Journal Project: Summer 2012 (what's left of it)

Miss Independent and Little Miss are supposed to be writing in their journals every day this summer however, they're not really thrilled about it. I was explaining the importance of this project (strengthening their writing skills, documenting their adventures, etc.) when it dawned on me that I had my very own journal (of sorts) that I haven't put much effort in for quite some time.

So...as they're documenting their 2012 summer adventures I'm going to attempt to do the same. For starters, I just joined The Girls in Reno, NV, after being away from them for two-weeks. Prior to this trip, I'd only been away from them for two-nights!

You may be thinking to yourself that two-weeks doesn't seem very long, but for me, it felt like it was going to be an eternity. Many tears were shed -- mostly by me -- but thankfully we all survived, including my parents, who graciously offered to take them. Now that the girls are here, they may not offer to do it again! And that, my friends, would definitely be something to write about...

For the time being though, I'll just stick to highlighting some of our adventures across The Silver State and beyond.

Stay tuned and wish us luck!

An update

So I'm really bummed.

I was doing GREAT on my goal of updating my blog at least once a week, but then we moved and it's thrown me off.

Anyway -- I'm back to the grind and the world of blogging so I can continue documenting this great little life of mine.

I hope you'll come back for a visit soon, cause I got some stuff to share!

Blog Hiatus

We're on vacation this week.

Stay tuned for pictures and an update from our trip!

To blog or not to blog in 2010?

I'm not sure anyone is reading this blog anymore, but I have made a resolution to keep it AND to update it more frequently (my resolution: at least once a week -- wish me luck!)
Why?

Because I'm inspired by something President Eyring said about journaling:

"I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: 'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?' As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done."

I have definitely seen what God can do in my life and I want to remember it always. Writing things down -- on a blog, in a notebook or on a scrap piece of paper -- not only helps me to remember, but will be something I can leave for my family.

Thanks, MW, for posting such a great quote on your blog. It has inspired me to keep up this work. :)

Feeling awkward...

Yeah, that's how I feel right now about my Blog. I'm sure you know that feeling too -- the friend you bump into at the grocery -- the one who called you last -- the one you never retured the call to -- and now it's like six-months later... I hate that feeling.

Don't get me wrong -- I don't get that feeling too often, but when I do get it, I just hate it.

So, "Hello (AGAIN), Blog. I really do think about you and appreciate you sticking with me.

I don't want to place blame but seriously, it isn't all me. It's that darn Facebook! It's easy to upload pictures and keep in touch with my friends. You just sit around here waiting for me to be creative enough to type more than 144 characters at a time. Who really has time for that any more? I promise, it's nothing personal..."

In case you aren't keeping in touch with our family on Facebook, here's a brief list of the major events that have taken place:

1. We moved to Maryland (see the pic of our new house).

2. I turned 38 -- BLECH!

3. We sold the house in Arizona -- FINALLY!

4. The girls started Pre-K.

5. The girls turned 5! (I know, I can't believe it either.)

6. Life is good.


Stay tuned. I do plan to get back to blogging soon.

History in the making

It's a beautiful and historic day.

It's November 5th and I'm finally updating my blog!

What? You thought I was talking about something else? ; )

While that was said in jest, I would like to take a moment to say that I do (sincerely) believe that today is a historic day for our nation.

In consideration of my family and friends with differing views, and in light of the basic nature of my Blog, I will refrain from commenting specifically on candidates, political opinions, etc.

However, I would like to share the following:

I believe that every American should be proud of this country. Yesterday, each (law-abiding citizen) had the opportunity to vote for the candidates and measures they most agreed with. Ultimately, the voice of the "people" (the majority) was heard. Even if we didn't agree with the decisions made -- each of us was able to speak ("vote") freely! Can you imagine living in a country where those decisions are made for you? I could probably try, but after getting to know someone who has lived in a country like that; I REALLY don't want to.

So that's my two cents on America -- for now...

And here are my thoughts on this historic day for my Blog:

It's been a while, I know.

I'd like to blame Facebook, since that seems to derail some of my evening Blog time. But really, it's just that life is hectic and I have a hard time keeping up.

However, if you're willing to stick with me, I promise to get back to posting (semi) regularly.

Now, to those who keep stalking me in regard to my posts (DD, RF, ML, RM, SR, etc. - you know who you are!)...I heard your voices loud and clear and I'M WORKING ON IT! Consider this a start.

Stay tuned...

