Relationships Built Through Scentsy

I received the sweetest text from a very special friend this morning. She opened her TimeHop app and this is what popped up 6 years ago today.

I had been a Scentsy consultant for just over a year at that time and I had met Amy through Facebook. We had one mutual friend at the time and somehow we connected. Amy makes the most adorable hand appliquéd crafts and baby clothing. I instantly fell in love with her creativity. At that time of my life, I spent most of my time crafting.... scrapbooking, repurposing second hand goodies, coffee cozies, and more. Amy and I grew a friendship through Facebook over warmers & wax and crafts & creativity.

Six years later, countless phone conversations, we have grown to be incredible friends. We have grown together and worked our successful Scentsy Family businesses side by side. Without Scentsy and our incredible products, we probably wouldn't know each other today. I can't imagine not having her on this journey of life and business with me.

Today we have 225 mutual friends on Facebook. This blows me away. This simply means that the business we are in is all about relationships. It's humbling, really, to know so many people all because of our growing businesses. When I joined, one of the main reasons that I invested that $99 was to make friends. Little did I know then, that by sharing a product that I loved, I would be blessed beyond my wildest dreams with honest, authentic, lovely friends.

This community that we have built and the friendship we have will forever keep us on the phone, sharing ideas... laughing, crying, and goal setting together. We have both grown into people we didn't recognize 6 years ago. Even though we live hundreds of miles away and only see each other once or twice a year, we pick up right where we left off. I love friendships like this. I'm grateful that I have many relationships like this. Some from high school, college, church and maybe a work place or two.... but most of my friendships are with women who are building a legacy for their children with Scentsy.

I'll never forget the feeling I felt when in October 2011, Amy reached Super Star Director (our highest title in the Scentsy Family!) She hit this lofty and amazing milestone before I did and I'll always remember that I honestly didn't care about myself or my goals in that moment. There was something so special and made my heart leap for joy at the thought of my friend reaching the top of the mountain! All I could think was how absolutely proud I was of her. And then I worked like heck to follow her footsteps to the top!

This perfectly describes what our Scentsy Family is about: giving more than you take, investing in others to help them be successful, celebrating with arrows out.

I'm humbled and blessed to be able to call Amy friend.... along with so many other women that I've met along this crazy journey. As I reflected on these relationships today, I can't help but feel overjoyed. Grateful. Honored. Happy.

Thank you for sharing today Amy. I can't wait to see what the next 6 years has in store for both of us. Cheers to our friendship.

Celebrate the End of the Month

My big girls are lying in bed next to me reading our favorite blogs when Alyn pipes up 'Mom, you haven't written in a while.' 

'I haven't? Like how long?'

Arly chimed in 'Like 10 days!'

I guess it's just one of those things. Every day is a blur. Every day is busy. And boring. At the same time. 

But I do recognize that this space isn't just for me and my thoughts and feelings. It's a space for my family to keep an open journal. A place where we can record memories and adventures and go back and see what our big events and every day life was all about. 

Which brings me to today. 

What an amazing day! For the past 6 1/2 years, I have fallen in love with the last day of each and every month. There are always new consultants joining our Scentsy team who are just finishing their first month of sales to get their first paychecks... Consultants who are celebrating their highest volume ever... Leaders who are reaching the next title in their business... And even reaching the highest title in all of Scentsy! 

That is the business side.

But what I love most, is women (and men) realizing they are capable of bigger things then they ever imagined. When they choose to be brave and embrace being uncomfortable, they can accomplish anything they make their mind up to reach. 

I've seen women go from giving excuses they didn't have time to do this wax thing, too busy.... To climbing the leadership titles all the way to the top! 

I've seen women gain a sense of individuality for themselves. They got to be them and not just be labeled by all the hats they wore for each role they play in the every day life. 

I've seen women take their skeptical husbands on free tropical vacations and share with their spouse exactly why Scentsy is amazing. The husbands are quick to jump on board and have a supportive role in the business. 

I've seen people get out of credit card debt. Take their families on vacation. Buy Christmas gifts without going into debt. 

I've seen people give. Give their time, efforts, resources and energy to organizations and individuals who need a servants heart to care for them. 

I've seen (and experienced) the best friendships come from being a part of the Scentsy Family. Working together to help build each other up and help one another become successful. I've seen women cheer and encourage each other to go an little further. We are a family that can celebrate success and praises and also pray and love through anything that comes our way. 

I'm so proud to say I'm a Scentsy girl.  I'm so blessed to celebrate end of month with my friends. And I'm so humbled to live life with some of my favorite people on this planet. 

Thanks to the $99 starter kit and a will to never give up. The Lord knew what our little family needed 6 1/2 years ago. I couldn't imagine my life without all the lessons I've learned and people I've met since joining. 

