HGTV Dreams

So, I have been obsessed with HGTV for some time now. I dvr all the shows and watch them during Grant's naps while I clean (*ahem* craft). HGTV is gratifying enough for me on its own, but add John Gidding from Curb Appeal the Block to all that design goodness and it is a little dream come true.

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I present to you John Gidding and Aimee Barbosa Error--a long awaited meeting.

At the Utah Home Show 10/8/11

Extra, Extra!

I know the two of you who actually read this blog are the same two who probably already know the following. I have started a NEW blog. Just in case you haven't heard, it is called THE ELEPHANT OF SURPRISE. (As in, "If we get to the party before the guest of honor and jump out from behind a couch we will have the element of surprise." But change 'element' to 'elephant' and you have just taken the unexpected to a whole new level. (That is the first and last explanation of the name because it is just sad if you have to explain yourself all day long, and if nobody gets it, oh well.)) If you please, meander on over there and check out what I have going on. This blog will serve a variety of purposes:

1. A showcase of some of my party crafts for readers the world over (or just you same two) to try at home.

2. A collection of party inspiration I find around the blogsphere that I think others may enjoy.

3. A portfolio of parties I've done. Here, potential clients can decide if they dare let me anywhere near their next celebration, or if they would quietly and anonymously like to run the other direction. 

4. Yet another technology project for me to both shake my fist at in frustration, and feel pathetically accomplished when I figure out how to copy and paste some html code (like it's hard).

What a purposeful blog, am I right?

I would love it if you would take a look and become a follower. And, because I know so many of you are so much more crafty and creative than me, I would love to hear ideas for the blog, or to feature your projects. Share them with me! 

Grant's Birthday

I said I would be doing some summer recaps, but let's go back as far as spring for just a quick minute. I know it is just plain sad that I am posting about Grant's birthday five months late, but there you have it.

Five months ago my little baby turned a year old! There is something truly worth celebrating in that! As the months and weeks drew closer to his birthday I reflected on our first year together. I thought about all that he had accomplished in just 12 short months. I thought about the first time he laughed, rolled, crawled, stood. How he had changed, and developed, and grown. I thought about how we as parents had changed, and grown, too. I thought about all the sleepless nights, the messy diapers, the messy house. I thought about all the books and websites I had read about schedules, breastfeeding, solid foods, making baby food, baby sign language, sicknesses, teething, milestones. I thought about how I had never imagined falling this in love. Grant's first year was one of the most interesting and joyful of my life. I'm so glad I have him.

This is how we celebrated his birthday.

On the actual day of his birthday we met dad for lunch at Grant's favorite restaurant--Zupas. This kid can eat soup like there's no tomorrow. Unfortunately we forgot a bib, so the birthday boy kind of looks like a homeless child in these pics. He loved it just the same.

Later that day, we ventured out to the Thanksgiving Point Farm. I had a hunch that Grant would love it, and despite refusing to nap all day prior to going, he did! Grant's bff, Jack was there of course, and he brought his parents along for the ride. I love how Grant is finally old enough to enjoy these little pleasures in life--it makes life so much fun.

When dad got home from work, we gave Grant his birthday present--a splashy water table toy. This child LOVES water. He had so much fun dumping the water from the table all over himself. 

We probably should have had him play with the water table AFTER he destroyed his mini birthday cupcake all over himself. I wasn't sure how he would react to his first cupcake, but he knew just what to do--like he'd been doing it for years. Or maybe watching his mother do it too much. Who knows? He was a cupcake eating pro none the less. The happy story ends here for a while, because the next day he had to go to the doctor for his 1 year well-baby visit and shots.

Don't be deceived by poor Granty boy's look of distress. He had nowhere near gotten his shots yet. haha! This picture makes me laugh so hard. Dr. Zarbock has been Granty's doctor since day 1--and what a long way Grant has come since! From 5 pounds to 17! They really are buddies--Grant is just getting a little more skeptical with age.

Nothing that a little birthday party couldn't fix, though! That Saturday, we were lucky enough to have so many of our friends and family come and celebrate our sweet boy's first year.

Can't believe a year has come and gone already. Granty, we are all so lucky to have you!