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God is good.

December 17, 2012 Filed in adventure project,faith,friends,things i love


the shootings in Newtown were devastating.
it's horrible.
it's heartbreaking.
it is evil.

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Lord continue to be with all the families affected by this tragedy.

 

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my friend pam is getting better and her girls are getting better too.
their health is improving.

Pam-tiff

i am praising God for that this week!
i have absolutely LOVED the amazingness of the internet and cell phones this week.
she and i can "talk" fairly easily ACROSS THE WORLD!
getting an email from Pam is cause for stopping what i am doing and reading it.
i love to hear from her.

 

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this is my "GET IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT" week.
i am determined to get it.
i will bake.  i will pray.  i will sing.  i will craft.  i will shop.  i will wrap.  i will plan.  i will BE MERRY.

there will be kids craft posts all week long!
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i have five days to finish.
oy.

how are you doing on your christmas attitude?  
are you having a hard time like me remembering that christmas is about jesus, not schedulues, gifts & decorating?

i am trying. 


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Thankful

thankful for so many little details in my life this weekend….candle light dinner with the kids…creativity…healthy legs to run…those faces…kids who eat peanut butter like crazy…sleeping in LATE…cuddling with waffle…basketball games…silly moments like shoulder rides and running barefoot in the parking lot.

 

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who says she can't be a lefty after all.
she drew the whole picture with a pencil first and then colored it all in…with her left hand!!

 

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talby and i put together some Blessing Bags yesterday.
she said "this is so nice to do for people! this makes me feel good."
exactly.
she was reading my mind. 
i look forward to her being able to pass them out.
we are keeping them in our car so we can be sure to have them when we need them.

read about how to make your own blessing bags HERE.   

 

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this morning….

Morning
super foggy…..ran with friends in 24 degrees….breakfast – i love those! ….annie bought an AG with her own money and it arrived today. she is going to be SO excited after school!!

 

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    I am joining The Adventure Project again this holiday to help in Haiti, Africa and India….

                                            Advpro1-tiff

                    

Advpro2-tiff

 

Advpro3-tiff
Advpro4-tiff     

   Go over to The Adventure Project to see HOW you can can be a part of this amazing tribe!!

 


 

add a comment

Melissa - Lisa: I just checked..she’s still there. PUNKALOTTA. She also started blogging again a few weeks ago, pieceofcakeafterthoughts.blogspot.com.
I keep sending well wishes and prayers to Newtown.
Good luck Lisa.

Lisa - I can’t seem to locate Laura’s instagram page? It keep telling me it’s been deleted?

karen - that’s such a beautiful explanation Lorraine.

Melissa - I too live in Connecticut about 30 miles away, and a Mom of four young children, and the tragedy in Newtown is heart-wrenching. My first thoughts when to Laura as I follow her too on Instagram actually. It’s so difficult to look at the children’s pictures and to hear the details of thier little lives and what they loved and thier families. I think what happened has forever changed me, and my outlook on life. I wish beyond anything time could turn back. I pray and hope that there is a god, and that these little children are with him now. Look for Laura on Instagram (Punkalotta) – she is posting some pictures of memorials around the town.

cj - I love the blessing bag idea. I posted the picture of yours and an explanation on Facebook and my post has exploded with responses. Last week it was very cold out and I saw a man at an intersection with a cardboard sign, homeless with a family. I only had a few dollars but would have given him all I had, but I was one lane over and the light turned green. If I had had a blessing bag with me I would have had the time to toss it to him, with a silent prayer that it would help meet some needs. I would rather do a blessing bag than try to buy little gifts for friends…..thanks.

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - He is good all the time! Pure sunshine over here. Love that. Need that! Been praying for Pam and her girl. So glad to hear they are better. Yay!

Lorraine R. - I totally understand the confusion to Meg’s words….the thing is though, that God does not control people. He gave us free will to make our decisions, sadly people continue to choose their own ways instead of His. God was there with those children during the tragedy and His is with their families even now……His word says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” It’s up to us to acknowledge His presence….trust me, He is here <3

Jennifer - I don’t know Laura at all, other than from her blog (which I greatly miss). When I heard of the tradegy, I couldn’t help but cry. I used to be a teacher and just can’t imagine what the staff and children went through. Later, when I heard this had happened in Newtown, I cried for Laura’s family. They have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since. If there is anything that I can do from here in Kansas, please let me know.

Jody - Lisa
I cannot stop thinking of Laura & her family as well. Please let me know of anything she needs or that we can do for her community. Let her know that her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you.
Jody

sam - I love your posts meg, but really,
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
Where was he when those poor little children needed him? How was he helping?
It is totally contradictory to say “Lord continue to be with all the families affected by this tragedy.”
Where was he when it needed to be prevented? If he is able to be “with” them in the aftermath, why isn’t he able to be with the gunman and make him stop?
“God is good”. How? Its convenient to say he is good when something great happens, but when something horrific happens, well if he has so much power, why does he let bad things happen? The whole theory that god even exists is full of giant holes.
With all due respect to you.

Betsy - Lisa, Please let me know if you do something for Laura and her family; I would be happy to contribute. I live about 50 miles away (in Simsbury), but I absolutely loved and miss Laura’s blog. She was the first person I thought of on Friday, and can’t imagine the heartache they are experiencing.

alicia @ la famille - i just really like you. i like the way you look at life. i like that you run and make breakfast. you’re a cool girl.
and yes, i agree…God IS good. even when things are bad…He’s still good.
that is all 🙂

Lisa M. - I love this. You are so right. Merry Christmas!

Lisa M. - You see, I wasn’t going to go for my run today because I have SO much to do. But then I saw your running shoes and then your picture with your running friends. You ran in 24 degree weather…if I go right now I can go in 51 degree weather 🙂 (most unusual temps for December around here in Western PA…where is the snow?!?!) Now, I have to go. Thank you, truly!
I have a seven year old, 1st grader. My heart has been hurting since I heard of the news that happened Friday. It is indescribable and I have been praying constantly for those parents. I have to literally force myself to think of something else because I am making myself sick. I know God is in control and I know He has a plan. And I KNOW He will make good out of this horrific bad. He goes before us, He knows all. His ways are not our ways and we are not supposed to understand why He allows certain things to happen. We (society) have allowed Him to be taken out of our schools and now everyone is asking, “Where is God?”. He was right there and now those lovely children are in arms, safe and happy. Easy for me to say, I know, but I also know God is in control and I pray that at some point those families experience a peace that “passes all understanding”.

Heather Simnitt - You asked:
“how are you doing on your christmas attitude?
are you having a hard time like me remembering that christmas is about jesus, not schedulues, gifts & decorating?”
Not this year, but here is why. I have learned that I can’t just *add* Jesus to the holiday that is really all His anyway. I had to get rid of some of the things that were cluttering the holiday and not letting Jesus in. We cut back the schedule. I got presents *early* (done and wrapped by 12/8), and we are making a concerted effort to give more and spend less. It helps a lot.

shar y - this was a great post, thanks. I would love to see a post sometime about how you choose your charity to help. There are so many and it is so daunting to decide. And, then, I think should I do a little here, or a little there? Or pick one and do it all for them? I love that you are involved with this. Especially now, today. Blessings to you and all of your family.

Jessica - I live about 15 miles away from Newtown. I have been thinking about Laura from Piece of Cake since I heard the news Friday morning. I started following her blog after it was linked to yours, and it quickly became a favorite. My heart is broken for Newtown. Such a senseless tragedy… If you are in touch with Laura, please tell her that I have been thinking of her and praying for her family.

hannah - saw this and thought of the sweet babies you’ve posted about…
check out sevenly’s focus this week!
https://www.sevenly.org/

Lindsey - I love the blessing bag idea! So sweet that your daughter loved the concept! Last night I declared this week to be my “Get in the spirit” week also. It is happening. The worship, the food, the gifts, the “living in the moment.”

Lisa - Meg, I’m not sure if you talk to Laura (from piece of cake) on a regular basis but two of her children attended that school. Thank God they are okay but there is still much healing that needs to be done in them and in their community. I’ve already emailed her about her immediate needs and haven’t heard back yet, but I’d love it if we could all come together and do something great for them. I live only about ten minutes away from them so I could certainly drop things off if need be. Please let me know if you’d like to help or if you have any ideas. While we can’t bring back the victims, we can help the survivors.
lisajoseph79@gmail.com

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mary kay makes me feel pretty.

December 13, 2012 Filed in Uncategorized

i like makeup.
i do.
i can appreciate several days of not wearing it, but after a while, i NEED to put it on so i can feel like myself again.
i like wearing it.
a day when i put on makeup usually means i have somewhere to go and people to see.

Mary Kay sent me a box of goodies to try and i was so excited.

they sent the NEW TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream.
let's be honest…who doesn't need a little extra help in their eye area?
we all get tired, we are aging, and this refreshes the skin around the eyes and feels silky!
it even has a cool applicator shaped for the eyes.

also in my box was a Mini Compact with eye shadows and blush.
there are even little tiny brushes hidden under the makeup so everything you need is in one place.
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they sent lip gloss in three colors.
i am partial to the shade CafÈ Au Lait…just enough color and all the shiny sparkle.

