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May 16, 2014

first of all…. A WINNER for the Love Does Book.
did you read those comments?
i knew they would be great.

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Brenna – I used to think that my past defined me, but now I know that God doesn’t even have a record of those mistakes. What a life-giving blessing.
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email me your address and i will ship it to you!

now if you aren’t Brenna… go order the book!
it’s a game changer.

for mother’s day i asked for help with the yard work at the craft house.
and it was perfect.
there was minimal fighting and complaining.
everyone stuck to their jobs and the weather was lovely.
i worked on the hill in the bottom right corner of this picture.
i was pulling weeds and looked up and a tough looking man was looking at me.
he was covered in tattoos… shaved head…huge white t-shirt.
i smiled at him from down in the weeds.
he said “i’m disappointed you are here because i saw these flowers yesterday and was coming back to steal some.”
i smiled bigger and said “how about i just GIVE you some?”
he was shocked.
“are you serious?”
“YES! they are too pretty to keep to myself! What am i going to do with all of these flowers?!”
“ARE YOU SERIOUS!?”
i gave him some scissors and he was kind of frozen.
he cut two and i said “here… let me help you”
we chatted about where he was from, where he works, his kids, where he lives.
and i cut and cut and cut.
i gave him a huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers for his girlfriend who he said was upset with him.
he said thank you so many times and i said “be sure to call your kids today ok?!”

i gotta be honest… it was THE BEST moment of my mother’s day.
it just felt so good to GIVE.
my flowers and my smile and kind words too.

all my kids were home for dinner on mother’s day.
i enjoyed that quite a bit… obviously.
best chair ever.

last night craig, annie and i took the dogs on a long walk.
the yellow kitty followed us.
THE WHOLE WAY!
it was hysterical.
i said these three were like the real life Homeword Bound.

we have handles on our drawers and cabinets doors!!
woo-hoo!!!

this guy turned 16.
this is just crazy. how does this keep happening?!
we got him clothes and he spent a bunch of his birthday money on nike socks.
what will they come up with next?
can you imagine if we told our parents we were going to buy a $15 pair of socks?!
but there are few accessories for boys so nike decided socks were the way to go.

i like that guy.
he is going to be a really fun grown up.
🙂

i asked him to come in with me so i didn’t have to buy the food myself for my mother’s day meal.
we were serenaded by whitney houston BLASTING through the freezer aisle.
saturday night at dillons is where it’s at.

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tara - freezer aisle.
i think i misspelled it in the last comment, and it wouldn’t do for me to just leave it wrong.

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.

Lisa - I loved reading this post. Especially about the tough guy wanting flowers. My husband is a tough looking, tattooed guy. 😉

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

Melissa - Love that you gave the guy flowers. I bet you made his day! We did yard work for my mom for mother’s day also!

What I’m Reading | a glass of milk - […] whose lives don’t intersect with mine in many ways, but whose posts just make me happy. This is one of those […]

Mollie @Sprinkles of Life - I love your random, photo-filled posts about what your family is up to, Meg! And love seeing all your nature/flower pics!

I especially love seeing how you guys fill your warm summer days 🙂 It came so fast this year, its crazy!! My daughter will be in 2nd grade next year. Where did the time go?!?

PS- *love* your white kitchen!! Gorgeous!

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. 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - “i gave him a huge bouquet of fresh cut flowers for his girlfriend who he said was upset with him.
he said thank you so many times and i said “be sure to call your kids today ok?!”

This just made me cry. And I already knew the story!!

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.

amy jupin - i know it’s silly but these are my favorite kinds of posts.
i love the pictures and the little bits of you sprinkled in between.
reminds me of the days when i searched for beauty everywhere.
i need to get back to doing that more often.
that’s where contentment is found.
in the every day.

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

tinaehb3 - The flower story is the best!! And the Nike socks made laugh too…my boys are 9 & 11 and asked for Nike Elite socks for Easter and almost died when the cashier said my total was 36.00 for two pair of socks!! In my head I thought I will never tell anyone I just did this!!! Lol

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…

Michele - Your peonies are so pretty. Here In north central Wisconsin I might not see mine until the 4th of July! I’m not kidding. The stems just started to peak out of the ground last week and are only like 2 inches high now. This winter was brutal. Considering it is 38 outside this fine Saturday morning….I don’t think they will speed up anytime soon!

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!

Tiffany - I loved the “tattoo guy” story. You have such a big heart! Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Kelly - You’re so pretty! Love that last picture and LOVE the story about the man and the flowers! God is good!! Kelly

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

Kirsten J - I love the tattooed man story. Good, good stuff. And. We’ve lived here 7 years and I still don’t have handles/knobs on everything. Oh, we bought them way back in the beginning, but it’s a chore that has yet to be completed. Although he did finally work on them a few weeks ago and only has a bathroom and a half to go. But. We’re one knob short. *sigh* hopefully that place is still in business and has more…..

Seriously Sassy Mama - Sounds like a nice week.

CassM - Meg, I spy a Vancouver Island Starbucks coffee mug in your cupboard! So do I! (Well, I live here …) Gift from a Craft Weekend-er??

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!

Heather - Meg – I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now and I just want to say that I LOVE it!! I find all kinds of inspiration on it, whether it be spritiual, creative, fitness, junking or decorating. I find you so genuine and I just look forward to your posts. I’ve found that in the blog world, there seems to be this “need” to show only the perfectly styled pictures of our life, and while I appreciate a beautiful picture, I want to spend my precious time on things that I relate to. I usually end up feeling inadequate about my own life after reading some of the blogs out there. I never feel that way after reading your blog! I always feel inspired and like we could totally be friends. 🙂 I love your style, your home is beautiful & I’m trying tof figure out a way to move into the craft house! I really appreciate when you post pics of your laundry piled on the couch or books strewn on tables & your kids crafting! I love that you are continually striving to do/be better but still share the reality of day to day hectic life. Basically, I love your genuine-ness and your heart for the Lord and it totally permeates your blog. I just wanted you to know that. Have a wonderful weekend! – Heather

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!

Kim B - Cant wait for a home tour, your design/decor is always so uplifting.

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. =)

april R - Happy belated Mother’s Day 🙂

I can just imagine that big tattooed guy years from now
thinking about the lady who gave him her attention, time, and flowers

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i think you need a coach.

May 12, 2014

🙂
i had to make sure i got my work out in today before i could write this post with a clear conscience.

back in december i found Marta.
on Instagram i saw she was starting a 30 day nutritional group… and in a split second i signed up.
i had no idea what a nutritional group was.
i just said YES.
and i will admit that i took the same group two months in a row because
1. it was very interesting
2. i started it over the holidays so i wasn’t fully paying attention
3. i didn’t do ANYTHING she said the first round.

that’s right. i did nothing.
but i read her words… and got to see her heart right out there caring for each of us in the group.
and i began to really think about my nutrition.
so round 2 i started trying a few of her suggestions… baby steps right?
and then i joined the 21 Day Fix group.
i was hooked!
Marta is my girl.
she has got it goin’ on!
i love her encouragement and positive attitude… it’s contagious!

i thought it would be fun to interview her here on the blog!
because i want YOU to get to know her too.

so i asked her a bunch of random questions… here goes:

– what is your favorite time of day?

I’m a night owl. I love, love, LOVE staying up late.

Everyone’s asleep and it’s where I find ME time to sew, read, craft and lately, WORK on my fitness biz.

– your favorite movie of all time?

I love, love, LOVE movies. A lot.

I could never pick one. Ever.

A few of my faves are Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window & classics like It’s a Wonderful Life & Meet Me in St. Louis….. I love old movies. I recently became obsessed with The Way We Were….. and have always loved Pretty Woman, Field of Dreams and Goonies. TOO MANY I tell ya!

– top five things in your grocery cart?

blueberries, dark chocolate, hummus, spinach salad & lately coconut milk ice cream (since going dairy-free this has saved my ice cream loving taste buds!)

– favorite type of exercise?

If you asked me a few years ago it would have been Kickboxing (which I still love!) when I fell in love with Turbo Fire. Now it’s lifting weights. I do a program called Les Mills PUMP (an awesome program my company offers) and I have never felt so strong! I love feeling healthy and fit, but feeling STRONG is even better. I feel like a rockstar athlete again with muscle. Such a cool feeling when you are a mom of three.

– what kinds of things tug at your heart?

Anything sentimental. I have such a nostalgic heart. I save everything from when I was little and when my girls were little. On any given day I have been known to pop in some home videos and cry.

– extrovert or introvert?

can I say both? I’m very shy and would prefer no one look at me. I think it’s because I often get stared at while in public places due to my height. I’m almost 6 feet tall and I would rather just blend in at times. Dealing that with the majority of my life has affected me in many ways. However, when I’m around my family or close friends, I’m definitely loud and pretend to be a comedian. I crack jokes, am very sarcastic and am not a very serious person.

– what is your dream saturday?

A family get-together. I’m from a very close family. My sisters and I are best friends and we are always together at one of our homes or over at our parents having a BBQ or party for someone or celebrating an occasion. Between the four of us we have eight children so there is always something going on!

– who or what motivates you?
Many people motivate me every single day- my husband, my daughters, my sisters, other people in the fitness world– however, I’d say what motivates me most is not being able to meet my mom’s father. He died of a massive heart attack at age 44. 2 months prior to my mom’s wedding to my dad. This has stuck with me so much over my entire lifetime. Most eight years olds probably don’t dwell on the fact they never got to meet their mom’s dad. I did. For whatever reason. I felt so connected to him and still do to this day. I imagined him. What he was like. Why my mom was the way she was because of him. I thought, how sad that he didn’t get to see my mom get married and walk her down the aisle. How tragic. And unfair. But this created in me, a reason to honor MY body and my life. I know we can’t control everything. But I can control what I eat which impacts my health which impacts my life and how long I may live. I’m only 34 and not many 34 year olds think this way. But I do and always will.
When I have a slump of a week like filled with hectic schedule and CANDY. I re-group and motivate myself to be BETTER. FEEL BETTER. LIVE BETTER. This motivates me. My grandpa, whom I’ve never met, has touched me and impacted MY life so much. What a crazy concept. But he is a big reason I do what I do and am who I am. And he’s impacting what kind of mom I am and what kind of children I am raising. This is all “the big picture” of life in my opinion.
Other things motivate me as well. Wanting to feel my best, look my best, be energetic, be a role-model. But overall, we must all connect to our inner-self and figure out our main goals in life and then make a plan to achieve them.

– what did you eat for lunch today?

Ground turkey, avocado and tomatoes.

– if you could be someone famous… who would you be?

I would say Jackie Kennedy. I have always had this weird connection to John F. Kennedy and that entire era. Sounds so strange, I know, but when I see video footage of him, I feel like I know him…. like I’ve met him before. It’s weird. I would love to have lived during that time in America. I’m very drawn to the 50’s and 60’s and always have been nostalgic.

– where should someone start when they don’t know how to start… excerise or health wise?

I would say the first thing to do is get honest. Honest with what foods you are feeding your family and yourself. Do you really know what is in the foods you are eating? Do you know how to pronounce the ingredients listed on your box of crackers, chips and cereal bars? If not, throw it out and NEVER look back. This is what I feel is the most important thing starting off. Eat REAL foods. Real meat, nuts, seeds, fruit, beans, veggies….. real foods. Not processed fake things that resemble foods. If you start with this you will immediately feel changes and then you’ll see changes. I promise!

***************************** THANKS Marta for answering my questions! ******************************

so here are four facts i wanted to share:

1. Marta and her 3 sisters are ALL Fitness Coaches!
Isn’t that something amazing?!!
you can read their group blog for advice, recipes, information & inspiration… FOUR FIT SISTERS.

(ALL of Marta’s contact info is under her photo on that blog)

2. Marta is a a Beachbody Coach.
It is free to sign up on BB for a coach…. takes about 30 seconds.
when you do sign up, there are no high pressure sales or constant emails.
but what there IS is information, education & HELP with questions about everything.
when you order BB programs like the 21 Day Fix, Turbo Fire or Shakeology through your coach, of course your coach gets a percentage of that sale… but that is the perk of being a coach!
if you don’t sign up under a coach… BB gets ALL the money and you don’t get the care from Marta, a hard working mama trying to help so many women take back their health.
to me it is a no brainer.
sign up for free to have her as a coach and she tells you when all the sales are going to be, what new programs are coming out & answers questions you may have.
She can tell you which programs are her favorites too.

