As Sara and I were walking around the Riverton facility yesterday, handing out a chocolate Hug and Kiss to each employee (a 25-year old tradition!), I thought about all the good people in my life who I get to work with, and my heart swelled with emotion. Several shared their excitement for this tradition and how much they look forward to it. That made me happy! I’m grateful for the love I feel from and for all of the people in my life, including and especially my family. I am filled with love, and I love my life! I am truly blessed!

Sometimes I’m scrambling at this point, but this Valentine’s Day I know what I’m giving to my sweetheart. In fact, I have two options for him to choose from…both little getaways that involve time together and horses—two things he loves! I’ve printed out the schedule of both events, and I’ll be adding some gourmet, special order chocolates to this handsome Valentine box as well. I’d love to know what you’re giving to your sweetheart…or what your plans are for Valentine’s Day. Please share!

Brandy and Doug Cox chose to celebrate Brandy’s 2M career milestone in northern Utah last week, hoping to enjoy a little snow skiing. Well, we ordered up a fresh blanket of snow, and Mother Nature obliged!

Five of these beautifully detailed (perfect for décor as well) Valentine’s Day gift boxes were finished weeks ago, and I’m still trying to figure out what I should put in them. Yes, I know I could give everyone’s favorite—chocolates, but I’d really like to give something clever and heart-healthy to our girls. I guess that’s why you choose your gift before creating your packaging (wink).  If you have any suggestions for gifts that will fit in a 1 ½” deep x 3” wide space, I’d love to hear them!

Since it’s a snowy day here in Utah, I decided to finally post Megan’s birthday gift packaging, even though some of the products aren’t available. Why didn’t I post this sooner, you ask? I wish I had a good answer, but I don’t. I hope the concept will inspire you anyway.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Working alongside people who have volunteered at Meals on Wheels for nearly 30 years, meeting some of Janet’s supportive downline, customers, and friends, and getting to know Janet and Steve—two special people making a difference in their community—made for a special weekend. We loved being part of Janet’s project!

Dena Rekow (Stampin’ Up!’s most recent million career-to-date sales achiever) surprised us all!

I wasn’t sure if I could vacation for two weeks, but week two on Kauai was heavenly! The house we rented was beautiful and right on the beach, so we could listen to the ocean waves crashing against the sand 24/7. It’s been years since we’ve been together on a vacation without children, and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our girls and their spouses—all except Megan and Nate. Our niece and her husband happened to be on the island at the same time, so we were lucky to spend time with them too! Everyone came and went as they pleased, and we kayaked to Hidden Falls, ate at delicious restaurants, put puzzles together as we visited, and read books while relaxing in the warm sun. The week went by way too quickly, and we all wanted to stay longer. Maybe next year we will!

Week one on Kauai was spent with friends. We drove up Waimea Canyon, relaxed on the beach, and toured the island in a helicopter. We even flew to Oahu for a day to share some of our favorite places around the island and to visit with our YSA church friends. Jon and Katie have gone home, and four of our five daughters are now with us for week two. We’ve never been on vacation for two weeks, but so far, I’m liking this…a lot! 

It was awesome to watch everyone explore and hear their reactions, especially our grandchildren, in an intimate environment. 

I’ve known for months that I wanted to send my friend something personal for her birthday, and then life got in the way…so she’ll be receiving a package of these cards, stamped using Tuscan Vineyard, LONG after her special day. Beth sells her own brand of wine, and I’m hoping she’ll be able to use them in her business. At the very least, she’ll know I’m thinking about her, and I hope she knows I love her! 

It’s been a great year at Stampin’ Up! A highlight at our last company update meeting was Scott singing the financial update to “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” accompanied by our very own band. I think we’ve started a new tradition!

The last time we saw the twins on Christmas was when they were babies, so to spend Christmas with Shanna and her family was a relaxing and special time…and warmer than Utah! Shanna fixed a delicious Christmas dinner, we ate out at three Mexican restaurants, went to Winterfest, read books, crafted, and played games, dolls, laser tag, and Mario Kart. There’s nothing better than spending time with family during the holidays!

Our traditional Christmas party in Kanab was a family gathering much like the many others, only this year there were several new babies added to the mix. Out of the 100+ members in our family (my parents and siblings and their families), 75 were able to join together to celebrate the birth of Christ and the love of family. 

Our girls and their spouses know what they’re getting from us for Christmas, but at least the packaging is always a surprise. The gift bag is made using the bag punch board with added handles, and I love the wreath around the Reindeer’s neck!