Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"How can we give to the Lord? What shall we give to him? Every kind word to our own, every help given them, is as a gift to God, whose chief concern is the welfare of his children. Every gentle deed to our neighbor, every kindness to the poor and suffering, is a gift to the Lord, before whom all mankind are equal. Every conformity to the Lord's plan of salvation--and this is of first importance--is a direct gift to God, for thereby we fit ourselves more nearly for our divinely planned destiny."
--John A. Widtsoe

Sunday, December 28, 2008

This little article really expounds on my previous post - the quote down below that is going to be my new motto....

"William Henry Channing's Symphony"by Arthur Brisbane(an editorial from the Hearst Newspapers, ca. 1920)
THE THOUGHT--
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony.
WILLIAM HENRY CHANNING.
TO LIVE CONTENT WITH SMALL MEANS.
This means to realize to the full the possibilities of life. Contentment means ABSENCE OF WORRY. It is only when free from worry that the brain can act normally, up to its highest standard. The man content with small means does his best work, devotes his energies to that which is worth while, and not to acquiring that which has no value.
TO SEEK ELEGANCE RATHER THAN LUXURY.
The difference between elegance and luxury is the difference between the thin, graceful deer, browsing on the scanty but sufficient forest pasture, and the fat swine revelling in plentiful garbage.
REFINEMENT RATHER THAN FASHION.
The difference between refinement and fashion is the difference between brains and clothing, the difference between an Emerson or a Huxley and a Beau Brummel or other worthless but elaborately decked carcass.
TO BE WORTHY, NOT RESPECTABLE.
In other words, to be like Henry George, and not like the owner of a trust.
WEALTHY, NOT RICH.
The man who has a good wife and good children, enough to take care of them, but not enough to spoil them, is WEALTHY. He is happier than the man who is RICH enough to be worried, rich enough to make it certain that his children will be ruined by extravagance, and perhaps live to be ashamed of him.
TO LISTEN TO STARS AND BIRDS, BABES AND SAGES, WITH OPEN HEART.
This means to enjoy the noblest gifts that God has given to man. He is happy who takes more pleasure in a beautiful sunset than in the sight of a flunky with powdered hair, artificial calves and lofty manners, handing him something indigestible on a plate of gold.
TO STUDY HARD; TO THINK QUIETLY, ACT FRANKLY, TALK GENTLY.
To exercise in this way the brain that is given to us is to lead the life of a MAN, a life of self-control, a life that is worth while, that leads to something and helps forward the improvement of the race.
In the words which we have quoted at the top of this column William Henry Channing has given a recipe for wise living. ----
WHO WAS CHANNING?
He was a good man, and a wise man. He was one of the most eloquent clergymen ever born in this country, and as sincere a friend of individual man and of the race in general as ever lived.
He was an enthusiast and an optimist--admirable combination.
He was born in 1810, and died in 1884. His biography has been written by Octavius B. Frothingham.
Channing saw the world through generous, charitable eyes.
He was an ardent admirer of Charles Fourier, and appreciated the philosophy and social law-giving of that gigantic intellect.
The quotation we print above is an index to his whole character, just as one flower tells the story of the beautiful garden in which it grew.
Channing, unlike many sayers of fine things, was personally as fine as the things he said. He was worthy even of his own best thoughts, and that can be said for few fine thinkers.
Admire him. Read some of his sermons and other writings if you have the chance.
Source: "William Henry Channing's Symphony" by Arthur Brisbane (an editorial from the Hearst Newspapers, ca. 1920)

Friday, December 26, 2008

Posted by Picasa

Thursday, December 25, 2008

I finally got to hold Baby Sarah today!!!!

My mom's nativity that i love and i liked the pic of the happy boys in the background...so sweet.
Leslie made a popcorn cake inspired by Emeril...it was wonderful!!!

and...Leslie also made these fabulous little brownie pop treats...so good. I know i've gained 10 pounds just today!