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my favorite makeup essential is mascara.
i don't feel like i am done until i put on mascara.
they sent me Ultimate Mascara in black and Lash love Waterproof Mascara in black.
i almost always have to wear the waterproof…because i cry so easily.
just this week i was reading at my son's basketball game and i had to put my book away because i couldn't keep the tears in. So…waterproof mascara is the best bet for me.
but i love the Ultimate! it looks lovely on my lashes.

they also sent Lash Primer.
i had never even heard of Lash Primer…but now i love it.
it gives my mascara more volume and keeps my lashes curled longer.

my most favorite product Mary Kay makes is the TimeWise Microderabrasion Set.
this set makes my face feel AWESOME.
i am not kidding.
i use these two products all year round.
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"wash your face every morning and evening" is the best makeup advice i ever recieved.
and i follow it 100%.
unless i fall asleep watching a movie or something…

tell me the greatest beauty tip you've learned for an opportunity to win a fabulous Mary Kay gift basket.

leave your answer in the comment section and you'll be entered to win!

 

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 19 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 12/5/12–12/31/12.
Be sure to visit the Mary Kay page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!

I was provided with Mary Kay products to use and review, and was compensated for this post, however all opinions are my own.

add a comment

Debbie B - always take your makeup off before going to bed and Moisturize!

Erica Best - never sleep in makeup

Tabathia B - tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/285616470568869889
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Tabathia B - To apply moisturizer after washing my face
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

Debra Ford - Over the years, the best advice that has helped me long term to to use the best moisturizer you can possibly afford – now that I’m older, I go for the best serum I can afford!

LAMusing - My best beauty tip is to emphasize your lips OR your eyes – not both. It will keep you from looking over made up. So soft barely tinted lips with a dramatic eye, or a bold lipstick and just a hint of definition on the eyes.

Norma - Get lots of sleep, drink lots of water, and SMILE!

latanya - use a primer before applying foundation

Kate - Drink lots of water! And don’t moisturize in the morning if you have oily skin!

Shelley - Remove your makeup every night and use lots of moisturizer.

Lynn - Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Your skin will thank you!

Amy Tong - The greatest beauty tip I’ve learned is put on a moisturizing mask before putter on makeup. Your skin will absorb the foundation much better.
Amy [at] utry [dot] it

anash - the best advice i received was moisturize at night with oil, rinse off in the morning , and apply makeup! Thanks for a super giveaway!

Jamie - moisturize! i love moisturizing my almost 44 year old face!

Carla - Use sunscreen, a little lipstick makes you feel marvelous, and a smile is the best part of any beauty routine!

Carrie - Moisturize…and don’t forget your neck!!

Keshet.starr@gmail.com - Get beauty sleep!

Christa Pospisil - Moisturize…and smile!

rachel - Use plenty of moisturizer. Also, give your skin a makeup free day every now and then

sara @ it's good to be queen - oh man, i need that microderm set. this southern girl’s face has taken a beating. not literally. 😉 i have just loved the sun too much for too many years and it’s catching up with me in my 30’s! i guess my best tip would be my mom telling me in high school to start wearing eye cream then. And I did…who knows what shape i’d be in if I hadn’t!

Breeanna - I have two beauty tips that I follow daily, sunblock and wash my face before bed!

Stephanie - Mositurizer and sunblock!

Julie - Sunblock!!

Tiffany - Witch hazel on a cotton ball all over your face before bed. 🙂

Angie Lee - the greatest beauty tip I’ve learned:
get plenty of sleep. hard to do but it works!

Deb M - Get enough sleep and drink lots of water

Madeline - The best beauty tip I know (that I learned the hard way) is: don’t overpluck your eyebrows!

Erin - Get enough sleep!

Ashley - I learned how to apply black eye liner! Which I would take with me on a deserted island!! 🙂

AlyssaErin - I love me some mascara, and eyeliner and moisturizer/sunscreen, but the best beauty advice I’ve ever received was, “Stand up straight and smile.” 🙂

karen - I use coconut oil as a moisturizer. And as lots have mentioned above, I drink lots of water.

Alisha - My best beauty tip is that when you look tired and haggard use a light shimmery eye shaddow under your eyes (just a little) to brighten up your eyes and help conceal the dark circles a little better. You’ll look more awake even though you make not feel like it!!

Wild Orchid - tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/280743630539464705
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

Wild Orchid - My favorite beauty tip is to put a little white eyeliner along the inner corner of the eyes to make them appear bigger.
Thanks for the cool giveaway!
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

holly - Drink lots of water… it makes a huge difference in my skin!

Shawna - Wash your face before going to bed.

Maegan C - always use moisturizer!

Elizabeth Ann - *lots

Elizabeth Ann - The best beauty tips I’ve got are to exercise get looks of sleep (I don’t follow this one very well!) and never leave the house without mascara 🙂

Karen - spend as much time taking off your makeup as you take to put your makeup on.

Sunny Haynes - always wear suncreen and wash your face at night.

Ella - Treat your skin with TLC, less is more regarding makeup and a simple approach to skincare will take you farther than a complicated one.

Andrea - My husband always says i don’t need make-up…which means he has no clue I wear it!! So keep it natural!

Louisa - Sunscreen and smiling. Best advice ever!

Whitney R - Use eye cream, I have used eye cream since I was in 7th grade.
Thanks to Grandma I don’t have any wrinkles around my
Eyes.

Jennie - best advice my mom gave me was that less is more!

wendy - always wash off your makeup, get enough sleep, and drink lots of water. 🙂 i love mary kay products!

Naomi Williams - definitely drinking enough water and getting enough sleep.
so easy to forget! 🙂

Heidi DeGroot - Always wash your face before bed and use sunscreen every day!

Ginny - Beauty comes from within!

Meredith Feisel - Happy with all our products! 🙂 7 years in the business and each year it gets better!

Meredith Feisel - I am a Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay and I am soooooooooo pleased you are hall with our products! Love, Meredith Feisel.

Rena - The greatest beauty tip I’ve learned is to use an eyelash curler because my eyelashes stick straight out and need a little help. 🙂

Kate - best beauty advice – coconut oil. on hair, around your eyes, cuticles…everywhere. that stuff is magical.

Kathryn - Honestly, a daily walk with Christ is my best beauty tip…you feel loved and at peace. That always brings out your natural beauty…letting His Light shine through you. I also try to get enough sleep and drink plenty of water.

Rebecca Graham - Drink lots of water to hydrate your skin.

Johnnie - best advice was to wear sunscreen daily!!
I also love the MK mascara, its the ONLY mascara I use!

Hannah - I have Mary Kay’s Timewise also! It’s an amazing product! Glad you like it! 🙂

Susannah - The best beauty tip I received is – A smile is the best way to show your beauty. A girl with a frown isn’t as pretty as one with a smile, no matter what.

Jenniferjkeating - No matter how tired or cozy and warm you are under the heating blanket in the evening get up and wash your makeup off! 😉

Bekah Decker - Wear sunblock!

Heather D - I’m with you on the washing one’s face morning and night.

BeckyB - Drink LOTS of water. LOTS.
Thank you!

dixie - drink LOTS of water!!

Stephanie - Drink water and wear sunscreen! I try to follow at least these two every day:)

Jill Denton - Drinking a lot of water and eating a nutrient-rich diet has been the hands-down absolute best and MOST ACCURATE beauty advice. There is no product in a bottle that can give the results that nutrition can.

Jill - Drink lots of water and smile! I have trouble with the water part 🙂

Carol S. - Probably best tip is lipstick, my go to beauty item. Just began a skin regime on this 50-year old face in the past two weeks…clean, moisturize, bleach cream for sun spots, then retin A. Why didn’t I start something decades ago, when I thought lipstick alone did the trick, lol?

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Remove all makeup before bed, drink lots of water and get SLEEP.

ginger - I will try the lash primer – need it on these old lashes

Tami - Moisturize!

Denise - Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep!

Tracy - best beauty tip? OCM ~ oil cleansing method. Sounds weird, but it’s great! My skin looks better than it has my whole life! And it is equally fabulous for my teens’ skin.

MJ - Even if I won, I would give it to someone else because my favorite tip is to use coconut oil as moisturizer and to use watered down raw apple cider vinegar for a toner. People always are surprised when I tell them I am 38, because I look 25!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - I was told to shake my head and not my hand when putting on mascara. I look like a fool, but it totally works. I don’t care if my mom laughs hysterically at me when she sees me do it. No clumps!

Christy - Greatest tip!! A little goes a long way 🙂

Tracey - Always moisturize and don’t forget to rub it in the way down your neck!

Kerry - I learned about the clarisonic facial cleanser – love it!

Lynette - Always use moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Just find the right kind for your skin type.

Wendy D - Always curl our lashes before putting on mascara!

Amber - The best tip I ever received was how important it is to take care of your skin from early on! Washing, moisturizing and getting plenty of sleep means you won’t need as much makeup!

s - Remove eye makeup every night

Christie - I’m not a big beauty expert, but I do know that a good moisturizer is worth its weight in gold!!! Especially since I moved up to the midwest! YIKES!! And of course I’m a huge fan of the eyelash curler. Can’t live without it!!!!

tiffany gardner - NEVER leave home without lipstick!!

