Got Scraps?

So I started making this blanket, but I couldn't keep going with it because it became difficult to sew more squares onto it with my machine. Maybe I'll work on it some more in the future. For now, it's going to be a crib blanket.

Welcome to our new blog!

Ok, it's the same blog, but with a different purpose.

We're going to post messages and photos of our creative projects. Anything from quilts to bathroom tiling; whatever you work on, we want to see it!

Creativity is defined as "the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination."

I believe it's our creativity that allows us to be more than just ordinary. Your creative nature does not have to be worthy of a place in a museum; it just has to bring a smile to your face (or someone else's) and allow you to feel at peace amidst the chaos in our lives.

So, the next time you prepare a new recipe, reorganize your closets (yes, that can be creative), sew a blanket, or do something that required creativity and the use of your imagination, let us know about it.

Landscaping - Mostly Done

Here's the photos that you couldn't wait for. The gray stuff is the fabric to keep weeds out, and bark is going on top of that on Wednesday.

Hope you like it!

Roseburg house is up for sale!

I just returned from a trip to Roseburg to get the house ready to sell and pack up Mr. PJ. He's decided to come back to sunny California and go to school here in the Bay area. Jobs have been very scarce up in Roseburg and while he did have an opportunity to sing with the Jazz Choir one more year, he decided it was in his best interest to come back here and get serious about college. It was a good experience for him up there but it's time to move on... Here's some pics of the house after he and I worked our magic (you don't want to know what it looked like when I arrived after 3 young guys lived there...lets just say, ewwww)

Before and After Photos of the house

Here's a few photos of the new house. We haven't finished the outside or basement, so you're just getting a look at the upstairs. Enjoy!

Fourth of July

We had a quiet, but fun 4th of July. We didn't go camping this year like last year, but we did make a point to go on a hike like we did last year. I included a few photos of our hike.

We also cleaned a lot, golfed, and barbecued. The power went out so we didn't have much of a choice.

We watched fireworks from Thanksgiving Point. The show was put on by the same group who did the fireworks for the 2002 Olympics; it was a great show from the back of our truck.

Garden News

 
 

Just wanted to share some news from my gardening efforts. So this year I picked up some Dahlia variations at a "Garden in the Park" show Bri and I went to and the first bloom has finally happened! I also tried growing Sweet Pea's for the very first time and I'm real excited to see how well they did. By the way, they smell heavenly. I am also trying tomatoes and peppers again in spite of my sad showing last year!

San Diego Visit

Here's a few pics of our weekend visit with Ryan and Julie. Thanks for the fun time guys, it was a great visit.

Kayla's Graduation

Thanks for the fun weekend Kayla. So great to be a part of your celebration...minus the tornados, missed flights, and other little bumps in the road. Missing ya'll.

Prom Time

Look at these beautiful girls...ok their dates aren't bad either
Kayla you are gorgeous!

Allie, you are beautiful!

The New Front Yard

Check it out, the project's complete!

Bri's Quilt

 

Just wanted to share the quilt project Brianna made for her good friend Janet's new baby. This was her first attempt at quilting and applique work and I must say, she did a fantastic job. The best part is now she's hooked so I have a sewing companion for my Sunday afternoon projects....Love it!

Kitty in a pot

So Kitty really loves cat nip. We were growing some in the pot next to her food, and she decided to climb in the pot to be one with the catnip.

This may not be that funny to anyone else, but it's hilarious to us because it's so unlike her to get excited about things.

We thought we'd also celebrate the fact that it only took her a year to feel safe enough to climb into her tunnel, and about 18 months to climb up the cat tree to the platform where she has now made her home.

Let Me In

For those of you that enjoyed "Wake Up Cat" here's a new one to brighten your day, enjoy!

New Projects

Check it out...this is our lastest adventure in real estate. The house in American Fork is due to close this week so we'll be getting the tools out and going into full flip mode shortly. Personally, I can't wait, I'm in serious need of some home renovation therapy, it's good for the soul but not so hot for the manicure.

Monday Funnies

Check out this video clip called "The Evolution of Dance". I promise it will make you laugh and get your week off to a good start.

Girls Weekend

Last weekend Bri, Rachele and I went to Disneyland for our annual mother/daughter weekend away. It was great fun to just be with my two favorites. Disneyland was wonderful too, per usual, it never gets old, thank goodness. We played and shopped and of course ate lot's of yummy treats....good thing you walk your rear off while you're there, otherwise it would be bad with all the temptations. For those of you thinking, she went to Disneyland again? I'll have you know I didn't go even once last year....hmmm maybe I need to go twice this year to make up for it. Anyway, kind of sad now that it's over, that's the hard part about these fun trips.

Fresh Start

Well the time has come. I have found myself a new job. I'm very excited. A fresh start as the title says, "ah" a sigh of relief.
I will be the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President of Creative Labs, Inc. He will be my mentor and I his assistant for the next two years. After that time I will move into either Marketing or Public Relations and hopefully be working on my MBA, if not then, sooner!
I start my new adventure on February 19.
Wish me luck!!

The right idea

 
 
 
 
I was walking by the back door and noticed all of the animals were lounging about in the warm sunshine. I'm thinking they have the right idea! Nothing like letting the sun shine on your skin even just for a minute or two to make you feel all is right with the earth. However, on closer inspection of my backyard, I must acknowledge the poor state of the flower garden. It's neglected and overgrown with weeds, things need to be pruned, plantings need to happen so we will have a lot of pretty spring flowers to enjoy. I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend, warm sunny weather permitting.

Happy New Year!

 
Thanks to all our friends who helped us ring in the new year last night. It definitely gets the new year off on the right note when you are surrounded with great friends. Did anyone make a memorable resolution for the New Year? I have already started with my January re-organization efforts. I actually really look forward to this tradition, it's like a ritual to clean out the old and start the new year with my household/life under control. John gave me these cool bamboo drawer organizers for the kitchen and I tell you, I couldn't wait to install those babies. My closet is next and then the office, yikes! John already did a number on the garage and it looks great. Except now the exercise equipment is staring at me and longingly wanting me to come and partake of it's many benefits. Which, of course, is always a resolution. Gotta get back on the program and take better care of myself, drop the excess weight, increase the cardio and strength training, yada yada yada. I've also resloved to stop skipping Sunday School and actually study the lessons before class. I've been feeling the urge to learn lately, which means it's time to tackle something new. Not sure if that will be reflected in work or some other creative area, maybe both?

Most of all I just hope this year, all of those that I love the most are healthy and happy.