Aloha!
We're back from our Hawaiian cruise and I'm back from QVC. It seems like a long time since I last wrote.
Here are a couple of photos of us on Christmas day in Hilo on the Big Island.
We hiked across a volcano in the rain (it finally stopped in the middle of our hike). It really was great--we loved it!
We had a wonderful time on our cruise--even though we didn't see very much sun! As we landed in freezing cold weather in Salt Lake City on January 1st, my hubby said, "I'll take 80 degree warm rainy weather over freezing cold snowy weather." Our favorite island was Kauai--lots to do but not overly populated. (Loved hanging out with our neighbors and dear friends, Dana and Garrett Lyman and their family.)
Christmas was definitely different being away from home. A good different. But, I realized it doesn't matter where you celebrate the holidays, as long as you're with the ones you love. And--I didn't have to worry about baking, cooking, wrapping a lot of presents, finding places for toys, throwing away wrapping paper and boxes, etc. It was a nice break!
On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story, then opened our handmade gifts. Everyone was so creative and we'll definitely do it again next year. It was a lot of fun! Here's what everyone got:
Steve gave his daughter, Stefyn, a frame and plate he painted. The frame said "Love is not a feeling, it's an ability" (quote from Dan in Real Life) and the plate said "When life gets hard you can hardly stand, kneel."
I gave Kade the September Kit of the Month travel album of our trip to England, Scotland and Holland.
Stefyn wrote me a very touching poem which she framed and surrounded with photos.
Kade made Collin pajama paints--complete with his name stitched on the front. (Thank goodness he learned how to sew in a sewing class in 8th grade--I don't sew.)
Collin adhered a mini scrapbook page that said "I Love You" to a hot chocolate mug for Brecken.
Brecken made Sage a rice bag with her name on it plus painted an adorable tea set and flower bank.
Sage painted Steve an "I Love You" pen, pencil and Tootsie Roll Pop holder.
Several of you asked for the other "12 Days of Christmas" ideas. Here they are and HUGE thanks to who our secret Santa was!
(Chocolate covered orange sticks)
"On the fifth day of Christmas
Chocolate covered orange things
Seemed like straightened golden rings"
(Hot chocolate)
"On the sixth day of Christmas
Geese are asleep. Snow's all around
A good time for hot chocolate
Drink it by the pound."
(Clementine oranges)
"On the seventh day of Christmas
A swan in the tropics reclines
Amidst the grapefruits, oranges
and juicy clementines."
(Chocolate milk)
"On the eighth day of Christmas
Eight maids went a milking
But with those Christmas cows
Chocolate milk was a flowing."
(Dried Mangos)
"On the ninth day of Christmas
Dancing ladies salute
They're in a festive mood
For some delicious dried fruit."
(English Toffee)
"On the tenth day of Christmas
English lords went a leaping
To and fro, high and low
It's English toffee they're seeking."
(Homemade Cookies)
"On the eleventh day of Christmas
Winter cold had pipers shaking
They'll warm by the fire
With cookies after baking."
(Cute snowman and Christmas Tree decorations)
"On the twelfth day of Christmas
We drummed right through our list
And after twelve gifts
We hope we will be missed."
"So have a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year too.
We are friends who think you're grand
But you'll never know who!"
A few other things:
Someone asked where I get all my jeans. My favorite jeans are Lucky brand (you can buy them at Buckle or Lucky stores), ModBe and American Eagle.
Also, be sure to get the January Kit of the Month. Definitely worth it's weight in gold and it's going fast. I can't wait to give it to Steve for Valentine's Day.
I guess that's it for now. Tomorrow is Steve's birthday so I've got to go get balloons and few little surprises plus prepare for Family Night.
Have a great Monday.
Lisa
Here are a couple of photos of us on Christmas day in Hilo on the Big Island.
We hiked across a volcano in the rain (it finally stopped in the middle of our hike). It really was great--we loved it!
We had a wonderful time on our cruise--even though we didn't see very much sun! As we landed in freezing cold weather in Salt Lake City on January 1st, my hubby said, "I'll take 80 degree warm rainy weather over freezing cold snowy weather." Our favorite island was Kauai--lots to do but not overly populated. (Loved hanging out with our neighbors and dear friends, Dana and Garrett Lyman and their family.)
Christmas was definitely different being away from home. A good different. But, I realized it doesn't matter where you celebrate the holidays, as long as you're with the ones you love. And--I didn't have to worry about baking, cooking, wrapping a lot of presents, finding places for toys, throwing away wrapping paper and boxes, etc. It was a nice break!
On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story, then opened our handmade gifts. Everyone was so creative and we'll definitely do it again next year. It was a lot of fun! Here's what everyone got:
Steve gave his daughter, Stefyn, a frame and plate he painted. The frame said "Love is not a feeling, it's an ability" (quote from Dan in Real Life) and the plate said "When life gets hard you can hardly stand, kneel."
I gave Kade the September Kit of the Month travel album of our trip to England, Scotland and Holland.
Stefyn wrote me a very touching poem which she framed and surrounded with photos.