Cortney - Wow! Lots of good beauty advice here. I follow most of the ones mentioned here, and have to be shot with a tranquilizer to stop me from washing my face at night. I love makeup, and use almost all exclusively MK. I really have yet to find a product I don’t like. But….the one of their best products is the eyeprimer. It really works wonders. I think good beauty advice it to not be afraid to try something new. Many women get stuck in a beauty rut. A new color, a new technique, whatever. Go for it.

erin j - Wear sunscreen. It seems pretty simple and does so much good in the long run.

Annette - Pretty is as pretty does!

Carol M - I always moisturize and use MK sunscreen daily. Love their products.

Sharla - Same as yours – wash your face morning and night 🙂

Annette - Use sunscreen and moisturize! Its rather scary the damage i did to my skin in Jr. High and High School trying to get that perfect tan!

Kim - Moisturize & never go to bed with your make-up on.

Kimberly - Stay hydrated inside and out!

Lori - Pat with your ring finger to do any eye-work (creams/concealer, etc). It’s the weakest finger, so there is less tugging, thus fewer wrinkles:)

Karen - Pamper yourself! Treat yourself to a good facial whether it is something you do at home or whether you go somewhere. Makes you feel wonderful. Great advice from a friend.

kellie - YAY! apply moisturizer to your neck too, or your face will look amazing when you’re old, and your neck will look, well… old. 🙂

Melissa - Mine was also wash your face every morning and evening….and I fail at it big time!!!

kristina - I always put on moisturizer!

Katie Jones - The best beauty secret I know came from my Memaw. She wore make up til the day she died at age 84 just last year. Always put effort into it. Weather you have Mary Kay make up or some from the $ store, put effort into it. Take your time apply it evenly, and take time on your eyes and lipstick and it will show. And always apply a fresh coat of lipstick right before your Man gets home from work. He will appreciate it!! I loved my Memaw she taught me everything I know about make up. 🙂

Ellen - I love MK Microdermabrasion! Plenty of sleep and a good moisturizer.

ikarentee - Drink lots of water and avoid the sun have always worked well for me!

Meg - Plenty of water and tinted moisturizer, those are my faves.

karen peachey - Love the mary kay timewise set! Best tip is to use it twice a day for clear skin!!

Tracie - Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Helps keep your skin looking young. I also use organic/ natural products and sunscreen that has zinc oxide as the main sun protection ingredient.

Tracy - Wear sunscreen!!

Amy - Best beauty tip: sounds weird, but i heard a famous hairstylist once say that all women’s faces appear much thinner with their hair pulled back. i know everyone thinks hair down is pretty, but his statement is so true for me!

AJ - 1. Smile!
2. Look people in the eye when speaking w/them!
A great attitude makes a face shine!

TiffanyB - Love Mary Kay! The best beauty tip I was ever given is to always have lipstick and mascara with you – these are the two items that are needed if you can’t put “your whole face on”. True.

Alisa - When putting foundation on your face,
always put alittle on your neck too,
so they are both the same color
and blend well so there is no line! 🙂

Dena - Use Mary Kay’s eye makeup remover……. it’s awesome!
That’s my tip!

Brady - My favorite beauty tip was to put your makeup on, then spray some hairspray and walk through it so it falls on your face. Helps makeup stay on MUCH longer 🙂

Peg - Use sunscreen and smile

Peg - Wear sunscreen and smile.

Ashley - The same as you… don’t go to bed with your makeup on! In 28 years I’ve only let it happen two or three times!

Amanda S. - Don’t forget to moisturize!

Gretchen Bookout - Wash face twice a day… and use a moisturizer with sunscreen!!!

Shay - Learning the correct way to apply makeup – up and out! Except for under eye…dabbing gently inwards!

mollie d - Best tip- sunblock. I’m makeup-less most days, but always have on sunblock

Alice H - Sunscreen! Always wear sunscreen on your face!! Summer, winter, spring, fall! My foundation I use has an SPF15 built into it. I use that and a moisturizer every morning. Thank you for the giveaway!!

Ashley Buchanan - moisturizer! I love MK!

MegM - Drink lots of water, always wash your face before bed, sun screen and also apply a good moisturizer.

kelley - So need this! Best advice, drink water

Rachel - I have a couple that I’ve learned.
#1 – Use eye shadow primer. I always had trouble with keeping my eye shadow and liner on and then I found the beauty of primer potion and now it stays!!
#2 – Sometimes less really is more. Tone it down and not only will people notice but they will comment that you look beautiful and what did you change with your makeup because it looks good.
#3 – I really do like mascara. It’s not a have to, just like I often go without makeup, but when I do use it, I like it. I like it more than I thought did or I thought I would. (Now I just need to find the perfect mascara for me.)

Linda B - Drink enough water. It is amazing how much better your skin looks when you are not dehydrated!

Lydia - Like you, I don’t like to leave the house without my mascara, but I’ve recently learned to appreciate my blush a little more. It makes you look awake and healthy, plus, if you get a great shade for your skin, you can use it as eyeshadow or pat it on top of chapstick for natural-but-better lips!

Lisa - Washing my face regularly is the best advice I’ve received. Especially with working out and being sweaty! Sometimes I’m really bad though and don’t follow this and end up breaking out! 😉

Deb - Always wash your face before bed and ALWAYS moisturize!

cyndiloohoo - moisturize,moisturize, moisturize. I too use Mary Kay!

Cara L - the best advice i ever got was to use a good moisturizer! i love mary kay products!

Anna - My grandma always told me about the importance of moisturizing and sleep. 🙂

Arrica M - When using sunscreen ( I am very pail, translucent even) don’t forget your lips, lids, and lobes.

Sheila P. - My best beauty tip is to do something for someone else because when you do, you feel good, and when you feel good, you smile, and when you smile, you can’t help but look better. I like smiling, smiling is my favorite.

Kimmie - The best and most simple, always take off make-up and wash your face before bed. Such a huge difference when I get lazy and don’t!

Jen D. - Oh I would love to win! I love Mary Kay products!

tinaehb3 - That Vaseline is the best eye makeup remover!

Elizabeth.cannata@csulb.edu - The best beauty tip I received was to always smile with your eyes and to walk each day as if God was right beside you. I try to have a beautiful spirit because then my blue eyes sparkle and my smile is genuine. I do love makeup and always use it in moderation. I LOVE my eye brow gel. I never knew about such a product until a few years ago. It keeps my crazy eyebrow hairs in check all day. I use Mally’s eyebrow gel from QVC. Thank you for the chance to win something!

Ann Marie - Best advice I ever got was drink lots of water, wash your face twice a day, never sleep with makeup on and less is more!

Kerri - SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!

Robin Canter - Always use UPWARD strokes on your face and neck when applying anything.

sarah - Washing my face is a MUST – moisturize and sunscreen are very close second!

Jennifer - The best beauty advice I’ve heard was to take good care of your skin: wash, moisturize, sunscreen. Then, you won’t have to use as much makeup on top of that gorgeous skin!!

Molly B - My grandmother always used Oil of Olay and had beautiful skin even in her 70’s!

Shiloh - Best Beauty Tip? SMILE!

amy - These days, I need all the help I can get.

Prudence - the greatest beauty tip is to be happy and smile, and have a good attitude. it has nothing to do with beauty products

Alicia - Stay out of the sun and always wear sunscreen even on cloudy days! Love Mary Kay Microdermbrasion!

Vicki - I don’t know what the greatest tip is because I’m bad about following them, but I LOVE my Mary Kay!! 🙂
Drink water and wear sunscreen would probably be the ones I follow the most! 🙂
Thanks for the chance!

Lindsey Jo - smile! everyone looks prettier with a smile!

Kristie - Wash and moisturizer your face twice a day.

Tricia - Love MK!!!
Best advice I’ve been given is to moisturize & hydrate your face and neck using upward sweeping motions. Gravity does enough in that department – so apply upwards.

Talia - Best advice – wash day/night and moisturize. AND! sunscreen/avoid sun!

Lisa Q - the best beauty tip I know is to “smile more!” smiles make everyone more beautiful! thanks Meg for making me smile so much…your blog brings inspiration to so many of us!

Lisa - Drink lots of water and always wear sunscreen.

Lane - Best beauty tip – wash your face and put on moisturizer every night!

gary - I am from the south and my mother continues to remind me to put on some lipstick. She is right it does make you look and feel better.

Kristi K - love mary kay! i have used the raisinberry lipstick for years!

cynthia - On a fun girls weekend in NY a lady at one of the make up counters suggested using concealer at the inner eye. It really does brighten things up. So easy and natural looking.

K - Use a moisturizer with SPF everyday 🙂 all year round.

Vicky - Best tip was when you moisturize don’t forget your neck.

Lynda M. - The best beauty tip I ever received was to NEVER to go bed with make-up on and drink lot of water.

Ronda - Stay out of the sun..not an easy one because I love the beach! Thank goodness for big floppy hats.:)

Emily - Sunscreen and wash your face!

