Question and Answer Time
Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:48AM OK, I decided it was time to answer a few questions. I gather them as you ask them in your comments, and try to answer them when I can. So here goes—
When you were in Hawaii, what island did you go to and where did you stay?
We went to Oahu, and we stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa in Waikiki. We’ve stayed there before, and Sterling and I both really like it. They have a great spa, and since we go there to relax, that’s important to us! We can walk to the beach and go out for day trips whenever we want. It doesn’t feel too crowded, but that might be because we spend a lot of time in our room or in spa! How’s that for an unpaid endorsement?
Why don’t you and your girls get help with cooking and cleaning so you have time for the important stuff?
My girls liked this idea! Actually, I love to clean (I know, I know, can you believe it?!), but several years ago I did give it up because it was one of the things I knew that someone else could do as well as I could. And something had to give! I loved the lady who helped me—she was a godsend. Unfortunately, she retired last spring, and I’ve missed her; she became a good friend. Thankfully, Mom Pat comes up from southern Utah every so often to help out with the cleaning now, and I’m so grateful for her!
As for cooking, I’d LOVE to have someone! I’d especially love someone to cook really healthy food. For years, Sterling has done most of the cooking, and he does a fine job. However (and I know he won’t mind me saying this), he’s very busy and usually starts thinking about dinner 10 minutes before it’s time to eat, and so his options are limited. In addition, Grandpa can only eat soft things, so Sterling has learned how to cook eggs in dozens of different ways. (smile)
Hopefully someday I’ll find someone who loves to cook fresh and healthy, with herbs and seasonings, and with a minimum of sauces and gravies. If I can find that person, I’ll grab him or her up quick!
How is Vonna?
She’s great! We see each other often, probably at least once a month, whenever I head down to Kanab. If you read my the blog about Grandma Pat’s Christmas party, you’ll notice that we had a shower for Vonna’s third daughter, who just got married. That’s kept Vonna busy. In addition, she and Sean are just finishing a house that they’ve had rebuilt, so she’s been supervising that. It’s exciting to see their new home almost completed, and I think she’ll be thrilled when that project is done!
How can we make the photos that you post bigger?
We’re working on that with our web professionals! We’ll keep you posted on what we find out!
Can guests attend Convention 2009?
We haven’t made that determination yet. Stay tuned, and we’ll let you know. . . .
How many people attended Grandma Pat’s party? Who plans it? Did Vonna go?
There were more than 60 all together—a large, fun bunch! Grandma Pat plans it, but she delegates meal assignments, and we all work together to help her out as much as we can. Vonna was there, of course!
How many siblings do you have?
I’m the oldest of seven. Dad and Mom Heather had four, and then Dad and Mom Pat had three more. We never differentiate between “step” or “half” or anything like that—we’re just seven brothers and sisters. Several of you have asked about my moms, and I’m planning to explain a little more about that in another upcoming post.
Does Stampin’ Up! support Courage Reins?
Stampin’ Up! donates rubber to the nonprofit organization, which Courage Reins turns around and sells for a minimum amount. If someone wants to pay more, they don’t complain!
Do your girls alternate spending the holidays with their in-laws?
Absolutely! We interview the boys before they marry our daughters and make sure they know the gig—even years are ours for Christmas and odd years are ours for Thanksgiving. It’s worked out well so far, and we are so grateful! I have heard about wives who always make their husbands go to their parents’ home for the holidays, and I think that’s sad. Our girls were raised knowing they’d be spending half the holidays with their in-laws! Grandpas and grandmas on both sides of the family need to see those darling children!
Now, we’re lucky because several of our girls have married local boys, so we actually overlap a bit, and while that’s hectic for the kids, it’s nice to see them more often than we might if they were out of town.
Just a note—someone commented about popcorn and how it’s dangerous for young children. (I had mentioned that we had popcorn several times over the holidays.) I appreciate that information. I wasn’t aware of the dangers associated with popcorn, and that reader was obviously as passionate about popcorn as I am about balloons! I’ve heard way too many horror stories about children choking on balloons and I will not have a balloon in my home with little children around! So thanks for sharing the information, and I’ll certainly be much more careful!
Reader Comments (19)
Secondly, being rather newer to Stampin' Up! I would so appreciate if in a future blog you could "introduce" us to your family. You speak about them so often and I sometimes get them confused.
I hope you keep on blogging...I love to follow along. Oh, yeah the stamping ideas aren't bad either!
Happy New Year,
Next time you go to Oahu, try Turtle Bay Resort. It's on the north shore, so you might miss the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but the Tuna Melt at Jameson's and the privacy of the individual cabanas might be a pleasant surprise! :) We loved it. Plus the shave ice on the north shore with the sweet beans ROCKS.
Wait - we were talking about you.. :)
Thanks again!
