Does someone hear crickets (aka:cricuts)?

Hearing cricuts (crickets) is a joke of mine with my hubby. I have been begging hoping for a cricut machine to start making really dreamy vinyl projects. So each time he would send me a text message, I would ask him if he could hear the 'cricuts'. He caught on pretty quick. Well, I can certainly say...Score! I found a cricut machine on a resale site. One great thing, is that it was priced right. And secondly, it was for sale right in my neighborhood. I think it was meant to be. (girly smile) Another added bonus, is that it is pink. (batting eyelashes and giggling like a little girl).

The night I brought her it home, we spent hours getting to know each other. I discovered so many fun fonts and options on this machine. It is going to take some practice, however, I think I can handle it. I cannot wait to get some vinyl and start making some fun decor. And, the OCD in me wants to vinyl label everything in the house. My family is so lucky (they are probably rolling their eyes about now).

Here is a picture of my new addition:

Summer-time flash back

Can I just start by saying....my gracious. Where did the summer go?  Yes, I look back now and realize that I pretty much took the summer off from writing my blog. Not a good idea, when I have been hoping to gather more friends :)  Now I have ALOT of catching up to do!

Alot changed over the summer for me. I resigned at my full-time nursing job of 5 years, and accepted a new opportunity working as a nurse on the weekends and from home. This allows me to be home with the kids during the week, as well as see my hubby more often. It is a win-win! Well, actually it was a bitter-sweet decision. I really LOVE the girls that I worked with, and knew that I would miss them. However, I was ready to fulfill my joy of being a Mom! And, as a bonus...I still see the girls that I worked with at least once every month or two. We do motor-home shopping road trips, and it is so much fun. Alot of laughter, mommy talk and memories are made on those trips. Sorry, don't think the girls want me to share our stories on here.

Well, since having a bit more time on my hands over the summer, the kids and I went to a couple different beaches (one being the BIG lake...yes, Lake Michigan). We have lived here all of our children's lives, and have never taken them to Lake Michigan. (Bad, I know). We also enjoyed time with cousins at the John Ball Zoo, tried different ice-cream places in order to determine our favorite flavors, played games, went swimming and made crafts. It was a nice summer, but went by just a bit to quickly for me. I love having my kids home.

Now that routine is back in our lives with the start of school, and I am home during the week (did I already mention that), I get to have 'me' time during the day, which I never had before. I am able to clean, organize, exercise, bake, make crafts, paint, read...or even take a nap. I am even able to volunteer at Kaidin's school aka: 'little Bubba', and go on field trips with him. The teenagers don't want me on field trips. Oh wait, that was the school bus, not the field trip bus?....oops, sorry kids. (Just kidding).

Anyway, right now in my life, I am finally feeling fulfillment in my mommy duties, and I am loving every minute of it.

Stay tuned for some of my project postings. I have had time to do some fun things and have great ideas to share.