Leaving Sara

I’m tearing up right now as I write this. I have only a handful of hours before I leave Washington, and I hate it! I know I’ll see Sara and these adorable grandchildren again in a few months, but it still breaks my heart to say good-bye. When I’m here with them, I’m home. That’s such a wonderful feeling—but it makes leaving bittersweet. 

We did a lot while I was here. We went to Seth’s soccer game, we read books, we cooked meals, and Sidney and I finished a pair of pajamas. Tonight we went out to dinner—an adventure with five children ranging in age from one to tween! Then I kissed them and gave them all long hugs before tucking them into bed. And that’s only what I did with the kids! 

Sara and I did even more. We made a list when I first got here of all the projects we wanted to complete. While we haven’t done them all, we’ve made a decent dent in the list, and I have a reason to come back soon because she simply can’t finish these things without me! (Or so I tell myself. . . .)

We also enjoyed a delicious Texas sheet cake—Sara’s specialty! I told the kids that if they weren’t good at the restaurant, there wouldn’t be any left when they got up in the morning—it’s that good! 

Even more than the projects and cake, though, are the late-night chats, the heart-to-heart moments, the laughing and bonding that mean so much. I can never get enough of family, and this trip has been so wonderful! Often when I see Sara and her family, I’m racing through on business and grab a quick, overnight stay. This trip has been a little longer—not nearly long enough, of course—but longer than normal. It’s been very relaxing and enjoyable.

And to make matters even better, the weather has been perfect. Oh, my goodness! When I travel to Washington, I expect to be chilled, and I pack accordingly. But I didn’t need my sweaters and jackets and long sleeves this trip. Clear, sunny, and warm every single day! 

I just couldn’t have asked for anything more—except for time to move a little slower perhaps.

But now we’re popping in a movie and settling down for our last late night—and at least six pieces of Texas sheet cake. I don’t know how mothers do it who don’t see their children for months and months, even years. I know it happens, but I’m so grateful it doesn’t happen to us! 

Comments

[Laura Fernsler]

Dear Sweet Shelli, you are such an incredibly sweet, giving, wonderful woman. The Lord has blessed you and you, in turn, bless everyone around you. Your graciousness, gentleness, lovingness and the generosity with which you share all your blessings with family and everyone around you is a never-ending inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to share of yourself. In the midst of your chaotic, if enjoyable, life, please take care of yourself. The world is a much more lovely place because of who you are!

[Elaine]

Hi Shelli,
You sound like you might need a little break for nap time more frequently! You're up in Seattle where I live! (Except right now I'm in Santa Barbara but not for a good thing - my mother in law passed on last Thursday) :( I hope you enjoyed your stay in Seattle - we heard the weather's been pretty fab since we left on Monday....Have a safe trip to your next destination!

[Zarna]

I know this is completely off topic, but I absolutely love the wall hanging on the side of the stairs!! Absolutely gorgeous

[mj]

isn't it fun to spend time as daughters/moms all grown up! my mom and i just spent a girl's night together ... (although no stamping took place) we had a lot of giggles and bonding!

p.s. texas sheet cake? ... you knew someone was going to hope you share the recipe, right?! ;)

[Olga]

Hi Shelli,
Your insight to your daily doings is amazing. It's refreshing to see somebody who could be ambitious & successful in the corporate world and be so "family" oriented at the same time. Often times I find people thinking we as women have to choose one over the other...I tend to think we can do both! I do both and always say family is first in my life!
Thanks again can't wait to see what's next.

[Dawn McVey (dawnsing)]

Hi Shelli! Love the jammie shot....so cute!

Hope you get a little rest soon, you've been go, go, goin' lately! :) Good thing it's been doing so many things you love, huh?

Have a great day!

[Maureen Stivala]

yeah, Shelli - I too love the jammie shot! Brings back memories of convention 07! Think those Denver-ites are over seeing thousands of women walking the street in their jammies!! LOL And - in the jammies shot in your post - you look like our own Bella Rose!! tfs!
((()))reen

[Jodene]

How wonderful that you have had such a special visit with Sara and her family.
I know how hard the leaving can be. I live on the West coast of Australia and my mother on the East coast, and sadly it has been that way for 14 years now. If I get to see her twice in one year, it is a good year! And saying goodbye is always the hardest part.
Hugs to you all :)

[Sue Decker]

What a delightful visit you had - I enjoy sharing your travels and family.

[Jenn]

It is so hard to be separated from the ones you love...but it definitely makes you treasure every minute you do get to spend together :)

[Betsy Z]

How wonderful for you to spend time with family doing regular "grandma" stuff! My only regret is that my mom passed away before my son came along. I envy you and your daughters!

Love the nap tale...hard to imagine, though! My memories of soccer games in Seattle all have one thing in common...mud! OK, and cold. OK, and rain. Great that Seattle cooperated for you!

Hugs,
Betsy

[Christie]

So did you and your granddaughter make the jammies? Sewing is such a lost art anymore...I asked my girls: "If you don't learn to sew, how are you going to make curtains for your first apartment and make your kids' Halloween costumes?" We actually bought patterns and fabric a couple years ago and got as far as cutting the pieces out...ditto for our Christmas tree skirt project-to-be! So hat's off to you for making it happen!! Great memories for the kids!