Barb - Sunscreen, drink water, and don’t get behind in your sleep. 🙂

Kathleen - Best tips, wash your face before you go to bed and always put sunscreen on in the morning. I could use new makeup, that would be wonderful !

Kim K. - The best beauty tip I ever received is to wash your face and moisturize twice a day. Plain and simple. Hope it works!!

Carly Z - I have been using Mary Kay since I was 15!

Lindsay - Less is more!

jennifer lundqvist - i add a bit of my concealer with my moisturizer as it is a lot cheaper than most tinted moisturizers and works just as well.

Ashley - less is more!

Erin - Smile 🙂

D - Good sharing, welcome to joy fax server: http://www.joyfax.com

Megan - Greatest tip: Always smile. 🙂
But also, always wear sunscreen!

Jenn - Sunscreen! No doubt.

Crystal Swoverland - I am one to forget advice…but someone once told me (I think a Mary Kay rep) that you age 7 days for every night that you don’t wash your face before going to bed. I don’t know if that has any truth to it but it does make me wash my face when I’d rather skip it and crawl into the covers!!!

Jody - Be comfortable in your own skin.

Nicole B. - You should apply your make up so that it looks as if you are not wearing any 🙂

Cory - The greatest beauty tip I have gotten over the years has been to keep your face clean, especially at night. It solves a lot of skin problems just to do that. Also… wear lipgloss when ever you go out, even if you don’t have on other makeup. It brightens your face… 😉

michelle - It takes more muscles to frown then to smile! So smile!

JulianneB - Less applied well is more!

Mary Garrigus - Need not eed. 🙂

kelly sites - Great advice I recently received is to layer face lotion. Use a thin cream first, and then layer a heavy cream on top. This makes my face really soft.

Mary Garrigus - The greatest tip I have received is that as they age women eed to use less makeup, not more.

suzi failing - smile…………….it keeps the frown lines away
suzifailing@att.net

robyn - LOTS of water and wash your face morning and night ;0)

Holly - stay out of the sun. for someone who has lived her whole life at the beach that is so hard. But, I ALWAYS have on sunscreen.

Heike - Best beauty tip? Drink lots of water!

nancie - my daughter (my FOURTEEN year old daughter) told me that when your mascara is almost gone..add a couple drops of saline solution in it – and it lasts a little longer. i found that to be a pretty good tip 🙂

alyssa - get some sleep!

Jana - Stay out of the sun! 🙂

Gina - I make sure I always moisturize my face morning and night!! 🙂

Jamie - Moisturize! And that you should wear sunscreen…. which I don’t!

ginny - When I was 18 and at a beauty counter, the lady asked me what i was using for moisturizer. I said I didn’t use anything. She told me that I needed to protect and take care of what I had then, to keep it looking young. So I’ve used good moisturizer and eye cream every since.

michelle myers - Sunscreen & no wearing make up to bed!

becky - In a pinch tinted moisturizer and tinted chapstick work wonders.

Verna - my mom taught me to use vaseline as a mascara remover and always smile.

Amy - The best beauty tip is always wear sunscreen. And I have used eye cream since my twenties. And “less is more” when it comes to makeup.

Emily - hmmm… the most helpful advice I’ve been given is based upon my skin tone and coloring, what colors look best… I am an “autumn” 🙂

Juli Elgin - If you take the little brushes out of the bottom you can fit the face powder in there perfectly and then just get a little set of travel brushes. That is my whole makeup routine right there plus foundation, lipstick and mascara. Love the compact little size.

shannon stout - I also received the wash your face every morning and night and for the most part I do…but my favorite tip has been when applying ANYTHING to your face you put it on “up and out” so your face doesn’t sag! NEVER rub down or in….:)

melissa ann - I can think of two great beauty tips:
1) SMILE – everyone looks better when they smile. 🙂
2) Remember that your husband defines what makes you look beautiful. As long as he thinks I’m beautiful, even if I don’t, that’s all that matters.

colleen from alabama - I know this is odd but the best beauty tip i ever received is out of Proverbs 31, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” In other words, pretty is as pretty does 🙂

jayna - Get enough sleep!

Angela B. - Moisturize!! And to use sunscreen.

Chris - To use a brush to apply eye shadow.

amanda - oh man, I guess the winning answer is the sunscreen and moisturizer, so let’s see if I can come up with something new. One time my MK lady told me that matching your eye shadow color to your shirt color is a NO NO! I use lots of MK and love it!

Adrienne - To. Use sunscreen!!

Kate - Well, besides sunscreen and washing nightly…a lady at a Clinique counter once showed me how to brush my brows up and trim them just a bit. I’ve been doing it ever since. Also, ironically, I’m going to a Mary Kay brunch party on Saturday. I’m glad to have read your thoughts first!

Julie - Moisturizer with sunscreen is a must for me. I am also an eyeliner/mascara girl.

Amanda Larkins - To always wear a smile!! 🙂

Kristin S - Sunscreen and eye cream!
I don’t go a day without SPF and I started with eye cream in my late 20’s. I’m pretty passionate about telling my younger girlfriends to not skimp on skincare.
I’m itching to try this new MK eye cream!
Fun post, Meg.

kimmie - wash, moisturize, sunscreen repeat!

meredith - the greatest tip i’ve learned is to wash your face every night!

Mindy - Always take off your makeup at night, no matter how tired you are – and moisturizer is your friend.

Ashley E - Best tip I’ve received is: moisturize and wear sunscreen!

Lisa P - Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more!!!

Jen N. - Stay out of the sun/use sunscreen!

Meredith W. - Wowsa. I love MK. Two best tips: sunblock, and try to look as natural as possible (even if the “natural” look is obtained with lots of makeup).

Megan J - wash your face everynight–don’t put make up over make up (like liquid over liquid)–use vaseline to remove your eye makeup every night, that way your makeup comes off and you moisturize the eye area!

tracy dickinson - greatest beauty tip i have received is to wash my face before bed every night and use an eye cream!! i love, love, love my mary kay. glad you love it too. microderm is the bomb.

Allison - sunblock. everyday. even winter. wish my teenage self would have gotten the memo!

Karinny - Wash your face before going to bed!

denise@victory rd. - a mary kay friend recommended i run my unopened mascara container under hot water before putting it on- warms the mascara and it goes on smoother. works!
i like kensie’s answer though, and want to be her best friend, who she makes feel special and beautiful. 🙂

Kate - BB cream is the best!

Sandy - Wash your face every morning and night and apply some sort of sunblock. Wish I’d listened to the sunblock tip as sun spots are appearing with age. :-/

Aby Gittings - Moisturize. Even if you think you don’t need to.

lacey poag - Use a TINTED face lotion with SPF daily & drink lots of water!

lindsay - the best tip i have heard over and over is to never go to bed without a clean face!

Katie G - Use a face lotion with SPF daily.

Toni :O) - The best tip I was ever told is to always wear sunscreen, every day, regardless of the weather outside (I promise I didn’t steal Annie’s it truly was what a beauty consultant told me years ago!). Ever since then, haven’t missed a day. :O)

Anne-Marie - My grandma said to wash your makeup off every night. Also, don’t forget your neck when you moisturize!

Karie - Keep your skin clean and moisturize!!

Heather Simnitt - The best beauty advice I ever received was to smile – and it’s true – everyone looks ten times more beautiful when they smile! Didn’t Annie sing “you’re never fully dressed without a smile?”
Timewise IS amazing! Love me some MK!

Jackie W - Best makeup advice I’ve learned is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

Laura W. - Best beauty tip – – sunscreen!

Lorie - The greatest beauty tip I’ve ever learned is that if you run out of eye makeup remover, you can use baby oil, and it takes the mascara right off!

Erica - Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 Best beauty advise ever. 🙂

Megan - My mama always says to stay out of the sun and moisturize! She has awesome skin so I have always listened to that advice!

Holly F. - Start using eye cream…before you think you need it !!

Carolyn - moisturize! and get 8 hours of sleep every night 🙂

Erin - drink lots of water

Kensie Conner - The best beauty tip I’ve learned is to make other people feel beautiful/special. When you do that, people see a beautiful person when they look at you. A more practical tip maybe: moisturize! I apply moisturizer probably 3 times a day and have since my preteens.

Annie - The Greatest beauty I have received is to also use sunscreen!

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new puppy.

December 12, 2012 Filed in family fun

so…i kind of have forgotten about the big camera.

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not really… but i really haven't had much to take pictures of this past few weeks.
with annie's broken arm we have been laying very low.
and it got cold outside so we've been inside a lot.

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this our aunt & uncle's new puppy.
she was the sweetest little thing… so tolerant of annie and the little cousins.

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close up.

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coming in for her own close-up…

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there were five dogs at the house that day.
it was dreamy for annie and talby.
they are big dog lovers.


but after spending a few hours with that sweet puppy…
i am reminded how i am not quite ready for one at our house just yet.

but i would love for waffle to have a friend.
someday.
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does anyone need a puppy sitter?
i know two girls (and their mom) who would be up for the job.