3. Marta has special nutritional groups that she runs each month dealing with all kinds of health issues.
you get daily questions and information that is fascinating.
i have learned SO MUCH this past 5 months.
i have changed my eating habits completely.
and i feel so good!!!
for real…. it has been awesome.
she starts a SUGAR DETOX group next week. (all the details can be found HERE )
i am enrolling.
and afraid.
but ready… please join with me so we can hold each other’s hands through it.

4. Follow her on Instagram.
because she is FUN!!!
handstands? black eyes? fire alarms and burnt bacon?
it’s all there along with the fitness inspiration.

i know so many of you out there don’t feel your best.
trust me… I KNOW.
you are tired, worn down & discouraged.

It is time to be done with that. (stop being sad and be awesome instead 😉
it is time to get strong…physically and emotionally.
do it for YOU!

I’m not talking about bikini bodies… i am talking about feeling healthy!

who else is going to take care of you?

ummmm…. N O B O D Y.

i think Marta rocks.

and she can help you get where you want to be.

she is a busy mom like so many of us.
she gets it.

the end.

🙂

i just started the 21 day fix workouts again,
but hey Marta… when those are done how about we try this record i found?
HA!

thank for continuing to help me reach my goals MARTA!!
maybe someday we will have a handstand challenge?!
just kidding!

do YOU have questions for me about any of this?
leave them and i will try to answer them IN THE COMMENTS so everyone can participate.

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Louise - I joined the 14 day sugar detox starting Monday. I’m so excited and nervous at the same time. Meg – thanks so much for being such an inspiration…and for sharing who inspires you. Marta is amazing. AND — so are YOU! 🙂 You look beautiful by the way! Well – you always have looked beautiful, but I really do see your total body transformation. You inspire me.

Kathy P - Which website do I watch for any upcoming nutritional groups from Marta? I’m not really interested in the sugar detox (I know I won’t do it — but if there is ever just a chocolate detox, it would be helpful 🙂 ), but would like to know what some of the other groups are. So do I check in on Four Fit Sisters or Beachbody or somewhere else? (I’m not on Facebook or Instagram, Pinterest yes!). Thanks.

Kelly - Hi Meg…..just saw this morning on TV with Montel Williams a show about/selling the 21 DAY FIX PROGRAM…..was that one of Marta’s sisters?? I so need to do something and you look like you have made some good progress following this plan. you are my inspiration !! thanks, Kelly–NYC

Jen Rausch - Sooooo I read about you starting the 21 Day Fix a while ago. Then, one of my FB friends (who is a BB coach) started a group and your blog gave me the courage to try it. My husband and I have kept it up (that stinker has lost 50 pounds!!) and I am even RUNNING now! We have changed our lifestyle so much that I just signed up to be a BB coach! I am so excited for this part of our journey!

Leann - Hi! Wondering if I get up in the morning before I have to leave for work, (leaving for work at 5:15am, wake up time is normally 3:30am) should you eat before you do? And if so, how long do you wait before working out?

Amy Woods - EEEkkkk! I want to join in, but I’m scared. Because I’m like REALLY FAT!…Not just kinda overweight….we are talking MEGA! ugh!

Amanda - Thanks for sharing Meg! You look so great. And I bet you feel even better!!
Are you still running or do you mainly do the videos?

Leslie - Hi. Because I need the motivation would you be able to do a before and current post- where you post how much you’ve lost (pounds, inches, jean size, whatever you feel comfortable with). And then a before and after photo? I need some motivation. I already eat a mostly clean diet (except the sugar in my coffee) and I have a health condition the very much limits the exercise I can do. So I’m stuck in this rut. I’ll share so that I’m not asking you to do what I won’t do— I’m a size 8 (5’4″ 147lbs) but I have a stomach that says “3 kids in 4 years”. My goal is to maintain at 140lbs and be toned and not have tummy pooch. But those 7 pounds just will not stay off. I lose two, gain 1, lose 3 gain 4, lose 1, gain 1….. Thanks for being an inspiration!

Amy Purvis - I’ve signed up too! Nervous as spit….I like my cookie butter after my long runs…and sugar in my coffee….and Pam’s cheesecake! 🙂

meg duerksen - KELLI – it has gotten higher somewhat but it is worth it to me. knowing that i am eating healthy foods and not just processed cheap convenience foods is worth the money.
LEEANN – i am think ing about the Pump too! the 21Fix helps you with the nutrition side of health too. and the workouts are do-able. it’s a great place to start. I have had a shakeology shake almost everyday for 3 months now. i like the chocolate and the vanilla. the strawberry wasn’t my favorite… but not bad either. i think when you order the 21fix with the Shakeoloy, that the shakeology is on auto renewal. but you just unsubscribe if you don’t want that. but ask marta to be sure.

Lee Ann - I think I’m about ready to bite the bullet. I think I’ll go for the 21 day fix – but I’ve also read so much about the Les Mis pump. I lift weights so I think that appeals to me – but I can’t do both right now.

Do you like the shakes? What flavors? Are you locked in a contract? Just the one time payment for the fix?

Heather - I am in my second group with Marta thanks to you! I started with PUMP because the 21 Day Fix was still back ordered. Now I’m doing the fix and while I love the pump workouts the fix is awesome for helping me get a handle on my nutrition again! I’m kicking myself for not signing up right away when I saw your original post about it. Anyway, thanks for the inspiration and motivation and encouragement! I owe a lot to Marta and YOU!

Kelli - I am curious if you have noticed a huge difference in your grocery budget and have you changed the eating habits of your entire family?

Cindy Singer - I just started her group this week!!!

Laura - After I saw that you did 21 day fix, I looked into the whole thing and did the Les Mills Pump Challenge with Haley.It was so great! I highly recommend the Les Mills Pump. I used to work out at the gym (elliptical and weights) but this has toned me more than that ever did.

Seriously Sassy Mama - Oh how I love this post. I was just talking with a friend about getting a trainer at the gym. I have a tendency to do things like workout then go pick up chick fil a because I had to pee, and could not longer hold it. I want to make sure I am doing the best workouts for me and my body.

Barbara (WA) - Hi Meg, My 21 Day Fix box arrived and now I know exactly why you were shocked at how small the containers were – they are tiny!! I haven’t had time yet to figure it all out but I have an online coach (a friend on my sons’s). Wish me luck! I want to be slimmer but more importantly stronger!

Makila - Hi Meg! I am currently in a 21 Day fix group with Marta. I saw last week you were giving up wheat. Is your whole family doing this? Did you go back to dairy? Just curious to ask someone who has done fix with Marta!

Thank you!

Caroline - Meg – you have been such an inspiration! I’m doing it – just signed up for the sugar detox!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Mumaw - I have done a 30 day challenge with Marta and became so interested that I became a coach under her! I love it! I am in training and can’t wait!! I am also doing the sutra detox! We can do it together bc I am VERY AFRAID !!! Sugar is my drug of choice , lol
We can support each other!!! I love MARTA

meg duerksen - ALICIA…. there is no doubt it is hard to work out with little ones at home, especially if you are home schooling! 1. the obvious option… get up before they do. (but let’s get real… you were probably up twice in the night to deal with at least one of them right?)
2. do you have a PE program in Homeschool? can it include push ups, sit-ups, planking, jogging, walking etc? 3. do you have a YMCA with childcare? that was my sanity when my kids were little. 56 minutes to myself watching oprah on the treadmill.
4. just workout right there while your kids do their school work. they can handle it. it’s good for them to see you make your health a priority. so if it’s while they are doing their reading… then so be it.
just some thoughts.
also… when they get older it DOES get easier. and in about 2 more years you may get a full nights sleep a few times a week and you will be a DIFFERENT woman completely. 🙂

Alicia @ La Famille - I have heard of her before and she looks SO fun! Thanks for pointing her out again. The sugar detox sounds so good! I had baby #4 about one year ago and I have lost all my baby weight (Yay!) BUT I still don’t feel FIT. I used to exercise all the time but I just really don’t know WHEN to do it?? Since you have a whole bunch of kids, do you have any suggestions for this?? I also homeschool, and their ages range from 12-1, so that’s a bit different than you…but maybe you have some insight. I’m frustrated because I love to exercise…I used to run all the time and do tons of races. I love to use kettlebells and lift weights. I just feel SO tired all time and don’t know when to squeeze it in. SOS.

CassM - Meg, I JUST signed up for the Sugar Detox today …. nerrrrr-vous ….

Mainly b/c I have little faith that I’ll stick with it. Sad, but true.
So, excited you’re on board with that one as well so I can follow your journey too.
I’m 40 in November. Feel as though I should be finally ‘together’ and ‘myself’ by that point … after 3 babies in 4 years and well, just, LIFE. Oh, and poor food choices and no exercise and a definite sugar addiction …. right, after those things. But I’m giving myself some grace to know that I don’t have to have it all together by the big 4-0 (so that I can properly celebrate and actually achieve a goal) … but that I need instead just to START NOW. Start for real. Start for life. I could go on for paragraphs … (Home with 3 littles all day, I’m starved for conversation, ha!)

Anyways, Meg, I know you hear this a lot as I’ve read it before … but you are most assuredly my fave. From one stranger to another, y’know. Never left a comment before … I kinda hate being one of the masses, in all things … but oddly enough this post got me out here to say hi. Ha! For real. Thanks for all things. I really, really, really truly learn a lot from you.

I’ll think of you as I’m miserable from the Day 1 detox headache, yeah? 🙂

melissa shepard - I second everything Meg said!!! I too did 2 groups w marta. She is fabulous… amazing.. and gorgeous… and REAL! I just started the 21 day fix.. hope my results aee as amazing as yours are ,Meg! You look soo awesome. I have enjoyed watching and reading about your fitness journey the past mths. So encouraging!! Thanks for sharing…. and girls…SIGN UP w MARTA. YOU WONT BE SORRY!!!

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sunshine is like… the best.

May 10, 2014

the trampoline has been set up once again.
this old thing has served us so well.
annie asked “can we just get a new one?” and both sean and talby shouted “NO!!! This one is perfect! It bounces so high!!”
🙂

everyone is enjoying our new back yard.
we are hoping to put invisible fencing in SOON because i need some peace of mind with these two crazies.
can you get a little closer please?that’s better.
spanky
i pretty much said i am not gardening this year.
i just want to see what comes up… what kind of sun/wind/water this house gets….
but then the flowers start blooming and the colors start to pop…
and i find myself thinking about going to the nursery later.
all this sun and warm weather makes moods much lighter.
people stay at the table longer when we eat outside.
sponge bob is replaced by games of catch and bike rides to sonic.
s’mores and campfires make up bedtime routines instead of “just one more show please mom?”
we spend more time together we are outside.
summer is so close!
the pool opens in 2 weeks!

there was even some talk about camping this summer? oh my.
why does that make me start sweating?
i LOVED it as a kid.
so we should probably provide them with some memories like that.
i guess.
hmmmm…. still sweaty.

1. do you love or hate camping?

2. are you a gardener? flower or vegetable or both?

3. can you smell stanley’s breath through your screen?

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meredith - Love camping! We are so excited because we are moving from a condo with no yard to a house with a big back yard. We plan on a camping night or two with the fire pit that the precious owners put in! 🙂 Our only child is 14 months, wish us luck. At least the door to the house will be close by. 🙂

Defiantly a gardener but totally understand not doing anything this year. I am going to pot some tomatoes, herbs and maybe some flowers for fun but other than that, I totally agree. Why? Wait til next year and have the ultimate plan.

I can smell Stanley’s breath, tell him it’s not too bad. 🙂

Lisa - I love camping!!! It really is so fun. All those things you mentioned about being outside and lingering at the table longer? Those happen camping. Ideally if you could borrow or rent a trailer or rv, it’s better for sleeping. But even tent camping is a blast. I’m high maintenance with my sleep so make sure you have a good air mattress or cot. Good luck!!!

Jenn - love camping
we went a lot as a kid and we just took our kids for the first time this past weekend
gardener…..veggie (sometimes) would love to be a flower gardener but they usually die

Jenn - i love camping. we did it alot as a kid and we actually just went this weekend. it was our first time to camp with our kids (tent camp at least)
we had such a great time
gardener……veggie (sort of)
would love to be a flower gardener but they usually die.

Kristin - My husband & I grew up camping, and continued after we got married. Best trip ever was to the Tetons with our kids. We haven’t had much time to family camp in recent years because my husband & son camp with Scouts once/month. I did get to camp once with them last year, and will again in June. THAT’S an experience…being the only mom with all of those males. Using the facilities (there AREN’T any) is interesting!