My first time getting to hold Baby Sarah...so wonderful!!!

We had a nice Christmas together! One of the highlights for me was that I'm finally over my cold and cough and could actually hold Sarah. She is precious and wonderful.
Merry Christmas to all my sweet friends...and here's to the Happiest New Year Ever!!!





I want to make this my new motto for 2009! Thanks Mom for sending me this good quote!

"To live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never, in a word to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common, this is to be my symphony."

~ William Henry Channing

Monday, December 22, 2008

I'm in the Pink!!!!

THANK YOU DEAR FRIEND ROBIN! I FEEL WONDERFUL ALREADY!!!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Baby Sarah Anne Budge




SARAH ANNE BUDGE - born Dec 10, 2008
Posted by Picasa
"Let us remember, too, that greatness is not always a matter of the scale of one’s life, but of the quality of one’s life. True greatness is not always tied to the scope of our tasks, but to the quality of how we carry out our tasks whatever they are. In that attitude, let us give our time, ourselves, and our talents to the things that really matter now, things which will still matter a thousand years from now."
--Spencer W. Kimball

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

"Part of the purpose for telling the story of Christmas is to remind us that Christmas doesn't come from a store. Indeed, however delightful we feel about it, even as children, each year it 'means a little bit more.' And no matter how many times we read the biblical account of that evening in Bethlehem, we always come away with a thought—or two—we haven’t had before....

"I, like you, need to remember the very plain scene, even the poverty, of a night devoid of tinsel or wrapping or goods of this world. Only when we see that sacred, unadorned child of our devotion—the Babe of Bethlehem—will we know why... the giving of gifts is so appropriate"

~Jeffrey R. Holland

Monday, December 08, 2008

"Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, 'Come, follow me.'"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others"
~Thomas S. Monson

Leslie's new hair cut....she's donating her cut off pony tail to Locks of Love....this was her goal for years!

I love it Leslie! looks cute on you!!!

Ashley's Winter Formal jewelry

Sold to Ashley...thank you!!

Friday, December 05, 2008

I am thankful that mine do!!! Thank you friends!

Our friends should be companions who inspire us, who help us rise to our best.
-Joseph B. Wirthlin
One day in retrospect the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.
-- Sigmund Freud

Thursday, December 04, 2008

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."
--Joseph B. Wirthlin

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Lucky Number 7 - I got tagged!!!

I need to share 7 random and/or weird facts about myself.And then tag 7 people.

1. I hate snakes more than anything in the entire world.

2. I failed my driver's test 2 times before i finally got my license.

3. I have seen Elton John in concert 4 times.

4. I always wanted to work at Disneyland and be a character like Snow White....i still want to!

5. I have always wanted to learn to fly an airplane.

6. I have always wanted to open a bakery/candy shop.

7. I have a very serious addiction to purses and handbags. I don't buy as many as I'd like, but I always have to look through them at the store. My family moans when they see me spot a purse selection because they know I will be there a while.

i don't know where the list of people i tagged went! now i don't remember who i tagged in the first place! let's just say, Robin, Allyson, Susan, Stella, Gill, Britten, Krysta
oh and everyone says they aren't weird facts, but if i told you the weird facts, you'd probably be scared of me. hah....like the fact that if i could, i would wear a fairy costume every day, and glitter all over my face, and glittery false eyelashes...and i would also be a Celtic singer. hahaha. see...i've definitely got an alter ego.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

