Temple Bookends

When we went to the Nauvoo Pageant last summer, I was moved to hear Pres. Hinckley's voice at the end of it.  This is what he said, "Today, facing west, on the high bluff overlooking the city of Nauvoo, thence across the Mississippi, and over the plains of Iowa, there stands Joseph’s temple, a magnificent house of God. Here in theSalt Lake Valley, facing east to that beautiful temple in Nauvoo, stands Brigham’s temple, the Salt Lake Temple. They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake."

The Nauvoo Mercantile & Gallery offers this framed version with pictures of the temples.

Aquarius Constellation Necklace

I looked through a number of Victoria magazines when I was visiting my mom and found some great ideas!  I love this constellation necklace by Beaucoup Designs.

Benjamin West - Ascension

One piece at the BYU Museum of Art that caught my eye was Ascension by Benjamin West.  The composition reminded me of his Nativity piece that we saw at Petworth.

Joseph Alleman - Day's End

I hope that you will all have a very merry Christmas!  Here's a beautiful new piece by Joe, called Day's End.

Boise Fry Company

On our way home from Utah after Thanksgiving we stopped in Boise for lunch.  We found the Boise Fry Company, and it was amazing.  We had bison burgers and homemade sodas - mine is blood orange.  I got golden fries and sampled spicy fry sauce and ketchup and blueberry ketchup.  Yum!

Innkeeper Key

I borrowed an idea from my sister and made Innkeeper key ornaments for my Beehives and included this quote by Neal A. Maxwell: Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!  The key says "Let Him In," and I added a picture of an empty manger.  The quote comes from a talk called "Settle This in Your Hearts."  It is a really great talk about discipleship and consecration, and you can find it here.

 

Edward Lear - Nuneham

The BYU Museum of Art was also having an exhibit of British art from the Berger Collection when we were there.  I loved this painting by Edward Lear, titled Nuneham.

Zipper Pouch

I've been madly sewing zipper pouches lately.  I made this one for my husband's gift exchange at work.  (He works with all ladies...)  I'm including a cute washcloth, some lotion and soap that I made, and some Burt's Bees lip balm.  Fun!  I found the zipper pouch tutorial here.

Lion House Rolls

I picked up a mix for Lion House rolls when I was in Utah and then made them after we returned home.  They turned out amazing.  There's nothing better than soft, buttery rolls straight from the oven!

The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother

I recently finished reading The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother.  It was very interesting to me.  I felt like it was important to read firsthand accounts of some of the events that shaped the early days of the Church.  The things that the Saints endured are almost unimaginable.  Lucy Mack had a great personality - I'm sure that helped her through all of their hardships.

American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell

While we were in Utah for Thanksgiving, we visited the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art.  It was really great.  I loved the faces especially.

Faribault Mill Cup Sleeve

I noticed this stocking stuffer idea in the latest Country Living magazine and thought that it was fun.  Faribault Mill makes wool cup sleeves out of blanket remnants.  They would definitely dress up your next hot chocolate or steamer!  (And they have free shipping right now...)

Louis Comfort Tiffany - Field of Lilies

One of the first gifts that my husband gave me when we were dating was this beautiful Louis Comfort Tiffany replica glass panel.  He found it at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I have loved it.  Apparently the Field of Lilies window was designed for an installation at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.  The chapel that it adorned has been reassembled at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.  Now that I know where it is, I may have to go visit it!

Starbucks Vanilla Brulee Hot Cocoa

Do you have snow at your house?  Is it starting to feel like Christmas?  I was given a packet of Starbucks Vanilla Brulee Hot Cocoa the other day, and it was delicious!

Alfred Lambourne - Adam-Ondi-Ahman

I was able to spend some time in Utah during the week of Thanksgiving, and it was really nice.  My sisters and I took my mom on a lovely date to Temple Square.  We visited the newly remodeled Church History Museum.  One painting that I think is quite fascinating is Adam-Ondi-Ahman by Alfred Lambourne.  It doesn't look very much like the area for which it's named, but it makes me a little sentimental for Missouri.

Hawaii

The Church is celebrating 150 years in Hawaii.  Coincidentally, my aunt is on her way to the MTC today to prepare for serving a mission at the Polynesian Cultural Center for the next year and a half.  I'm excited for her!  {And I just realized that I've made 1500 posts on this blog.  Whoa.}