whatever

Janae Mettling - How fun! My girls LOVE catching frogs and toads! After each rain we always have some in the pit of our walkout basement. We have lots of fun pictures of frogs and toads. I love that they aren’t afraid to get dirty and have some fun!

Chris - Glad Talby rescued the big guy!

Gevay Piercefield - Looks like fun! Your girls are brave. 🙂

Tiffany - To add to the above… We have so many around our house I have to walk real slow when cutting the lawn to wait for them to hop out of the way. Last week when mowing I felt like I stepped on something squishy. I turned to see I stepped on a frog! That I mowed over!!! I felt A W E F U L!! (And grossed out!) So I killed the motor, ran away, and left the rest of the mowing till the next day, when I wore my rubber boots instead of flip-flops. 😛

jennibell - Wow. Thank you for this. I continue to notice how GOOD you look in your pictures. Your face looks younger 🙂 I did do the 21-day challenge and wasn’t exactly impressed with it but did like the workouts — I had to buy heavier weights — yea. Thanks for the sugar information — maybe I’ll try that. I know sugar is in *everything*. . .several years ago my husband tried to cut it out for health reasons and we could barely buy *anything* pre-made. The one thing Marta did convince me of were the “dangers” of wheat and processed food. I have cut w-a-y back. You look great. You are inspiring! Enjoy your summer!!

Valerie - Congrats on your progress, Meg! Just wanted to tell you that you inspired me as well. I have been hearing a friend from high school go on and on about Beachbody and Shakeology on Facebook. I was intrigued by the 21 Day Fix, but it wasn’t until you tried it that I decided to buy it and try it myself (minus the shakes). I started my first round May 1st and lost 12 lbs. Yay! I’ve been running on the treadmill for a couple years and haven’t lost anything after I lost the baby weight. My husband was impressed, so we are doing it together this time and he’s sticking with it (I can’t believe it!). I’m not losing much this round, but I think the improvement in eating habits makes it worth it and the weight will go. We weren’t eating too horribly before, but holy veggies! We are buying a ton of produce now! Ha ha. Anyway, thanks for sharing!

Janae - Way to go! What an amazing accomplishment! I really need to do the sugar detox to force me to give it up! And getting rid of my post babies pooch would be awesome!

Lennie Jackson - Please share some before and after photos. They will help us all! Congratulations on sticking to your journey. You are inspiring.

Tiffany - Good for you!! Every picture of you that you post I think how amazing you look!

Kristin S - I don’t even know you but so proud of you! Blog-land is super weird like that. We’ve all watched you work hard and shrink.

About 5 years ago I lost 50 lbs. It took over a year. It was WORK. I had been exercising for years with no change. Food was what did it for me. I had to flip a switch.

Now at 43, my body is changing again. No weight gained. Still working out consistently. Belly has returned and things have shifted. It’s pretty discouraging and people at the gym tell me it’s my age. I don’t like hearing that. You’ve intrigued me with the sugar thing. Oh, how I love it! Hmmmm….

Breanna Moorad - Hi Megan! I found your blog thru Instagram 🙂 I haven’t seen you guys for years, but you will probably recognize the last name?? Anyway, your blog is very inspiring & I have so appreciated your honesty & sense of humor! I am just beginning… again… on my healthier journey! I totally relate to your emotional eating, you wrote about. On another note, I’m enjoying seeing how grown up your kids are & the many other things you share on this blog! God bless! – Bre

Liz M - You look great. Congratulations. i also did the sugar detox with Marta. I am reflecting on a couple of things:

First, why aren’t we (as a society) doing a better job educating ourselves and our kids about nutrition? I feel AWFUL that I have been feeding my kids crapola disguised as healthy options. We have slowly made some changes around here (some I have been sneaky about, others that I need them to know about) when it comes to feeding our bodies. Honestly, it makes me mad I did now know about this—I have learned so much from Marta!

Second, as a single mama with a tight budget, it is frustrating that foods with no sugar are hard to find, and expensive. The sugar-laden options abound and are much cheaper… It is worth it, but I found I need to balance the appetites of 4 boys (2 home from college this summer) with my desire to offer “real food” I am wondering how you do that with your large family?

Finally, are you trying a lot of new recipes, and do you have favorite sources you can share?

Thank you –you are an inspiration in SO MANY WAYS!

