”

elisa - 15 passenger van…. oh man. I would make them ALL sit in the very back, even if they had to sit on top of each other. Except the oldest, because he is quiet and has good taste in music.

denise@victory rd. - since i know from reading experience here at your blog that you are fine with random i am going to give a random and slightly awkward comment- we have the same feet, same toes, exact! now i know who my foot twin is and can sleep at night. 🙂
tell your mom to come clean my kitchen next.

She Loves Life - Isn’t it amazing how hosting something whether it be craft weekend or Thanksgiving dinner can make you clean all the nitty gritty and get organized? I love it and moms are the best! So glad your car is back running.
Thanks for sharing with us daily!

Lisa Goldstrich - OK, I’ve gotta tell you, my husband and I have joked that our next move up in car would have to be a 15-passenger van. I do NOT enjoy the outward look of them but I gasped in envy when I saw the amazing ROOM. Kids in their own rows is pure brilliance. Great pictures, lovely post, happy weekend!!

jess manier - I love the look on Annie’s face at the donut counter, “Can we put the camera away and order our donuts already?” I take my donuts seriously too, Annie! Cute picture. Your family is adorable 🙂

Lyna - Do you Pinterest? You should! Pinterest.com

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Okay so we have 4 cars. Two of which belong to our college students which means they are old and creeky so we have lots of mornings that we have car trouble and I really hate that, especially if hubby isn’t home. It really ruins my day so I so relate to you. I don’t think I’m going to tell you that is was about 75 and sunny here today. I even wore sandals 🙂 Okay, I think I just told you that, sorry 😉

Maggie @teacozyhouse.blogspot.com - have i told you i love your blog? like others have said, you are an awesome mom! probably because you have an awesome mom, lucky girl! i can’t imagine 18 degrees, brrr! we have been having sunny 80 degree weather in california. what happened to winter on this side?

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - You should definitely have margaritas! Also, the foil potatoes in the crock pot? Ok, i have to ask for the explanation…. are they like baked potatoes?

Kristin S - Another caramel donut with a huge cup of hot coffee and a hug for your mom.
Love this post.

Shannan - Off the topic of rewards you deserve!!!!!! I love the basketball pics! I played through high school and was number 23!!!!! Michael Jordan baby! I am sure Scott has a different #23 he likes! He looks like a fabulous player! I should take a pic of the strength shoes I had 20 years ago! Look like they are stone age compared to his!

tiffany gardner - glad that my cabinets look like someone else’s. thanks. have a milkshake and go to bed early. sounds like the perfect night to me! xoxo…blog girl.

Hettie WWW.hettiedejong.blogspot.com - Busy, Happy, & Homey. You’re life looks awesome, minus the broken car. Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing it ALL!!

Kerry - love your mom 🙂 reminds me of my mom… xxx

Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - Your fabric pictures make me happy. And your hair dryer on your car makes me laugh. I would love to get in my cupboards and deep clean them like that, although that’s almost impossible with a 3 year old and a baby ALWAYS by my side. You deserve some ice cream for sure. Or maybe Starbucks. Heck, get em both. Happy weekend!

April R - TonyaElise had a good idea – Cheers!
And while I was envying you having a mom who loves and helps out
it occurred to me,
well, if I can’t have that kind of mom then I can strive to be that kind.
So now I am going to go clean something and organize something. I might even end up w a margarita when I’m done 🙂

jamie - i LOVE that you are so real. those cupboards made me {gasp} and say oh my gosh! and then i laughed. waffle makes me laugh out loud. and your hair dryer warming up the car SO FUNNY. enjoy your weekend!

j - How about this for an idea?
Dinner at Olive Garden or whatever your fav restaurant is..and then go see the new “Redtails” movie about the Tuskegee Airmen!

TonyaElise - I am making your mom’s margaritas tonight for girl’s night. You should have one, too. Your reward.

jessicakiehn - 1. you have such pretty feet
2. moms helping clean are so awesome
3. my husband toured the country with his band in a 15 passenger van, and yes…they are very fun and practical.
4. you are such a good mom.

Marla Rae - PIZZA!!

Emily - You should take her out to dinner. And a movie. Just the two of you. Stay warm!!

Rachel B. - Moms rock!
Take her out to eat. Leave the troops at home 😉

AshleyR - Im thinking your going to need a massage after all the bending and lifting. Of course you should probably treat yourselves to a fabulous dinner afterward!

Dusti Mathews - Can you please do a photography linky party! Pretty please! I am dying to link and be challenged with my very first dslr! LOVE all your pictures…they are so fun! And that you have 5 kids, just like me:)and that you have given my husband and I a very good margarita recipe, he says his top 1 or 2!

emily - My mom is the best cleaner too. I love when she comes to visit because she always scrubs my stove. Love her.
And to reward yourself? How about a nice manicure & pedicure with your mama … that sounds delightful.

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - Do you rent out your mom? For a reward….how about donuts? Really, I prefer Edie’s fudge brownie ice cream when I have been really good at getting things done….. did I ask, can I borrow your mom? (she looks real sweet too!)

Jacci - ha! I didn’t even read the comment above first! ^^

casey - You’re so fun! (c: Reading you posts every day brings a smile to my face. Thanks.

Jacci - have a margarita 🙂 it’ll feel like summer!

tina - I think we need to add Scene It to our families game collection… it must be good, it appears you have three different versions of it, lol !!
We love our mini goldendoodle.. aren’t they the best dogs?!
Have a great weekend.

Danielle H. - How about a good margarita and Mexican food? Maybe a movie, too!

Sarah Wolfe - My dream car is a Dodge Sprinter. The one where there is an aisle down the middle so that no child can touch another child. But I think they’re not cheap and now they are made by Mercedes. But for now, we all cram in the minivan… it’s paid for and we will drive it to the ground. Have a good weekend!

Vanessa - A trip to MOJO’s at Bethel would be a great reward! I also have to say I had the honor of watching your eldest son go through a basketball workout the other night in the CAC while I took my daughter to work on her skills. What a hard worker and talented young man! You have many reasons to be proud of him!

Nikki - You and your mom look so much alike!
I have to agree,growing up I hated my mom’s ‘Clean All the Things!’ attitude. Now when she is at my (messy,disorganized) house I quite love it!

Cathy - How about come and clean my cabinets? lol No really, you inspire me to want to get organized. My oldest goes back to college Monday, so I think that will be a good time to start.

amy - We’ve been looking at 15 passenger vans. We test drove one the other day and the kids were totally bummed that we did not buy it then and there! I have to confess thought, I am terrified to try and park one!

jackie grandy - OMG, you are cracking me up with that picture of the blowdryer in the engine. I just love Waffle. He is truly a fun loving dog 🙂 I also love how all of the kids chose to sit in their own row.

Kimberly Dial - What a wonderful momma you have! I understand what you mean … my mom cleaned all the time when I was growing up & when my boys were little some times I needed her & her expertise to come & rescue me too! I love your game cabinet! It just screams good times! I never knew you could put foiled wrapped potatoes in a crock pot … good to know … thanks for sharing. Enjoy ‘whatever’ it is you chose to do this evening … momma deserves it! 🙂

Mollie - Treat the whole family to a Pizza Night!! Fridays are always pizza night in our house. And this week I am really looking forward to it! Been craving pizza the last two days for some reason!

Brooke - You have by far become my favorite blog read. I originally got hooked on your blog because a golden doodle is my dream dog. I keep reading because you are a riot. Here is what I appreciate most about you today…
You keep WD40 in your game cabinet.
You take photos while driving 60 mph down the road.
You eat a donut and post a photo of your skinny hips both on the same day. 🙂
You have a perfect pedicure in winter.
You still have the cutest dog I’ve ever seen in my life. And I still want one.
You go, girl. Love to read here!! Blessings on your day tomorrow…and may your car purr like a kitten.

Christy K - My car wouldn’t start yesterday either! It’s -30c here with the windchill and I forgot to plug it in! Ugh. You and your Mom should treat yourself to a nice, quiet, ‘Mom’s only’ dinner somewhere… and for dessert.. Starbucks. Mmmmm.

Elizabeth Macleod - Love the blow dryer idea, very clever, too bad it didn’t work. My post today was about crock pots, but you use yours, so it won’t work for you! haha

Robin Canter - take yourselves out to eat – SONIC lunch break!!! 🙂
wish I was in Kansas – I love to clean/organize cabinets. nerdo, I know.

happygirl - Netflix yourself some Downton Abbey first season with a cup of hot tea. Then you’ll be all ready to get busy with season two. 🙂 btw, your mom can come and visit me anytime. I’m in MD and it’s not nearly as cold. just sayin’ 🙂

Gale - How fun that your Mom is there to help you – she looks nice (and I own the same jacket she has on – made me laugh). Since I’m in the middle of nowhere Kansas, too, I appreciate the photos of school dropoffs – but at least my youngest is 18 and way too “cool” to be dropped off any more (YAY!) Your prints look great and you’re going to be all ready for craft weekend!! I still hope I get to come to one sometime 🙂
Reward for tonight – anything chocolate! 🙂

Lisa McCracken - A mani/pedi? That sounds like a good reward! When it comes to color, my wardrobe is filled with blacks and greys. I will through in the occasional beige or brown. The colors of my house are very Pottery barn neutrals. I don’t consider myself a “colorful” person. But for some reason when I see your picutres of that awesome, colorful fabric that you seem to be throwing in alot lately, I catch myself smiling…happy. Maybe it’s becaue I secretly like color, I’m just afraid of it? I don’t know, but your fabric makes me happy? What do you do with all that colorful fabric?