8 Things - I've Been Tagged by Ally

8 things I did yesterday: saw my sweet baby grandsons, went to a baby shower, went to a baptism for my nephew, ate dinner at taco bell, fell asleep on the couch, worked on some jewelry, did laundry
8 things I look forward to: the birth of my newest grandbabe..a girl!, school starting tomorrow, making some NEW jewelry, Christmas shopping, decorating my Christmas tree tomorrow night, cold weather, seeing Christmas lights in the neighborhoods.
8 restaurants I like: Sweet Tomatoes, Tahoe Joe's, Outback Steakhouse, Japanese Steakhouse, Taco Bell, In -n-Out, Corner Cafe, Victoria Rose Cottage
8 things on my wish list: Victoria Rose Cottage High tea, some Chanel perfume (Coco or Chance), an organized home, healthy and happy family, more time with Royce, snow, chocolate pie from Marie Calendar's
8 TV shows I like to watch: The Mentalist, Life, lots of HGTV shows,
8 people to tag with 8 things: Stella, Caleen, Lauren.....that's all i can think of that haven't been tagged already! See? I read your blog Allyson! :) I am happy for the purple laptop!!!
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thursday, November 27, 2008

"May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Despite the changes which come into our lives and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days—as much as we can—with those things which matter most. May we cherish those we hold dear and express our love to them in word and in deed."

~President Thomas S. Monson

Wednesday, November 19, 2008




Friday, November 14, 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

In the Garden at Twilight


Thursday, October 16, 2008

Finding ways to enjoy washing dishes...


This is what Sean does when he cleans up his plate after eating...He blows these enormous bubbles using the dishsoap....I might have to try this when no one is home. He had way more fun cleaning up than I usually do in the kitchen!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

City of Romance

Sold - Thank You!!!

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Joyeux Noël!

Sold...Thank You!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Mother/Daughter "This is Halloween" bracelets...

Sold - Thank You!!!!

Fairy with Gardenia



I selfishly took a gardenia off a neighborhood shrub while on my morning walk today. My grandma always wore "Jungle Gardenia" perfume and I was in the mood to remember my grandma today. Gardenias are so beautiful, elegant, strong and fragile all at once - so like my Grandma. And of course, she always smelled wonderful ~ like a Gardenia! I miss her very much!

Monday, October 06, 2008

Pam's Pearls in Paris



Friday, September 26, 2008

Happy Christmas!

Sold...Thank You! :)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Autumn in New England

Sold ...Thank You!!!

Vintage Halloween - Silver

SOLD - Thank You!!!

Vintage Halloween - Gold

SOLD...Thank You!!!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Smokey Quartz for Nickie...

Sold...Thank You!

Sunday, September 07, 2008

S'mores

Sold...Thank You!!!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Orchids and Pearls Under a Starry Sky

Sold...Thank You!


Good friendships are fragile things and require as much care as any other fragile and precious thing.

Randolph S. Bourne (1886-1918) American Writer

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Changing the World

Made by my dear young friend Ashley after her bracelet lesson today. She did great!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Heart of the Matter


Friday, August 15, 2008

The Warmth of Tuscany




Lots Happening in our Family!

Ryan, Christi and the boys - Grant and Nathan - are expecting a little baby girl in December to join their family! AND, they have just spent the past week moving out of their apartment and into their new home. We are all happy for them! Oh...and yesterday was their 4th Wedding Anniversary!!! And, we love each and everyone of them to bits!!!!!!
Jason and Leslie are officially engaged and will be married in the Fresno Temple on November 7th. Congratulations to both of you!!!! We love you both to bits too!!!!
Leslie's engagement ring...it's really beautiful.......

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Mid-Summer's Day Dream


Thursday, August 07, 2008

The need for cool....

It's so hot...I'm at that breaking point that i reach every summer. It's like I'll go mad if I don't feel a cool breeze soon. So, for now i will just pretend.....

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Sean's been Baptized!

Sean and Dad
Sean and his nephews Grant and Nathan...Grant wanted a jumpsuit like Sean's!
The family after baptism party. Very nice to all be together! He had a wonderful time! I can't believe he's 8 years old! Time has flown.....

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Sun-Bleached


"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few."
~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

A Warm Summer Day at Grandma and Grandpa's


Sean got to go swimming at Grandma's AND drink a soda...his favorite things....

Little Mandy is growing bigger. She's very energetic - however when she gets tired she crashes. This was a short restful moment....she is sweet!