New Tenants

I have four new tenants at my house. The apartment that Steph and Mickel were going to move into didn't work out, so they're staying at Grandma's house for the time being. They've had an offer accepted on a townhouse (actually, the same one as before), so hopefully that will go through okay. In the meantime, I'm sure enjoying having such close access to Kaiya and Teague (and Steph and Mickel, of COURSE). Just this morning, as I was on my way to work (after being off for a few days), Kaiya said, "No work, Gamma." It's enough to melt your heart!

The Sharps Move to Utah

Immediately after the Rising Star Convention was over (as in the same day), I flew to Minneapolis to meet Steph and Mickel and the kids. We stayed overnight on Friday, and then on Saturday morning, Mickel, his sister Syrie, and his dad and stepmom left to drive the two vehicles to Utah, while Steph and I took the kids (and all the associated "stuff") to the airport to fly home. What an experience! Teague slept through the whole thing, but Kaiya was a bit keyed up. Luckily, we were able to get first class seats, so it was a little more comfortable. We ended up seated by a family who were doing the very same thing (moving an adult child to a medical residency), although without kids.

We're still waiting for the road crew to arrive, so Steph and the kids have been camping out at my house. I'm LOVING having them so close at hand ... but I confess I have forgotten how much energy it takes!

Rising Star Convention

I just finished another Rising Star Convention. This is a trip that is intended for those NSP distributors who are just breaking into a level of business that is going beyond buying products for personal use. We had 95 participants (including subsidiary staff members) from 11 different countries, speaking 4 languages. Our largest group was from the Russia market, which also includes distributors from the Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Other large groups came from Japan and Venezuela. The group first flew into SLC, and had a visit to the manufacturing plant in Spanish Fork, and the corporate offices in Provo. A special highlight that day was a barbecue dinner at the mountain home of our NSP Founders. Then the group was off to Las Vegas, where we all saw the show KA (FANTASTIC!) and had lots of free time.

This event is always a lot of hard work and long hours for me, but I also enjoy it very much because the participants are always loving, fun, and grateful to be here. It's been such a privilege to meet people from so many corners of the world!

Teague Oliver Sharp

Well, I guess it's official ... Teague Oliver Sharp. Steph said that Kaiya has been calling him "Teager" which just may stick. At his first check up, he is in something like the 90th percentile for weight and height, and about 50th for head circumfrance. Pretty much opposite of Kaiya. He's definitely a healthy-sized boy! I can't wait to meet him on Friday!!!

Baby Boy Sharp!

Stephanie and Mickel are the proud parents of a new baby boy, born yesterday (June 11). He was just a smidge over 8 pounds, and is 20.5". I tried to talk Steph into waiting until today (my birthday), but she wasn't having any of that. Mom and baby are doing well. And Kaiya just LOVES her new brother!

I'm sorry to keep referring to him as just "baby," but he's still without a name. Kaiya votes for "Thomas." Somehow, I don't think that's going to be it. Stay tuned for the name update.

It's difficult to be away from them at a time like this. I wasn't able to go out because I'm in the middle of organizing a convention (Steph had the same timing with Kaiya, too, who was born while I was out on the Baltic Sea. It's strange to get such news over the internet. I started crying, and everyone wondered what was wrong with me.). BUT! The good news is that the Sharp family will be moving to Utah the week after next. I'll be meeting them in Minneapolis to help Steph fly home with the babies, while Mickel and some of his family drive the cars back. So that takes the sting out of it a little.

We're glad you're here, "He who is without a name"!

Book Tag

Steph just tagged me with this book tag: get the closest book, open to page 123, sentence #5. Mine turns out to be the book I'm currently reading, "After River." The sentence in question is:

"'It was like a Christmas card,' she said."

Not quite as stiff as hers (a medical text!).

Okay ... I tag Kristen, Elise and Mindy.