I garden…both flowers & veggies. Love, love, love being out in my garden.

Debby Benson - I LOVED camping as a kid. We went over every 3 day weekend and vacation. I grew up in Cali so it was usually Sequoia, Yosemite, & Lake Tahoe. Even the beach a couple of times. Nowadays, as an *old* lady, all I think about is the dirt and pit toilets lol. I’ve gotten too soft.

Gardening….I love the idea, but I’m afraid of flying buzzing things. i’m sure the neighbors would love the daily laugh of my gardening. “Hey, there’s our crazy neighbor running around slapping her head and screaming again!!” Kansas has some GIANT flying things. They skeer me.

And Stanley…I can smell his sweet puppy breath. It’s delicious! 🙂

Karina - I hate camping! Give me a few days at a rustic cottage – the shower can be on the outside, all meals can be on a bbq – but for heaven’s sake let me have a bed to fall into at night! I like having a wild garden – I will pull up the worst weeds, like dandelions and those prickly monsters that sprout under the trampoline, but that is about the extent of my gardening. OK, I came here for inspiration and now I feel very unaccomplished, at least as far as the great outdoors go. However, that photo of four of you and your husband smooching your happy face makes up for it! (Now please get back inside and tell me how you painted your banisters. 🙂 )

Tanya H - I loooved camping as a kid! It was always a favorite thing! I’ve gone two whole nights (separate nights) as a mom and um…not so much… it’s a TON of work and stresses me out. And my kids are way too old for me to be that stressed! 🙂
I’ve planted flowers but I wouldn’t say that makes me any kind of gardener… I am hoping to plant a few veggies this summer…like…this week… 😛
And really, I love that pic of the four of you all squished in and happy! 🙂

Stephanie - I loved camping as a kid! But now we live in Florida. Land of endless summers and bus sized bugs of every kind. No way would I go camping here in the summer. The late fall here is perfect camping weather and our kids have done it quite a bit in our backyard.
I am a veggie gardener mostly, but also have some fruit trees. I dream of having an orchard.
Stanley is SO cute. I have not had a dog since I was 3, but my kids are dying to have one. I think I am giving in. When I see your happy pups I think “it can’t be that bad…..right?”. 🙂

layla bb solms - love camping (never go, husband hates)
gardener – of flowers – in training
I wish I could smell Stanley’s breath! I LOVE dogs. we have a cat; I love him, but I need a dog. I would hug and squeeze and roll around in the grass with Stanley!

our trampoline has bounced its last behind; when school’s out in a few weeks, our kids will be disassembling it. the end of an era. boo hoo.

Amy Woods - 1. L♥ve camping! As long as it’s in an RV. We used to tent camp, but now I’m 41, and I want some A/C when I’m sleeping!

2. kinda both…well, mostly I pick out pretty flowers and help hubby plant and then forget about watering them. Luckily my 16 year old son is excellent at remembering to water! And the veggie garden…I’m more into the harvesting, but I help out the hubs and son with each step. 🙂

3. No…could you have him smile a little bigger? 🙂

Necole@seriouslysassymama - I love camping. We are planning something for this summer. I like to plant flowers, but living in Texas, there is always a drought, water restrictions, and everything dies. My flowers in the front flower bed are still blooming, and that makes me happy.

Jennifer B. - I love camping! My family had a small pop-up camper when I was a kid, and I begged my husband to keep it when my parents decided to get rid of it. At the time, we didn’t have a good spot for it or a car to tow it.

So now my 4-year-old son and I camp in a tent, and it’s a little more work, but I still love it. And he is growing to love it too! I keep it super simple and we only go for about 2 nights. Air mattress is a must-have for me. And I just bought us a new tent so we’ll have a little more room to spread out.

Your kids would LOVE it, and I bet they could entertain themselves while you relax/read/photograph. You might even find a place where you could rent an RV if you wanted to take a longer vacation.

As for gardening, I love the planting. Not much on the upkeep. I usually garden all Mother’s Day weekend, but we had other stuff going on this year. I just planted a bunch of container flowers to put by my front steps. The rest will have to wait. And I really wanted to try vegetables this year, but a bad sprain put a crimp in that plan. Maybe next year?

KATIE NC - what happened to Spanky’s kittens? and the chickens, when are they moving over to the new house?

Rebecca - Camping, in my opinion, is a Holliday Inn Express….Stanley…I can definitely smell your stinky breath. You need a Greenie!
I’m not a gardener either..I wish i was!

Mollie @Sprinkles of Life - What an awesome location and yard you have!! Seems so big and not surrounded by multiple other houses on top of each other!

Kristen K. - I consider myself to be “the queen of all things INDOORS” :-), but I married an Eagle Scout…so how did I think I was going to avoid camping? Our 4 kiddos are Scouts, so they camp a bit with them…but we go tent camping about 4 times / year, summer through fall. And I HATE HATE HATE to admit it, but we have made so many amazing memories by being together, unplugged, under the stars out in nature. I just wish that nature didn’t have so many bugs, poison ivy, and rocks that jump out of nowhere to trip us! You and your family are amazing, and God will be camping with you, too – I say, add it to your summer bucket list, and bail if it’s too crazy! (and bring a cot or air mattress…the ground is HARD!) 😉

Wendy - I have a vintage aqua and white trailer … kids love it just as much as I do. It is a lot a work, but makes some wonderful memories. ADVICE: Keep things simple and electricity is a must.

Meg - The last pic of Stanley. Oh my gosh. Love it! You totally need that as a print in your shop!

Tiffany - Meg, I just love catching up on your blog. You always put a smile on my face or make me laugh! Stanley is cute!

Chris - I love all these happy pics! Your new yard is so pretty.

Nikki - I have yet to camp with my kids. I loved it when I was a kid too! Except, I grew up in Colorado and it got super cold at night, that part I remember not liking. We just moved to Hawaii, though (military) and I find myself much more eager to camp here because the weather is good, even in the middle of the night. So maybe this is the year to get those camping memories going!

Andrea @ This Pug Life - I’m mostly a vegetable gardener. It still amazes me that a tiny little seed turns into a huge plant and produces FOOD all summer. I guess I’m easily amazed/amused. 🙂

Jenn - I only camp in a camper, no tents. I would love to be a veggie gardener, I’m not really a gardener at all. I plant around twice a year and that’s enough for this gal! I’m not a huge fan of the summer heat…it gets really hot down here in Texas, but I am looking forward to no homework and easy breezy nights.

Tracy - Oh no! I’m sweating thinking about camping, too!! Luckily my husband feels the same way…phew! Strength in numbers over here. Good luck with that!!

Marsha Kern - Your new yard looks beautiful! Looks like your pets are adjusting to the new place. Gardening all the way flowers and veggies both-it is may favorite, my idea of crafting. Have a great day.

Suzelle - fabulous photos !!!

Seamingly Sarah - I like camping, but camping with kids is such a hassle. They hate going to do it, yet rave about when we finally go back home. I don’t get it.

I LOVE to grow vegetables and fruit. I even got into fruit trees/bushes. We were so lucky to have bought a house with two apple trees that are young enough to train and prune properly! And we put in two blueberry bushes and there were already strawberries growing everywhere AND two rhubarb bushes!!! So excited for the fruit this summer. The only thing that doesn’t seem to want to grow for me is spinach. Go figure.

And doggy breath, yet another reason I couldn’t handle a dog right now. =)

martha - Camping is for Boy Scouts!! Only!!! 🙂

katie p - I grew up camping and really loved it and still do, BUT I really enjoy it when I can get in a good nights sleep. So if that means a camper, or an air mattress then so be it! Some say that’s not real camping and my response to that is, who cares 🙂

Lydia Davis - I grew up camping every summer with my family, and I met my (then) future husband on a big group camping trip! We just took our 7 month old daughter on her first camping trip last weekend, and she loved every minute of it! Take them. It’ll be worth it. 🙂

Laura H - Wonderful pictures filled with so much happiness!
I like camping for about the first 20 minutes, then I start to whine, and look for my Oprah magazine….
I love flowers, but they do not love me! I have been planting lots of succulents this year, and a fairy garden 🙂
Your dogs are so stinkin cute!! Also the kitties! Were these your outdoor kitties? You brought them with? That is so awesome!! xo
Happy Mothers Day to you!

Heather S. - Hate camping. I’m a hotel girl. In fact, forget the hotel and book me a nice condo please. I love to work hard and play hard all day, in the outdoors even. But then the night falls and I want a nice long shower and a cozy bed and air conditioning if the humidity is high.
Total gardener here. Flowers only. Vegetables dn’t bring me the joy my flowers do.
The breath – pretty sure it’s kitty breath I’m getting a whiff of right now, but that would be from the fur ball in my lap.

Jessica Johnson - I only camp in cabins. With showers.

And Waffle and Lincoln are twins.

Debbie - Hate camping. I’ll take Hilton over a tent any day.

Yes to gardening. Flowers and vegetables. We run our community garden after my dad started it years ago and passed away last summer. Our local rotary built a huge greenhouse on the property in his honor and we have no idea what to do with it 🙂 But there’s nothing better than home grown tomatoes!

Dog breath ranks higher than the wet dog smell for me. Ewwwww.

Great pictures and I’m loving the current Midwest weather. I’ll appreciate it even more poolside two weeks from today!

Jenny B. - I remember when Sean’s only birthday request was to have the trampoline set up at the farm house. 🙂 Your yard makes me want to move to Kansas. I do not love camping. I loved it as a kid, but now… not so much. Usually, the boys go, and then I drive out for the campfire, and then drive back home to sleep in my own bed. 🙂 I am not a gardener, but my husband decided he wanted to become a peanut farmer, so we now have cultivated earth in our used-to-be landscaping beds in the front yard. Peanut seeds (which are just peanuts, I think?) arrived in the mail last week, and he’s planting them sometime this week. So… we’ll see how that goes! 🙂

Shannon - I LOVE camping. Its my favorite! Did you know that at the major KS lakes you can rent a cabin? They are super cute, well stocked. It may be too late to get one for weekends during the summer, but I highly recommend them for your first trip! They are super reasonably priced and you get the “camping” experience without too much roughing it!

Shannon - My husband got us all set up to camp as a family two years ago when we were living in Colorado. I was skeptical….we have 4 kids (5th due any day!). BUT…after we got our routine down…and I decided to take flannel sheets, pillows & a down comforter for MY air mattress, I was a much happier camper! 🙂 And, wine…and coffee. Seriously, the comforter can roll up as small as a sleeping bag, so why not?! The kids LOVE the whole experience. In fact, one of our last camping trips was near Kenosha Pass where you had posted pics of your kids in a makeshift fort that my kids randomly happened to play in the very next day! Find a nice place with toilets nearby…and you should try it!

Laura - Love camping – not with a 2 year old though! In my heart I am a grower – in reality, not so much! I wish I could rub behind his ears! But seeing that picture of the girls on the trampoline – that is killer – it makes me wonder how long I’ve been reading, they look SO big! Putting away the exclamation marks now! 🙂

Becky - Our last attempt at camping (in the backyard, mind you :)) was fraught with disaster. Vomiting, sleeplessness, crying, coming in in at 5 a.m. We’ll stick to a camp out in the living room this summer 🙂

I wish I liked camping. I wish I wanted to like camping! Maybe someday…

Rhonda - I’ve read your blog for years, and think this is my first comment. Hi friend! I only check two blogs every day, and yours is one. 🙂 I hate camping. It’s probably my dad’s fault because he took our family “camping” in a big motorhome with every luxury. We tell our son, “Camping is for other people.” We’ve also told our son playing soccer is for other children. Living in Oregon, a mom needs to purchase a wetsuit to sit through soccer season. We love basketball. It doesn’t rain in the gym. I love to flower garden, and dabble in vegetables…enough to make salsa or pico de gallo. If you lived next door, I’d bring you fresh salsa. Happy Mother’s Day!

Julie - I love summer camping – especially when the weather is hot and sunny the whole time, and we can spend long days at the beach, swimming and boogie boarding. I don’t like midnight treks to the toilet though.
I am a gardener – flowers and vegetable – as we are coming into winter in New Zealand, I don’t get a lot of sun on my garden, so it is not as pretty or prolific as my summer garden.

Love your family shots, you always look like you have so much fun together, and are all so happy.

Ka - I do love camping, but it is a lot of work. But the memories are worth it. My wish is for a camper, so I can store my camping stuff in it. Then, just hit the store and go.

