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 starting this...I was so inspired by you at convention and want so much to succeed in this business. I went to convention with no expectations and came home with so much, it's so hard to let it all sink in. Keep doing what you do and thanks from the bottom of my heart for being my inspiration...God Bless!!!
Wow, welcome to the blog world, Shelli! I'm so excited to see you up here, not just because it's nice to feel connected to you in the e-world, but also because it's just another way that you are demonstrating that you are constantly evolving and staying with current trends. So neat that you are willing to open your life and thoughts to us - I know we will all benefit greatly!
I look forward to participating in your first challenge, and seeing what you blog in the future!
Warmly,
Kari Metzger (Vancouver, BC)
Hi Shelli - didn't bump into you at convention . . (the line was so long!) I had to live vicariously through my team-mates who did brave the wait. They said it was worthwhile (as I knew it would be). Thank you for sharing with us on your blog. Feel free to run over to the farm and check mine out (reluctantfarmchik.com). I'm also doing a life/stamping one (in that order).
I'm so excited for you and your blog. You truly are an inspiration to me and my SU business. I love to hear you speak and this convention was nothing less than an awesome inspiration. I've loved paper crafting since I was a little girl and I thank you for giving me the chance to share this wonderful world with others as an adult.Many, many blessings to you.
Shelli:
Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us!
Convention this year gave me the inspiration and rejuvination to come back home & give my business some fresh updates! I am excited to pass along the many things i learned from you, the SU Staff and the many, many demonstrators i came in contact with! I appreciate the wealth of knowledge and the uplifting feeling i get from convention each time i attend!
I absolutely LOVE the new catalog! and Tonic Sol-fa Rocked!
Hugz
Hi Shelli,
Welcome to the blogging world! Blogs are fabulous and you'll be hooked in no time. I have 3 of them.
Thanks for sharing your family with us. I've been a demo for 5 years now and it's always fun to see your daughters and see how much the grandkids have grown. I'm looking forward to see what you'll have to share with us.
Adrian
Sandy, UT
Please know I had a fantastic time at Convention - you and your team does an incredible job!!!! I'm thoroughly looking forward to my first Regionals in Edmonton - WoooHooo!!!
Have fun blogging! I look forward to visiting! - Joan
I'm so happy to be part of the Stampin' Up family. I look forward to many more productive and enjoyable years with Stampin' Up. Thanks for getting this great company started!
It is so nice for you to introduce your family to us. Could you please tell us how you and Sterling named Megan? She is the only one without "S".
It is so nice for you to introduce your family to us. Could you please tell us how you and Sterling named Megan? She is the only one without "S".
I truly enjoy sharing in this "fad." Have a GREAT day :)
p.s. I had no problems with the colors on the page.
I am a SU! customer (actually I should say SU! snob because I am totally in love with all the products each catalog brings! and have a very hard time buying anything from anywhere else). I wanted to know if you'd make a posting about your own stamping studio - like how you organize, where you put your inspirations, etc. if that's possible for a blog topic. Thanks! I've already enjoyed reading.
Having missed out on Convention 2008 this year, I hugely look forward to seeing you again at Founder's Circle :)
All the best,
- Caroline in Toronto
Linda:)
I've enjoyed watching the company (and catalog!) grow. It's been so exciting! Jan
Speaking of her, while there is no way of you knowing it, but seeing you at convention and hearing you speak of your love of God and your family, you touched me at a time when I needed a little boost. Thank you Shelli for being the person you are. And I thank God that you and your company are in my life.
I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Wow, 5 daughters! We are just two (me and my sister) and it is already crazy... can't imagine how it'd be to have 5!
Hugs from Chile!
I think it's such a wonderful idea that you have a blog now... I'm looking forward to reading all of your posts & getting to know you through this.
I actually really like the idea of the novels of each of your family members, but realize that would be a tonne of work & of course I wouldn't want to take you away from all the wonderful things you've been doing with SU! lately... But, have you ever thought about writing your own story? I think that your autobiography would be wonderful to read & also be very inspiring.
with hugs from Calgary Canada,
Treena
I just wanted to say what a true honor is is that I am able to be associated with Stampin Up. I have always refered to myself as a hobby demo before and had recieved curled noses for it. I even felt ashamed for not doing more by fellow demos. However, I have NEVER felt that way from the Company and for that I thank you. I love how you support us regardless to the depth of our involvement. Some of us can just do more than others but we all love to work with the company. And I was so happy to hear you recently telling people to no longer refer to themselves as Hobby demos. After all, we meet our minimums too!
Man, I LOVE this Company! Thank you for running Stampin Up with the high integrity that you do, and I will always be proud of being a part of it, even if it's a small portion!
Thanks Shelli, thanks Stampin Up!!!!!
I just wanted to say what a true honor is is that I am able to be associated with Stampin Up. I have always refered to myself as a hobby demo before and had recieved curled noses for it. I even felt ashamed for not doing more by fellow demos. However, I have NEVER felt that way from the Company and for that I thank you. I love how you support us regardless to the depth of our involvement. Some of us can just do more than others but we all love to work with the company. And I was so happy to hear you recently telling people to no longer refer to themselves as Hobby demos. After all, we meet our minimums too!
Man, I LOVE this Company! Thank you for running Stampin Up with the high integrity that you do, and I will always be proud of being a part of it, even if it's a small portion!
Thanks Shelli, thanks Stampin Up!!!!!
I am so excited about your new blog. I would like to suggest that you add a feedblitz option on your sidebar so we can subscribe to your blog. This allows us as readers to type in our email & then we will be sent an email whenever you update your blog. They are free at www.feedblitz.com. Thanks for all you do & good luck with this exciting endeavor!