Seriously Sassy Mama - Starbucks!

Heather aka moreygirl - I always like the pics you take after you drop off the kids “at school” cuz it always looks like you are out in the middle of nowhere:)
Car not working stinks! I always need my mom to clean too!

Jen Brandt - Glad your car is fixed. Magic Erasers ROCK! Happy long weekend!

Elizabeth Walters - ugh! I hate it when cars act up… especially when you really need to be somewhere. Mine decided to poop out at a gas station once and some random guy, in cowboy boots, had to help me… so embarrassing! Glad yours is up and running 🙂

Kirsten P - Reward yourselves with takeout Chinese. Rent a fun movie for later. Make hot chocolate and popcorn. Cuddle under some warm blankets while watching the movie – not the ones for the craft weekend. Take some photos to share with your bloggers.

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a little of everything…..

um…. hello.

i am so random in my head.
there is a lot going on around here and i feel a little…. tired.

in a good way.

tired isn't bad necessarily….just showing me that i am getting stuff done.

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yesterday….this room was raining.
water everywhere.
there was a crazy pipe breaking incident and now every towel i own is being washed again.
it was a river in here.

never a dull moment at the duerksen's!

but it was clean water so i was able to check "mop the dining room" off my list.
🙂

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i took my old curtains that hung here and added the ikea leaf curtains to the top of the old curtains.
the polka dot chenille was from a martha stewart bedspread i bought when we lived in Illinois from kmart.

i think i will hem up the bottom of the curtains.  
unless i forget.

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craig has been painting and painting.
and this was the window i washed….it's blinding in the mornings now.  
but so pretty.
i love that window.
i still need to hang pictures in this hallway ….soon enough.

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this was the kid's bathroom on wednesday morning.  
old school.
it had a vintage charm/dirty insane asylum kind of style
j/k
it was cracked everywhere and the white would not get white any more…
and the mildew….and the rust.

and this is it now….
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demolished.
and that is what the water was from….not because there was a problem….just an accident.

so i have been spending time in the bathroom isles at home depot and am so looking forward to this new space.

um….side note:
while at home depot this week i went to use the bathroom and wasn't paying attention and i walked into the employee lounge….full of people.
DORK!

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my fabric found a happy home.
 
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Coca-Cola sent me this adorable hat!!  
they are partnering with the world wildlife fund to save polar bears.
remember when i went to Coke for the Women in social Media conference?
that was awesome.
i want them to do that again!  it was FUN! 

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SHEETS!!!
the lady at the checkout said "whoa….that's a lot of sheets!"
i just smiled.
because how do you explain craft weekend in a quick way without sounding like a weirdo?
 
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i picked up some cute new jewelry at Accessory City. (horrible name for a store…as bad as dress barn)

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and i decided to change the rules and declare today to be Sonic Day!
we missed wednesday.

and i needed one.

🙂

what's up for saturday for you?

 

 

Elinor Haswell - First of all, I’d like to congratulate you for handling that leak very calmly. If that was me and I was home alone, I’d freak out a bit too, hehe! Second, I absolutely adore your bathroom! Your color combinations are so perfect and vivid. I love it! <3 Great job!

Darryl Iorio - Phoebe’s right. It would be a disaster to have to tear down the tiles again just because a pipe was not placed properly or worst, leaking. You might avoid another flooding disaster if you check on your pipes more often, too. 😉 I love the way you organize your things, btw.

Mallory Dates - It’s hard to believe that the room was filled with water from the broken pipe, it looked so pleasant and well-decorated. It’s a relief that it’s been taken care of. You sure have a great taste when it comes to interior design. I personally love the star and the green curtains in your windows. They’re fabulous! 🙂

Althea Tumlin - Oh my! That’s unfortunate. But the good thing is that the water is clean so there’s not much damage. Anyway, I’m impressed at how you handled it and how quick you resolved it. I like how you redecorated the house while cleaning. You’ve got good taste when it comes to design.

Phoebe Clarke - What a beautiful work of art, Meg! The pictures are very interesting and artsy, and it’s great that you’re having fun redecorating your kid’s bathroom as well. Are you done with the remodeling? Maybe you can put an interesting piece there, like a photo or a mosaic! But before anything else, make sure that all the pipes are sealed and the water ways are clear to avoid future repairs. Damp walls and floors might ruin the artwork you will place there. Good luck with the bathroom revamp. I hope to see another art in progress!

Dwane Zelinsky - It’s funny how you said “raining in that room.” Anyway, it seemed like you were so busy that day that you weren’t able to take photos of the pipes that leaked! Thankfully, nothing important got wet. How did you fix the leak?

Kitchen Benchtops - Fantastic bathroom the colours are stunning! This is lovely!

Zak - If you have a sec, could you let me know the wall color you used in the photo of your fireplace? Seems to be just the right amount of yellow!

Laura Magas - loooove your quilts – and the fabric stash makes me happy!

Courtney M - I always enjoy all the pretty details in your house. Do you mind sharing what the green color is on your wall with the leaf curtains?

Amber L Peters - You are too cute. and i love the architectural details of your house!
Love the curtains! Love your colorful, happy style.

Perkey - I want that you see reaction on my face, when i see this sweet leaf curtains.
OMG! I just fall in love and want to have it so badly.. >___^
Look so fit and good with the green walls.

Jen Harnett - I thought of you when I saw this Christian comedian doing a bit about the “dress barn” and thought I’d pass it on to you. Hope you LIKE it! Thanks for the great blog and honesty. Blessings! ~jen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAu4yG9V7_s

JET_24_ - Hello Meg!
I love the green color of paint used in the above picture! If you don’t mind me asking where did you get it and what is the name of the color? Your home is beautiful and you are SO CREATIVE!
Thanks!

Juliann Brenner - cute hat – David (4) came up while I was reading and said, “oh, what a cute liddl powlaw bear”. 😉

Diana - I go to Assessory City all the time. My thing is the purses. Lots of fun in that store.
Tons of fabric. Me, too. Thinking of quilting some curtains… or should I say making curtains by quilting. Haha. I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say.

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - Wow you have a lot of projects going! I don’t know how you have the energy to do it all. This Saturday I got a new and bigger bed for free! A California King! and a new dresser, so I got to rearrange the bedroom a little! It was a good day.

tara pollard pakosta - I just LOVE LOVE LOVE how you document your days! I have been writing ours down in a 365 + 1 (leap year) journal this year and I love it, but I need to now blog it better! and take more pix!
love your random shots!
tara

Jenna@CallHerHappy - my mom has those curtains. you would <3 her!
jenna
callherhappy.com

Karina - I can’t wait to see what you do to re-vamp the “insane asylum” bathroom, lol!
Is that inlay in your landing floor?? Wow.
And both windows are gorgeous, the bright curtains one and the one with no need for curtains at all.
Note to Andrea with the streaky windows: All you need is a spray bottle of water and a good microfiber cloth. Honest! I am NOT a rep for the company, but I swear by Norwex. I have stopped using Windex or anything like it COMPLETELY!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Love seeing pics of your house, it’s so darn cute and if I were you I would “forget” to hem your new curtains, I like them long!

Maggie Nunez - love the curatins, i just love all the color you use throughout your house..it makes me happy! Love love love te fabric storage, going on my pinterest!

shauna - i love that a picture of you.
and your curtains look great there.
perfect with that wall.

Heather - What do you do with all your fabric?? It’s so pretty. I want some just stacked up around my house. And I don’t even sew! HA.

LibraryGirl62 - I too declared yesterday Sonic Day! I got my usual Diet Coke with Cherry and Lime..and BONUS…Jenny was back from maternity leave-she makes them PERFECT-not to much lime, just enough cherry-PERFECT! I <3 Sonic 🙂

Meg - We had one of those corner tubs in our old house, only it was PINK! The entire bathroom was tiled pink to match!

April R - window love
window love
window love
Thank you for sharing it 🙂
Happy Saturday!

Cheryl E. - Love, love, love that window, too! So cheery! Where did you get the picture of the bird that is hanging by your fireplace/foosball (??) table in the dining room? LOVE THAT!

se7en - Busy, busy week and I totally love your hat!!! Pinned it!!!

Vera - When I got to the “after” picture on the bathroom my jaw literally dropped open LOL! Can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s done!
Our Saturday is nice… birthday party this morning, piano lessons this afternoon, now – Legos.

Vera - When I got to the “after” picture on the bathroom my jaw literally dropped open LOL! Can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s done!
Our Saturday is nice… birthday party this morning, piano lessons this afternoon, now – Legos.