Kade made Collin pajama paints--complete with his name stitched on the front. (Thank goodness he learned how to sew in a sewing class in 8th grade--I don't sew.)
Collin adhered a mini scrapbook page that said "I Love You" to a hot chocolate mug for Brecken.
Brecken made Sage a rice bag with her name on it plus painted an adorable tea set and flower bank.
Sage painted Steve an "I Love You" pen, pencil and Tootsie Roll Pop holder.
Several of you asked for the other "12 Days of Christmas" ideas. Here they are and HUGE thanks to who our secret Santa was!
(Chocolate covered orange sticks)
"On the fifth day of Christmas
Chocolate covered orange things
Seemed like straightened golden rings"
(Hot chocolate)
"On the sixth day of Christmas
Geese are asleep. Snow's all around
A good time for hot chocolate
Drink it by the pound."
(Clementine oranges)
"On the seventh day of Christmas
A swan in the tropics reclines
Amidst the grapefruits, oranges
and juicy clementines."
(Chocolate milk)
"On the eighth day of Christmas
Eight maids went a milking
But with those Christmas cows
Chocolate milk was a flowing."
(Dried Mangos)
"On the ninth day of Christmas
Dancing ladies salute
They're in a festive mood
For some delicious dried fruit."
(English Toffee)
"On the tenth day of Christmas
English lords went a leaping
To and fro, high and low
It's English toffee they're seeking."
(Homemade Cookies)
"On the eleventh day of Christmas
Winter cold had pipers shaking
They'll warm by the fire
With cookies after baking."
(Cute snowman and Christmas Tree decorations)
"On the twelfth day of Christmas
We drummed right through our list
And after twelve gifts
We hope we will be missed."
"So have a Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year too.
We are friends who think you're grand
But you'll never know who!"
A few other things:
Someone asked where I get all my jeans. My favorite jeans are Lucky brand (you can buy them at Buckle or Lucky stores), ModBe and American Eagle.
Also, be sure to get the January Kit of the Month. Definitely worth it's weight in gold and it's going fast. I can't wait to give it to Steve for Valentine's Day.
I guess that's it for now. Tomorrow is Steve's birthday so I've got to go get balloons and few little surprises plus prepare for Family Night.
Have a great Monday.
Lisa
30 Comments:
Sounds like fun. I love Hawaii
Welcome back from vacation....
Thanks for the great new products you presented on QVC....
Ordered the "greatest love" KOTM on Jan 1 - didn't want to wait and have it sell out like the stamp kit....please, please bring back the December stamp kit....
I am so glad you all had a great time here in my home state! I only wish the weather had been better!
Sounds like you all really enjoyed your vacation!
I love ModBe clothes also!! My SIL is a seller, so I get to see all the products before everyone else!!!
Happy Birthday to Steve! Thanks for updating us on your Christmas holiday - it looks like you all had a lot of fun! I LOVE the idea of hand made gifts...very nice!!
Glad you had a fun vacation. Keeping Christmas low key is wonderful. My husband and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon 20 years ago. He was in the Air Force active duty and we took an Air Force "hop" to Hawaii for $10 one way! Only way we could afford it on an airmans salary. It is beautiful and we want to go back.
Isn't Kauai FABULOUS?! My husband and I went last year for the 1st time (thanks to my dad!). Did you find Aninni Beach in Princeville? We hope to get our own vacation home there one day! Going again in '09 w/ dad this time can't wait! I missed you on QVC! I waited for the show when you 1st mentioned it too! 1st day-caught the last 2 min...guess I can't tell time (lol)YOU WERE SOOO TAN!!) and the 2nd day- had to prepare for that crazy storm in Cali! Glad to hear your trip went well even with the rain! :)
Hi Lisa
Welcome back! Glad your Christmas was wonderful! You did a great job on QVC - always love seeing you and watching your presentations!
Happy Birthday to Steve also!! Enjoy the day!
Cindy
Welcome Back! I love watching your show on QVC. I think you said you will be back in February for a TSV? Happy Birthday Steve!
i'm so glad you had a great family vacation - especially over the holidays. bummer about the weather but you never know. :)
thanks for the info on 12 days - who was your secret santa - was it a neighbor?
wishing you and your family a fantastic 2008!
Lisa,
What fun the Secret Santa must have been for your family. Loved seeing you on QVC. I agree with one of the last ladies on the QVC that called in she said, "God must be smiling down on you and so pleased that you are using your talents he has given you and sharing them with others." I SO agree with her. You are an inpiration. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Hi Lisa!
Glad you and your family had a nice Christmas, focusing on the important things: Each other! Handmade gifts mean so much, don't they?
Happy Birthday to Steve!
I also would LOVE to purchase the December KOTM stamp kit. I was one of the unfortunate ones who missed out. Please, please consider bringing it back. Thanks and keep bringing great stuff to QVC. Kim
Lisa,
I just read your article in organize magazine. What a wonderful job you did I can't believe the scrapbooking industry has made billions of dollars now you have created the best business ever you are truely amazing. When I saw your scrapbooking room in the article you have these plastic photo containers that are different colors like light pink, light blue and clear where did you get those at thank you so much for your time my email is BrookeHansen2earthlink.net. Thanks again,
Brooke Hansen
Just received my January kit. WOW!!! right after I opened it I gathered pictures so I can complete it when I attend a crop this weekend. We will be married 20 years on Valentine's Day so this will be a perfect gift!
