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i love our sponsors!

November 26, 2012

each Craft Weekend we have wonderful, generous sponsors who send our guests their product!
we appreciate all of our sponsors SO much.
our sponsors make Craft Weekend even more special to our ladies who come!
thank you for being an awesome part of Craft Weekend!

Holiday with Matthew Mead …………………………………………..

Matthew Mead sent us the latest copy of his magazine Holiday.
it is filled with page after page of gorgeous christmas decorations and ideas.
you can read his blog HERE to find out what is coming up next and get great style tips.
you can purchase your own Holiday magazine HERE.

Elisa Lou ……………………………………………………………………………

Elisa Lou sent sweet little coin pouches for our crafty girls.
i will love having this little extra pocket in my purse to store my change or lipstick or anything small.
her etsy shop is filled with bags and pouches that are ready to ship in time for christmas.

Use the coupon code Holiday12 for free shipping in her etsy shop!

Little Branches …………………………………………………………………..

Little Branches sent our group these absolutely lovely handpainted christmas signs.
she has a sweet shop filled with signs, baby gifts, pillows and more.
she is running a sale on her mini signs (like these) today… 2 for $25!!
these will look so perfect in your home this christmas and would also make GREAT gifts!!
go shopping at Little Banches!

A Cottage Life …………………………………………………………………….

A Cottage Life sent our girls a spool wrapped with mini bunting.
it is the cutest little bunting!!
her shop is a fun spot with a mix of vintage finds and handmade pretties.
she makes the hankie embroidered dish towels that i love!
go check our A Cottage Life on etsy and use the code WHATEVER10 for 10% off your order through december!

Avenue Lou ………………………………………………………………………..

Avenue Lou sent their awesome sunglasses cases for our crafters!
these sunglass cases are perfect for protecting the latest fashion in sunglasses.
the hard study case has a suede-feel interior that will keep your eye-wear safe.
The outside is durable and washable.
they would make PERFECT christmas gifts…it would be a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift!

use the code Craft in their shop... making the cases only $12!

Lisa Leonard ………………………………………………………………….

Lisa Leonard Designs has jewelry for everyone.
you can find gifts for anyone on your list in Lisa's shop.
she carries a whole line of gold jewlery now too!!
i am SO excited about her latest new charm bracelet…a new charm comes every month all next year!
i can't wait for that to come in the mail!
have you seen it yet? it's going to be so pretty on my wrist.

Use the code meg20 for 20% off anything in the shop
{except gift cards or the discount charm bracelet} Expires Dec 10th.

the Pleated Poppy ………………………………………………………..

the Pleated Poppy is such a happy shop.
her handmade pouches and bags, covers and fun christmas decor will be your favorites too.
i LOVE her messenger bags....so cute and roomy with fabulous color & patterns mixing perfectly.
go shopping at the Pleated Poppy and use the code WHATEVER15 for a 15% discount!

Thirty One Gifts ……………………………………………………

Kerry Perkinson is an Independent Senior Director with Thirty One.
She sent CUTE bags for each crafter!
you can visit her facebook page to find out about deals and promos she carries.
she has a 12 Days of Christmas special that looks really amazing!

Go visit her site to see all the super cute and functional bags & gifts that Thirty One has for you!

Dayspring ………………………………………………………………………

Dayspring sent their mugs from their shop for our guests.
each mug has a bible verse and a beautiful design.
dayspring carries an entire line of inspirational products for your home.
i love to go through their shop and find gifts for friends and family and also… for me!

Close2MyART ………………………………………………………………..

Close to My ART sent her Dangling Doodles for our crafters!!
i love these little pieces of art!
each one has such character and is so unique.
these would make wonderful ornaments for your tree this year.
her entire shop is filled with creativity from frames to clocks to paintings to soap dispensers!
go look through all of it and you will love it all!

Broward Patch ………………………………………………………………

Broward Patch sent camera straps for everyone in all differnt patterns.
i fell in love with the rainbow chevron immediately.
they are all so fun in her shop!
use the coupon code Craft20 for 20% off your entire order!!
which one will you choose?! these would also make great gifts for christmas!

Inspire Lovely ………………………………………………………………..

Inspire Lovely is just that…completely lovely.
this shop is filled with paper goods, party supplies & packaging in patterns and colors that i love!
they sent twine to our crafters packaged so sweetly on little wooden spools.
i really just love every page in the shop.
use coupon code INSPIRE15 for 15% off your first order (coupon expires the end of November).

Bake it Pretty ………………………………………………………………….

oh how i love Bake It Pretty!
when i go to their shop i am filled with ideas of every kind of party i dream of hosting.
they sent a box filled with pretty awesome goodies…including my favorite product of theirs…
a cupcake frosting decorating kit for each of guests.
go look through their site and you will be set for ANY party or special occasion you have coming up.

Barn Owl Primitives ………………………………………………….

Barn Owl Primitives is an awesome shop filled with colorful and sweet signs.
they sent one sign to our weekend and we got to pick one lucky winner to take it home!
she sent this christmas sign and i love it so much…red and turquoise are my favorite!
go look through her shop to find a great sign for your home too!

Lovely Little Whimsy …………………………………………………….

this sweet shop sent earrings for our craft guests.
her shop is filled with unique jewelry and scarves and baby gifts.
i really love this owl necklace right now!
go peek around in her shop and i bet you can get some christmas shopping done while you are there.

…………………………………………………………….

thank you sponsors for

making our last craft

weekendof the year

A M A Z I N G !!!

seriously….you could be DONE with your christmas shopping if you wanted from this post!
:)

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misty - I can’t wait to check it all out! 🙂 I saw this rainbow tree a few minutes ago and thought of you. It just screams “Meg!” http://www.treetopia.com/colored-artificial-christmas-trees-p/rainbow-christmas-tree.htm
I know it isn’t ‘traditional’ but you can always have more than 1 tree 🙂

Sara - I tryed to email you but its said it not working, could you email me? I have a question about your craft weekends. sarahunt88@gmail.com

Debbie S - Ordered myself a new camera strap. Can’t wait to use it on our next trip! Thanks for the deals 🙂

Debbie S - I had a problem with one site too…I just contacted the seller and she refunded me the difference 🙂

Tiffany - So thankful to the sponsors for all of these goodies! Some are making their way to my loved ones as little extra gifts this year!

Su@TheIntentionalHome - DaySpring needs to send you this canvas for the craft house:
http://www.dayspring.com/sale_and_clearance/25_off_all_canvases/think_about_such_things_14x22_gallery_wrapped_canvas_print/
Did you see it???

Tracy Fisher - fun stuff. 🙂 i love looking at what your sponsors create. -tracy

tinaehb3 - wow…such great stuff..off to check out the deals I can snag!! i hope i get to be a lucky lady one day 😉

Cathy Robinson - Meg –
Just tried to use the “craft” code for Avenue Lou – and it’s not taking it. Any ideas?
cathy
ps – great sponsors – thanks for passing them on!

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it is friday after all…

November 23, 2012

well..annie's broken arm changed a lot of my plans this holiday.
i am supposed to be black friday shopping with my mom & sister and going out to breakfast.
it's such a fun day together.

i hope you girls went anyway!!
missed you this thanksgiving.

we ate a lot… twice.
annie was so worn out and said "can we please go hooooome?"
and requested the yucky tasting stronger medicine.
poor baby.

i thought i would share my instagram pictures from the past few weeks.
and NEXT week i will have those giveaways i told you about. :)
broken bones and surgery trump blog posts.

1. rainbow? i think i am needing a new bible… 2. breakfast & blocks with annie (pre-broken arm)

3. waffle is a pretty sweet dog. i like him. 4. i was having an arm party with some of my faves.

5. kansas sunsets are rad. #nofilter 6. 31" Batman dolls are super creepy and BIG.

7. lunch with annie at school last week 8. got lost in a new (to me) antique shop 🙂

9. made glazed apple bars…. holy heck YUMMM! 10. creating while we listened to christmas music

11. new pants in my closet…annie & i will be twinsies. 12. playing with my globe collection at the Craft House

13. my new stern notes i wrote on the washer and dryer. my kids do their own laundry and i am so tired of the laziness that has taken over in the laundry room.
i also taped the the laundry chute closed… out of order children!

15. ten baskets AND a mountain of bedding… REDONK. 16. got my hair did…love sitting under the dryer.

17. pumpkin waffles for thanksgiving breakfast! 18. strengthening her bones… GO ANNIE!

19. craig's uncle & aunt got a new puppy… we were smitten. 20. my sean is… awesome. :)

are you on instagram?

i am Meg Duerksen on IG… come follow along.

are you going out black friday shopping?
i am in the morning…starbies first….then all my favorite shops but it won't be the same without you mom & lorel!

i actually LOVE black friday.
it's not as crowded as you think.

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lorraine tuohy - my most precious piece is my late mom’s engagement ring, what makes it even more special, is that she gave it to me before she passed. She said I want to see you enjoy it while im still here!

Christina - Poor Annie!
Your pictures are awesome, as always. I need to get to creating with these children of mine!! Your house always looks so fun.
Well, not the laundry part. 🙂 It looks just like mine in that regard!! haha! I like doing laundry, the smell of the detergent as it’s going…it’s the putting away part that kills me! I want a dresser for each person right in my laundry room! So…I need a pretty big room. ha!
Thanks for sharing your life. It always makes me smile. You have a way of making life look so beautiful. (I need that inspiration!) (I hope that doesn’t sound as lame as I think it does…I’m trying to compliment you, not sound pathetic! 😛 )

Nicole G - Meg, I just want to say Happy Holidays to you and your family and thank you. Your blog is a place I can go to when I am feeling not so happy about the current state of things in life. Your positive attitude and gratefulness for the wonderful things God has given us each day really opens my eyes and reminds me that I am blessed in so many ways. I am so thankful that you share your world with us for it really means a lot to many, myself included.
God Bless you and your family,
Nicole

Jenny B. - OH NO! I’m so sorry about Annie’s broken arm! I just now checked your blog and went back and read the past couple of posts. That SO stinks. 🙁 Praying for quick healing.

Andrea @ This Pug Life - The only place I went for Black Friday was Michael’s. I popped in before work. My store was dead! I bought an embarrassing amount of ribbon, but at 70% off, I couldn’t help myself.

Alisha - Poor Annie. I hate it when you can’t take the hurt away. Just makes your heart sink. Where did you get the ADORABLE round link fabric covered bracelet? I must have one of those!!! 🙂

Lori Austin - Keep thinking about poor Annie. I remember my broken arm so well. Not being
comfortable is NO fun. 🙁
Love the bracelet party on your arm. Pretty!
A little Black Friday shopping for me. Nothing worth going out super
early this year so I took my time getting up, showering, making hot tea and
then heading out. I did see Christmas cards with *your* Whatever verse and
thought of you. 🙂

michelle - meg,
i am cooleyfamily on IG. sorry your plans were foiled but glad you made lemonade outta those lemons. god is great all the time.
peace,
michelle

Andrea - “Redonk” and “Starbies” funny words! Laundry is my arch-enemy! WHERE does it come from ALL the time? Why? How? I don’t understand it!! I am impressed you have your kids do laundry–I should start, or maybe not! Ugh!

Kirsten J - Poor Annie – well, you’ll have to make next year a great Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, I went at midnight with my kids. My 22yo was going to take my daughter and her friend, but my husband thought better of that idea, and somehow that translated into hubby staying on the couch and me driving the kids. At least I took a little nap before. Target was not bad at all since we didn’t want electronics, then American Eagle and Aero were all ours as well. We drove through McDs at 2:30 and the girls proclaimed it “the best shopping trip ever”. And my brother-in-law took over pies this year so there was normal pumpkin, and a “Hoosier” pie – not bad, and thankfully no Splenda.

s - Hope the arm heals – poor thing!!

Ashley - Sean is also your TWIN!!!!! OMG I never noticed before how MUCH he looks like you! Like……EXACTLY LIKE YOU! 🙂 cute!

Jacci in Ohio - I’m “mrsmogun” on Instagram, btw. Confusing to have multiple usernames, huh?
Have a great weekend!

Jacci in Ohio - It makes me happy to see you drinking out of my mug 🙂 I think I mentioned this on IG, but my kids call that my Covenant Mug. I’ve told them before that it always reminds me of the promises of our God… our God Who never changes and is always faithful, even when we are faithless. So, it’s happy to me to see you with it. I drink my morning coffee from it almost every day.
Also, poor Annie 🙁 She’s the same age as my middlest… breaks my heart to “see” her hurting for so long. Praying for her.
And thanks for the Waffle peek! I miss that dog! 🙂

lorel - next year, baby! next year. we missed you too. 🙂

Kerstie Pederson - No Black Friday shopping for me. My son BROKE HIS ARM yesterday! NOT EVEN KIDDING!!!
ER last night, Doc today, now sleepy time. 😉

christy - So sorry that lil’Annie is in so much pain. Poor lil’ munchkin.
Went out last night & the lines were cra-azy, I decided to go back home. Then b/c I oculdn’t sleep went out about an hour later & was home by 11 with a few small items, but not the big item on my list. Scored that today, thank you Amazon! Hope you had a nice time, even though you were missing your momma & sis.

Kerry Wiebe - Went out and conquered! Love LOVE LOOVVVVEEE the black friday! I hope you found your kitchen aids 🙂

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Hubby and I went BF shopping last night(after dropping the girls off at Nanny’s for a sleepover:)) and then again this morning. Last night was INSANE! We usually don’t go out until Friday afternoon but last night one of the stores was so crowded and so HOT that I nearly passed out.
Everyone was generally in good spirits though(which was a nice surprise after being a little taken aback by the ambulances at every store entrance). Except for one woman who loudly proclaimed behind us at one point “If I don’t get a F%$&^#@ TV I’m gonna rip someone’s head off. WOW.Some people scare me:)

Leadia Jarvis - Hope Annie’s feeling better. Hopefully we can continue our “no broken bones” streak at our house because that doesn’t sound fun. Did it happen on the trampoline? Say “no” because we have TWO! I went Black Friday (or technically Black Thursday/Friday) shopping for the first time yesterday. I was scared, but if you go in with a plan and don’t browse, it’s not that bad at all. I only slept 4 hours so far today. LOTS of coffee is in my future!