I thought about a garden, but I like Bountiful Baskets (bountifulbaskets.org) and we live so close to hutterites and they sell their produce locally. Why work so hard. HA!

Enjoy the sun. I got a sunburn yesterday and it’s raining today.

april R - lol Jenni “I only camp for Jesus”
Guess I have to do some camping to find out if I like it or if I’m on Jenni’s team 🙂

I love gardening but haven’t had a chance to try veggies yet, we move a lot.

and I can imagine Stanley’s doggie-ness bc mine does the same thing right in everyone’s face

yeah summer 🙂

Lisa - Love, love camping and our older children ADORE camping. We have found in our state (Vermont) that the state run campgrounds are cleaner, more natural and overall less expensive. Wonderful memories for kids!

Rachel S - I loved camping as a kid, now it just feels like work, which makes me feel guilty. But give me a fire in our yard with s’mores any night and that kinda feels like camping. 🙂 I really wish I had a green thumb. I love looking at everyone else’s awesome landscaping and dream of someday having that. Today is our first REALLY nice day here in northern Wisconsin. Spring was so late in coming – and now I’m ready for summer! Two weeks till I host our first graduation party. Tell me I will survive and it will all work out!

Barbara (WA) - I hate camping. Mostly a flower gardener. I’m a cat person so I love the photo of the kitties 🙂

Jenni - I told my husband yesterday, “I only camp for Jesus”. For real, the only time I can do it is for a big purpose, like a mission trip. Otherwise, book me a Marriott!

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my super fabulous weekend & a giveaway.

May 6, 2014

i spent the weekend talking my head off with Shannan.
i sure do like that girl.
she is the real dealio.
(if you haven’t watched this video on her blog you need to do it right now!)

photo-54
we were trying to get a selfie on her first smart phone… it was pretty hilarious.
i wish we had video of that!

we tried to thrift shop.
stupid Siri screwed it all up for us.
she took us to closed down businesses THREE times in a row.
we felt defeated.
and i got car sick.
so we settled for TJMaxx, Homegoods & Marshalls.

photo-55 photo-56 check out these huge baskets?! i was trying to show how big they are.
the left is from HG and the two right are TJM.
and the galvanized one was too fun to leave there.
i plan on using them for blankets and pillows… because my kids love to sit down on the couch and throw the pillows on the floor.
and when they stand up they just drop the blanket on the floor.
maybe it will help if there is a PLACE for these things?
i know, i know… get real right?! at least they will be pretty when they are being properly used…by me.
i also got that running skirt. (TJM)

the whale bag is going to be the pool bag this summer. (TJM)
i could NOT believe that swimsuit fit me… i was thrilled. and shocked.
swimsuit shopping is almost always an all day affair.
but you know how you KNOW your own body? i saw that suit and thought… that is my kind of suit.
and it was. (TJM)
and that rug?!! thank you for finding it for me shannan. (HG)
AND Justin’s pb for super cheap. i very much like that. (HG)
during our time together we talked and talked and talked.
we ate at the same restaurant both nights because “why re-invent the wheel?”
and i even got the exact same meal.
i needed a brief get away from my little world.
and it was absolutely wonderful.

on my way home i listened to an audio book.
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
YOU GUYS… i love love LOVED it.
seriously.i loved the book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
i was told Bob Goff is a character that is one of my FAVORITE parts of Donald Miller’s book.
at that point i was officially ALL IN.
i listened and smiled and teared up (happy tears) all the way home.
i enjoyed the way he describes the Jesus he knows.
and how we can find him too.
it’s not a churchy book.
it’s a Jesus book.

i am slow to catch on but each chapter starts with the phrase “i used to think _______ but now i know ______”
i think i finally noticed on chapter 18.
ha.
some of my favorites were:

“i used to think words spoken about us describe who we are, but now i know they shape who we are”

“i used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now i know you simply need to say yes”

“i used to think i could shape the circumstances around me, but now i know Jesus uses circumstances to shape me”

“i used to think God was good some of the time, now i know He’s good all of the time”

this book really made me think about how do i love people (pretty poorly sometimes)
about what kind of life do i want to live? (adventure over boring? yes please!)
what kind of story am i living?
what does Jesus wants me to be DO-ing?
and remember again how much HE loves me.

Bob Goff… i love you.

afterlight-5 this was my view the last hour of my drive.
no words needed.

guess what?!
i bought the book intending to read it… but then realized i could listen to it on my drive so i bought it again on Audible.com.
so…. i have a copy of the book and i want to GIVE IT AWAY to one of you.
🙂

in the comments tell me something you used to think but now you know differently.
it can be about God… life… parenting… ndship
maybe a little challenging but i can’t wait to read your responses!

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Dreamers - […] *Meg’s giving away a copy of Love Does! You should try to win it. SO GOOD. […]

debbie - I used to think people my age were OLD, but now I know that I may be older, but I am more young-at-heart than I was back then!!

Laura R. - I used to think that good parenting could solve any behavioral issue, now I know that trauma can cause pain that only time, love and the Lord can heal.

Sandy - I used to think I wasn’t smart enough to do hard things.
I now know it is smart to face hard things head on!!

Dana Heaton - I used to think homeschooling families were crazy! But I now homeschool and love it!…. I also used to think that I only wanted one child I now have four and want more! God is good! His plan is best!

Ashley - I used to think that I knew how parents should handle their children until I had my own!! 😉

The lovely one - I used to think I knew what love was, now I know what true love is when I look into the eyes of my babies.

Amber - I used to think not all my gifts could be used for God, but now I know all my gifts were put in me to glorify Him… even the crafty ones!

Southern Gal - I borrowed this book from the library and read it last fall. I loved it, too.

I used to think I had to have it all together all the time, but now I know God loves me no matter what.

Whitney R - I used to think I had to be a better person for God to
use me. But now I think he uses us just as we are, broken, hurt etc.

Abby - I used to think that nonbelievers just didn’t know God. Period. I’ve found that they may know lots about Him, but are just so broken that they can’t cling to anything as TRUTH anymore. But God is bigger, amen?

Kim Z. - I used to think I was too busy and never had any time, but now I know (after having kids) how busy and hectic life really is! A good busy!

Wow! That was so fun to think about what to put in that phrase…I’ve even thought of more! 🙂

Lisa - I used to think God was always angry with me but now I know how deeply he loves me despite all my junk. Glad you had a wknd away. I’m leaving next week to spend 2 days with my sister at a Beth Moore conference. Coming at the perfect time!

Gill - I love this blog and as an atheist I usually just gloss over all the Jesus/god/faith references and I concentrate on the beautiful photos but this post and more so the comments have left me completely alienated. More than that the unified voice of the commenters and the fundamentalist tone makes me anxious and kind of angry. I’m out.

Jennifer - I used to think that it was so important to have my house perfectly clean all the time. Now, I think it’s more important to have a house where we and our guests are comfortable!

Becky Kindel - I used to think that work came first…now I know that family does.

Hannah P - I used to think I could never impact someone’s idea of religion, because I only know “the basics.” So in theological discussions, I keep quiet. Turns out, I was relying on my own knowledge, thinking I was incapable of making a difference, when in reality, I just had to trust that God would give me the right words (which he did!)

Ellen - I used to think I had to be in control of so many things… then I realized that if I release control to God amazing things happen, especially with my kids <3

Valerie Minnich - I used to think that I needed to have grand ambitions & aspirations in order to be “successful”, now I know that what I need to do is my best in each moment as God grants it to me in the place I am now. <3

nancy - I used to think I didn’t matter, that I was not an important person to anyone. Now I know I matter to alot of people, my whole family makes me feel like I matter and that I am important to them.

Ali - I use to think moving sounded exciting but, now I KNOW its a lot of hardwork and exhausting (but, worth it) !!!

robin - I used to think there was really nothing my x-husband could do to make amends for the past, however I was wrong. He has done acts of kindness for me recently and God gave me this word “recompense”. Praise God for healing hearts.

Nancy H - I used to think I was weak and incapable, but after having my husband just walk out and leave our little family to be with another woman, I know that I am so strong.

Vicki - I used to think idle talk (aka, gossip) had its moments of fun. Now I know it hurts everyone, both the gossiper and the gossiped-about.

beth - I used to think I had to try to be perfect, now I know (still learning sometimes) it’s OK to not be and perfection is only Jesus!

grace - i used to think brussel sprouts were gross, but now i can’t have enough of them!! (i eat some every day these days…)

Tanya - I used to think hard roads meant that I was doing something wrong. Now I know that the hard is for the shaping and the growing and the story that will bring glory to the author of it all.

*P.S. I don’t want the book because I have it already and have already passed it on because IT’S THAT GOOD.*

Amber - As a teacher, I used to “know” what it was like to be them. Then, one of “them” stayed with us and told me his family dried off with the shirts they wore and blankets they slept with.

I’ll never “know.”

P.S. Came over from FPFG because she said I needed to add this book to my waiting Amazon cart!

Rita - I used to think that bad things only happened to other people. I now know that anything can happen to anyone, and it’s how much I lean on The Lord during those tough times that’s going to get me through. I’m leaning pretty hard right now.

Mandy - I used to think that raising kids would be simple. All it would take is snuggling, discipline and reading 1400 parenting books so that I would know it all. Now I realize (almost 5 years and 3 boys in) that all it takes is Jesus. Every minute of every day. Thankful for Lamentations 3:22-24

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.

Melissa - I used to think I knew the RIGHT way to parent, but know I know that great parenting looks different every day.

Sarah - I used to think…but now I don’t.

Jen Smith - i used to think i’d be young forever but now i know that growing old isn’t so bad and it certainly beats the alternative.

Beth Davis - I used to think I understood death but after losing my dad. I know that I don’t need to because God”s got it his.

tara - I used to think I had to be good enough to be loved.
I’m learning that I can be loved the way that I am.

pam - I used to think it might be easier to not love someone than to love them and walk through suffering, messiness and hurt. But now I realize the blessing of loving far outweighs the suffering and loss.

I loved that book. I read it on the plane home from South Africa last year.
🙂

Lelia - I used to think I knew a lot, now I know that I have a lot to learn!

Laura - I used to think that it was about how good I could be or feel or act or speak. Now I know it is all about Him – all He does shows His character and how He feels about me. We are loved.

Jeannine Spivak - I used to think I chose Christ…now I know He chose me, in spite of me! I’m still trying to get my head around such Grace.

K - I used to think God answered prayers in direct ways…clear ways. Now I know that we sometimes have to LOOK for the answers and we will always find them. 🙂 Thank you for offering this giveaway!

Jennifer C. - I used to think that my husband being called into the ministry as a preacher was the worst possible fate I could have been handed, now I know that it was actually God’s calling on my life to be a preacher’s wife.

PAM WINN - I used to think I was teaching children, but now I know I am loving them.

So much has changed in the 19 years I have been teaching. I have changed- married, had children, divorced, remarried, had another child….. I have grown. I have felt hurt and I have known being scared about life and I have loved and I have lost. All of these things made me a better, more informed teacher. Because of the struggles I have had I am more aware of the struggles of my students. Additionally my students have changed over the past 19 years. I know many of them have great lives, but more and more of them do not. They come from homes where parents cannot help or do not want to help them with their schoolwork. Families lose their jobs. Families are poor. Families are homeless. Families are scared and sometimes the last thing on their mind is school or their child. Please remember what I am describing is not all children and families, but I see more and more families like this each year. I will never know all the burdens in the lives of my young students but I pray every day that them knowing I love them and I care for them and I worry about them- I pray that will lift their burdens just a little.

I used to think I was teaching children, but now I know I am loving them.

kas - Hi!
Please don’t add me to the drawing but I wanted to say BOB GOFF is totally AWESOME!! We saw him speak last year at the Global Leadership Summit and completely fell in love with him. His ideas about the do-ing of Jesus’ work has opened so many paths for us in the past year and we’ve been so happy to support Restore International since becoming acquainted with him. Go Bob Go!!

Jenn - I used to think I was pretty selfless and put others first…then I got married and realized I am way more selfish than I realized. I realized I need Gods grace and my husbands forgiveness daily!

Vicki - I used to think that I had to have my life all in order to be used by God, HA!!! If that was the case none of us would ever be ready!

Andrea - I used to think I had to do everything exactly right to raise “good kids,” now I know I just need to love the stuffing out of them, do my best, and God is in charge. (He’s doing really well!)

