August 1
August 3
Late at night! 
Still going strong!! We are revamping, organizing, spiffing up the bakery
#sweetsalvation #everyonehappierandhealthier #healthytwists #poweredbyaxio #breadnbasics
Still going strong!! We are revamping, organizing, spiffing up the bakery #sweetsalvation #everyonehappierandhealthier #healthytwists #poweredbyaxio #breadnbasics
Everyone Happier and Healthier is with Merrill Budz and 2 others.
Chelsea has been teaching Caroline to bake for the last year and a half. This is the inspiration behind purchasing Bread N Basics, and turning it into a 501(c)(3) Bakery to hire those with all abilities . All the same great food and more! Lots of fun, healthy twists ! 

The 2025 White Mountains Blacksmithing Convention is only a few days away! Join us this weekend, August 16th and 17th 9 am to 6 pm, and help us raise funds for the Special Olympics Unified Taylor/Snowflake Basketball Track-Swim-Softball! Open to enthusiasts of all experience levels from beginners to advanced!
Blacksmithing Demonstrations:
*Knife Making
*Forged Animal Sculpture
*Forge Welding
*Armor Making
*Additional Demonstrations To Be Announced
Optional Hands-on Workshops:
*Campfire Roasting Fork
*Railroad Spike Shelf Brackets
*Blacksmith Tongs
*Slip Joint Pocket Knife - Sold out
Details and registration: https://www.arizonablacksmith.wtf/.../white-mountains...
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, K and G Finishing Supplies , Owens Energy Inc , and White Mountains Steel!
Kaylee Harston is with Anna Pember Merrill.
Over in snowflake at the old bread and basic shop (now sweet salvation) we have fresh red velvet cheesecake cookies! As well as apple cranberry bars, double chocolate brownie bars and chocolate chip cookies!
August 4
Look who came to celebrate her birthday with us today at the bakery. 
#sweetsalvation
#sweetsalvation I am so grateful for the amazing example she is to me! She has taught me to be happy and healthy! She taught me it’s a choice to be happy. We have to choose. I remember her reminding me that over and over, especially when we were living in our camper trailer and building our house. 
I thought I couldn’t be happy, until the house was done. And she reminded me that “happiness is not a disease, it doesn’t just happen to you. You actually have to choose to be happy.” Even when life is hard, we choose our choices.
That was a powerful changing moment for me and I’m so very grateful that she taught me that.
It was so fun to give her, her special free birthday treat! First birthday treat given out, as new owners of the Bakery. Love you mom 
Love you mom 
August 5
You give so much of yourself to our family and everyone around you, and we are all better because of you. Thank you for your hard work, your love, and your unwavering strength. 
50 is the age where health, happiness, and adventure truly come alive—so here’s to exploring new horizons… starting with Alaska! 
#Happy50th #AdventureAwaits #AlaskaBound” #youdeserveyourdream #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #merrillsworktogetherplaytogetherstaytogether #everyonehappierandhealthier #poweredbyaxio
August 6
First Day of School Vibes! 
All my kids are growing up so fast… oour Kika out on her mission, Charlotte waiting for her call, and my big boys out there rocking life. Feeling all the emotions—grateful for the blessings and excited for all the adventures ahead! 
#FirstDayOfSchool #SeniorYear #JuniorHigh #Blessed
#FirstDayOfSchool #SeniorYear #JuniorHigh #Blessed
August 7
Kriston Richardson is with Anna Pember Merrill.
I love everything about this picture! Horse therapy working together and staying active. This lady right here has taken my family in and taught me so much about including everyone.
August 8
#sweetsalvationbakery 
They are holding down the bakery! While we enjoy some time away!! Great job 
Amazing!! And Caroline making her branded, “Sweet Caroline Brownies “. #everyonehappierandhealthier #livelifeactivated #poweredbyaxio #wow #grateful
They are holding down the bakery! While we enjoy some time away!! Great job Amazing!! And Caroline making her branded, “Sweet Caroline Brownies “. #everyonehappierandhealthier #livelifeactivated #poweredbyaxio #wow #grateful
August 12
Just the beginnings of a beautiful adventure!! So awe inspiring
Sara Wall is with Anna Pember Merrill and 6 others in Juneau, AK.