Ann Williams - LOVE that Annie is smiling even though she has had a tough week. 🙂

Amy - Hey I have that same rainbow mug!! My favorite!
So sorry about poor Annie. Sometimes holidays just work out a little differently than planned, so I hear ya. Our Thanksgiving ended with a trip last night to the E.R. with my 7 year old son, who was having breathing difficulties from a piece of candy he ate (he is our peanut allergy kid). So I can commiserate. 🙁
Hope Annie heals up quickly!!

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - Have fun, hope you get some good deals!

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broken bones and KAKE news.

November 21, 2012

*********************************************

on monday evening craig & i were looking forward to our free night with no plans or practices.
and then i heard a SCREAM outside that was so loud and annie yelling "I BROKE MY ARM!!! ITS BROKEN!!!"

i doubted for about five minutes but then i felt her arm.
yeah….
i called craig & he was on his way home from work "i think annie broke her arm. i am taking her to the ER".
he said he would meet us there.

two hours later they determined it was definitely broken.
we expected it to just be a cast and we'd go home.

then a dr came in and said "it's a really bad break. REALLY BAD. we need to do surgery"
what?!
so at 9 PM they took her in and put her under.

that was very hard to let her go.

a piece of her bone broke off and was floating in her arm.
they put two pins in her elbow to hold it in place until it heals.

she's smiling but it was just for the camera.
she and i slept in the hospital (if you can call it sleep) monday night to keep an eye on everything.

we headed home late morning….dead tired.
we both rested all day yesterday.
the doctor says a cast comes next week.
she is hoping for lime green but thought red and blue for KU would be cool too.

we've got some serious bedhead going on that we will have to deal with today….

she slept all night last night.
i just feel so bad for her.
she is miserable.
i think we will paint nails and toenails today.
and finish her chapter book.
and we watched Crocodile hunter this morning…. how much tv can one person watch?!

so send up some prayers for annie when you think of her.

and on a completely different subject………..

Craft Weekend was on the local news!
they interviewed us before the last CW and then came back AT craft weekend during our apron making.
some of our guests were interviewed about why they came.
i was really nervous about the whole thing but i think it turned out well.

it's pretty cool.

ok….another cup of coffee is needed.
and i am going to do 7 loads of laundry today.
i am.
keep me accountable.
make sure i do it.
cause my laundry situation is downright embarassing right now.
i have let it go for far too long.
sitting at the hospital knowing i needed clothes and dreading the thought of having a friend go into my house to look for my clothes was mortifying.
1. i doubt i had any clean underwear for me.
2. to get to my clean clothes….you had to climb the mountain of dirty clothes first…seriously a safety risk.

so today i am playing nurse, manicurist and laundry aid.

what are you doing today?
getting ready to cook? are you hosting thanksgiving? what kind of pie are you making?

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cathy - Poor baby….. so sorry to hear she was hurt:(

Tracy Fisher - so sorry to hear about annie. but it sounds like she got an awesome nurse (you). i cannot quit laughing about your laundry pile. mine is the same way!! now, don’t you feel better??? i once asked my kids if we should just live from the pile. obviously everything they liked was in it because they keep wearing and washing the same things. closets are wasted space. i should turn mine into an art studio. haha.

Tiffany - Awww, poor thing 🙁 Feel better Annie!

jeannett - ACK!!!
i just saw this!
how awful!
what was she doing? none of my kids have broken bones yet, but i keep waiting for it to happen…but surgery for it? that’s terrible. poor girl! poor you!!!!
hugs friend.

Christina - I read the other post first…goodness! What a night. I hope as the days go by, the pain is not so bad. I’m praying for you guys!

Wendy - Feel better soon Annie!!!

Sandy - Praying for Annie. I love the news clip! You deserve the recognition!! So proud of you!

Sarah E. - So sorry! 2 1/2 years ago my son broke his arm at the McDonald indoor playland on vacation. We assumed the same thing, get a cast on and be gone. Nope surgery the next morning and 2 pins. Such a crazy time but so thankful for the wisdom God gave this doctor. My son has no problems at all now!

Katherine @ Grass Stains - Ohhh, Annie. So sorry for Annie! I hope it heals quickly and I suppose if it had to happen, maybe it’s better to have happened in the winter than in the summer, when they are outside so much more? It’s possibly I’m reaching too far for a glass-half-full outlook here. 😉 Hope you guys had a blessed Thanksgiving.

Ashley - The news clip came out so great! I am so happy for you and Kimberlee 🙂

jennyonthespot - OH ANNIE! Bless her heart, and yours, Meg. That was quite the break 🙁 Glad she’s healing up… hope you got those 7 loads done… what an AWESOME piece on Craft Weekend (I am SO proud of you!) and… hope your thanksgiving was surprisingly lovely 🙂 xoxox

Lisa - I saw the KAKE news story – Congratulations! I bet you get a lot more local ladies signing up this week! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tiffany - i will be praying for Annie. (no pain and quick recovery)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to YOU and YOURS!
i cooked half of my stuff yesterday and finished the rest this morning.
we are my MIL and i’m enjoying being out of the house.
i opted for cobblers this year.
a blueberry and peach…
yumm-o

Kori - Oh, poor Annie!! I broke my arm twice as a little girl…get something long and thin for her to scratch up under her cast. She’ll need it! Luckily it happened at home and you could take her asap.
As far as I can tell there’s nothing a good mani/pedi can’t take one’s mind off of. 🙂
Hope you all get some good rest…

Kirsten J - Oh sweet Annie – I’m so sorry – my daughter and I saw this had happened on Twitter, and tried to comment. Ouch!! Praying for a quick healing. We are headed to my sister-in-law’s today, and while I am grateful for many things, including the fact that I dont have to clean house or cook a turkey…..she is always so proud of her “healthy” pies….made with Splenda. Seriously. Yuck. She insists “you can’t even taste it!” and I’m sorry, but you can. I only eat pie maybe two or three special days a year, and sadly, today I think I’ll pass….
Hope you get lime green, Annie!!!

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - Happy Thanksgiving! Hope Annie is on the mend, and that you are rocking that laundry situation!

colleen sullivan - feeling for you and Annie and sending good thoughts your way….at least everytone is around to help you out and relieve the boredom at thanksgiving!

karen - poor annie!! kids are resilient..i hope she feels better soon. How did she break it?

Michelle from Australia - Dear Annie, I hope your arm is much better soon.
Meg, prayers of strength for you, Annie and the family whilst her arm heals.
Kimberlee, thank you for remembering there is an Australian (or two or more??) who would LOVE to come to Craft Weekend 🙂
We are currently in San Francisco and we are looking forward to celebrating our first ever Thanksgiving tomorrow.
God Bless you all.

Karen Gerstenberger - God bless you and your sweet Annie! Spending the night in the hospital is hard. I bet that Annie will look back on this time and be very proud of herself, as she deserves to be. She is brave and strong.
We are hosting Thanksgiving. There will be 15 of us (I thought there would be 18!). Today, I prepared yams, green bean casserole, homemade cranberry sauce and set the table. Tomorrow, it will be time for Mr. Turkey, the stuffing and gravy, appetizers and beverages. Our guests are bringing all of the rest of the feast. We’re so happy that our precious friends are visiting from KANSAS & will be celebrating with us.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Meg!

Verna Lantz - Poor, sweet Annie. Prayers for her to be better soon. And for her to get that green cast.
Did you get that laundry done? I certainly hope so, young lady! 🙂
Busy all day with Thanksgiving prep and pie cooking
Pumpkin, pecan, lemon, and one devil’s chocolate cake (for my little one)
Next up: side dishes and the main man, or turkey, as the case may be.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Lori Austin - Oh sweet girl! Broken bones are NO fun (speaking from experience).
Sending your kiddo to surgery also no fun (speaking from MUCH experience).
Prayers for her healing and quickly passing days.
Great news coverage btw!

roganne - poor annie!! i broke a rib once and i felt terrible too 🙁 what an awful experience, but i hope lots of people sign her cool new cast! the news piece was so beautiful…you are truly an inspiration to all 🙂

Rita - I will pray for Annie’s healing and for the rest of the family. It’s very hard to have your child taken away for surgery – I’ve cried many tears along with my son when he was hurting. Let others help you and your family – it also is a hard thing to do, but a blessing to others to help you and in return, you are blessed, too. I’ve made my pumpkin pie bars and chocolate pecan pie for tomorrow – will get up early and get the ham and turkey on to cook. It’s a blessing to cook for my 87-year old mom and my siblings and families. May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Robin C - too bad I don’t live near you because I would do your laundry in a heartbeat. Seriously, it’s my favorite household chore. yes, seriously!
So loved the news report on Craft Weekend. Uh-oh- your waiting list is bound to get even longer now.

Lindsey - Poor Annie! I hope it all goes okay and she heals quickly!!!!!

Amy - Oh sweet Annie! So sorry you broke your arm. I’ll bet you heal really fast. I broke my arm when I was your age by falling out of my tree house. I had a really yucky tummy ache until the Dr. fixed my arm. Hope your cast is super cool!

Kristin - Poor Annie…I hope she’s feeling better! And that you’ve done your laundry.

Karen - Oh poor Annie girl!!! Little bunny I am so sorry you broke your arm!!! Feel better soon! And poor mama – you are only as happy as your least happy child, right!?! Hugs and prayers for you all and Happy Thanksgiving!

Jacci in Ohio - Miss Annie, I’m praying for you, honey!
The Lord cares all about your arm, and He is with you all those long hours of uncomfortableness. He cares about YOU! And loves YOU, even when bad things happen. He is good.
Praying for you all, Megan. 7 loads of laundry? On little sleep? Maybe I should pray even MORE 😉
By the way… 900? Ugh. Maybe I didn’t want to know that number. I chop onions and make cheesecake! 😉 Bonus points?? ha ha. So excited for you that you have so much interest in CW. It’s a blessing to many, I’m certain!

ChristineW - Poor baby girl! I’m wearing lime green socks right now so that’s my vote for cast color! 🙂 I hope she is feeling better soon and rockin’ those nails! And I’m hearing ya’ on the laundry! HS soccer season just ended and thank goodness the older son came home from college with his clothes already washed!! YEA! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Michelle Bostinelos - Poor Annie!! That is really no fun 🙁 But great story on the news! I would love a chance to come to craft weekend…and I am on the waiting list 🙂

Andrea - Sending prayers for Annnie……getting ready to begin cooking….tonight…pecan pie, peanut butter pie( Iknow….not really thanksgiving material but requested, cranberry sauce, ham/cream cheese/ pickle rolls and stuffing…..tomorrow the rest! Happy Thanksgiving…good luck with that laundry. I hate laundry….

Gina - Prayers for fast healing for Annie! With six kids I know all about those piles of laundry…. You should be about half way done by now. Happy Thanksgiving…hope you and your family have fun!!!

Tanya - oh poor punkin’. hope she’s on the mend soon <3
And..yay!!!! for the news story 😀
My aunt was just here to do a craft show with my mom last weekend and they lived in Newton all of my growing up years. We drove from Canada many summers to visit. I told her about your blog and craft weekend 😀

tinaehb3 - looks like the poor thing has a radial head fracture…17 years of being a xray tech I’ve seen a ton of these 🙂 hope she feels better soon, you’ll be surprised when they xray her in a couple of weeks she’ll be good as new, kids bones are amazing!!! fun clip to watch!!

Courtney - Sweet angel! Poor girl and Mama! Glad she is doing OK! I am starting Thankgiving prep. Two pecan pies done (my girlfriend and I each bake two of the same and then swap), Cranverry sauce is done and PW’s skillet cornbread is in the oven for her cornbread sausage apple stuffing. Roasting sweet potatoes next and making the green bean casserole.
Happy Thankgiving to you. Hope you get some help with all that laundry!!!

Sara Torbett - Poor Annie! Praying her arm feels better and she is able to find something fun to keep her mind off being in bed!
My laundry was in piles a few days ago too…and it’s only my husband and I and one baby! It can pile up so fast. Here’s to hoping you had some good coffee, bright sunshine, and good music to jam to while accomplishing the 7 loads. 🙂
Today I am hanging out at home, after a trip to Target and Joann’s….dreaming up more things to do, waiting on arrival of Baby #2 any minute. 🙂 And decorating our outdoor area fancy for a date night with my husband after Little One #1 goes to bed. 🙂

Allison - Aww poor Annie. I hope she feels better. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

amber - Poor Annie:(. I broke my arm once, in a car accident. I had a lime green cast for 6 weeks. So, I say, go for it Annie;)!!! I remember my arm hurting the first few days, then I just had the nuisance of a cast for a while. Hopefully Annie will be the same. Praying for you guys! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Kristi Rediske - that is so sad about Annie-I pray that she gets to feeling better as soon as possible and the healing is perfect. I guess I am snoopy but how did she break it? I don’t think you said, if its none of my business thats ok-:) Just always curious about these things. Well have a Great Thanksgiving.

danielle - Oh no!!! Hope she feels better soon and finds many things to ammuse her!

Kerrin - Way to go! that video was awesome. Congrats!

Lisa M. - Goodness, I hope Annie is feeling better. I’m sure that broke your heart!
And congrats on the news coverage!! It was so nice to see a “live” shot of Craft Weekend! Cool!

Tiffany - So sorry about poor Annie… I hope the recovery is going well. How scary for the both of you! The news story was fun to watch, but it kind of creeps me out that my face is RIGHT THERE, before you click play. Jeepers. Wish I would have had more than 2 hours of sleep the night before and it wouldn’t have been at the end of a long day in the car. It would have been so much better to have your sweet face right there. Oh well. I’m making “Pam’s Cheesecake” for Thanksgiving!! Wish me luck! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

kristiina - Poor Baby!! Hugs and kisses to you and your family from Virginia! Get well soon, Annie 🙂

CathyC - Don’t worry!! Annie will be OK!! My daughter Olivia broke her arm a few years ago, had surgery, 2 pins, the whole nine yards, and she’s perfectly fine. Annie will be too.
BTW, every time I see pics of the Craft House I feel like that is “my house.” Totally cool!
PS–Go do some laundry & make sure you have enough detergent to get you through.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

ali moll - Poor Annie! 🙁 Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovering for her! Loved the news coverage….hearing you and Kimberlee, and how nice and calm you both sound! And then there is that crazy person talking a mile a minute! Oh, wait…that’s me! Yikes! That was pretty scary to watch! But seriously…..Craft Weekend changed my life. I am sooo full of creativity…in all aspects of my life. I feel renewed and I owe it all to you! Thanks Meg! Love, love, loved my weekend at the Craft House with you and the girls! Hoping my name gets picked again someday! Hugs! Happy Thanksgiving! Still working on my recap post!

tiffany gardner - I just have tears for that sweet annie girl and thinking of you letting her go as she went into surgery!! I’m so sorry! Please tell her that my kids and I will pray for her today and keep praying!! xo.

