Category: Totally Tatum

Because I have this adorable kid. She still lights my day up with her imagination. I was reclined on her bed on Friday (my happy place), wearing my TENS stimulator (my happy machine), and she had her dolls set up, her teaching voice on, and her classroom all set up. She’s almost 13, and yet she still enjoys this.

Oh, and Cooper? He’s under the bed watching too. His toy, we call him Charlie, watched from the hallway. This little squeak giraffe creepily watches us as we relax. He’s just waiting for someone to throw him, squeak him, or chew him up. I told you he was creepy, staring….eek.

And then, Rio. Ribi. Ribi-boo….I adore this bird. He loves phone cases. Not phones. Cases. Chewable cases. He completely cheers me up. Taties too. “You are SOOO pretty. I love you.” (And he says it back)

KISS! And he kisses back (and says it!). THE CUTENESS!!! Thank you, God for my blessings even when I’m completely stuck. Stuck days (my stomach paralyzed) are not completely bluck days.

I remember the first time I heard Charlie Kirk on the radio. He was some 20-something articulately polished guest on the Dennis Prager show. I was instantly impressed with his boldness. He discussed Jesus openly without hesitation. He also discussed the importance of fathers, faith, and families. For such a young kid, he was impressive. Later, he became founder of Turning Point USA.

Kirk’s life and work were rooted in his Christian faith, which he embraced in fifth grade. He often spoke about the power of the Gospel, encouraging others to share their beliefs openly. Beyond politics, he urged young people to pursue faith, family, and purpose. He was
known for welcoming dialogue, even with critics at campus rallies, Kirk sought to build bridges rather than fuel anger. But that didn’t matter to the evil.

September 10th, 2025 at Utah Valley University, he was assassinated. Ruthlessly. Shot in the neck. The DEVIL is at work. His impact on young Americans was profound.

I pray his impact lasts. I pray his legacy carries on. I pray for this country to somehow have more grace for each other. I pray the DEVIL to FLEE. God Bless this Country and God Bless the Kirk family.

Sometimes we just need to focus on unifying. Cooper watches closely, wondering what Rio will do as he hides under the bed…

because everyone knows Rio is the alpha bird. Then Coopy playfully chases Bluebell, curious if maybe he could be the alpha of this bird instead! Meanwhile, Ollie observes it all from his perch, taking it in.

In another corner, Dad and Tatum are trading texts so they can talk more…

a sweet reminder that connection takes many forms. At the heart of it all, it’s about being together, sharing space, and caring for one another in our own unique ways.

So proud of my hubby today! After nearly FORTY years at the Tempe Honeywell location, he’s starting fresh at the site by the airport. New job, new office, and soon some new clothes too. He looks pretty snazzy already, and most of all, he’s so appreciated. Here’s to this next chapter!

(Hi Cooper…he’ll be home to play with you soon!)

I WILL have a good day. No HYPOglycemia overnight. (one of Tot’s stems)

SO proud of you, Honey!

MOM! NO PICS!!

Before the big moment she gave me the don’t you dare take a picture look. Brandy gets it all ready. The anticipation stings more than the actual event.

But after working so hard on her stem practice, it was time for a reward! I love to make practicing her stems fun. I had notecards lined up all over the house. Coops, Do you want to practice too?

Then the moment arrived!! She wanted to RE-do her piercings from years ago. This time double trouble. HOLEY COW is it going to hurt?

Hmm..not bad!

She did it like a champ. OUCH! (but honestly, not that bad ). Proud of her courage and determination, both in school and in life.

The finished sparkly product and girl.

We are reading the Outsider’s right now. “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost is a poem Ponyboy shares with Johnny as they hide in the church.

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

The poem is basically about:

• First leaves of spring (new, gold) → quickly change to green.
• Dawn is fleeting.
• Beauty and innocence fade quickly.

Life’s best moments are brief but precious.

Youth, innocence, purity, hope, beauty—all things that don’t last forever.

Now, Tatum wrote her own:

Friendship Tree
By: Tatum Hay

(inspired by Nothing Gold Can Stay from The Outsiders)

 Friendship is like a tree.

They are always there for you and me. 

But sometimes a storm comes and blows.

This storm is very strong and shows 

That maybe this friend isn’t that good

Maybe their real wood

Is rotting 

And then they were plotting 

To ruin your heart 

From the start. 

Friends come and go

But don’t let the bad ones show 

You that you suck 

Because they are bad luck 

And you know that they are wrong. 

Friendship is like a tree 

where strong branches can show you belong. 

The TENS unit doesn’t blast you with force; it sends steady, rhythmic waves that quietly wake up tired muscles and remind nerves to come back to life. It’s not dramatic, but it’s consistent …. and over time, those tiny sparks create movement, relief, and strength. ( I PRAY!)

That’s what my body needs too. My stomach often struggles because the pylorus (the small valve at the bottom of the stomach that’s supposed to open and let food pass into the small intestine) can get “stuck.” When that happens, food backs up, digestion halts, and everything feels heavy and painful. My doctor is working with me to gently “nudge” this area so that insulin and food can move the way they’re supposed to.

We are finally getting to the root cause of so many of my issues. My body isn’t producing enough insulin, and with that comes a cascade of side effects: insomnia, bone-deep fatigue, burning pain in my legs, and slowed digestion. Eating more carbs is part of the solution, and wearing my CGM has been eye-opening. For example, one day my blood sugar stayed mostly in the 80s, BECAUSE my STOMACH WAS FROZEN; I was “stuck.” Then, when my pylorus finally released at dinner, my blood sugar shot up to 180;

all that food suddenly hit my bloodstream at once. Fascinating to see, but so hard to live through. Painful too.

Still, I’m getting there. I’ve gained 10 pounds in three months, and that’s a victory. It’s a day-at-a-time journey, but like the TENS stimulator, I’m trusting the gentle pulses, the steady nudges, and God’s grace to keep moving me forward.