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we shaved our heads.

my friend had brain surgery on thursday.

YES…brain surgery!
like what McDreamy does…but for real….on her own head!
and i felt sick in my stomach all morning…full of worry.

we were getting updates through email from her husband about every hour.
and then emails began between my girlfriends.
diana suggested we all get together 
and shave part of the back of our heads kind of like jana had to 
for solidarity and love and support.  
a reminder to pray.
everyone jumped right on board!

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thank goodness amy (my neighbor) has a hair salon in her house!
how convenient!

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oh we crack ourselves up.

we laughed and laughed.  
if there was audio with this….it would be all laughter.
what a fun way to ease our nerves on this scary day.

we really love you a lot jana!

she's out of surgery….doing well…getting better…in recovery…
being missed very much by her family and friends.
SO MUCH.

praise GOD.  

i can't wait to see you again jana.
and give you a big big BIG hug.
i wish i could do that right now.

soon enough my friend.
get better.
rest.

you are deeply loved.

Melissa - I totally teared up reading this! What a beautiful gesture. Jana must have feel so loved by her girlfriends. Praying for her recovery and good health!

Cindy - What an incredible group of women you are! You’re so blessed to have each other.
Thanks for the cry.
I hope Jana is doing well.

Amanda Rettke - Well, this made me bawl of course. What a blessing. You guys gave her such a gift… I am so thankful for generous and loving souls like you guys… who make the world a better place!
Much love to you!
Amanda

danyele - bless jana’s heart…and what fab friends! i love it! and i know she does too! and, for what it is worth, i think it’s fun too!

Suzanne - how amazing are you all?!?
that is just absolutely INCREDIBLE!!
Jana, how can you not recover quickly with such supportive friends as these?? No more surgeries…who knows what they’ll do next;) Sending you prayers & best wishes…

Ginny - You guys are amazing. You are all so lucky to have each other. I wish I had friends like that!
Good thoughts sent to your friend, hoping for a quick a recovery!

Trina - Wow …what a group of friends.. how blessed are you all! The fun and silly makes it all the better.. I’m sure your friend feels loved and supported beyond words!

callie grayson - praying for a speedy recovery for your friend Jana, and strength for her family and friends.
what a great bonding and loving thing you all did for her!! She is much loved!!

Elena Rego - First time here. This post brought tears to my eyes… Sisterhood is just the best thing in the world!

Musing - Found you thru StumbleUpon and had to tell you that this just made my day. πŸ™‚

Chrince - What a beautiful thing to do for your friend! Hope she has a speedy recovery.

sara - i hope your friend is doing ok. that is so sweet what you ladies did. a great group of friends!

Liz - You are an awesome group of friends. I’m sure she felt very loved by your actions. You are all lucky to have each other.

Aubrey - Oh man, I was totally waiting to see pictures of bald women and was wondering what you’d say you all said to your husbands. You’re smarter than I am–what awesoem friends you are. She must have felt your vibes and that’s why she’s doing well! πŸ™‚

bethany actually - One of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen. God bless you all, and especially Jana!

Alaina - Okay…that made me cry! Friends are such blessings! You guys are awesome! God is faithful!!!

MGF - Way to support your friend. She is lucky to have ladies like you in her life.

Patty - Oh. My. Goodness. What friends. What support. What tears. God bless you all and Jana.

rachel - What a great support system; she is very blessed to have family and friends like you. I wish her a speedy recovery!

deb - What amazing friends you are. I wish her a quick recovery.

carissa - what an amazing group of women!
you can feel the love!
lots of love & prayers for Jana!

jennifer - Friends are AWESOME! What would we do without them?! She is very blessed to have a group of girlfriends like you.

robin bird - y’all are amazing girlfriends!! you made me cry. i am sending my own hair care to jana, her family and her lovely freinds!!
xoo

Mary Ann - How great is that!!! So happy your friend is doing well… Love the Bud Light bottle on the table next to all the hair pieces !!!!

Sherri - Kaysville Momma - What great friends you are!!!

Heidi Jo - This is so very sweet. How lucky she is to have friends like you guys!

clgarrett - that was so sweet it made me cry!
i know that sick feeling, 12 years ago my best friend had brain surgery too. she’s 12 years post brain cancer!
fun photos!
i can imagine all the laughter!

Harper - Way to go ladies! I love that you all got on board! I am sure this will be such a kind and loving gesture to Jana, how hard it must have been for her to have to shave her hair, but with all of her friends doing the same thing, she not only fits in, but started the trend!

Sharla - Okay, tears here too. You are so blessed to have such a great group of friends and Jana is so blessed to have your support. I hope she’s doing well.

Staci - What GREAT friends! I’m so glad to hear she is doing well! Keep us updated πŸ™‚ I’ll say an extra prayer for her too!

northernmichiganmom - I have read your blog for quite some time now but never leave a comment. I had to comment this time to let you know that this touched my heart. What a great group of friends. I also have a close knit group of friends and I know we would do the same if ever in the position. Thanks for sharing and a speedy recovery to your friend Jana.

3 Peas in a Pod - I’ve never commented before but this post hit close to home. One of my very dear friends had brain cancer. I love that you all shaved your heads to support your friend. She’s lucky to have you.
Much love from NJ,
Suz

sarah - That was so sweet of you all! I was in tears by the end.

Jennifer - YOU GO GIRLY GIRLS! That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!
Smiles (and hugs to your friend),
Jen

Queenie Bee - Oh man, girl! No wonder you were feeling so blah the other day! My prayers are with your friend. What a blessing to have such a caring group to encourage her healing. I’m so glad you shared this!

Shannan - What a fantastic idea! What a blessing to have a group of girls like that. Keep us posted on your dear friend.

chris - Your friend is so lucky to have wonderful and caring friends like you guys are .
Well done,
Chris

traci - first of all, my prayers to your friend jana. hope she is 100% really soon. you girls rock!!! what an awesome way to show you care. so sweet. i love the bud light bottle on the counter. perfect!

katie - tears. Thank God for friends.

susanne - what a sweet thing you have done. you and your friends are very special and supportive.
i hope she is feeling better and things went the way they were hoping for.

susanne - what a wonderful and supportive thing you and your friends have done.
i hope she is feeling better and things went the way they were hopeful for.

Christine - i just found your blog. I love your style, your faith and your heart. This post really
touched me. You are all such wonderful friends. God’s blessings on you.
Thanks for sharing your story through this blog.
Christine.

Erin - Way to tell your friend, “We’ve got your back!” This is so sweet and cute— she is going to CRACK UP when she sees it. And I think cry too… like I am.

Michelle - You brought tears to my eyes! Anyone would feel incredibly lucky to have you girls in their lives!

jesse Peak - Oh my Gosh that makes me cry! What a wonderful group of ladies you are! What great friends! I will keep her in my prayers!

Beth - that has got to be one of the coolest things that i have ever seen. what fantastic friends!

Marla @ Stolen Bon Bons - I think that is the sweetest story I’ve ever heard. Sending prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to Jana!

traci - ok…you guys were laughing but this made me CRY!!! Sooooo thankful this friend is ok. What fabulous friends you guys are!!

Heidi Jo the Artist - This is incredible! Such awesome friends you guys all are! I will keep Jana and her family in our prayers.
Heidi Jo the Artist
http://swirlsofcreativity.etsy.com
http://swirlsofcreativity.blogspot.com

kristin at prairie daze - you are wonderful friends.
you’re like a good book i would read.

gina - OH MY GOSH- HOW WONDERFUL! i’M CRYING, BUT IN A GOOD WAY.
pRAYERS FOR jANA!!

lee ann - That just brought on chills and tears.
Everyone should have friends like you guys!

Darby - I can hear the laughter! Seriously. Y’all are the best friend’s a girl could have. Now, the lady with the really long, dark curly hair will have to wait years and years before her shaved part grows out! πŸ™‚ What a wonderful reminder to pray!!!!! Y’all are WONDERFUL!

Andrea - Ok, those last few photos made me cry. What is better than girl friends!

Margaert - This is a wonderful thing to do for a friend. I’ve been following your blog for a short while now. Found it through a friend of a friend. I will pray for your friend Jana. Thanks for blogging….
– M.

Lanny Stanard - OMGosh, how wonderful to have friends like you guys! I have tears running down my cheek… WOW…
Lanny πŸ™‚

Rosemarie - Wow – that is just amazing. Awesome.