Angie G. - Ohhh, poor Annie!!! Must´ve been scary for her and for you. Thank God everything turned out well. On the other hand, how exciting is it that your not-so-known country gets mentioned on the local news because of you?? Oh my God!!! I´m sooo excited….. all the way from the Dominican Republic to Kansas next January… wooohoooo!!!

April - Oh poor Annie. My daughter broke her arm earlier this year at school and eventually they had to put her under and rebend it. That was super hard for me even though they didn’t have to cut her open to do it. Prayers being sent to her. My baby (8yrs. Old) was miserable too.

Lisa - Poor Annie!! It will be better once she gets the real cast on. Glad she slept well. Hope you got sleep as well. And get that laundry done girl!! You’ll feel so much better when it is. You will have to post a link for the craft weekend interview! So awesome!

Megan - You guys are so stikin cool… the NEWS?! ive been following you for a year or so and love hearing about the craft weekend. What a wonderful thing. Will be praying for Annie..

Juliann - HI Megan – Praying for Annie! I hope she gets lots of waiting-on at Thanksgiving this year 😉
I used to just buy new underwear when I ran out to avoid laundry – and that was when I was single – ha.

stacey - Meg, You don’t know me, and I don’t know you…but I FEEL like I do from reading your blog.
I have 4 kiddos, so I feel your laundry pain.
I would come help if I could. and laundry is my LEAST adored chore. But for you, I’d suck it up and do it to help you out. 🙂
A Costco pumpkin pie for us…I am a baker, but a huge pie for $5.99. It was stupid not to! 🙂
I hope sweet Annie heals quickly!

Jeanie - I will pray that Annie heals fully and quickly. When our niece fractured her arm (age 2) the doctor said “Kids are healing MACHINES.” Apparently at that age their bodies are just so quick to heal. I will pray that Annie’s healing machine will kick right in. Also we know that the Great Physician is healing her as we speak. Thank You, God!
How scary for you and your husband, though. We had our little guy (he’s 4) at the E.R. for croup a few weeks ago. Thank the good Lord for access to emergency rooms and the people that stay there all night and staff them, that’s what I say!
Glad for the great press on CW. I’m not on the list but I have a 4-year-old. Not a lot of time away for myself but they are fun updates to read about here (and on the blogs you link to). Good for you and Kimberlee.
Heal up, Miss Annie!

Lennie Jackson - So sad for you guys about the broken bone 🙁 Poor baby girl! The news story was AMAZING!!! So happy for you and I am so glad that you get to do what you love!!! You’re one lucky lady!!!

Susan - So sorry to hear that Annie got hurt! Bless her heart! She will do much better than Mom. Hope you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Kate - First off – I hope Annie feels better!
Secondly – EEEK!!!! Pretty. Cool. 🙂

kerry - oh man!!!!!!! this post is bitter sweet 🙂 poor annie, those pins look scary.. poor darling, lots of love to you. HOW FREAKING COOL IS THAT VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!! ??? So happy for you and Kimberlee. Best I get my name on that 900 long waiting list!

alicia @ la famille - how cooool about the news story!! that’s awesome!!
and how sucky for annie 🙁 poor little thing. hope it heals fast!!

Donna - so sad for Annie girl! Mom’s are the best nurses..she will be better before you know it.
Craft Weekend on the news!!!! Awesome! You all looked great:)

Ellen J - Sweet Annie! Praying her arm heals quickly, and that they have the color cast she’d like. 🙂
Hopefully the hospital bed head wasn’t too terrible to comb out! I was in and out of the hospital as a child, and my mom said she finally learned to put my hair in a french braid really quick before leaving for the ER each time. Saved my poor head of a rat’s nest and my mom the stress of combing it out!

lauren - praying you all can rest up and that annie will be up and at ’em in no time! my heidi had nearly the exact same break with her left elbow when she was four! i’ve got a few tips for you on dealing with the L-shaped cast she’ll be getting….it’s NOT EASY to wrestle with in the cold months! i’ll email you! take care!
p.s. what fun to see us all on the news!
p.p.s. craft weekend has inspired me to start blogging again. i will make my new blog ‘live’ soon…thank you – for everything!

Krista - Awww man, just watched your KAKE video, now I have tears in my eyes for another reason, so happy to see your success! Congratulations!

Colleen - Your poor little girl! I’m sure with a lot of TLC, she’ll be feeling better soon.
Love the news clip, I think it is such a fun thing you and Kimberly do. You’ve definitely made me want to craft more.

Krista - Poor sweet girl, glad she’s home and in your good care. My daughter broke her arm when she was 7 at a roller skating party. At the e/r they had to make some adjustments to the bone in her arm— “manipulation under anesthesia”– which was incredibly scary, and no parents allowed in the room, so I can totally understand how much worse it must have been for you to have her wheeled away for the surgery. Yes, the girlies like neon-colored casts, what is up with that? Have a wonderful T-giving in spite of all of your nursing, laundry, cooking challenges ahead of you!! Have an extra piece of pie just because!

Christine - hope she feels better by now 🙂 get well soon annie!

denise@victory rd. - what a bummer for annie. she deserves an extra serving of thanksgiving pie.
the video looks great. God is cool and what he has done through you and kim is cool. i pray he continues to be glorified through you.

Pink and Green Mama MaryLea - Hugs to sweet Annie and mama too! I am doing 4-5 loads of laundry today, cleaning the house for tomorrow. Making cranberry sauce jello, baking two pies- pumpkin and “yum yum” (it’s like a chocolate pecan pie) So fun that they covered craft weekend- I saw the camera crews in your photos and wondered what that was all about. Hang in there. It’s hard when our babies are hurt- even when they’re in pain I think it breaks our hearts even more! xoxoxo
So much to be thankful for, glad they were able to repair it quickly.

Tiffany - Aww, sending Annie the sweetest thoughts (pie, pie, pie, did i mention pie) and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Congrats on the news coverage, that’s pretty kool.

Amy K. - Having taken a kid to the er recently, I feel for both of you!!! Hopefully you will get your equilibrium back today… and get some laundry done too. Watching that clip makes me want to go to Craft Weekend EVEN MORE, which I did not think was possible!

KirstenP - It’s awesome that your craft weekend was on TV! I wonder how long your waiting list will be since the broadcast?!?
I’m making pumpkin pie(I use the recipe on the Libby pumpkin can and Pillsbury refrigerated crust.) I’m also going to try pecan pie again. My previous attempts taste great but some of the yummy filling always ends up underneath the pie crust – and it’s hard to get the slices out of the pie plate.
It’s always hard to see a child wheeled off to surgery whether they’re 3 months, or a year, or 10 or 19. I hope Annie heals quickly and gets her lime green cast.
It’s time to attack my mountain of laundry and bake some pies. Happy Thanksgiving.

angie - Poor bunny! My Annie broke her foot last year so we certainly feel your pain! A very traumatic experience fir an 8 year old. Hope she heals quickly!!

Sarah - Sending prayers for Annie for less pain and a speedy, successful recovery. She’s lucky to have you watching over her. Your laundry story is darn funny, rest assured you’re not alone. We moved into a new home a few months ago so we’re set to have the crew at our place this year. I’m really looking forward to it! We also invited two other families to join us for dessert, should be a fun time. Enjoy your holiday too!

Elliottsurf - Meg, I am so sorry about poor Annie. I have two boys and between the two of them, they have broken 6 bones, some of them bad breaks that required surgery. It is so hard for a Mama to go through that! On a good note, congratulations to you on the craft weekend news story! You are awesome! Keep up the good work. You really are inspiring. I look at your blog daily for a little pick-me-up! xoxo

Susan - Oh no Annie ( I have a daughter named Annie too). I saw the picture on FB last night and I wondered who was in the hospital and I thought it was her. Praying for pain relief and a perfect healing for her. Sorry about your laundry situation…it mirrors my own and I am doing maybe 4 or 5 loads but I only have a family of 3! I am making pumpkin and sweet potato pie today. I have never made sweet potato pie but my brother in law loves them so I thought I would try…found a Paula Deen recipe so it should rock!

shannon - poor Annie, I hope you she feels better fast! Kids are def. not meant to be in bed all day 🙁 I’m attempting to take some Christmas card pics of my girls today and bake some choc. chip pumpkin bread for tomorrow. First I have to head to the grocery store, wish me luck with the crowds!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

maggie - Poor annie, and poor you. It is hard letting your child go into surgery. Prayers for you all. Today i get to shoot some pictures with my friend and later i will be making some fabulous mac n cheese, not from the box. oh an probably some laundry too 🙂

Southern Gal - Praying she’s feeling better and that arm heals completely! I’ll trade and do your laundry if you’ll come dust and vacuum my house.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Tonya - Today I am reading your blog and laughing. I am so sorry about Annie but to hear what you said about having to climb over the laundry…so nice to hear that I’m not alone in that department! Hope that the rest of the week goes smoothly.

elma - I hope poor Annie feels better soon!! At least she has a long weekend to rest up!!
Congrats on the tv video it was awesome. I love hearing your voice!! I hope someday I can go!! Have a Blessed Thnaksgiving!!!

Heather - I hope Annie feels better soon!

tara - Hang in there, both of you. Good luck with the laundry. Watch a movie together and fold like crazy.
Your blog always makes me happy – thank you for that.

Renae - That video was fantastic! I keep imagining how excited I would be to be headed south to Newton to do Craft Weekend!! My husband would think I was nuts but as your readers understand, for me this would be heaven!! Have a blessed Thanksgiving Meg. Hope Annie is feeling a little better today and that her hair is back to normal! 🙂

Jules - Oh dear! Poor Annie! Hope she feels better soon. It is horrible being in plaster, although I remember when I had my leg in a cast when I was little it was so fun getting people to sign my cast and draw pictures – nothing as cool as a lime green cast then! x

Kelly - Oh I’ve been praying for Annie! And you! I’ve had a little one with a broken arm (although not nearly as bad as poor Annie’s!) and it’s rough! Hope you get a nap in between the nail painting and laundry.
So cool about the news story! 900+ on the waiting list! WOW! Thanks for sharing that clip with us!

Rebecca - Poor sweet Annie!! Praying for healing and wisdowm for the doctors and rest and comfort for you!! Ha

jerusalem - poor Annie! I feel her pain with my broken foot. So not fun at all : ( And I am with you on the laundry. TOO much. I will be sending prayers your way my friend.

Tracey - Poor Annie! My oldest broke his arm at basketball practice a couple of years ago. He sat thru the whole practice with ice on his arm and when I picked him up an hour later (because no one called me to let me know he was hurt) he burst into tears as soon as he got in the car. He lucked out though and was able to get a brace to wear for 6 weeks instead of a hard cast. So he was still able to shower and everything during the recovery time.
Today, I am baking pies for tomorrow, making jello salad (which I really don’t understand why it is called a salad), and snapping green beans. LOL! Oh, and putting up our Christmas tree! My husband is off this week so he wants to get it all done by Friday so he can go to a football game this weekend. 🙂

ira lee - bless her heart!!! i work at an orthopaedic clinic- we see this all the time!
i loved your video on the local news! how exciting! and i had NO CLUE so many people were on the waiting list- good for you!!!

Amy G - Meg, I can completely understand where your heart is and Annie’s with all of this. My daughter just had surgery on her hand last Wednesday and the hardest part was watching them take her behind the swinging door . . . with out me. So just know that this understanding momma is praying for you guys! We have watched A LOT of Little House On The Prairie this week. 🙂 The first thing to bring a smile to my daughters face wa when we told her she was free from dishes for a few weeks! 🙂

Stephanie - Poor little one! Why do things like that always happen on such a benign night? My son broke his arm when he was 2.5 and had to have surgery. Poor kid had a hard time sleeping because of the pain. 🙁 ill pray for your little Annie and you!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - I just watched the segment….AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alice H - oh poor Annie! How did she break it? I sprained my arm when I was in the 5th grade when my dad swiped me with a pillow during a pillow fight and I thought I would catch myself using my arm. No cast. But I had to wear a sling for 2 weeks. Hope she heals quickly!!
Sending good wishes that you get all of your laundry done!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Oh gosh, poor Annie:( (Knock on wood) we’ve never been through broken bones. Mystery medical issues? Yes. Broken bones…never.
As for the news thing, I knew I noticed an IG pic with a news crew:) How exciting!(But really, they’re late to the game, right?:))Helloooooooooo people…this has been big news for over a year!:)

Dara - oh no, poor annie! get well soon!

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last Craft Weekend of 2012

November 19, 2012

***********************************************************

as suspected….this group of girls was wonderful.
🙂

it’s so much fun getting to make new friends!
they came from all over again this month…with only one major flight delay…so glad you made it sunny!

we had lots of instagrammers this month.
it is fun to help newbies get started on a new addiction.

i used their pictures from the #whatevercraftweekend group to make some collages.

Cwcollage2

looks like fun doesn’t it?!

we made our aprons on friday night.
this group was quick…several of them were finished before 11:30! that’s unheard of at craft weekend!
🙂

we tried something a little crazy with this group… a late night donut run!

our little local donut shop opens at 11:30 PM on friday nights with hot fresh donuts.
it felt pretty crazy getting the van to go somewhere that late.
like we were wild kids….just like all the kids that were AT the donut shop.
it was yummy and fun!

our saturday at the antique store and barn was SO WINDY!
ridiculous kansas wind.
but these girls did just fine finding all kinds of lovely treasures to take home.

kimberlee scored vintage ornaments for $1.00 at the thrift store down the street.
they were the prettiest colors…pink, yellow and orange!!!

we are quite a sight when we pull into town every month.

chippy paint makes me so happy.

lauren found this quilt and said she is going to recover the seat in her old truck with it!
that is a dreamy idea.
so creative.

becky had a hard time deciding on this owl… i am glad she got it.
it’s unique and sweet.

paige snagged the quilt i pick up every time i am there.
i have almost gotten it so many times.
but it was meant for her… i am so happy she is loving on it at her house.

then it’s back to crafting!
they spent all saturday evening making beautiful projects and laughing and talking.
saturday night is my favorite part of Craft Weekend… no one is nervous and they get really creative.