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - I can’t wait to see how the bathroom turns out….can’t wait. Ok, I need your secrete on cleaning windows…..we have amazing windows in our kitchen and they are ALWAYS streaked after I clean them…..HELP…your window looks amazing and no streaks in sight!
Wish I was coming to craft weekend! Looks like it is shaping up to be a fun and crafty time! Just my cup of tea.

leonieke - o how i love the reality of your blog! i just visited the yvestown blog, love it, but it’s all so perfect, i’ll never get it this way. and then i visit your blog, and see; family life does that to a house. but i still do like it. ( not the water flowing through the room, not that part).
today i changed our livingroom, and honestly, i’m not sure if it was a good change, but my partner in crime wants me to give it a few days,…mm,. wonder if i’ll change my mind.

Jenn A. - That window is GORGEOUS!!!

Lisa McCracken - Oh, Meg, I love your blog! So colorful! It makes me cheery! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Have a great day! (That’s alot of exclamation points, huh?:)

Anna Marie - My Saturday will end with something I have not done forever…a date with my husband 🙂 We have reservations at a very nice restaurant (Em Chama’s) and I am so excited!
Can’t wait to see that bathroom all finished!

Elizabeth Walters - Girl, I LOVE your house!! SOOO stinking cute! I am also loving that brick in your bathroom… are you going to do anything with that???

Lisa Goldstrich - I gotta say, I just keep coming back to your blog 🙂 Love it, so authentic. And also, I have serious window and hardwood floor envy. The inlay is gorgeous on those upstairs floors…whoa. Good luck with the bathroom redo (and LOL at insane asylum description…”insane asylum chic”??) Thanks for keeping it real 🙂

Tami V - Just love to read your random posts! That window is gorgeous! And those curtains are so fun! Love the polka dot chenille! Can’t wait to see what you do with your bathroom!

Prudence - I had those IKEA curtains at my old farm house, wish I would have taken them with me when we moved 🙁

Kimberly Dial - Meg, I love all the color you put here & there in your home. So cheerful – so you! Looks like you’ve got a lot done; me, on the other hand, will spend her Saturday putting Christmas away. My oldest son & his family left to go back home to FL this morning so Christmas will leave too. BTW,I don’t think any store will ever be as badly named as the Dress Barn … I mean, really? Why didn’t they such name ‘Big Farm Animal Clothing’? 😉

Bobbie - For the record…. Dress Barn is so much worse. That is all. Love your house beyond belief. Happy Saturday

PrairieJenn - Our bathroom had a vintage charm/dirty insane asylum look to it too. Hmmm… must be an old house thing. Love the remodeling/rearranging/redecorating pics:) We are slowly restoring our old farmhouse, and I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration from your blog. We’re adding a craft room now- we really need another bathroom, but I have my priorities!

Lorie S. - Well it is a beautiful day in WV. 60 degrees and I am celebrating my birthday with my family. Doesn’t get any better than this. Happy Saturday to all of you. =)

Lisa A. A. - In a state of demolishment or not, your house is beautiful! SO full of character! When I saw those curtains… I need to do this! So tired of my dark curtains and I even have a Martha chenille bedspread not in use so maybe I’ll get creative, too! Thanks for an awesome blog!!!

Marla Rae - It’s my birthday! The day will be filled with an assortment of things..this morning …taking down Christmas 🙁 (won’t get it all done but I do plan on starting) Then this afternoon dessert and gifts with my hubby, daughter, SIL and GRANDSON!! Dinner out with my loving wonderful fantastic hubby and THEN
*who knows* winkwink!! After all it is my birthday!! 52 wonderful years!

colleen from Alabama - I totally get the pipe thing – we live in a 90+ year old house. We just had to cut a hole in the wall to fix pipes (knobs in shower completely disintegrated)! I was soooo encouraged to see you have plaster walls! I NEVER change what is on my walls because of the hassle it is to patch and paint. You have given me the encouragement i need to switch things up a bit. We’ve redone both of the bathrooms in our house – the first when i was prego with baby #2! CRAZY! I’ll be @ my son’s basketball game, shoe shopping with my daughter and putting away Christmas decor!

Kayla - For the record, I think Dress Barn is a waaaaaay worse name

Laura Phelps - GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL
Ahh..Saturday morning…slept til 7:30 am. That is sleeping in for me! Bitty basketball at 9, Jacks bball g ame at 2, looking at the gym for gymnastics classes for Annie, baking a Kings Cake, Michaels for some project stuff, and lots of cake planning…got a little something in the works 🙂
hmm…maybe you didnt really want to know exactly what my saturday was going to be….
oh well.
love you
miss you
want to craft weekend with you one day….
xo

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Oh, one more thing: in my current choosing to see that it could always be worse attitude: arent you grateful that this leak(AKA waterfall incident) didnt happen during CW? That would’ve been a nightmare. The smallest blessings can be the biggest!:)

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - I still have a patched area of drywall in the dining room ceiling where our master bathroom leaked down into it FOUR times since we’ve lived here. Thats why we’ve been working on the MBath for 2 years now. But Im thankful that its finally taking shape.
Literally three nights before the fire we had painted the walls this beautiful gray color and for Christmas I got the ruffled shower curtain from Urban Outfitters. Now we’re waiting for insurance estimates of our damage. Its such an awful wait but we couldnt get around it with the weekend.
All that to say, I cant wait to see what you do with the bathroom. Im sure it’ll be fabulous(I love that exposed brick behind the tub…very urban looking).
xo

Heaven Bentley - I had a tub like that in my first apartment, but it was pepto bismal pink, and the wall/floor tiles were hunter green. It was such a weird tub – too small for a real bath (unless I’d have had children back then – it would have been the perfect size for a child), but I’d still fill it up and try to take a soak. The radiator was right next to the tub, so I’d crank up the heat and hang my feet out that side and they’d stay toasty warm.
Thanks for the memories.

Amy Lynne - Love you and all the crazy things that happen at your house! I hope you keep making progress on your list!

Jane - Love your blog! I’m from Canada (Nova Scotia to be exact), and we don’t have Sonic. Is it a fast food restaurant? Next time I am stateside (once a year a little trip to Maine), I’ll have to check it out. What do you get there? I always read about your sonic trips and wonder!!! Take care, and your house is beautiful!

Jen - Love it all but especially those glorious wire baskets that you have your fabric stored in! May I ask where you got them?? Happy Saturday! Mine will be filled with basketball games and homecoming dance preparations!!

sam - Just L O V E your blog and your happy family, beautiful homely pictures too, hope the wash room gets sorted soon.
Have a great day 🙂
Mantha xx

nicki - How funny that you mentioned the Coca-Cola gift–one of my coworkers is best friends w/the girl who is in charge of their social media–they are working on a very special HANDMADE gift for you Coca-Cola bloggers come Super Bowl time! 😉

Carrie - I am a week behind. I am returning Christmas to it’s boxes this weekend.

Kelly - wow, big difference with the bathroom! Glad you’re keeping the tub (looks like), it’s really cool. We hope to re-do our bathroom sometime soon. I joke that when we have our next baby, the bathroom is so small that there is no place to put a baby in a bouncy seat or whatever so how will I ever get to take a shower?!
Right now we are in the middle of redoing out basement, a craft room/family room + home office for the hubs/guest room/library – my amazing hubby made built in bookshelves for one whole wall (!) and a bit of laundry room re-do are all in progress. Whew! So you asked about Saturday, tomorrow will be painting first coats in two rooms, maybe painting the built-ins, deciding how wide I want my horizontal stripes to be in the craft room and what the second color for the stripes is going to be (I want it sort of white on white but you know you still have to pick a white)
Excited to see what you do with the sheets! Happy weekend! Kelly

Jennifer - We are headed to the zoo! It is 65 degrees here in St Louis! Also, are you gonna tell us whats up with all the sheets?! Did I miss something? Lol!

Amber Rae - I love your posts!!!

Stephanie - I take back everything I said about my husbands movies movie picking skills. The movie is “Warrior” and is turning about to be great! Haha

Barbara Nelson - That window is a work of art just beautiful!

Tanya H - Ahhh your house makes me happy! I try so hard to be content becuase our place is perfect for us in this stage of life but maaaan when I grow up I want a gorgeous old home like yours! and then you to come decorate it! 😀

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - So exciting!!!
But… you could always scrap the whole bathroom idea and just sling a couple of sets of bunkbeds in that room for more CW peeps! 🙂
I mean, kids don’t need showers, right?
Just sayin’ 🙂

jackie grandy - Wow, you have been busy!! Sorry about the pipe bursting 🙁 That’s not a fun surprise.
I love your new header and you look adorable in that hat 🙂

Mindy Harris - your house is amazing. are you keeping the hexagonal tile and the big tub? that window is so beautiful!

Lindsey - LOVE what you did with the Ikea curtains. I have the same ones in blue and what you did really dresses them up! LOVE Sonic too, you are so lucky to have one close by!

Melissa l - Woohoo – awesome post. Today’s blog makes me want to sell our house and find an old one. The window is simply amazing! Ps. I’m going to our Ikea tomorrow in connecticut to find some funky curtains like yours!

Melissa l - Woohoo – awesome post. Today’s blog makes me want to sell our house and find an old one. The window is simply amazing! Ps. I’m going to our Ikea tomorrow in connecticut to find some funky curtains like yours!

