10k

I committed to it, trained and did it! Next goal: half marathon in 2 weeks. For that one, I might just need some oxygen and a defibrillator. It's been a hard one to train for (tomorrow is an 11 miler...ugh!) But the best feeling is getting congratulatory hugs from H, O and Mark afterwards!

In Japan

Perhaps it is time to update a bit?

Yes, we made it to Japan, albeit without a headache. But, like childbirth, you forget all the bad and move on.

We found a house surprisingly quick. It took us 3 months in Germany. Here, just about a week, thanks to our friend from Germany! Moved in to said house. All pictures not hung up (damn cement walls). Boys started school....they love it. Mark got a fabulous job. I am teaching.

We have been to so many beaches and love that, especially now in November! Last weekend we were at one all by ourselves. Gorgeous turquoise, fairly warm water. See below:



We had so many firsts in the few months we have been here as well. In the first week we were here we had our first typhoon. Soooo happy that we were in a friend's house and not a hotel. We were in lockdown for over 2 days. No leaving the house. Imagine doing that in a hotel room. Yikes! Thanks to J&J we had all amenities, games and space to get away from each other if need be. (And we needed be!) We also had our first earthquake just a week or so ago. I was teaching and felt a bit shaky. It started by feeling like someone was sitting next to you on the couch and shaking their leg. Then, it got bigger. I watched some glass wobble on a shelf in my room. Nothing fell, but it was something! By the time I figured out what was going on, it was over. 6.8 magnitude just a hundred miles off our western coast. Check that off the list.

Despite all these things going on, and life rolling along, the honeymoon period is over and I really miss Europe. We are not traveling for Thanksgiving. It seems as though most people don't. It is so unlike the mass exodus from Germany. We really didn't do enough research to find out where to go. Not to mention, the few times I did look, flight durations were so long, we would have spent most of the time flying! It's not just the traveling that is bringing me down. There's a whole post for that! But, my folks are coming for Christmas, which will be great. The rest of the year should fly by and we will be back home for the summer soon enough. I am not wishing time away, but I am excited to get back. It took us such a long time to find close friends in Germany. It is hard coming here and trying to find our niche. It's lonely. We'll see where this path takes us. Right now, we are just so fortunate to be blessed with family, friends, health and great jobs.

So, to all...a very happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for you to be in our lives.

New Adventure

Disappointingly, our time in Europe is coming to an end. We were so sure we were going to head back to the States. Not so. I put my name in for a transfer just to see what would happen. I knew I would get a job, it was just a question of where. We wanted to stay in Europe. I knew I should just play the lottery; I'd have a better chance of winning big than getting our top choices. We wouldn't consider mainland Japan, Korea or any job that was teaching middle school or high school. (Too much time to devote after teaching littles for so long.) As it turns out, we were offered one of the last choices on our list, but one that we would consider. I thought to myself, if Mark gets a job...then we go. Two phone calls later on Mark's part, job offer. So, we are heading to.....

Okinawa, Japan

A small island south west of mainland Japan. Tropical year round. Beaches. Great place for families. Every one we have spoken with loved it, so we figured...why not have a go at it.

There are so many pluses. We get to go home every summer on someone elses dime. Boys are at a great age to see the sights before we hit middle and high school schedules. Love the idea of a small community. Great school. If we don't like it, we can always walk away after a year, but at least we said we tried it.

Fingers crossed. There are lots of hoops to jump through. Any snags, we always have the States. But for now, we are plugging ahead.

Konnichiwa Japan, Sayonara Deutschland!

Sun to Snow

In December, we were here....
(and we thought it was crazy before the riots!)


January, were went here....



The possibility of leaving Europe is looming ahead. We have some big decisions to make as a family. I am such a waffler- I hate decision making!

Week 26...I've lost Count!

I am so behind on posting projects. It seems like I am always working on something, but can't seem to get the camera out and snap a few shots. I have a list of things that I need to take photos of. Anyway, here is a tutorial for a bag organizer. The handbag that I have now is really deep and I am always searching for something. I tried one of these a while ago, but didn't seem to get it right. I tried again after getting frustrated trying to find my wallet!