Megan lead a hoop art project that was so cute!
everyone’s was different… i love seeing that.

i need way more glitter next time. 🙂

megan also taught us how to cover big bracelets with recylced sweaters.
i loved all of them!

the t-shirt flowers are so fun to make!

i love these covered button necklaces… soooo much!

adorable right?
i love every single set of the J-O-Y words.
a few chose to cover them with non-christmas fabrics to keep them up all year.

the ruffle aprons are the most cheerful pictures every month!

roomies….. seven of them meeting each other for the first time on friday night!

becky & megan were our helpers for the weekend….and our roomies.
becky helped kimberlee in the kitchen and megan helped me in the craft room.
they were lots of fun to meet in real life!
joanna from tennesse angela from north carolina

ali from utah jill from kansas

lauren from indiana sunny from idaho

bethany from minnesota tiffany from minnesota

amy from minnesota shannon from oklahoma

paige from oklahoma april from oklahoma

becky from virginia megan from michigan

******************** s q u e e z e! *********************

************************************************************

there was amazing delicious food from kimberlee.
she cooks for 15 women like it’s no big deal at all….she is an inspiration.
i love to eat anything she cooks.
and my extra weight i have gained this year is proof of 11 WONDERFUL craft weekends.
but apparently i was so busy EATING her meals that i took no pictures.
lame.
trust me…D E L I C I O U S!!!

i am so grateful for kimberlee and all her HARD work.
she does so much for each weekend to flow smoothly.
i just adore her.

and somehow we ended up with NO pictures of the two of us together.
except this one….

the wind on saturday was unbelievable…i think we captured it perfectly!

well….a year has come and gone since we began this crazy Craft Weekend adventure.
it’s wild!!!
it’s so much more amazing than i dreamed it would be.
i love that God has brought so many absolutely beautiful women into my life.
i feel so blessed.
we have so much fun!!

but this is just the beginning!
we have so much more in the works for 2013 and beyond.
i can’t wait to share with you what we re dreaming up.

————————————————————————————————————————–

would you like to come to Craft Weekend next year?

first READ THIS and then sign up for the wait list!
it’s chosen by random number generator so you could get picked next….you just never know!
it’s worth it.
get on the list!

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Family Brings Joy - Christmas Home Tour Part One - […] JOY sweater wrapped – I made at Whatever Craft Weekend […]

Katey Deasy - I love it! I had more fun looking at the Instagram Photos that everyone took. I had my mom over that weekend and we did a little crafting ourselves. We are on the list!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos. So sorry for sweet Annie. Have been praying for her.

Debra - I must know how to make the aprons. Pleeeeeeeease?!?!?

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - Great ladies, great crafts! Another successful Craft Weekend!(Now enjoy your downtime from it for the year’s end:))
Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordpress Development - Man I like your article and it is so informational and I am gonna bookmark it. I Have to say the Superb analysis you have done is greatly remarkable.

Jennifer - I’ve followed your blog for quite some time now. I too live in Kansas. Saw your piece on KAKE. Sounds like continued success is in your future. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Kate - Beautiful, beautiful girls!

dcgraber@cox.net - Megan, I had to watch channel 10 tonight! That was pretty awesome! Congratulations! So neat to see how God has led you! Oh, and hoping that Annie’s arm heals and won’t be too uncomfortable for her (and you!)

Bethany - Thanks again for the fabulous weekend! You and Kimberlee do such an amazing job. It was so great to meet the both of you!

Julie - Just saw that you are going to be on KAKE news at 10 tonight. Way Awesome!

Shanna - Where did you find the camera fabric???!!!!

Jen - Meg, I am so happy that your 2012 Craft Weekends went so well. Looks like y’all had a blast at every one! The crafts at this last one especially look wonderful. Love all the “JOY”!
Have I ever told you that my Grandma is from Chapman, KS? She’s 94 now and doing well! Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!

Ashley - Using the IG pics for a collage is genius! So fun.

jeannett - ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
i. need. to. come.
those crafts looks uh-mazing!
and i miss you.
i want to stay up late and drink coffee and yap.
and then pass out and take a nap.
except this time i probably won’t snore.

Kelly O. - I think those crafts were the best ones yet!

mary beth - you. are.killing.me.! thanks so much for posting so many pictures…I feel like I was there! Those guys at the barn have got to be loving you by now…ive been there once and those pictures make me so anxious to go back..maybe next year! Cant wait to hear what you’ve got up your sleeve for the future!

dissertation proofreading - All pics are really very clear and also eye catching.

Pat - Happier than a bird with a french fry? Hilarious!!!!
J O Y letters – how to?

Heidi Jo the Artist - Love all the photos. 🙂 Where did you get that rainbow rug!? In love, might have to make one myself. Thinking I might try and make one out of t-shirts?? I especially love all the crafts you guys are doing too; need to try several of those soooooon! Never enough hours in my days…

ali moll - I cannot put in to words what a FABULOUS weekend it was! Sooooo much fun! So many new friends and sooooo much inspiration! I came away from Craft Weekend with a renewed sense of creativity in all aspects of my life! Thank you Meg and Kimberlee for an amazing time. I can’t thank you enough! Love and hugs!

Kimberly - I agree! Please share!

Kimberly - I know I’ve commented once already today, but seriously… TUTORIALS PLEASE!

Alisa - Where did you get those (wooden?) letters? Please share!

Christy K - Ahhh… Each CW post makes me more happy than the next! (Ok, the one I am in is still my very favourite but…) You know what I mean. ; ) Now I know that you don’t blog about the tutorials for the crafts at CW BUT, I just have one teeny little question that I am hoping you will answer… the button necklaces? Is it a kit or did you girls piece everything together yourselves? If so, do you mind if I ask where it is from? Just curious because I would LOVE to make one (or several) myself! If you are at liberty to share, I will be forever in your debt. Well, more so than I already am. ; ) Hope you’re having a fantastic day… happy Monday! : )

Lorraine R. - I love it!!! It always looks like such a wonderful time!! How did this whole thing come about? I’d love to know what you led you to doing this!!

happygirl - I’ve got double the fun by following both you and Farmgirl Paints. Craft weekends ROCK!!

Sunny Haynes - So wonderful! I had such a great time and even though my travel was crazy, I would do it all over again! What a great expereince that has enriched my life! Thank you so much Meg and Kimberlee for doing such a great job and providing us with this opportunity! You two are unique and equally wonderful people and I am still in awe of your graciousness and hospitality! Also, thank you to all the wonderful women that enjoyed this weekend with me! It was great getting to know you!

Trish - you are rad… i want to be a helper 🙂 pick me to be a helper!!! oh and apparently megan m told me i have the same pants as you 🙂 great minds think alike! happy thanksgiving!

Becky - Girl you summed it up so good. Loved all your pics of the crafts! And that last IG pic is hysterical. Kansas and it’s wind did not disappoint. Still kind of on cloud 9 about the whole thing. Seems to good to be true that I actually met you and did that!!

justme - LOVE the Charlie’s Angels glue gun shot!!
Glad you took the group to Druber’s.

April R - my kids have the week off from school – the WHOLE week! and after reading this it would be so fun to cook and craft with them. It’s certainly not the same as being ‘pampered’ by you and Kimberlee but we are inspired none the less! 🙂 Thanks!
And happy Thanksgiving!

northern cottage - these craft weekend pictures always make me so….HAPPY…thank you for sharing the gorgeous bright lovely images! feel good!

alicia @ la famille - so so fun ms. meg! you are an inspiration!

Jen - I am in AWE, absolute AWE of that barn. Where do they get all that stuff? It’s unreal to see so much of all that vintage fun! Totally jealous!

Tiffany Clark - Ditto! I couldn’t have said it more perfectly myself!

Kimberly - TUTORIALS PLEASE!
Pretty please…?

ira lee - i am in love with this concept. really!! im would love to host something like this! and you are so successful with it! id actually love to attend one!

Jill Franklin - Ohmygosh! Not only did we have some amazing crafters, but exquisite photographers as well…just look at these pics! I just relived the entire weekend. Now I need a nap, and then a good diet. Thanks again Meg for an Amaaazing weekend! & Kimberlee Jost, YOU my dear are one Fan-Tastic kitchen chick! Let me know when you write that cookbook, I’ll be the first in line to buy it!

Tiffany - Wahahaaa, the windy hair pic is the BEST!! Craft weekend photos are always full of so much color and smiling ladies, it just makes me smirk and grin and cheeeeese. Always a treat.

Amy@litteforalittlewhile - Your pictures are amazing! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this post, and it didn’t dissapoint. Thanks again for the amazingly wonderful weekend. Words truly cannot capture how grateful we all are to have been welcomed into your home and had the opportunity to share in such a fun weekend with you. You and Kimberlee have such a unique gift together, and it is wonderful that you are willing to share it with others. I hope you both enjoy the break before you rock 2013. Have a blessed holiday season, and rest up! xo, Amy

Mary Jo - I love the fabric letters!!!

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friday.

November 16, 2012

aren't you loving my incredibly unique and thought provoking post titles this week?!

🙂

my mind seems a bit blank to come up with anything more.

with craft weekend ending for the year…
and most of my big projects winding down…
i had one more big thing to check off the list.

talby's birthday party.

she invited a bunch of girls to the little hotel here in town that has a pool and a party room.
it worked out perfectly.
annie brought a friend along to keep her busy (didn't work) and sean was not supposed ot be there
but he was and when i asked talby if she wanted me to send him home with Dad
she said "he can stay. i don't mind"
so he did.

he loved all the attention.
he was the KING of chicken.
🙂

they ate pizza, opened presents, ate cake and LOTS of very LOUD time in the pool.
12 girls and 1 boy is VERY loud.

thankful for all of it.

happy birthday sweet girl.

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i know there were a lot of ads here this week.
it's just how it goes sometimes.

but the good news….next week i have several giveaways!!!
i am excited for you.

———————————————————————-

after a 10 day laziness break….
i went running this morning.
it was hard!
i am so glad i went though.
i have been so cranky and not sleeping well…

i think i am suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome (you have to say that dolly parton in steel magnolias)

———————————————————————-

i need a new bible study or great book that is biblically grounded.
i was going to Bible Study Fellowship but going to wichita every week just doesn't work with my schedule this year.
so i am studying on my own.
what books or studies do YOU suggest?

spill it!

———————————————————————-

happy friday to you.

ps…i am currently rocking out to Home by Edward Sharp.
(and singing loudly because i am alone)

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kristy - I’m in BSF right now. But I have to say that Beth Moore studies have changed my life. My favorites were James, Living Beyond Yourself, Breaking Free, and To Live Is Christ (life of Paul) is also a good one.

Tfab@new.rr.com - Meg, it’s Tara from wisconsin. Can u please tell me where your bracelet is from? The one that I loved with the bible verse on it? I wanted to ask for that for Christmas from John and te kids.

meg - 1,000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. Beautiful and life changing.

ira lee - i want a birthday party like that!!!! who cares if im 33! lol looks like a blast. grown ups should have parties like that too!

Sallie - Meg – Your blog so makes me smile and I love how you share your family with us! So many good Bible studies have been recommended and I can second a few of them; anything Kelly Minter has been great for our small group. Beth Moore’s studies are always thought provoking. Working through her James study right now. Absolutely love Lysa TerKeurst and her studies. Lysa’s ‘Made to Crave’ study changed my life and health habits! Just finished her ‘Unglued’ study and got to see her in Western KY, last weekend! Our group loves Priscilla Shirer as well, God brought her study ‘Life Interrupted’ to our small group @ just the right time last year! Have in line for this year, 7 by Jen Hatmaker, Stuck & Anything by Jennie Allen and Nehemiah by Kelly Minter. cbd.com and Amazon carry almost all of these DVD studies and books! I always compare to see who has best price! Enjoy and have a blessed Thanksgiving! Looking forward to Craft Weekend’s 2013 hoping to get to ‘meet’ you! :p)

liz - hi meg- pretty faithful reader of your blog, but don’t comment much. sorry:) LOVE your writing & photography!
anyway- i’ve been really wanting to check out this book:
A Woman’s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything
By Lydia Brownback
it was recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick. and i’ve really gleaned a lot of wisdom from anything Elyse has written, esp her books Give them Grace and Women Counseling Women.
(i think you might really like Elyse’s books as well!)

Candy - Stuck by Jennie Allen, it is amazing. I have never been so impacted by a bible study. It is life changing. Seriously.

Sue Groff - Our Women’s Bible study just finished Beth Moore’s “James”. WONDERFUL!!!

lisa - She is beautiful. Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!

amy - Beth Moore’s James is great, I have the disk to the study if you would like to have them. {Love her}
I am almost finished reading Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst, & really like it.
My next one is going to Make Over by Jen Hatmaker, I hear it is really good.
Can’t wait to hear which one you decide to do.
Amy

Linda - Priscilla Shirer is awesome. Our Bible study group did that earlier this year. HIGHLY recommended.

Linda - Just finished Breaking Free by Beth Moore, unbelievable!

Ashley - I agree. It’s what I’m reading right now, too.

Kate - It’s not a Bible Study – but I am ready Cold Tangerines and I am in love. so, so good.

