Lizards Beware!

One of my favorite things to do growing up was catch frogs and lizards. I wasn't nearly as successful in the hunts as my dad and brother were (and still are), but I loved the challenge and had fun nonetheless.

I guess it should come as no surprise that Miss Independent has become a fan of the hunting game as well. And unlike me at her age, she's actually quite good at it. She's caught two baby lizards in the last week and has created a "lizard habitat" in a container in the hopes of catching more. With that kind of positive thinking, I'm sure she'll do it. Unfortunately though, our trip is quickly coming to an end and she's got to sleep some time!

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!

Happy New Year! No, wait...

Yeah, New Year's has long past...

I had good intentions about continuing on with my goal of updating the blog at least once a week, but 2011 kind of got away from me. I'll be honest...this year has simply been OUT OF CONTROL and I don't like it. But that's just life, or so I'm told.

So rather than do a book report on all the things that have been happening over the past five months, I'll report where we are today...

• Home, from an awesome skydiving birthday party for The Man (see video below).
• Enjoying the rest of our Memorial Day weekend, which will include a trip to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D (the girls can barely wait).
• Lathering ourselves up with Aloe because we're red like lobsters (okay, really it's just me doing that - I seriously need to pay attention to sun screen).
• Preparing for the last day of Kindergarten (can you BELIEVE IT?), which will be here in about three-weeks.
• Also preparing for Granny Kay's arrival, which happens just before school gets out. The girls are counting down the days on their calendars - literally!
• Wondering where the spring weather was, or went, and how it can possibly be almost-summer-time.

As you can see, life continues to roll on for our little family. It's not exciting all of the time, but it's definitely filled with moments that we'll never forget. Like The Man's 51st birthday party at No Limits Skydiving. He's always wanted to try it, so a drop from 12,000 feet was his gift this year. I can't say I wasn't scared to watch him fly through the sky - especially before his chute opened - but knowing how happy the experience would make him, made the gift (and my nerves) totally worth it. You can check out what he saw below...

You can view more pictures from the weekend here.

Promises to be back soon...if for no other reason than to document the moments our family never wants to forget...and the ones you're not always with us to enjoy.

Happy Bithday, Babies!

I know I talk about my babies a lot, but in reality, they aren't babies any more. As of today, they are now six-years-old and growing faster day by day.

If you've kept up with my blog, you know this doesn't make me happy. I'm the kind of person that likes a good thing to last forever, and being a mom to two sweet baby girls was/is the most fun I've ever had. And the fact that time just keeps going by faster and faster reminds me that I need to try to slow down every now and then to relish the moments -- big and small.

Six years ago I received the two biggest blessings in my life. That day brought so much anxiety, but so much joy. Looking back, I don't know how my heart or body handled it all. It definitely wasn't easy, but sooooo worth every minute. Being part of their lives is an adventure I wouldn't trade for anything. I hope Miss Independent and Little Miss never forget much I love and appreciate them.

Happy Birthday, Babies!

OH! And just in case you're wondering...

Yes, we have a big party planned for tomorrow. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap.

Birthday beach trip!

The beach trip for my birthday was a great little get-away for us. Our only regret about the trip was that it didn't last longer.

I'd forgotten how much I love swimming in the ocean, searching for sea shells, eating crab legs and going to the candy store for salt water taffy.

As you can see from the picture, the girls loved the trip too, and they did everything they could to stay at the ocean as long as possible. Can't say I blame them!

To see pictures from our trip, click here.

My brother rocks!

So my brother, the
E-man, just finished rebuilding his 1956 Buick Classic car. And while I haven't seen it in person, the pictures look absolutely amazing.

He showed it off at Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada last week and it was a huge hit. I sent him a shirt to wear that matched his car, so I felt like I was there in spirit.


From birth, my brother has amazed me with his talents. He's been taking things apart and rebuilding them as long as I can remember. I think it used to get him in trouble, but take a look at this picture and you'll see that it was well worth it.

I love you, E-man. You do great work!

Happy Mother's Day - We found a house!

It's Mother's Day and since we've been off house hunting this weekend there's no big fanfare to celebrate. I guess that's okay considering the fact that after weeks of searching, we finally found a place to call home in Richmond!

I'm excited about what we (finally!) found and hope that the move will start coming together now.

It's been tough trying to explain to the girls why we keep traveling out of town each weekend; dragging them through houses, begging them to be on their best behavior, etc. etc.

But, I guess that's just life and as a mom, having to explain tough things comes with the territory.

I'm grateful to be the mother of two beautiful daughters. There was a time when I never thought I'd have the opportunity to become a mom. I prayed like crazy, but the years kept going by. Thankfully, after much waiting and anticipation, Miss Independent and Little Miss arrived. It was the most amazing day of my life.

In honor of that special day, I'm re-posting my favorite "new mom" picture. It was my first day home from the hospital and a time that went by way too quickly.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Whether you've had children of your own or not, Mother's Day is for all of the women who've loved, longed for or cared for a child.