Nicole Stone - I used to think that I would never have a healthy, loving relationship with my mom, and now I know that God makes all things new and can redeem even the most broken of relationships.

Debra @ MsMoozys Open House - I used to think I was not good enough to help God in his works but now I know that I am and now I just need to make sure I LISTEN when He is talking.

This would be awesome to win and thank you for sharing with us today. 🙂

Sara - you know? I used to think two funny things: one was that God never listened to me and one day I just forget Him. And the other was that my family was broken for a loooooong time because my biological father left us when I was 3… Then my “real” father appeared and I loved him a lot but he died a few years after so I kept thinking our family wasn’t a family… But now I know that we are a family because we love each other like crazy! 🙂 It’s not a normal family (just my mom, my sister and I) but which one is? And I’ve learned God is always hearing us, loving us and keeping us safe in his arms. Me, my family and all the people I love, because I pray for them.

Just wanted to tell you that I’ve been following your lovely blog for quite a long time now and I’ve learned lots and lots of things and not meaning just craft stuff 🙂

Ramey H - I used to think that having kids wouldn’t change our life very much–HA!!

Terri Upton - I used to think everything had to be perfect but now I know it is better to stop and smell the roses and to enjoy the journey.

Becca - Oh I could write a book (except apparently someone already did ha) of all the things I used to think but now I know differently. Mostly, I used to think I had a lot of the answers, and now I’m realizing I’m only just beginning to learn the questions.

jennifer - I used to think there was one, standard, acceptable way to do things. (My dad’s way.) And since I’ve been married for 10 years, my husband, who is exceedingly smart yet gracious, has shown me that there can be multiple ways to do anything. And all of them could be correct and effective.

Trish - I used to think that my mistakes defined me, now I know that God is a God of second chances and wants to use my mistakes for his purpose.

Crazy thing is you are the third person in two days that has been talking about that book…..

Heather - FFG looks like she has a bob cut in the selfie picture. Shannon get a bob!! You look super chic and down right hip!!!

Tobi - I used to think I could keep everything under control. Now I know that’s not my job!

Tami Sickels - I used to think I had to have the perfect, clean house and total organization for me to be able to minister and serve others in my home now I know God uses even the most unorganized and messiest of houses to show people His love. (It’s a good thing I know this because now I have 5 kids.)

Jane - I used to think that the old testament was about people who lived many many years ago, but last night at bible study I learnt that it teaches us that we all fail in the same way, we worship created things and blessings in our lives rather than the creator and source of all blessing. Gosh God has such abundant patience with me!! I would love to read this book, sounds as though it would be good in continuing this process of shifting my mindset in a number of different ways!

PS I don’t even know you but WOW your legs are fabulous!

Carla - I used to think a Jesus-lover looked a certain way. Now I know there is so much beauty in all of us looking so wonderfully different.

Shannon - I used to think that I knew what was best for my life. Now I know God knows best

Lisa - I used to think I could earn God’s favor, but now I know it’s ALL grace! Good news, for sure!

Janna - I used to think that ignorance was bliss…..not I know it’s just that you are uneducated. Believe me – I wish I could go back to blissful ignorance with my eating and health – but when you get knocked on your butt by health problems you don’t get that choice anymore. I wish ppl without health problems would get educated BEFORE they HAD to so they could save their health!!! Whole foods and no grains baby;) Thanks for the chance to win! And wow you do have nice legs! No, I’m not bein creepy:) You have worked hard for them!

Sara - I used to think my children would never have snotty noses, would always be cutely dressed and would never throw tantrums in public, but now I know better and I love them still. And, even though I am not perfect, I know that God still loves me too!

Megan - I used to think that life was a competition against others that I needed to win, now I think that life is a cooperative journey, each of us doing the best we can.

Amy Woods - I used to think I couldn’t do this or that, or be this or that because of the “hand life had dealt me.” Now I’m learning through God I can live above my circumstances. 🙂

elizabeth H - I used to think “i always fell short. the Father was displeased with something i was doing…i could never do ____ good enough.
I can’t be enough.”
Daily, i look at Him & hear that He says “You are righteous. You don’t have to do ____. I’ve redeemed you. I call you MINE. nothing you can do can make me love you more ~ nothing you DON’T do will cause me to love you less.”

**good.good.stuff!**

Heidi Henderson - I use to think that my kids would all grow up and live long, I now know that life takes over and we are not promised that and something can happen to your child to shorten there life and you can do nothing.

debi - I used to think taking care of yourself as a mom was selfish but I know now that you need to for yourself as well as your family. Whatever that feeds your soul whether it be reading, crafting, paddle boarding, alone time, girlfriend time etc.

C - I used to think I had the ability to “just be patient,” and other things when parenting… duh, I NEED the Lord’s help BIG time!

Nicole - I used to think that questioning my faith stemmed from spiritual immaturity, but now I know that my inability to understand every facet of Christianity, yet loving Jesus regardless of my comprehension of dogma, is just how my faith looks…imperfect, just like me.

Linda R. - I used to think parenting was fairly simple and easy. Then I had three kids and now I have no idea what I’m doing. 🙂

Jenn - that there isn’t just one way to parent.

Sue - I used to think “things will slow down tomorrow and I will be able to spend quality time with the Lord then”. Now I know that is a lie. God isn’t wanting the perfect Quiet Time but a relationship, and a conversation that goes on all day, throughout the mess and busyness. He doesn’t want perfection, he just wants me.

Wendy C - I used to believe that I was doing my family a disservice by not being there all the time for them, but now I know that I am a better wife, mom, person when I spend some quality alone time (or getaway weekends with a friend) to recharge. Good for you – love all your purchases. You inspired me to hit my Marshall’s this week. I found so many fun finds and felt recharged after a quiet hour to myself!

Shannon - I used to think taking a Sabbath was something outdated. As my kids are growing older and as a working mom I’m learning everyday that taking a Sabbath is needed not just for me but for our family.

becky j - WOW..this book sounds like a MUST read…I used to think certain things didn’t happen to Jesus girls…like miscarriages, root canals and broken dreams…NOW I know the rain falls on us all..BUT Jesus holds our hands through it and weaves it into something gorgeous at the end!! Thanks Meg..xo

staci torgerson - I used to think I was just a plain, unimportant daughter to my earthly parents. Now I know I’m a daughter of the King and He delights in me.

Maryellen - I used to think having many friends was my goal, but now I know one or two great friends is ideal. Would love to read this book!

Tracy L - I used to think I was too weak, and too scared honestly, to get out there and run, now I know I was so very wrong, I can do it annnnd love it at the same time! Bonus– I’ve never felt better!

Laura Williams - I used to think I knew how to pray. There is no wrong way, right? It wasn’t until my Dad was dying that I figured out I was asking for the wrong things. I changed my way of thinking and my prayers were answered. Deep stuff 🙂

Tiffany Gardner - I used to think homeschooling families were CRAZY. Honestly… I kinda still think that…and this August… We will be a homeschooling family. Seriously… in college, I did my applied speech over the top 10 reasons not to homeschool. So funny of God to lead me to do what I said I would never do. It wasn’t that I wasn’t familiar with the idea.. my husband and his siblings were homeschooled. Honestly… I just didn’t understand it. I felt the Lord leading us to do this when my 10 year old went to pre-k. Every year as my kids have gone on to another grade .. I think.. I know, I know… next year, Lord, next year I will do it. Finally… something sparked in me this year to be brave. Listen… I am SCARED to death. I will have a 5th grade boy, a 3rd grade girl and a 3 year old. SCARY. But … I finally told God.. ok. I am ready to try this. I am so grateful the Lord has been patient with me. I just didn’t want to be at my son’s high school graduation and be thinking I wish I would have tried. I wonder what we missed??? So in August… I will be brave. I will be crazy. I will homeschool my kids.

Shar Y - I used to think if I didn’t say bad things like criticism or slander out loud that it was ok. You know, okay, just to think it but don’t say it. But, guess what? God hears me anyway, thinking those bad thoughts or criticizing or cursing, etc. And, I was literally shocked to the core when I realized how often I do that. So, I take it one day at a time and try to redirect my thoughts to nicer things. And, remember, God is listening…

Shawna - I used to think God was good some of the time and now I know God is good all the time.

Meredith W. - I used to think vegetables were gross. Now I know they’re the yummiest food to eat. 🙂

Kim - I used to think my kids had to be perfect (do things), but now I know they are perfect just the way God made them.

Marjie - I used to think God wouldn’t give me more than I could handle…..Now I know he will give me more than I can handle to ensure I rely on him!

Teri - I used to think I had to be all for everyone, now I know better.

Robin Canter - I used to be very judgmental and I know the Bible says I will be judged by the same measure I judge others. Ouch. I’m a work in progress.

Martha - I use to think life was hard, God made it easier

karen - I use to think I needed to fit into a certain mold – act a certain way, look a certain way, be the busiest – work the longest hours. Then I had a health scare that set me on a different course about 6 months ago. Now I find time for me, make time for friends, have date night with my hubby more – and I am so much happier.

Margie Rowles - I use to think that I knew everything…but now I realize that I learn something new almost every day!

Tina - I used to think that I wasn’t for God if I supported my sister’s gay life style. Loving on my sister makes me for God!!

Christine - I used to think God tolerated me, but now I know God is crazy about me.

Rhonda F - I used to think I was too old or not smart enough to get into nursing school. But now I know neither are true! I am an honor student starting nursing school in January! God is Good!

katie p - I used to think that the Lord kept a list of my wrongs, but I know now that he loves me no matter what I do or don’t do and that there’s no list!

Heather - I used to think I had learned to accept myself in my 20s and become comfortable in my skin….until I became a mom at 38…and the battle of insecurity rolled again…

Jenny - I used to think no one should ever let their children wear costumes out shopping, then I became a mommy and quite regularly we are a mix of pirates, superheros, princesses and cowboys complete with capes, masks, feather boas and tutu’s 🙂

Rebekah - I used to think parenting couldn’t be that hard at all….now, well, all of us moms know the truth. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Jenny B. - Mine is totally not spiritual, or even thought-provoking. It’s just what popped into my head… I used to think I wanted to live in Alaska (I blame the TV show “Northern Exposure”), but now I know I really don’t like cold weather. Nope. I don’t. 🙂

Lisa - I used to think I could keep my world tidy and in control. Now I know there is beauty and hilarity in the chaos and messiness of my life!

april R - Wow! these comments are so inspiring – I love Dara and Gretchen’s.
I used to think that I had all the time in the world…that I would accomplish those dreams “someday”…but now I see that there’s today and I shouldn’t put things off for “someday”
(thanks Meg, really, thanks)

Christy - I used to think my girls would remember every wrong thing I’ve done while parenting themt, now I know/continue to hope that they will see that the decisions I’ve made (no matter how they turned out) were rooted in a fierce love for them.

Sarah Moske - I used to think that I wasnt strong….but now I know I am 🙂

Christy S - I used to think parenting was somewhat easy and then I had kids.

s - I used to think you had to travel and do big,cool things to have a wonderful, meaningful, worthwhile life..and now I know that a life worth living can be one lived right here at home as long as it is filled with love, kindness, giving, hard work and lots and lots of laughter.

Melissa - I used to think I wanted the kids to grow and now I just want time to stop.

Laura - I used to think that people who are really close to God did not make terrible mistakes, now I know that (like David) we are still human.

Jamie - I used to think that guacamole was this weird green stuff but now I know it’s actually awesomely yummy! I have heard great things about this book and it’s on my ‘to read’ list. 🙂

Erin - I used to think I was never going to get the chance to be a mother, now I know God was just waiting for the perfect baby to be placed with me.

Jaime - I used to think guacamole was this weird green stuff but now I know it’s awesomely yummy and my new favorite food! 🙂 I have heard great things about this book! Now, I need to read it.

Mary Elizabeth Brown - I use to THINK that God’s grace was conditional, but now I KNOW God’s grace is given in all conditions.

Tonya Upton - I used to think that God (and others) loved me because of all the things I do for them, now I know they love me in spite of the things I do to them.

Rae - I used to think life would be easy when my kids reached xx age. Now I know it’s just different.

Julie - i used to think that good parenting produced good children. now i know that’s not how it works. humans are sinful, humans make choices, humans reject right teaching, our hearts are bent on doing evil. sad thoughts, but it is truth. also takes a *tiny* bit of pressure off as a parent.

Marla - I used to think I should be in control….now I believe its best that God’s in control

Jill Helman - I used to think my worth came from what others thought of me or what I was doing but now I know that I am worthy because God loves me and created me.

