Another Fun Christmas Party

We've been gathering for Grandma Pat's Christmas party for so many years I can't remember when the tradition started. It used to be on a Saturday afternoon, but once the Kanab facility was complete, we started gathering Friday night through Sunday mid-day. It's a fun party we all look forward to every year! While everyone in the family can't always make the party, 72 people attended this year's. 

As usual, the kids ran around and played together, and it was warm enough they could play outside; Mom Pat planned the craft, which was the 25 Days advent boxes found in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog; and the Christmas program included Christmas video clips that focused on Christ's birth, the traditional songs, a talent show featuring adorable little ones, and the family slide show...a year in review of sorts. 

What made this year's party different than others? Grandpa Christmas (Grandpa Paul) announced to the children his potential retirement, Vonna was so sick with the flu that we didn't see her until Sunday morning at church, and people seemed to hang around and visit more than usual.

I think everyone agrees that it's a wonderful time of year, especially when you get to spend it with so many people you love!

Thanks, Thanks, and Thanks

Sterling and I, along with a few other members of the corporate team, drove to Kanab early this morning to spend a couple of relaxing hours with our Kanab coworkers. We gathered first to thank everyone for their hard work, long hours, and patience as we navigate through the challenges of a changing business.

We then had the pleasure of recognizing and thanking five employees who celebrated their 10-year anniversary with Stampin' Up!, one who has been with the company for 15 years, and one woman who celebrated her 20-year anniversary...an incredibly positive example for all who know her!

And finally, we offered thanks for the food everyone brought, and enjoyed a yummy potluck lunch and visiting. The group here is smaller than in Riverton, so it's easier to come together for a luncheon...a tradition that started many years ago and one I look forward to every year!

Recognition and Treats

 I love days like today when we have the chance to recognize people for their hard work, commitment, and dedication to Stampin' Up! We gathered together this afternoon to visit with friends and coworkers, enjoy holiday treats, and to give some well-deserved accolades.

We recognized fourteen employees in Riverton, one in Europe, and one in China who celebrated their 5-year anniversary, fourteen who celebrated their 10-year anniversary, and eight people who celebrated 15-years with the company this year. We also honored one woman who has been with us for 20 years...pretty incredible! (We'll be celebrating in Kanab tomorrow.) Of course my favorite part of our annual celebrations is the opportunity I have to give my personal thanks and hugs to some terrific people!

It was also a treat to thank all the employees who spent time during their lunch breaks to tie quilts for the Road Home, a local homeless shelter. We've been working on these quilts for months, and a few departments even had their weekly meetings around the quilting frames. The 52 twin-size quilts will be delivered tomorrow, thanks to the efforts of many people. It was a nice way to serve during the holidays.

As often as I try, I don't think I'll ever be able to adequately express how grateful I am to work with such wonderful people, and my holidays are brighter because of them!

Hello December

Every year, just days before Christmas, I'm usually still struggling to come up with a meaningful gift for my parents. Well, this year was no exception, but I'm excited to report that I've finally come up with the perfect gift...a festive and nearly finished Hello December album!

We always take dozens of photos at our annual family Christmas party, and this year's photos will have a home practically the minute they're printed. I know it seems a little backwards (filling the page protectors with cards before the photos are added), but in a week or two, I'll send the printed photos to my parents, and all they'll have to do is slide the photos in where they wish. Of course I'll give them a couple of extra page protectors in case they want to add other holiday photos to their album, and they can journal as much or as little as they like.

Project Life by Stampin' Up! products make it so easy! I can be as creative as I want (and have time for), and I know this gift will be fun for me to make and appreciated by those who receive it. I don't want to sound like a commercial, but if you're looking for the perfect gift for just about anyone, this is it! It's so perfect that your someone special will love receiving it...even if it is after the holidays!

And yes, I'm making one for myself! You should too!

Sara TODAY

We're thrilled to be able to take part in the TODAY Show’s annual Holiday Toy Drive this year. Sara was in New York City to represent Stampin' Up!, and Sean and Sidney tagged along to support her.

 
I am so proud of Sara! Every time she does a TV spot I feel the butterflies for her; I know how tough it is to be on national television, and she did a great job!
 

And as Sara said on the show, this year was pretty special for us—Stampin’ Up! donated an all-time high of 2.8 million dollars worth of stamps and papercrafting supplies to this wonderful cause! Check out the video clip here.