Welcome to my personal blog!

Just as I share some of my personal thoughts and views, I invite you to share yours. All I ask is that you keep your comments appropriate. I won’t feel badly about removing comments that are offensive. That doesn’t mean you can’t be honest—I want honest feedback—but I like to fill my life with positive people and positive things. I guess that means that if you have to say something negative, say it nicely!

More than anything, I want you to leave here feeling inspired and valued—and like we've had a nice visit!

 

Saturday
May132017

Wonderful Women

This Mother’s Day we’re honoring our mothers who have passed on by giving our girls two gifts to remember them by (along with a random cute book about moms)—all tucked in a gift bag with this beautiful card attached. One of the gifts is an apron from the original Gardner kitchen. The other is a vintage ribbon tied to an antique key (both collected by my mom) that can be used as a bookmark.

Sterling’s mom, Hortense (or Tense), was always in the kitchen and wearing an apron. When you visited her home, she would offer you food again and again, until you accepted. Fixing up a delicious dish, whether savory or sweet, was Tense’s way of serving and loving others.

My mom, Heather, was always making something creative with her hands. Mom sewed several detailed dolls in her lifetime, mostly to be given away. She was also a collector of all things cool. My mom had a knack for combining her collections to create something unique and useful.

May we all reflect on the examples of the wonderful women in our lives and how they’ve influenced us for good. I thank my Heavenly Father for my mom, Pat, who is still living and caring for me, and for the thousands of women who have been part of my life and blessed me in countless ways! Thank YOU!

 

Thursday
May112017

Same Set, Different Look

I posted about our trip to see Shanna and the twins on their birthday, but I didn’t share their birthday gift packaging…same stamp set, entirely different look!

Friday
May052017

Congratulations to Ruth

Ruth Snyder will be visiting Utah later this month to celebrate her Million Milestone, but honoring her and her accomplishment began when she achieved her milestone and received this beautiful card showcasing some of her favorite things. We’re looking forward to seeing Ruth soon. Until then, formal congratulations are in order!

Monday
May012017

Barbecues and Bundt Cakes

Every year, usually in the spring, we have employee appreciation events in all of our Stampin’ Up! offices. Last week I got to attend two barbecue lunches (one in Riverton and one in Kanab). Check out the desserts…and their packaging! It was nice to express gratitude and to visit with coworkers and see so many cheerful faces.

In preparation of the events, many employees were nominated by their coworkers to receive a Heart of Stampin’ Up! award. Sara and I read LOTS (more than any other year) of nominations from all of our offices, and we were touched by the stories shared of employees who make a difference inside and outside the workplace. How grateful I am to associate with such wonderful people!

Thursday
Apr272017

Time to Play

Sean’s birthday usually signals that spring is here and summer is coming soon. It’s also time to start thinking about family time in the sun and boating on the water…hence the paper cup covered with water-like designer series paper, and the surfboard, rope, and handle! Sean is one of the most fun-loving people we know, and he’s always game for a family outing. We’re glad we have him to remind us to plan time to play!