Christina - Love about Sean…such a sweet picture of part of their relationship. 🙂
I have started a book twice, and am now going to finish it…Reordered Love, Reordered Lives. It is good…I just get distracted and
Like right now, I forgot where I was going with that sentence. I’m going to finish the book. From what I’ve read, it’s highly recommended.
Two friends have told me to read When Life and Beliefs Collide by Carolyn Custis James, which I did read many years ago. It seems like Someone is hinting to me…so I will likely be reading that one again, too.
I need to get to running too. I haven’t been in months, so…you should feel pretty good about ten days! ha! 🙂

Tiffany - Great Idea For the PARTY!!!
I’m looking for a NEW Bible Study too.
I am leaning towards Beth Moore.
I always get so much out if hers.
I truly enjoyed “Esther”.
Excited about giveaways next week. : D

Carol S. - Fun party!!! Looks fab. And just my two cents, but NO APOLOGIES for ads and recommendations, you wouldn’t promote something you didn’t like and you are an inspiration to many. I started a blog this year just to keep family up to date on our move to TN…and OMG as much as I would love to post more often, it takes time and work. I keep saying if I could blog my thoughts an pictures while carpooling I’d blog way more often. God bless you and your family Meg.

Amy - Closer Than Your Skin, by Susan D. Hill. You feel like you are getting first-hand insight from someone who knows. Comforting and encouraging and thought provoking. you don’t want to put it down.

Danielle Thompson - RADICAL It is currently changing my life!

Angela - I second “Grace for the Good Girl” by Emily Freeman. I’m also a big fan of anything Lysa Terkeurst or Angela Thomas. And on the plane back home from Craft Weekend I finished “Hope for the Weary Mom”. I’m currently reading “A Confident Heart” by Renee Swope.
Looks like the birthday party was a FUN time!

Kayla - I am in the middle of Discerning the Voice Of God, by Priscilla Shirer right now and loving it! Happy Birthday, Talby….I think it is awesome that big brother helped entertain at the party….lots cheaper than a clown!

Julie - I suggest the Book of Mormon. You won’t find a more powerful Christ-centered book. It changed my life for sure.

Erin - Ah, I love reading that you had been doing BSF! But understand the schedule thing.
One that is always in the recommended reading list at the end of the year is Praying the Attributes of God, by Rosemary Jensen. I really have wanted to get that book for a personal study time each summer. I always get in the summer rut between BSF years. But it has caught my attention several times because it is more geared to an individual study time.
Can’t wait to see what you land on!

Weza - Im currently onto my third Beth Moore study for this year. They are life changing, full of wisdom, bible based and meaty. So so good.
The Esther study is very very good. You can get all the videos online and then do your daily study which takes about 30mins. Trust me you will love it!
PS Im happy to show you live kangaroos here in Aussie (post from a while ago) we have this great little park down the road where wild ones hang out with their babies. Its spectacular.

Jenny B. - I don’t have a book to recommend, but I really enjoy the daily devotional magazine, Journey. You can buy copies at Lifeway stores, or order an individual subscription here: http://www.lifeway.com/Journey-Magazine/c/N-1z140ew

Dori - I’m hosting a women’s small group this semester, and we’re reading Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P Freeman. It is amazing. Emily’s blog is awesome, too! http://www.chattingatthesky.com/the-books/grace-for-the-good-girl

Karen Gerstenberger - I have loved “Believing God” by Beth Moore.

Lisa M. - “Not a Fan”. My husband’s small group just finished it and loved it.

Erica - Out of your list, I’ve only done the “CrazyLove” study… but oh, what a good one.. not just good… life changing… (for me, anyway)

Ashley - That last photo is the best…she looks so genuinely happy. Good stuff friend. Good stuff!

Tanya - I really liked Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst.
I didn’t think I’d be able to relate but I could and it spoke to me.
Good one.

casey - radical!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OR radical together.

casey - yes! we just did the multiply webcast at our church! great!

becky - Looks like she had a ball. I’ve read seven. I’ve started the Donald Miller book. Both were good. Seven was humbling. Convicting. I’m not great at studies. I’ve been working on Beth Moore’s James study. I hate homework. Personally my favorite read is my kid’s Jesus Calling. Simple and speaks right to my heart.

Janna - Anything my Nancy Leigh DeMoss–like “Choosing Gratitude” but she has a lot of great ones. And I just read “The Fruitful Wife” by Hayley DiMarco (sp?) all about the fruits of the spirit–it was awesome!

Tiffany - Looks like a fun time for Miss Talby! Happy Birthday to her!

Sarah H. - I would recommend the Good Morning Girls studies. They are online studies that you can do by yourself or join an online group. I am in a facebook group of girls and we all study and share (or not) what we are learning. There are weekly videos to watch about the study (we just finished the book of Colossians) I loved really getting into the Word. We are getting ready to start a 2 week study preparing for Advent. Check them out! http://www.goodmorninggirls.org

Jenn - Oh that song… I love that song… Home is wherever I’m with you… Love it. Rock on sister.

blu - “anonymous” by Alicia Britt Chole
“…Jesus appears to have walked unstressed and unhurried. His peaceful pace seems to imply that he measured himself not by where he was going and how fast he could get there but by whom he was following and how closely they walked together.” {page 33}
so. good.

katie - have you ever read “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom? it is my all-time favorite book. it is an auto-biography, but it is beautifully written in a way that will challenge your faith and stir your heart to be thankful in any circumstance.

julia - I love the LifeChanges series by NavPress. I did Romans last year and it was amazing.

Amy K. - THANK YOU for asking the bible studey question of your many readers!! It is awesome to have so many suggestions in one place.
Also, the pictures of Talby’s party make me feel 11 again – that tired, waterlogged, hungry feeling and how GREAT pizza and cake tastes when you feel that way!

Patty - Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah study was great. I downloaded the video through lifeway (they were only 2.99 each week) and thought it was one of the most transforming studies I have done it quite a while. Both the homework and videos were terrific. I loved reading all the suggestions in the comments and making a list for myself, too.

Alison Vaclav - “Hosting the Presence” by Bill Johnson is awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Hosting-Presence-Unveiling-Heavens-Agenda/dp/0768441293

April R - Elisabeth Elliot – anything by her 🙂 although ‘Passion and Purity’ is a favorite.
Hell’s Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron.
Totally sweet bday for Miss 11 and how cool to find a way to swim in November! I have a December baby and she’ll be 11 this year, wonder if she’d like a pool party…

Bethany Faucett - Try reading Spiritual Warfare for Women by Leighann McCoy. It has opened my eyes and is amazing!

cassie o - “this momentary marriage” by john piper

alicia @ la famille - right now i’m doing beth moore’s patriarch study by myself and you can download all the videos at lifeway.com/women. you just have to go buy the book. i love her studies. you can do any of her studies that way now…online. you do have to pay for the video download each week. it’s like 5 bucks.
have a fun weekend!!

Lisa - Talby just seems like a really sweet, down-to -earth girl. Happy Bday Talby!

Karen - “Choosing Gratitude” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss – book has a 30 day gratitude challenge/devotional at the end – fairly quick read but well worth doing – very convicting/challenging! and if you’ve never listened to her podcasts “Revive our Hearts” I would recommend them as well – I often listen to that while I’m running – feel like I excercised body & spirit!

Candice - Check out “Sacrilege” by Hugh Halter. It’s not very long, but very thought provoking. Really makes you want to dig in to Jesus, be like him, and love others like he did/does.

Shiloh - Just finished “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idelman and loved it.

Mandy - David Platt and Francis Chan recently wrote a book together called, “Multiply” about disciple-making. I haven’t read it yet, but I heard them speak about it…AWESOME!

Nicole Franks - Beautiful Outlaw! It isn’t a study, but an amazing book about our beautiful Savior. A fresh perspective, and I was so challenged, and more in love with Jesus after the read!! Highly recommend =)

jen - just finished the lineage of grace. loved it

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - What a fun party! Love that she let brother and sister come along, sweet kids you have Meg. Also, those mismatched ones on the cake made me smile. So awesome.

Holly - My girlfriends and I have done Kelly Minter’s bible study books, each one is about 6 weeks. They are about Ruth, No Other Gods and Nehemiah. Jennifer Rothchilds Me, Myself and Lies is good too. Beth Moore’s are AMAZING, even if you do it without the DVD lessons.
Good luck!
Sometimes we just do the SOAP method of a particular book of the bible when we need a break from a person’s book study.

Juliana Whisman - I agree with Gina…anything Beth Moore! I really loved her Fruits of the Spirit one.
Love seeing how you guys celebrate your kids’ birthdays! Simple but so incredibly fun!!

Jen Boyd - We are currently doing “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman with our Church. Love it! Quite thought provoking.

Lia - Looks like a fun birthday party! I like the balloons – fun colors! I’ve been following along with the She Reads Truth plans for the last few weeks: http://shereadstruth.com
Speaking of running…I better get out of this house and go on one. So important for my mental health. Plus, I’m supposed to be training for a 12k on Dec. 1st. Yikes.

Stephanie - As someone who picks out Bible studies all the time, I recommend Stuck by Jennie Allen. It’s good to do with a few friends, it doesn’t cost much, and I had the most positive feedback from the group as a whole when we did it. Seriously, in all of the studies we’ve done at my church, usually I have 50-60% positive feedback at the time; with Stuck, I’ve had about 80% positive feedback, which I continue to get months later (I’ve never had such lingering results). http://jennieallen.com/projects/stuck

angela - Happy Birthday to your Talby! Love the pics! She is adorable!
There is a new book (or new to me) called *Not a Fan* that i want to do as a bible study…check it out!

Jennifer - Knowing God by JI Packer is so so good–different from those you have listed though. and i’ve heard feminine appeal by carolyn mahaney is great. let us know what you pick! 🙂

Gina - Happy Birthday Talby!! Anything by Beth Moore is awesome!! I have done a few of her Bible studies with a group of friends so we all pitch in to buy the DVDs and workbooks. My favorite study of hers so far was Daniel. I did it about 5 years ago and would love to do it again. I learned so much!! Have a good weekend!

Lorraine R. - Crazy Love was amazing, 7 was also amazing but in a totally different way than Crazy Love….next on my list are Radical and Interrupted!!!

Amy - Happy Birthday to your girl 🙂 Looks like a great party!
I suggest Romans. GREAT stuff 🙂

shar y - Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Just finished this study and it is awesome! Teaches how to listen for God’s voice and ways to find His voice that you never think of. You would really like!

Kristina - Although I haven’t gotten into it quite yet, everyone is suggesting “She Reads Truth”. It’s something you can do via Instagram which I looooooooooooooooove.

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wednesday.

November 14, 2012

(i had my settings off on my camera so lets all pretend this is….a newspaper photo…ha!)

she had a great birthday.
so grateful and sweet.
she wanted ice cream sundaes but i had to get at least one cupcake.
we watched one of her favorite movies after dinner.
i like that kid a whole bunch.

we had a girls day just the two of us yesterday.

she used her birthday money (and her allowance…she is a saver) for some cute clothes.
i loved watching her pick stuff out.
she and i are finding our way.
me saying "it's ok to not like what i like" when we disagree.
or when she says "do you like it?" with a big smile then OF COURSE i like it.
i want her to form her own opinions…have confidence in herself and her choices.
i am so proud of her when she does.

and she is pretty darn cute.

*******************************************************

i got out my electric mattress pad for the winter.

oh yeahhhh.

my toes are nice and warm now. :)

********************************************************

so…i got to see Flight on monday.

holy cows.

it is definitely rated R.
it was… hard to watch? very real? very grown up? intense? but seriously… SOOOOO good.

ha ha ha

it stuck with me.

but i can't quite figure out why….

and no spoilers in the comment section.
i don't want people getting mad at me!

the couple sitting next to us…they were talkers.
"oh no he didn't" "oh no…don't do it" "GASP!!!"

AND she sang the words to a whole song that was on the movie!

seriously.

and the school called craig at the very last 4 minutes of the movie.
so he missed the ending.
craaaaazy.

*********************************************************

have you filled your boxes for Operation Christmas Child?

i usually post about it but time got away from me.

my kids loooooove to do this project.
i hope you do it too.

and i saw that if you drop off your shoe box at Chick-fil-a… YOU GET A FREE SANDWICH!

bonus!

*********************************************************

here is somehting happy for you this morning….

i am off to run errands.
walmart…the bank…the post office.
so exciting eh?

what to make for dinner?
the question of my life…

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melissa@joyineveryseason - I had a chance to see a movie but didn’t know anything that was out … so went to see Flight after reading your recommendation … John Goodman was SO FUNNY … and that scene in the stairwell was luminous. It’s stayed with me, too. Glad for your thumbs up … so glad I saw it :o)

Michele - I want to see Flight, but my husband, the commercial airline pilot, does not! lol So I guess it might have to be a girl’s night out!

amy - HaPpy BiRtHdAy to your sweet girl!!!!
girls days are the best! I have “kenzie dates” with my middle daughter. love that one on one time.
~amy

colleen sullivan - I love the black and white photo.. almost as much as the gumballs? That Talby appears to be a joy to raise… helpful post as I have an eleven year old girl child as well!
Dinner… not for tonite but in the future…my hometown has a dish called spiedies… you can get the original there (or even order the meat online and they will send) or make a the next best thing by ordering the sauce, marinating cubed boneless chicken, placing on skewers and grilling. Best served on soft white italian bread that u use to pull the chicken off the skewers. For a healthier version (sans white bread)i serve the meat next to orzo pasta and broccoli and dip them in any extra marinade that might be floating off the chicken. I grill all winter long… but I guess you could do inside under the broiler if you really have to. So quick, so easy, I usually buy the gallon jug! http://www.spiedies.com/original-endicott-style-spiedie-marinade-p-1750.html

Flower Patch Farmgirl - Thank you for loving rated R movies.
Here’s a question: Lars and the Real Girl. Have you seen it?
I have no idea why this just came to mind, but I think you might love it. I am a movie freak. I could go on and on….

Tiffany - Happy Birthday to Talby! She has SUCH a cool mom! 🙂 YES, we do OCC shoeboxes too! My family filled our boxes a few weeks ago so I could share them with my class. I get the whole 5th grade involved in bringing them in!

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - I think that gumball maching may just be my favorite thing in your house. So colorful and happy 🙂

kate - Talby is soooo pretty!!! happy birthday to her!

Lori H - Talby has grown up so much since i started following your blog…a long while ago. She is just beautiful. We already filled our shoeboxes – our church is a relay station so gathers from many churches and takes them to NC. I am making a no-recipe cajun thing…a “what’s in the fridge that I can use” kind of thing. So far, it looks yummy!