Crystal - You are awesome friends! πŸ™‚

Cecilia LΓΆfholm - I’m almost crying in front of my computer! I think the support you showed your friend really showed how much you love her! And when she sees it, I think she will laugh a lot, just like you did. You seem like very nice friends!
Cissi from sweden

Beth - WOW SUPER WOW! What amazing friends, you all have bonded together! Best of luck to Jana!

pumpkinpinkcottage - what a bunch of amazing and beautiful friends you are…that is so beautiful..I’m glad to hear she is doing well, hugs, lisa

Rach - That is the sweetest thing ever. You guys define true friendship. Makes my heart smile. πŸ™‚

Melissa Mae - What wonderful friends she has! My mom has breast cancer, and I know that any kind of support shown by her loved ones means so much, whether big or small.

missanne - this post brought tears to my eyes.
you guys are amazing.
Praise God for your friend being out of surgery and doing well.
Many prayers for a healthy and happy healing.
xo
p.s. i LOVE the shaved spots!

missanne - this post brought tears to my eyes.
you guys are amazing.
Praise God for your friend being out of surgery and doing well.
Many prayers for a healthy and happy healing.
xo
p.s. i LOVE the shaved spots!

amie - ohhhh this made me cry so much! you are such an amazing group of friends!! jana is so lucky and so are you, and so are they! i want this…

Jane - You are amazing! I had brain surgery several years ago. This kind of support would have really helped me. Jana is so blessed to have all of you.

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Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

this is my new favorite.

craig's sister Sherri made this over christmas and i fell in love.
we called her for the recipe and i made it the next week.
it got many compliments….which makes me happy…so i have to share!

it looks like a lot of ingredients
but it's just open and dump it out so it's a quick prep meal.

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browning the onion is the hardest step in this recipe.

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while the onions are browning you add everything else (except the chicken)
into a big pot.

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but clearly you should use a bigger pot than i did.  
it was so close to bubbling over!
yikes.

after it simmers for awhile….40- 60 minutes…you can add you chicken.
and enjoy!

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add chips, sour cream and cheese to make it extra yummy ( = fattening)
it is so good.
and spicy…it's got a kick.
i am eating some right now and my lips are burning!
mmmmmmm…..

my kids will not even begin to try this so more for craig and i…woo-hoo.
good luck with your kids!
recipe is in the sidebar album.

viagra online - Wow, I love Peking duck and never thought to make it myself, but you are always a source of inspiration. Can I just say that when I first saw that picture, I thought had a 6 pack, and was ripped! Regardless of the athletic inclinations of the duck, the final results look amazing.

buy propecia - This gets my vote especially because I am from the Caribbean where cooking veggies in coconut milk is quite popular.

star trek voyager - I love your blog so much, and there are just some differences with others’. Hope there will be more wonderful things in your blog. Happy every day!http://www.star-trek-dvd.com/star_trek/Voyager/index.html

jimaiemarie - oh my YUM. i have to try this asap! i love the pictures you posted, so tantalizing!! πŸ˜€

Wendy - This looks like something we would love. Soup is on the menu most days around here in the winter and I can always use a new one to try. Thanks for sharing Meg.

Donna - Hi Meg – this has nothing to do with your tortilla soup – but that sure looks good, I am going to give it a try.
Anyhow, I wanted your input on something if you don’t mind. I am going to make myself a little craft room and I was wondering if you could give me input on what I should plan to do in there. Do you have any tips for me? It will never be like your wonderful room, but I don’t know where to start.
You can email me at Bourgoinfam8@aol.com……….thanks so much.
Donna

kasey - dear meg,
domestically challenged here.
but i will try:)
your friend,
kasey

Tami - Im making this today!

cecilia - Hello
I just love your blog,I found it a while back & just not found it again, I am tagging it for sure this time! I have to say your pictures are amazing! So beautiful.
I just have a question about the MINT BROWNIES, I dont buy bars of baking chocolate, I do have alot of choc chips that I had bought in hopes of makiing alot of xmas cookies…. what would be the conversion of squares of chocolate versus chips? Do you or anyone know?
Thanks, I really want to make these, they look so delish!

Anna - Looks like a delicious soup; I’ll have to try that in place of taco soup (hubbys favorite) sometime. I love spicy stuff, but you can hold the onions.

Victoria - Mmmm this soup looks and sounds yummy!
Loved the realness of your “blah” post. I can relate and know I need to get up off my bahootie too! πŸ™‚

Shannan - I have big plans for an All Soup Week next week, so this is perfect! Thanks for passing it along. πŸ™‚

elisa - I am a few months into your blog and I want to move!
I am in LOVE with your house, neighborhood, etc.
Sigh, totally jealous.

mom - I’m glad you posted this so I don’t have to call and get the recipe. When you made it at Christmas it was super. Thanks for sharing it.

Staci - Looks oh so yummy! I’ll have to give it a try this weekend πŸ™‚ In mourning right now over my Sooners losing, BIG SIGH! Ah well, it helps me keep life in the right perspective πŸ™‚ Lots to be thankful for…even if there is no BCS title! Happy weekending to your family πŸ™‚ (I’m POSITIVE my boys woldn’t touch the soup either!)

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - OMG….I can’t beleive this…my husband and I were just talking about this last night and were going to look up a recipe for this soup to make on Sunday! Wohoo!!!!!! You rock!

Amanda - I will have to try this. It looks yummy.
Hope you are feeling better. I would say ifyou are enjoying the savory-ness of a good mexican dish things are looking up.
God bless!
Amanda

Tami - This looks very tasty on my way to the store now lol!

Carrie - I am so making this this weekend!
Thanks for the recipe.

Jill - Oh this looks yummy!! It has been soup weather here in Houston!! Soup and chili… πŸ™‚ ~Jill

Amber - I’ve been searching for a good chicken tortilla soup recipe. There’s so many out there and I never know which one to even try…so I just don’t πŸ™‚ It looks yummy although I’m a little wimpy when it comes to spicy foods. I’ll have to give this one a try…thanks for sharing.

Jessica - Hi Meg. I’ve been reading your blog for about a week now. I got hooked, and I read every entry! I love learning about your family, and it excites me that you are super crafty. There is a band that I think you’d enjoy, and it’s safe for everyone’s ears. The band is called Enter The Worship Circle, and they sing beautiful songs to the Lord. It’s not cheesy in any sense. I bought Chair and a Microphone, Vol. 3 on iTunes, and have had some of the songs on repeat throughout these past few months. Hope you like.

katy - That looks delightful! I will def. try this with my family…I might lesson the spice, so the kids might eat it. I LOVE spicy though. Thanks for the recipe.

Suzanne - you know how i love, love your recipes! thanks for sharing another! it may be on the menu next week:)

MGF - Looks SPICY– YUM-O
Thanks for sharing

lisa - Last week I made your enchiladas , they were a HUGE HIT!! So today I had just turned to your blog and you had posted this recipe , I needed to make something for dinner. I checked and I had everything to make it. I had to let you know it’s another success for our family – they loved it. Thank you!! Lisa

Crystal - yum! I would like this…doug would not. πŸ™‚ Hope you are feeling less blah today! πŸ™‚

traci - that looks delicious. have to try that soon. thanks!

carissa - i can not print that recipe fast enough… right to my heart! yummo!
thanks for sharing… woo hoo!
and the sour cream… a must! πŸ™‚

Kelly - Yum, that looks fantastic! Will definitely try!

a thorn among roses - so funny you posted this…mine is redy to go up next week! ha! we love this meal for the same reason…dump and run…and it’s delicious-o!!

Lorilee - Meg,
It looks delicious. I may have to tone down the spiciness just a tad. I like spicy, but I don’t like my mouth on fire!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Christy - Look yummy! Will try this. I also wasnt to try your potato soup recipe.

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blah…..

that is how i feel.

ready but not really ready for a new year.
feeling defeated…exhausted…worn down.
BLAH.

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i watched 2 oprah's last night…not good when you are having a pity party.
i felt worse than when i started.

i know in my head what i need to do.
but getting myself to actually do them is so tiring.

i will.
today.
i have to.
besides….even waffle is getting fat because of my laziness.  

taking down the christmas decorations will help.
clean table tops.
cleared out rooms.
getting a few drawers cleared out.
that will help.

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bottom line….i must get moving so i can feel better so i can BE better for my family.
if i am exhausted all they get is crazy mommy.
tired yelling mommy.
and even i don't like her.
God gave me this perfectly healthy body and here it sits…wasting it's potential.

that is so wrong.

this verse struck me today: 
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Power. 
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand 
against the devil's schemes."  Ephesians 6:10 

the devil's schemes?

my desire to sit around and eat mint brownies for a month.
my desire to watch tv instead of read my bible.
my desire to stay up late and not give my body the rest it needs.
my desire to sit at this computer and not get things done.

so i am putting on the full armor this morning.
and i going out for a walk in the cold sunshine…for exercise and vitamin D.
i am sick of feeling like this.

this helps too.

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friends are awesome.
thank you.

ok oprah….i'm off to live my best life!
HA.

Thank you GOD (not oprah) for these thoughts.

this mind.
this body.
the Holy Spirit inside me moving me to be what God wants.  
not oprah.