Brenna - I used to think that my past defined me, but now I know that God doesn’t even have a record of those mistakes. What a life-giving blessing.

jennibell - I used to think I could “do it all” (wife, mom, teacher, daughter, sister, aunt, coach, etc.) but now know that it’s impossible and I have to look to Him for His direction in my life. And then DO it well (instead of *everything*).

Amy - I used to think I’d NEVER let my kids watch tv. Then I had kids…and needed to get one or two things DONE in my day. A half hour or hour of Elmo isn’t going to kill them.

Momma Bug - I used to think that wanting to do “big” things for God was a noble aspiration. Now I know that faithfully doing the small insignificant things over and over just because I love Jesus and He wants my friendship every day… is what it’s all about.

Meg, I have so enjoyed your blog over the years and loved your vibrant use of color, your lovely photos, your sincere heart…
Thank you.

Love

Jan - I used to think my house needed to be perfect before inviting people in; now I know that hospitality is really an attitude that is more about the people than the place.

Barbara (WA) - I used to think that my emotions needed to be smooshed and never shared, never. Stiff upper lip stuff. I have found great freedom embracing all my emotions – none of them are wrong. They are human!

Heather F - I used to think that I had to keep changing things about myself to live a better life, but now I believe that I am fine just the way I am. Why change when I’m already so awesome! 🙂

Heather S. - I used to think I had to have all the answers before God could use me. Now I know that all I have to do is make myself available and God will give me the answers I need when I need them.

Seamingly Sarah - I used to think my children wouldn’t see my bad habits (temper) but now I know they are true unrelenting reflections of me and I need to shape up and start reflecting a more patient and loving heart.

Tracey Garcia - What nice legs you have!

Heidi Durant - Thinking differently: talking to s trangers. You know that old rule we were taught as children? ! While yes, I still tell my children NOT to talk to strangers, I myself do talk. I have really gone out of my comfort zone to do so. I don’t consider myself shy, once you get to know me. But now, I jump into conversations with strangers ALL the time. It is so fun. New friends. Awkward looks. And laughs had by all.

tonya - i used to think i’d never allow myself to slack off on my end of my relationship with Jesus, but now i know slacking off has pushed me further away from the most important thing, Jesus…and he’s still there just waiting for me to get my crap together.

btw…you’re totally rockin’ that running skirt, sister!

Jennifer R. - I use to think that the saying was “nip it in the butt”. My BFF (when we met just 7 yrs ago) corrected me. I now know it’s “nip it in the bud”. I am, however, still trying to figure out “buck naked” or “butt naked”! Anyone?

Jenn - I used to think that the days with my babies were long, but now I know that the years were too short. Savor the time with your wee ones!!

Chelsea - I used to think that my kids were the only ones who threw the couch pillows on the floor and left their blankets strewn all over when they were done with them. I’ve just had a light bulb moment…. I’m going to arrange all the pillows beautifully on the floor and see if they notice, maybe they will even pick them up and put them back on the couch. Parenting is just one experiment after another 🙂

Katie - One more thing- could you share the source for your kitchen island pendant lights? They are great! Better yet- please come style my home!

Amy S. - I used to think I had to go to another country to do mission work but I know I can do it here in the states too!

Katie - Love the bathing suit! Just bought the same one at TJ a few weeks ago. I used to think you needed the perfect way to tell people about Jesus and how his loves changes us. Now know it can come out of you in so many ways and you don’t need the perfect words or story. You just need to be yourself and ask God to work though you.

Amber - I used to think God cared for me from lofty heights above, now I know that He cares deeply for me right here. : )

Leslie Leon - I use to think I had to do everything, say yes, and be involved in everything to be a good parent/wife/friend now I know I need to spend time being more intentional and connecting with friends and family.

momoftwo - I used to think I had to do it all myself but now I know that I can lean on God and others.

Shannon - I used to think that how I reacted to life wasn’t my choice, but now that I choose positive attitudes I am so much happier with the life God has given me!

Joy - I used to think that I had to have “it” altogether, but now I know that my imperfections are quirky and beautiful and sharing mine give others freedom to be okay with theirs.

Sheila - I used to think eveyone was looking at me, now I know they don’t even see me.

Sandy - I used to thing going to church on Sunday was the norm now I know that Sabbath, like the 4th Commandment, is on Saturday!

Sara Torbett - I used to think I was weird or out of place for loving art and photography so much. Now I know it’s exactly who God made me to be and I’m proud of that.

Katie Merrill - I used to think life just happened to me, but now I know that I can make life happen.

Laura Oyler - I used to think that Jesus loves other people more than He loves me, now I know that He loves me just as much as everybody else!

Amanda - I used to consume myself with having “good kids”. I read this quote this week: “Don’t let yourself be so concerned with raising a good kid that you forget you already have one”
After reading that I knew it was such a true statement. 🙂
I’ve heard great stories about this book!

Wendy - I used to think if I put a BIG hamper in the bathroom it would matter, but now I know it’s useless.

Kathi - I used to think monsters lived under my bed, but now I know it’s just bunnies 🙂

debbie - I used to think I was a bad person (or wife, or mother), if I had a bad (aka..grumpy) day. Now I know I am human, and God does not love me any less when I have those days.

Ruth Umney - I used to think that I was not good enough, now I know that God has an amazing purpose just for me, and He is working it ALL out in His timing, not mine!!!
I do so love your blog!!! xxx

chrissi - i used to think things would change but now i know that i had to change. made all the difference.

stephanie - I used to think I had all the answers, but now I know only God does.

Cassie Spencer - Money makes you happy. Not true! After my hubby lost his job a few years ago a well paying one and our life was turned upside down. Almost losing our house and having to downsize everything. He is now back to making more than he was before. Going through the tight times made me much more thankful for all we do have and my little family. And to focus on moments and people not things.

Erin - I used to think that my identity is something I had to create. Now I know my identity is found in Christ!

kelly s - I already have the book and LOVED IT beyond words. I laughed OUT LOUD, loud, many many times. I just loved it. And it backs up with I already know to be true. LOVE DOES. It is a VERB. An action word, and I want to love verbally (I made up that word)….I LOVED this book. I want more just like this.
Thanks.
Kelly

Laura - I used to think I needed to follow all of God’s rules, but now I know he loves me and others regardless and he desires a relationship.

layla bb solms - I used to think that “things and stuff” would make me happy, but now I know (and remind myself daily) that only Jesus’ love and grace can do that.

just for fun …

I used to think I liked sweetened, syrupy, lattes, but now I know that the best drink of all is the Café (con) Miel from The Abbey Coffee.

Janice H - I used to think loving on people, volunteering and helping others benefited the people receiving. After a month long mission trip to a kids camp in Albania, now I know that it is far more beneficial for me. What you learn from people who are living totally different from yourself is astonishing and totally enlightening. 🙂

Sarah - I used to think my mom knew everything about being a mother, now (being a mama) I know that she was just really good at hiding her uncertainty!

Jessy - For me, I used to think being a mother wasn’t enough for the kingdom. How was I supposed to be used by God if I’m home all day everyday with my children. I now know without a shadow of doubt that my children are my calling. My four year old and I have many discussions about who Christ is and what he asks of us.

Sabrina - Before I had children, I had all the answers on how to raise them the “right” way. And then I had children… Everything is turned upside down from what I thought was the right way. Each child is so different and there is no one right way for raising them.

Maegan C - I used to think I always needed a plan for life to be successful, now I know I just need faith and a good attitude!

Kelli - I used to think that I was alone and not part of a community until the last 3-4 months that I found a new church which is now my family. I have friends and family as well as a living God who love me beyond words.

Sarah{Handbags*and*Pigtails} - I was raised to believe(“used to think”) that hospitality meant that every square inch of your home HAD TO look magazine perfect before anyone could be invited in. Growing up with that kind of “stress” makes you realize you dont want to be like that when you have your own home. So Ive had to “re-learn” that hospitality is no such thing-its about the other person/people…inviting them in(no matter what the house looks like) and being real with them…and in turn allowing them to be real with you…in your authentic space. I just realized Id really changed my mentality about all this a few weeks ago- we were expecting guests from Virginia(we’re in NY) for a week and they’d emailed a certain time they would arrive. I hadn’t showered or changed(or even put my bra on) all morning bc I was doing last minute things. Well, long story short, they showed up EARLY and there I was in my bathrobe, no bra…and the only thing I could say to them was “well, at least I brushed my teeth! Come on in!” What a humbling moment! If I told my mother that story she’d probably die. But Ive learned to say “oh well! Come on in!”

Stephanie C - I used to think I wasn’t good at ANYTHING. Now I know God is working to show me the gifts he gave me.

mandy - I used to think I’d be a sweet, patient mom, with sweet, obedient kids…then I became a mom 😉

Jennifer P - Sounds like a perfect weekend!

I used to think I had to meet other people’s (and my own, yikes!) expectations, but now I know that God says I am already enough

🙂 I learned this recently and it has CHANGED my LIFE!

Michelle Whitlow - I used to think I couldn’t control how people treat me but now I know it’s my actions & choices in life have a big impact on how I allow others to treat me.

Btw, LOVE that swimsuit!!! I’ve been looking for one like that. I hate swimsuit shopping. Just bought one at Target and it’s going back 🙁

Jennifer B. - Love the baskets and the cute swimsuit! Isn’t it nice to get away AND have a retail therapy trip? I did that with a friend last week, and I felt SOOO great afterward! I loved the “Million Miles” book. This one sounds interesting too. “I used to think life would get easier as you got older but now I know that you’re thrown challenges no matter what age you are!”

martha - I used to think that I was to old (50+) to “start over” but with Jesus in my life I know it’s never too late to change! He’s right here with me…I couldn’t do it without Him!

Lee Johnson - Hmmmmm, that book looks and sounds familiar! Yep! it is in my pile of books to read . . . . I had the privilege of hearing him speak and had to have his book. It will go on the top of the pile. I used to think that Grandmothers were OLD but now that I am one, they aren’t! My necklace that I got at the Craft Weekend says, “Act old later.”

Kristin S - Look at your gorgeous legs!!!!

Love that swimsuit too. Totally adorable yet age-appropriate.

Cathy - I used to think of my self as less, now I think of my self less

Sarah M - I used to think I had to have all my crap together and be supermom in order to have value, I now know having Jesus be my focus makes those other things moot.

Mickie - I loved everything about this post including the baskets and swimsuit! And, the idea of taking a little break from our regular life. I could use one of those too… And I love books like this so here goes: I used to think I would be in control and teach everything to my son. I now know that God is in control and being Jackson’s mom is teaching me way more about myself than I ever thought possible. Sometimes those lessons are hard and as I say “it’s not for sissies” but I now know this is part of God’s way bigger plan for me than I could have ever imagined for myself.

Rachel S - This book sounds great and I’m glad you had so much fun with a friend. I used to think that I would be in those diaper-changing, busy toddler days forever. Now I know that in a blink of an eye, those little toddlers grow up and the first one is soon to graduate. I’m so thankful that God blessed me to be able to stay home with my kids those early years and I’m so thankful for the wonderful grown-up kids they have turned out to be. God bless!

Julie A - God has been telling me lately that He has it all figured out. That I can lean on Him, and trust His timing, even though it’s soooo hard. He’s provided those little bits of encouragement, just when I need them! BTW, I love your running skirt, too. 🙂

Molly B - I used to think my life was hard but now i think with Jesus I can do anything.

Jessica - I used to think that God wouldn’t give me more than I could handle. I even used to say this to people who were facing a trial :/. Now I know that He doesn’t give me more than he can see me through. I totally CAN’T handle it. HE can.

Gina - I used to think the word “s*#t” displeased God, now I know it doesn’t. How silly, right? I don’t know why I thought of that first. Guess it was the funny story my son told me. 😛

Sandra K - This is a funny one:
I used to think that if I ever had a daughter, her hair would always be perfectly styled, neat and tidy and she’d look like she walked out of GapKids everyday…
but now I know that days get busy, hair gets messy and sometimes she wants to express her style and own creativity through her clothes. 🙂

GB Jost - I used to think God waited in heaven watching and waiting for me to screw up. Now I understand he loves me and just wants me to be willing–not perfect.

Amber Treat - I used to think that if something was hard, it meant I shouldn’t do it. Now I know that sometimes doing a hard thing brings out the best in me.