 

add a comment

Dana Banana - We are getting a new corgi puppy in January. I would totally your girls to be our puppy sitter!

Carol S. - Meg, do you stay in touch with Laura Phelps? I believe she is from the town with the school shooting in Conn? Can’t stop thinking of her, have missed her blog very much. Lost my computer email addresses awhile back and hers was among it. Any chance you could let me know if you know anything? I understand if you’re a tad busy and not able to respond. Prayers lifted.

Laura - I NEED A DOG SITTER!! TOMORROW!!!!!!! CAN THE GIRLS GET HERE BY THEN???
yeah.
being new to dog ownership, I forgot that when I make plans to be gone ALL DAY LONG…the dog still needs to go out.
get a cat.
I never have to worry about the cat.
I dont even know where the cat is….

BriBedell - It’s only tough in the beginning for a little bit. You know like a newborn 🙂

Carrie Lea - You can always adopt an older dog. Lots of dogs out there that need good homes. Forever homes. Because the humans who got them didn’t realize they were a lifetime commitment.
I need a dog sitter this summer. Want to drive a few hours and stay in SW MO for a week? 🙂

sosimplysusan - Awww, what a sweet diversion! Puppies for a day– the best kind! 🙂
Thought I’d mention they have some cute handmade arm slings on etsy. That might brighten her day to have something a little more stylish and fun. I had shoulder surgery in Sept. and am still doing physical therapy, so I really feel for her!!

alicia @ la famille - uuuuuuhhh, nope. we tried a puppy…two months after we had a baby. can you say DUMB! ya, it didn’t work out so well. this mama almost lost her marbles. then her brother, uncle jesse, inherited a new dog! yay for uncle jesse!!
maybe we’ll try again. but i’m pregnant again. (the norm) so in about 7-9 years, we’ll consider it.

Alyssa - That last pic is the best! I love puppies but I do not like cleaning up after them!

Leah - I want that puppy! I love puppies, although they are so much work. But so darn cute!! My dog is from Kansas, by the way. 🙂

Samantha - We could use a dog sitter in July but we are in Missouri not Kansas 🙂

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tuesday.

December 11, 2012 Filed in family fun,random,special

 

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i took annie in for her re-check this morning on her cast.

she is not an easy patient.

we both thought this was going to be just an xray and i wasn't thinking they would need to take off the cast for that but they did.  
there was LOTS of screaming and crying…. LOTS!!!
not because of too much actual pain but mostly from sheer panic and terror of the unknown.
i almost started crying too. 

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but it is healing really well thankfully.
and she got a new christmas colored cast and can't wait for Santa to sign it!

 

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how are you doing on your christmas shopping?

i have…. hardly anything done.
i think i have 4 gifts done.
ugh.
and none of those four are my own children. 
i can feel the christmas melt down coming on already….

i am struggling with finding my christmas spirit this year.
boo.
i need to find it. 

tell me what to get my kids and that would help.  :)

 

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this past week or i have been using my awesome recipes section of the bloggy big time!

i have made cream puff dessert…
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crescent chicken…. cheesy potato soup…. spicy tortilla soup…. noodles with ham…

spinach artichoke dip… pancakes... glazed apple bars…

and i am making my mom's mint brownies soon!

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last night i played Mexican Train with my kids.
does your family play board games together?  do your kids sit quietly while they play?
because mine do NOT.
they squirm and sing and stand up and sit down and stand up and spin and squeal and every other little annoying thing you can thing of while we sit and try to play a game.
oh yeah…and they fight too.

but it's stil better than being a zombie in front of the tv so i'll take it.

here is a visual list of some of our favorite family games here at the Duerksen House….

 
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Mexican Train   
it's a game of dominos but a bunch of people can play it at once.
my kids LOVE this one.

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Blokuseven i like to play this game… but i NEVER win! 

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Farkle   
 craig loves to play this with the kids… 

 

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Zingo   
oh my goodness my younger kids LOVE this game so much!

 


Guess Who Extra 
fun fact: we have this game and have never put the batteries in and they don't care!  
they still play it all the time even without sounds and lights!

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Uno 
everyone likes UNO… how could you not?


Memory 

even though my kids are older i can still challenge them to Memory.
it was the best game we played when they were preschoolers.
i think this game is amazing for their minds!

 

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Sequence 

my older kids like this one
and craig & i play it with chicago dave & jenny EVERYTIME.

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Scene It (Disney edition)   
we always agree to this game when we don't have the energy
for the bouncing squirming craziness at the table.

 

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Sorry 
it's a classic game!  
i played and my kids love it too!

 

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Apples to Apples Jr. 

this is probably their FAVORITE game of all of them…
and for the grown ups too.

 

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HedBanz 

we don't have this one but they asked for it for this christmas.

 

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Memory Challenge Holiday 
and this one looks like fun…
it's for ages 6+ so it must be harder than the original Memory.  
i think it will go in my amazon cart.

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Holiday Scrabble 

and this one will too!  
it looks fun and different and i want to challenge their minds with spelling and math whle we have "fun"

so… maybe that gives you some ideas for gifts at your house?

do you have a favorite family game that isn't listed here?

please share!

 

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i guess i should go out for my run.
sometimes it's such a chore to get out there!
and cold!
i wish i had downloaded new music yesterday with fast internet… it takes 8 minutes to download one song off iTunes out here with our farmy internet!

ok… i will go.
i will.

ready….. set…. GO. 

 

add a comment

Andrea - LOVE mint brownies! I have been searching for the recipe forever! Thanks for sharing!

Merlin - If there’s any way for you to reply and let me know that the Phelps family are ok in CT….I enjoyed reading her blog and hearing about her delightful family. I am praying that they are ok today, I think of them often and miss her posts. I know you are friends and hope you can get a message of support to her from a former blog reader.
Thank you.

BullyMama - Too bad for Annie – I went through that last year when my son fractured his thumb skiing – cast on and off 3(+) times. Thankfully he wasn’t upset but it just seemed like such a long drawn out process. He fractured it while going off a jump so everytime we went to the Dr. together I told him that I loved all of this one on one time I was having with him…a sure way to get him to be a little more cautious 🙂 He’s having a tooth pulled tomorrow so it’s another “hot date” for us!!
Thanks for the game ideas – looking for a present for twins that are turning 5 and Zoingo looks perfect for them.
Favorites at our house are Scattergories, Phase10 and Monopoly which I have no patience for. Thinking about Sorry and Clue for Christmas.
A little Christmas shopping done which is good for me, I’m a procrastinator but it is tough to be last minute when you have to mail things across country…that stresses me out!!
Enjoy this holiday time, it will never be as magical as it was when we were kids and as much as we know that we can’t help trying to recreate it – we shall do our best to make it magical for our kids (which I’m pretty sure you do!!)

Rachel - Bananagrams! Monopoly deal…both of them! Yahtzee…scrabble slam!

Amy - Loaded Questions is SO much fun! My family is huge into board games, and that is our favorite! Everyone can play, young and old. The adults love Beyond Balderdash, but you have to have your thinking cap on for that. 🙂

Barbara (WA) - You already know this but you are So Blessed to have kids who “squirm and sing and stand up and sit down and stand up and spin and squeal.” Such fun and love and great memories for them all! Awesome! I’ll be no help on the gift ideas since my sons are now in their 30’s – they have Amazon wish lists that I buy from, online, done (hubby, too!).

Jayne Barbour - I just got these for my three daughters and I think they will love them. I want to play with them myself:)
http://www.hearthsong.com/woodland-fairy-home-and-fairy-dolls_p3452.html#ReviewHeader
So sorry to hear Annie (and you!) had a rough appt. So scary:(
Good luck with the Christmas spirit. Maybe some music? the movie Christmas Vacation? How about watching It’s a Wonderful Life. Ahhh.
Good luck:)

Lee Ann - I think I saved myself 20# by not making those brownies until yesterday. How do you resist? I cut them into really tiny, little squares and put them in the freezer. Every time I walk by it’s, “just one bite”. 🙂 So yummy!

Lisa Lichterman - We like Rummikub and Scattergories 🙂

Melanie - You might already have this, but we’re getting our kids a ping pong table! and a chalkboard to keep score.
When my youngest was four, he fell down a spiral staircase outside and landed on his head. Seven staples while he was papoosed in the er. You probably heard him screaming in Kansas!
Merry Christmas!! Breathe Jesus in, garbage out. :0) This time of year can be crazy.

Samantha Adams - Annie and Talby NEED socks from Little Miss Matched if they don’t have them already. I swear, they were MADE for you and your girls! 🙂

Tracy Fisher - you make me feel better. i have one present wrapped. no tree up yet. maybe i’ll hang the stockings tonight. but i do have my one frames piece of art i made in 2004… it says… “The best gift around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”… That makes me feel good. -tracy

Michelle Whitlow - Poor Annie 🙁 We’ve gone through that. My son had that same cast! Broke his leg the first night of hockey practice when he was 4 1/2…had a full leg cast for 7 1/2 weeks. Santa did sign it with a ‘SC’ 🙂 Thankfully this ‘phase’ will not last forever.

