Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year

Wow... I cannot believe another year has gone by.  Reflecting back I have to say that 2012 has had some challenges for me but it has mostly been a blessed year. 

I have much to be grateful for and I guess I need to be more grateful for my challenges
but really....that is so hard to do!

I have made quite a list of goals for this coming year....to be exact about 2 pages worth and these are big pieces of paper!  Lordy.........

Ending 2012 with yet another broken toe has to be.....
to say the least.....  "very discouraging"........

Will I ever learn to wear slippers inside!

I wish everyone a very safe and happy new year!

Sunday, December 30, 2012

I ♥ Iowa

 
 
This beautiful little "Iowa Cardinal" wandered over to my hometown friend Bob's feeder recently and I had to share!  I haven't seen a cardinal in many many years! 
 
This ones for you mama!
Isn't it breathtaking!
 
Makes me homesick for Iowa!

Friday, December 28, 2012

 
Hilarious!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas




          “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Matthew 1:21-25

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Painted Ladies


My sweet Mama!
 
"Painted Ladies" near Alamo Square in San Francisco 
 
We were so excited to get up into this area of San Francisco this visit.
 
If you go you really should do the three hour Movie Tour...we loved it!
 
Here is there link:
 
 
"Painted ladies" is a term used for Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings painted in three or more colors that embellish or enhance their architectural details. The term was first used for San Francisco Victorian houses by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book Painted Ladies - San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians.
 
One of the best-known groups of "Painted Ladies" is the row of Victorian houses at 710–720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square park, in San Francisco. It is sometimes known as "Postcard Row." The houses were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, who lived next door in the 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner Street. This block appears very frequently in media and mass-market photographs of the city and its tourist attractions and have appeared in an estimated 70 movies, TV programs, and ads, including in the opening credits of the television series Full House.

In 2010, 722 Steiner St. was put up for sale, at the asking price of $3,999,999. It is located on the corner of Steiner and Grove. It was the first time in thirty five years that 722 Steiner St. had been for sale. It has been called the oldest, largest, and most detailed of the seven sisters. In December 1993, 710 Steiner St. sold for $575,000. 712 Steiner St. sold for $920,000 on Nov. 4, 1998 and again for 1,250,000 on Nov. 15,2001. 718 Steiner St. sold for $55,000 in 1974. 720 Steiner St. was sold on Aug.16, 1996 for $650,000 and again on Aug. 24, 2001 for 1,210,000. 722 Steiner St. sold for $65,000 in Feb. 1976.


Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco

 
 

The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco

 
 
 
 
I wonder if Mitt knows he is immortalized in sugar in San Francisco!

Temple Day

 
What a special day at the Temple yesterday! 
 
 How grateful I am for the many blessings in my life!
 
Thank you my sweet friend Zel....for sharing your day with me.
 
 
"Believe in Christ"
 
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012


Lori's Diner

 
This is our most favorite place to eat in San Francisco....Seriously!
They have the best fish & chips in town!
 
 
and.......Cheeseburger, well done.... burn it pleeze!
and yes, definitely the garlic fries!
Sorry mama..........me loves the garlic fries!
 
 
And of course, we love the 50's music, wall art and "Edsel"!
 
I miss you already San Francisco ;(

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Finding Joy


If we rejoice in what we have, if we feel joy and express it, we are happier.  We do what the Lord wants us to do, we become better people, and by association, those around us-
our children and friends and neighbors-are happier. 

Joy is the key. 
 As we share the joy of the gospel, we accomplish what the Lord wants us to accomplish.


Art is by Liz Lemon Swindle


Believe

 
 
If you haven't already heard about this most wonderful book then here is the information.
 
When I was at my daughter Mackenzie's last weekend we had to run to Deseret Book to pick it up, but that was not before we made a phone call to see if they still had any.
 
This children's book is amazing!
 
It gives the most beautiful comparison between Santa and Christ!  It helps children to really understand the real meaning of Christmas with the joy and magic of still believing in Santa.
 
I just checked the deseret book site and it appears to be sold out but if you can, and if you have small children or grandchildren then you should prepare ahead for next year! 
 
The author is Diane G. Adamson.
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Neiman Marcus

 
Located across from Macy's is Neiman Marcus and I would say that this is one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in San Francisco! 
 
 
It stands 80 feet tall!
 
 
We just had to ask the price of this very "fabulous" dress!  I had guessed $6000.00 and I was only off by another $2000.00  dollars.  Every girl needs an $8000.00 dress right?
 
Up on the very top level they had violinist's playing!
It was all so very enchanting!
 
 
I couldn't look over the railing so I just put the camera over and prayed
I wouldn't somehow drop it!
 
 
I am so very proud of this photo because I managed to capture the
 Macy's tree at Union Square in the background.

Union Square Ice Skating Rink

 
 

Union Square

 
If going to Union Square in San Francisco during the holidays is not on your "bucket list".....
 
well.........IT SHOULD BE!
 
 
My mom and I probably looked like two little children on Christmas morning!  The entire city is all dressed up in it's holiday finest and let me just say....Amazing!
We even went into all the big hotels to see their holiday lobby's (pictures coming), and many of the churches!
 
 
"I Believe"
 
 
 
 
 
The always famous.... Macy's store front holiday windows!

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Coming Of Christ


The scriptural narrative of our Savior's birth is filled with people coming:

Joseph and Mary journeying to Bethlehem......


Shepherds coming with haste to the stable.......


Wise Men coming to worship their savior.

Perhaps as we contemplate these many comings, we will be reminded that we to have been told to come unto Him.

Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts:

a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

We should offer Him our love.  We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship.  We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good.

"We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give-at least for now.  The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains.  But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday, December 16, 2012

"Build A Bear" Here We Come

 
Our Little River is walking and she loves riding the escalator at the Mall.
 
 
On Thursday I traveled to Vegas to hang out with my daughter Mackenzie and her family for a couple of days.
 
We made her Christmas candy, we shopped, had lunch at Olive Garden and then our super fun big event was to take Wynter to "Build A Bear".  This was her very first experience here and she loved it!
 

 
Meet Bubblegum!
 
 
Bubblegum needed a princess dress....
 
 
 
Of course we have to have the cute pink princess heels!
 

 
Bubblegum has Hello Kitty undies.
 
 
Bubblegum needs an air bath and a good brushing!