Happy Monday!

What a fantastic retreat last week! I mean really, what is better that hanging out with close friends and crafting together? There's just something about hanging out with good friends for a few days that nourishes the soul. If you don't go on any crafting retreats I would highly recommend you really give it thought. It's almost as if you are able to rediscover who "you" are. I think we are all guilty of forgetting who we are, with being a spouse, mother, employee, etc.., but being around friends you are able to reconnect. Well, that's just how I feel. Call me crazy, (it wouldn't be the first time). ;)

The place we went to is called The Sunflower Stuga, located in Stillwater, MN.

http://www.sunflowerstuga.com

The craftroom

Click on the link to see more pictures of the inside. 

I would recommend this place to anyone. It's very clean and has a well stocked craftroom. The picture above doesn't show it but there were around 20 cartridges available for the Cricut provided along with mats. There are also numerous punches and scissors, stamps (wooden), gel pens, even paper if needed. The best part was the amount of space. Of course there was only three of us this time but we have been there before with 5 people and there was plenty of room. The lighting is fantastic too. There are huge windows that face west so it is nice and bright, and warm! (Sometimes too warm, but that could have just been my hot flashes).

So this year the retreat was attended by myself and my good friends Laurie, a.k.a. Lulu, (a.k.a. Teacher) and Sarah, a.k.a. Lola. We have names for our scrapping alter egos. In case you were wondering, mine is Sisi. (I told you there is something about being with friends!) I thought I would share some of the projects we worked on. First off, Lulu did so many beautiful layouts of her children. Check out a few of them:

She does such good work!

Sorry, you may want to tilt your head to see it!





Isn't Lulu talented? She also did a gorgeous layout with photos from a trip to the zoo. My friend Sarah also got a ton of projects done. I didn't get the pictures yet but when I do I hope to show you this beautiful childrens book she put together using the Create a Critter cartridge. It was so cool! She is giving it to someone she knows that is having a baby. (Sarah, if you read this...please send me the pics!) I really want you all to see this. Now as for me, I did manage to get a few things done also. The first was a layout I made for our own scrapbook, to remember the retreat.

Three very happy scrappers!

(Left to right) Lulu, Sisi, Lola



I also made a card to enter in the Kaboodle Challenge but of course I didn't get it entered. I wasn't real thrilled with it any way but I thought it was a cute sentiment for a pregnancy announcement card. The challenge was to make something involving cooking/baking.

The little oven door opens to reveal a bun in the oven! ha ha



Now for anyone wondering what did I do with my faithful assistants, Kiki and Shadow, while I was gone, well, I left them in care of the daddy. Kiki was ok, Shadow, not so well. Listen to the demonic noise coming out of my sweet Shadow. I've never heard this before out of him. My son took this video a half hour after I left for the retreat. But beware, it will tug at those heartstrings!

Is that not pitiful? Well, he is ok now that I'm home. Of course he won't leave me alone but he is fine. I had a great time at the retreat and I can't wait until the next one. Thanks for stopping in everyone! I will be heading over to visit shortly to see how you are all doing. The weather people are calling for in excess of a foot of snow starting tomorrow so any prayers you can send my way to prevent this would be mucho appreciated! You all have a fab day! Oh, and I still plan on doing my RAK giveaway so thanks to those who left comments last week!

Susan