Tanya - My sister was always the saver ~ never me 🙂
My kiddos are out tonight – I had an English muffin with peanut butter for dinner. Need the recipe?…lol.

monica - my mom and i fought alot over clothes when i was growing up. and now that my daughter is 11, i know that the clothes she wears is an expression of who she is. i love watching her make her own decisions and watching her grow into herself.
and, the supper situation is always a battle for us ! that sassy 11 year old daughter of mine is also a vegan. so its lots of fun trying to figure out what to fix. Good luck !

Sara Torbett - I loved reading about Talby’s birthday and your relationship. I am about to be a mom to another girl (my second) so I like reading/”watching” how you interact with your girls. 🙂 So glad someone mentioned Parenthood in the comments! I didn’t get to watch last night and will have to catch up. Makes me tear up every single time. Such a good show. We’re having enchiladas for dinner… 🙂

Becky - what to make for dinner is the question of my life too:/

Robin Canter - We saw Skyfall – the new James Bond movie. Really good and you could actually follow the story line on this one. I won’t give it away, but someone dies in it.

Kate - I love that you wrote about shopping with your daughter…I’m already learning to deal with differences in opinions when it comes to clothes, and my daughter is only 4! I loved shopping with my mom, and I’m thankful for the time shared, regardless of our differing styles. Happy birthday to Talby. She’s blessed to have you for a mom!

Jacci in Ohio - I love it when you get really random. The randomer the better 🙂

alicia @ la famille - i want to see that movie too!! glad talby had a great day. she is growing up so much. love her smile 🙂

Kelly - Actually… your enchiladas are on the menu at my casa tonight for the first time… with some black beans….

KirstenP - Happy Birthday to Talby! I love the ‘newspapery’ photo.
Meg, did you watch Parenthood last night? If not, then watch it online
as soon as you can, and then watch this youtube video about one part of the
show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU4pE6Vme3k

Shannon - I’ve been wanting to the operation Christmas child for the past few years but always miss the dates, I’ll be picking up my girl from school and heading straight to Walmart today so we can do this!! So glad you mentioned it and I’m looking forward to chickfila for dinner later this week too 😉
Have a great week Meg!

Tiffany - No way he missed the last 4 minutes. No way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think its awesome that your daughter is finding her own style, me too! If it makes you smiiiile, it sounds perfect 🙂

Beth Ann - What’s for dinner? I am making Ranch Chicken tonight for dinner. Easy-Peasy and everyone loves it.
I have no idea where the original recipe came from (I wish I could site it), I have made it so often I have it memorized:
In a large baggie shake together:
1 cup crushed corn flakes (could use rice krispies, bread crumbs etc)
1/4-1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese (I shred mine fresh)
1/2-1 packet dry ranch (1 full packet makes it pretty ‘ranchy’)
4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I pound mine out to be the same thickness so they cook at the same time)
dip chicken breasts in melted butter and then into the corn flake – ranch – parmesan cheese mixed and into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
Bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes.
Easy and yummy.

Su@TheIntentionalHome - I want a rusted gumball machine. . .I love your happy pics. . .I am actually a little addicted to your happy pics. I can’t wait for your blog posts to come ot my email (they always come a day late) so I check in periodically to see if you have posted something new. 🙂
We are having crockpot vegetable soup (with sausage in it). Recipe on my blog if you want to check it out. . .you can freeze the leftovers too. My kids love this and I love that it gets veggies in them. Serve it with Saltines and a block of cheese sliced. Here’s the recipe: http://www.susoutter.com/2009/10/crock-pot-vegetable-beef-soup.html

Tracy - Happy Birthday , Talby!! You’re one lucky girl!
Seriously, “what’s for dinner” is the story of my life, too. But SERIOUSLY, what’s for dinner at your house?? I need inspiration!

Southern Gal - This reminds me. This summer we were standing in line getting movie tickets to see Brave. There were three women ahead of us in line with a boy who was about 12. He wanted a ticket to see Teddy which was rated R. They wouldn’t sell it to him, of course. The women were going to see Magic Mike, so he had to go with them since none of them would give up Magic Mike. I nearly fainted. I wanted so badly to invite him to go watch our movie.

Southern Gal - Happy birthday to her! You have close birthdays with those girls!
I’m posting about OCC tomorrow. It did slip up on us this year.
Crock pot black eyed peas with sausage – it’s a good one to put in the pot and forget.

JulianneB - I saw “Flight” this weekend with my hubby for my birthday…Yes definitely R, wasn’t it. We had some talkers around us, and then about halfway through the movie, we hear a kid crying. Next we see his Grandma taking him out of the movie and saying, “Well you got to see what you wanted”. He looked to be about 5….wonder what he wanted to see…unreal. Near the end of the movie, two boys that looked to be about 6 and 9 came in because their movie was over and they watched the rest of the movie with the parents???

sarah j - Pulled pork tacos! Yum!

Jenna@CallHerHappy - Happy Birthday, Talby!
You know, I remember the point in my life where I was trying to figure out what I liked and wanting confirmation from my mom. It’s difficult for a girl, for sure. You’re doing the best thing for her 🙂
Also, gotta love Chick-fil-a!
And, for dinner? I don’t know how you feel about meal plans, but I made a monthly one on my blog, and I couldn’t be happier about it 🙂

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no matter what age.

November 13, 2012

Olay asked me to participate in their 60th anniversary celebration.
i love Olay products and i have been using them for years!
that made saying YES very easy
i am thrilled to be a part of their party!

Olay encourages women to be proud of their age and challenges them to find out what is possible no matter what your age might be.

I think i am doing that…or trying to at least.
i am 37 years young and i think life is going pretty well.
i am much more confident than when i was 27.
i am more comfortable with WHO I AM than when i was 30.
and i am in better shape now than when i was 32.

have you ever made a bucket list?
i had only made yearly goals in the past but when Olay asked me what i was checkin' off my bucket list i knew i had to get to it.
my life is moving on everyday and i needed to be intentional!

so i started writing things down….thinking about what i really want in life.

i want to live a great story.

what does that mean for me; a mother of five, loving wife and crafty business woman?

HOW do i live a better story?

i think it starts by giving myself a challenge to do new things and don't let my days waste away.

some of the things i wrote down————————————

go to africa (lots of times)

meet bono

learn to crochet

see a kangaroo in australia

run a half marathon

go on a real camping trip (become a camper)

help people all over the world (even in my own town)

hike a mountain (without feeling like i am going to pass out)

learn to make pasta

read more books

swim with a sea turtle

random acts of kindness

visit a castle in europe (not on a cheesy tour)

raise chickens 🙂

ride in a helicopter (with dramamene)

take my kids in an RV trip

memorize bible verses

———————————————————————————–

i am already working on several of these things right now.

Living a good story requires GOING.
all these experiences, the things i have done and things i will do, make up who i am NOW.
i am 37.
and i am living a good life.

what about you?

what do you need to get up and change to start living your own great story?

Leave me a comment with your answer for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of Olay!

——————————————————————————————————————–

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 18 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 11/13 to 12/13

Be sure to visit the Olay 60th Anniversary brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!

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olivia rubin - Tweeted
https://twitter.com/OliviaAbby/status/279350784586555392

olivia rubin - At 31, I am not where I thought I would be 10 years ago. And I have no idea what I will be 10 years from now. But in that time I would love to visit the Redwood forests and hope to visit southern India as well.

angie - I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/279246442533625856

angie - I honestly don’t know what kick-started me this past June to get my stuff together, but I have lost almost 40lbs since then and am not looking back!

Betty C - Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/279149271494844417

Karine Traverse - Tweeted https://twitter.com/SAHMofDQ/status/279130854041731073

Karine Traverse - To get over my anxiety! I would love to do many things, but I am often too fearful to do it.

Cori Westphal - Tweet: http://twitter.com/coriwestphal/statuses/279082968046256128
coriwestphal at msn dot com

Angel Jacklyn - A BRIGHT SUNNY DAY IS WHAT I NEED TO KEEP GOING… EVERYDAY. =) kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn - MY TWEET https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/279082404994506752 kytah00(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Cori Westphal - I need motivation! I’ve struggled with my weight for many years, and I just wish I had the gumption to get me to a happy place physically!
coriwestphal at msn dot com

Betty C - I need to focus more on the things that are really important to me and skip over the trivial things that seem to gobble up chunks of time. I’m almost 73 and my bucket list is nowhere near complete.

Sarah L - blogged:
http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/12/win-100-visa-from-olay-blogher.html

Sarah L - I let everyone know I’m 64 and I swim 3 times a week. I want to go to New Zealand.
Thanks for the contest.

Linda C - Live my well-seasoned last years being loving, peaceful and forgiving.

Carmen - Right now our life story is pretty much focused on our little one – but that’s ok. Because this time is fleeting and can’t be recovered.

rachel - I want to travel and enjoy being young before my husband and I start our family.

Mary M. - I also tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/marybug2/status/278289149688172544

Mary M. - I need to just change my mind. I have to find the motivation to make a change for me and to take more time for just me.
marybug2@yahoo.com

Dina - For me, the key to living a great story will be letting go of the assumption that something has to be done a certain way in a certain time in order to be meaningful. For example, I feel like reading to my youngest daughter doesn’t count unless we’re snuggled up on the couch for a half-hour or more reading a quality piece of children’s literature. With that mentality, I’ll be lucky to ever read to her again! Grabbing her and the nearest children’s book for a quick 10 minutes before dinner makes us both happy without the pressure of perfectionism.

Judith V - Blogged http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2012/12/blogger-stories-and-100-visa-gift-card.html

Judith VanAlphen - Still on my bucket list is trekking the Inca ruins.

Lee - I tweeted at:
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/277598721934508034

Lee - trekking to Machu Picchu is on my list or story!

Thomas Murphy - https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/277557735812374528

Thomas Murphy - Id like to find a new career field.

Kelly Green - well I need a hair cut and money to afford to spoil myself with instead of always using second best and I would like to say at the age of 48 I weigh
less than I did at 13. Only 128 lbs right now.

suburbancorrespondent, - I need to exercise more, so if I have a chance to travel, I can be fit enough to enjoy it!

Marie - I am a mother of 3 and my one goal right now is to graduate from college. I am almost there!!

MelissaO - I need to start seeing possibility and not the reasons why I can’t make things happen…this is really the one big thing that holds me back/
wolverina401 at gmail dot com

Wild Orchid - tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/275999771301388288
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

Wild Orchid - I need to be more spontaneous in order to do the things I want to do!
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

tara pittman - tweeted https://twitter.com/kj20082006/status/275841014424535040

Becky Horn - tweeted
https://twitter.com/bdiane35/status/275786224218828800

Becky Horn - I am 36 what I would love to do is go on a Carribean Cruise

Christina Tong - I tweeted: https://twitter.com/ctong2/status/275509367204376576
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

Christina Tong - I am living a blessed life, thank God that I have this job for several months. I trust and have faith in Him to lead me to live my great story everyday.
ctong2[at]gmail[dot]com

Shannon - https://twitter.com/channynn/status/274507214327271424
tweet!

Shannon - I’m so living a blessed life. I’m learning to live one day at a time, so a bucket list for me would be pressure!

BCriswell - One of my goals is to publish a book. I am working harder on it now! Hopefully determination will win the day!

Georgia - Tweeted
https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/274294842568347648
gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Georgia - I need to actually quite my mind more and relax.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Whitney - I need to worry less about things I can’t change

Samantha Daleo - I need to wear make up more often and take care of me every now and again…I need to make more money so I can look up from the bills sometimes and enjoy what’s around me more often. I need to worry less and trust more.

Kelsey Kim - Love the photo of you covered in paint, how beautiful! I am 30, mother of 2(3rdon the way), and wife of more than 11 years. I think I want to be more ambitious. Lately I am just okay not being that way, but I will get there!

Amy Tong - tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/273913327334334466
amy [at] utry [dot] it

Amy Tong - I need to start creating my own cookbook! That will let me start living my own great story!
amy [at] utry [dot] it

Nancy - Write a book!

kathy - Start my own line of girls clothes

Judy B. - tweet
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/273033363898646528

Judy B. - I need to focus on my health to regain energy to tackle my bucket list.

Tina M - https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/272750883375284224

Tina M - i need to save money and see this world

Maria Cantu - I would like to change my eating and exercise habits.

Chacoy - I am the happiest I have ever been in my mid-thirties and know that I am content in my life right now-
I want to continue letting people know that they’re holding the chance at happiness in their hands but they actually have to know that they deserve it.
I live everyday like it’s my last and hope that others will do the same…
Thank you for the opportunity(:

Rebecca Graham - I need to start exercising and eating right so that I will feel up to doing things on my bucket list.

Erika - I’ve been dreaming of seeing England since I was little!
chambanachik@gmail.com

julie - i want to do it all!! thanks for helping me revisit my list!!

Amanda Sakovitz - https://twitter.com/aes529/status/271721151074553857

Amanda Sakovitz - I need time and money!

Karen Medlin - Take the plunge and open the Cafe I always dreamed of opening.

sy - tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/271523842537701376
songyueyu at gmail

sy - I need put more time on work so I can do better, I want to volunteer more too. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail

Jen - Live in the moment and forget the small stuff

Jessica - Spend less time with mindless gadgets and more time using my brain!

sandra - some inspiration and friends

Kari - I need to get over my fear and finally get my license. Life would be so much better. It’s definitely hard to do ANYTHING when I have to ask other people for rides.

Kelly D - tweet
https://twitter.com/kellysaver/status/270663049080360960

Kelly D - I need to find the time and not make any excuses.

Kelly Massman - I’d love to lose weight. Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

tara pittman - I need to just do it.

Jessie C. - https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/270388687039234048

Jessie C. - I’d love to spend much more time at home with kids.

danielle - I need to let the little things go and live in the moment!

