Hello Friends!

I had to take a break but I'm back, I think.
If you have been a follower for awhile, you'll know that I don't use my blog as an outlet to complain, gripe or tell you all my woes. (really--I don't have all that many woes!)

This is a happy place!

But for awhile there, I considered getting out of the blogging business all together. I wasn't finding joy in my crafting. It was more than just loosing mojo, I seriously had to take a step back and re-evaluate. I hinted awhile back that there were lots of changes going on in the Fowler family. I've been homeschooling my son for the past nine years and we made the decision to put him in school next year for eighth grade. I feel good about that decision. Now it is time for me to decide what I want to do. Exciting and Terrifying!

Another thing that had been weighing me down is changes in my mom's life. She moved into a retirement home a few weeks ago. I say "she moved"; she made the decision, but my sister and I had to take care of it all for her. I have traveled home (650 miles one way) three times this summer and have one or two more trips ahead of me. This is my childhood home we are talking about, I didn't know it would hit so hard.

After my last trip home, I felt like a small weight had been lifted. I say small, because I still don't feel free. But my mind cleared just enough to know that I don't want to stop blogging. I may not be a frequent poster, but I hope to spread joy whenever I do post. Hope ya'll stick with me!

Thank you to all who commented on my Robin Story! I didn't mean to leave you hanging! I'll finish the story in my next post.

Much love to all of you!
Wishing you all a day filled with joy!
♥ Lisa

Christmas Decorating

This post is to show my family our house at Christmas. You were all in my thoughts today-I missed being with you. A few have asked about the home and Christmas decorations--so this one is for you! (you can click on each picture to enlarge it and see better!)We didn't do a whole lot outside, just these two small Alberta Pines by the front porch, but you can see the Christmas tree inside the front door. In the back we had one pine tree covered in blue lights.
I was thrilled that our Christmas tree worked in the new house. We were afraid it would be too tall. No room for a star at top--but it fits! Hard to believe we have had this tree for 13 years and we still love it!


The mantel. The fireplace is in the corner of the room and bookcases hit right up next to it, so no draping garland and lights. Went very simple this year, but will work on this area next year.

The built in hutch was the perfect place to display some of my Christmas bird houses and Santas. Up above there were twinkling lights and it gave off a nice glow. For those who haven't visited yet; to the right of here you enter the kitchen and to the left the hearth room.

This shows some of the garland and lights above kitchen cabinets. On the counter is the Gingerbread house Marek and I did on the 24th.
The next two pictures show the display of Santas and birdhouses in the stairwell. There was a (fake) candle in each window up the staircase--so that would be 4 windows!



And then we get to this morning! Marek and Ace were very excited to dig into their stockings!

It was a beautiful day--50+ degrees--the kind of day where you just had to be outside. We took a nice walk along the Pouder River.
Hope your day was nice and relaxing too!
XO