Mamabear - Wow, I know I’m reading this 2.5 years later after you posted it and I bet you don’t feel like this anymore, because you rock. πŸ™‚ But I feel like this alot. I feel so guilty that I’m not living up to my potential, and guilty for not being the best mom that I know I should be. And blech. And don’t forget blah.
so thanks for the reminder. I’m reading your whole blog because it’s more fun that doing what I should be doing (like all those things you mention you need to do) but right now I’m feeling some conviction. Nail on the head. Ding ding ding. Off to get ready for bed…and what do you know, it’s not even midnight.

eryn - What a great and wonderful reminder to put on God’s armor. I was telling my friend today that I stay up too late, partly because it’s when I get adoption paperwork done, and partly because after doing said paperwork, I can’t fall asleep. She said, “have you tried reading your Bible?” Duh.
Jesus gives me peace, now, why didn’t I think of that before?
anyhow, thanks for the reminder. my kids don’t like crazy mommy either. πŸ™‚

Mattie - Amen, Sister. I need it too.

robin bird - you are such a good girl.. i mean that in a grown up girl kind of way. doing what you need to do. being honest with yourself. not calling yourself too many bad names….
you will do it. already you’re doing it i am sure!!
xo

Jennifer - I hope you feel better soon (mentally)!
This week has sure been hard to get back into the swing of things!
Cheer up soon!
Jen

diana - I love, love, love your blog, your style, your house, recipes, your crafts, everything!! Meg, you’re truly an amazing lady! And then today’s blog . . . Wow! I was reading and could not believe it was EXACTLY what I was feeling!! I had the same reaction after watching Oprah. And reading all the comments let me know I’m not alone. Thank you for your honestly. God bless you and your family! I pray He grants you the strength to tackle your goals and dreams for 2009!

Emily - Discovered your blog and love your style. I feel the same, so I can relate. Love your honesty. I made your mint brownies tonight. I should have doubled the recipe because they will be gone in no time. Sooo delis!

alyssa - I am so with you. I spent all day cleaning my house on Saturday and it still wasn’t done. All I’ve wanted to do for the last two weeks is sit and do nothing! I did get out and run around with the kids today-that felt good.
Enjoy your thoughts.

amy bell - i read this entry and thought….really? have you popped in my head lately? do you know what is going on? seriously. i totally relate right now. the same issues…
breathe…thank you for sharing….i needed to feel like i wasn’t alone.
xo
amy

jennifer - AMEN SISTER!!! To all of it. Your original and post and what you added in the comments. You are so real and that’s why I keep coming back. I’m feeling the same way and it’s so good to know I’m not alone and to at the same time be reminded that I have a Lord and Savior that not only loves me anyway, but will give me the strength to get through it.

sara - the blahs are going around i think. god bless you & hope you get to feeling better. your blog always brings a smile to my face. thank you.

Marnie - Thanks for explaining Meg. :o)

Anna - Um…I think that you read my mind. That is exactly how I am feeling right now. I have been that way since before Christmas. Today I finally started organizing and getting things done. It feels better…but there is still SO much to be donw. In fact, I should be starting supper right now. Just want to let you know that your blog makes me so happy and I have to visit it pretty much every day and I am bummed when there isn’t a new post (but I understand).
Need a laugh? Read my last blog post. My 21 month old thought it would be funny to lodge something in her nose at bedtime Tuesday night. Not fun! But now, it is funny! :o)
God bless you, Meg!!!

kasey - just checking in with you, and looks like you do need a little vit D.
Could use that myself here in lovely illinois.

Cathie - all that needs to be said ……. AMEN!!!

Suzanne - wow! your post was very similar to mine yesterday…your honesty always is actually what encouraged me to be so honest…i felt a great comfort knowing others were feeling the same i was…so nice not to feel alone! i miss you!! i don’t hear from you as much anymore…hopefully you’ll visit soon!
my today was certainly much better than my yesterday…i’m betting/hoping yours is too!
love ya!

Alyssa - I am right there with you. Spendinf way too much time not being the person I want to be. Your house always looks nice to me and you have 5 kids…I have 3.
Hope the walked helped.

Dana @ BoysMyJoys - I’m feeling exactaly the same way today! I think we function on adrenaline to get us through the holidays. Then the new year and new year’s resolutions combined with fatigue and trying to get back into the non-holiday swing of things. Not to mention all the work it takes to get your home back to normal. It just leaves us pooped and overwhelmed. Especially when we try to do it on our own, and not lean on God for help!
Anyway, just wanted to comment and say I know what you mean!
Now I’m off to make a pot of tea and get motivated!

a thorn among roses - a good friend always does the right food. it’s a tough time…after christmas and the weather stinks and well, i’ve been in the blah’s for a few days. i’m climbing out…prayers for you and yours.

Sheryl - Meg,
I love you, I just love you! You are so real and remind me of myself, except I feel this way with only TWO kids. Thank you for being candid about crazy yelling mommy. I am that person when I am too tired, too hungry, too overwhelmed….sounds like a two year old, right? Your laundry makes me feel less lonely with my “laundry pit”. Thank you for all you do, your beautiful site, your craftiness that encourages my crafty side.
I tried your Mexican Chicken recipe and my family loved it so much I just entered this as “Meg’s Mexican Chicken” in my upcoming church cookbook.
My sister and I look at your site everyday and we feel like we know you in person.
Thanks so much!!

Wendy - I’ve been feeling much the same lately. I had all intentions to start back to the gym Monday. I got up, and headed out only to be thwarted by a snow storm. I haven’t headed out since. I would love to hibernate but I will gear up and start back on Saturday.
I also tuned in to Oprah to catch up on her big week last night. I love what Dr. Oz says and the clutter guy and all the money stuff but her spirituality shows have turned me off to her in the past couple of years. Since it isn’t what I believe, I just turn it off completely. The time spent watching that should be time spent reading my own scriptures and worshipping in my own way.
Anyway, I hope you get out of your slump soon. I’m sure you will. πŸ™‚

Brenis - Meg, I think so many of us hit this point around the first or second week of Jan!! Moms are the ones that rush around keeping the house clean, prepping for parties, cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, and basically trying to make it a “magical” time for our kids!! It makes sense that about a week later it slams us in the face and WE BE TIRED!! LOL !! Cut yourself a little slack, decide it’s ok to listen to your body and rest a bit. God made us perfectly and wonderfully in His image! He WANTS us to rest one day a week!! But usually Sundays (at our home anyway) are just as crazy as the rest of the week!! Snot a whole lot of “resting” going on! πŸ˜€
And sometimes… when you’re just being still.. and quiet.. the Holy Spirit will speak to you in a way that you just don’t “hear” any other time for all the noise in our world!
Praise God for you sister! You’re rockin awesome!! (even if you don’t feel like it right now!)
xo Bren

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - Meg….I am thinking of you…I have been there…I wanted to say congrats! I was at this blog http://www.hollymathisinteriors.com/
and saw a picture which I knew was yours! so I followed the link and found you here
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/nursery-tours/nursery-tour-megs-kidfriendly-vintage-chic-playroom-068773
What a great write up ….and of course….I was so proud to see your beautiful room being featured!!!!! Yeah!!!!!

MEG DUERKSEN - hi marnie…and everyone else.
πŸ™‚
you figured it out marnie…oprah has offended most evangelical christians. her online course and spiritual teachers use a lot of the same words as christians but they believe in coming to “god” any way you find him and any name you want to call him. like alah…or budah….or mother nature…or the universe. and she’s calls it “the higher power”. basically she is new age but avoids any label very carefully.
and slowly people are confused.
But Christians believe there is only ONE way.
the Bible says there is only ONE way.
that way is to Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believe that He died on the cross to save us from our sins.
He sacrificed Himself for us.
and that He rose from the grave into ascended into heaven on the 3rd day.
Believe that you needed Him to do this for your sins and Repent.
when you believe these things in your heart and say them with your mouth you will be saved.
that’s the ONLY WAY. (John 3:16)
christians have to believe the Bible is ALL truth….not just pick what you like.
so…nothing wrong with self discovery.
nothing wrong with getting healthy.
nothing wrong with gratefulness.
nothing wrong with generosity.
she does many great things every day.
but her spiritual teaching is not what i believe.
i still watch her sometimes.
because there is a lot of good stuff too.
but i just turn it off if it’s “spiritual” or “enlightening”…..using discernment.
and it’s funny because her shows i watched were not spiritual at all.
it was about health and weight and exercise (bob greene and dr. oz).
i felt guilty for the way i have been living (like a sloth! πŸ™‚
and she pointed it out.
and gave me lots of good ideas to get me started.
but when i turned it off and spent some time in prayer i knew that God has been telling me this for months and i felt sad that i listened and responded to Oprah and not Him.
So i wanted to be clear that i was not praising Oprah but God.
but then sure enough….the next day (yesterday) she had on all her spiritual teachers.
so i deleted that one.
i just felt the need to explain that a little more.
thanks for all the support ladies! i feel great today…ready and willing to do what God wants. wow. you guys are great…i wish everyone had this kind of support!

elisa - I just found your blog- can’t wait to sit down and read it when I have a quiet moment.
I too feel your pain, I am longing for summer, open windows and playing outside, quilts on the ground for picnics….sigh.
Winter can be so un-motivating.

traci - WOW~~even though I lOVE this entry and needed this entry who would have guessed the response???? WOW!!!