Wendy - Geeze … no wonder why your tired!

Melissa - Why so many new sheets??

Jenn - Meg, I love your blog! You never disappoint. Always great photos, words and laughter. Thank you!
PS. Have you done anything with the third floor?

Amber - Adore that yellow cart and wire baskets for your happy fabric. And that window?! Crazy amazing. I wanna come to craft weekend! 🙂

Seriously Sassy Mama - I have been at a girl scout cookie rally! I work Saturday like I do all weekends. I am so in love with your old house. Cannot wait to see the bathroom!

Stephanie - Its Friday night and I just sat down with my husband to watch a movie (his pick) I never learn that it is best for me to run to blockbuster or at least go with him:) this is some new release but as soon as I saw the title (something to do with a boxer) I grabbed the iPad before laying down with him to “watch” it. Anyway….I came to your blog first and am so glad that I did. Have I ever told you how much I love your blog:) my absolute fav. Can not wait to see the bathroom redo and also…that window is beyond amazing!
Have a super weekend!

Brooke - Oh boy…bathroom remodel!! We just remodeled our bathroom in our 1939 college hill home last year..i loved looking though all of the pictures of bathrooms in old homes…there are some amazing hex tiled baths out there!!
also..love the pic of you in the hat. How do you pull off looking cute in a coke hat?
Have a great weekend!!

Leah - I wish I had your courage to rip up a bathroom one day and do it myself. I admire you! My husband wants to know if you removed a shower next to the bathtub at some time because she spotted the drain on the floor.

bread and jam - That window in the stairway is amazing. I love the exposed brick in the bathroom re-do.
You make Dress Barn cool.

AshleyAnn - You tore out your bathroom before Craft Weekend!!! You are crazy. Around here we just hang a suitcase on the wall and call it good 🙂 Can’t wait to see it all. And the stairwell all bright white is AWESOME!!

happygirl - Oh my goodness you do a lot of great things. I wish my bathroom could be redone. I hate it. But, I don’t want water all over my downstairs. I just did that with the hurricane damage. LOVE the fact you think Dress Barn is a bad name. I don’t shop there just because of the name. Love the hat. Keep truckin’ girl. 🙂

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december.

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

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craft mess everywhere.  :)  

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

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

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

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kerry had chocolate peppermint cupcakes this month!!!

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 *********i LOVE SNoW!**********

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pretty morning in mid kansas.

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

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

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

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

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

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all this arrived in one day.
oh my.

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

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

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Picnik collage
Picnik collage2

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

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

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

……………………………………………………………….. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

angela - I LOVE this post! Merry Christmas!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously Sassy Mama - I love the Bible!

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

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i am happy today.

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this was the sunrise yesterday at the bus stop.
beeeeautiful. 

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i have been on the hunt for a new purse for a month.
i knew i would know it when i saw it.
🙂

who knew it would be a ginormous bubble gum pink one?  
i can fit my big camera in it and that is important.
and everything else i might need.

i got it locally too!
there is not a brand on it…. made in china is all it says.

i got some HAPPY MAIL today!!

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hawthorne threads is a great fabric site.
and this makes me giddy to get sewing for etsy in the winter.

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this fabric makes me want to get out a pen and start doodling all over my high school notebook during class.

i went to Talby's school and had lunch with her today.
🙂
i have never done that with any of my kids…. do you?
it was so sweet.
i am hooked.
i promised to switch off once a month with both girls. 

annie came in the lunch room & gave me a huge hug with her cheeks bright pink from the cold air at recess
and a big kiss in front of all of talby's friends.

melts your heart kind of stuff. 

 

 

i have had three cups of YUMMY coffee today.

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i love the Bob's sweet stripe peppermint sticks they sell at christmas.
i drop one in my coffee as it's brewing. (actually half is enough….)

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i use my frother from my friend in my sweet little frothing cup.

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and have the loveliest cup of peppermint coffee with foam.
it's so good! 

lauren got a job!!
she starts tonight…food service.
i am so happy for her to be getting a paycheck and learning about all that goes with "work"

what was your first high school job?
mine was pizza hut.
good times.

 

 

this was sent to me this morning and it fits with my happy post.
enjoy.

edith - Very nice purse, lots of room. I have that exact hat the black one with side buckles, my sister got it for me and then she got her self one, it’s cute!

Retro Jordan Shoes - love Bob’s peppermint sticks. I hoard them in December. 🙂
I”m on the hunt for a new purse too. I”m hoping for Kelly Green or Mustard. I’ll know it when i see it. 🙂
I so regret not having lunch with my kids at school when they were little. Such a simple thing with great lasting memories. It probably would have made a difference with my #1. 🙂

Karen - Babysitting. Then cleaning an office. Then A & W. (I learned the most there. Not all of it was good though.) 😉

Daniele Valois - That coffee, and fabric, look devine. I think I should go make a peppermint coffee now before I go run this evening! …my first non babysitting job was…AHHHh at KFC. I was 14 and lied and said I was 15 so I could work! I worked there for a whole year!

crystalbeutler - You are such a kindred spirit — love Bob’s peppermint sticks. I hoard them in December. 🙂
I”m on the hunt for a new purse too. I”m hoping for Kelly Green or Mustard. I’ll know it when i see it. 🙂
I so regret not having lunch with my kids at school when they were little. Such a simple thing with great lasting memories. It probably would have made a difference with my #1. 🙂

Heidi Jo the Artist - Love the sunset photo. One of the many things I miss about living on a farm…
Pretty purse, but I’m probably the most anti-buying stuff made in China gal you’ll ever know. 😉
Love happy mail and that coffee looks sounds so good!!
Awesome video, will have to show the kids that one!

Alice H - I have eaten lunch and breakfast with my kids quite a few times. I need to go do it with my older daughter (7th grader!) but I fear she may be too embarrased. More reason to do it, I guess. Haha!
Love that purse.
And starting a job as a teenager is so fun and scary at the same time. My first job other than babysitting was at a restaurant and I was a hostess.

Deb Meyers - washing dishes and waiting tables in a combination Japanese restaurant and Bait Shop –no kidding 🙂 — in a midwestern small town.
deb meyers

Dena - My first job was at Target!

Anessa - I had a dream about you and your family last night. You were all in a Target commercial an Talby sang in it. It was adorable! Dreams are so strange. I only know you through blog world yet you are appearing in my dreams:)

pam - Please bring Bob with you when you visit. 🙂 Those our favorite and we are missing them! haha.
That sunrise is breathtaking.

Shannon - gorg sunrise. awesome purse. i want one just like it. i can’t wait to go to the lunchroom with my boys. and my first job was as a lifeguard in our teeny tiny town at the teeny tiny pool. thanks for the happy!

D. Jean - Beautiful sunrise. Great post.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Love happy posts! My first job was working at a preschool and I LOVED it! My son works in the food industry. He says people sure get grumpy when it’s regarding their food 🙂 Good luck to Lauren. I’m sure she will be great! LOVE Hillsong and that video is the best. I might use it on my blog 🙂 Happy rest of your weekend.

Sara - That sunrise picture makes me miss Kansas…First job? KU cafeteria…hair net. Also good times.

Heather - My first job was carhop! At a driveIn in our very small town in TN. I LOVED it. And secretly wish I could do that again. It was so fun.
I love having lunch with my 1st grader! Lots of parents are always there eating with their kids too. Have fun.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, that sunrise is so beautiful.
My first job was Wendy’s. They gave great college scholarships!

Tracy - I serve lunch at my kids’ school twice a month! So FUN! I love getting to see their smiling faces midday. Sometimes I don’t tell them it’s my day so I can see their faces light up in surprise when they see me 😉

melissa@joyineveryseason - the rainbow colors on your blog make me happy :o) and YAY i love the video!!

beth - I did lunch and recess duty at my dad’s school (He was an elementary principal). Have a great weekend, Meg!

Georgia - I work at pizza hut as an evening job now! haha

Southern Gal - I was a waitress at a seafood restaurant when I was of hire-able age. I cleaned the beauty shop my mom worked at once a week when I was 11 until 13.
Love that bag and that fabric.

Meredith@count it all joy - Love your handbag Meg….it’s a happy bag. Glad you enjoyed the song, you’ve gotta love some banjo action:) Congrats to Lauren on her first job. Thanks for the peppermint coffee tip too – wow…so much to love in this post. Did I mention the fabric? Meredith xo

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - I just realized I have that same gray hat in the picture with your purse 🙂

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - My first job in high school was at Wendy’s to pay for a trip to Europe. Learned a lot working there. I had a happy day too. Thanks for sharing that video, it’s o beautiful!

Jessica - Tonight was her first night?! I would of never known!!! She was all smiles and really friendly! The only reason I recognized her was from your blog. Way to go Lauren! Keep up the good work! 🙂

Kayleigh - hi megan! i just wanted to start by saying that i came across your blog a few months ago and read the entire thing! i love all the stuff you do! you are an amazing person for the charity things you do and it makes me want to be a better person. also, you have the most beautiful kids! thanks for sharing all the wonderful things in your life! also, i saw this on pinterest and had to show you because i know how much you love rainbows!
http://pinterest.com/pin/80994493268007282/

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - my first job was chick-fil-a 🙂
i love to have lunch with my kids at school! i feel like such a rock star! the little kids in the classes are always like “look there’s your mom,!” pointing me out, everybody is scrambling to sit with us. it doesn’t matter that i don’t know them, they just seem to love seeing moms visit. 🙂 i actually blogged recently about visiting my kids school.