I CANNOT explain this trip…EPIC(if I must choose one word) 
This is what happens when you’re surrounded by people who truly care. 
THIS CULTURE IS THE BEST
We love big, we cheer each other on, and we believe taking care of our HEALTH is the best gift we can give OURSELVES and our FAMILIES.
It’s not just about feeling good — it’s about living better, being able to enjoy life!
This trip was powerful and surrounded by growth… mentally, spiritually and physically(we got our steps in 
)
) Let’s all take our health to the next level with LV 
IYKYK cellular activation
August 14
Beautiful day in Sitka, pouring rain and heavy fog. Loved learning about the culture and all the people. The bald eagles flying through the town were a favorite.
August 14
“A dream come true for Loren. 
It’s more than fishing — it’s witnessing one of nature’s greatest stories of resilience. A reminder that no matter the obstacles, we are made to keep going, to return to the place where our purpose calls us.
This trip wasn’t just about the catch. It was about the beauty of the struggle, the peace of the wild, and the deep gratitude for moments you dream about… and finally get to live.” 
It really was so fun to watch Loren run up and down the banks catching salmon with his pole…. While our incredible friend, Elisia and I caught fish with our bare hands, there were so many. She was amazing and so brave. Grateful for her showing us a good time! Thank you for sharing the culture, finding clams and muscles. Beautiful Alaska, The Last Frontier #alaska #thelastfrontier #livelifeactivated #lifevantage #dreamscometrue #cantwaittotakethefamily #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #grateful
#alaska #thelastfrontier #livelifeactivated #lifevantage #dreamscometrue #cantwaittotakethefamily #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #grateful
Looks like Austin, Carla and Olivia have been having a wonderful time at Disneyland while we are off in Wild Alaska!
Nature at its most breathtaking!
As whales surfaced nearby and we got excited with friends, it felt like a reminder of how vast, powerful, and beautiful our world really is. 
August 16
“Wild Alaska — a day we’ll never forget. 
We spent the day in Hoonah with a hunting guide, tracking bears through the forest. Loren was in heaven, Watching the bear fish for salmon was pure awe — raw strength and grace meeting the timeless rhythm of nature. I still can’t believe I waded out in the middle of the river in the cold air to catch this video. But, how often do you get to spot a bear in the wilderness and watch it fish from the stream. 
Best of all, adventures like this bring new friendships and memories that last forever. Alaska isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a story you get to live.”
August 17
Happy birthday Grandma Merrill! We sure love you! Hope it was a wonderful day
Back to quick and real life gettin off the cruise ship!!!
We got home Saturday and catered Saturday and Sunday with our amazing team stepping up to helpt!!
The 2025 White Mountains Blacksmithing Convention is only a few days away! Join us this weekend, August 16th and 17th 9 am to 6 pm, and help us raise funds for the Special Olympics Unified Taylor/Snowflake Basketball Track-Swim-Softball! Open to enthusiasts of all experience levels from beginners to advanced!
Blacksmithing Demonstrations:
*Knife Making
*Forged Animal Sculpture
*Forge Welding
*Armor Making
*Additional Demonstrations To Be Announced
Optional Hands-on Workshops:
*Campfire Roasting Fork
*Railroad Spike Shelf Brackets
*Blacksmith Tongs
*Slip Joint Pocket Knife - Sold out
Details and registration: https://www.arizonablacksmith.wtf/store/p/white-mountains-blacksmithing-convention
Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, K and G Finishing Supplies , Owens Energy Inc , and White Mountains Steel!
#whitemountainsaz #blacksmith #whitemountainsblacksmithingconvention
It’s not too late!! 🙌🏼👏🏼
This weekend, Blacksmith Convention. Learning some new skills and they’ve invited our Unified team to come as well 🤩 And we are hosting a fundraising event during the lunches. #PlayUnified
Thank you to those who came and supported our fundraiser at the Blacksmith convention last weekend and we’re so grateful and excited for Iron Rhino Forge for donating a gate to our Unified Garden 🪴 at the Sweet Salvation Bakery. 🙌🏼
P-day Visits with Kika!! Sister Merrill
August 19
A Day We Dreamed Of but weren’t sure would really ever happen Over 20 years ago, we built a little barn with a dirt floor that we lived in while we built our home and first started homesteading. As our family grew and we realized we were raising children with special needs who might always live at home, we turned that barn into a cozy cabin — hoping that someday it could be a place of independence.