Barbara - AMEN SISTER! I’ve read your blog for quite a while now, never commented, but just had to on this wonderful thought! I, too, have felt this way….exhausted and weary before even starting…I, too, have found that getting closer to God has been the only answer to that problem. And THANK YOU for not singing the praises of Oprah (has some interesting topics from time to time, but she is NOT the goddess of America like some treat her), but of the One who truly deserves it!

Melissa - Thanks for your honesty, it’s a comfort not to feel alone in the new year BLAH. Keep fighting, His grace is sufficient for all our needs.

Carrie - I totally relate! I am normally charged and ready to go for the New Year, but this year, I just can not get motivated.
Cheer up!

Marnie - I don’t know where my comment went – it said:
Re: my earlier post – I’m not an American, I don’t follow Oprah, if she hasn’t done some thing to offend Christians (which is sounds like she has), I’m sorry if my earlier post was offensive.
Marnie

Marnie - Re my earlier post: I’m not an American, I don’t “follow” Oprah – so if she’s offended Christians, I’m sorry if my post was offenive.

Sara - Thank you for this! I’m feeling very much like this lately and it’s a.) good to know others feel this way, too, and b.) good to put things in perspective spiritually. So easy to forget those things sometimes.
Thanks!

Kari - I’ve been trying to log on to my internet all day and it hasn’t worked. Then out of nowhere it hooks up and your blog is what I decided to look at first. I needed this! I am sooooo glad I am not the only one that feels like this! My devil’s schemes are just like yours with exception to the mint brownies, mine is peanut m&m’s. And on top of this I just got done watching Barbara Walters interview with Patrick Swayze and his fight with cancer. I’m not even sick & I don’t have the umph to live that he does. I am ashamed of myself! Now that I’ve come to a realization, I’m going to get off this computer & go to bed at a decent time so my body can have the rest it needs & I will feel rejuvinated and fresh in the morning for the beautiful day God has in store for me tomorrow. Thanks Meg and God!

Kelley - Been trying to LIVE Col. 3:23 this week (specifically). May encourage you too…

katy - Well, I guess we’re all feeling this way. I told my husband a few minutes ago that I was ready for bed and it’s not even 9:00 yet. I might just go treat myself, put some comfy jammies on and jump in bed. πŸ™‚
I just posted this morning b/c I’ve been feeling groggy as well. So, I’ve got myself back on a working out routine…hopefully this will help (along w/ eating somewhat decently).
Have a great rest of the week.

Tami - Amen Sister !!!
Thanks for sharing
Aren’t you glad there is a army of us women in the same battle and a BIG GOD to carry us through… πŸ™‚
Blessings to you!

Marnie - I don’t watch Oprah … what did she do wrong?!!! I thought everyone loved Oprah!!! What am I missing!!!!!
Don’t forget Meg that your body is wanting very badly to hiberate at this time of the year … so don’t beat yourself up too much! Better to make small but consistant small steps than to demand too much and feel like you’re not getting it right. One of my favourite sayings is this:
“If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing badly” as in it’s worth messing up, getting wrong – just have a go. :o)
Love your blog!

vera - oh Meg I couldn’t agree more. I started up exercise routine AGAIN today too. Besides Annie’s cute face could motivate anyone. If only I had such cute pictures of my three girls 19,16,10!! Only four more days until she goes back to college. Still not sure good news or sad. I know sad. Anyway thanks.

Amanda - Hey Meg! You of all people know… this is just s phase!!! You have WAY to much creativity in you and way to much love for your family and way to much respect for our Savior to ever let this icky stuff get you down for long. So. I am sorry you are feeling blah. I am feeling it too…especially the cranky, impatient and yelling at my kids part of it… but you shall overcome!
You have a great Scripture on here… FOLLOW it!
And read James… they say it is written for the ‘mature’ believer…so it speaks to the trials and tribulations of someone who walks with Christ but gets overwhlemed or frustrated or just fed up with daily life. (Its short…and you’ll be glad you did.)
I’ll be praying for you!
God bless-
Amanda

pam - It is so comforting to know that it is not just me feeling this way! I have felt uninspired, cranky, tired, and just plain down in the dumps lately. Thanks for the verse and for putting your ick out there!

Kate - Oh I am right there with you. I have felt so horribly lazy/sluggish ever since Christmas. That verse was just what I needed to read tonight. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Jessie - Thank you so much for these thoughts. I am feeling the same way, even though mentally I keep trying to pump myself up I feel defeated before I start. I have the Oprah’s on my dvr for this week, but now I am considering deleting them, so I am blissfully unaware of what I’m ALSO not doing.
I feel like I need a vacation, but even that sounds exhausting at this point. I’ve got to plan a wedding, paint the inside of my house and hopefully loose 50+ lbs. I’m tired…pity party.
Thank you also for reminding me who we live this life for. I will remember this body is a precious gift from God and I will continue to try to nurture it mentally and physically through the best of my abilities.
God Bless and I hope you feel like super woman soon πŸ™‚

Wendy - buy some fresh flowers and get some exercise. those always help! i often feel a little down this time of the year too and it is so gloomy out.

Jules - Hi Meg,
I just discovered your blog tonight – on the other side of the world no less! I’ve had a blast going through all of your previous posts, you have a beautiful family, take gorgeous photos and are a fantastic mum!
Everyone gets a bit down (especially at this time of the year – I spent the weekend in a similar funk) Still, just remember, this too shall pass.
Anyway, thank you, you have definitely inspired me tonight, I have been threatening to start my own blog for a long time, and after reading your posts I think I just might…. and I will be back to read your updates!

Cindy - Thanks for being honest, it helps to know it’s not just me. Watching TV instead of reading my Bible, worrying instead of praying, not getting enough sleep or exercise. I wonder if it’s a “mom” thing right after the holidays. Okay I’ll go make dinner now.

Sarah - I just went thru this, this past weekend. I just chalked it up to getting sick.. but I was just down and out and feeling sorry for myself…
so I took a day off work.. and was lazy… and it helped some… but then tuesday came.. and I had to go back…
its better now…
God helps us thru everything!

Rebecca Kriner and Tom Burke - Very well said Meg! Very inspirational! We Love you!

traci - This is actually one of my FAVORITE post you have ever done!!!!!!! I love that scripture…Im going to copy it and paste it everywhere, I truly am!! I love that its NOT Oprah…she makes me feel BLAH and some other things…it IS ALL ABOUT GOD and giving Him our best!!! LOVE THIS POST!!!!!

christine - must be something about this time of year
you were incredibly productive this holiday season
it’s only normal that our bodies crash at times
be kind to yourself and focus on all that beauty your hands created. You will get your groove back. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time. i’m just starting to get mine!But i still have to take down all my christmas decorations!
Enjoy

Sarah - Hi Meg, I’m a longtime fan of your blog and first-time commenter! I just wanted to say that I know how you feel (as so many of us do). Sometimes when you are feeling really burnt out and exhausted you really have to take some luxurious time for yourself before you feel like you have the energy to start overhauling everything and living Your Best Life. At the very least, you should try to go up that gorgeous bathroom of yours and have a nice long soak in the tub with a magazine or frothy book, and then put on your softest pajamas, and see if you can take the rest of the night off. Then, maybe you will feel more like starting fresh tomorrow and doing what “needs” to be done. I hope you find your energy and inspiration — it’s around here somewhere!

Jennifer - I can so relate. I can’t believe how blah I’m feeling. I don’t want to go to bed at night and all I want to do is be on the computer. So then I’m tired all day and have these guilty feelings. I feel so guilty because once my kids got on the bus this morning, I went back to bed and slept until 1:00PM!! Now I’m all groggy and still don’t want to answer those dishes and piles of laundry calling my name, much less the treadmill. Thanks for the post though…it motivated that I can (and will) do more with the help of our sweet Heavenly Father.
Thanks Meg for always keeping it real.

colleen - I have been reading your blog on and off for awhile. You always seem to keep it real so that is why I return. We see the good and the bad and thank goodness there is always more good for you and your family.
God came into my life in 2008 after 38 years of looking for Him. It’s a long story and you can click on my name to read our blog if you would like but to sum it up, my 5 year old sweet daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor last April. It has been one of the worst times but thankfully because of God, it has also been one of the best times in our life. We are very blessed and we understand how incredible each day God gives you is and we try not to take anything for granted.
It’s a new year and starting it out with God and being the best person you can be is a wonderful way to begin. Here’s to savoring it all and being happy!
-Colleen
Moseley, Virginia

Staci - Oh I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. I made a commitment to myself (I’ve done this before many times) to work out before even allowing myself time on the computer!!! WHY do I do this to myself !!!??? But it does help me not to sit down at the computer and totally “blow” an entire afternoon away. My Christmas ornaments have invaded our dining room table just waiting to get all wrapped up in their little homes for yet another year πŸ™‚ So glad there is someone else out there who doesn’t have everything put away πŸ™‚ Hope the walk with Waffle will help πŸ™‚

erica - oh thank you for this post. i’m so sick of hearing oprah praised. if i hear anyone else quote oprah i think i might just throw up. thank you for your example of seeking for help from a higher source. from the only One who really can help.
i love your blog.

traci - i am so glad you praised God and not oprah – although she probably thought you were praising her. sorry, that wasn’t too nice of me. πŸ™‚ hope your walk made you feel better. you are a great person and a great mom, meg. all kids have crazy mom’s once in a while. {{HUGS}}

MGF - LOVE the Krispie Creme MUG.
Enjoy……

meredith - Hang in there, Meg. The enemy can’t stand a woman of fortitude and conviction – it ruins all his plans. Hope you have a good night sleep and a better day today.