Fairly simple project:

So, I started by folding my fabric so it had a 2 folds; one taller at the back, and a shorter one in the front. This is all one piece of fabric, just kind of accordion folded.

Then, I cut the material and took the long piece from the back of the folds and brought it to the front, so it was inside out. Sewed around the edge, leaving an opening to turn. Turned right way, ironed, top stitched.

Lastly, I sewed pockets to hold all the gear in my purse: phone, wallet, pens, card holder.


And that fabric? Ancient! But this was the mock up. Since it worked, I can pull out some decent stuff. Then again...who sees the inside of your purse and 90's fabric?

Losing Weight with a Lisp

I got fitted for my mouth guard yesterday. This might be the best way to drop a few pounds. And I talk funny.

Summer in Norway

This year, our summer vacation took us to Norway. Mark really wanted to see the fjords. I, not knowing what to expect, was along for the ride. It wasn't high on my to see list. We started out of Dover, England, which was like a coming home for us. And we did cross on the ferry. Something I said I would never do again. I really didn't remember Dover being so depressed. It is such a run down town. We took the boys to see the white cliffs, shopped at Tesco, and had a great steak and ale pie. So, it wasn't all bad. Then, we boarded our ship, and headed for Norway. Here are some pictures of the trip. The weather did not cooperate. We left 90 degree weather, only to vacation in dreary, drizzly weather. But the sights were spectacular.....


This was in Molde; it was our 12 year anniversary and we hiked up this mountain. (I think that's the ship in the background.) When we honeymooned in Tahiti, we biked around the island and I complained the entire time. Not much has changed in 12 years.


Taken from the train up a fjord in Flam. The train kept breaking down, so we went up 3/4 of the way, then came back down. It was just fine with us. They refunded our ticket money (did I mention everything in Norway is really, really expensive?) and there wasn't anything to see at the top. The greatest part were sights on the way up.

Geirganger. Pretty breathtaking, huh?

In front of the Oslo Opera House.

The boys on the white cliffs of Dover.

Guess The Fundraiser

Week 25

A while ago I bought some fabric and ribbon with the intention of making a skirt from it. I finally made one.

I took a favorite H&M skirt, (I have one in every color--Mark calls it the summer 'uniform') and put it on the fabric. I just cut (gasp... no measuring!) around the H&M skirt giving a little extra for seam allowance. I stitched up the sides, used fold over elastic for the top and hemmed the bottom. All very easy. Then, it needed something. Since it was the color of scrubs, it really needed some oomph. So, I played around with the ribbon that I bought for it. Couldn't figure out what to do with it; edge the bottom, a swirl on the front; down the sides? I ended up scrapping the ribbon thing after remembering a Boden skirt!
Here is the inspiration skirt....Here is what I ended up with.

Week 24

While O was napping this afternoon, I made this little number. I have been wanting a clothespin holder for a while, but was really unsure how to do it. I had some Laura Ashley fabric from a looonng time ago. (Like when we were living in the UK, there was a LA store nearby. They had some great deals on fabric!) I wasn't sure how it would turn out, so I didn't use fabric I loved...just in case. Now that I figured it out, I think I might try one in different fabrics. This should do the trick to keep the clothespins handy.

Week 23

Freeze Pop Holder
Tired of wrapping paper towels around ice pops to keep little hands clean and warm? I stitched these up in a jiffy yesterday. I used fleece from another project; cut strips 2.5" x 10", folded in half and stitched using a zig zag stitch around the edges. I made enough for when the whole M'bach gang is here.

Here is O with a demo of how to use it. After a nap, he was a sweaty mess.