Sarah - Meg, I just wanted to comment that Fat Free Half and Half isn’t what you think. It may be “fat free” but the composition of its ingredients make it so it turns to pure sugar in your body. You are better of getting the regular kind or believe it or not… cream. It is higher in fat yes, but it is also lower in sugar and carbs and atleast a little goes a very long way. Just wanted to share 🙂

Kim - I love happy days!
My first job (besides babysitting) was working at a rest home taking care of elderly people.

happygirl - First job, McDonalds. “may I help you?” LOVE the youtube. Thanks for sharing.

Kori - Gorgeous sunrise…kinda jealous you’re up early enough to see it. Kinda.
LOVED going to have lunch with my son…he asked often and I loved it!
My first job was Jack in the Box…HA! One of my first paychecks went toward a Michael Jackson concert ticket…so awesome!!
Good luck to Lauren on her new venture!!
😀

Shann - Mine was Dairy Queen. I can still put a curly-que on top of a cone to this day! My paycheck went for gas for my car. We burned thru a lot of gas cruising around our very small town. I believe gas was like $1.25 a gallon. Five bucks and we were good for the night! 🙂
Can’t wait to see what you put in your Etsy shop with all that loveliness!

Wendy - My 1st job in high school & all though college was at a drug store … I loved it! I can still remember what I bought with my first pay check … photo albums for pictures!

Kristy - WOW! That is one gorgeous sunrise!
My first job was babysitting but my first official where I had to punch a timeclock and learn about Gross Pay and Net, was at a little girl’s boutique called Bishops For Girls. It was in our mall. The best part was decorating the many different sizes of acrylic boxes we sold with names and our signature flowers and polka dots…they were very popular for gifts.
You and your family are just adorable 🙂

shannon - I have gone to lunch once with my little one….but the smallest one started daycare twice a week today so I think maybe once a week or at least twice a month I will go have lunch with my oldest….she loves it! 😀 My first high school job was Baskin Robbins…totally loved it! Ummmm I ADORE that big pink bag!!!!! I want one! And…..where do you get one of those froth makers? more details on that coffee please!

Jen Brandt - school lunch with kiddos – my 1st grader has a severe peanut allergy and sits at a special peanut free table at school, so I went and had lunch with her on her birthday in September. Couldn’t bear the thought of her eating by herself on her special day!
1st job – softball and baseball umpire and babysitter. Great jobs with great pay!

molly - I try to go and eat lunch with my 2nd grader as often as I can….it’s as good for me as it is for her:) I teach (at a different building) so it can be kind of tough to get there but luckily our lunches are the same this year!

Darcie L. - Cashier at a car wash. Followed in the footsteps of my older brother, and got to work with him for a while. Great first job. Can’t wait to teach our kids about hard work too! Starting now (age 3) and officially in about 12 years!

Jen T. - My 16 year old daughter started her first job (also food service) last night! It’s so exciting to see them growing up and start earning some of their own money, but it’s also kind of scary too. My little girl is growing up and earning her own money! *gulp*
My first job was sweeping up hair at a salon.

Suzette - That coffee looks delicious. Thanks for the idea 😉

MaryLea @ pink and green mama - Love the sunrise and the pink purse! It’s perfect.
We have the same frother from Ikea but we call it the “fruffer” because that’s what the girls call it! : )
Lunch at school is the best, I drop in a couple of times a year to eat with E in the big cafeteria and visit C’s preschool class to do art with her friends and I always stick around for snack – so fun.
High school job was actually unpaid – I was a candy striper on the maternity ward at our local hospital for a few years – still have my awesome uniform! College was my first paycheck job – actually had three jobs, campus tour guide, art gallery docent and resident assistant.
xoxo
MaryLea

Jodi - OH! thanks for the heads up on the song! I just downloaded it to my iphone. :o)

Jodi - my first job was at Roses. I don’t think they are around anymore!
I used to go eat with my daughter every Thanksgiving at school! loved it.
I <3 hawthornes threads. :o)

Lindsey Jo - good for lauren! my first job was sonic. i love sonic but working there was awful. i was the fountain girl and without fail i was sticky by the end of my shift. i quit as soon as i could!

Nikki - So glad I’ve stumbled upon your blog.That purse alone makes me smile!
My very first job was at Wendy’s. I even remember my boss’s name because it was kind of weird and she was pretty awful (making minors clock out before 11 but keep us working)Glad I didn’t stay there long!

Tricia - My first job was at Taco Gringo in Joplin, MO! I “got” to wear a dark brown polyester uniform that zipped up the front and a jaunty little tan bandana. I was always thrilled when my friends came by to see me in that particular outfit! 🙁

tiffany gardner - That sunrise would make anyone happy! I got to eat with my kids for the first time a couple of weeks ago…my son loved it..it made my daughter sad when I had to go back home 🙁 My first job….Ken’s pizza!

Tracy H - Besides babysitting, my first job was at Nancy’s Fashion….I even got to work with your mom once in a while!!! I have to say, I really loved my first job….I worked there all through high school.
I love going to lunch with Reese….need to do it again…soon!

seriously sassy mama - My first job was a pharmacy tech at Kroger. Good times.

Leah - Dairy Queen. I can still dip a cone like the best of ’em!

Jill Jones - Meg, you’re just delightful. You make ME happy! I love having lunch with my son at school. It’s fun to pick up a burger first and let him eat GOOD lunch in front of his friends and I look like best mom ever! First job was at Shopko. My heart will always belong to that silly store. :o)

Shelly Werth - I love going to lunch with my boys! They love it to and all the kids think it is sooooo cool that thier mom is there…well they are only in 2nd and Kindergaten so I am still cool to them! haha My first job was wonderful McDonalds! 4 years of my life spent there…ahhh to be young again!

Chelsea in MO - My first job (which actually got me through high school and college) was a hostess at the local Steak and Ale restaurant. I worked there till the Wednesday of the week before I started my first full-time job out of college. Which I still have today. Guess I am not one for much change! : ) I did meet and marry my husband while I worked at that restaurant!! He was a server ; ) ahhh, the memories. Have a good day!

Holly - mine was at a grocery store! Have a great weekend meg!

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regular

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breakfast in the car on the way to the bus stop

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a run in for stocking stuffers to kill time…i scored.
 

=?utf-8?B?SU1BRzAxNzcuanBn?=
ran 4 miles with my friends…in 23 degrees….i wore four layers!

went straight to walmart afterwards.
stinky.

=?utf-8?B?SU1BRzAxNzguanBn?=
loaded up on food for the week.
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happy healthy

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my pinwheels from elizabeth street enjoying the sunlight….

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a little sewing….

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time for non stop christmas music on pandora for me.
i like Vince Guaraldi Trio station  (they are the charlie brown christmas music.)

Fabric
a little online shopping….

HB
and a little more…..

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the house smells like cinnnamon

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wrapped this up lovingly and shipped it off to CA for the water4chrstimas Art auction.

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it's always a good day for sonic.

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sloppy joes and tater tots for dinner.


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our front door.

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you should make these.  (with a scoop of ice cream on top)
they are super yummy.
s u p e r

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some crafty time with annie.

it's the little things make the day good.
like brownies or sparkly chandeliers.
or a drink from sonic.

what are you making for dinner?

tonight we are having lasagna. (my recipe is here)
yum.

HEY GUESS WHAT???

the second craft weekend is full!!

:) 

isn't that awesome?!!!

i am crazy excited to meet those ladies and get crafty!
it will be here before you know it.

happy wednesday.

 

Linda - Hello, I found your blog today in Country Living Magazine. You talk about going to Bearly Makin-it Antiques in Marion Kansas! I grew up in Wichita and spent many hours in Marion with my grandparents who had a farm in Marion. I have always loved that little town. I was born in Hillsboro and now live in Arizona. It was cool to see the Newton post office. I’m looking forward to following your blog. I wouldn’t be surprised if something from my grandparents shows up in the antique store some time!!

Chi Anne - This misplaced Kansas girl loves the photos you post that remind her of home. Germany is beautiful, but I love Kansas more! Thank you for posting all the things that make my heart happy– Sonic, Walmart, sunshine 🙂

Laura Phelps - I have those Ikea curtains! (I use them as a table cloth now)
and…we made lasagna last night too.
weird.
🙂

Melissa - Ahh, Newton, I have a college girlfriend in Buhler! I love “visiting with you”. Happy Thursday!

April M - White Chicken Chili = yum and super easy
but no tater tots so we swung by Sonic on the way home from dance class (also = yum!)
THANK YOU
Your pictures and perspective are a blessing
(Thanking God for you too!)