So cool! thanks.
Aloha, Lisa!
I lived in Hawaii on the island of Oahu for two years when my late husband was stationed there. My daughter was born at Tripler, the big pink hospital! :) I agree with you about Kauai. It's a gorgeous place. I told my daughter that when she's a bit older we'll go back and I'll show her where she was born.
Belated Happy B'day to Steve! Hope he enjoyed his day!
God Bless,
Colleen
My family has been to Hawaii twice (last trip was Dec 2005)for Christmas and it is such a different experience! I loved leaving the rat race of shopping, wrapping, last minute gifts, cooking and commercialism of Christmas behind to relax the entire Christmas break. The kids missed being at home, however, we really enjoyed the warm weather and family time together. We are going to try to have a Christmas away every 5 years! For me it brings back a deeper meaning of Christmas and the spirit that we should all try to live with all year! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Lisa-My SIL said you mentioned on QVC a website where you can buy vinyl for your Silhouette. Can you post that info?
Thanks-
Michelle Price
Boise, ID
Glad y'all are home safe from a fun trip. What cruise line did you sail? When you mentioned something about the homemade gifts I was thinking, "o-kay what's up with that?" But seeing those gifts is another story! They're SO creative and cute!!!! Were all of those ideas from your own imaginations? Incredible. I'm very impressed!!! Happy New Year--(And Happy Birthday, Steve!!!)
Just got my "greatest love" KOTM and WOW!!! Another cool kit and well worth the money. Might as well sign my up as a lifetime monthly kit buyer----- thanks Lisa!
Hey Lisa,
Have you ever played Rockband (it's for x-box, playstation 3)? I think your family would love it. It's similiar to guitar hero only four get to play and you have drums and a microphone. It is a blast. I am not a video game person and I think this might just be one of the funnest toys we have ever purchased. You can catch my husband and I playing after the kids go to bed it is that fun. I thinks it would be adorable to see your cute older boys with their sisters having a rockband! I have seen it at Costco and I know best buy has it. Try it. It might just be the most entertaining 160 bucks you've ever spent. Even my parents come over to play. My kids love to watch Grandma sing the Rolling Stones!
Glad you had a great holiday, and it was nice to see you on QVC again. Can't wait til next time. I love all the wonderful ideas you guys come up with!
Lisa
Great to see you on QVC. Just wanted to let you know that the Dec KOTM stamp kit just went for $81 on ebay. UGH! Needless to say my bidding stopped long before that. Please bring back the Not Your Ordinary Stamp Kit. I'm sure you would have no problem selling it out on QVC.
Betsy
Liberty, MO
As soon as I heard you on QVC talking about you're cruise, my dh and I were wondering if you had gone on the same cruise we just went to in Sept.'07. We went on a 7day cruise too, via NCL's Pride of Hawai'i. But I believe they re-named that ship and they only have Pride of Aloha and Pride of America. After my bestfriend saw my 2 scrapbooks of the cruise, she booked the same cruise with her family and they went on the beginning of Dec. and had really bad weather until the last 2 days when they were in Kauai. My sister & her daughter went on the same cruise too (Pride of America) and they are coming back this Sat. I'm glad they got good weather this time.
I just ordered my Jan. KOTM. I heard so many good things about it on the CK Message Board.
EJoloya@yahoo.com
Yikes! Another of the December KOTM just went for $103 on ebay. They are hotter than Hannah Montana tickets.
Betsy
Liberty, MO
I love the January kit but one comment on how you could improve it or anything like this. The tin that it came with is adorable and I would love to be able to put the finished kit back into the tin for storage. The problem is that it won't fit back in once the rings are put into the book. I know I can find other uses but the kit would be absolutely perfect if the tin would hold the finished book.
I hope you had a great holiday. I would love it if you would bring back the Dec. kit. Please
Hey Everyone--
Just leaving a comment for the person who mentioned that the January Kit of the Month (The Greatest Love Story Ever Told) won't fit back in the tin. I completed my album and found if I toggle the rings a little, the album fits fine in the tin.
By the way, this is one of my favorite kits ever. Robin Johnson rocks as a designer and the album screams quality and is so easy to put together. I'll share mine this week.
Lisa
Hello Lisa,
Loved the QVC show.
Can you please, please bring back the January Kit of the Month. I missed out. Is there a way you can make them available on QVC via A/D....That would be a cool deal!!
Your an inspiration to me. Oh and Happy Birthday!!(I know its a bit early) Thanks so much.
Hi Lisa - love all your products ... PLEASE PLEASE bring back the Greatest Love Story Ever told kit - I missed out and am dying to get one, I've searched on ebay and they don't have them either .... I'd love to do this as an anniversary present for my husband....any hopes at all of bringing it back?
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