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!

She's coming!

Who is "she," you ask?

Wait for it...

"SHE," is my MOTHER-IN-LAW!

The good news is I love her, so it's a good thing that she's coming to visit.

The bad news is that my house isn't ready and I'm going to be up late trying to make sure it gets somewhat presentable.

It's been three months since we moved in and I still feel like I'm unpacking. Seriously, I have no idea when or if it will ever end.

Anyway...just wish me luck and stay tuned for an update about our visit with Grandma Beverly. The last time she came to visit us the girls were just eight-months old. We've seen her since, of course, but not on our turf. Boy how time flies!

The most magical place on earth

For those of you who know me really well, you'll remember that I was a serious Disney nut for years and years.

At some point, I lost interest in collecting the merchandise, but never lost the interest in spending time at the most magical place on earth.




I love, love, love Disney World and this latest trip with my mom, Curtis and the girls was no exception.

We had a great time and none of us wanted to see it end. There's something special about being in the Disney-mode for a week. It's like a dream (sometimes an expensive one) that you don't want to wake up from. There's magic everywhere and everyone you come in contact with is happy and nice and well, I could just go on and on. You don't even want me to get started on the magic effect it has on the kids... I was excited seeing THEM so excited!

One of the highlights of our trip was the search to find the brick that Curtis and I bought on our honeymoon in January 1996. With map in hand, the hunt began.

When we finally found it we were so excited. I think part of the excitement was seeing how well it's holding up after all of this time. There were many that were barely legible.

Thinking back on the time when we purchased it reminded me of my days as a Disney Cast Member and how much fun I had working for such a wonderful company. You have to admit that they're doing something right when the cleanliness, friendliness and overall joy felt at the parks is like no other amusement park on earth.

If you'd like to see more pictures from our trip, click here.

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!!!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday and the girls are celebrating at school with green eggs and ham, Cat in the Hat hats and lots of other Dr. Seussy types of things. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to upload soon.

As an aspiring Children's book author, I can't help but reflect on what a remarkable legacy Dr. Seuss has left for us. His writing is timeless and classic; and regardless of my mood, always makes me smile.

I love, love, love reading his books with my children and I especially love reading "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Thanks to Uncle E. for sending this favorite to the girls this past Christmas.

If you haven't read it in a while, I highly recommend doing so.

Now, before I close this post, I must also say that today is my mother-in-law's birthday, so I thought I'd send her some Dr. Seuss-style wishes:

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

With cakes, pies and play.

You have loved ones who love you.

You have happiness and health.

You can make everyone's day,

And that's a gift more than wealth!

We love you Mom Beverly,

And we hope you have fun.

As mother-in-law's go...

You're sure number one!

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!

Mother's Day

Where does the time go? This is the question I've pondered the most since becoming a mom. Even after the hardest of days, my mind asks this question as my head hits the pillow.

Through every stage I've wanted time to slow down - to freeze at some points - so I can enjoy the "moments" a little longer.

After years of thinking I'd never become a mother, I was blessed with the arrival of two beautiful baby girls - truly, two of the greatest blessings in my life. I'm grateful for each day that I get to spend with them - each is an opportunity to see them learn something new, and a chance for me to be a better mother to them than I was the day before.

And, since I'm reflecting in this post, I thought I'd include a couple of my favorite (and first) pictures I took after "Little Miss" and "Miss Independent" came home from the hospital. They were taken with my camera phone, which seemed so awesome at the time. Looking at them now I can see how poor the quality was, but the pictures and those few "moments" I had with them in their infant stage was priceless.

Before I close this post, I need to take a moment to thank two other moms... the two who are nearest and dearest to The Man and me...

Mom Beverly. Thank you for raising a son who is humble, loyal and honest. It's not hard to see where his best attributes come from. Like you, The Man knows no strangers and does everything he can to make others feel at ease. Speaking of which, your love for me, from the moment he took me home to meet you, put me at ease and has been appreciated more than you know. Thank you for being a wonderful mother to us and a loving "Grandma Beverly" to the girls.

Mom. You are an example to me and someone I’ve looked up to for as long as I can remember. Thank you for encouraging me to do my best and for being patient with me during my growing pains. I love your optimism and your sensitivity for others. Those are two of the best gifts you’ve shared with me. I love you more than you will ever know, and I truly appreciate everything you have and are still doing for me.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Reno 911

Check this out... two posts in one day!

Apparently I started a post LAST JULY and then never finished it (sad, I know). Since it was nearly complete, I thought I'd post it now so you could enjoy some pictures from our last trip to Reno.

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In a nutshell, our "Reno Roadtrip" was jam-packed with family events. It was 17-days of fun filled activities and some much needed TLC. A few of the highlights are below.

Highlight #1: Papa's Pet Rock

Papa T painted a giant pet rock in his backyard for the girls. They named it "Mommy Froggy" and visited her daily. It was an awesome gift and something the girls will look forward to seeing on future trips to Granny and Papa's house. Thanks, Papa -- we love your artistic ability and sense of fun!

Highlight #2: We found some kittens!

We woke up one morning and found kittens in the front yard. Papa T caught two that the girls called "Nugget" and "Moe" (from the Veggie Tales videos). Taking care of them was lots of fun and helped to prepare us for the two kitten additions to our family the following October.

Highlight #3: Making homemade ice cream

We used an antique ice cream maker from the early 1900's -- it was actually manufactured in Richmond, VA if you can believe that! It took awhile to make the ice cream since Papa had two helpers on the churning part. However, it was well worth the wait.

Highlight #4: Swimming in the toddler pool

As I've mentioned in previous posts, C&S can't get enough time in the water. They'll swim in a tub for hours if you'd let them.



Highlight #5: Seeing Uncle E and meeting his "Sweeties"

And by "Sweeties" I mean Uncle E's sweet girlfriend, Kristina Bo Bina, and his pet Iguana, Sweetie. As usual, Claire jumped right in and made friends with both. I wasn't surprised about her comfort with Kristina, but her ease around the reptile was a little shocking. Apparently there isn't a creature alive that scares this kid. She'll consider that a gift in her future career as a veterinarian. =^..^=

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And that's where the draft post ended. The remaining Reno highlights will be added to a scrapbook someday. For now, it's back to posting some more updated info on the blog. Stay tuned.

Happy Birthday, America!

As I've said in previous posts -- my girls think every birthday requires a celebration. The 4th of July was no different and they were decked out from head to toe in glitter, glasses and glam.

We spent the day on the road to Reno (be sure to check out my next post about "Mountain Sheep"), having a BBQ with Granny, Papa and Aunt P, watching the girls watch fireworks for the first time, and then drifting off to sleep.


It was an exciting day and a great way to celebrate the birth of the country we call home. We're grateful for the freedom we enjoy and the men and women who protect it at all costs.

Happy Birthday, America!

Granny's Little Swimmers

When it comes to personal flotation devices, it's not about safety. It's about style!

Granny took my "Little Swimmers" shopping for some new pool toys and this is what they ended up with. From day one, they've been attached at the hip (pun intended).

Thankfully, we finally convinced the girls that "Mommy Ducky" and "Baby Hippo" were more comfortable living outside in the deck box. So far it's worked, but that's only because we visit them daily.

A few days later Cousin Deb sent the girls flippers. Another huge hit with my little fishies who often refer to themselves as "Mermaid" and "Dory."

Who can blame them for loving water out here in the 113 degree heat? As they (courtesy of Little Nemo) say: "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming."

Sounds good to me!