Family in Hawaii

Even though Shanna, Liam, and Abigail weren’t able to join us (we missed them EVERY day!), we enjoyed a wonderful visit with the rest of our family in Hawaii. It was a first for the grandkids, and we were so glad to have them here with us! When they arrived, we greeted them with leis and lots of hugs...so excited for the week ahead!

Sterling and I worked in the mission office during the day while the four families spent time venturing out on excursions like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, the Laie Temple, or staying at the hotel, playing on the beach and in the pool. Each afternoon we left the office an hour or two early to avoid rush-hour traffic, and we all met up for dinner, dessert, and visiting.

Tuesday afternoon and evening were spent together at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The weather was perfect...a little overcast and cooler temperatures, and we stayed for the night show, which was excellent! It made for a long day, especially for the little ones, but it's one of those things you have to do when you're on Oahu.

Our mission president gave us permission to take Friday off, so we packed our bags (for the first time in over seven months!) and drove to the kids' hotel (about a 45-minute drive) and stayed with them from Thursday evening until Sunday evening. It was awesome…every minute of it!

Highlights for me were watching our grandkids play on the beach while I visited with their parents, playing cards and cuddling with grandkids, and attending church together two Sundays in a row. Aside from the few tears as they left for the airport, being together was pure joy!

I’m so grateful for the opportunity we had to spend time with family and for them to experience a little bit of our mission as well as God’s creations here in Hawaii.

Wishes in a Box

I’m always amazed at how much a handwritten note means to the person receiving it. I say that because I was the recipient of birthday wishes in a box—small cards that Sara gathered from over a hundred employees and brought with her to Hawaii. I finally had a chance to read them, and it reminded me once again how much I enjoy a handwritten (and stamped) sentiment. It’s so personal and meaningful and truly one of the best gifts a person can give. Thanks to everyone who took a minute to jot me a note. I love you and miss you!

Deb's Gorgeous Card

Congratulations to Deb Valder, who achieved her million-dollar milestone last week! She'll be celebrated in several ways, and the first way was with flowers and this gorgeous card we knew you’d want to see. It’s a one-of-a-kind, over-the-top card meant to capture Deb’s style and charm, and we hope it’s one she’ll save, knowing it was created just for her and her wonderful accomplishment! Enjoy.

Best. Birthday. Ever.

My birthday started last week when our branch members surprised me with cake, roses, a framed and signed photo, and a jar filled with candy and hand written birthday wishes. There were several who came to institute who don’t usually attend…just to give me hugs! It was a sweet and coordinated effort I appreciate and will long remember!

On my birthday, I was surrounded by most of our family (they’re here for fall break…yay!), including grandchildren. We went to church together (took up two full rows), had lunch in our small apartment, toured the mission office, and swung on the popular banyan tree vines at the tabernacle, ate dinner in one of the hotel villas, and visited the evening away! It was the best birthday ever! The only thing that could’ve made it better is if Shanna and the twins were here. We’re missing them TONS!

Congratulations, Susan!

Hi everyone, this is Sara taking over the blog.

Susan Nygaard recently achieved an incredible $1,000,000 in career sales, and we were excited to honor her at the home office on Tuesday for this amazing accomplishment. Susan was greeted by a standing ovation from Stampin’ Up! employees and enjoyed a fun reception featuring cupcakes—her favorite treats! She delighted everyone by accepting the microphone for a few moments and sharing her experience with her very first Stampin’ Up! workshop. Susan said that she was determined not to buy anything, but wound up purchasing $260 worth of Stampin’ Up! products. The rest, as they say, is history!

She and her husband, Lance, chatted with (and received hugs from) Stampin’ Up! employees, toured the home office, and helped to design a custom stamp set with one of our illustrators. And because Susan manages a very busy hospital pharmacy in her professional life, she especially enjoyed meeting with the supply chain team, touring the Distribution Center, and spending time with Stampin’ Up!’s information technology team. She also spent time on the pickline filming a video, one I can't wait to see!

The Corporate Team had the opportunity to enjoy dinner with Susan and Lance the first evening, and Sean and I were also able to accomodate Susan's request to tour Temple Square in Salt Lake City with dinner following. As you can see, we had a great time!

Congratulations, Susan! It was an honor to spend time with you, and we’re so grateful you're part of the Stampin’ Up! family!