Every month, on the last day, I get to remember this... And celebrate this... And love this. 

Each and every step of this journey is amazing. 

(Inspired by Allison Dalke)

Date Night - Pedal Pub

Joel and I have been fairly consistent on making sure that we have time together outside of the home. 

We both recognize that dating in our marriage is vital for a strong relationship. 

We have done the normal dinner and drinks, but last night we were invited by some friends to try a pedal pub experience. 

Honestly, I thought this was going to be a drunkfest so I was hesitant to say yes. But I'm glad we chose to go and check it out. It was far from what I was expecting and turned into so much more. 

At 5:45pm, after settling our kiddos with the sitters, we arrived at Market on Front.

 This was the beginning of our experience.  I didn't even know this place existed. {see what we get for NEVER being home!}

After meeting the rest of the pedal crew, we walked to the bottom of the parking garage and found 'the bike!' 

It only took about 15 people and 13,383,675 heart beats later to push this traveling party up two ramps. This is exactly when I knew that what we were going to experience was well beyond my fitness level! 

Once we popped up the canopy, it wasn't long before our little journey had begun.  

Thirst Gear gives you a 3 hour tour (kind of like Gilligans Island, but without the waves) so you get to choose how you spend your time. We chose to pedal the longest leg of the trip and start our night at Draught Works Brewery. It didn't seem like that long of a trip until we started pedaling. Going 5 mph through and across downtown Missoula is quite the haul. Next time I'll definitely bring water... And maybe even wear biker shorts! (You know, the padded underwear type!)

During our trip, it was cool to just look around and see our little city. As fast as we go, sometimes I don't notice the little things. Last night I saw the first signs of autumn. That little orange tree reminded me of the transition and change that had been going on in my life. In my heart. 

After about 20 minutes we finally arrived at the brewery and we were hungry. First stop, Beastro! Joel and I shared a burger and sipped on an IPA. It was delicious. 

As we were walking back out to our bike, I thought this little ride would be a lot quicker and maybe just as eye catching as the 15 seater. Just as fun looking anyway. (Only in Missoula!)

Next stop, Kettle House north side. Park on the bridge. 

Walk through the tunnel. 

Up a lot of stairs. 

And beer and peanuts is your reward! Amber was my choice here and Joel opted for a Cold Smoke on nitro. 

One final stop to round out our night... 

A 'Pam' here (Pabst Blue Ribbon with clamato juice) and our 3 hours was up. It was a short 5 minute pedal back to the parking garage.  After a ridiculously fast and crazy ride down the ramp, we were ready to park! Friends, my legs were tired, my lungs burning, and my tush was numb.

One of my favorite parts about tonight was showing up and seeing one of my newest Scentsy girls on the same tour! I vote for our next team meeting to be a ride through the town together.... Team building, sharing ideas and laughing. 

One final photo of our pedal group before it was time for us to snag our littles back for the night. It was fun to meet this group of pedalers. We only knew 3 people but when this night was over, everyone felt like friends. It took a lot of work (way more than I was expecting) to make this ride a success. But was worth it. 

Who wants to join us for a ride sometime soon?!

Yee haw

Little Miss Alyn was beyond excited to start a new hobby this week. On Tuesday morning, we enrolled her into a horseback riding club for homeschoolers. 

I have been dreaming of this day to surprise her as she is so in love with horses (well, all animals really.. But especially horses).  

Dreaming, but not searching. If I had been searching I would have found this place long ago. It's only 3 minutes away and is tucked behind some of or best friends home. 

Dunrovin Ranch. 

Since we went to Oklahoma to visit our friends, Alyn hadn't stopped talking about being a little rider like her buddy Addison. 

So Wednesday started a new adventure for this little 9 year old. 

She wanted to go with a more cowgirl feel than rider so she opted for a pair of Ariats. She used her hard earned cash to pay for a boot. We bought the other. *wink*

With the help of Sarah, her coach, she chose a dude horse,Monte, and learned now to tie a daisy chain and brush him. Next was the saddle... That required a bit of help from Coach Sarah.  

Before long she was walking that stubborn horse all around the arena. (When I look in the background, all I feel is awe. Awe for the mountains and the valley we live in). 

Finally it was time to get on. I love that these little girls (there are three 9 yr old girls in Alyn's class... One of her best friends) needed a step stool. 

And you should have seen these smiles. I'm sure the sun shined brighter because these little bits were beaming ear to ear that they were riding. 

I'm so grateful that Alyn gets this opportunity. I'm also thankful that I get a couple hours to myself every Wednesday.  Since starting our school year I feel way behind. Way behind of everythig. Way behind on life. I'm not sure what that means other than I feel like I'm out of time and doing everything like a crazy person. 