Maegan - We love Settlers of Catan! It has expansion packs and all. However my oldest is six, so it’s still a little much for my kids. But I found out there’s a Catan Junior, so it’s coming to our house for Christmas! Since we’ve never played the junior one I can’t attest to its awesomeness, but if it’s anything like the big version, I know we will like it.

Melissa - Meg: Go check out the Clover Lane Blog – she has loads of great xmas ideas. Also, I LOVE amazon prime – everything ships for free (that is prime) and in record time. WOOHOO>

Laura - GET THAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ON SISTER!!!!!
dont worry about the shopping
I have done NONE
nada
NOTHING
it will happen..
we love the game of Life and someone ALWAYS CRIES
lots of fights
name calling
blaming
good family fun

Molly - My daughters love Headbanz. They also asked for Twister Dance and Fibber. My older daughter asked for the barbie with a camera and for Blingles. For the first time I have almost all of my shopping done! Yay!
I am sorry for Annie’s broken arm. Having broken both my arms and collarbone I know how scary it can be. Hope she heals soon. Cool that her cast is red and green and that Santa will sign it.
OH and I love World Market, too. I love their jewelry too.

jen smith - do you have your kids make lists? i never made a list growing up but my husband’s family changed all that. we all make lists so that whoever buys for us knows just what we want. makes the season so much easier.

April R - Heal fast Annie, so sorry you were frightened…
We agree – Cutting a cast off is scary. My son has broken his arm 3 times (all before the age of 7!) so after all that “Danger boy” is no longer scared of having a cast cut off. I still cringe a bit but hopefully we won’t go there again!
Wits and Wagers (we love this one, it ends up being funny) and Rukus (fast, easy card game) and we have a wooden set of tangrams that is pretty cool. Wish we played more 🙂
Merry Christmas and I pray you found your “cheer!”

Mia - Our new favorite is Herd Your Horses board game. There are a few variations to the game so you can make it a bit easier or harder depending on the kids playing.
Let the boardgame chaos begin!

Stacy M. - Well I am going shopping today hoping to get some gifts bought. I am doing the gift of four this year with our kids. One thing you want, one this you need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read. That sound make it easier! I hope. And I will still do stocking stuff.
We like to play pickle. It is fun and the older kids like it. Also did you watch Parenthood last night?! Oh my gosh my eyes are swollen this morning from crying so much. Best show on tv!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Waffle-Wednesday - We are so old-fashioned. We like Chess and Backgammon and Yahtzee!
Those brownies look amazing! Yum!

Kim M - Our family’s favorite game is Ruckus! So fun! crazy, fast ,loud. Our WHOLE family can enjoy it!! And often our 4 year old (our youngest) is the winner! Love your blog!

Angie - Guess Who, Uno and Sorry were regulars here when my now teenager was younger. Of course at 14 she isn’t much into playing games with us anymore. If it doesn’t include texting or an Ipad, she’s not interested. My two youngest are still too little to play so I don’t have any game buddies these days.
Sorry she had such a scary time with the X-ray and cast. Bless her heart. I love the Christmas Colored Cast though. That is pretty cool

Lindsay - Qwirkle – so much fun for the whole family!!!

Mary Vaca - It won’t help you this year, but a few months ago I started taking pictures of things my kids said they wanted with my iPhone, that way when Christmas came around I didn’t have to remember or think. It’s also come in handy as relatives and godparents have asked me what to get… I just text them the picture and tell them the store… voila!

Beth - I don’t have the Christmas spirit yet either. Maybe we can find it together?
Having a cast cut off is SCARY! I don’t blame Annie for being upset (and you, either). Even though you know it’s not going to hurt you, it’s loud and hot and dusty. Just scary.
Have you heard of the game “Things”? It is our family fave right now. It gives you a prompt “things you don’t want to take on vacation” (for example) and everyone gives an answer — could be genuine, funny, totally out of the box. Then the “reader” reads them all and everyone else takes turns trying to guess who said what. VERY fun. We love playing games together!

donna - my kids all 6 of them love catch phrase. we have a lot of fun playing that one.

tinaehb3 - I wish I could have been her x-ray tech. That’s what I’ve done for the last 17 years 🙂 Hope her little arm gets better soon!!

Molly B - Headbandz is awesome. . .you guys will love it! Praying for your Christmas mojo to come back : ) just keep swimming!

Lori Austin - Dang it. That poor sweet girl of yours. This whole cast thing STINKS.
Glad to hear it is healing well though.
I too am really struggling with my spirit this year. We have had TONS of
germs at our house in the past few weeks, hardly any shopping done, finances
are tight, etc, etc. Trying so hard to focus on the REAL reason for the
season and get into the spirit.

tanktop - Buy the family Left Right Center. It comes in a little tube by the board games.
So much fun. My kids like to play with pennies instead of the chips that come in it.

Amschmitz - I have 5 kids also and this year we’re following something I saw on Pinterest. Each kid gets 4 presents…..something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read. They are actually excited about it and I feel much less stressed! Focusing more this year on doing christmas projects and baking together and focusing less on gifts:)

Lee Ann - Your poor girl! Praying all of the pain (and drama:) are over soon.
So, I’ve read every blog post you’ve written 🙂 And every year I think I should try your mint brownies – except I can’t have gluten. So this afternoon we made them gluten free. Pass the word that subbing gluten free flour worked! And the brownies are to die for! I can’t wait to try them frozen.
oh! And my girls do cart wheels between their turns when we’re playing games. Drives me nuts but I put up with it for a while 🙂

Jamie M. - We LOVE Ticket to Ride, Five Crowns, and Left, Right, Center.

Carrie - zingo, the classic go fish, and I am joping the game HIss will be a hit. I will to also get the game rat a tat cat. I am thinking about apples to apples but I am fearful it is too hard for my 5 year old.

Tanya - The picture of Annie makes me want to cry. Poor sweet girl 🙁
I love the game Sequence! Love it!
I really want my kids to be game players for the exact reason you mentioned ~ attack of the TV zombies. They’re 3 and 5 so we’re getting started now.
This Christmas is Mickey Mouse Yahtzee Jr 😉

dcgraber@cox.net - Adam and Jill do not fight; at least not in front of us. Unless they play Farkle. That game is off limits! Seriously! We love to play Sorry with the grandchildren!! Our favorite game is Telestrations. Sooooo fun!

alicia @ la famille - here’s my opinion on getting your christmas shopping done way early: you’re gonna buy way more than you should. there’s just all the time between the early crazy shoppers and christmas…you wanna BUY! it’s just fun. so, you not being done might actually be saving you loads of cash.
how’d you like that for a reverse psychology, huh??
and apples to apples jr?? i looked at that and didn’t know…but i love to buy a game at christmas. this might be the ONE! thanks 🙂

Terrie - I feel for Annie…I kind of freaked out when they cut my cast off 9 years ago.
Seems like they should give a body some warning about what they are going to do don’t ‘cha know!
Love almost all your games! We love family game time!
Have you ever played Phase 10? It’s a fun one.
And my son and his friends got me hooked on Settlers of Catan.
I hate Monopoly ( I know, it’s un-American ) but I love Settlers!
And I must make your mom’s mint brownies! I looked at the recipe the other night
when I was looking for the margarita recipe again!
Yup, got my friend hooked on them now too! 🙂
Happy Shopping…I’m not done either. Maybe I’ll see ya at the stores!

tiffany gardner - Your sweet girl! I’ve been thinking about her as I gear up to do some crafts with my kids over the break… I’ve been wondering how she is able to do all your fun crafts! I’ll keep her in my prayers!! I’ve felt the same way about this season. I’ve always LOVED this time of year but this year.. I’m just exhausted! I’ve had major dental work for the last few months and it’s really getting me down. Trying to chase a baby and keep up with my two older ones… I need to change my attitude and start getting grateful!!! Going to just decide to do that now ! Get grateful! And I have to say… I really am grateful for your blog. You are my friend… even though you don’t know me. I am grateful for the encouragement you give and the real part of life you share too. Thanks.

Morgan - Headbanz in an awesome game. We play it as a family all the time. Be sure to get the kid version. The adult version is really hard! We will play the kid version with all adults even.

Darcie - Have you heard of the Andrew Peterson Behold the Lamb of God album/tour? Buy the album! Best album ever for getting me into the REAL spirit of Christmas. Hands down! I’ll never view Christmas the same – such a good reminder. And who cares about gifts? (I mean, besides the kids…) Hope it smooths out for you and you’re able to enjoy it all, even the shopping!

Kristen - We love Spot It! It travels well too. So sorry about the unexpectedly hard doctors appointment.

s - Love apples to apples!! We like monopoly although I shorten it a lot…like the game ends when I cant take it anymore!! We also like to play black jack – how bad is that for a family game??

