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)
Shelli,
I'm new to Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator but have enjoyed your products since I was a teenager. Thank you for sharing a photo and some facts about your beautiful family. I'm envious of the color coordination you all pulled off! My upline Jackie is at Convention 08 and I cannot wait to meet with her when she gets back. I look forward to seeing you next year!
CONGRATULATIONS on your new blog. I am so happy that it is up and running. I know you must have been a little nervous. Thank you and the whole Stampin Up! family for a wonderful convention. I can hardly wait until next year! I'm off to work on your first challenge.
Hi Shelli- I will definitely be checking your blog often! I met you at the Tulsa Regional in March and you were so sweet to stop at my table and see my 6-week-old baby boy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be at convention this year, but I'm planning on being there next year! I hope to see you at the Kansas City Regional in September!
Thank you for all you do to inspire us!
God Bless,
Jennifer
So Shelli what's up? ha! (I jsut couldn't resisit) I love that we can hear from you all the time in a blog, how lucky for us! Thanks so much for giving us all the oppourtunity of sharing a great company and wonderful product.
I {heart} SU!
This is awesome! How many companies have CEOs who communicate with their "people" through a blog, and share their life in such a way?!?! You are truly an inspiration and I am so proud to be affiliated with Stampin' Up! Please, please, please say you're coming to Regionals in Virginia...we missed you last time! :)
Shelli,
I have to admit... each new catalog one of the first things I look at is the family picture. Seeing you all together and happy sets the tone for the upcoming pages in the catalog. Speaking of which, since I didn't make it to Convention, looks like I'll be checking my mail until I get the scalloped-edge work of art in my hand. :-)
Kelly in Ohio
Shelli and family, thanks so much for another great convention. I knew last year that SU was my place and this feeling will never change. You have a beautiful family, so kind and loving. They are all so wonderful and approachable. Your sister and mother are so sweet.
Many thanks again!
Hi Shelli ...
Yaay, your blog is live!! I love reading about you and your family. You are all so stinkin' cute and an inspiration to all. I'm home from Convention (my 5th) and I just have to say I had a fabulous time! You and the entire Stampin' Up! team never let us down and it gets better each time I go! Next year will be my 10th year with SU and I look forward to being in Salt Lake City again! My friend Shari and I are the ones who gave you the photo of the 3 of us doing Charlies Angels. I look forward to being a dedicated reader of your blog. Thanks again for everything !!!
WOW! Your blog is going to be a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing!!
Shelli, I love your blog, and most of all, your thoughts about your sweetheart and your family.
I loved convention. Thank you so much to you, and all the SU! staff that put in sop much work and effort to make it such a fantastic time for so many!
Congratulations on your blog! It's beautiful.
Yeah for blogs! So excited that you've dived right in...can't wait for more updates :)
SoShelli-Awesome 20th Anniversary Convention-It was my first and I loved every minute of it and can't wait for next year.
I had to read your blog as soon as I got home from work-late, of course...due to being at Convention lots of work on my desk to catch up on!
I am so inspired by the Stampin Up team/family. And I mean family! I have never really felt part of company before, but You and Stampin Up changed that...you made me smile, (happy) cry, and cheer all in the same session. I was so excited to win and have Prize Patrol hand deliver me the Christmas Package Packet after Linda's Demo. I didn't want to go to work today I wanted to play with all my new toys like a child at Christmas time. I made qutie a few decision at Convention-going on DBWS, joining the Ronald McDonald House team and Virgina Beach here I come! I even scheduled my Retirement/Sneak Peak Open House, and aNew Product/Catalog Open House. WOW what motivation you instilled upon me and the great products to do it with! I could go on and on which I think I've already done! Awesome person, family and company to be associated with. At the end when you thanked everyone for all that was done to make convention happen-I tried to start a chant for SHELLI...my little voice (my family would disagree) went unheard but you deserve a great big thanks! THANKS for all you do!-Cindyrae
Good Evening, Shelli
I've just returned from my summer holidays and (of course) had to check out Stampin' Up!'s website to see what I've missed. I came upon the announcement of your blog and was thrilled to have more to read every day!
You are an amazing inspiration and I can't believe that you will have time for a blog with all that you do (in business and in your personal life).
Thank you for being YOU!!
Your family is beautiful. Congratulations on the new grandbaby. You have so many positive and exciting things happening in you life and your business. I wish you the very best!
First of all Shelli, you are certainly one of the nicest "bosses" I have ever had. I attended my first convention this year and the feeling that all your staff,guests and you conveyed to me a true feeling of family. Not once was I afraid to approach any of you. I took a spill on the 3rd day and ended up at the hospital-While there I picked up 3 customers!!! But I also met a good friend of Sage-she had nothing but wonderful things to say-just goes to show you are well loved everywhere! I love you Shelli and I look forward to your blogs and hearing what you are up to!!!
welcome to the blogging world. i've been a part of it for just a few months myself and learning as i go.
enjoy. cheers ~ carol.
Hi Shelli! How cool that you are blogging and sharing our life with us! I am a fairly new Demo and you have inspired me to take my business further!! I am looking forward to following your blog and entering your challenges! Thank so Much! Many Blessings to you and your beautiful family! Cheryl Letner (Venice, FL)
I can tell you one thing I look forward to with the new catalog is the picture of your family. This years is nothing short of fabulous. I love color combinations and am inspired to coordinate all my family photos. Another note, convention was wonderful. I live in West Jordan so I am excited that it is here again next year. I do love that I don't have to travel but I do feel a bit guilty that I take pleasure in this. Can't wait but I sure it will be just as great as this year. Have a good day I will be keeping up on your blog and linking to it from mine. so excited to share this.
Brianna
Shelli,thanks for providing such a great inspirational space. I loved your idea as soon as you announced it. You are the best and hopefully I will learn more from you as I check your great thought and ideas.
Congrats for starting a blog! And welcome, I hope you'll find blogging is a wonderful, creative outlet where you can share a small part of yourself and receive 200% in return! (At least that's my experience!)
I have just a *small* request .... could you use a larger font? It would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the Blogging world Shelli!
I love the look of your blog, and am looking forward to your posts, and taking part in your challenges.
Your positivity is a wonderful thing. Thank you.
All the best,
Sam.
Your blog is so wonderful, Shelli! I am looking forward to reading it! You are such a positive inspiration to us all!
Shelli!!!!! Welcome to blogging!! You are the new Martha!
Sleep? What the heck is that? I've been at CONVENTION!! Seriously - I'm simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. Can't WAIT to place my order for all the new stuff. I hope you know how much we all love you and your employees.
Blog on, sister!!
Lydia
http://understandblue.stampinup.net
www.understandblue.blogspot.com
Shelli, you are wonderful and so many of us appreciate what you do every day. Your blog is just another way we can get to know you and enjoy your energy. We just returned home from convention and my team and I are still FLYING with excitement. I will see you in St. George in September......thanks again for all you do. WOOHOO!
I always love to see these beautiful photos of your family, and how much God has blessed you with them. It is so exciting to see your new blog, and I look forward to seeing your creations.
Thank you for all your do Shelli, in making Stampin'Up such a wonderful company which really is an extended family in my life.
I can't wait to spend time with you and Sterling in Palm Cove in 2 weeks time! It is all very exciting!
Safe Travels, and God Bless,
Makeesha x