Just as I share some of my personal thoughts and views, I invite you to share yours. All I ask is that you keep your comments appropriate. I won’t feel badly about removing comments that are offensive. That doesn’t mean you can’t be honest—I want honest feedback—but I like to fill my life with positive people and positive things. I guess that means that if you have to say something negative, say it nicely!
More than anything, I want you to leave here feeling inspired and valued—and like we've had a nice visit!
Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11:58PM We received a sweet thank you card this week for our wedding gift (this card with cash tucked inside...my kind of easy gift-giving!), and not your typical, generic one either. We were touched by the thoughtful sentiment and plan to keep it in our mission album. The P.S. read, "Love the card, Sister Gardner!" Hopefully you will too.
Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 11:20PM 
Yesterday was a special day—one we’ve anticipated with excitement! Elder Holland, one of our favorite speakers, came to the Honolulu Tabernacle and spoke to us in an afternoon missionary meeting as well as in an evening devotional.
Waiting for the doors to open for the missionary meeting, all the missionaries (young and senior) greeted each other with hugs and visited in the courtyard. I haven’t felt like it’s appropriate to share a lot of photos of missionaries on my blog, but these are two of my favorite missionaries, and I hope they don’t mind.
When we heard about the devotional, we decided to sing in the choir to be guaranteed a “good seat”. I’m kind of embarrassed to say that that was my motivation, but for those who know me, you know I’m not very musically inclined, and I was nervous. After practicing for weeks, the song was beautiful and really added to the spiritual experience of the day. In fact, Elder Gardner says we should join our ward choir when we get home to develop our lacking talent. Hmmm. I suppose he’s right. He usually is.
Of the several messages he shared, Elder Holland spoke passionately about how we all matter to God, even the one, and that we need to stand up and be someone the Lord can count on to do His will. It was a powerful message and one I needed to be reminded of. He illustrated his point with stories from the Bible and the Book of Mormon as well as modern day examples. I wish you could have been there.
Being taught in person by an Apostle of Jesus Christ and shaking his hand (especially watching each young missionary shake his hand and beam with delight) was truly a remarkable and humbling experience—one I hope to always remember and cherish.
Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 12:03PM 
Vonna and Sean and their three youngest were here on vacation this week, and we were lucky enough to have dinner with them twice—at the beginning of their trip and at the end. Both times, we left them feeling like our time together is never long enough…we so enjoy our visits!
Last night’s dinner was special because it was Sean’s big 5-0! When we arrived at Roy’s, we were delighted to be seated in a little room all to ourselves at a large round table, which made it easy and fun to visit with and hear everyone. Thanks, Sean, for letting us share in your celebration!
Friday, January 29, 2016 at 09:24AM I’ve saved some photos of projects for “rainy days” when I have nothing to blog about, but since I’ve not been posting very often (sorry...I just can't believe how the days come and go so quickly!), I’ve got a little stockpile of projects to share.
Here are a couple of cute baby cards…and I’ll try to catch up over the next couple of weeks.
Friday, January 22, 2016 at 12:06AM One of our favorite missionaries went home recently…but not before he had a stamping experience. Elder Bergstrom had come to me weeks before his mission ended and asked if I would be willing to help him make a card for a friend (who happened to be a girl). Of course I was more than excited to help!
As it turned out, he loved the box from the Paper Pumpkin kit (shown on page 49 of the Occasions Catalog)…you know, the box with the big pink bow on top. It was perfect for the necklace he’d purchased for her, and he did a nice job of making it all by himself. I was so proud of him, and you could tell he was pretty pleased with himself too!