Candice - I used to think that if my life was problem-free I was in God’s favor, if it was problem-ful I was out of God’s favor; now I know that he uses it all for good and my life circumstances will never change how he loves me.

Melissa - Where did you get that suit? LOve it have a similar one from last year but that color is soooo pretty! I also love your running skirt and super cute Shannon

Marlie B - I used to think I was nobody but now I know I am somebody because I am a child of God!

Leslie - I used to think that once my kids were past the baby stage I wouldn’t worry so much, but now I see that the older they get the more things there are you just can’t control. But with Jesus I’m trying to replace worry with prayers and faith. I’m sure this book would be an awesome read.

Alexis K - I used to think it was about making the most money, now I know it’s instead about His gifts that don’t cost a thing. Just love, faith and obedience.

Julie W - I used to think I couldn’t do scary things by myself; like drive over 400 miles to a place I’ve never been, to spend a weekend with a bunch of ladies I’ve never met. But now I know, even though I was nervous, scared to death, and my hands were ice cold and sweaty at the same time, I can…and did…and had the time of my life…with you, Meg, and Kimberlee, and Ashley Ann, and Megan, and a whole bunch of other amazing ladies! I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Tricia - I used to think I was a pretty good role model for my children, but now I know they behave the way they do because I do the same behaviors…now that I’ve looked in the mirror. I need to do a 180 if I want to see some changes. I need to asap…

Michelle - I used to think being a good parent meant raising perfect children. Now I know that being a good parent means celebrating the perfectly imperfect children that you raise.

Molly - I used to think i had the perfect plan for my life, now i know that god’s plan is way better.

Marcia - I have been looking for baskets JUST LIKE those for our “Florida Room” … as a busy full-time working mama I am wondering if you can tell me where you got them – TJ Maxx or Home Goods … I would love to hit ONE place not both. Thanks so much! 🙂

Tracy - I used to think i could “train” my kids to put their stuff away…and put the pillows back on the couch….and fold the blankets….haha!!

Jenn - All good stuff! I wish we had a Homegoods….one day!

Not that long ago I use to think I had to do everything for my kids, home (keeping it clean) and school (volunteering too much), now I’m not saying I still don’t think that I should from time to time, but I now know that I don’t have to. They will not remember that I volunteered to do the yearbook, or the decorations at the carnival. They will remember that I was there and that doesn’t mean I have to kill myself volunteering for everything. They won’t remember the house wasn’t spotless, they will remember going to the park or getting snow-cones. Its hard and there are many more things that I’m sure I can think of if given the time. But that’s what’s great about getting older and experiencing life. You learn not to think so much and to just know its going to be ok. And I’m ok with that.

Gretchen N. - I used to think that loving & following God meant I had to give up things, but now I know it’s really about everything I gain!

Maureen S - I used to think that 40 was old…now I know when you’re 40 you feel like you’re 30. Age is only a state of mind. I do like that time has given me the advantage of knowing myself better. I dont mind telling people my age…I’ve earned it:)

Toni :O) - I used to think I lived in a safe area but now I know that is untrue since having my home broken into a few months ago. It’s very unsettling, I hope to get that settled feeling back someday.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I used to think it was possible to eat too many red beet salads. Now I know there is NO LIMIT!

ps- I meant to tell you that I’ve always thought you had the best legs. But that seemed…creepy. But it’s true and your picture reminded me. Bye.

Dara Miller - I used to think that I was not good enough.. now I KNOW that I am beautifully and wonderfully made. Praise GOD!

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10 things i am loving this instant.

May 2, 2014

super cute canvas monogram idea.

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totally copying this paint job.

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dying over this bedroom wall!

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i think i need this t-shirt.

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agreed.

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how amazing is this barn door???

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i am a fan of rebecca sower…. have been for YEARS!

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this needs to be made at my house.

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this book is on its way to me… i am hoping my chickens are moving here soon.

i am loving her paintings!

i hope your friday is wonderful!!
i am HOPEFUL mine will be also.

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Amnah - Ugggh, so late to comment because I’ve been checked out of the blogging world since I had my baby. But can I just say that I’m over the moon that you shared my daughter’s egg carton flower wreath. I friggin’ adore your site and have been following for years. Thanks for the link 🙂

Valerie Wieners - Holy moly! I had no idea that you did this, thank you so much. I just came back to your website because I wanted more info on this craft house idea and then….I saw my art. You are so kind!

Amy M. - Thanks for introducing me to Valerie’s work and the Turquoise tomato! Just got my first bracelet today! Love it!

graciela - Hola Meg me gusta mucho tu blog, me encantan tus ideas, soy de Argentina. Muchas Bendiciones!!

Graciela - Hola Meg me gusta mucho tu blog y lo sigo, me encantan sus ideas,
soy de Argentina. Dios te bendiga mucho!!

Jessica Johnson - I need that shirt. And a nap. Today. And tomorrow.

Amanda - Love your picks! The Free Range Chicken Gardens book is one of my favorites! I like to imagine that one day me and my feathered friends will enjoy a garden of that caliber 😉 Have a blessed and beautiful (and colorful) day!!

Rach - We are putting one of those barn doors in our new addition. I can’t wait! I love them.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I would truly like you to do one of these posts every week. You’re my personal Pinterest editor. I’m totally doing the monogram and the wreath. Try and stop me.

Seamingly Sarah - You posted a flourless peanut butter blender muffin recipe from Averie Cooks awhile ago and I just wanted to say that I just made some and they are delicious! Thanks!

Laura h - Meg
There is just something about you that is so REAL! I read a lot of blogs, and get bored with most, but you and Flower Patch Farmgirl are my absolute happy place!!
I can relate to everything you speak about. Your house must be so much fun to live in! Maybe it’s the colors, maybe it’s the doggies, maybe it’s the messes….
I just enjoy your blog so very much! You connect with others in the most natural way! As an introvert, I am both amazed and jealous!!

Mindy - What fun things – thanks for sharing with us!

april R - new every morning indeed 🙂

Morgan - Love Ferpie & Fray! We actually sell the milk paint they use for furniture here locally 🙂 Look us up The Blue Roan or The Barn at Sedgwick! We would love to hook you up!

Shannon - I wonder if you have seen the rainbow dinnerware at Macy’s (on sale right now!) – do a search on their site for Novogratz. I totally thought of your blog! You may need to add a #11 to your list! 🙂

Jenny B. - All beautiful! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

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you need to get here.

April 30, 2014

You need a break.
you need time to talk late into the night and starting over at breakfast.
Your friends miss you.
You miss your friends.
You need some creative time that is uninterrupted.
You need to use the bathroom without someone knocking on the door.
You need a diaper free weekend.
You need to sleep in.
You are singing frozen songs alone in your car.
The Craft House is waiting for you…
it’s time to pick a date and get here already!

🙂

i asked the groups that have stayed at the Craft House for their own weekend some questions about their stay. It was so much fun to read their answers! It made me so happy! it’s lovely to see this home that we loved so deeply & cared about every detail being used in this beautiful way. God is so cool how He works out the dreams in our heart! His plans for us are always so good and amazing.

(the different colors are different answers. not every color means the same person. it just looked pretty)

1. What did your group use the Craft House for?

* We use our stays for scrapbooking and crafting, and just hanging out with creative people!

* we had a crafting girls weekend

* We set up our own craft weekend. We shopped oggie’s barn, downtown Marion and downtown Newton. We slept in, stayed up late, chatted, laughed, enjoyed our friends.

* we stayed for a conference that we watched via the internet

* Everyone in our group did their own thing. Some crafted, some scrapbooked, some quilted, others just drank wine and thrifted.

* Our group was a combination of scrap-bookers, quilters, crafters, and jewelry-makers. The space accommodated all our needs quite well.

* Momma bonding time, sewing, scrapbooking, crocheting, arm knitting, and relaxing.

2. Did you cook your own food, go out to eat or get take out/delivery while you were at the Craft house?

* We normally cook our own food. We learned the first time that we had way too much food, so our second trip we tried to plan better and not get carried away with meal planning. We did make a Friday night trip to the donut shop. It was fun, but I am not sure the donut shop will ever be the same!

* We take turns cooking meals in groups of 3-4. That way, each person only ends up having to cook one time the whole weekend, and the rest of the meals are homemade awesomeness done for us by the rest of our group! We also love having themed meals like Italian, Mexican, etc…

* we brought most of our own food to cook. some of it was easy and pre made, and one of the nights we went out to dinner out on the town.

* We ate out on Friday night (can’t remember the place?!) and did a late night donut stop 🙂 For the rest of the weekend, we cooked! Our sweet friend who lives in Wichita did all our grocery shopping for us. We made a big breakfast and dinner on Saturday and snacked all day long. It was glorious. The kitchen is well stocked with every tool or gadget you need!

* I paired up girls and each pair was responsible for providing 1 meal for the entire weekend for everyone… All meals were prepared ahead of time to minimize time in the kitchen while we were there.

* We went out to eat Friday night and cooked soups made ahead of time for Saturday night. We all divided up and brought sandwich stuff, chips, fruit, etc for lunch. Everyone brought their own breakfast. It was nice for no one to have to spend time cooking! We also checked out the midnight donut run!!!

* We split up the meals and cooked. It worked great for us and the kitchen is amazing which made it more fun for me than cooking at my house. Or maybe that was just the other women cleaning up after me?

* We split up the meals and everybody helped cook and clean up. Dishes are much more fun with friends! We also had everybody bring candy to share so we quite the “sugar station”

3. Did you enjoy your stay? What was the best part of staying at the Craft House?

* Of course we enjoy our stay! I would go once a month if I could, but I think my family would get a bit suspicious! My favorite part of my stays at the Craft House is always walking in. I am selfish and get there a little bit early and just wander around alone (shhh-don’t tell the girls I come with!) It is truly magical to me, I think because as a mom, wife, and business owner, especially with sons, it is a beautiful peaceful place where I can spend a little time focusing on myself even if I am with a group of friends. Walking into the craft house means that I am off duty for a few days, and I LOVE that. I come home refreshed and ready to be a mom and wife again. I also enjoy waking up in the mornings without the sound of televisions or little ones wanting breakfast. Plus, with only women, I know the toilet seat will be down. 🙂

* YES!!!! Bonding with girlfriends, playing hide and seek in the dark (yes, we totally did and it was awesome!), staying up late, laughing until we lost our voices, getting to work on projects without interruption, enjoying the beautiful house and décor.

* it was such a blast. it felt like a giant slumber party at the cutest, most well decorated, pinterest-came-to-life home ever! the best part was that it felt like we were staying in someone’s actual house, being hosted, thoughtfully and comfortably. it was just nice to go to a home, that could accommodate that many women (who usually take care of everyone else’s needs), and feel like we could rest.

* Heck yes!! Our favorite part was EVERyTHING!! Staying in a super cute, creativity-inspiring, clean home… Far enough from home to experience freedom, close enough to not spend majority of time off traveling. Uninterrupted time chatting with girlfriends, treasure hunting… Livin’ the dream!!!

* YES! Can’t wait to do it again! Our favorite part was the ENERGY at the house! It was inspiring and relaxing and rejuvenating.

* We absolutely enjoyed our stay…it was hard to leave! My favorite part was the bright, open, airy, beautifully decorated space. My home is fairly “neutral” so it was very refreshing to spend time in such a colorful, inspiring home.

* I LOVED it. I would live at the Craft House if Meg would let me. I don’t think I can come up with just one “best part.” I love everything about the Craft House. It’s where I was born to live.

* The house is incredibly beautiful and comfortable. We all felt incredibly cared for while we were there. My favorite part was spending time with girlfriends in a beautiful home!

* We absolutely loved it!! My favorite part was the togetherness getaway with friends. As for the actual house, the fact that there was so much room to spread out and leave it all out while working.

4. What do you think every lady needs to know about the Craft House?

* Every group of ladies needs to know that they should come to the craft house! It is so refreshing and wonderful. You will not regret your trip!

* you need to know that it’s a great hideaway, nearby, but far enough away to escape daily routine and mundane. so good for the soul.

* Go, even if you are not a crafter, go! We had crafters and non crafters, some close friends, others just meeting for the first time. We were all young moms needing a weekend away. All raved about their time, each blessed on a very personal level! The craft house is a beautiful… huge home, with enough adorable beds to sleep all of your nearest and dearest. While it is perfectly designed for crafting with large tables, numerous outlets, and space to spread out… It is a cozy, bright, cheerful home, with amazing character that invites visitors to feel comfortable in their home away from home. It is wonderfully clean and tidy. An environment that is both refreshing and inspiring. To spend time in such a place with friends is a blessing! Communication with the owner at any point prior, during, and after rental was incredibly efficient and kind. Any instructions were simple and clear.

