Secretly Hoping

Since we've been on our mission, I work with my designer to create birthday packaging unique to each of our family members. Then Shalae makes sure money is placed in the packaging and delivered to the birthday girl or boy.

When she asked me which was hers and which was Sidney's (their birthdays are a day apart), I was shocked! Shalae loves texture and the neutrals with a pop of color, so I was surprised she had to ask. When I texted to tell her which was hers, she replied, "I was secretly hoping that one was mine! I love it!

And I love Shalae!

Inspiring Quotes

As always, Sterling and I look forward to our church’s semi-annual general conference. It was truly a spiritual feast, and I didn’t want it to end! Aside from getting up yesterday and today at 4:30 AM (that’s right…it’s tradition for the young single adults to watch it live!) to get dressed in church clothes, we enjoyed watching conference with members of our branch and eating breakfast and visiting together in between sessions.

The talks and music were especially uplifting and inspiring, and the messages spoke to my heart. I laughed and cried, and I felt the Spirit testify of eternal truths. If you need a little uplifting, go to lds.org and watch or listen to some of the talks. It’s hard to choose, but two of my favorites were President Nelson’s and Elder Holland’s talks.

Some of the members of our branch wrote their favorite quotes from the talks on the board, and I thought you might like to see them too. Enjoy!

Stampin' Day with Friends

I took my September Paper Pumpkin box to the mission office the other day and asked if the other sisters in the office wanted to take a break and do a little stamping. Everyone excitedly answered yes, so Elder Gardner listened for the phone, and we enjoyed stamping and chatting!

The same evening, we all went to a Stampin’ Up! party, leaving the men to fend for themselves. Our gracious hostess was her usual self, making sure we felt welcome and had plenty of yummy food to eat while we stamped and visited some more! It was definitely a happy stampin’ day with friends! 

A Card for Patty

Last week Patty Bennett achieved the amazing milestone of one million dollars in career sales! It was a unique experience for me (Sara) because I was able to witness the countdown personally at Founder's Circle. She actually achieved this milestone in the company of many Stampin' Up! demonstrator friends. She told me they all cheered and celebrated with her, which had to be very cool. We always have an over-the-top card made to accompany flowers being sent, and I thought you might like to see Patty's card. She is very passionate about her flower garden, so I had her card made with that in mind. Congratulations, Patty!

Sidney's Birthday Packaging

Other than the few minutes we chat when we FaceTime with her family, we don’t get to visit with Sidney too much, but I love watching bits and pieces of her life on Instagram. She’s an amazing young woman and deserves amazing things…like this birthday packaging!