Renee - I have had a similar journey. I joined the Y and fell in love with Zumba just after Christmas. And I began to try to eat around 1600 calories a day. I automatically gave up almost all refined sugar because I wanted to get the most food for my calories! I do okay with water, and have not been as consistent as I would like, cheating with diet soda. But otherwise, the results have motivated me to stick to it. I have lost 41 pounds in 5 1/2 months. I hope to lose 10 more to get to my ultimate goal of weighing what I did before my kids were born (13 years ago). I know I will get there and I’m not in a hurry. Each little accomplishment is so fun! Especially buying new clothes! I have dropped 3 sizes, which has been so amazing for me. And I actually love to exercise and have found a couple of things that I love so much I look forward to it each day. It takes a while to find your niche, but the work is so worth the result! Thanks for the encouragement!

Lindsey - Hi Meg!
Thanks for the info. I want to tell you that one of the last pictures that you posted of yourself was AMAZING! You look fantastic. Seriously. Good for you! Very inspirational.

Jill - Jill COMMENT two! I did NOT say, congrats Meg!!! REALLY…a HUGE deal! A REALLY BIG, BIG deal!

Mickie - O.K. You have completely inspired me! I am going to sign up for the 21 day Fix with her (and maybe eventually the sugar thing) when I get back from vacation and moving. So… probably if she offers it again in July. Thanks for the inspiration!

chrissi - congratulations on reaching your goal. don’t you just love that? making a goal and reaching what you thought you never could. we rarely get those chances as adults in charge of everyone else. it is huge.
like you, i am eating clean. no processed foods. nothing after seven pm and drinking lots of water. no sugar. lots and lots of veggies and just a few fruits.
i want to be strong too. i am doing pilates. walking alot and trying to figure out my hubby’s home gym. it is slow but rewarding and i love donating the clothes i am growing out of♥

Lisa McCracken - I think this is amazing, Meg, and I am so glad you shared it. I have been in such a rut. I lost 13 lbs. a year and a half ago and I gained it all back because of what I’m eating. I considered doing the sugar detox when you did it, but I thought maybe that was too much of a jump for me a that moment, but I would love to do it soon. I have one question for you….
I know you love your coffee 🙂 what are you using as a creamer?
Thank you and Congrats on your wonderful success!

Krista - Good for you Meg for keeping it going for an entire year! When I saw the picture of you & your family in front of your old house on moving day and you looked SO TINY– and then that picture of that TINY aqua bathing suit…I knew whatever you were doing was working! I’m on day 5 of the 21 day fix, and I’m down 4 lbs. My shorts feel looser and I actually got to use the last set of hooks on my bra this morning (LOL)– this is a big deal! I have eaten more vegetables this week than I ever had! half the battle is having all of the groceries in the house to be able to follow
the plan properly. I spend much more time in the produce section than in the other sections of the store. I haven’t tried the Shakeology yet, but I think I might have to break down and order it. There are days when I am hungry– not unbearably so, because you eat every few hours– but I think the shake might help. I did break down and have a piece of cake last night because it was my daughter’s birthday, but I planned for that early in the day and “saved” my blue and orange cups and a few tsps for that purpose. The workouts are hard, and my body is sore, but I’m working parts of my body that aren’t getting used by just running. I find that I have to pause the DVD here and there because the pace of the workout is a bit fast for me but I’m hoping at some point I’ll be able to keep up wither her.

Good Luck to you and I love your posts, please keep them coming!

Amy - I am doing the sugar detox with Marta right now. It’s rough….but I’m learning so much! Just curious.. Did you stick with it after the 14 days? Or did you go back to sugar?

Beth Ann - Congrats Meg!!! That is AWESOME!!!!! Way to work hard and enjoy the rewards! I have keep going in phases where I eat really healthy & clean and then no so much. It is hard with a husband and 3 littles and summer (boating & beverages & firepits & relaxing….) I am TRYING again to eat clean, but we will see. Again, congrats to you!!!!!!

Tara L - Thanks for this update, I recently decided to improve my health also. I have lost 10.25 pounds. It’s slow and steady which is best. I have been clean eating and walking most days. I mostly walked a 5K a little over a week ago, and yesterday I was able to mostly run it. And it felt great to push myself and finish. You have been an inspiration and an encouragement to me, thanks.

stephany - This is AWESOME, Meg!
I need to make some changes (eating better, drinking more water). You have motivated me. I turn 39 in less than 2 weeks…by the time I am 40 I want to lose the weight and be in the strong, lean body I am hoping for!
Thanks for the motivation!!

Jamie - Thanks for the inspiration! I am at the very beginning of my journey (2 weeks in) to better health and I felt such relief reading that it took you a year to accomplish this. My daughters and I had a blast drawing from your Crazy Owls video and I was thinking at the time, “She looks so great!” Your skin is glowing and you look so fit and strong! Way to go!