Jenn Thomas - Abuelos is calling us girls – we need a night out together

Mod Girl - Amen to that! Without Him we are nothing.
Love your knew header.

Lanny Stanard - Girlfriend you’ve said it all I’m right there with you! I’ve been feeling the same way but I’m feeling better now! things will get better I know they will…
mE…

carly - what encouragement! and said so perfectly and honestly. thank you.

Brooke - THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!! My new year is starting off trying to center my life around His expectations for me and not my own (as always), but also about really being in this world but not of it! 2009 will be a big challenge year for me!! Thank you for being so open about your love of Christ, it is definitely encouraging to know you can reach so many with just one little post!

anne - Amen sister!
GO out and live your life!
and take some Vitamin D too!
xoxo

Sarah Keith - Exactly what many of us are thinking you’re just brave enough to admit it for us all! Go out in to the SUN and praise HIM for our many blessings! I love to be in HIS wonder! By the way…I made your YUMMO chicken enchiladas…FANTASTIC…and a couple of shirts with my girls initials on them. You just never know who is watching us and being inspired!!! Keep On! Love from Texas!

clgarrett - amen and amen.
and so glad you didn’t give “O” the credit. even though she has some good shows…but i won’t go there.
i think we all feel like this at some point. i decided to do my best DAILY this year and have more “BALANCE” in my life. new year = clean start. and those are always good.
i wish you the best…i pray that you are encouraged every day and that you find the rest that you need to stay on track and be strong!

tracey - tis the season for the ‘blahs’ i think. but all it takes is the slightest of perspective shifts to give yourself that little get-up-and-go that you need. i think taking the holiday decorations down will help too. : )
make yourself some cider or something special as you do it. it helps. and don’t even get me started on Oprah.

Kelly - Oh my goodness, me too, right down to the Oprah. It’s been a tough January so far. I keep thinking that it’s almost spring to help me keep positive.

Shannan - Isn’t it amazing how easily we can see that we are not alone, when we are just honest enough to reach out? At least that’s how I always feel.
I watched Oprah last night, too, and felt all sorts of similar ways. I was lying in bed thinking…I need to get a flax seed grinder! I need to go eat 14 walnuts! Ugh.
Thanks so much for sharing. We can never be reminded too often that the Devil seeks to deceive us and rob us of our joy. Thank goodness we have the Truth.

lulusparkles - just what i needed to read
so good to know it is not just me
feeling that way.
i think you are pretty dang awesome meg

Gwyn - Amen and Amen! I often get the January blahs, but not this year! God had empowered and created me for a specific purpose and this is the year that I will seek his guidance more than ever to fulfill that purpose!!!!!

sarah - I’ve been feeling the same way lately.
And I need to do the same things. Clean up, clear out, put up the decorations, etc.
And thank you for the verse, and this post.
Definitely something I needed.

Kelly - Amen to God not Oprah and I too shall put on the full armor of God! Great way to apply that verse. I too have been falling into the wanting to sit at the computer/stay up late/eat sweets temptations. I need to get in gear when I get home and do some laundry so my sweet husband will have some clean clothes to wear! Kelly

amy j - My muffin top has suddening escalated into a huge donut ring. How did I let this happen? My clothes are tight and I’m leaning toward sweats. I don’t want to be that person. Thanks for the feeling that I am not alone and I WILL take care of myself better. Starting NOW!

Donna - I can TOTALLY relate. Maybe this will make you feel better – your blog motivates ME…………it makes me want to get my house in order and do the things you do. I have 6 kids, so I can relate to you ~ and especially the photo of your laundry, mine looks like that ALL OF THE TIME. Keep blogging, you are INSPIRING. I am going to start a post on my blog of before and after photos of all the rooms in my house that are getting a RE org very soon –

Kim - Thanks for the push and the good reminders. I am blah today too but have no reason to be. Time to wake up and appreciate it all!

Lee Ann - Oh the yelling mommy. Where does she come from? She’s at my house all too often.
Thanks for the verse. So good. Reminds me that I cannot do it on my own. I need my armor….provided by God. Reminds me that He doesn’t want me to do it alone either. He will provide me with what I need to be who He designed me to be.

Ashley - Great post….I hate the crazy mommy that comes out from exhaustion and wasting time too.

Heather S - Oh I feel your struggle, I keep pushing back the date to start living healthfully. There’s a party with yummy food, it’s too cold out to exercise, a glass of wine with dinner and I’m too tired to do anything, let’s just eat out it’s easier. On and on and on.
You can do it!

Beth - I totatly agree with you…nope Oprah can’t help with it…but God surely can. I am feeling the same way when I get home from work…just tired and lazy…but I am starting on my exercise program..figured I would walk on the gezelle when I am watching my favorite show…so that should be easy.

Amy - Megan, I hope you don’t mind, but I put your post on my blog today (giving you full credit and removing your personal pictures) My blog is new, and my friends and I are trying to overcome bad habits and make a fresh start, and are going to blog about it to keep ourselves accountable. Your post just fit in perfectly with what I’ve been writing this month. I am praying for you, for strength to overcome!
Good luck to you,
Amy

amy d - thanks meg.

katie moreland - everyone is entitled to a blah day!!! Hope it gets better for you though!! πŸ™‚

Julie K. - Amen sista!
You’ll be fine. It’s just the after christmas slump. Creative burn out. Maybe make a couple of yo-yo’s … you’ll feel better. :o)
hugs and prayers for a better day today.
xo~julie

Cheryl - I love this post. It puts me in my place πŸ™‚

julie leak - I have been following your blogs for months. I can’t even remember how I came upon it. I have gotten so many cool ideas from it (I even mad the little hot chocolate treats for my girls class christmas party :D).
Your post today was so encouraging (to me and obviously many others). Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. It is such an encouragement to mom’s like me. There are so many days where normal everyday life has me just feeling blah. Ephesians 6:10 is definitely a great scripture to keep in front of me on a regular basis.
Your creativity is so amazing to me. I love crafts and such and have printed off and gotten directions to so many things that you do. I just haven’t gotten around to doing many of them πŸ˜€
Thanks again for such a refershing read that you put out daily.

brittany - I am in the same slump! So thank you for that…I really needed it!

carissa - love it… this post… the sharing… YOU!
big hugs!

Darby - Meg! Fabulous post. Praying for you to be strong in the Lord today… may He go before you and all that you set out to achieve and may He make it all possible. I’m already looking forward to seeing what y’all do together {you & Him}! Crank up some praise and get on with your stuff… and as Helen Keller so wisely said…
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller
Be encouraged!!!

Nessa Dee - Amen! Thanks for posting this. I’m going to put on the full armor today and march right out of this pity party I’ve been in!

Melanie - Sending you hugs from Florida. You do need to get your rest because it always makes things better. You have a clearer head and you’re not so ‘fuzzy’. I struggle with insomnia and after about 3 days of being up in the middle of the night and not sleeping, you kinda break down. I have been very busy since Thanksgiving and after Christmas, I rested. My husband had hurt his leg and when he got home from work we would sit and watch football and just didn’t DO anything. It helped. I got my list made, cleaned up Christmas decorations, and got myself organized for the New Year. I feel much better. Rest your body & your mind and you WILL feel better:)

Cori - I have enjoyed you blog for months! I don’t think you could possibly be a lazy person….look at your posts! They are amazing and put people like me to shame. Don’t listen to Oprah. She is really good at preying on insecurities and in the end she somehow makes money from that! NOT COOL! Read your Bible it is much more inspiring!

Tammi - Good morning! and…I feel your pain…for some reason this new year IS NOT making me feel the way I think I should feel, just not too motivated about all the “New Year” hype…
Everything (biblical) that I have been hearing for this year is to “guard your heart”! Watch what we are putting into our hearts by what we hear, see, etc…”For out of the abundance of the heart the mouths speaks” Matt 12:34
That goes right along with putting on your full armor…you are also protecting your heart!
I DID NOT feel like messing with all those Cmas decorations, but once I got started, I was just a little bit excited about getting things back in order and somewhat “normal” again. And when I was all done, it felt so nice! You can do it!
I just wanted to encourage you a bit…have a get-r-dun day!! πŸ™‚

Tami - I feel the same way.My mind is tired. I feel like my wheels are spinning all the time. I need money, but have small kids that need me. Hubbys money not enough now in this crazy world!If I work spend more money(gas,lunch,clothing,sitters)its very hard, I feel trapped! Im miserable behind a desk or in a cubicle!

