The Simmering Point

Got Scraps?

2008-11-24T17:19:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-24T12:08:00.000-08:00

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.;

Landscaping - Mostly Done

2008-08-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

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

Before and After Photos of the house

2008-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

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

Garden News

2008-06-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

San Diego Visit

2008-06-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

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

The New Front Yard

2008-04-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

Check it out, the project's complete!

Bri's Quilt

2008-03-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

Let Me In

2008-03-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

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

New Projects

2008-02-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-25T09:15:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

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

Fresh Start

2008-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

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

The right idea

2008-01-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

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

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

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

Sledding on Christmas Day

2007-12-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

We had a White Christmas with lots of fresh powdery snow, that made sledding way too much fun. The sun was shining brightly yesterday, making it a perfect day for fun in the snow.Ryan and I wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts you sent us. We really missed you, and I'm glad we were able to visit over the phone.

I received the "Santa's Favorite" Award today

2007-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had a christmas luncheon at work today. We were served a yummy greek dish, homemade italian bread, and a salad for lunch. For dessert we had a cocunut cake thingy that we enjoyed while we did a white elephant gift exchange. We didn't actually bring the gifts; my bosses wife, who made all of the food for lunch, put together gift bags full of yummy treats. We then played the white elephant game

Grey Hairs

2007-12-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I had a rather rude awakening. While I was putting on my makeup I looked a little closer to my hairline because something seemed slightly different. So guess what I found? Yep, a whole stinking patch of brand new baby grey hairs. I actually did a double take because I just wasn't prepared. I mean come on people, I turn 47 just a couple of weeks ago and bammmm....my head

Christmas Trees

2007-12-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

This year John and I decided to break the tradition and purchase an artificial tree. He has been all for this idea for years, but I held steadfast to the traditional, fresh cut, yummy smelling tree. I loved the act of gathering the family to go pick out a tree and then the whole process of setting it up and decorating. Now that we are empty nesters though, it's not the same so it seems a good

Wife, Children, Brothers the Strength of my Support

2007-11-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

There never was any doubt I would get better. Through the power of their prayer and support they offered, it was destined that I would not only recover from this illness, but would actually end up being a better person than I was.What a gift from GOD these people are!I can no longer doubt the power of Prayer. Faith in our GOD and the the power of prayers offered stand in clear relief.My only

Learning to post

2007-10-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

and boy do I feel cool. As soon as I can find the box with my camera cords, I also have a picture or two to post. Hope everyone is well!

Who's a Witch?

2007-10-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Mom still has lots to teach me

2007-10-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Mom taught me how to quilt last weekend when she came to see me, and I finished my first quilting project today. It's so much fun to learn a new technique, especially when the final product actually looks good. I've tried sewing dresses and pants, and even shirts, and they just didn't turn out well, but I was finally able to sew something that looks like it should. Thanks mom. I'll be sewing a

Getting Crafty in the Woods

2007-10-02T15:01:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I spent some quality time with the girls sewing up a storm. Thanks to Brooke's amazing "cabin" we roughed it up in Twain Harte. This was a trip we planned a year ago while hiking up in Rancho San Antonio. I'm so glad it came to pass, it was way too much fun. Shirley was in charge of our project and taught me a thing or two about quilting/applique work. It's so much fun to learn

Jeff & Yoda Made it onto Cute Overload!

2007-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Check it out. http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2007/09/and-thees-my-li.html It will make you smile, promise.

Ms. Hunter

2007-09-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

This message is from PJ:My TRUE inspiration...I simply can not describe my complete reaction to your passing. It is even difficult to type this. However i owe to you and myself to explain my true feelings of your presence on this earth. I remember the very first day i met you in fourth grade when arriving to your awesome summer band camp. Who knew i was to meet the most legendary person in my

"Tail Waggin" Charity Walk

2007-09-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some fun pictures of our Saturday activity. We took Jeff to the Furry Friends Rescue annual charity walk and picnic. It was an entire day of fun just for doggies and their people. Jeff is now sleeping soundly on his couch.....

Happy Anniversary!

2007-09-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Dad and Renee! We love you.

Vacation Review-Belated

2007-09-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

I've viewed the blog for awhile and am ready to post!! Vacation in Oahu was one the best weeks vacation in a long time. Along with the beautiful scenery and weather, the presence of the family made for a genuinely restful and restoring vacation. What a perfect place. The sea turtles that frequented our little part of paradise was an unexpected bonus. What a gentle, graceful creature they are. The

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIANNA!

2007-08-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful day, even if you do have to work. Make sure you leave early so that you can enjoy your bday evening. I hope you like your gift! Love you.