That “someday” felt so far away.
But today… it happened.
Charlotte has been counting down the days and organizing roommates — three amazing young women from her Special Olympics Unified team. And now, the four of them are moving in together, ready to live independently with friends, right here in the cabin we built with love so long ago.
I didn’t expect the happy tears, but they came as I watched my daughter ride away — not far, just to the backyard — but into a whole new chapter of life.
This is more than moving out. This is independence, friendship, joy, and inclusion in action.
Here’s to new beginnings. Here’s to dreams that once seemed so far away.
#InclusionMatters #SpecialOlympicsunified #livelifeactivated #beingbrave #poweredbyaxio #playunified #madnesswiththemerrillbudz #merrillsworktogetherplaytogetherstaytogether #IndependentLiving #HappyTears #NewBeginnings
August 21
Hey Everyone don’t forget that every Thursday is pot pie day!! 
Also freshly made rolls as a delicious treat!!
Thank you Kaylee!! She makes the best sour dough 
August 22
Yummy healthy twists at our bakery.
So fun!! First day the bakery has been open on a Saturday, requested by our customers.
For the first time! The bakery will be open on SATURDAYS!
Unified swim season just got started! We have such a fun team! They were amazing in their times and races today.  And overcoming fears! Thanks to all the parents who ran the stop watches.  My favorite is to see them beat their own time. Congratulations!
My favorite is to see them beat their own time. Congratulations!
August 23
Congratulations Cassidy! So wonderful to see all these friends growing up
together and finding happiness 
@laurieolsonbrimhall
@laurieolsonbrimhall
August 24
Happy Sunday!
As we enter a new week remember... Failure is feedback.
(One of my garden beds completely failed
Love getting texts and updates about Tylen, Jon's son.
August 29
It’s looking like we’re serving up chicken pot pies and sourdough bread daily This girl is a fantastic baker! Reach out if you’d like a special order and chicken pot pies 
They go quickly! So if you want to make sure you get your order that day, give us a call.  #shesamazing
This girl is a fantastic baker! Reach out if you’d like a special order and chicken pot pies They go quickly! So if you want to make sure you get your order that day, give us a call.  #shesamazing And we have added a pot pie that serves 2 to 3 people.  
Thanks to Kaylee‘s mom, Amber, who has mastered making it and teaching Desiree, who is learning to make pot pies for the first time. They are fabulous with the crust!  #grateful #SweetSalvationBakery #everyonehappierandhealthier
Thanks to Kaylee‘s mom, Amber, who has mastered making it and teaching Desiree, who is learning to make pot pies for the first time. They are fabulous with the crust!  #grateful #SweetSalvationBakery #everyonehappierandhealthier
August 31
Thank you, Caroline and Harrison for holding down the bakery today with Brettleigh, while Charlotte and I snuck away to go visit big brother, Jonny Boy. It’s so wonderful seeing these kiddos finding success!! Jon has a wonderful girlfriend and the others are running the bakery/nonprofit, giving jobs to all abilities. They love it!! And thank you for your patience as they are learning and processing new skills. #healthieroptions #everyonehappierandhealthier #livelifeactivated #nonprofitorganization #poweredbyaxio
I hope others got to enjoy a fun little holiday weekend. 
My son, Jon, has the best roommate. Thank you Jon and Jacey for such a great time!!
The slot canyons are breathtaking, just like a water color painting in 3D. I was so in love with God’s creation, His Masterpiece.
If you want an amazing adventure, Jacey Harker, tour guide with Roam Outdoor Adventure created such a memorable incredible time.
He was excellent with Charlotte, challenged her, made it exciting and adapted to her needs while making her feel just like everyone else. #cerebralpalsyhacked #hiking #adapting #adjust #adventure #outdoors #slotcanyon #livelifeactivated #poweredbyaxio #grateful #roamoutdooradventure
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