Summer Thoughts

I know I've been absent from blogging a lot this summer. In fact, I've only blogged 16 times in the last three and a half months. Which is pretty bad. I have no clue what my average was before that. I mean, I could go count, but I'm not THAT curious to know. I just want you to know that I am totally aware that I haven't been around as much as I might have been before.

Maybe that's because I honestly haven't scrapped that much the last few months. I've created a bunch of stuff, some of which I've already shared and a lot of which I can't share for a while. But I know that it feels like I haven't done that much lately, even though there are projects that I really do want to get done. It's that one little thing that stands in the way though. TIME.

My summer months always feel so hectic and busy. But not because we're having tons of fun, going on daytrips and vacations, and just enjoying life. It's because we're working. Well, more so Joe and I, as the girls definitely had some time to relax this summer. Although, in their defense (especially my college girl), I think they needed a decent amount of downtime after the busyness of the school year.

I've had all of these extra bodies in the house this summer. I had three summer daycare kids here with me. Although I did have one regular kiddo gone for the summer, since her mom just had a baby, and she got to hang out at home with them. I had my girls home for the summer, and most days, Sarah's boyfriend was here a lot too. Joe works nights, so he's here sleeping during the day. I'm shushing the kiddos in the morning, since the girls are still sleeping. And then I'm shushing my girls in the afternoon, while the kiddos all nap. I just don't get much done during the summer, since after working an eleven+ hour day with the kids (and squeezing my Bella job in there was well), I have no desire to do much of anything in the evenings.

I can't lie though. It's been nice to step back from scrapping in a sense this summer. I didn't worry about getting stuff done. I wasn't thinking about projects I wanted to work on. I can definitely get caught up in the things that I want to do, and not give my full attention to the things that I need to do. This summer, however, I really do feel like I just enjoyed the moment. Ok, I didn't enjoy every moment (too many little ones takes a toll on my sanity!). But I was present more than usual.

I've juggled a lot this summer, making a full time job and a part time job work, along with some freelance work here and there. We've spend several weekends doing much needed things around the house. We've been working, alongside Alyssa's dad (who honestly, did most of the work), to get Alyssa set up in an apartment across the street from the college for several weeks. And we've dealt with, and are still dealing with, the sudden loss of Alyssa's grandma from a very short battle with cancer.

I've also dropped the ball on stuff, simple because I didn't want to worry about things that didn't have to be done. Nothing of any importance, mind you. Just things that I've been pushing to the side here and there, with the "I'll do that later" mentality. I guess now is about that time.

Sarah went back to school about two weeks ago, starting her junior year of high school. Sigh. Alyssa is pretty much moved out and in her apartment now, and will be starting her sophomore year of college next Monday. Sigh. I have a two week "break" of sorts with the daycare kids. I still have four little ones here, but it's the least amount I've had all summer. I have my previous kiddo coming back in two weeks, and she's bringing her new baby brother! So that will be a big adjustment, I'm sure. Not to mention I have another daycare parent expecting a baby later this year.

Long story short. I haven't blogged as much. And I've missed it. I haven't scrapped as much. And I've missed it. I have a list of projects that I want to do, which includes some 6x8 album projects that I've been itching to start/finish. So I'm really hoping I can get back into the swing of things here, so that I'll have more to share with you all :)

*** And since I didn't even chat about the cards, as they're self explanatory, they were both made for Bella Blvd for their summer release booth at the SPC show in July. Both used the new Fresh Market collection, and you can read about them both HERE.

Comments

[Mendi Yoshikawa]

Your summer sounds a lot like mine. I'm a bit relieved to know I'm not the only one missing the fun of the season. ;) I hope you get some time to be crafty and some much needed down time soon. Big hugs! :)

[Mendi Yoshikawa]

Oops! I meant to add that your cards are darling. I LOVE fruit images so these are right up my ally. ;)

[Brenda]

Love your cards and am so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who seems to be busy all summer and not always able to enjoy it. I always thought when my kids got older I'd have more free time but I think I have less!

[Diana]

you sound totally like me--sorry I haven't really commented on posts--been busy! SUPER cute cards though---LOVE them!

[Jennifer O.]

I don't often comment on your blog (or others that I follow) but did want to say that I appreciate when you do blog and what you share! I'm mindful that it is totally up to the blogger what they share and how often. I want to try to comment more so that bloggers know their time and efforts are appreciated!

[SandraA]

Love the cards. And any time you blog, I just consider it a treat. Thanks!

[Charlene]

Super cute cards! Love the bright colors and those patterned papers! :-)