Lisa Brown - https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/270297876180131841
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

Lisa Brown - I need to change to a more positive way of thinking. I can be a bit negative.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

jennibell - I’m trying to convince my husband to start a business with me. . .??? Risky at 40 with 4 kids to support???? I don’t know. . .but I LOVE to dream 🙂

Nicole F. - I’m a new mom, so I feel like a whole new chapter of my life has just started. I’m excited to see what God has in store for me and my family in the upcoming years. I’m ready to be used by Him! 🙂

steph - https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/270042857467940865

steph - some more sleep! due next week with a baby and closing on our first house 🙂

amy jupin - i need to start making time for exercise.
i hate it.
and i make every excuse to avoid it.
like, i’ll even fold laundry or unload the dishwasher to avoid it.
but i want my body to be healthy and feel strong.
it’s not like i want to be a size six.
i just want to feel good about me.
ugh.
see, i just need to do it.
why is it so hard to make time for ourselves?

cw - Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37, however,on a positive note, it has made me do things that I have put off for years.
Travelling with kids, spending more time with relatives

Tiffany Winner - tweeted: https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/269923741331505152
thismomwins@gmail.com

Tiffany Winner - I need to change my spending habits so we can start saving more and get out from debt
thismomwins@gmail.com

Nanette - I always feel like I need to do certain things (eat better, lose weight, sleep more) before I can tackle the big things…but really you can only live each day as it comes and make the most of it…it goes by too fast.

Meredith - This year has been a big year for me, at least I think so. I have organized my house a little more as well as my life. I have gotten more involved with school and other things as well. Trying to simplify but be helpful. I work full time an hour away from home, so trying to get all the little things done and spend time with my boys. This year (Monday) I will be 39 years old. I want to be my best me at 40, the person I have always wanted to be, not someone I think others want me to be. I am lucky to have a husband and kids who support that. Thanks for asking this question, sometimes it make it more real when it is out of your head and on paper.

Elena - I just want to be happy with the life we have chosen for ourselves! yes we can live with less! yes I can spend more time with our kids!

Bailey C - I need to get up and move more – get in a routine of exercise!

GretchenP - save some money and travel.. stop dreaming of the places i want to see and go there! 🙂 thanks for the giveaway!

Chi Anne - It took a long time and a wonderful husband, but I’m living the dream 🙂 It’s cliche’, but life is too short. Instead of making a list we just do it. If you want some help with that see a castle in Europe part, we can help. We currently live in Germany which is filled with lots of castles and cathedrals and other beautiful architecture!

Julie - what do i need… more money? jk, i need guts. just the guts to do what needs to be done.

Cori Ashley (@letseatgrandpa) - I need to stop dreaming and start DOING. Actually, I am finally starting — big things ahead! I freakin’ love life.

Amy - I tend to run around doing things for everyone else and never taking any time to work on me. I am not the best person I can be and I haven’t figured out yet who I really am and who I want to be. I need to spend some time figuring that out and learning to be the best person I can be. Because the clock keeps ticking. I need to do this not only for me but also for my family.

ira lee - for me- its an easy answer, but a hard one to practice. to quit being so tired to get things done. i work outside the home in the medical field and it is very stressful. i want to paint, play with my kids, go see a movie, go camping more, organize my house, redecorate my house, cook more dinners, print off pictures. its a constant struggle between making motivation for myself so i can get something accomplished and allowing myself to rest and chill with out feeling guilty. constant struggle. i also battle clinical depression, and im anemic a lot of the time. so tired seems to be my lifestyle! its frustrating, i feel like an inadequate mother sometimes. i have to remind myself that things wont get done unless i take the first step, its ok to rest my mind and body, and im a good momma and my kids love me despite my flaws!!!
love your blog- u are an inspiration!!!

Jamie - I need to have confidence in myself- be brave. That will get me on the right track, because without, it holds me back.

Robin Anderson - I need to finish some of the many awesome projects I’ve already started 🙂

kath - I reckon my goal can be to have you come to australia and run that half marathon with me at Gold Coast! Awesome course! And I’ll let you see kangarros while you are here 😉

Ashley B. - I need to stop giving up just because things cost money, and make an effort to find free/cheap stuff that I can afford to do instead of just being a couch potato 🙂

suzi failing - I need need to read my Bible every day not just once and awhile……….sigh..
And I need to rearrange the bedrooms that the kids are using with the ones that the grown kids have moved out of……..big sigh……..
suzi failing
suzifailing@att.net

Jenny B. - I need to clean and declutter so we can have a welcoming, peaceful home that I feel good about inviting people into.

dhdearmon@gmail.com - We are very blessed and have a boat. It is a great way to get my older teens to come do family stuff as we go out skiing and tubing and kneeboarding. Well, except me. I need to lose weight so I can get up on skis. So, I am the picture taker and the one who doesn’t want the photos taken of her. I want to be happy with my body so I can enjoy being in photos and be more active in participating in our life.

Ashley E - I need to remember that God is always in control and has a plan. I also need to get back to the gym, because a healthy mom is a great example to my girls!

Kim - I need to get back to a regular exercise regimen. I’m more positive & get so much more accomplished when I’m feeling happy and healthy.

amber - I need to stop comparing myself to others and let go of fear.

shannon Stout - Wow! Seriously food for thought. Hubby lost his job recently and we have been struggling ever since, so to make a bucket list seems a little crazy considering we can’t do anything right now……but I NEED to make my moments with my kids COUNT! Not to be distracted by computers, tv and phones. I need to live in the moment more and make a difference in their lives and with hubby. Things seem so messed up right now but God is seeing us through and we give Him all the Glory and Praise. So for me, these simple changes in my life would change how great my story will end up.

Larissa - I need to learn to be more content…also not to worry.

Diane - For me, it’s the fear. Fear holds me back so much and I’m realizing how sad that is. I come from a family that doesn’t seem to “live” but merely survive. I don’t want that to be the same for me. And especially for my daughter. I want her to LIVE and live LARGE.
Feel the fear and do it anyways needs to be my mantra to really get out and live life.

tiffany gardner - WRITE IT DOWN. Doesn’t that make it so real. I need to write down my dreams for my life. Then each day as I think about how thankful I am … I can also look at my list and be reminded there is so much to come! LIVE. Live.. each day!

Brady - I want to lose some weight to get healthier!! There are so many things I want to do if I will just get in shape and DO THEM!!

Routhie - I really want to be happy with what I have and what I have to be less.

stephanie - be postivie

stephanie - tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/268760445937127424 .

Lisa - – take better care of my health before real problems arise
– daily bible reading and prayer
– stop being afraid to try new things
– let go – some things just aren’t that important

Jessica - Not comparing myself to others and knowing my life is perfect for me.
jessicaikiehn at gmail dot com

Becky Jones - I Need to invest much more into the lives of others…I have spent too many years focused on me…I am ashamed to say it, but it is true. I want to end well in my life- bringing joy to God’s heart.

Brenda - Trusting in God! He has big plans for us this year! I have lived in Kansas for 39 years and we are in the process of moving to Savannah, GA!

Elizabeth.cannata@csulb.edu - I am celebrating 20 years in remission from a childhood cancer this January 28,2013. I had Hogkin’s disease at 16 and am now 36. I beat the odds and was able to have two beautiful children. I would so love the $100 gift card as I want to take them to Disneyland on Jan 28,2013. I want to surprise them at school and take them to the happiest place on earth for day of family fun!!! The next thing on my list is to get all of my dental work done (I am terrified of the dentist, lose some weight, and take better care of myself.) Everything I do I do for others and I need to start doing some things for myself. Thanks for the chance to win. <3

Rena Frey - Great idea! I’ve been meaning to sit down and write my bucket list. Such a wonderful thing to appreciate yourself more as you get older. Happy birthday, Olay!

Jen - I need to learn to balance. Balance time with family vs personal time, work time vs volunteering. The time to work on bucket list goals will come about when that happens, I think!

Trina - I need to learn to relax and stop worrying so much! I have 3 great kids and great family and friends that I need to enjoy more! I would also like to learn to crochet!

Crissie - I need to let go of the fear that is holding me back! If I trust in myself and make things happen!

Amy Griffin - I need to start doing things for me and learn not to worry so much!Life is to short!

Robin M. - Like you said, I need to stop wasting my days!

nancy b - I would really like to slow our life down and take the time to really enjoy everything instead of feeling the need to rush rush rush. I have a bucket list also and one thing for me is to never give up trying to full-fill it. That is part of what makes life fun.

Analia - Love the bucket list! You are inspiring. I need to have more patience….and look forward to the future.

Lisa A - Way to Go Meg! Being intentional is so powerful! I need to FOCUS. I have lots and lots of things on my list and I need to focus and actually check one off. I get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks and happenings that I don’t STOP and focus on my kids, focus on myself, focus on my husband, etc etc. Instead of trying to do it all, I am going to focus my efforts. Thanks for the inspiration!

Ann Marie - I need to be more intentional and put a plan out there for myself. Until that happens nothing on my bicket list will be check off

Verna Lantz - I need more money. 🙂 Hehe. Don’t we all? No, really, it’s a decision. Make the decision to go for what you want, then do it.

robyn - I need to get up and DO more not just make lists or talk about it….your blog is awesome

Crystal Swoverland - *Visit NYC
*Be WITH my kids
*Say yes more
*Love Jesus more
*Take my son back to Ethiopia to meet his first family
*Learn to cook (try to enjoy it)

Megan - I need to learn to love myself and be more confident in the woman God has created me to be… and STOP COMPARING!!!

Kristi K - i need to stop letting others hold me back and do what I want to do…..even if it means doing it alone 🙂

Heike - I just do it – it’s now or never!

tara - i made a 40 before 40 list when i was 37….i’ve done a boat load on that list, but i’m no where near finished, and i turn 40 in JUNE.
I’ll just add something else to the list every year and make it a 41 before 41 and a 42 before 42…etc….. 🙂
i love a great solution. 🙂

kellie - i would visit the cabin in the mountains of Montana, where i lived up until 2nd grade. i remember SO MUCH about that place, and so little of the rest of my life. i want to experience the feeling of memories flooding back to me. a mom of 5 and i feel like my memory of my life is fading fast. and i want to choose grace and joy in the hard.

Christina - I read many blogs, and feel inspired (or depressed, depending)…but I just sit. I need to do. Be with my kids. Fix up my house. Act like I care. Because I do. (Sometimes it’s hard to get started, to get moving…)
I like Olay products too, and I just started using this moisturizer plus foundation that I really like. 🙂 The smell of it reminds me of my Grandma, too, so I like that. 🙂
I love reading what you write, Meg. And seeing your photos. You are beautiful, inside and out.

Kate - We need to have a craft weekend for those of us who want to learn to crochet!!!

Christy B - I need to spend more time away from a computer and enjoy the world around me!

Denise - I just want to live more deliberately instead of being swept along in a tide of busyness.

Elena - https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/268573028596723712

Elena - I need to be able to find time for myself
elena150980 at yahoo dot com

Shelley C. - I need to win this gift card!

wendy - i need to make a plan for how i spend my time. i need to schedule working out, time with God, make a plan for meals, etc. i feel like i am just passing the time and surviving instead of making my life count. basically, i need to be more intentional! 🙂

Tonya - I need to let go….and let God.

Barbara (WA) - I am old enough to be your mother, or maybe your grandmother!! My challenge is to not go to regrets or self-contempt for what I haven’t done yet in my life. I have been learning to care for myself in healthy ways and exploring what I love (not what I am expected to love). Life is very good!

Amy - I am SO proud of what I’ve done in 2012. I started running. I worked in a Ugandan orphanage this summer. We adopted a baby (not because of infertility, but because we believe in adoption).
Now, I want to KEEP doing these things. Live. Life. Whole. Heartedly. For. Christ.

mandy friend - finish my book and look to get it published , become a runner{ugh!}

Amber - Like my wise little 8 year old says, writes, and draws for me all too often, “To mom, Believe in yourself” (What is she trying to say!) Believing in possibility and goodness in self and others will foster connections, friendships, and success. Embracing and redefining my own awkward (cause yeah, social situations not my strong suite) will lead to such good fortune. That’s my start…

Tracy Fisher - Well for staters, that $100 would help! haha. Seriously though, I want to one day drive along the coast of California and stay at little cheesy seaside bungalows and eat at a few restaurants I’ve seen on Diners Driveins and Dives. And maybe learn to surf. But mostly drive with the top down and have the music turned up loud. All this with my family of four of course 🙂

elizabeth - I want to ride a big roller coaster. I havent since I was much younger and I do not think it was that big compared to coasters nowadays. I need to do it, and conquer my fear. I did do one thing on my bucket list last July – I took my teenage boys to NYC. Just us, we navigated fine and had a blast. I was nervous but it all went well.

Mami2jcn - tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/268538151541284864

Gretchen - I need to take the first step. I have so many great ideas swirling around in my head, but I need to take the plunge and try it out (without fear of the unknown or fear of failure).

Dara - I would say I mostly need to improve my attitude!

Laura in LA - Wow! I need to just get out of my own way and do it! Do everything! Whether I think I can or not. Just go…do…

Meg G - I need to stop worrying about pleasing everyone else or letting anyone down. Not making myself more of a priority leaves me the one unhappy and let down!

Traci - You are inspiring! A bucket list is a great idea! I need to get busy however as I am 51! Thank you for the encouragement.

Flower Patch Farmgirl - GO, girl! (I’ll go, too.)

mami2jcn - I’d love to travel but it’s just out of our reach financially.

Life with Kaishon - You are incredibly beautiful. I love your smile.
Have fun in Africa. Thank you for wanting to make a difference in the world. What can be better than that?

Stacey - Quit being fearful, especially about traveling!

Meredith Welborn - I need to be present…fully in the moment. I don’t have to spend lots of money or travel the world or make a name for myself to have great success. I do, however, have to make the most of what I have…

Amy K. - I think I need to spend some time making a list like yours!

Jane - I need to get up and read my bible each morning, to ground my day and my life in God’s word would make a big difference to my ability to living my own great story.

Christina - I need to spend less time on the internet and more time creating!

Lucy F - I love Olay products and your bucket list!

