Today, Tot and I drew a mommy and me pic. She wanted to color it and spend time on it. I had finished mine, but she wanted to put the finishing touches on hers.
I am pretty smitten with her.
She’ll always be my baby. SMILE.
Throwback Thursday and ANNIE
“The sun will come out TOMORROW!” I have been singing this, and I finally played for her the song from ANNIE. It was a show I saw on stage when I was 5.
We found this book at Bookman’s (A used bookstore)> PAPER DOLLS of Annie and her dog Sandy. I used to LOVE these when I was small. Now, one might say it’s not as exciting as our technology has advanced, but I had to buy it. She loves it!
We have a LOT of clothes to cut out for Annie (this is the time consuming part so I only cut out two outfits), but it sure was fun to bring back a fun activity to do what Tot. Now, we will see the show tomorrow night. She’ll love it.
Persevering through the tough times
Does this title sound ominous? It is meant to because sometimes times really are tough and you wonder: How do I handle this one?
Fits. They happen. Shoot, we have them too (in our minds and maybe we really do want to act out and &*^))^^%, but we don’t). Tatum has moments of these little “I want my way!!!!” The straight out, “NO, Tatum, it’s not going to happen and please don’t ask me again.” She is a tenacious little bulldog and continues to ask ask ask. How to handle it is the burning question.
Here is an example of a maybe minor case, but it can signify a bigger one to come if we don’t put the kibosh on the behavior.
I was very preoccupied on Wednesday. My plate was fuller than I could handle, and I didn’t pay as much attention to her as I usually do. I was sitting on her bed (so at least I’d be with her), and I was working. She was carrying books onto the bed and “knicked” her finger. All of sudden, she started to cry. Now, I knew it was not a real sore because 1. She was not bleeding and 2. There was NO mark.” She kept trying to show me how red it was by squeezing it. Aye.
OK, so she wanted a bandaid. Now, mind you, she can find a reason for at least ONE band-aid per day, and I’m finding myself having to buy bandaids almost weekly. It’s a bit ridiculous. I finally put my foot down last night and just said, “NO” to the bandaid. (I’m going to have to take out a second mortgage with all the exciting bandaid designs I have purchased).
Tears tears tears…. “PLEASE!!!” (This was repeated probably 20 times).
Now, all the perfect mommy’s out there would say, “OH, well, I would have done this or that” but at that moment, I was like…I cannot give in to the NO, but she can’t keep asking me. I told her I’d throw out the band-aids if she asked me again. She was quiet. Then I let her cry and cry as I went into my room to let her cool off.
I heard her praying out loud: “Jesus, please help me!” This made me melt.
Finally, I entered her room after it was quiet, and we had a chat cuddling on her bed. We talked about being a good steward of what we have; we talked about how important it is to cry, but after a bit, it’s time to think about what we are trying to gain. Is it working? We talked about how much I love her and how if she is ever hurt, I’m there for her. I would never ignore that. I told her I know I was busy today, but sometimes Mommy has to work more than others. She got it. Really.
She said, “Mommy, don’t leave my bedroom; just lay with me.” I did for awhile, and she said, “Mommy, I love you with all my heart; I’m sorry I had a fit over a band-aid.”
OH, it’s a daily AHA for me. A daily AHA of how much I love her and how, through the daily tiny struggles, I find myself loving her more. I think she is experiencing this as well.
Tatum’s up and Coti’s down
Tatum was up today because we visited her school for next year!
It was really a treat because we (I) have been praying about going here for over 2 years. (It’s quite pricey). Doug, Mama, and I have asked help with our friends to give their tax credit money toward her tuition. We’ve had quite a few help. I’m so very grateful.
She’ll be going to Kindergarten here next year. We’ll see what happens after this next year. (I’d like to home school after 2nd grade, but God only knows)
Then, there’s Snugglebug. He had surgery today on his teeth. Really, just getting them cleaned, but they have to put him to sleep for this which means a SHOT. He was a bit down.
He was a bit docile today and so very sweet. (He had a shot on his right leg hence the orange “cast”)
Where do you think he wanted to hang out?
With my Lovebug.
He will be back to his old self tomorrow.
Shenanigans with Coti”Kins”
I love you with my whole heart
This is what she says to me every day. She looks at me with her deep blue oceanic eyes and says these words.
I tell her that God chose me to be her mommy and I am the most blessed for it.
She hears me thank God everyday for this honor and she also hears me ask for help to be the best mommy (for her).
This morning, she drew with such color which just signified how much this girl has in her!
My sweet girl, may we only grow closer as the years pass. I love you with my whole heart.
Her fruit is growing and getting more juicy!
On Sunday, we made our craft for our verse of the week:
“But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Failthfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22-23
Evidence that I see juicy fruit?
While I was sleeping on Saturday night, my little bunny was up making me presents and love notes. She stuck them under my door and tip-toed into my room and placed them on my chair. Kindness, Gentleness, Love.
Just yesterday, she wanted to start a chart: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. We started to fill it out, and each time we do one of them, we will place a sticker on the box.
More Kindness and Goodness.
She is also reading TO ME every night! I bought her these Pete the Cat Phonics books
She reads 4 or 5 of them each night to me after I read to her. She has such PATIENCE.
Also, this gives us both LOTS OF JOY!
I love watching my little sweetie grow into a lovely “fruity” young lady. She inspires me.
I love you Tatie Tots.