I have oodles of questions about your company and catalog. I'd love to know stuff about how it all gets put together. For instance, do you request images from artists, do the artists come up with their own ideas or themes? How do you decide when to retire an item? Do you have people who design your paper and your stamps or are they the same people? How many stamp designers do you have? How do you come up with your in-colors? And will you ever bring out in-color markers??????
These are just a few of the things I'd love to hear about! I like to hear about the behind the scenes stuff as I'm sure it's a dream to work at SU in your art/catalog department.
I am a lucky girl because my mom cleans house professionally. What a blessing it is when I get really busy!! It was also great to have a little help when I was pregnant and sooooo tired! Anyway, she cleans for other people by where you live, so feel free to e-mail me if you are looking for someone - she is really good!
I really enjoy reading your blog!
Shanna
I loved reading how you deal with Holidays and married children etc. I am trying to work out how to manage the many elements of our families as our boys get married (first one this year and the second one better hurry up and ask that wonderful girlfriend soon!!!) There is my husband and I, the boys mum and then the girl's families...my head explodes as I try to think about how to resolve the Holdiday issues...I guess they just have to drive a lot LOL!
Thanks for sharing!
I would love to hear about what goes on at SU! around the time when a new catalog is about to come out. Is there a special celebration or event, when everyone who's worked so hard on it, get to see it for the first time? How far ahead does work on a catalog begin?
Thank you for always taking the time to answer questions that we have for you! It makes us feel connected to you in such a good way. I think that personal connection is crucial during these difficult economic times when so many leaders and CEO's are breaking trust among their followers. Humility and honesty NEVER steer you in the wrong direction and I think Wall Street would benefit from your example of being available, up-front, and faithful to your values all while being a strong daily presence within Stampin' Up. I personally thank you for your direction and leadership and dedication. While we don't always agree on everything Stampin' Up decides to do, I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who could say you are not the absolute best leader for our company. Thank you, thank you for being an awesome example for all of us to follow...
With respect,
Susan
Thank you for being so candid and open. Love getting to "meet" your family. BTW, I love to clean too
I just wanted to mention that I enjoy visiting your blog and the visits with your family that you have so candidly share with us.
I wanted to also thank you for your vision and the opportunities that you have given to all the demonstrators. I have had several careers in my life time. First I was a Registered Nurse for 17 years, then I was an ordained Minister for 10years, and finally I was the Director of a music school called the Canadian Conservatory for 5 years.
I said all that to let you know that I became a hobby demonstrator in October 2003, while still running the Conservatory which was easily a 50-60 hours a week job. Stamping at that time was my time to play and relax. The first time I saw the Stampin' Up! catalogue I thought I died and went to heaven!
In November 2007 I decided to become a full time demonstrator for Stampin' Up! Quite honestly it is my favorite job ever! Thank you, thank you, thank you that you have given me such a wonderful gift. I so love my job, the creativity and the wonderful people I meet along the way.
I often pray for you that God will bless you and give you all the energy and wisdom you need to fulfill your role as CEO at Stampin' Up! I know the kind of dedication and hours such a role takes.
I hope God richly blesses you and all of your beautiful family. I look forward to meeting you some day so that I can say thank you, in person.
All the best!
Cindy Grantham
Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Even though I love stamping and crafts, mine main passion is cooking!! yes you heard right!! 99% percent of what I cook is fresh and hand made. I love to make everything from authentic Mexican food to fine French and Mediterranean food, sorry this is sounding like a resume, but I will love to assist you if you ever need any help. Hugs
Gabriela
You & Sterling are amazing to be looking after U S, Sterling's 95 year old father I can appreciate how U S has changed your lives & the usual activities you would be actively pursuing at this otherwise carefree time of your lives. Life & daily routines do change immensely when one is looking after one's elder parent(s). Thank you for sharing the ups & sometimes downs of that living arrangement. We, too, are struggling to make a similar situation work for my 90 year old mother who is living with us, & we do appreciate the many daily challenges you both are facing. God bless you both.
And thank you for sharing so many personal thoughts with all of us on your blog. Your addressing the many problems that so many of us share in our own lives helps us realize that "life goes on" in spite of our personal issues & difficulties. And the best thing we can do when we are overwhelmed -- is -- take a nap & eat some good popcorn & sip a slurpy with a loved one. That energizing will certainly help us continue on!!!! :>)
Carol
SU! Demo in Colorado
I think it is great that your blended family works.
We also have one. Ivan & I have been married 37 years Friday. BUT my daughter is in her second marriage. Her first goes to our grandson's sporting events and we ALL sit together. He is even invited to some holidays if he has no place to go. His parents are gone and he has told us that we are a good substitute.
Because of the way we treat him, he lets us take our grandson on week long trips even if it is his weekend with him. And our grandson is well adjusted with so many adults telling him what is right and what is wrong.
Congratulations on having such a great family.
Ellen