Monday
Aug042008
Meet the Gardners
Monday, August 4, 2008 at 05:00AM August 4, 2008
Well, I got a good night’s sleep and I’m ready to conquer the day! It dawned on me that, since I’m sure I’ll be talking about my family a LOT, I should introduce them. So let me tell you a little bit about the Gardners. (I could write novels about every single one of them, but I’ll keep it brief!)
First, of course, is my sweetheart, Sterling. I can’t even begin to tell you how much he means to me. He is my rock! He’s gentle and strong, wise and quiet, calm and steady. They say opposites attract, and that’s certainly the case in our marriage! That’s not to say, of course, that I can’t be calm and steady, but those who know me know that I tend to be passionate and emotional, although I hope it’s always in a good way!
Sterling is a simply spiritual man who loves his family—and horses! If he can’t be spending his time with us, his second choice is off on a ride! Now I don’t want you to think that Sterling’s perfect (although he’s probably as close as they come) and I’m sure we’ll talk about the things that he does that drive me crazy, but can I just say I love this man!
We have five daughters (Megan, Sara, Shalae, Sage, and Shanna), four sons-in law (Nate, Sean, Jon, and Jason), and 12 grandchildren, with number 13 arriving sometime in the next few weeks! I can’t wait! I’ll share more details about each of our children and grandchildren as time passes. For now, I’ll just say that nothing brings me greater happiness than being with them, whether we’re camping, stamping, eating, or vacationing. A perfect day is a day spent with my family!
Reader Comments (178)
Thank you so much for stating a blog! I really look forward to reading your creative tips and ideas and hearing more about your family!
As you told each of us at Convention, so now your words ring true for you:
We need you. We want you. We respect and value you. We love you.
Warmly, Robyn
I love to see your family grow! And I love to see your family picture each year. What a wonderful family!
Shelli,
This is great news that you have a blog now! I have met you twice and you are such a sweetheart. I am looking forward to hearing more from you and especially seeing the things you create!
BTW Shelli, thought you'd like to know that the text at the top of your pages is going over your lovely picture on the right. That might need to be checked out! I'd email someone about this rather than putting it in the comments but I didn't see any way to send an email.
A note from Shelli:Just a quick note--we checked into this, and apparently this results from using Internet Explorer 6 rather than Internet Explorer 7. You can update your version of Internet Explorer free at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx
Welcome to the blog world: I'm so glad that you are sharing your ideas and info on your beautiful family. I will be here everyday to see what you are going to tell us all about the Stampin' world.
Hi Shelli!
I've just returned home from my very first convention, and I'm feeling so excited about all the new products, and REALLY excited to see my business grow using all the tips I learned in SLC!
I was especially excited to hear that you were venturing into blogging land - I think it's going to be a lot of fun to learn more about you and your family on a personal level.
Thank you so much for all your hard work over the past week (I realize that the planning took a lot longer than that!) - we had so much fun, and we are thrilled to see all the new product lines and things that SU! is introducing - looking forward to what this year holds!
Welcome to Blogland Shelli! I'm looking forward to stalking your blog for new and exciting ideas!
Hi, Shelli. What an honor - to be able to post a response on YOUR blog. :) I've been a demo for 8 years, and I am so grateful to get this chance to tell you THANK YOU. You're a great example of a person who at least attempts to balance her life with family, work, and personal growth - and sharing what you love with others.
Happy 20th Anniversary! :D I've learned over the years that you make changes that are - for the most part :D - wonderful for the company. And when they're not, you're quick to change them. Thank you for LISTENING to us!!!
Be blessed, Shelli. I look forward to everything you're going to share on your new blog!