Shellie Hanley - Meg, I feel like we’re friends and I love seeing what you’re up to. Can’t miss a day of Whatever!! 🙂

Heather Mattos - I was on the very same Heather Bailey page today. Pop Garden is the best ever! LOOOOOOVE your family photos 🙂 I can’t believe how big everyone looks. So cute.

Shivaun - This post is so lovely!! Thanks! And, FYI, I found some large multi-colored striped coffee mugs at a garage sale for a buck each and I snatched them up, inspired by you! They are my favorite morning coffee mugs now… a happy start to each day. You are a sweetheart!

Alicia @ La Famille - meg, i just love ya. you are so fun. so regular. but so inspiring. don’t ask me what’s so inspiring about going to walmart, but you just are. i smile when i’m here. thanks.

Jen Brandt - Love your pictures, Meg! Totally have not been following our planned menu this week – had Subway for dinner last night. Tonight will be ham and broccoli casserole though, and chicken stir fry tomorrow night. Have a great day!!!!! Oh! I think I forgot to tell you that I made your Spinach Artichoke Party Dip for a party Saturday night – huge hit! Thank you.

Shauna - This is my favorite kind of Meg-post…beautiful colorful pictures, little tidbits about your day, and even a recipe..thanks!

Sarah - FOUR miles! You are good. LOVE those fabric sites-I can’t even sew and I love them!

karen gerstenberger - I love your Africa art with the “The King…” quote – one of my favorite quotes. Your family is so beautiful. Isn’t it a blessing to gather with extended family and share a meal? God is so good.

Rach - Oh nice! We do bath time with Pandora’s “Rockin Christmas” station. LOVE LOVE LOVE! And you admitting that it is 23 degrees there means that I am officially going to live vicariously through your winter starting today. Lots of snow pictures when it comes please.

jennibell - Love posts like this! You live a blessed life. . .and you have these posts to prove it to yourself on the “blah” days 🙂

anna - i am so glad to see these kind of posts, I have missed them! – would love to see your Christmas decorating!!

Adrienne S - Share your stocking stuffers! I love fresh ideas.

Jack - Those little pinwheels are gorgeous!

Emily - I feel like you need a travel mug for your drive to the bus stop!! Ha!

shauna - the curtains look fab

tara pollard pakosta - more than ANYTHING I enjoy your day in the life type posts! I love the random of them!
thanks for sharing!
tara

Stacey Hunter - I love your blog! You always have great photos and crafty ideas 🙂
I also love that you are from the mid-west, as I too can appreciate a good sloppy joe and some tator-tots! (I grew up in Illinois)

jacqui anderson - 2nd craft weekend is ful …… totally NOT AWESOME cause my name isn’t on the list!!!!! LOL 🙂

Kimberlee Jost - Panda Kitchen—it’s his birthday.
Give the man what he wants.
And I don’t have to cook!!!!!!!

Kimberly - What a lovely day! And if I could handle a 4 mile run, I’d take stinky at Walmart any time!

Kerry - Love that material! Love the simplicity of your day 🙂 awesome, thanks for sharing x

shelly - Wow-I’m super impressed that you ran when it was so cold out!!! (I was a big complainer this morning just walking to the car to go to the gym!)
Love your Africa art 🙂
as far as dinner, I should take something out…but I don’t want to …

Amber - Such a fun post!!! Love the curtains….Ikea???

Maria - another crazy Wednesday night for us…all 4 boys have overlapping activities and hubs cannot drive…so, we will squeeze in a ‘kids eat free’ night at Times Bar & Grill…

Holly - not sure what we will have since it is church night. Usually a drive thru is in order!

Kensie Conner - we’re having lasagna too! 🙂

happygirl - Just updated my Pandora. Thanks for the tip. LOVE your art. I hope it makes a LOT of $$$ for water for Africa.

Catriona - We had Toad in the Hole which is a lot nicer than it sounds – sausages baked in a big yorkshire pudding – with carrots and broccoli. 5 out of 5 people in our house love it. And there’s not many dinners I can say THAT about! Love your family photos btw.

Vanessa - Love the zebra scissors!!! Your sloppy joes look yummy – have you ever done the recipe from the fix it and forget it cookbook? Jean and Tammy’s sloppy joes. They are so awesome – the look of yours reminded me of them! Totally a family favorite!

Georgia - We were naughty and Chips and pea fritter (for me) and steak and kidney pie from our local chippy! Nothing like a proper english chip shop! yummmm

Lori Austin - I love it when you do “a day in the life of Meg”. 🙂
Those scissors are the best!
Love the curtains.
Good for you for running in the cold. Brrr….I’m a wimp.
Tell me how you finished out the snowman craft with Annie.
What did you use for the face? Googley eyes? Nose?
Looks cute and easy. Love cotton ball crafts. 🙂
Have a great day – oh chili at our house.

lynn-oak hill designs - we are having chicken lasagna for dinner tonight! yum, yum, yum!!

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - I really, really, really wish my crew liked sloppy joes!!! :o)

Seriously Sassy Mama - My husband left for a week of hunting with the men, so our three girls and I are getting a pizza and watching a girlie movie! Oh, and decorating a cute felt tree I found at Target today. They have fun felt crafts there this year!

Heidi C - I can’t believe you have the curtains that I am DYING to put in my dining room! I love them! 🙂
Loved your family pics yesterday and loving the pictures of your day today. Gives me some motivation to get mine started. 😉

tiffany gardner - happy wednesday! wonderful family photos yesterday…they rocked! wish I could have you over for coffee…but you don’t know me and that might be weird. can’t wait until you have your second craft weekend…so I get to see the photos! end of the month…don’t know what I’ll make for dinner…tomorrow’s will be better. Now I’m rambling…as if you know me. 🙂 Happy wednesday Meg!

amy jupin - could i be the first commenter today?
maybe.
i miss you.
wanna come over for some coffee?

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fridays are awesome.

it is SUPER windy here today.
i have some girls i go running with a couple days a week and this morning in the dark we were all texting each other hoping someone would want to bail out so we all could.
"is it cold out?"  
"YES and windy!"
"really windy!!!"
 "anyone want to run"  
"UMMMM…. i guess so"

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we did it.
i am so glad.

it was miserable into the wind.
M I S E R A B L E
but the second half was fabulous.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WATER4CHRISTMAS…. (see the post below this one)

let me be clear:  where is says "make a donation"  it means a hand crafted item to donate.
not money.
you can give money to Water4CHRISTMAS right here but that is not through the etsy shop.
and you can SHOP in the etsy shop.
but donating money and donating crafts are two different things.

what are you going to make?!!!

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yesterday i sat on my couch in my pajamas wrapped in an afghan in front of a space heater
with a stocking cap on….i get cold in this drafty house.

i worked on pictures and emails.

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i looked out my window and leaves were blowing everywhere.
it looked it was snowing but it was all yellow leaves.

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one of our trees lost ALL of it's leaves in about an hour.
i had to go capture it…. in my pajamas.

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i wish i had a baby so i could set them right in those yellow leaves and take pictures of it.
i should have brought waffle out!
ha ha ha.
he's the closest thing i have to a baby now.

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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

i was loving my bible study yesterday!
in BSF we are studying Acts.  
but last week we jumped over to Hebrews for a while.

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sometimes i read the bible and it's like i have never read it before in my life….
everything seems so new and clear and means so much.
even though i have read those passages over and over for the past 20 years.
but God makes His Word just STAND OUT and SPEAK even after all those years.
after reading it maybe 100 times… suddenly it means something new to my new heart.
i don't want to ever stop growing in my faith.

the bible is just so stinkin' AWESOME!

can i get an amen?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

my mom sent me this video in a chain email.
and i had to share.

this just proves how lazy waffle truly is….

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mr. duerksen and i are getting away this weekend.
i am giddy about it.
i get him all to myself.
and we are off the clock.

it's going to R O C K.

when was your last getaway with your hubby?

do you need to get planning on that?

DO IT.

you will thank me.

 

Mulia - that Christ is ioncmg and He says He’s ioncmg quickly! This to me shows that we need to be prepared for His ioncmg at all times! Well what does that mean? It means that we need to be living our lives as if Christ is going to come back tomorrow. We don’t want to be living with the attitude of Oh I got time, I’ll start acting like a real Christian in college! You may or may not have time to do that, that’s why it’s so important for us to start living like Christ now! We need to be making an impact everyday not just when we feel like it, but the coolest thing is that we know that the grace of Christ is with us! It’s written right there in verse 21! We just sang a song in youth group two weeks ago called Your grace is enough. Your grace is enough, Your grace is enough, Your grave is enough for me! His grace is enough and it’s been given to us! these verses are amazing and a great reminder that we don’t know when Christ is ioncmg back but He said it was quickly, so we need to live our lives like each day is the last! & that should be living it out with a bang!

Kristin S - Amen sista!
Happened to me in Exodus and Numbers yesterday. Craziness. Awesomeness.

Anthony - Appreciate your making the effort to discuss this, I find myself strongly about this and lovmind updatie reading much more about this topic. Whenever possible, as you gain knowledge, do you mind updating your site with extra information? It’s very helpful for me.

jamie - the first photo of the leaves is absolutely GORGEOUS. i’m in love with it!!

