a monday update and an awesome Christmas giveaway

To be honest, my little blog has really taken a hit recently. I've been busy with other activities and really haven't give much attention to this space. Partly because I feel like I don't have a whole lot say and partly because I'm just busy. So I haven't been making as much time to focus energy on my blog. And I think that's ok, too. I don't want to post something just so I have something posted. My intent when I started blogging was to share my life, ideas, projects-- that sort of things. After a few posts that were there just to be content, I decided that I didn't want to do that. I didn't want to put something up that didn't have any heart to it, so that is partially the reason (at least I feel) the blog has been left out recently. Maybe it's because my creativity and energy is being used up in other places or maybe it's just a season of life where I don't have all that much to say, which is pretty hard to imagine but it's true. But regardless, here is a little update on what all I've been up recently.

A trip to Illinois to visit with my family and to celebrate my dad's birthday! 

where we played one of my most favorite games-- salad bowl (if you want to know how to play, just ask)

 

Each year for Thanksgiving my grandma comes up with a new craft. This year's craft was awesome. 

We made these adorable trees. The wood is from my grandpa's old barn and, if you know me I'm a huge suckers for family heirlooms and antique things. I loooove it! It was quite the project though-- 

power tools and all!

Then I started painting the guest bathroom and realized the color was awful. Ok, awful is a strong word. It was a pretty color, but way to bold for the walls in our house. Now we have three gallons of this color of paint. First time homeowner fail. If you are interested in it, please let me know.

We've been indulging in lots of s'mores by the fireplace and hot coco, too.

Also, I decked the house for Christmas. 

Another craft added the list was this burlap bow tree topper.

Then there are the two trips to Ikea-- obviously happy and successful ones.

And of course, there is spending time with these two, which is my favorite. 

(sorry for the poor quality-- blame the iPhone)

So now you're up to date.

Oh, and here is an awesome giveaway for your Monday. 

Wonderful ladies and awesome giveaways put together by this fabulous lady. 

Don't leave here without checking it out!

Poppiness | Chits & Giggles | So Much Sunshine Stamp in My Passport | We Took the Road Less Traveled | Jellibean Journals Mish Lovin' Life | Deecoded | Northern Belle Diaries Little Black Suitcase | Route Bliss | And So I Did Keep It Simple | Tales of the Benedicts | Postcards from Rachel

 a Rafflecopter giveaway