PamperingBeki - Haha!! That’s EXACTLY what I’ve been thinking the last few days.
I had DVR’d those Oprah’s too and had the same thoughts.
I was forced to walk and pick the kids up from school yestarday. Not only did I survive, I actually enjoyed it!
The sunshine and fresh air were so good for me.

Kate Eschbach - Seriously. Amazing.
Thank you for posting this. I suddenly feel encouraged. Still BLAH, but much better.
I need sleep. I will go to bed on time tonight, so I can be the wife and mommy they need, not the selfish want to stay up with my hubby and vent girl. Who does that help anyway?
Thank you for posting this. I’ll be praying for you to be inspired today. πŸ™‚

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hunter

IMG_1906

this is my nephew Hunter.
he is showing me the stain on his shirt.
he really wanted to be on the blog.
he could recite the address and everything.
every picture i took over christmas he would say "that's going on the blog!"

so here you go hunter.
love you bud.
i really enjoyed being with you and your family this christmas.
hope we get to visit your new house this year!
and maybe even see you race.

he's a swimmer.
when he was in kansas he raced and beat his old uncle craig….pretty easily i hear.
i was sorry to have missed seeing that.
keep working hard hunter…we are really proud of you.

and by the way….
her code was her graduating year.
just like you thought.  :)

Joki - It fires one type of shot right? then it swaps the type of ammo used. Then fires a diff shot. Then swaps the ammo back again and repeats.This is for those who use two types of ammo cause they are poor and cant afrofd to buy the top stuff and try to use crap ammo on crap shots and good ammo on good shots lol. Smart but rly quite useless

Tegan - Hahaha. Nice work Hunter- you got on the blog…looking not too bad if I say so myself. Oops, okay so that’s a little embarrassing :$

missanne - handsome fella.
πŸ™‚
sorry about the stain!

Amanda Rettke - I LOVE the name Hunter and would have chose it for my own child but hubbys best guy bud chose it for his kid. Dangit. Anywho… hope Hunter enjoys his new found fame. Think he’ll get a girlfriend out of it? Just wondering. he he
God bless-
Amanda

kasey - thanks for sharing the pic. it reminds me of my son and what his shirt always looks like.

carissa - hey there Hunter!
so nice to meet you!
how fun!

traci - Hes a cutie!!!

Shannon Davis - This is Hunter’s mom and Craig’s big sister. Hunter will be excited to see himself. In anwsers to your questions about the hat — yes, it is extremely cool to leave the barcode on the hat AND the big sticker that is on top of the hat as well. Go figure. Megan, we also had a great time this break (even though I dreaded coming). Thanks for posting “the Hunter” –he will get a big charge out of it — and will tell you “told you so on the graduating year”

maile - how funny! hi Hunter! I agree that it’s cute that he wants to be on your blog. Hope i’m that cool of an auntie someday too!

Darby - Hunter, Congrats on your debut as a blog star. This made me laugh out loud! Watch out… you may start being recognized in public!! I too, often get asked, “Is this going on the blog?!” πŸ™‚

Sandy - Hi Hunter! You’re a star!
Troy, OH

Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage - Hunter is a cutie! Then again…I haven’t seen any of your family that wasn’t!!!!! By the way Hunter…I am always dropping food on my shirt too!!!!!! Can’t take us anywhere, can they? Swim fast!!!!!

traci - hi hunter – welcome to the blogging world. now your famous.

danyele - hi hunter! you finally made it! welcome to star town!

Wendy - My husband is always wanting to “make the blahhhg” too. And if a drip on your shirt is all it takes, he’d be featured quite often.
Congrats hunter. And great hat!

katy - He sounds like my family…asking the same thing. Funny. Hi Hunter…glad you got to be featured w/ your big ‘ol pic. on the current post!! yay for you!

Rosemarie - What a cutie. And I love the tag on his hat.

MGF - FUN, that he wanted to a part of something that his aunt does.
Is leaving the barcodes on a hat a new trend? It maybe is a old trend that I missed- I may be out of touch with fashion. That I know is true.

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just a couple more…

i made a few more crafts this year that i haven't shared yet.

i know….i was kind of a craft maniac this year.
this isn't normal for me.
i had such a good time making all these things.
but some years i don't feel like making anything….enjoy it when it comes i guess.

my 2 little nieces were given these shirts.

IMG_1781
IMG_1783
IMG_1785
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i really love making these.
i don't need much to make me happy….
a shape on at-shirt…that's all i need! 

i made a couple of these pillows.

IMG_1776
IMG_1778
 
it's pretty big…like a throw pillow.  
very fun.
i could see myself making a bunch of these too…
just because i like piecing them together.
my sister thought they looked a little mushroom-y with the red polka dot roof.
this one is hers.

and then there are these hand towels.
i made bunches of these.
crystal…i said i was copying you.
literally i was looking at your shop and trying to make what you made.
you have such great ideas!

IMG_1652

i want to live in this subdivision.
wouldn't that be the coolest place ever?!
i showed these towels to craig saying "look at these!!!!"  so proud of myself and he said 
"those are just darling!"  in a very sarcastic tone.
i don't care what he says….they are cute!

IMG_1914
IMG_1917

if you want one go to crystal's etsy shop. (click here)
hers are much nicer than mine…appliqued and everything.
she has fabulous shop full of creative goodies.

now i am out of ideas.
and energy.

Melissa - hi Meg,
I love the t-shirts and I am looking for an inexpensive, fun way to dress my kiddos! I have 3 children ages 3, and 18 month with 2 more expected in 5 weeks.(YEP, 5 ages 3 and under!) These shirts would be soooo cute on them! Have you even done a tutorial??? PLEASE consider one if you haven’t already! Thanks a bunch!

the rauths - hello! ok silly question here…what type of towels did you sew the adorable houses onto? i just love love love them. i know this is so random to ask but i’ve never done it and have all my pieces ready to go, except the towels. those i keep debating! thanks for your constant creativity and inspiration. i tell my husband i want to be you when i grow up and we have kids.

Randi - I love the stuff you make! Those toss pillows and towels are great!

Tegan - Really really cute Meg!
Just a question… do you buy the tshirts, and then design the fronts?? OR… do you make the tshirt too??
I’d love to know-cos my 9yo cousin would love one of these. Maybe I’ll find the sewing machine and get stitching πŸ™‚

Lynne - awesome! i adore that little village of towels πŸ™‚

Diane - Love, love, love the tea towels.
I was thinking of making some for Christmas gifts last year. And well, now it’s January and nobody got tea towels.
But I’m gonna make some of these really cute ones asap just for me. Thanks for the inspiration.
And by the way, I just found your site tonight through mom advice and it’s wonderful.

Ashlie - I love the stuff you make! It all has such a bright, fun, whimsical feel to it. I am really loving the pillow! I bet it would be too cute in your playroom. Great job!

Amanda Rettke - i LOL thinking about him saying, they are just darling! LOL that is priceless.
Godbless-
Amanda

Beth - Now these are just simply cute! All of them! Thanks for sharing…I might try the daisy looking one and just maybe I can handle it. We will see!

Beth - Now these are just simply cute! All of them! Thanks for sharing…I might try the daisy looking one and just maybe I can handle it. We will see!

carissa - flipping fabulouso!
love it ALL!
i have a bunch of Crystal’s towels… they make me smile! actually… i think WEARING a t-shirt like the ones you made… THAT would make me smile too!

Anna - Love the shirts. I’d like to attempt the heart shrits for Valentines Day coming up – I hope I can make some time to try them.
I just popped on your website not to long ago, but you have inspired me so much!

eryn - those tshirts are so stinkin cute! I have made some onesies kind of like that…a friend of mine who also reads your blog came up to me and said, your onesies remind me of those shirts on Meg’s blog…it was like, the greatest compliment ever!
I really wish I could live in your house. I think your house is my dream house…or maybe, I wish I could just live in your craft room. that would be heaven! I’m getting ready to adopt a baby girl from ethiopia, and daydreaming about a nursery. I keep thinking, what would Meg do? Is that weird? Well, if you have any wonderful inspiration, I’d love to hear it! Ok,this is officially no longer a comment. Sorry!

liz - i love all of the applique ideas you do! and how you do the stitching. love the towels too! definitely going to have to copy you!

Emily - Oh my goodness! I’ve been wanting to make those towels too. I saw them on Etsy a couple months ago and a friend of mine ended up liking them so much too that she made a few as Xmas gifts.
Yours are SOOOO cute! Great job

jody - I have been lurking for some time…and want to tell you how much you inspire me!!! Love your crafts, your humor & especially your photographs!!!! I hope it’s ok I added you to my “blog list” on my blog…Happy New Year!
Jody

Jamie Sampson - It is official, you are great at everything. I am in awe. Hope you are having a lovely 2009.

Lisa - I love the Christmas card display. I have to ask, where did you get the cute white fabric with the polka dots? I’ve been looking for pyjama pants with a similar fabric.
Take care,
Lisa

Daja - Out of lurkdom to say….
I left you a blog award! Stop by to pick up your bling anytime!

Wendy - i agree, you need to have an etsy shop!
i’d definitely buy some of this goodness!

