Month: January 2018

UP!!! Really she’s just becoming more animated, fun, and mature. It’s truly a sight to see.

When the morning started, Tatum found me on my chair reading my Bible, and she decided to join me. She plopped down next to me on the chair (a rocking chair fit for one mind you!) and pulled up my Bonhoeffer book onto her lap. (it’s about 600 pages so it’s about her size). She enjoyed some light reading with me.

Later…We got all gussied up for church. (She loves the one day she can look like a girl!)

 

And when we headed home, she was so excited for her soccer game. When we got there, she took off. Usually, she wants to kick with me, but today, she went right up to a couple of girls and without fear, said, “Wanna kick the ball with me?” They ignored her and played. Did it bother her? Nope. She went right up to another and just ran around kicking. I was so proud of her resolve. It went right off her back and down to the ground. Trooper. Brave girl. I love her spirit.

About 10 minutes before the game was over, she was spent. Done. Kapoot. She cuddled with me on the sidelines. Ok, so I didn’t fight it because she was truly done. I was assured this was normal and all the girls do this at this age. It’s a long bout! Plus it was 80 degrees! It’s January folks.

She ran upstairs when we got home, and she had a Bible book on her lap;  Reading it aloud.

She was looking for the “Old Testament.” I told her Paul  (who she was looking for since they read about his travels with Barnabas in the book of Acts) was in the New Testament. She just decided to read about Moses.

What a fun day with my girl. We made cookies, watched Winnie the Pooh, and told Hopsy and Mopsy stories.

I love you Tatum Isabella.

Well, as you know, Tuesdays are our “fun” day, and this day, we decided to make fries! Wouldn’t you on your fun day?

Draw the carton…

And then make the fries.

Glue, cut, glue and VOILA!

Delish!

She was so happy that she sang me a song. And folks, she’s getting good. I mean rhythmically, she’s got the groove.

One would think we’d be all fried up by then, but we had our first piano lesson scheduled with my dear friend Cana. She has a cool last name too, and it starts with K and rhymes with light. (and it is the same is mine) haha

She has a great little curriculum for Tot to follow. She focused on the black keys today, the fingers of 1-5, and posture. We played a few lilts of 2’s and 3’s with quarter and half notes. After 30 minutes, she was ready to eat her fries.

And we were all fried.

I do love Tuesdays for that reason. Fully fried and fun.

 

Tatum is always humming, singing, tapping or grooving side to side. I love her rhythm.

You see, I believe God has put a song in her heart. It’s a sweet sweet sound, and she hears it all the time.

She’ll be sitting in her room, and all of a sudden, she’ll belt out a song; mind you, it’s a made up song with words coming from all parts of various songs, psalms, and verses she has heard. A beautiful thing to watch and hear.

Sometimes when  I peak in her room, I can find her praying which seems to be the preparation period.

 

Then, I can find her singing accompanying herself to a lilt on the keyboard.

Sing it girl!

When she feels the room does not have enough entertainment, she is sure to come in with a mic in hand and a song in her heart.

This morning, it was a song about Jesus and how He’s always a friend.

My songbird cheers up my day and with a song in her heart, she’s sure to keep the music going.

Confidence UP

Fears DOWN

Did you see that Coach Grant???

This is the second most common asked question in my house, only to be topped by what can I have for snack?  

All kidding aside, Doug, Tatum and I decided to go visit my sweet brother, his amazing wife, and dynamically talented son, Thomas. I made it priority to visit in the winter so Tot could enjoy the snow. To her, building snowmen, sledding, and putting on forty layers of clothing is all theoretical. I even showed her a video of a blizzard so she could see how the other half lives. It ain’t so pretty when you live in it, but boy is it beautiful to visit!

Anyhoo, we left on a Sunday late morning. As usual, my fear of forgetting where we parked  kicked in so we documented. Twice. (bonus cute pics)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is it called the Skytrain?

Good question, Tot. I like this way of traveling. Who needs an amusement park when you have one of these.

Bye baby. They are going to analyze your parts.

Now, I had heavy bags because of one reason. TATUM>  I blame her. I refused to bring any zone-out-on-a-screen devices which would have lightened my load. We brought books, toys, drawing, and do-dads. Lots of them (and my back says aaaaaahhh!)

We landed and headed back to John’s house. WHERE IS THE SNOW?
Thank goodness they had a bit on their mountain.

Let’s check the growth.

Tot has grown since last time. Documented. Official.

Now it was time to unveil the gifts. I try to outdo myself with unusual things from Trader Joe’s to bring John. I think I was successful.

Seaweed is a snack. Say it with me: Seaweed is a snack. It’s all the rage with the kids.

Thomas, Tatum has been waiting to give you this. Two things.

After she let go, they headed upstairs to play.

John makes the best dinners. Definitely the most colorful.

Day 1. You were delightful.

 

It was the first day of practice! Tatum prepared by trying on all of her socks and her shin guards.

We arrived early,

and picked up her shirt. 

All ready. Now it was time to meet Coach Nile. I think he just came off the plane from Australia. He just bleeds Australian with his cute accent and nice smile.

He asked a question to the kids, and guess who raised her hand?

Ok, now it’s time to play. The first practice was more Tatum just running with the kids. I am not sure if she is ready to kick, but at least she’s running like a mini-cheetah out there!

She will miss the first game due to our trip to Utah. Sad face and happy face.

See you next Friday!