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

Oh Shelli, I know exactly how you feel. My daughter Debbie who is also a demonstrator just pulled out of my driveway after 7 wonderful days together. I too, love family time and with my grandchildren living far away from me I just can't get enough time with them Gracie the baby is just 6 months old and has such a cute dimple in her right cheek. She laughed and cooed and made me feel so very special. She was at convention and I am sure is going to be a SU demonstrator when she is able. Debbie and I have decided we want to be 3 generational SU demonstrators. I will have to continue to exercise my mind and keep a young customer base because that will make me 80. I know it can be done. Brayden her oldest is just 3 and told me Gramma I am going to miss you. Talk about bringing tears to my eyes.
Debbie and I managed to take some time to stamp of course, and plan ways to use all the wonderful specials that are coming up.It is a great thing to be able to share with a daughter.
Thanks for all you do for us with SU and especially for this blog. I love to read what is going on in your life and how some of it connects to mine. Even though we don't know each other I feel like I do know you.
Thanks,
Sushi

[Kelly Jannett]

Shelli,
I hope you enjoyed your movie. (What'd ya watch?) Have a safe trip to Founder's Circle. I can't wait to hear about it and see your swap! Take care, and God bless!!!

HUGS!
Kelly

[Sarah Kirk]

Shelli,
I'm SO glad you enjoyed you time hear in the Northwest! Wasn't it beautiful this week! Well, I wasn't able to find you and crash your family party, oh, well...maybe next time! *smiles and winks* I was hopeing for a peice of that Texas Sheet Cake!!! (Recipe Please!)

Also, I just wanted to send a big thank you your way. I e-mailed demo support asking for a donation of SU! product for my son's school auction and I just received and e-mail back saying I was approved for it! Thank you so much! What a blessing that is! My son has autism and anything we can do to help support his school is a major blessing to me! Thank you for making Stampin' Up! a wonderful company to be a part of!

Sarah Kirk

[Mandy Douglass]

SHELLI!

Shalae told me about your blog so I could see the sweet pictures of Pheobe! OH how wonderful it was to see you with your sweet family. I had to giggle at the sheet cake comment. Couldn't we all just eat an entire one ourselves! I am so glad you were able to give Sara a little break! I wish myself I could have flown up to have a little bonding time too! I will be sure to check back often on your sweet life adventures! OH and PS ... thanks so much for your sweet family letter. I LOVE the new family photo! It is beautiful!
HUGS
Adam, Mandy, and Bryson Douglass

[Alice]

I love the new pj's. I'm glad you got to spend time with your family.

[Elizabeth]

I know what you mean about late night chats once the kids are in bed - my mom and I are close like that but I moved back to Cali, so I have to call mom to have those late night chats! So great you had such a wonderful time! The movie and cake sounds devine! Enjoy and thanks for sharing with us. :)

[Sharon Bridwell]

Ok, a Texan checking in here to say I need that recipe! I'm so glad you had fun with Sara, I can only imagine all the laughing you'll did. I still remember fondly the two of you doing the tag team demonstration at convention a few years back. I laughed so hard, I cried! You two were hysterical! I marvel at everything that you do each and every week, I don't know how you manage it all but you do and you do it with a smile. Have a great time at Founder's Circle!
Sharon

[TDN]

You are so wonderful! TFS everything.
For those that don't know about Texas Sheet Cake... It is VERY popular in UTAH. It's chocolate & soooo yummy. I'm sure I could eat 6 pieces myself. :) Would Sara be willing to share her recipe?
Another couple of questions for the list: What is Sara doing in Seattle? & What is her hubby studying? Why is he away?
Have a great time at FC.

[Michelle Webster]

Shelli,

You are not supposed to tell everyone that Seattle has beautiful weather! That is our local secret! We need everyone to think that it rains all the time. HA-HA

I am glad Washington put on it's best weather for your visit. I live on gorgeous Whidbey Island just north of Seattle and we have been enjoying the sunshine as well. Next time you can spare a few hours you will have to come up here with your family and experience the beauty for yourself!

[Sue Farrant]

Hi Shelli! Sounds like you had a busy wonderful time. I am leaving this weekend to visit Mum in Ireland and can't wait. It's been almost a year, she is 86 and it is harder to leave everytime!
Thanks for the fun sharing..and yes...Vancouver would like the Texas Sheet Cake recipe too! :-)
Have a safe flight and be nice to the flight attendants! LOL
Sue

[Karen Barber]

Shelley your blog is just delightful!! I can hear you talking in it!! :) And I can so relate to that last night of the visit feeling when you leave one of your kids......I have had that so many times I can't count with my kids all over the country and beyond!! I remember one Founders Circle where I cried through the whole beginning because I came directly from the birth of my first grandchild.....not smart......:):):) Anyway I love visiting your blog - Phoebe is adorable...Have a wonderful Founders Circle trip! Love, Karen

[Terry Molineux - Lindenhurst, NY]

Shelli

Just when I think you've done it all, you tell us another. Sewing with your grandkids. It's amazing! A woman with many talents. I so envy you. You always amaze me...all the traveling, running a business and you still find time to be with family. I love this blog, it makes me feel like I know you. You are such a wonderful person. I am so hoping you are going to make the Virginia Beach Regional so I can get a chance to chat. Convention...the line was super long and I was afraid you would get to the person before me and the line would close LOL.
Thank youso much for sharing your wonderful stories. Looking forward to the next one.

Stampingly yours,
Terry~~

[Kim Gavarra]

Wow Shelli! It's fantastic to read about your time with your daughter and grandkiddies!!!! You've inspired me to steal my mum for a few nights next week! Although she only lives 40 mins drive away, nothing is better than having your mum come to stay and hanging out and some stamping too of course!

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!