Ashley - Seriously I have no idea how you do all that with 5 kids. I have 3 and am lucky to wash my dishtowels…nonetheless make so many incredible ones. I actually posted some I made today…I think I might need to delete my post and just put a link to these. Very nicely done!

Jennifer - Cuuuuuuuuuutttttte! I love it all!
Smiles,
Jen

NisaSim - These are awesome! Question about the t-shirts – do you use interfacing at all or do you just sew the fabric on plain? Is the inside (back of the applique) irritating at all to whoever is wearing the shirt?
Anyway, I just found your blog after seeing your fabulous playroom on ohdeedoh (it was my fave of all the entries) and I’ve been embarrassingly hooked on your blog all. day. long. Just trying to get a little inspiration where there seems to be spades of it!

Staci - Okay…I’m totally telling on myself right here in front of God and Blogland…I totally tried to click on the subdivision to see where you’d like to live…and in my defense…QUICKLY realized you meant the little homes on your divine towels! Hello??!! And I am a brunette! Just thought you’d get a good laugh out of that one πŸ™‚

Staci - I haven’t had a chance to read how everyone commented on this post of your’s…my guess is they are all saying what I’m fixin to….YOU SHOULD TOTALLY HAVE AN ETSY SHOP GIRLFRIEND!!!!! I’d keep you in business for sure! (Except…I just have boys, but man I can just imagine what you’d come up with to put on simple shirts!!!) You are simple amazing!

Gabrielle Mader - they are cute…no matter what craig says….you are my muse.

cjs - wishing I lived in your (read in italics) neighborhood.

Donna - Hi Meg – I love your blog. You have the best ideas!!! I love your house – what an awesome house and the craft room is to die for. I love that you have 5 children – I have 6!!! I love that you are real about your family – especially the picture of the two empty seats at your table ~ just like my house. Keep blogging, reading your blog is one of the highlights of my evenings.
Donna

sara - i love your blog! you are inspiring me to get off my computer & get back to sewing! keep up the great crafts!

Shannon Phillips - I recently found your blog off of Ashley Ann’s site and I am sooooooo inspired! You are one talented woman! I am speechless. Seriously, I am going to come back to your blog all of the time now because it makes me so happy and creatively regenerated. Thank you for posting your life..I love it!

Michelle - This year, in my haste, I barely decorated the tree, I only used those white crochet snowflakes. When the cards started coming in, I had no place for them. Then, VIOLA! I began tucking them in the tree. It solved two problems :the card display, and the under-decorated tree. Easy-peasy, got lots of compliments and I might do it every year.

amy j - You should ABSOLUTELY open your own Etsy shop!! I will be your first customer!

adrienneK - so cute!!! i used your crayon idea over christmas it was a big hit!!

Tami - Your things are always so cute, I love it & tried those marshmallow pops for my kids winter parties, it was a huge hit, thanks so much!

sara's art house - Cute!!!! Love the rainbow shirt!

Trina - These are extremely fabulous… I would move to the neighborhood with you and I’m glad your husband has the same type of responses as mine! You should be designing and selling… that is what I say! Love love love!

Meesh - Love the M shirts, being named Michelle and all. πŸ™‚

Diana Cornielle - Oh yes, indeedy! These are CUTE! I love everything you do. And thanks for the link to her etsy shop. I checked it out. Her stuff is so cool, like yours! By the way I don’t know if you’re willing to play but TAG! YOUR IT! I tagged you. Check out my blog for more details.

kristin at prairie daze - stop.
i love my pillow (though eliza has claimed it saying that since it came from annie’s mom it is basically hers).
and i LOVE those towels.
maybe i’ll try to make some too. or you should open a shop.

traci - you are the craft goddess. i want to wear cute things on my t-shirts. they are adorable!! and those dishtowels would make me like to do dishes. i am going to check out crystals. hey meg, why don’t you have an etsy shop? hint, hint. πŸ™‚

lee ann - Ok, I too am in the mood to make something! Thanks for the ideas. I almost made the shirts for my daughter’s friends for Christmas, but chickened out. For their birthdays? πŸ™‚ Do you just leave the edges raw?
And the towels! I think it’s a lovely little subdivision and I want some!

anne - love these!
swipin’ the idea myself!
nice work~

katy - Everything you made is darling! and…yes, I want to live in that sub division as well…cutie patootie!!
You did a great job on all of it…the little t-shirts reminded me of Gap. Good job.
p.s. I love your blog, I found you this afternoon and had to come back for a visit. πŸ™‚

danyele - i am such in the mood to sew…and now i need to get on the move! i hvae 3 shirts that need fun sewing on…and i love that rainbow…can i steal it? love all that fun stuff…ur so fun

lorel - We have been loving all our gifts! The girls have worn all their shirts already, and I am currently doing laundry so they can wear them again. The pillow looks perfect on our bed. We have been enjoying our vacation- reading and watching football in our room, lounging on a great big mushroom house pillow! It is so darn cute. We love our towel too. They look great together too. Thank you thank you THANK YOU. You are the best sister.
p.s. I just wrote all this in a thank you note, but thought I would share my sentiments with the blogosphere.

MGF - I’ll tell you, I am gonna make one for my boys this year with their letters. I think you said you made them with left over fabric. Each time I have seen these I just love them.

Lorilee - VERY cute Meg. I love the bright colors! I finally got past my holiday lazies! Today, I used an old chambray curtain panel–very large–to make 4 small panels. I have curtains in my garden shed, but they are getting tattered from the sun. I will hang them tomorrow
Blessings,
Lorilee

Aubrey - um, I meant to put an !!! instead of a ? after “darling”. i would have left it alone, but it looks like i was being sarcastic.

Aubrey - Those towels (ALL of it) ARE darling? What mushroom is Craig smoking? You have such a cool eye for fun and pretty fabrics. I know I am the annoying one always asking how and where you do things, but where do you usually buy all that fun fabric? (Have you linked the places before?) I KNOW most of it’s not at my local fabric stores.
sigh. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your style. I’m glad you were feeling crafty and showed us your stuff so we could be inspired. and hopefully just as motivated. (it’s easier to be motivated when the kids get bigger, right?) (i hope so.)

brittany - Those are AMAZING! I let you make me a couple shirts and hand towels…you know since your in the crafting mood!

Melanie - Meg,
They are so cute and they look just like you:)

Melanie - Meg,
They are so cute and they look just like you:)

crystal - you are too sweet meg! thanks for making this overly hormonal pregnant womans day! LOVE the house pillow and the shirts. πŸ™‚ take care friend!

crystal - you are too sweet meg! thanks for making this overly hormonal pregnant womans day! LOVE the house pillow and the shirts. πŸ™‚ take care friend!

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take that pottery barn!

i wanted to buy this wire card holder.

i really wanted it last year.  
then i saw it agin this year and wanted it even more.

but i just couldn't do it.
i love it though.

so i made my own card display.
i showed it a few posts back.

IMG_1612

it is nothing more than a roll of grosgrain ribbon, 6 thumbtacks. and 2 packs of mini clothes pins.
(all found at wal-mart or hobby lobby)

it is right inside our kitchen sitting area.
quite a conversation piece…everyone looking to see if they recognize anyone.

so take that pottery barn!

(please don't be mad at me PB….i will always love you…i just can't afford you…call me)

Andreza - LOVE your fall porch! You did a really great job! If I ever went trick or treiatng with my kids or walked by your porch I’d ooh and aaah to my kids about how cute it was. Great job!~Robin

Yungkyung - I get MSL (I think after blueprint got cleaeclnd? or maybe it was something more recent…) and I’m always amazed at her craft ideas. I always tag them but unfortunately never seem to get around to doing any of them….Maybe in my next life?!

Patio Accessories - Love it.

moncler switzerland - If you wish to be the best man, you must suffer the bitterest of the bitter.

Cheap Ugg Boots - Good for good is natural, good for evil is manly.

Orbo - Found this web-site and card display while searching for the pb curly wire card holder. Hard to justify the pb cost but for my college bound daughter I thought it would make a great gift. I am thrilled to have found this alternative! So cute!! I am running to the craft store right now to pick out ribbon and get the mini clothes pins. Thank you so much for this economical and darling alternative.

Traci - Meg, I don’t know if you’ll ever see this comment, but I’ve read through so much of your blog today. I love it. So inspiring! Who needs a magazine when I have this? I love your style of decorating. Thank you πŸ™‚

Al - I love it. For another good alternative try http://www.wirehomedecor.com/wirewalldecor

Brooke - oops….the below comment was for the “just a couple more” post….i do love this card display idea though!

Brooke - I absolutely love your crafts!!! Everything you create…too cute!! Especially all the clothes…I think 2009 will be the year I finally get a sewing machine and I will teach myself to sew if it kills me! http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/ <---This site is the closest thing I could find that sells clothes as cute as you make...however it is way too pricey for kids clothes...still fun to get ideas from though!

tracey - darn it, i wish i would have seen this post a few weeks ago! oh well, i am so using this idea next year. thanks for sharing!

inchmark - So beautiful and far better than what I tried this year, just taping them to the coat closet door. Now they are all covered in double stick tape and impossible to save the cards. I don’t know what I was thinking. Next year I’ll know better.