Karina - The part which really hits the nail on the head is where you say you’d had enough. Until YOU decide to do this thing, nothing will work. I have been creeping up the scale as I creep closer to 50 years old, and eventually I just got so disgusted that I was able to make the necessary changes – no set program, in my case, but the DECISION to eat better and move more. I already eschew pop and don’t like fast food or eat junk food – part of me was resistant because I felt like I shouldn’t be getting fatter on what was already a pretty good lifestyle (I was insulted by my own body’s betrayal of me). But there is always that second helping, that sweet tooth, that resistance to putting on running shoes. I threw out my 19 year old sneakers and got new ones, and a few really good bras – amazing how much difference that made right there – you walk a lot lighter if your boobs are not in the way! My poor dog gets dragged on little power walks before breakfast a few times a week now…she doesn’t want to leave her basket but I haul her along anyway. I have lost seven pounds since April. I am certain this is mostly from seeing the truth in the mirror…and from how much BETTER I feel after even three little walks a week. If you can’t afford a program, don’t feel like you can’t fix this thing on your own! Meg is right: you need to look after your body. But until YOU decide this – really decide it – nothing will change.

jody - Meg
Can you talk more about how you manage eating “clean” while cooking for your kids & husband? How do you manage with all the snacks in the house? I find this the hardest part. Thanks! You look great. …:-) your hard work has paid off.

Amanda - so funny, our brains were in sync today. I just posted a few hours ago about the clean eating challenge I start Monday. I TOTALLY get what you’re saying about exercise coming 2nd to food. Last year I worked out so hard…and did not lose weight. This year, starting in January, I started eating real food and cutting out TONS of processed stuff, and I have been down 8 pounds from last year…and that was with NO working out. Now I’m starting to work out, AND get serious about this food. I’m so excited to see how different I’m going to feel (and look) because of this challenge! We start with a 5 day raw challenge….yikes!! It DOES feel so good to finally take back control!! I need to see you in person so I can get even more pumped about all of this!!

Alicia @ Investing Love - Congratulations! This is so great!!! I know firsthand about the diet thing. Nothing is as important.

Kelly - I’m at just a little over a year since making the decision to do the same thing. I have used several Beachbody programs too (different coach 😉 ) and had such great results. It is the eating that’s the key though! That’s been the hardest change for me for sure! My next goal is to get into a size S/M. I’m less concerned about the number on the scale as I am about the way I feel and look. I was an uncomfortable L/XL when I started last April and am a happy medium right now but I would love to get into a S/M!
Thanks for continuing to share your story! It’s been an encouragement to me!

Sarah M - I’m reading this thinking, yes I totally feel like enough is enough. I’ve started running again but my diet totally sucks. I have four kids (8,7,3,2) and I feel like there isn’t enough time. Even as I type it it feels like an excuse. Do you remember what it was like when you had tiny people? Did you feel constantly tugged every which direction with never a moment to yourself and when you got that moment all you wanted to do was take bath in silence with some wine? In my mind I know I would be a better wife and momma if I explicitly made more of an effort for my own health but where does that more come from? You’ve been in the trenches with kids for a long time. How do I not feel selfish about taking the time I need to get healthy and not feel like I’m shirking responsibilities? Should I have this figured out by now?

Kristi REDISKE - Congratulations-sounds like you made your mind up and that you were very determined! I have a bad habit of going to sonic everyday to get a diet vanilla dr pepper-sometimes 2 times , I need to give that up and drink water, it would even be a money saver!!! Maybe I will try at least that.

tara - everything about this post was inspiring.
the words. the color. the stories. the pictures.
the thought of whitney houston on the freezer isle.
all of it.

kristin - Your mother’s day flower story brought tears to my eyes. You are kind.

Katherine @ Grass Stains - Meg, I found the perfect mug for you a few months ago, and I bought it on a whim. I’d love to send it to you for you to keep, whether at the Craft House or your new home, if you’ll allow me to. I’ve been reading your blog for years and years, although I only comment occasionally. I think I sent you a direct photo of the mug on Instagram a while back … I can’t remember. Anyway, I’d love to mail it to you … it just screamed “MEGAN DUERKSEN” at me, and I had to get it. 🙂

Kerri - What Heather said!! She said it perfectly. And I love the peonies; the home we moved from 7 years ago had several pink and white peony bushes and I really miss them.

