With everything else that’s gone on in our lives during the last year or so, I can’t remember the last time I rode horses with Sterling, and in the last six days, we’ve enjoyed American Fork Canyon three times, an early morning and late evenings—perfect weather and beautiful scenery! I’m a happy girl! 

I always count the days before our trips to Florida to see Shanna and her family, and I always leave with a heavy heart when our time together is over.

Gail Murray has had an exciting two weeks—she celebrated a birthday on the Alaskan cruise (we got to sit close to her and her family and sing to her), and she achieved her million sales-milestone. Hooray for Gail! We’re looking forward to spending time with and celebrating her wonderful accomplishment early next year when she comes to Utah. Don’t you just love the card we sent her? Congratulations, Gail! 

Sage loves all blues, so this year’s birthday gift box has a Bermuda Bay wash on Shimmery White to give it color. I thought about posting a pattern, but demonstrator Sam Hammond’s Double Easter Egg Envelope Punch Board Box Tutorial on youtube is where I learned how to make the box, and with her accent, it’s a delight to listen to her.  

Highlights of our Stampin’ Up! incentive trip to Alaska…

Our quiet, capable, and confident Seth recently purchased a motorcycle so he and his friends could go riding in the mountains together. While his birthday packaging doesn’t look quite like his motorcycle, he appreciated my attempt!

Wednesday was a special day when we greeted our oldest grandson, Elder Tanner White, home from a two-year mission in the Portland, Oregon area. Seeing him for the first time at the airport was a tender moment, but the sweetest and most memorable time for me was when he shared with us some of his mission experiences and his testimony just prior to being released. We’re proud of Tanner and the choice he made to sacrifice and serve the Lord, and we’re so glad he’s home!

Our summer parties in southern and northern Utah were different this year…and so much fun! The thing I enjoyed the most, as always, was visiting with everyone! I feel so blessed to work with such wonderful people!

Ashton is really into Star Wars these days. He can’t seem to get enough of the movies, and he has lots of Star Wars Legos. When he saw his gift packaging, he immediately recognized that it was meant to be R2-D2 from Star Wars. I think it’s clever and cute, and I think Ashton’s pretty cute too!

Before reports were updated and Connie Stewart knew she’d achieved her million-milestone, Sara received the news and called to congratulate her. What an exciting surprise! Rich and I were in the car with Sara, on our way to the Kanab Summer Party, and it was fun to chat with and congratulate Connie together! Here's the special card we sent. Hooray for you, Connie!

…Although we were exhausted every night, we all agreed it was an awesome trip together! 

Kanab is my favorite place to be on the 4th of July, celebrating Independence Day with family and friends!

Our summer reunion up at Panguitch Lake was the usual nice time visiting with family and watching the cousins play together. The few things that set this year apart were taking Ashton, Cooper, and Phoebe with us, trying all of Chad’s Dutch oven dishes, a baby shower for Alexa, and temporary glitter tattoos. Even with all the brush fires nearby, we escaped the smoke, the weather was perfect, and we had a wonderful time! Yay for family!

All “million-dollar” cards are larger (usually 6x6 or 5x7) than a normal card with lots of layers and delightful details, and Ronda Wade’s is no exception. Ronda completely surprised us by achieving her million in sales long before we anticipated it—an amazing accomplishment for an amazing woman! Way to go, Ronda!

It doesn't seem that long ago that Brandy Cox achieved one million in sales, so to see her accomplish two million was thrilling! We look forward to celebrating her in style when she visits Utah this winter. For now, her card is fun, bright, and beautiful…just like Brandy! 

This place has been a favorite vacation of mine for over 45 years, and I never cease to be amazed by the beauty and majesty of this heaven on earth—pictures never do justice, and I loved every minute I got to spend with family!