Anna - LOVE IT – I had this scary looking snowman thing someone gave me as a wedding gift, but it only held about 10 cards. I ended up just keeping them in a dish on the coffee table. I’ll try your idea next year!

Jamie Sampson - PB gets me too. All of their adorable little this and thats.

Amber - I’ve done this same thing over my desk to hang pictures and other happy things. I think it looks very cute. That’s a great way to display Christmas cards…who needs Pottery Barn? Love all your crafty items you shared too.

Wendy - I saw that and thought what a great idea you had. I will try and remember it and do a version of it here. Thanks for sharing! You always have adorable creations.

Kelly - It looks really great! I was privileged to be visiting in a home on Christmas Eve full of great style. They strung ribbon or twine or something from the corners of each dining room wall and the cards were hung over it right up by the ceiling. It was like lovely banners around the room. Kelly

MGF - Too funny. I really liked the idea when I saw a couple of post back. Thanks for letting us know how you did it.

Becca - I really love reading your blog. When I sit down and read your blog I feel as if I’m part of the family. (I know that sounds really werid). All the great pictures you share, all the great stories. I usually don’t read it for a whole week, and then sit down and read a bunch of post all at once. IT’s great.
Love your clothes pins idea. I’m going to do it next year. Thanks a bunch!

Aubrey - I like your idea and it I bet it’s so much easier to store than the wire thing. I’ve got to brave wal-mart for clothes pins. This would be a good idea for all the artwork my kids accumulate, though I wish I had fifty white cupboards like you do to display them. πŸ™‚

jesse Peak - Pottery Barn should be jealous! Yours is so cute!

Jennifer P. - Next year Potterybarn will be selling rolls of grosgrain ribbon and packages of mini-clothespins for $69.00. πŸ˜‰
I think your display is better than PB.

Shann - Hi Meg! I love this card idea…just like all your ideas…they are lovely! Can you refresh my memory? Did you have a post once with little bottle caps that you made with Christmas papers inside them and glitter and embelishments? I would love to make some and I really thought it was your idea…but I can not find that post. Was it you? Take care! Shann

sarah - Love it!
And I love Pottery Barn too, but like you, I just can’t afford most of the wonderful things.

clgarrett - i love me some pottery barn, but yes…they are so dang expensive! your display looks oh so nice! i may have to try that with some daily snap shots!
we are fortunate enough to have a PB outlet about an hour away…it’s pure job to walk in that store!

lee ann - I think that’s the whole purpose of a PB catalog…to steal ideas…..and to look at Target for the cheaper version. Love yours. I didn’t even hang mine this year. So sad. Next year though.

traci - that is so cute. much cuter than the pottery barn one. you are so creative.

Carrie - Meg-
I love it, and in the spirit of full disclosure I will be “stealing” this idea next year! πŸ™‚
I love all of your fun ideas and money saving crafts.
Pottery Barn and I parted ways some time ago due to the high prices as well. It was a mutual thing, but sometimes I really miss PB. HA!

danyele - love when that happens! good on..and now, i will steal it for next year! thanks!

allison - I have the PB one and it sits under a bed in the guest room…lol! It’s a pain in the butt to hang because it scratches my newly painted walls (it moves when you change pics and cards), so I hung it on back of a door and it scratched that too:(
I made my own display too this year. Two pieces of velvet ribbon hanging vertical from a door (use thumb tacs) and then we just cut small slits in the cards and slid them on…yours seems easier with the clothes pins, I will remember that for next year:)

Queen of the Click - The cards look great in your display. If you have your heart on that Pottery Barn card holder, just wait until February. Last year I got it for 7.99 even after it left the site and then returned at a low price.

Leigh Ann - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE yours, but I must admit that I got that curly wire photo holder from Pottery Barn on clearance last year. Even though I LOVE my PB one, I’m reconsidering now that I’ve seen yours.

lauren - you are so crafty and creative! i love your personal taste and style and always enjoy coming by your blog to see your pictures and what kind of fun stuff you are up to.
i found your blog through my sister-in-law (hipmomofboyz) blog and have been checking it out for the past few months.
just wanted to say that your family looks like so much fun and your kids are lucky to have such a cool mom! hope yall are enjoying the new year!
lauren

Lorilee - Meg,
I love it! I use little clothes pins painted green to pin my cards onto the greenery that I hang over one of our doorways. I also still have most of the Christmas cards we have ever received. I put them into ziplock bags and write the year on it with a sharpie. I keep them with the Christmas decorations. Now that many of the people who sent the cards have passed away, I can’t bear to even cut them up! I have framed a few(I put them into a large frame that I added handles to and use as a tray)
Blessings,
Lorilee

Kelly - love it

Christy - Love it! I noticed it on the other post too, thanks for posting the ingredients! I want to copy for next year. πŸ™‚

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other stuff.

i don't do really well with lots of children in the kitchen wanting to "help".

i wish i was better about it.

IMG_1607

this year…my kids came through the kitchen in shifts.
i didn't plan it that way they just showed up one at a time.
scott came through first and made these cookies into ball shapes for me.
and then he headed back to his video game.
then sean came through about 5 minutes later.  
he unwrapped ALL the hershey kisses and placed them on the cookies.

IMG_1610
IMG_1599

tably came through just after i got the jumbo refrigerated gingerbread dough out of the fridge.
oh yes…i used the pre-made pillsbury dough and it was really good this year!
she made bunches of cookie shapes and then left.

IMG_1604

annie came through many times to eat the cookies.  
she would say "can i just have one more mama….pleeeeeeese?"

and i made waaaaay too many chocolate mint brownies this year.
oh man…they are pure sin.
but you should make them anyway.  
even if it's january.

princess lasertron - oh I am baaaaad with kids. I try to come off as nice on the internet but I am so easily annoyed.

Jamie Sampson - can I live at your house? Oh my goodness your treats look good. I love mint brownies. Please send some soon. πŸ™‚

cjs - you wish you were better at it?
heavens, meg.
I am feeling inadequate at the moment.
quite, in fact.
I think you’re amazing.

Chaos-Jamie - I am always so glad to read you admit that kitchen “help” isn’t. I feel like so much of a loser mom in that area. I HATE making cookies with the kids. It is my own particular hang-up.

Kelly - Great new header photo! Happy New Year! Glad you had helpers in manageable #s. Kelly

AurΓ©lia - Happy New Year !!
I have just discovered your blog, it’s really great, I’ll come back soon !!

kasey - go ahead and send those cookies my way girl…

Aubrey - thank you very much. now i am hungry for rainbow twizzlers AND cookies.
how do you get your peanut blossoms so puffy? mine are always flat. using my mom’s recipe. and hers are puffy too. maybe there’s a cookie curse on my house. or i should put my husband in charge. he made the gingerbread by himself this year (with out daughter helping) and did pretty good for his first time.
thanks for the tips on the tree-in-pot-mystery. maybe if i get three jumbo cans of beans from wal-mart and latch them to the tree? think it would work? it’s so heavy. πŸ˜‰

Staci - Oh I’m with ya on needing to be more patient with kiddoes in the kitchen. I’m gonna work on being “more fun” in the kitchen. I like the whole working in shifts thing…I’ll give it a try πŸ™‚ LOVE your new header (or at least I think that’s what it is called??!!) How fun!

lee ann - Perfect! I wish mine would work in shifts and I only have two. They both have attention spans of about 6 minutes though. I can do anything for 6 minutes!

traci - i suppose shifts is better than all at once. you had many little helpers. the cookies look very yummy. HAPPY NEW YEAR MEG!!

danyele - shifts…that’s what we tend to do too. u know what they say about too many chefs in the kitchen!

Lorilee - ah, I remember those days of children wanting to cook. My youngest had a thing for cracking eggs! Now he is 13 and his only interest is popping popcorn or heating up frozen pizza!
Blessings for 2009,
Lorilee

Heather - I just stumbled upon your blog and have been looking at it for quite some time tonight. My resolution for 2009 is to be more crafty and it seems perfect to have found your site… it is the perfect inspiration I needed! Everything is so cute and you’re home is beautiful!

Gina - I’m a sucker for brownies. Those look amazing. Any thing that says “Mom’s” in the recipe, I’ve learned, is a pretty good bet. Happy New Year!

vicki - Those mint brownies look exactly like the one I just had at Starbucks two days ago with a mocha…the brownie was gone BEFORE I left the parking lot…ummmmmm, mmmm, good!

Melissa - I am not sure how I found your blog, but I love it! Love the cookies!

Pumpkin Pink Cottage - I wish I had more patience in the kitchen too… its so much easier with one kid at a time I divide up task so they each get a turn one at a time…hugs,Lisa

Allikayes Mama - Oh joy! Another recipe from you! I think I have made EVERYTHING you have given me recipes for…seriously! And Happy New Year to you! You rock! And have blessed my ’08 with your honesty and fun-ness! Bring it on ’09!

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