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.