E - Hey, for whatever it’s worth, if you come to Liberia, we can help you knock half those items off you list.

gale - Such a great post – and so glad to see and hear that you’re having fun in your own skin (and taking great care of it, too, with Olay products!!!!)
I’m 50 and just now figuring out how to slow down and enjoy life – wish I hadn’t waited so long 🙂

Amy - I need to take more risks. I like being comfortable. Life doesn’t happen there.

mary - oh meg what a great post!
i am 49 and finally ready to start living my life
for so long i had been just doing what others wanted
working retail the last 32 years you get used to just being
pushed around and going through the motions
i don’t know what got that spark in my going this year, could be the diagnosis
of type 2 diabetes in february and knowing that it is now up to me to make MY life the way i WANT and NEED it to be!
one of my closest dear friends gifted me a year membership to the best all woman’s gym in my area, which i now and slowly getting in the groove of
i now make menu’s out for the up coming weeks and we are on a great budget plan with a goal of being debt free in 1.5 years instead of 5-6!
amazing what you can do when you finally decide to take charge of your own life
(a very happy birthday to talby!)

tinaehb3 - I feel like I live a good life too!!! But this is my last year in my 30’s and I am determined to be debt free by the time I turn 40 next Oct. This of course won’t include my mortgage but hopefully everything else. Also on the list is to run a half marathon…I’m up to 7 1/2 miles and tonight I ran my fastest 5k at 26 minutes. While I’m aware this isn’t the speed of lightening…it is breaking Tina (me) World Records and that’s all that really matters. I’m going to learn to make bread and try to knit. I’d also like Keith Urban to attend my birthday party… we all have dreams right? I guess I’m just lucky enough that we both celebrate our birthdays on the same day 🙂 And last but not least I’d like to blog more.

Amy@littleforalittlewhile - You will rock so many of those, especially the chickens!!!

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody - As I get older (I’m 29), I find that each year gets better. I’m actually looking forward to my 30’s! (Shocker, I know!) I have such a blessed life, but the one thing I need to get motivated on and change, is my health. I eat all the bad foods that taste so good! That is the one area I lack in. But there is always time to change!

Melissa - allow myself to be open and willing to the interruptions God brings into my life. to live in the moment, be flexible and be willing to be used by Him no matter what the cost! my desire is to be fully used up by God. it’s not always easy, but it’s my desire.

Amy - I need to go back to my New Year’s resolution of writing (fiction) every day…I want to see my dream of being published come true, and that can’t happen if I’m not proactive about it.

Molly Jenkins - I need to learn to let things go and focus on the future.

Sarah - I need to start getting in shape – I keep putting it off but I’m feeling like now is the time! I need to get up and get moving!!

Sarah{Handbags*N*Pigtails} - I need to TRUST…that the One who controls my paths in life knows what is best for me. Hubby and I took our first missions/teaching trip this past summer to Central America and even in the midst of some scary situations we were at perfect peace…because we knew we were in the right place at the right time. Where we’d been called to.
I’m excited that this path of life will take me through exciting journeys and difficult ones(that’s where we’re stretched and learn to grow) and to do it beside those I love the most.

Tiffany Clark - Inside and out, you are such a beautiful person. I feel so blessed to have met you in real life. I created a bucket list a while ago, but you gave me some new ideas. Really I think my big one is: Help people. In big and little ways. Far away and local. Through my job, random acts of kindness, mission trips, etc. And, to teach my kids to do the same. I don’t think I really need to change. I’m already doing those things, but I need to do them MORE. I need to be creative with how to help others when money can be tight.

Megan - I need to make a list and schedule time to complete it. I overschedule everything & need to learn to schedule me time

Allie - strive to be the best mom to my two boys, pray daily for patience.
need to join the gym and lose the last of my baby weight!

Hannah O - I need continued willpower throughout life AND to remember to always make myself a priority!!

Janel - I LOVE my life…although there are always, wish I would do this, that, the other. Maybe I should start with a bucket list too! Great idea! Check the Whatever blog…tops my list most days 🙂 Enjoy it!

KT - I need to just once give myself the compassion, care, enthusiasm and inspiration that I strive to give to others every day. I am just as important as the people I help every day. 🙂

Molly B - I need to get healthy and stop making excuses before I do ANYTHING else!
PS. . .I can teach you how to crochet. . .at the next Craft Weekend, perhaps?!?!?!
: )

Christie - I tweeted! https://twitter.com/storehousegirl/status/268450165856276480

Deb Meyers - great list! You could make pasta before bedtime tonight, however. It is the easiest thing EVER and I waited too long to try it.

Christie - I think sometimes I need to let the little things go…and to really be present in the moment more. Sometimes I’m thinking 10 steps ahead and I miss what’s happening right now! And the NOW is the living worth investing in!

Jamie M. - I need to let go of the fear and just go for it.

Carolyn W - I have been a teacher in CA for 12 years, but my position is about to be eliminated thanks to budget cuts. I feel like I am on the verge of “what’s next.” I have wanted to be a teacher since I was 7-years-old, so I never took the time to consider anything else. Now is the time for me to see what else is out there and be open to it!

Kimberly - Oddly, I need to say “no”. I am very quick with “yes”, leaving no time for me to relax/dream/be! My story is being written by other people’s demands. I think I would be happier & more giving if I took control again!

Becky - love the messy paint pic of you. i want to go to NYC and run like Phoebe in the park. that’s just one of many many things. i can now officially cross off craft weekend. that feels good…a bucket list item marked off;)

Caitlynne - I need to start dreaming!!

Nina - Create then Donate! I am going to donate something I made to someone who is less fortunate.
Something made from the heart, can warm the heart of someone you
may never meet. That’s what I am going to do right now. I made a advent
calendar, I going to drop it off at my food pantry, for someone who can
enjoy in there home this holiday season. Thanks for the push…

Kara - I really don’t know – but now I’m motivated to sit and think about it and come up with a list. Thanks!

s - I need to remember to enjoy and really LIVE the little everyday moments…

Angela A - I need to learn how to dream big. And bigger.

Daina Funk - Love this post…..love your picture of you with paint splattered all over your face….love that you have running a half marathon on your list (Woohoo!! You can do it!!) Stephanie Thiessen and I are coming to Craft weekend in February and we are pumped….I wonder how many of these things on your list will be checked off by then?? 😉

Jody - I need to get “back to work” after being home with my kiddos for 8 years!! It’s such a big step.
BTW, did you read Ashley Judd’s memoir?? Just reading it now – great book about doing God’s work & helping women & she mentions Bono quite a few times!!!! 🙂

Pippa - Stop being afraid! Pray for me!

Donna - I need to remember that a day that hasn’t gone the way I thought it would go, is still a GOOD day!! I may not have gotten everything checked off my to-do list, but good things happened anyway 🙂

michelle@decorandthedog - I need to live in the now instead of always worrying about the future!

Angela - I’m an almost 25 year old zoo preschool teacher who needs to not be ashamed of the Gospel in my workplace.
I also want to visit every continent (with the possible exception of Antarctica) at least once.
I want to be more active on the mission field (even the local one) with my husband of 2.5 years.
And I need to keep workin’ on my fitness (I know you just sang Fergie in your head.)… I’m 20lbs down with 40 to go! Yippee!

Tracy - I need to trust God and accept wherever he sends our family next year. This is a big year for us. I need patience and faith.

Heather - I need to change my attitude! I’m a new mom and left my career to stay home with my son. He can be very needy and fussy and is a terrible sleeper, and I am not handling it well. I need to learn to love him and find joy in him even on our worst days and nights. I need to learn the lessons God is trying to teach me here. I need to continue to be refined by Him and to rest in His grace EVERY DAY. I know he won’t be little forever and he won’t need me quite so much eventually, but it is so hard to see beyond the demands of each moment to the bigger picture.

Kimberly Parker - This topic really hits home for me. This year, my mom passed away and I have been left alone–no husband, no kids, no parents, no brothers or sisters, and no family. I honestly don’t know what I need to start living again, but I need to find it soon. I just know that I don’t want to continue going home after work everyday and just sitting there by myself. Maybe a list would be a great place to start!

Amber B - I really need to stop and enjoy the moment. So often it’s go go go that I can’t enjoy where I am right now. Thanks for the reminder 🙂

Andrea - I need to change my tendency to let fear keep me from just doing it! Even if I fail, it’s true what they say…we learn from our failures. Thank you for sharing your list. You’ve inspired me to start one of own…then not just file it away, but get down to living it!

Diane - I need to soak up the moments with my kids. They are only 9 and 6…and I often think I have plenty of time with them but really, the years are disappearing before my eyes!

Jennifer - I need to learn to let things go. Just be happy with where I am and who I am. I used to be that way but I kinda lost it over the last few years.

Barbara - I’d like to learn Photoshop. Oh, the things I could do with it! And I want to start a Bible study for 20’s and 30’s.

Michelle - I need to not be lazy, to not procrastinate and not be afraid. I want to live a good story!

Ashley - I want to be more giving of my time. be more willing to go and do things and less of a home-body.

Lori H - I just turned 50. I need to put myself out there more and take chances. I can be a worry wart and a chicken. I don’t want to miss any opportunities to make the most of my life.

rae - i need to figure out what i really want to do and make it happen. i’m 27 and work in a lame job i don’t like but it is safe and easy. i need to get the courage to take that leap!

Jen N. - I need to stop saying things like “in the future…” and start making things happen now. There’s no reason to wait for things like big trips because you’re not guaranteed a tomorrow.

Luis - Dear Meg,
Making pasta it’s a pice of cake for a mother of 5, really it’s very very easy.
If you are coming to Italy to visit some castle, please be my guest.
Ciao luisa

Gina - You’re such an inspiration Meg!! 🙂 I need to get serious about eating right and getting in shape!! =P

shelly - My dreams keep changing—those steadfast if only this would happen dreams of my 20’s don’t seem to matter much anymore. Living intentionally, fully, and having fun while doing it…that is my dream 😉 And if you ever need a mountain to climb, come on down and we’ll go hiking! (we could camp in the mountains and then you’d knock off 2 things lol)

kristiina - I need to get off the computer!!! I see all of these great ideas and then 3 hours slip through my fingers…..also a time zap is TV. We turn it on once the kids are asleep and just lay around until bed time. That’s precious time! Maybe I should ‘lose’ my remote LOL 🙂

Margaret - i need to stop letting my young age and my lack of money keep me from getting out into the world and the community. i need to trust that God will provide, and go be His hands and feet, even if that means by myself! whether that be down the street, or across the globe, i want to end each day knowing that i was used by the Lord to spread His purposes.

SandraD - I am 35 years old and I can honestly say I don’t have one true friend (except my husband who has loved me for 18 years). Two years ago my husband and 2 boys and I moved from FL to PA, and I have been so shy since then I can’t even make myself get out and meet people. I had a great group of friends in FL, and I feel as if I am somehow discounting those friends by making new ones? Plus it’s just not in my nature to step into a room and start talking to people. I honestly don’t know HOW to make friends..how sad is that? 35 years old and I don’t have a friend I can call when I need a morning out for coffee, or someone to do some Christmas shopping with…My story can’t end with me moving to a new state and never talking to a soul besides my poor husband who listens to everything I have to say! I have a sewing and embroidery business that I run from my home, so I can literally go days without leaving my sewing room…I miss my girlfriends!

cailan - Learning to live intentionally and for me that often means staying on top of my days by making lists and setting clearly defined goals – otherwise the days slip-slip away.c

amy jupin - you are beautiful.
inside and out.

Terri Fretwell - Very inpsiring! I need to live each moment. Take it in and know that I cannot get it back. I have mellowed in my years and now at 40, I feel 25. I truly try to enjoy each day as much as possible given the daily stresses of life. I am blessed!

Marsha Kern - To live our dream of being a small farmer, goats, chickens, donkeys! We can’t wait!

Alice H - I need a better attitude sometimes and just to sit back and relax. I always feel like I am going going going. Thanks for the giveaway.

Su@TheIntentionalHome - I keep checking for the craft weekend post 🙂 But I’ll take my chance at a $100 visa card. . thanks!! I need to spend a little more time taking care of me;it is at the bottom of the list. I need to eat better and exercise so that I have the energy to do all that God has called me to do. . . I know that exerice and eating better affects the body and mind.

Kari - I need to make more time for my husband and friends. I’m consumed with being a mom, which I love, but I wouldn’t be the woman that I am if it weren’t for my husband and friends and I need to take time to rebuild those relationships.

Molly - I need some energy. I lost my mom this year and I miss her so much. I’ve been in depression but trying really hard to move on. I need to see what’s in front of me, my husband and family. I want to make more jewelry and sell it. I want to get up and move each am (I used to walk every am, but can’t seem to motivate myself to do it these days). And stop sweating the small OCD stuff I seem to be fixating on lately. A bucket list would be a good thing to make now.

Dawn - I want to see the best in each day even when it’s a day at home doing laundry, changing diapers, and washing dishes! Life is so short and I want to soak up as much as I can. As a mom of two little ones,
I want to enjoy them and just be the best mom as I can.
I want to seek out new adventures! I want to make others feel special and feel special myself!

Preethi - I want to live life to the fullest! Not waste a minute of it 🙂

Amy Woods - I need to move my body! There are so many things I want to do – zip lines, mountain hikes, bike tours…and I’m just too heavy to do these things. I need to move my body!! Like, NOW! 😉

Sabrina - I need to start making healthy choices for myself… I want to be a mom who is full of energy!

Janelle - Oh some energy…I just oh so need it!!! It would probably come with eating better and exercising.

AJ - I need to take better care of myself in regards to my health and weight.

Heather S. - I need to stop thinking, “I should call that person and offer help/ask them to coffee/etc” and actually start picking up the phone. I am getting better, and God blesses it every.single.time I am faithful to do it – but I still need to do it MORE.

melissa erin - be INTENTIONAL. that’s all. all it takes is a tragedy to happen around me, to make me stop and realize we are not promised tomorrow, and that helps me live today with all the momentum that i have…

amanda - maybe I should start with a list too? I have NEVER made year goals or a bucket list or anything. So I think that’s what I need to do. Get a pen and paper (cute paper preferrably) and just start writing things down. Surely that would be a good start.

Ashley - I love this! I actually have a List List on my blog. I need to stop the “I’ll get to that someday” excuses and prioritize what’s important to me! Thanks for the reminder.

Christy - a post like this is what I need!! A wake up call..lol
I need to stop making excuses or waiting for the perfect time. Or what I think is the perfect time. And just go for it

Aimee - I need to live in the moment more and stop looking to the future too much. I also need to get my butt in gear and finish losing the weight I want to lose so that I can feel better about myself, be in better health and have more energy to live the life I want to live.

Aby - I need to actually stop. STOP and breathe. Stop and realize the blessing in my life and how quickly it all passes us by. STOP sweating the small stuff. STOP and smell the roses. Because they truly are ALL AROUND ME!!!

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