AND finally, Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and to my second mom, Mom Beverly. I love you both dearly and appreciate all that you've done for me and for my family.

Disney bound!

Sing it with me...

M - I - C...K - E - Y... M - O - U - S - E!

Can you tell I'm excited?

We are bound for Disney World in just 12 short days, and we can barely wait.

The Man has been working in Florida for the past four weeks so in additon to seeing Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang; we also get to see... Daddy!

Being apart has been hard on all of us and I for one am ready to do the parks and then bring The Man home. We'll see how it goes as there are big changes for his job in the works. However, that's a story for another day -- I can't think about that right now -- I'm too busy focusing on the fun we'll have with the kids as we explore Orlando.

OH! And did I mention that my mom is coming with us? We're going to celebrate the girls 5th birthday and her 60th -- a little late -- but in classic Disney-style. Fun will be had by all!

So, stay tuned for pictures and an update from the parks in a little less than two weeks! WOO HOO!!!

Goodbye, Rio Cat (1991-2010)

I can't believe I'm actually typing these words, but Rio Cat, my companion for more than 18 years, passed away on Monday night.

I knew the day was coming, but I didn't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye.

I've lost pets throughout my life, but losing Rio feels different. It IS different.

Rio was the first cat I had on my own and he was all mine. We were a tight pair and together way before there was "The Man," or "The Girls."

He was there through every heartbreak -- laying beside me as I cried; and he was there for every joy, like when I brought two baby girls home from the hospital.

Rio was an extraordinary cat. If you knew him, you'll remember that he was always a little mischievous. He'd steal bread from the pantry and open up Hershey Kisses. He'd chew on anything plant-like and run off with green powdered doughnuts. He was certainly an original.

It's funny thinking back to the day I found him. Of the three kittens in the litter, he was my last choice. After his brother and sister were taken, I felt I'd "settled" for Rio. But immediately I found out I was wrong and he ended up being the pick of the litter. He was more loveable and personable than many other cats I've met. And when it comes down to it, I think he's the one who had to "settle" on me.

In many ways, he was my best friend. Like all pets, he was there through thick and thin. He loved me unconditionally -- even on the days when I forgot to put food in his bowl.

For more than 18 years we took care of each other and it will take a long time to get used to him being gone.

Thank you, Rio Cat, for sharing your life and love with me. You will be forever missed, my friend.

The Cat Whisperer turns 65!

So my dad turns 65 this Sunday.

Yup, Valentine's Day!

You couldn't find a man with a better heart if you looked the world over.

Yeah, yeah...I know all of your dads are special. But can you say that in addition to being special, they have the ability to whisper to cats?

If you've heard of the Dog Whisperer, then you know what I'm talking about. But my dad can do it with cats -- and yes, he should have his own show too (see photo -- this was taken in 1979 -- notice the cats have harnesses on?).

It's weird, my dad has been a cat magnet his whole life. They show up at the house and he takes them in -- tames the wildest ones and gets them to do cool things like ride in wagons.

This year, I made a Shutterfly Photo Book for him that highlighted some of the cats he's whispered to over the years. It was a great project and got rave reviews (see photo). Most importantly, it's a little journal that documents this special talent of his and something our family will treasure for years to come (I hope).

I love my dad and I hope he has a great birthday on Sunday. He deserves it.

I love you, Dad. And I love all of the many talents you've shared with me over the years. Happy 65th!

Monday night is pizza night.

In addition to Family Home Evening, every Monday night is pizza night at our house.

When I say "pizza night," it's not pizza from Papa John's, Pizza Hut or even the $5.55 specials from Little Caesar's.

It's homemade pizza, with Martha White pizza crust mix.

I absolutely love my Martha White pizza crust mix and have been using it for years.

However, to my dismay, none of the grocery store chains in my new Maryland town carry this fabulous mix (believe me, I've been to all of them) -- and none of my attempts to replace it have gone very well. I've tried other mixes, frozen dough, refrigerated dough and even dough from scratch!

So, on my last trip to Richmond, Virginia (I just love that town) I went to my favorite Ukrop's grocery store only to be let down once again. Although they carry the mix, they just happened to be out of it... curses!

A few days later I received a surprise box in the mail that contained several packages of my mix! I cannot tell you how much that surprise made my day! While pizza crust mix may seem trivial to some, it's a staple in our house and one meal that my family gobbles up.

So...THANK YOU, Ro, for making sure that pizza night continues at the Wyatt house. We love you and hope to have you over for Monday night dinner sometime soon.

Let it snow...AGAIN!

We've got snow again, for the third time this winter.

Don't get me wrong, I love snow, but it keeps messing with my plans.

The good news is that while my plans have changed, they've turned into something really great... being snowed in with the kids and hubby.

So while we're nice and snug on the inside, I thought you might enjoy a picture of what we're seeing on the outside.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

We Elfed Ourselves!

Merry Christmas from the Wyatt Elves!

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