Change is good

Diving into the world of "blogging" has been fun for me. I've been able to reconnect with some old friends, spend time writing "for fun" and to watch the reaction on my girls' faces when they see themselves on the computer screen. In short, it's been a pleasant addition to my to-do list.

However, it was only a matter of time before the hyper-focused inner me started thinking of ways to change my blog: center this, add that, etc. The list went on and on and sadly, beyond my technical expertise.

Thankfully, I stumbled across Darcy and Graphically Designing. She was able to make sense of my madness and create this beautiful new layout. I LOVE IT!

In the process, I decided that my blog - despite its short existence - needed a new name. "Sugar and Spice: Ingredients for a Happy Life" was cute, but I felt it wasn't capturing what I wanted to say or do with this blog. (Yes, I over-think just about everything.)

Why Roots & Wings?

1. The purpose of my blog is to share moments. The significant moments, and the not-so-significant moments in between.

2. My granny (my mom's mom), who I miss dearly and is often on my mind, had a favorite quote that she referenced throughout her life. I didn't understand it as a teenager, but it sure makes sense as an adult.

"There are two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings." (Hodding Carter)

So true.

3. I like to think that our "roots" are established through the friendships we make, the places we live, and the experiences we go through; and that our "wings" come as a result of those experiences and relationships - ultimately enabling us to fly on our own.

So there you have it -- my over-thinking, brainstorming process in writing. Frightening.

In closing, I'd like to say thanks to Darcy for making my blog dreams a reality. She's talented, witty and very patient. Please check out her site if you're interested in blog tips or makeover services. She's great to work with and delightful to know.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who keeps coming back to check in with us. Truly, it means more than you know.

The Details

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times..."Tamara, you're all about the details."

It's true. I like details.

Whether it's planning a party, or planning the weekend...I like knowing the details. Perhaps it's because I like making the most of my time, or maybe it's because I function better with some structure. Either way -- I certainly prefer details and organization, but life happens and things get a little out of control at times.

My work requires that I focus hard on the details of writing. My personal life requires that I focus hard on the details of wifehood, motherhood, friendhood, etc. and so on. Sometimes I get tired of the details requiring my attention, but generally speaking, I enjoy keeping my "i's" dotted, "t's" crossed, and all of my writing "typo-free." (Yes, the period does belong inside the quote mark. Please don't get me started...)

Unfortunately, after years of being an over-achiever, I've come to realize I'm not perfect and that some of my "details" have gotten out of control. For the first time in my life I'm not able to keep up with it all (does anyone really keep up with it all?). And while I've always known that some of life's details aren't necessary, I've still had trouble letting them go.

Well...that ends today (fingers crossed).

The quote "life is in the details" still rings true for me, but I've decided it's not the right title for this Blog (that's another story) and that time is passing by too quickly for me to be caught up in the details that are wasteful, worrisome and not worthy of my effort, tears, etc.

Without going into too much detail (pun not-intended), I've had some personal challenges over the past 18-months. I've focused entirely on my relocation (to AZ from VA) and my immediate family because that seemed to be much easier than dealing with the pain of leaving the home I knew and loved for 24-years.

I've ignored e-mails, phone calls and letters from many of you and it wasn't intentional. I just kept sinking further down and focusing only on the things required for survival. Again, in an effort to spare you the details and to avoid sounding dramatic, I'll just say that I'm doing my best to bloom where I'm planted, now.

If you've received an invitation to read this blog it means that you're someone very close to me and someone I've most likely been out of touch with lately. While the above explanation is brief, it's true. I never imagined how much I'd miss my home and the friends I considered family. I thought (being the over-achiever that I am, or was), that I'd make this transition in my life with grace and style. Yeah -- that sooo didn't happen out here.

So, to make a long post short, let me try to summarize my light bulb moment.

Life comes with challenges.
Thankfully, challenges come with blessings
(even if they're not recognized right away).

Or, if you prefer the toddler-friendly version, which links back to the title of this blog:

Life is filled with sugar and spice.
It takes a bunch of ingredients, and lots of trials
(and errors) to make an award-winning recipe.

So if you're interested in seeing what's cooking in this kitchen (a.k.a. life in the Wyatt Household) I hope you'll check out our blog from time to time. It will offer:

- Pictures and details about the family
- Pictures and details about our life and house in AZ
- Pictures and stories about the weird (and sometimes scary) wildlife that comes to visit (last week a rattlesnake dropped by!)
- Updates on Skitterskat
- Anything else I can think of to keep you coming back

It's no episode of LOST (or my old fav, Alias), but I guarantee it will be interesting.

Stay tuned.
Love, T