Week 22

I purchased this Heather Bailey Nicey Jane fabric a while back. I bought a few fat quarters. For some reason I was on a pink kick (usually not me). But I really fell for this fabric. I wasn't sure what to do with it though. I found an old bag at the thrift shop (sadly, where I find most stuff around here) and took off the bamboo handles. So, I looked around for a bag pattern or tutorial I could use. I knew I didn't want a tote type bag. It would just collect just at the bottom of my closet. I can't find the tutorial that I used though. I remember it was for only a single sided and I wanted something reversible or lined. This pattern worked out well and it can be reversed! I took it on our cruise and kept my knitting in it. Perfect size to walk around with and I could wear it on my arm, to boot!

Week 21

I whipped this little gem up the other day before heading to the grocery store. I had a fist full of coupons (and how do you say that...'q-pon' or 'koo-pon'?) and they were just on the bottom of my purse. I made this the same way as I did the punch card holder, just a big bigger. I love the fabric, too! I purchased the matroyshka from a fabric market that travels around Germany and the Netherlands. The inside is the same fabric as the skirt from a few weeks ago.

Now, a place for all those coupons....and a (fairly) neat purse!

Week 20

Happy Father's Day! Yeah, a little late. Every year, the boys make a t-shirt for Mark. I'm running out of ideas. We have already done footprints and We love you from the bottom of our 'soles', We lava you, Dad (with hand print lava; Henry was really into volcanoes that year), Dad, you rock and roll (with a bike and guitar on it; big into biking and Guitar Hero that year), as well as handprints and stuff. I have to admit, I was sweating it out this year. Really did not know where to go with it. Mark got a new car, so we used that as a starting point. Picture of kids, car combined with iron on paper that you run through the printer...voila!

Week 17, 18, 19

So, here are a few of the projects that have gone out in the mail recently. (Mom...stop reading and looking now.) I know she won't. We are both terrible at keeping presents a secret. Here goes...

Pin
This pin was made with different scraps of fabric. I found the tutorial here. I love this woman and her blog! The colors she uses in her quilts and throughout her house. Ahhhh...love it! Back to the pin. I did another after this one in more pinks, but this one turned out far better. I think it was because of the ruffle technique.
Apron
This apron I have made many times. I made them for my friends for Christmas. This one is going to Mom. Super easy and I love mixing up the fabric patterns. Tutorial here.

Family Rules
When I taught in the UK, my partner in Art, had this awesome mantra that the kids said when entering the room. It is genius. I use it now. It seemed like we should have Family Rules. So, saw this idea and made one of our own. Doesn't have the ring like Clyde's Art Farm rules, but I do love it. Hangs in a prominent place in our house to refer to. I did not add one important rule though....no ball playing in the house. Use your imagination. Yeah. And Mark was the ringleader!
Aaannnddd...this was made with Modge Podge. I bought some scrapbook paper that I liked, cut it to fit the printer, and printed the sayings on the paper. (I had to fiddle with the font size and type.) Then I cut the paper into strips, applied Modge Podge on a canvas (already with gesso), then put the strips down and another coat of Modge Podge. I think this could easily be done on a piece of plywood or board, too.

Week 16

I saw this flower pin and loved it! I made another after this purple one in a thicker felt and it was just too much. This one is regular ol' felt. I love the punch it gives to anything!

Week 15

I am so behind! I have yet to add pictures of the knitting bag and swirl scarf. Here is the latest project. I wanted to make a wrap around skirt. Ideally, reversible. Since this was my first time at trying a skirt at all, reversible would have to wait.

I visited a friend down in Bavaria a couple of weekends ago. She has the fabulous fabric store near her house. Like in biking distance. Seriously, I would be broke if I lived anywhere near there. It isn't a Joann's but it is great! I got a few 'necessities', and this fabric. I bought the yellow bias tape there as well. This skirt started as just a 6 paneled skirt with the idea of it being a pull on using fold over elastic. I tried it on and 6 panels was just waaay to full for me. I thought about adding a zipper, but I was too fearful; I have never, ever sewn one. So, I took out a seam and make it into a wrap around. I think 1 more panel would have been better, as it would have given more coverage, but it's ok the way it is. I just added the grosgrain ribbon on each side with a belt loop in the back to prevent the ribbon from riding up, and a button hole in the band to slip it through.