Lisa - Amen! So thankful for His Word. I would be a mess without it. Heck I am a mess WITH it!! LOL. Hope you’re enjoyed your weekend away. Sounds truly wonderful. I think I will get to planning one of those…

Heather G. - Haha – that dog is amazing! The hubby and I got away for our anniversary for 2.5 days. It was amazing!

Gretchen - AMEN! I totally agree! Thanks for taking the brave road and speaking of your love for Him. Have always loved your blog.. now love it double!
The way your friends and you hint around that you’d be willing to NOT run b/c of the weather cracks me up! My exercise buddy and I do the same thing! Hilarious!
Have fun with your man. Weekends away are so important. Hugs!

emily hope - Love your leaf pictures. Such a cozy, beautiful time of year, isn’t it?
And I am giving you a huge AMEN on the incredible awesomeness of the Bible. I was just thinking the other day what it would be like if we didn’t have God’s Word written down in black and white. What a confusing mess we would be in!
Have fun on your getaway 🙂

Leslie Davison - Amen! Which version of rhe Bible do you study from?

Heather R. - Amen! I hope you have a great time with your hubby. Dog video=Amazing.

Cindy - Funny, we have a tree that does the exact.same.thing. And it’s always right after my husband rakes the rest of the yard. The next day, they all have dropped their yellowish-green leaves. Cool to me. Annoying to him. Second thing, about the Bible. It is amazing how God does this with his Word. Thanks for sharing those verses. I will go dig into it today. Seems like a good thing to do. Enjoy every second of the trip away.

Jen Brandt - AMEN!
Good for you for running! You go, girl!
Love the leaf pics.
Good for you for getting away with your hubby! Happy couple = stronger family.
My hubby and I got away the first weekend in October to a secluded cabin in a state park. It was WONDERFUL! My husband said, can we do this for a week next time?
Meg, I am very frustrated with my small, inexpensive camera and want one that will take decent pics. I take pictures of my family – playing outside, crafting inside, dance class pics, soccer pics, etc. What kind of camera would you recommend ($400 limit)?

Jody - We are in bad need of a getaway…been FOREVER!!! (we have a 6 year old son & 4 year old triplet boys)…I won’t even admit how long it’s been – it’s too embarrassing… our marriage needs it!!!! Thanks for the reminder to do something about it.
On a side note – just read “Heaven is for Real” last night – have you read it?! Written from a 4 year old’s experience of heaven – amazing!!!

Ani G W - We had our last real getaway in June to celebrate our anniversary. Before that though it had been three years! It was time and I made a pact with hubby that we wouldn’t wait 3 years before the next one. We try and have a date once a month, but sometimes it only gets done once every couple of months!

tiffany gardner - nope…no get-a-ways for us…its been years. not much help in the department of anyone wanting to watch our kids. our get-a-ways consist of watching movies when kids go to sleep…if we can stay awake! 🙂 happy for you though….count your blessing of wonderful grandparents who help.

Kat - My last get away with my hubby was bc (before children) and so that would be over nine years ago now.
We have 4 children aged 3, 5, 7 and 9.
We are lucky to get out for a date together maybe twice a year if that!!
Enjoy your break away and btw I looove those leaves!

shauna - love the yellow leaves.
love the Bible.
love babies.
hate running.
no idea what to make.
a banner?
hmmmm
guess what?
i don’t watch tv really.
but i just started watching parenthood.
reedo and i watch one or two very night (apple tv)
we are like half through the second season!
i want to come over to your house and get all bundled up with your space heater, watch the leaves fall and watch a freshy episode while not running.

Juli - AMEN!

beth - Amen!! It was crazy windy here, too, but fairly warm. Glad you got your run in!

Maggie Nunez - Your comment about waffle made me laugh..the one about him being lazy, poor waffle. I need to plan a weekend with my hubby, its been too long, can’t even remember when was the last time we had date night :(.

karla @ bluegrass jewelrydesigns - Ummm…..I can’t even remember the last time my husband and I got away by ourselves. Sad, isn’t it. : ) Have fun this weekend!

heyruthie - the first part of your post reminded me of George McDonald’s “At the Back of the North Wind.” a great read.

Valerie@Chateaualamode.typepad.com - AMEN sister! I’m also giving you an AMEN for a weekend away…I’m planning that tonight. We don’t make that a priority often enough, so thank you and enjoy your time away to play 🙂

April M - amen 🙂
LIVING WORD!
(and I’m so glad I’m not the only one who takes pictures of leaves)

Susan - Amen! I am in BSF also and am loving the study of Acts. I have been a Christian for many years, but am seeing now more than ever how it all fits together. My love of Jesus is growing daily! BTW-Your post last year about BSF spurred me to actually sign up this year. I love how God uses others-some who don’t even know us-to bless us! Enjoy your time with your husband. It is time well spent! Our nest is empty now and I think our time away when our kids were home is one of the reasons we have such a great time together now.

Kelly - Amen!
and we don’t have a whole get away planned but we do get to drive 45 minutes alone to Denver and have dinner with a gift certificate tomorrow and we are really looking forward to that!! Kelly

Short, Sweet Season - Amen! I’m in BSF too, and the study of Acts has been amazing. I’m so glad you mentioned BSF on here previously…when my friend asked me to join her this semester, I was afraid it would be too formal, but I felt like I already knew someone who loved it (you!). Thanks for that!

Melissa - Even if it’s for only one night or just dinner out I feel like our relationship is renewed. Spending this coming Monday with my honey and looking forward to lunch together. That never happens! Have a great time and enjoy!

Seriously Sassy Mama - How I love 3: 12-19 in your photo. AMEN! My husband and I got away for a weekend June 2010. It was for a wedding. It will be a long time before we get away again. Sad but true.

gina f. - AMEN! Have a fun weekend! Beautiful leaves photos!

stacie - Amen!!!
Have such fun going away with Mr. D.
TGIF 🙂

TinaM. - It’s been three years since our last weekend getaway with no children. Although we do try to sneak in a date night more regular than that.
Have a great time!

Susan - Amen! Our last get away as April 2010 but before that it was August 2003. That must be a fruitless Mulberry…ours lost all it’s leaves in one afternoon several years ago. The temps dropped suddenly one fall and they all fell off and they were still green.

Logan - Have a great weekend with your husband! My nest is empty so I have mine a lot more often than those of you that still have kids at home, but getting away is still fun and romantic and important for us!

Jane - AMEN!!

CarrieBeth - i wish we lived close to you. i’d bring my baby right over and let you take pictures of him in those yellow leaves!

Denissa - AMEN! My hubbie and I have never had a getaway since we’ve had our boys. My oldest is 10! We need one and we’re planning one now, thinking it’ll be our Christmas gift to each other 🙂

Terrie G - AMEN!!!
SUPER windy doesn’t begin to describe today…
Love the leaf pics…that is one thing I haven’t done is take leaf pics.
And unfortunately it’s too cold and windy to take the new grandbaby out in it…maybe I should bring some leaves indoors…hmmmm
Have a GREAT time this weekend…we need to do that soon too!

Kati - I’m in BSF too and I’ve noticed many friends (some I didn’t even know were in BSF) posting on Facebook this week different verses from Hebrews. So fun!!! 🙂

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - what version is your Bible? HCSB? NIV? Inquiring minds want to know. or at least my one inquiring mind wants to know. :o)
Yay for a get-away!!!
It’s been too long for me and the hubs…

Kirsten J - Seriously? August 2004. Sad but true. I love when things happen, like seeing the Bible with new eyes. Excellent happy doodles!!

happygirl - Have a wonderful weekend. My dog is lazy, too. I think his job is sleeping. You are so inspiring. Running in the wind or like the wind or away from the wind. Inspiring. 🙂

Amy - AMEN, sister!!! Preach it!!! 😉
Is it sad that my man & I have never NEVER in almost 8 years of parenting gone anywhere just the 2 of us? We have never left our kids. He goes places all the time. Craft Weekend was the first time I left all 3 of my kids. {& it was sooooo worth it}
Is that weird?!?!?! We keep planning trips…but they never happen. Grrrrrrrrrrr.

Tanya H - I’ve had two husband-dates in a month, after going for at least 6m stretches, it IS so great!!!
I love your leaves! I swept my back porch yesterday and after our wind last night I sure don’t know why I bothered…! LOL!
and, AMEN. The Lord leads us to what we need to read.

shannon - Amen! I agree…I love the bible…I love my Jesus and I love when it He just speaks to me. Often at times when i think what the heck…..
Mr. Stout and I got away this past March….he mentioned a weekend away sometime again and I am all for it! Have no idea when that can be….probably around valentines day when the mil can come keep kids….:)

Lia - Haha you should have taken waffle out for pictures. I kind of love waffle posts. We are getting a goldendoodle in 2012 and I couldn’t be more excited. Have fun with your hubby!! Mine got home last night and isn’t traveling again for 7 weeks!!

Southern Gal - Amen.

robin - AMEN!! I’m fairly new in Christ, so it’s no surprise to me that it’s amazing every time I dive in, but I am filled with joy to know it will continue on like that all of my days. :):):) He is so good.
Enjoy your weekend!