Kelley Jones - Another vote for Spot it. We first played at a family reunion with varied age groups. Everyone seemed to like it. My oldest daughter broke her arm 3 times over the years–all in different ways and places. Cast removal was always scary. Hugs to you and Annie.

the.mrs - Kanoodle! We stopped by the toy store and the girls played with the sample game and I could hardly get them out of the store!!!!
http://www.creativekidstuff.com/kanoodle.html

Gretchen - I love Farkle, but unfortunately, I’m the only one who does in this family. Not really a one person game. 🙂
As far as the gifts go, I NEED to get some little boy toys. He has ONE gift under the tree and his sisters have at least three each; and trust me, he has noticed! 😉

Becky - you really inspire me to run. when i get too busy that’s the first to go…and you do it OUTSIDE in the COLD!! rock star. all done with our Christmas. we open gifts this sat because the next week we’ll be driving back home. hate the stress…cannot wait until it’s over. shame.

angie - Thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one behind on shopping. We find these games cause the least amount of fighting in our house with 4 kids (13,11, 8,8): Ticket to Ride, Quirkle, and Ruckus (card game).

BeckyB - I feel so badly for Annie – it would be scary for me too!
Our fav games are Balderdash, Bezzerwizzer and Five Crowns (card game). A really crazy card game is Fluxx but could be frustrating for little kids because the rules change with every play. Pictionary is always fun for all ages. I’ve ordered ‘Word on the Street’ and ‘Wizard’ card game for this year. Thanks for sharing lots of good ideas…

Heidi of Operation Organization - ‘Clover Lane’ Sarah recently had her daughter guest post ideas for what to give teen girls – maybe that will give you some shopping inspiration? 🙂
http://www.memoriesoncloverlane.com/2012/11/guest-post-from-abbey-affordable-gifts.html
this year my 7 yr old is all about remote controlled gadgets and our 4 yr old is getting all sorts of star wars action figures.
thanks for all the game suggestions – we love to add new ones to our collection each year )the grandparents will be giving our boys the delux ‘guess who’ game you recommended!
Cheers!
~H

Georgia - Me and my husband play board games.. Battleships, monopoly, scrabble (although were both rubbish at spelling so it ends up with made up words and swear words.. ooops)
I miss you christmas DIY gift idea’s, thats how i found your blog a couple years ago! x

Tawny - I bought Quelf for my boss and her family. It looks silly and fun!

shar y - Apparently, Headbanz is great, according to my g-kids, and adults like it too. Especially, along with adult bevarages!
I had to have a cast cut off of my wrist earlier this year. It is very scary worring if they will cut too deep! Go Annie!

Diane Hutchings - All those games look so fun! We’re having our first baby in June, and we can’t wait until he/she is oldenough to play games as a family!

Kate - OK, here goes:
Lauren – iTunes gift card and the book Hinds Feet on High Places
Scott – KU gear
Sean – shirt that says ‘my last name is awesome’
Talby – her own baking supplies – her own bowls and measuring spoons
Annie – her own gardening supplies 🙂
Love you. Hang in there

Leadia Jarvis - Oh, poor Annie – and you!
I am right there with you on the Christmas meltdown. I feel super Grinchy this year – like my heart might be about 600 sizes too small, haha!
We are the same with games as well. Lots of distractions and interruptions and insults and fighting, but like you, at least it’s a break from watching their eyes glaze over on the video screens. We like almost all of the games you have listed. The older kids have really started getting into “Scattergories”, although Eliza (who is 10) sometimes needs a little help. If you hit a Goodwill you can usually find Outburst Jr. for $1.99. I don’t know if they still make it (?) but this game is a HUGE hit with all of us. There’s also one called “Beat the Parents” that’s a lot of fun. One of my girlfriends with a lot of kids also recommended a game called “Scavenger Hunt” – it looks super fun so I think I’m going to order it as a family present!

Julianne Brimner - I have 4 gifts bought total. Our big gift is flying our son who is in the Navy home for Christmas. That is all he wants and me too. Fave new game for our family is Spot It. Fun, fast and even our eight year old loves it. I know Target has it.

Alice H - Our favorite card game is PHASE 10. And Headbandz is so fun! Hope you get that for them for Christmas. We also like Catch Phrase!

Alice H - Do the WANT, NEED, WEAR, READ for your kids and throw in a SURPRISE from Santa. That way they only get 5 gifts each. I am doing that this year and I budgeted myself for $150 per kid, I have 3. And I only went over budget just a little bit.

Lori H - We love Bananagrams! Similar to Scrabble but it moves much faster. Now Scrabble bores me to tears. Apples to Apples and Would You Rather are both good. If you can find it, Rat a Tat Cat is an awesome card game and was awarded some Parents Award. One of our favorites!

Tanya H - Our kids’ very favorite game is Loaded Questions Jr. Their second fav is Apples to Apples, if that gives you an idea. We don’t even have most gifts planned, much less purchased. And it doesn’t help that our kids are asking for things there is NO WAY they’re going to get. My daughter did finally ask for a hula hoop and a new jump rope, assuming walmart still has them in the middle of winter. 🙂 Our kids are getting MP3 players tho, and a $15 gift card to Amazon for more of their own music. Was that at all helpful? 🙂
I agree with the trauma Annie was dealing with- I broke my arm when I was a kid and was WAY more scared for them to cut the cast off than anything else in the world! 😛

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share the joy.

December 10, 2012 Filed in charity,things i love

World Market is one of my favorite stores!
i chose which side of town i shop at so that i can be sure to be close to the world market.  :)

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$150 gift card?  yes please. 
LET'S GET SHOPPING!!

i had my instagram working hard while i was shopping.
i shared lots of the the fun things i was finding and dreaming about.
i started following World Market on Instagram too!

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i stood there in front of this wall of pillows and thought "i love every single one… how could i choose?"

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this chair is my favorite… i drool over it every time i am there.
each tufted button is a different colorful fabric.
it makes me so happy to see.

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i loved both of these huge signs.

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world market has a great section of stocking stuffers and gifts for kids!
i know Sean would love this in his stocking.

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this chair?!  it looks vintage!!  i looooove it.  

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i am pretty sure that this rug should live at my house…it's lovely.

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my girls would enjoy every second of making this gingerbread tree.
and my boys might also if they had their own so they wouldn't have to share.
my favorite part… premade cookies…. all supplies are included!

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how sweet are these deer hooks?
i think spray painted in hot pink would be even more amazing!

everything i find at World Market makes me smile and i feel inspired.

 

but this day at World Market wasn't really for MY wants.
i had $150 to spend on a gift basket to donate to a charity of my choice.

it took me awhile to choose one… i wasn't sure where to go.
i asked my friends for suggestions and they lead me eventually to
Youthville… a local organization that has secure housing for girls ages 12- 17.

Youthville's Secure Care program is designed to serve girls who have chronic runaway behaviors and have been deemed by the courts as "Children In Need of Care". This 24-hour, highly structured and safe environment allows females to address behaviors in a safe home-like setting. The program's objective is to return girls safely to their families and communities by decreasing the likelihood of future runaway episodes through skill building and improving decision making.

while in their secure housing they are taught cooking and baking courses.

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i found mixing bowls, cookie sheets, measuring cups, cupcake pan and liners, sprinkles, ruffley girlie hot pads, cute spoons, sweet smelling soap, spatulas, and even yummy mixes to enjoy.  
it was so much fun to keep filling and filling that basket!

i'm grateful to have had the opportunity to think about & pray for these girls who are living here.
they deserve the chance to have big dreams, happiness and even just a pretty bowl to make cookies in.
life has not been easy for them but maybe they will find some simple joy in learning how to bake.

i thought about my own girls and how much they enjoy decorating a gingerbread house each year.
maybe the girls at this house have never gotten to do that?
yes… put it in the basket!

i loved being a part of World Market's Share the Joy campaign.

i highly encourage you to find SOMETHING around you to help with this christmas.
anything.

just pick any charity near you, call them and say "i want to help you…tell me how"
and i promise they will tell you how.
then go do it.
your heart will feel like it's about to burst when you go and give your gift!

and take your kids!!

you can find World Market on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter too! 

Be sure to enter the World Market Share the Joy Sweepstakes HERE.

  • Grand Prize package includes: A $5,000 American Express Gift Card for you and $5,000 for a charity of your choice
  • You could be one of 5 winners (one winner per week).
  • The Share the Joy Sweepstakes ends 12/21/12.

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™, but all my opinions are my own

 

 


add a comment

Outreach - I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!

Allison - Thank you for choosing Youthville! My friend works there. She loves what she does and is always looking for activities the girls will like and this sounds like the perfect thing!

Nanette - Wow! What a great cause – and it is amazing what kids get from learning to cook with someone. I think it is one of the most important things to do with your kids…my 3 boys love it and I hope it is bonding time they will always remember. That chair needs to live in your house…it is SOOO you! If I ever buy any new furniture in my future it will be the settee that matches that chair – I love it!

teresa - Wonderful. Nothing better than doing for others.
Happy Day

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - I love World Market but we don’t have them here in NY(boo) so I always have to order online.
I love what this organization does. Giving hope… what the Christmas season is all about!

Tiffany - Good for you! How fun that you were asked to play Santa. I bet the girls will love it… You were so thoughtful with picking the items out they would enjoy.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Nice job, Pretty Hair!
Did you see the paper mache reindeer head? I keep seeing it online then crying on the inside…It is so cool. And we are deprived of World Market in Indiana.
I like the hooks. Goodbye.