Overall, I am pleased the way it turned out. For a first try, not too bad.

Came, Saw, Conquered

Kelley is here! What a fabulous time with her!! She wanted to go to Italy, so....we did. She arrived early Sunday morning and by 10pm that night, we were on our way to the Eternal City! After a long lie in (she was so jet lagged), we headed to the major sights. Along the way, we met our friend Marco for a fabulous dinner and night out (ouch!), had awesome weather and laughed til our sides hurt. Everything that hanging out with your bestie should be! I will so miss her when she leaves tomorrow bright and early. So, so much!!! Give your best friend a hug and tell her how much you value her friendship and love her. I know I will be doing that with lots of tears tomorrow at the airport.

...at the top of the cupola on St. Peter's

Potential Throw Down With the Chicken Lady

Sometimes I love living in our host country. Yesterday I did not. I think that our host nationals are rude. (Who says Parisians are rude? You have never been here!) Now, my disclaimer is that not all are rude...I have made some wonderful German friends. The chicken lady is not one of them.

I was dropping a book off at a friend's house and the layout of the road was such that I could make a giant loop---her house, around the block, back to my house. So, I drop off said book, and make my way up and around toward my house. I turn on to a somewhat small-ish street and in front of me is the chicken lady. It is actually a green and gold colored van that sells eggs out of it. (At one point in time, chickens were sold too. I have no idea why they are no longer available.) The chicken lady stops. Barely pulls over and this is a narrow street, my friends. She is in front of a driveway, which is illegal for any one other than a German national. I give a friendly beep, in hopes she will scoot a little to the right, so I can pass. She does not acknowledge me. Another beep. Nothing. I feel my blood boiling. Beep. The back van doors swing open in a flourish and I am told (rather nastily) to back up and go around. I am not attempting to turn around. I ask her to move over a bit. No, and the doors slam shut. Oh, she didn't, did she?! Beep. Long pause. Beep. Long pause. Beep. Long pause. Beep. (My children's ears are burning with what I spewing from my mouth right about now.) The lady that lives in the house across the street comes out for her eggs. (Really, she could have used the quarter mile walk to the corner store.) She throws her hands up and gives me a look. Oh, that is so the last time I chit chat with her when I see her! I am starting now to practice my stink eye. Eventually, a worker who had buckets of stucco in road moves them and I proceed to go around, with no joke, mere inches next to the chicken van. If I didn't have places to go, I would have pulled in front of that chicken lady, put my car in park and waited. But, I was too chicken.

Remember Spring Break?

Spring Break seems so long ago! I realized today that I failed to update about our great vacation. I will make it short and sweet....
We cruised with our great friends to the Black Sea. Mark and I have cruised on this line before and weren't to impressed with it. We had low expectations....as long as we got from point A to point B, everything in between was a bonus; the ports were the lure.

We started out in Genoa, Italy and after spending a night in Milan with friends we boarded. The ship was small. And clientele, very geriatric. Needless to say, our group's 4 kids were the majority of the Kid's Club. So from Genoa, we sailed to Rome. How I love that city!!

O eating gelato in Piazza Navona

Then on to Athens. Every time we go there, I think it's our last, and inevitably, we go back.

Plaka in Athens

Then, on to Istanbul, Turkey. Mark had been here before, but the rest of us were new. We hired a private tour guide and I didn't regret it. What an amazing city! And the Grand Bazaar...I think that I could spend days there. Although, I started to see the same thing over an over. Then on to the Ukraine; Yalta first, then Odessa. It was a really beautiful country! I really liked Odessa- it reminded me of St. Petersburg. (Odessa was Catherine the Great's summer getaway or something like that.) Big, colorful buildings and it helped that the weather was nice!

Church in Yalta


Boys in Odessa

Then finishing up in Sorrento...

and then to Taormina. I remember when I studied in Italy, 2 friends went to Taormina for their mid-term trip and talked about how much they loved it. I understand why. Back to Genoa then, and a long drive home.

Sweet mother of pearl, I can not find a way to upload Turkey pictures!