Kimberly - AMEN! It’s living, breathing, and always surprising me with new insights. Love the image of snowing yellow. Not yellow snow though because that makes me think of something gross…
Happy Friday!

lisa willis - AMEN!
I’m in bsf too, and the words in Hebrews have been speaking loudly to me, comforting me, and showing me that Jesus is alive and at work TODAY!
I love bible study, I love Jesus!
…and I get to go out of town with my hubby in a couple weeks! So excited!

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randomness.

there were 13 cars waiting to get into the mcdonalds drive thru this morning? 
not even in the drive thru part yet….
who waits that long for a mcdonalds breakfast?

i counted that when i was out running.
ran 4 miles straight today!
WHOOP WHOOP!
loving this healthy running thing so much!!!

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basketball has begun.
i like it.
i like it A LOT.       

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i am going to take my kids to see jack & jill today.
i am not looking forward to it.
there are only so many bathroom jokes i can take….

but who wants to bet $20 that i still cry at that movie?!!

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i am behind (like ALWAYS!) so i don't have photos but i wanted to remind you about Operation Christmas Child.

i am going with my kids to pick out some goodies and we are going to pack our boxes this weekend.

check out the website HERE to find a drop off location near you.
they are everywhere!

you only have another week or so.
it's worth it!!!
make it happen!

this is my post about it from last year…….SO MUCH FUN!
 

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did you do the happy day projects?

Happydayrainbowsquare

all of them?

some of them?

it was FUN wasn't it?!
i loved it.
it feels good to focus on others.
to try and see what God sees when He looks at people around us.
to show His love to those around us.
🙂

it's super cool.

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well…..
i jumped on the erin condren bandwagon.
what a happy place to be!
 
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i can't stop smiling about it…..

happy day to YOU.

i am off to jack & jill.

geesh.

  

Nike Free Run - I think you probably live close to where I lived. My daughter played basketball every summer in Hesston. We moved from Kansas to Indiana Dec. 2009 and I miss it. I enjoy your blog! blessings

Elizabeth - Meg, I would just like to say thank you for your Christ centered blog…My family and I have been able to really reach out and have become a giving family because of all your ideas of giving. The 7 of us shopped this past weekend and packed our shoe boxes for OCC. It was such a blessing reading the letters my kids included in their boxes. Thank you for helping me raise caring children.

Kacey - I love my Erin Condren planner! It makes me so happy to look at all the rainbow colors.

Debbie - I think you probably live close to where I lived. My daughter played basketball every summer in Hesston. We moved from Kansas to Indiana Dec. 2009 and I miss it. I enjoy your blog! blessings

jimaie - It seems like everyone has an Erin Condren planner these days! I must admit, they’re awfully pretty!
I don’t think I have ever seen you & your husband’s names next to each other before- Meg & Craig, that’s kind of adorable 🙂

erin - We are doing the Operation Christmas Child for my daughters brownie troop. Such a great project! Also LOVING that planner. I’m addicted to planners and organizers.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - I am sooo with you on the bandwagon. I got my planner today. I am so, so, so excited! Now, i Have to use it – lol.

Ashlyn@Pinecone - I’m with you on Jack and Jill…I don’t want to see those movies, but if I do, I will cry easily as some random sweet moment. My kids will look at me – “mom are you crying??!” they can’t believe what a sap I am.
I love your planner – apparently I am the last to know about them. 😉

Lori Austin - I love your random posts – they are the best! 🙂
OCC is such a terrific organization. I wish we could afford to
participate in every worthwhile organization – not possible. We have decided to take toy/craft donations to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital each time our daughter has an appt. She has been a patient there many times and has benefited from toy/craft donations every time. I love knowing that our donations might bring a smile to a child’s face that could be facing tough medical issues. Makes my heart smile. I pray one day we will be able to donate to more than one source though. Eventually….

Kimberlee Jost - Yay for Erin Condren in your mailbox!!!!!
Now you can write all of Scott’s games down in it.
😉

amber - Thanks to you, we’ve done OCC for the past 2 years. It has become an amazing kick off to Christmas tradition for our family. And, it’s about others. My 4 year old is super into it this year & it makes me so happy. So, thank you for posting about it again & again.

Southern Gal - Four miles? Woohoo! I haven’t run in a month because of a stupid cough/cold that won’t let me go. I’m getting back out there though.
OCC is so near and dear to our hearts. We volunteer at the warehouse and my daughter gave out boxes while serving in Botswana her summer before her senior year in high school. It’s a lovely way to share God’s word with children and their families.

Melissa - How funny, we’re doing our Operation Christmas Child boxes tomorrow too! Have a great time!

Jan - So happy that you mentioned OCC shoeboxes! They are one of my favorite parts about Christmas.. I go each year to Boone, NC and help process the boxes. My brother has worked for Samaritan’s Purse for 30 years, so we have been packing shoeboxes for a long time… Would love to go overseas one year to help distribute them. So glad that you and your family support such a great cause! Thanks for the shout-out!

Michelle Gallimore - I saw a commercial where MCdonalds is giving away free coffee for the whole month of November, could be why? Anyway, I love your blog, your honesty, your real, we could be friends. congratulations on the 4 miles it’s kindof a big deal I’ve done it only twice Iam new to running but never thought in my whole life I would actually “like” it. Now, I crave it, sick isn’t it? Scales not moving but I also like to eat…I blog about food, I cook…a lot, it’s okay, my heart will be healthy 🙂 thanks for all the inspiration.

lisa - I love my Erin Condren planner, too! Happy weekend! 🙂

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Okay, gotta say, I want to see Jack and Jill….love potty humor. Just being honest 🙂

Andrea T - jumped on the e condren bandwagon myself. i almost hugged the fed ex man. i smile everytime i look at it!!!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - We are excited for bball over here too. Right now we are watching the MSU/N. Carolina game. Go green!
Jenna
callherhappy.com

Liesl - Are you finding that running has helped you lose some weight? I think I’m similar to you in size and am hoping to see some results from the running I started this week, along with some better eating habits.

Julie L. - YES!! My Erin Condren planner came in the mail today too and I’m seriously scared to start writing in it because I love it so much.

jackie grandy - Love that calendar! I am definitely putting that on my Christmas wish list 🙂

Leah - I just got my Erin Condren planner the other day and I can’t stop staring at it. I love it and wonder where it’s been my entire life.

Kelly - McDonald’s breakfast grosses me out. I remember eating there once when I was little and it was horrible.
I have the same Erin Condren planner. I love it! That it’s so cute is a bonus! 🙂

Heather - I often think, when I see the line at McD’s “Wouldn’t it have been faster to have breakfast at home?”

Elizabeth - I just told my sons that you couldn’t pay me to see that movie. How about a million dollars? they asked. I said, well maybe then.
Have fun! 🙂

Jennifer - your run = awesome!! 🙂
I’m always amazed at the long lines for McD’s too!
Happy Friday!

tiffany gardner - wow…four miles…you go! my calendar is on its way? wonder if my life will get more organized?? have a fun weekend!

TinaM. - I’m going to McDonalds on my way to a Penn State game tomorrow. I hope people don’t judge me because I still like, actually love Penn State. Anyway.. to brighter subjects, I can’t wait to see the Muppets !!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Oh hey cutest planner EVER!

Mindy W - Yes, I did do the Happy Day Projects and I loved it!
Yes, we are doing the shoe boxes again. And I loved that you posted your fillings because my kids said I did a lame job last year and you are way cooler than I.
No, I’m not going to see Jack and Jill because I’m betting I saw all the “funny” parts in the commercials. But you have fun. 🙂

Jodi @ The Un-Soccermom Blog - I just got my Erin Condren Month-at-a-glance Notebook TODAY!! So much happy going on, I can barely contain myself.

Sabrina - I think McDonalds was doing something special for Veteran’s Day today??
I LOVE my erin condren planner!!! Aren’t they awesome!!!

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - Yes, we’re doing the Happy Day projects but since Ive had a super crazy week we’re getting caught up on them today, since we have the day off.
We’ve always done the Operation Chrismtas Child boxes but again, with going back to teaching this year, I got behind. We are sending packages to a soldier as our project. The kids collected items all week in school and we’re sending the boxes out tomorrow.
And Erin Condren…I ordered the deal on PlumDistrict but havent heard anything yet. Hoping it comes soon. Love the one you chose.
Have a lovely weekend!

Nicole - I read your blog pretty much daily and I’m fairly certain you go to the same church as I do. I never comment…just not my thing but…I noticed in your basketball pictures that your son plays for the Swathers and that he plays with my first group of students I ever taught. (It’s been over 4 years ago…those kiddos were in 4th grade then!) I’m also one of the girl’s 7th and 8th grade coaches this year! I guess I didn’t realize your kids go there! It’s a great school district!

happygirl - I can’t wait to pack our shoeboxes. Such a fun and thoughtful Christmas project. Our family is packing a box as a Christmas gift to each of us. So, each of us pack 2 boxes. It’s fun to shop and pack and play Christmas music. 🙂

Seriously Sassy Mama - Have fun at the movies. I am taking the fam when The muppets come out.

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