No Phoebe Info Yet. . .

Thank you all so much for your congratulations and well wishes! I've returned from Australia with a great love for the Australian people, a wonderful appreciation for Australian food, and an icky case of flu--which I won't blame on Australia. (smile)

After we returned home yesterday, we stopped by Shalae's to see Phoebe and realized while I was there that I had a temperature. We left very quickly, but I did get a chance to see my newest grandbaby. She's beautiful! I will post a picture, as well as more information, as soon as I feel better. 

Right now, I'm headed to bed to nurse a fever, aching back, congestion, headache, and a bad case of feeling-sorry-for-myself because I can't be helping Shalae and Phoebe (and Jon, Ashton, and Cooper too!).

Thank you again for all your kind comments--have a wonderful day and we'll talk more soon. . . .

Welcome, Phoebe!

I know I said I wouldn't post again until we arrived back home, but we just found out that Phoebie has arrived! Shalae delivered her Friday night--she's 6 lbs. 6 oz and 19 inches long! That's really alI I know right now, but I can't wait to get home to see her and hold her!

I'll post more later, but I couldn't wait to share the news! 

Greetings and Highlights from the Land Down Under

Greetings and highlights from the Land Down Under!

Sterling and I have had a wonderful time in Palm Cove! Although it’s winter here in Australia, it’s been a very pleasant 26 degrees Celsius with overcast skies—perfect for walking along the sandy beaches and dining outside overlooking the ocean.

Wednesday evening, after arriving and taking a little snoozer, everyone joined us for a welcome barbeque dinner—fabulous food! We have 25 achievers this year compared to last year’s eight and many more spouses too. Afterward, we all donned “jersey shirts” with team colors (like Bravo Burgundy—our team) printed on the back and played Lawn Bowls—a popular game here in Australia. I tried to get photos, but my camera wouldn’t cooperate.

Yesterday we all journeyed by train up to a little village named Kuranda. We shopped and ate traditional Aussie food, held an adorable little Koala, and fed and petted baby kangaroos—my first time ever!  By the way, did you know that Koalas sleep 20 hours a day. Wouldn’t that be the life?

We then headed down the mountain by way of Skyrail, stopping along the way and learning about the wonders of the rain forest—fascinating stuff!

Today and tomorrow are free days, aside from this morning’s swapping and Make & Take time. Here are two of the three projects we made. I was too busy taking photos to make the third project—a gift box.

The swaps were unique and beautiful. One particularly caught my attention—I'll bet that you can figure out why! (Shoes and chocolate—a perfect combination.)

 

Finally, here’s a photo of a very happy group of demonstrators after two hours of swapping and stamping with a brand new set!  

I don’t plan on doing more than visiting and maybe a massage before our final group event on Saturday night. Then Sterling and I get up at 3:00 am to travel home. So, I’ll finish highlighting our Australian adventure when I return.

In the meantime—g’day mate! (Is that how you write it? Well, you know how it’s said!)

Check Out My Creative Challenge Project

Just wanted to let you all know that I've posted a project on my Creative Challenge site. Just click on the SoShelli.com Creative Challenge link on the left to check it out.  And I'd love to have you submit your own Celebrate submission as well!

Causes for Celebration

Since we seem to be talking about celebrating a lot this month, one thing I'm celebrating is that I finally sent out my 150 Gardner family greetings—a one-page, typed update of our family (printed on hand-stamped stationery, of course) along with a family photo.

I wanted to get them out in the spring but fell short. Instead I finished stamping the stationery and writing the update while watching the Olympics (can you believe Michael Phelps? WOW!), and for a person who rarely watches TV, I feel so patriotic while watching the Olympics. I also enjoy watching the world come together in a special way.

Another reason to celebrate? I’m off to Australia to spend a few fun-filled (and maybe a little relaxing) days with our top-achieving demonstrators there, along with their guests. I’ve included a photo taken during the Awards Night at the Australian/New Zealand convention in the spring so you can see who I'll be celebrating with.

I’ll try to send an update from the Land Down Under. If I don’t, you’ll know I’m having way too much fun in the sun!

Happy stamping while watching the Olympics!