Wordless Wednesday: Criss Cross Confusion!

This is what happens when someone other than mommy helps Momo get dressed.

Compliments of Papa. Her bathing top is on sideways - arm is through the neck hole.

I know, I know...those criss cross straps can be tricky!

Which reminds me of a flashback photo:

Front: The wrong way...compliments of daddy. Even she knows something is not right.

Front: The right way....thanks to mommy.

Back: the wrong way (again, compliments of daddy).

Back: the right way (again, thanks to mommy).

Darn criss cross straps must really confuse the men in the family!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, or Seven Clown Circus.

Nā Kama Kai - "Children of the Sea"

More ocean fun!

When catching up with an old lifeguard friend ("Hi Desire'!") she told me about a program her cousin had started called, "Nā Kama Kai." The program focuses on children and their relationship with the ocean  - to love, respect, enjoy and protect our beautiful sea. Not only does it incorporate safety education and ocean preservation but the kids get to experience sanding a surfboard, one-on-one instruction on the stand up paddle board and get to ride in a canoe!  I was sold. I signed the girls up.

How did it go?

The experience went above and beyond my expectations.

It was....

Fantastic.

Awesome.

Spiritual.

Inspirational.

And so much more.

Here are a few pictures:

The kids got to sand a surfboard......

Kailani's dry land lesson on a SUP (stand up paddle board.)

Momo taking the easy way.....

Here's Momo (in the middle) standing and paddling! Take a look at the twin boys to the right - they opted for a nap! Oh the bliss!

One of my most favorite pictures ever. Kailani SUPing - she looks so tiny out there!

The crew and kids getting ready for a canoe ride!

Did I mention that the program is fully run by enthusiastic, loving volunteers and is completely and totally FREE?!? ROCKSTARS they are. I thank every one of them!

Fore more information on Nā Kama Kai please check out their website! On there you will find the program's philosophy, mission, etc. and it includes several video clips of what they do! Also, if you are in Hawaii and have kids that are between the ages of 2-18 I highly encourage you to sign up for a class! They are only an hour long and run back-to-back from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Here's a link with a schedule of upcoming clinics. 

This is the second time we have attended Nā Kama Kai and it won't be the last! My kids can't wait to go to the next one! Now to save up for a stand up paddle board!

Wordless Wednesday - Boogie Boarding!

Trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer vacation! Check out her smile!
And yes....she's wearing goggles and she's okay with that! :)

For more Wordless Wednesday visit:

Wordless Wednesday, 5 Minutes for Mom, or Seven Clown Circus.

An Oreo Haiku

Cookies with no cream.

Trying hard to hide from mom.

Momo, it was you.

Introducing.....

My new "friend."

Isn't it beautiful?

It's an antique dress form that I recently purchased from a newly made friend, Caroline. The first time I laid eyes on it was while browsing her Etsy site. I instantly fell in love (yes....in love with a "mannequin" ...." I admit it....it sounds a bit twisted!) I asked her about it and could tell by the way she spoke that she loved it as well. Who could blame her? Not me. I got it. Totally got it.

*Sigh*

Feelings of envy. I've been wanting a dress form for some time now but never got around to getting one because I'm too cheap.

But then Caroline mentions to me that with her upcoming move overseas she might be parting it. 

*Gasp*

Now you would think that I would jump at the chance to own this magnificent piece but I didn't. Instead I tried to convince her to take it with her. After all, we have moved several times in the last four years and I know how it feels to have to part with beloved items. She then explained that with the recent closing of her Etsy shop (so unfortunate!) and with the need to downsize for their big move it would be best to find it a new home.

Long story short - I bought it.

*Squeal!!!*

When I went to pick it up I took a chance of sounding like a complete and total freak and asked Caroline if the dress form had a name. I was relieved (and tickled) when she responded, "YES! Her name is Addie."

And Addie it will continue to be!

I'm sure you will be seeing more of her here on "Mama's a Mess!"

By the way, the beautiful photograph of Addie was taken by Caroline herself. Check out her blog for more inspiration! 

 

*A note to Caroline: I pledge to you that I will take very good care of Addie! Thank you for the incredible deal....the incredible gift! It's a bummer to have just met you and now you have to move. Best of luck on your new adventures and I look forward to your return to the islands!

*A note to my dear blogger friends: yes, I realized I wrote an entire post about a dress form. I couldn't help it. Most anyone that sews surely understands. :)