Vacation's Over

2007-08-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

So what is better than spending a week in paradise? Spending a week in paradise surrounded by my family, that's what. So here is my top ten list of the things I enjoyed the most in no particular order:Eating breakfast on the deck while watching the waves.Evening volleyball tournamentsGolf at Turtle Bay (except for Randy's sprained ankle)Turtles Hiking the fallsFamily dinnersWatching the

Small Town Living

2007-08-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

PJ is officially moved into his new home. He and I spent the week cleaning/painting/repairing and moving him in. I drove up last Tuesday and I must admit Oregon is one beautiful state. Once you pass Redding everything turns green and lush. I passed over Lake Shasta and about a hundred Rivers and just enjoyed the view. Roseburg is typical small town America where everyone seems to know each

Updated photos of my garden

2007-07-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Click on the title of this post to take a look at my updated pictures of my garden. I added captions to make it more interesting. I ate my first home grown carrot today; it was so yummy. We had a salad made from swiss chard and carrots from the garden, and other veggies from the store, which will soon come from our garden (tomatoes and cucumbers).

Countdown to Hawaii

2007-07-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

We only have a few short weeks left before the Hawaii fun begins. Is everyone working on their base tans???

Happy Birthday Holly

2007-07-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks and give you a birthday hug.

Happy Birthday Holly!!

2007-07-16T12:10:00.001-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful day, and that your birthday is as fun as mine was. Enjoy your new puppy! He's adorable. Love you!

Thank you for the Birthday wishes!

2007-07-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I feel very loved as I look at my hope chest and see all of the cards that you sent sitting on top of it. It was such a great day because of the cards and phone calls I received; I really felt loved.Ryan and I went to Sizzler for dinner to revisit the restaurant choice of my youth. The food was as good as I remembered it. For birthday celebrations we went to the drive-in to see Transformers and

Ryan and Rachele's 4th of July

2007-07-04T15:00:00.000-07:00

So Ryan and I went camping with his parents and a couple of his siblings. We camped at the best site in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The camp site sits along side a beautiful river and our site was next to a mini waterfall. We bbq'd steaks, cooked up some s'mores, and sat around the campfire. In the morning we went on a hike to White Pine Lake. It's an 8 mile round trip hike, and it was pretty

Las Vegas & The Grand Canyon

2007-07-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

Our mini vacation to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon was so much fun! Except we are worn out now and need a vacation to recover. We flew in Sat. morning and immediately felt the effects of the 110+ heat. Luckily there is never an air conditioned building far away. So basically our trip consisted of eating yummy food, shopping, a tiny bit of gambling (I'd lose on the slots and John would make

Summer Time!

2007-06-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I will be going to NY tomorrow night for an entire week! This is gonna be great! I will post more when I get back, pictures and all! Not being in school rocks!! :)

MY PUG!

2007-06-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

I will be getting a pug puppy on July 19th. Here is a picture of my puppy with his eyes open. Right now he weighs nearly a pound! He is so cute!

Flower Power

2007-06-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

TGIF People! So whats the plans for the weekend everyone? I'm going to go play golf tomorrow morning and then probably hang out by the pool. It's a tough life but somebodies got to live it. Sunday is of course Father's Day so Happy Daddy day to all. I'm hoping to get some crafting time in as well, but that remains to be seen. The garden could use some TLC so I may end up just focusing on

PJ's Graduation Visit

2007-06-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Bri and I just came back from a weekend trip to visit with PJ and watch his graduation from High School. The weekend was great. We flew into Portland and drove down on Friday to Roseburg. Saturday, we visited the UCC campus in the morning to see where he'll be going in the fall (did I mention full scholarship, I'm just so dang proud). We then ran around all over town, shopping for graduation

My Garden

2007-06-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you what I've grown so far. I wish you lived closer so that I could give you some of the leafy greens that we have. Click on each picture to see the notes I've written.Here's what you'll see in the photos. Broccoli, Swiss Chard, Red Leaf Lettuce, Carrot Tops, Beet Greens, Pepper Plants, Tomato Plants, Spinach, and Basil. In all I have about 16 lettuce plants, lots of beet greens,

Graduation Fun

2007-05-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

What a weekend! I'm feeling a little lonely now though so darn it you guys. I love having everyone here for these types of get togethers. It was so great to see Bri graduate with her BA is Behavioral Science. I'm just so darn proud I could spit. To think she represents only 26% of the general population that actually graduates from college. Hmmm, I think our family is doing pretty well so

Moving

2007-05-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we helped Bri move into her new abode. Check it out: http://www.prometheusreg.com/residential/vto/vtoDesc.html It's a great feeling to see your babies all growing up and stuff. Graduating, living in a nice home, etc. Even though the actual moving part is hard work there is just something about moving into a new place that never loses it's appeal for me. Maybe it's the

Thank You

2007-05-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I just have to comment on how much sweeter it was this year then last. I felt loved and appreciated all day and I want you guys to know how much it means to have you in my life and be loved by you. It was an emotional milestone as it marked the one year anniversary of PJ moving to Oregon so you can only imagine the tears that were flowing at the slightest

Way to go PJ!!!!!

2007-05-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

PJ does good. What a week for good news from my #1 son. First he called to say he turned in the last of his make up work and will graduate from Seminary! Then today he called to say he made the cut for the Choir he was trying out for at the Community College. This is a great opportunity for him because not only does he get to keep working on his music, but it also includes a scholorship.