* It is the most amazing place ever and once you go you’ll find yourself wanting to go back. We started planning our next visit before we left. It’s addictive. You’ve been warned.

* I think everyone should know that it is truly an amazing home – and you’re not going to want to leave!!

* It is even more awesome than you can imagine! Be prepared to wish you could stay longer and/or come back annually at the least. It’s like getting to have a grown up slumber party! 😉

* You need to make it happen! There is something so special about being in a beautifully decorated, immaculately cared for home that inspires creativity and relaxation. Meg is so easy to work with and truly cares about making your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Call all your friends – make your Craft House weekend happen!!

* It is amazing!

* This is the best value for a group of ladies to be able to escape and have a low-key weekend with friends!

these are the dates left to choose for 2014.

MAY 9-11 =====$925
MAY 23-25 ====$925

JUNE 6-8 =====$1100
JUNE 13-15====$1100

————————————
remaining weekends $1250 if you reserve now.

JULY 18-20
JULY 25-27

AUGUST 8-10
AUGUST 15-17
AUGUST 22-24
AUGUST 29-31

SEPTEMBER 5-7

OCTOBER 3-5
OCTOBER 24-26
OCTOBER 31- NOV 2

NOVEMBER 14-16
NOVEMBER 21-23
NOVEMBER 28- 30 (maybe your entire family should meet at the craft house for thanksgiving weekend!)

DECEMBER 12-14

the May dates that are available are up for grabs at $925 each!!
the June dates are $1100!
if you make your reservation in the next two weeks the cost of the weekend is only $1250.
that’s $250 off!

email me at cdduerksen@yahoo.com to reserve your date!

do you have questions?

you can read the information HERE from the button at the top of the blog about the Craft House.

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Michele - I am cracking up because as I read this post the Frozen song was running through my head for the billionth time today!!

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hungry.

April 28, 2014

this weekend we had all the kids gone and we celebrated Craig’s 40th.
it was pretty wild… we washed windows, gathered a trailer of trash, unpacked boxes, got take out once and watched shows on the DVR.
40 year olds know how to party.

honestly though… i am e x h a u s t e d.
moving is gosh dang hard.
physically yes and mentally too and then emotionally too because everything is different and sounds different and looks different and is a mess…. and then i get emotional. in a very cranky kind of way. the kind where i go out of my way to the gas station to buy crazy overpriced peanut butter m&ms and emotionally eat two bags alone in my car crying.

so instead of listening to me complain about that stuff… let’s think about what we should have for dinner or breakfast this week?

here are 10 great ideas!

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Zesty Chicken Bites
my kids would love these!

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Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

i know i would reeeeeally enjoy these with a cup of hot coffee.

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Southwestern Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
i might drink that dressing with a straw.

Coconut Quinoa Pudding
i hope this is delicious because i need it to be.

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Blackened Salmon with Mango-Avocado Salsa
someone should make me salmon because i am scared and i want to like it but i am pretty sure i will screw it up and it will be gross and i will take another 10 years to try it again.

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Roasted Cauliflower with Red Chile, Lime & Cilantro
YES PLEASE.

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Chicken Avocado Burgers
come on…. you know these would be so good!!!

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Garden Veggie Pizza with Kale Pesto & Brie
the best kind of pizza.

Black Beans & Corn stuffed Sweet Potatoes
this one wins for my dinner tonight… it looks SO yummy! can’t wait!

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Coconut Cake
honestly THIS is what i want. just me and that fork. all the frosting. all three layers.
there is no better kind of cake in my mind. coconut wins.

forever.

ok… i have more crap to do…clean, unpack, organize, purchase, hang, stock, throw away, drop off, etc.

bye.

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Megan - We are moving this weekend! Small stuff in our cars on Saturday and Sunday, official “movers” on Monday. I’m excited and nervous. It’s not a far move in terms of distance, but it is far in terms of lifestyle change for us. Kids sharing rooms, only one full bath, no air conditioning…deep breaths. This is what I wanted and signed up for. Lots of green space, less suburban congestion, more time together.

Lorie - That Southern chopped salad looks yummy! A restaurant here has a mexi-cobb salad that is similar. I think I know what I have having for lunch tomorrow!

Debi Meyers - Did you see Emma Stone on Jimmy Fallon this week? She reads Mom Blogs in her spare time! I bet she reads you, Meg.

dmeyers

Tanya - I sometimes do salmon in the George Foreman grill. Easy and delicious.

Lexi@ Lexi's Clean Kitchen - Thanks for including my Zesty Chicken Bites!! 🙂

Jenny B. - I don’t know how you feel about deep frying things, but my husband deep fried brussels sprouts this week, and they were SO GOOD. He didn’t do anything to them (no batter). He just cut them in half (fresh, raw) and dropped them in the Fry Daddy. I think he probably salted them when they came out, but I don’t know. Anyway, they were delicious! 🙂

Jenny B. - Thank you, Meg! I am not glad at all that you are exhausted and struggling emotionally, but I am glad to know that I am not the only one who breaks down when things get overwhelming. Change is HARD. Wishing you love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… and rest. 🙂

Colleen - SAlmon…. fillet, boneless, preferably wild alaskan. Heat gas grill to hot temperature, place salmon skin side down then turn grill down to medium flame. Prior to placing on grill marinate in cheap white wine, then place a coffee cup of white wine on top of grill with a brush ( have another glass of expensive white wine for yourself while doing this)
Intermiteently and frequently brush the salmon with the now warm wine on top of the grill while you enjoy your own glass of wine. The more basting the better the outcome. Do not flip! Cook until the salmon turns white on the top and the fat bubbles. and there is no pink inside ( unless you like it rare.. not me)… 10 to 20 minutes or around when you are done nursing your own drink.. depending on temp of grill.
This makes a very moist wonderful salmon that both my kids ( picky) enjoy… always!!! This is my dad’s grilling recipe and how to that I will remember forever and always think of him when making it.

Mickie - I’ve been watching your move and gaining some courage as we are about to do it again too. We were only in this house for 3 years but I just needed to move back to where I have some trees around me (among a few other things) so… here we go! So, even though you are feeling emotional (and I get that)you also inspire courage. And, I’ll bet Kimberlee Jost could make a mean salmon. Or, the next time you are at RedRock, try theirs. It’s my favorite!

Tiffany - You have quite the palate there Lady. My choices are all deep fried and of the pub menu variety. Not so good good for my over 40 thighs. Tell Craig, Welcome to the 40 Club!! We party HARD (not so much). Idea for you, plan a celebration weekend for when the house stuff is all over, it’s nice to have something to look forward to.

Lynette - Thanks Meg, now I am hungry and don’t have anything in the house to make any of those wonderful dishes I have just drooled over. I will have to make the carrot muffins this afternoon then wont I

Wendy C - Our last move was 4 years ago and there is still that one tub in the basement of things that haunts me. The items that never found a home in the new house but I couldn’t bear to part with. My summer goal will be to find those items a home – either in my house or someone else’s – and then celebrate with a piece of that coconut cake! Good luck and remember this is all in His plan for you and your family!

april r - coconut absolutely wins 🙂

Flower Patch Farmgirl - We are total foodie twins.
I want that salad so bad. And the cauliflower!

I have to say, I’m skeptical of the quinoa pudding.
But your caption cracked my business up.

Stephanie - I hear you on the moving! We’re military and have set up ten homes in fifteen years. It’s not getting easier! I just told my husband that, while I love our life, I might be getting too old to keep moving. It’s hard. BUT it’s always worth it and we’ve had our stuff for a month (today, in fact) and almost everything has found its home. I hope you feel more settled in a month, too! Secondly, thanks for the amazing recipe links – it all looks so good! I’ll try the salmon for you…we’re in Alaska now and I think I have to learn to like it 🙂

Carrie - Thank you for taking the time to post during the busyness of your life! We all appreciate it! 🙂

Hope it settles down for you soon!

Kathi - I love that you are so transparent, it really helps me to realize that i’m not the only one that gets emotional sometimes. Reading blogs is strange, to me it looks like you have it together in every way. You inspire me, the way you’ve taken your photography, crafts & sewing and made a business from them. Your new house is awesome! {hugs}

Melissa - I’m not one for baked sweet potato but I think I could tweak the recipe and put it on baked sweet potato fries. Thanks for the inspiration

marcie - meg, my daughter and i cook some mad salmon – if kimberlee is ever busy we will come to craft weekend ( we craft, too!) and make salmon and show you how – it’s easy- and you will love it. We have salmon every.single.week. really.
mollie’s mom

emily - thanks for sharing so I know I’m not alone. we are getting ready to move and it makes me feel stressed, even though we just going across town. i’ve never really moved before and i’m gonna miss this house.

Tammy - Yummm! This is my first time commenting, but just wanted to say I was in the same boat as you regarding salmon…it scared the crap out of me….but it turned out to be the easiest and tastiest fish to cook. I just used a small drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper to season it, then cook it in on a really hot pan skin side down first to get a yummy crispy skin and finish it on the other side…so easy and so yum served with a dill mayonnaise drizzled on top and salad. It is really filling too… Good luck with it and settling into your new place…many good times ahead I’m sure 🙂

Kori - The easiest, tastiest salmon I have had is to brush the salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with cajun seasoning (to taste, I like a medium bit of spice) and bake it at 425* for roughly 25 minutes. Another way I like it is to brush it with olive oil (no other seasoning) and bake it the same as above, but while it’s cooking, make the Knorr Bearnaise sauce and put it over the salmon when it’s out of the oven.

Oh. My. Goodness. SOOOO delicious!

Elizabeth Stewart - Thanks for giving me cravings for peanut m&ms and that gorgeous coconut cake!

Kimberlee Jost - I show you how to make salmon and you will love it.
🙂

gina - you always find the yummiest recipes; thanks for sharing. One of the easiest ways to cook fish is to take a frying or saute pan and add a can of broth and a squirt of lemon juice. Bring it to a gentle boil, add fish, and cook for 10 min or so. The fish is cooked when it flakes apart with a fork.

SoCalLynn - That kale pesto veggie pizza is to.die.for. I’ve made it three times in 2 weeks. I only used brie cheese once; shredded parmesan works better actually because the brie gets lost in the baking. I’m going to look at that salad with the cilantro dressing. Looks delicious!

Andrea - this all looks so good!!!! but I completely understand the bag of M and M’s…sometimes they just make everything seem better?! So glad that you are getting moved in….to be honest….I couldn’t recall where you live and wondered if the crazy weather last night affected you all?

Hang in there!!! Your new house looks awesome!

Lauren @ Focused To Be Fit - I just about pinned every one of these. OMG, so yum!

Emily @ DavenportDIY - I grew up in the Pacific NW, so any salmon you get there is amazing. But now we live in Georgia, and I’ve purchased some horrid salmon at the grocery store before. So if you do salmon, start off with some good salmon. Frozen wild caught is better than farmed. But don’t buy thawed wild caught ’cause that can get nasty if it’s been thawed too long. Get salmon from Pacific waters, NOT Atlantic. My 2 favorite ways to cook it are a brown sugar/lemon rub (rub with brown sugar, top with lemon slices) OR cover it in pesto sauce. Then bake ~350 for 20-30min MAX (depends on the size of the fillet too). You want the white fat to just start bubbling out of the top of the fish, or until the fish flakes with a fork. Don’t overcook it. It’s an easy one to cook and is very delicious! 🙂

heidi maggard - Thanks so much for posting those recipes! You’re crazy, salmon is AWESOME but then again, I hate coconut so we must have opposite taste buds. 🙂 Love love love seeing pics of your house. Thanks for sharing. Every single thing you do inspires me to be more creative and colorful.

Jessica - Make the Barefoot Contessa’s panko crusted salmon, but just bake it in the oven, don’t hassle with the step of browning it first. It is AMAZING! Seriously, my best friend hated salmon and I made this for her and she is addicted now. The recipe is online at food network

Corinne - I am not a good cook and I have made Salmon before. It really doesn’t need much, it will be yummy. I can’t wait to see pics of your new home.

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1. What did your group use the Craft House for?

2. Did you cook your own food, go out to eat or get take out/delivery while you were at the Craft house?

3. Did you enjoy your stay? What was the best part of staying at the Craft House?

4. What do you think every lady needs to know about the Craft House?

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