Because Alyn needs a parent on the premise during her two hour lesson, I get to take that time to catch up on my administrative work. That sounds fancy but it's very much needed. Two precious hours to meal plan, talk with some team members or hostesses, or even read uninterrupted. I need this time. 

Thankful that Alyn loves Monte... And that Monte will be waiting for her every week. And this table will be waiting for me. 

Home Sweet Home

Nine days and eight nights. That's how long the mister and I have been away from home. 

I used to feel guilty about leaving our daughters for so long, multiple times a year, until a good friend reminded me that if it weren't for Scentsy, I would be away from them a lot more. 

There's nothing like a homecoming welcome by your kiddos. 

After almost an eleven hour drive home today in the wind, I was beyond ready to see our girls. Whenever I'm on my way home after being away, I get to the point of needing to see them. Like I crave them. They consume my mind and I can't even think straight. 

As soon as we knocked on the door at our friends' house to take the girls home, Alyn was jumping in my arms. Oh how that is one of the best feelings ever. I missed her little chin dimple, pink glasses & crooked teeth. 

Next I heard a little pitter patter running down the hallway. Little Miss Avin turned the corner and gasped 'Mommy!' With the biggest smile I had ever seen her give. With her messy blond hair, blue eyes and wide grin, I couldn't help but squeeze her and kiss her chubby cheeks! 

Arly, our little lady, patiently waited her turn. In the sweetest voice, the first thing she said was "I'm glad you made it home safely.' She is the most thoughtful little lady. I couldn't help but stare into her beautiful brown eyes with such gratitude that she is mine. 

Sometimes during the ordinary, everyday duties and routines, I lose focus on what really matters. I get caught up in wanting more, being more, doing more. 

This week away, surrounded by incredible people, amazing training, and a vision for our business future, helped me remember why I do what I do. They are my why. Why I work hard... And then harder. Why I choose to do the difficult and uncomfortable things. Why I choose the extraordinary. Why I choose to dream bigger.  

These three little girls are my world. Why The Lord chose me for them I'll never understand... But I am grateful. 

(Alyn wrote me a little note on the mirror a couple days ago. I don't think I'll be cleaning this mirror for a while) 

Tonight was full of stories, dancing & lots of snuggles.... An maybe just a few tears of joy. I'm so happy to be home. 

Feeling blessed. 

Relationships Matter (and so does laughter)

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time.

When you get a group of people together who truly feel like brothers and sisters, you leave with a full heart and aching abs!

There was an emphasis on 'Childlike Wonder' this week and I truly feel that we connected with our inner child. 

We had the carnival and pj party earlier this week, but tonight topped it all with a night at The Lake as a group.

 We ate delicious food, shared 'ah ha' moments by the campfire and then lit luminaries on the beach. 

(Photo by Allison)

I've always wanted to light and let the paper lanterns float high in the sky but getting to experience that with our friends and top leaders of this amazing company exceeded any imagined expectation I had of that little dream. 

Each lantern, (over a hundred!), was released by a Super Star Director or home office employee. The lanterns remind us that each star shines bright and helps brighten the lives of so many other people! 

(Photo by Lyndsee)

It was very emotional and an absolutely beautiful sight. I want to bottle up tonight and save these feelings forever. 

Relationships matter. And so does laughter. I will strive to work on making these two things happen every day: growing relationships and finding joy in all things. 

Super Star Director Summit + Carnival (Day 1)

As we lay in bed, watching Jimmy Fallon, trying to unwind and try to wrap up our day, my thoughts and heart are overflowing with gratitude & wonder.

We arrived this morning at Super Star Director Summit with the warmest, heartfelt welcome I have ever received. From one building to the next, Scentsy home office employees stood in a tunnel, cheering, clapping & smiling with the utmost respect for all of the top leaders. But honestly, I almost felt unworthy of their praise. I feel so blessed to be a part of a company where the corporate employees work so hard to support us every day. I think we all make a good team.

Even Stella & Scout, Bar Man + Bar Lady made an appearance!

Once settled into training, I was drooling over our first presentation. Trends and fashion are extremely fascinating & I'm excited to be a part of a company who is forward thinking, while keeping the 'childlike wonder' in all of us alive and real.

After a full day of training, we were treated to a 'Scentsy Carnival!' That's right friends, we played (competed!) on blow up slides, basketball hoops, Plinko, Wheel of Fortune, go-karts, bungee runs, mechanical bull and so much more!

I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time! My abs are still trying to recover! It was incredible!

Dinner was delicious! Nachos, burgers, super coleslaw & corn on the cob! MMMM!

I'm incredibly grateful for this experience. The training, events & relationships are all over the top.

And it was ONLY day ONE!

Tomorrow is a full day and I can't wait to wake up! (<--- I don't think I've ever said that!)