finding, home...





Job, check.

House....still looking...

Right now...  I am knitting, and navigating our way around, house hunting, with a chilly papillon snuggled under a blanket on my lap...more news to come...

Happy weekend everyone!

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one day left




Right in the middle of our last days now, all the last minute packing,and running around is finally behind us.

Time to stop, take a breath, and share some of our local family favorites with you, come join us as we say goodbye.

:: that was my post :::

Yet as traveling with four kids and two pets goes, we have left Oahu and have landed in our new homeland.  So all my dreamy goodbye posts got left behind for last minute meetups with dear friends, and of course lots of rushing around and shuffling of bags.

We're on the go rental car, hotel room and looking for our new home...fingers crossed...

I'll keep you posted with the updates and more pictures as we get things figured out.

It's sooo good to be cold again!!!!

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hello 2012 and goodbye Hawaii



Yes, it's true our bags are packed and we are ready for this new year and all the new adventures that come with moving to a new place!
 Our year (14 months) here in Hawaii has been suprising, amazing, beautiful, at times challenging, and most of all, has brought our family closer together than ever before. We have made some very dear friends, have experienced so many breath taking views, and wondered in awe at the native birds and fish, and yes, we even swam with a sea turtle....amazing.
The sun never quits here on oahu, and the water is always the most lovely shade of turquiose, we leave here with hearts full of gratitude for this island paradise, and all of the wonderful memories.

Some of the last island creations, right before the sewing machine was packed away
above:fabric hair clips for the girls, cause a girl needs to have accessory options for travel, right?
below: I've been drawing alot this year, and decided I could use a fabric travel case for all those fun markers that seem to be mysteriously multiplying? Hmm..well, that and, any excuse to use vintage buttons, they are my favorite!






Also, in keeping a promise to myself, call it a new years resolution, I'm bringing my yoga mat, nevermind all the bags we are already bringing, or the two pets and four kids...yes, there will be room(and time) for yoga, especially acro yoga... Yes! and running.
This was the very last sewing project here on Oahu, I couldn't resist giving that little tangerine a face, well, I had my markers right there you know, in that little case... ahh, organization. The quote on top is from our favorite yoga song Dance for the sun by Kira Willey, whenever this song comes on Pandora everyone stops what they are doing(yes, even me) and we all giggle and do a sun salutation together. I tell you just that little song and ritual has turned many a frown upside down and you know I think the kids really like it too!

Lillyanna's faerie frock -Carefree Clothes for Girls







 I have been waiting and wanting to make this dress for my little red head ever since I bought this amazing book last year. Well, actually this dress is the reason for buying this book, I just love this dress..and so does Lilly, I help her into and out of it as many time as she requires a day (it's not allowed outside in the backyard we have Red Dirt you know)..today that has been about four and it's only lunchtime. The patterns in this book are just so adorable and simple construction too, gotta love that. Finding the perfect shade of natural gauzey(great new word) material at our local thrifting spot, was all I needed to pull this little beauty together. Now she tells me, wearing the dress, she is a princess and this is her favorite dress ::hugging it::..."can you unbutton it,? I want to go outside.." :)




We have a few vines of passion fruit growing along our fence, actually,you can see them in the first photo's, the girls know how much I love inspirational nature pieces and have been bringing me "presents" in the form of these beautiful delicate lengths of vine. I have them in various places throughout our home and admire them often. When I was putting the final touches on this dress one night, I hung it up next to one one these vines which the wind picked up and blew over, where it caught on the neckline, and stayed. I immediately knew this was the something extra special I had been searching for, you know to add a touch of my own design. To make- I began with blending different tones of alpaca and wool, to make the needle felted leaves. With some lengths of wool and alpaca yarn I strung the leaves onto the center, and fastened the ends to some lengths of silk ribbon. Now the faerie (or princess) has her belt, or crown, depending...cause it's nice to have options, right?

these summer days







 As often as possible we can be found here, playing in the waves and sun, laughing, running, swimmimg, surfing, and yes, sometimes even knitting. Summer has always been one of my very favorite seasons and this year celebrating summer on the islands with this awesome group ...what more could a girl ask for?

this moment

                                                  {this moment} inspired by soulemama
 A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see

Fourth of July Frock for Lilly






I just love the fourth of July. Well, all things summer really. This little over a yard of cotton print fabric was a thrift store score that I just knew would be a fantastic color choice, on our little resident fire cracker :)
The price couldn't be beat (2.00!) and while there was some sun fading in various sections, it isn't nearly enough to be noticeable and anyway, I think it's just part of the charm of reusing, don't you? The pattern is my own design and the second version of this simple cross-over pull on style. Which by the way, I love... no buttons or zippers, which makes it really quick and easy to whip up ....say, come Monday morning, when inspiration finally struck (ahem.) 
 Outside, and all dressed in mama made (knit bag, blanket, clip) the imaginative play of puppy and owner continued with her big sister. Ah, these tender moments that highlight our warm summer days.

::this moment::



{this moment} inspired by soulemama - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see