The Simmering Point: Almost

2007-05-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Simmering Point: Almostwww.sanjosefit.comI will be doing the Silicon Valley Marathon on Nov. 4, 2007.

Holly's Birthday List

2007-05-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

This was just too funny to pass up. Holly you are a girl on a mission and I totally understand where you are coming from! I hope you get what you wish for.

Look what came in the mail!!!

2007-05-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

Family Journaling

2007-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

What a concept...an online journal for the whole family to share. This is an invitation for all of us to share our thoughts, ideas, funny anecdotes, frustrations, celebrations, well you get the idea. You are welcome to add posts, comments, add photos or albums, lists, add to the calendar, expand the links, basically share and expand to your hearts content. So hook up the RSS feed link and keep

I am no longer a wannabe

2007-04-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

So after a few lessons I decided I was big enough to play on the real golf course and Saturday was my moment. Rachele and Ryan were in town for her girlfriend's wedding, which coincidentally was on their 1st anniversary, so they basically just swapped roles (bride/bridesmaid)and the four of us went to play 9 holes before the afternoon wedding fun. I am hooked. I was a nervous wreck on the

My Broccoli Plants

2007-04-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

My broccoli leaves are turning red. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I'm very sensitive about my garden, so it makes me sad to think that I'm killing my plants. By the way, Kitty killed 3 of the broccoli plants, and a wind storm killed another of the plants, so now I'm down to four. I can't afford to lose another. I need broccoli.

Monday Recap

2007-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

This week's things to be thankful for: John's blood sugar is getting better, Rachele and Ryan are coming for a visit (I can finally dispose of the year old top to their wedding cake that is hogging space in my freezer), Brianna only has 4 weeks of school left, PJ has just slightly longer, work is plentiful, the bills are paid, my garden is starting to take off, life is good.

Ripples

2007-04-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the theme in our lessons at church was all about achieving peace in our lives. So the question of the day is, what can we do to have more peace? Seems we are always faced with adverse situations that we have to be responsible about and those times don't always lead to peaceful conditions. I was thinking about what causes me the most stress or discomfort and the first thought that

Preview to my New York trip

2007-04-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

My flight leaves SLC at 8:50 am, and I plan on being at the airport at 7:30 am. This means that I'll probably get up around 6:00 am, but I'm not worried about being tired because I plan on sleeping through the entire plane ride. We'll arrive at JFK around 4 something, and head over to the Hilton. I don't know what we'll do tomorrow night, and since I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing on

2007-04-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Kayla!

Birthday Wishes

2007-04-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY, KAYLA!!!

Dog to Dog

2007-04-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Tucker sends regrets about the chewies , Jeff - he'll round up a supply for you soon!!Dad & Randy had a blast at the Hockey Game Saturday. Randy got to see the more gregarious side of his Dad! The two of them will be going to Lakewood this week for an interview with a Dr. re: Dad's back pain. Thanks, Randy, for your input & help .Re: Rachell's NYC blog - is work taking her there? Would be

2007-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cousin (Conner)!!!

2007-04-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNER!!!!!

Almost

2007-04-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

I'm almost a college graduate. Man I never thought I would say those words. I really do feel smarter, and honestly, I feel no where near done. I do need a break though, between work and school, I don't seem to have a spare moment, so for just a bit, I will do 'normal' things, like things I want to do versus what I am assigned to do. However, to stay in the loop, I will continue to research

YOYO

2007-04-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

HAHAHAHA guess what its almost my birthday one of the most important days of the entire year!!!!! ya ya i love the happy birthday song its quite clever PJ:) and your SAT scores are great we got about the same score lol i got a 1420 pretty much the same thats tight we are as smart as eachother hahahha!!! how are all you guys over there anyway!

HEHEHE

2007-04-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

PJ HAS COME TO RAID THE BLOG! YEEEE!!! hahaha just kidding! HI FAMILY! this blog is so rad! i <3 it! haha anywho....i have had some exciting news lately myself...for starters....i got promoted TWICE in my first month of Red Robin! YAY ME! AND...i received a 1380 on my SAT's..not bad not bad...AND....i am dead set on graduating! YEE! this has beena great month so far.....oh by the way...if i don't

Golf Lessons

2007-04-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Deciding to take golf lessons has been a long time ambition. I have always wondered about the mystery of the game and why so many people that play it are passionate about this sport. I am beginning to understand how it could become an obsession. There is just something about it that feels really good when you hit the ball just right and it makes that little "click" sound and then glides

Dressing up the animals

2007-04-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

Move over cats, it's the mutts turn to shine now. Dressing up the cats and stacking things on them has been quite entertaining. I'm sure we'll continue with our attempts to get them to sit long enough to take the photo, but if you get tired of wrestling with them just move on to your friendly pup. They're good sports. They let you put anything on them; it may be chewed up in a matter of minutes,