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!

For me, it’s all about the packaging! This first idea is our Christmas gift for the corporate team and the board of directors, which will be given at our holiday lunch this week. Inside is a movie theatre gift card—an easy gift…and hopefully enjoyable for them and their significant other!

Phoebe’s birthday packaging is bright and simple—perfect for anyone’s special day. Phoebe is definitely a bright spot in my life, and thankfully, I’m lucky enough to see her nearly every day!

Thanks, Terri, for including us in your special celebration in such a meaningful way! 

Susie Wood achieved her million-milestone earlier this week. What an accomplishment! Sara and I sent her this over-the-top card (and flowers, of course!), and we hope she loves it as much as we do! Congratulations, Susie!

I’m finally getting around to sharing Stella’s birthday box. This packaging was made long before OnStage, but it reminds me of the rainbow card Sara made for Stella on stage…although it’s missing glitter! Stella’s favorite color is purple, she loves to craft and ride horses, and she’s a bright spot in our lives!

Today and every day, I give thanks for the many blessings that are mine, including the challenges that help me grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I’m sure my list is similar to yours, but since this is my blog, it makes me feel good to list some of them, especially on this Thanksgiving Day. 

April Lopez recently achieved one-million in sales, and we’re so excited for her! She knew she was close to her milestone and would cross over during an event, so she surprised her customers with cupcakes and balloons, and they were thrilled to be part of April’s big moment! 

This card was designed especially for April with her favorite color and stamp set in mind. Congratulations, April!

After not being together for over 2 ½ years, we welcomed a couple of days in Orlando as a family, and then we went on a fun, four-night Disney cruise. We opened the outside balcony doors between our cabins, so we could visit with the families that opened their drapes (a code everyone understood), there were plenty of activities around the ship for everyone, and the weather was perfect! Even though there will probably always be someone missing (this year Sidney, Cameron, and Owen weren’t with us), we’ve decided that two years is too long in between family reunions!