Growing Up

I can't believe my baby is going to be a big brother. 

We honestly haven't made many preparations for baby Error #2, but now that I've gotten some energy back I am feeling the nesting bug bite. However, all nursery work is postponed until a little construction project is completed in the designated room. So, what is an expectant mother with creative needs to do?! Why not get working on big brother's room? I have been itching to "de-nurserify" Grant's room for a while, but as I've been making plans in my head my heart hurts to let go of his babyhood. Here's what his room looked like when we brought him home from the hospital (two apartments ago).

And here's my little sweetheart the day we moved from that apartment, and he from his first little nursery. 

To be practical and save myself a little heartache, I'm going to recycle a lot of the original elements--just "grow them up" a little. Stay tuned for updates on Granty's big boy beachy room. Already underway! Sheesh they grow up so fast.

SNAP! Recap

Oh, where to begin! SNAP exceeded all expectations. I was honestly a little nervous about it beforehand because I feel so new and inexperienced, PLUS I had just come home from a dental conference and felt so sad to spend more time away from my lil guy, BUT it was SO worth the sacrifice. I never felt like I didn't belong there, I learned so much from the classes, and I was inspired beyond belief by the creative vibes everyone brought!! Sheesh, seriously. I've never been around so many creative people in my entire life! I came home every night with PRIDE to be a crafter. Yes, you read that right.

On Thursday I checked in to the conference at Thanksgiving Point, and got a SA-WEET sponsor goody bag. I tried to be cool about it and not act like I've never gotten anything for free before, but I kinda freaked when I saw this LOOT. Justifiable, right?

 

I will try and post about the contents as I use each product. SO much fun stuff. And of course, all the awesome business cards I collected over the weekend are pictured in front of the pile. It was so great to connect in real life with bloggers I've known about, and discover the talents of so many new ones. 

I attended lots of great classes and could go on and on about what I learned and how many cool, crafty ladies out there blog, but I would be here forever.

"Blogging Basics" taught by Amy from Mod Podge Rocks, Cheri from I am Momma Hear me Roar, Cindy from Skip to My Lou, and Kari from U Create. 

"Discovering and Defining your Style" taught by Ana White, Emily from Decor Chick, Kate from Centsational Girl, and Shelley from The House of Smiths.

Besides these and the other awesome classes, SNAP abounded in good food, good friends, and beautiful sights.

The top picture is from the main venue we all got together at for dinner and a program each night. Bottom left- super impressive SNAP themed cake by Ashlee at I'm Topsy Turvy, and the bottom right was the business card--I repeat-- business card of Ashleigh and Kathryn at Bee in Our Bonnet, made especially for the conference. Impressive stuff.

Got to hang out lots with my buddy Brittany and help her prep Bake it Pretty for the AMAZING Queen Bee Market. It was hard not to go crazy with all the adorable handmade items being sold.

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Ahhhh . . . It was such a beautiful weekend at Thanksgiving Point, too. On Saturday evening my husband and son went with me to the Tulip Festival before I left for the final dinner and program. 

Can you even believe this picture? Taken with my phone, no less. Incredible.

If you haven't noticed, I had such a blast at SNAP! Thank you to the entire team who put it together and to all who participated. I also have to give a huge shout out to my husband who was so supportive of me being gone two weekends in a row. He took so much time out of his busy dental school schedule to take care of our little Grant and never let on if he was stressed. I enjoyed my little retreat so much, and it wouldn't have been possible without him. He even pretended to be interested in all my bloggy/crafty ramblings each night. What a guy.

Yay for SNAP! Can't wait till next year!

Party Time!

I am SO EXCITED for SNAP this weekend! I know I have been the worst blogger ever and probably have no business going to this amazing conference where some of the best and my favorite creative bloggers will be cavorting, but I'm going anyway, so there you go. I'm hoping to come back with some renewed blogging energy and fresh inspiration. In addition to some new creative friends, of course.

So . . . if you're going to SNAP, please let me know--I want to meet you! And if you're not registered to attend but are in the SLC area, please come and check out The Queen Bee Market. I am trying to recruit as many friends to accompany me to this as shopping buddies (or restraint so I don't go too crazy??).

Speaking of friends--my dental-wife buddy, Jordan and I have been planning a craft day forever now with these little party items as our project. I made these a couple weeks ago, and Jordan's going to make her own set now. I LOVE how they turned out. If you want to make your own present set check out The Wood Connection for the pre-cut wood blocks.

I LOVE the idea of having a go to birthday decor set you can just pull out when you want to celebrate, but maybe aren't going to have a real theme party. I want to make a birthday banner to match, and then I have this little set I can pull out for birthday dinners at home or an impromptu party for a friend. Can't wait to see how Jordan's turn out!!