Tanya - What a fantastic organization. It made me quite teary thinking about those girls and all the girls out there who struggle. I am touched that there are people pouring into their lives and investing in them in hopes of returning them to their families happier and more settled. Good read! Thanks <3

Kate - That is fantastic! What an amazing organization!

Lori Austin - That basket is pure joy. Sounds like the charity was a perfect choice.

Leadia Jarvis - My girlfriend and I went there the other night and spent an hour in the aisles. I fell in love with those deer hooks and those chairs. I bought way too many stocking stuffers that will probably drive ME crazy once the kids get their hands on them but…giant whoopee cushions and tin slide whistles??? How could I pass those up? I love their foods and their jewelry too. And…they are so nice there. Always. Go back and get a tin of the dark chocolate salted caramel bark as a gift to yourself. I did 😉

Laura - My church works with the Salvation Army to adopt families. It’s such a nice way to give joy to a family that wouldn’t be able to otherwise afford such luxury. And we’re all blessed with so much in comparison to our neighbors.

Laura - THIS is awesome
THIS is why I came back to blogging…
and now I kind of want to go shopping WITH you…for others…but maybe we can stop for a latte on the way….
xoxoxoxoxox

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update:

December 10, 2012 Filed in africa

beth is doing a little better and is home from the hospital as of yesterday.

beth had severe malaria and they are fighting it with medication but it is not easy.

third world medical care is horrible as you can imagine….  

pam is also sick but not as critical as beth was/is.

PLEASE keep praying for healing.

i miss her so much. 

add a comment

kay morrison - my annie had malaria when she lived in uganda. it was terrible and so hard to be far away. we’re praying meg. xoxo

April R - praying

dcgraber@cox.net - Our two girls got it when we were there, but luckily medication worked fine. But one little child died the day we arrived there. So very sad. One missionary friend of ours (actually, Marshal Gile’s mom) had a close call when she had dental work done in Zaire. We are truly blessed with how much medical care we have in the US.

tinaehb3 - Sending prayers for continued healing.

k. - Glory be to Thee, O Lord my God! I beg of Thee by Thy Name through which He Who is Thy Beauty hath been stablished upon the throne of Thy Cause, and by Thy Name through which Thou changest all things, and gatherest together all things, and callest to account all things, and rewardest all things, and preservest all things, and sustainest all things—I beg of Thee to guard this handmaiden who hath fled for refuge to Thee, and hath sought the shelter of Him in Whom Thou Thyself art manifest, and hath put her whole trust and confidence in Thee.
She is sick, O my God, and hath entered beneath the shadow of the Tree of Thy healing; afflicted, and hath fled to the City of Thy protection; diseased, and hath sought the Fountainhead of Thy favors; sorely vexed, and hath hasted to attain the Wellspring of Thy tranquillity; burdened with sin, and hath set her face toward the court of Thy forgiveness.
Attire her, by Thy sovereignty and Thy loving-kindness, O my God and my Beloved, with the raiment of Thy balm and Thy healing, and make her quaff of the cup of Thy mercy and Thy favors. Protect her, moreover, from every affliction and ailment, from all pain and sickness, and from whatsoever may be abhorrent unto Thee.
Thou, in truth, art immensely exalted above all else except Thyself. Thou art, verily, the Healer, the All-Sufficing, the Preserver, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Bahá’u’lláh

Lisa Q - Such encouraging news…praying for her and her mom. Our friend had Black Malaria in Africa and made a full recovery thanks to the Lord’s touch on her. Praying the same for Beth and her mom!

alimoll - They are still in my thoughts and prayers! So glad to hear that Beth it out of the hospital and doing a bit better.

Tanya - Prayers for Beth.
I know a family who was in Africa for many years and experienced Malaria several times. It’s quite treatable with the right medication. Prayers for the proper medication and treatment to be available.

Lisa - So glad she is doing better!! Praying still for complete healing!

Leadia Jarvis - I cannot imagine how frightening this would be. Prayers are being sent.

Leslie @topofthepage - i have been literally on my knees for this girl. i’m so glad to hear she’s getting better. will pray for Pam too; i didn’t know she was sick as well. God is there, and He is good.

Kate - Will do. Lifting them up in prayer with you.

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normal.

December 8, 2012 Filed in photography,random,things i love

i will update on pam's sweet Beth as soon as i know anything different.
thank you and keep praying …………………………………………………………………………………

 

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just regular everyday goodness.

 

 

add a comment

jodi - Dear Meg, Oh how I LOVE your blog- Thanks for being you! 🙂

Michelle Merimee - Kyle Idleman is our pastor here in Louisville. LOVE LOVE LOVE that book. Life changing. 🙂 Great to see it on here.

Barbara - Love that you have scissors at the ready! Cuties are made for kids!

Megan - Love this so much.

Dana - Do you like Not A Fan so far? It’s on my reading list, but I have not purchased it yet.

Melissa - ove your every day goodness! I also have those same festive Christmas PJ pants and love them! Tempted to wear them in public as you obviously did. LOL

janet - i read “not a fan” this spring. a life changing message. lovely pictures too:)

Jacci in Ohio - Loved this post!
Thanks for the rainbow polka dots. They made me SMILE 😀

dee - i love this post ..just pure joy looking at the pictures ..thanks for the smile -love dee x

Krista - Sweet little Annie trying to peel that orange with one hand…. How we take such things for granted!

Jen - I sometimes think your regular everyday posts are my fav. Hope you’re having a wonderful regular everyday day today.

colleen - This is beautiful… thanks!

Gina in Louisville - Dude. I just heard Kyle Idleman preach last week. Let us know what you think about the book. I’m curious.

Waffle-Wednesday - How mesmerizing are your pictures of loveliness! Thank you. I feel like I just read a great story that wouldn’t let me leave it.

Tanya - Just prayed for Beth.
The everyday is the best in my opinion 😀

Christina - I just prayed for Beth and the family, and the doctors.
These pictures are lovely. They inspire me to be on the lookout for beauty. Most of the time I want to run away from my home. It’s not beautiful in many ways (a lot of disaster). But…I bet I could find it in some places, and work on making it in other places (it=beauty). Thank you. 🙂
Love your pj bottoms, and Precalculus with Limits? Let’s just say…Limits. haha!

tiffany gardner - beautiful.

dcgraber@cox.net - Love those random pictures of normal! Praying for Pam’s family!

Chrissie Grace - Love this. My favorite posts of yours are ones like these…beautiful shots of the little moments that’s me life so grand! 🙂

Lisa - Love the everyday pictures! And still praying for Beth!!

ali moll - Always love “normal”! Especially, after life has thrown some curve balls!

Linda at Lime in the Coconut - The BEST kind. You do everyday SO well!!

Allison - Beautiful pictures. Went to school at OCC with Kyle and his wife and sister. Amazing and beautiful people, inside and out

Erin - Our Sunday School class is going through Not A Fan right now. Convicting. Ouch. But a good ouch.

Susan - Hope this kind of sweetness follows you all the way into the new year!

Thewaregirls.blogspot.com - Thanks for the pick of the Rose Hill Rockets! I went to high school there way back when. I love reading your blog. It reminds me of the great things about Kansas life. Thanks for what you do! Happy Holidays!

Kristin S - I love every single one.
Except the precal. Blech.
And…. one of my favorite things about my polka dot Old Navy PJ bottoms is the big, wide satin ribbon! I see yours too. Maybe I need more of those PJ pants….

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Love this post Meg. And I laughed right out loud at the “Precalc” book. Mine would sure have to have LOTS of limits:)
Looks like Annie is figuring out a new normal(poor kid)…is she handling it all well?
Love your cone trees too!Happy Saturday.

Wendy - Your “everyday” is colorful and stunning. ♥

Flower Patch Farmgirl - I’ve been kicking around a “Stuck” study. I should go for it, right? I really liked her “Anything”.
“Not A Fan”…I wasn’t a fan. :/

Suzanne - everyday normal rocks!

Tiffany - I love your normal. Looks like a fabulous way to live! 🙂

Courtney - That Not a Fan book is really good! Love seeing all the beauty in your every day!

Lori Austin - A Saturday post. Happy!
Love that you have your jammies on in the car. 🙂
Hope Miss Annie is getting along okay. Look at her peel that orange
one handed. Good for her. It’s amazing what you can learn to do one
handed.
Will continue to pray.

Alisa - Gratitude:
Waking early in a quiet sleeping house to the light of the twinkling Christmas tree.
On the couch under my favorite quilt….watching the day get light out the window.
One Thousand Gifts devotional… “recognizing” Grace.
Slow, lazy morning with the family…still in our pj’s at 10:30am.
Nowhere to go, no place to be, not in a hurry.
Drinking coffee to the last drop while it’s still hot.
Sisters making eggs.
Happy husband
Fun plans for the day.
(Sharing my little list with you. You are also a happy part of my days and your pics make me happy today. Love the pj’s in the car. Fun.)

Jennifer - Is Talby playing orchestral bells? I played that instrument and other mallet percussion ones for seven years of band growing up!

alicia @ la famille - cosy. lovely. normal 🙂
have a great day!

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