Shelli, Convention was awesome. As a "veteran" I was so excited to have the whole group together again in one session! I thought all the tracks went very smoothly, lunch went well, and I LOVED ending with a general session. KUDOS to you and your staff for making this year one of the best ever!! Is there going to be an evaluation form?? Noone has mentioned one yet or am I just missing it?? Demo ID 5376
Hi, Shelli! Thank you for sharing your time on your blog - I am especially excited about the creative challenges! I was an SU demonstrator nearly 10 years ago, but had to drop because of life changes at that time. I've rejoined this past year, and am so excited to get my business going! From someone who was away for awhile, I LOVE the new changes coming to SU! I also LOVE what your company brings to my life - my husband is a police officer who works nights, and this will enable me to remain a stay-at-home mom to our 3 kids, while stretching my creative muscles (& keeping myself busy while he's gone at night)! What a blessing! Thanks again, Shelli, and I hope to meet you at convention someday soon!!! Blessings, Colleen
Shelli - I love seeing your family picture every year! It's a part of the catalog that I really look forward to! Thanks for this post. It was fun to read! ~Michelle
Welcome to blogging! It is truly fun and allows you time to "package" your thoughts in a way that gives you new insights on yourself.
Can't wait to read your thoughts and see beautiful artwork.
Have fun!
Suzy
I am thrilled to see you share more about yourself & using your blog to make our day just a little bit happier. I hope you enjoy blogging! I know I'll enjoy getting to you know more!
Shelli,
You are so right to brag on Sterling, he is a sweet and amazing man. I was waiting to see you on Saturday and he came over and took my camera from me and I told him he was so sweet to be there to take pictures and he said, "I'll do anything to be close to my sweetheart." He's a keeper for sure!!
Sharon
I'm so excited to be able to visit your blog! I look forward to hearing about you & your family! what a perfect way to be closer to those whom think of you so dear! You are an inspiration! Plus we all want to know about your favorites!
Well Sbelli welcome to the world of Blogging, you I am sure will fast become one of my favorite Bloggerettes *** kinda like a drum majorette, but instead of a baton, you will be clicking away at the keyboard, or you will have your pen poised above your head whistle in mouth, and paper ready to receive your thoughts***. I look forward to reading your blog daily. Congratulations on this newest adventure.
Well Shelli welcome to the world of Blogging, you I am sure will fast become one of my favorite Bloggerettes *** kinda like a drum majorette, but instead of a baton, you will be clicking away at the keyboard, or you will have your pen poised above your head whistle in mouth, and paper ready to receive your thoughts***. I look forward to reading your blog daily. Congratulations on this newest adventure.
i'm so glad you decided to do a blog ... i look forward to visiting here often! you are gonna be bombarded everyday with comments! hee!
happy bloggin'! :)
I had so much fun at convention and like you slept really well once I got home to my own bed. My husband is truly a great man and it is nice to hear you say such nice things about your husband! In the world today there is a ton of "man bashing" and it is just unfortunate. I even took one bloggers challenge and on Fridays I post about my why "My Husband Rocks!". It is a fun challenge! Hope you enjoy blogging. I look forward to keeping up with you!
Thank you for being so inspirational. Best of Luck in your new blogging endeavor.
Since I was the VERY FIRST rubber stamper EVER to start a blog (in 2003) I just want to welcome you to blogging. Just like journaling on paper, blogging enriches ones life!
I'm looking forward to seeing the wonderful creations posted here!
-Michelle
I have been a demo since 1997. And love to see the family picture in every catalog. Wonderful to see how your lovely family has grown. i'm so looking forward to viewing your blog.
After four conventions, I am so happy that we will be able to learn even more about you and from you now that you have a blog. You definitely are a gifted lady and I can't wait to see what you have to tell us next. Thanks for all the hard work you do and for the sacrifices you and your family make to make our lives as demonstrators better!
I have been in the hospital for the last week and just got home. I immediately (well almost immediately) got online to find sneak peeks and I found your blog. This is so cool! I will enjoy coming back again and reading your blog. Lovely photo... You have a beautiful family. You are very blessed!
Shelli,
Im so excited about this blog! You are truly an inspiration and one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I can't wait to find out more about you and your family. Tina