Su - Your tattoo guy story sounds like a story from Love Does 🙂

KJ - I love it when God shows up as a tattooed man ready to snag some flowers, but instead leaves us with more of himself.
Reminds me of the homeless man at MCD’s…

Ana Hogan - You are so awesome! 🙂

I bought that book on the kindle today. Hoping to read it on our mini road trip tomorrow.

Thank you for being an inspiration to momma’s… and women in general!

Kristin - The story about the man & the flowers just made my day. Beautiful!

Traci - Looks like a colorful week, and full of good things! Also. That looks like such a sweet dog. I’m jealous!

Seriously Sassy Mama - Sounds like a nice week.

Sarah Wolfe - You beat me on the kitchen cabinet hardware. We moved into the house and after making so many decisions, I just couldn’t make another one. So the cabinet doors are still bare… I have a feeling when we finally get that done, we will wonder why we didn’t do it sooner! 😉

Sounds like you had a fabulous Mother’s Day… and I love the story about the man… I’m sure you made his day!

Jenn - I followed your advice. I ordered the book. (I even convinced my girlfriends that we had to read it this month, as the inaugural book for our book club.)

Amazing book! Wow! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Seamingly Sarah - I love the peonies! I’m still waiting for mine over here in Northern New York. I loved your story of giving the flowers to the man. What a wonderful god ordained encounter. It is so good that you saw it for what it was, a moment to give, maybe plant a seed. =)

erin - I can’t wait to see what you do! My home is 13yrs old and I love it but I LOVE the charm and character of a home like your Craft House. I am hoping to get some ideas from you of creating that charm in a “new” home. I am sure whatever you do will be fabulous!

Lisa - Congratulations to Hesston! I saw in the paper that both your teams won State and was so excited for your family. And fun things going on at your new house. The changes are definitely making it more your home. Hope the reno continues to go well – am excited to see it in it’s “more final” form (’cause houses are never really “done”, right?).

Chantel - I am so happy to see all of the trim painted a pretty white! I know that people may say otherwise, but something about wood trim makes rooms feel smaller and dirty to me. The white just seems to open it all up and make it look so crisp and pretty!

kimberly oyler - you are so fast! can’t wait to see it.
missed you this weekend.

Michelle B. - Wow! Congrats on everything! Wow! What a week or two or three, I’d be on the floor!
Hang in there and enjoy the ride:)

Kristin S - I love that you took apart and sold the kitchen cabinets. So so smart! Too often people just tear out perfectly good stuff and toss it. I’m sure someone will love yours!

I’m trying to choose a bathroom color right now and have 15 swatches taped to the wall. I need to just go get samples made. PAINTING it on the wall makes all the difference.

Mindy - COngratulations on the State Championship! When our daughter was a senior cheerleader our football team won the state championship and it was just SO exciting! I love that you sold your carpet and cabinets instead of just trashing them like they often do on TV (even if smashing something with a big hammer might be a little bit fun…). Can’t wait to follow along and see all the changes you do to make it just perfect for your family. Thanks for letting us peek inside : )

Library Momma - Wow! Where I have I been, I must have totally missed the post about a new house!?! Congrat’s!

tere - The house is looking great. Enjoying the view of your progress.

Michelle - I have been wondering how Scott’s team did. I assumed they had lost since you hadn’t posted anything. I am so happy for they won! I am excited to watch your new house transformation. Lots of good going on in your life-awesome!

Jenny B. - OH, Meg!!! I am so so so happy for your family! You guys are jut not afraid of anything! 🙂 It is already starting to look more “Duerksen-ey.” I love it! I have been looking at so many houses lately, and just can’t find one I like that’s “me.” We haven’t even put our house on the market yet, and I have been a little bit scared that we would sell it and then have nowhere to live because I hate all the houses! You just gave me a huge amount of hope and a little bit of courage. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Barbara (WA) - Cute photo of your hubby ! And you know what I this is awesome? You don’t have to move in and then begin all the mess. That is a blessing.

Whitney - So exciting!! I love the house and can’t wait to see more!! And you are really inspiring me with your exercise/healthy eating updates 🙂

cornelia krahn - Love what you’re doing to the house!

Tiffany - Wow Meg! I took a break from Facebook and Instagram for Lent and that means I’ve been slacking on reading blogs too. Congrats on the new house! It looks amazing… So big and open! I love doing your own work on a house too. In excited for you and look forward to watching the transformation. Miss you!

Amy Lynne - It’s going to be amazing! It is so nice to have big kids that can help…we’ve been putting ours to work too!