Month: November 2019

Last night was Tot’s birthday; she knew there was more to come today! But first, the build-up and the enjoyment from last night.

We went to the gym in the morning, and guess what she brought with her?

After a QUICK workout, and I mean quick because we wanted to make a donation box ( and we wanted to build a robot!)

She decided on the Pigtail design.

Only 700 steps.

Oh, ok only 10.

After step 8, we were wondering if it was time for lunch. Ha! It took forever! But, we were having so much fun.

Now, time for the batteries, and VOILA!
Pigtail Peggy is ready for action.

Cooper had no clue what to do with Pigtail Peg. He barked and barked.

He kept barking until he could give her a birthday card.

Ok, Tatum, are you ready???

Cooper was so excited to give you this, and I think to have some tastes of your next surprise. It’s always fun to have leftovers and a bonus sundae. Daddy was almost ready to give you your clues. Your first clue is here. He reads and then it’s your turn. A treasure hunt!

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He had her running all over!

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Right to his truck. She pushed the trunk button and sloooooowwwwwly, it opened. She is awestruck.

TADA!!!

It’s a beautiful teal blue Specialized bike just like Mommy’s and Daddy’s.

It’s a 20″ and she really needs a 16″, but she will be 42″ any day now! She looks so cute on it too, and that is what matters. (ha). The brake is on the handlebar too!
Daddy took her out for a ride,

and she had the most delicious time.

What a heavenly-seven day. We can’t wait to go on our family bike rides now!

She woke up to a new long-sleeved school shirt, fun glasses, bootie shoes, and a sweet note from Daddy.

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It was to be a heavenly seven day.

But first, let me backtrack. Remember this, lovebug? Probably not. But I do. We locked eyes and I’ve grown closer and closer to you EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Tatum. My goodness, I cannot imagine loving your more today, but I do. The LOVE METER is on tilt because it keeps growing and there’s no measure for it!

So back to the day; I surprised her at school at snack recess. Here she comes!

All set up for cupcakes, balloon, friends, and singing! She was so surprised.

Little did she know that the rest of the day was to be even more heavenly!

When she came home I had the table all set for our steak dinner. Mom was coming over and Daddy was grilling.

Well, change of plans. Mama had a bit of struggle walking today, so we just brought salads, hot fudge sundaes, and presents to her house. No problem!
Tatum made a quick party hat and put on her new “One In a Minion shirt.” Now why would she get this cute shirt? HMMMMMM???? Coti sure knows!

Daddy came from work and she hopped right on his lap. Heavenly.

We had some dinner, but first, some jokes Tatum could share! Oh, and also, she drew this design at school, and I had it put on a water bottle.

Then, of course, Mama always gives her some pretty clothes. Man, she has such good taste. The girl wearing them doesn’t disappoint with HOW cute she is.

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Then, what better way to practice math facts than with a mini flashcard machine? This will go perfect with her new Speak ‘N Spell which she hasn’t put down. I had one of these when I was her age, and I became addicted to spelling.

All of her gifts were designed for us to play together or for her to learn something. This gear Wacky Robot toy would be a blast to do with her.

And the clay grocery store. Ha! Little does she know I buy these for me also! (teehee)

It became time for our hot fudge sundaes. OH, Jolly, I’m going to burn the place down with all these candles.

Happy Birthday Bumby!

We had so much fun at mom’s. We will do more tomorrow with the OTHER present. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, she played Speak’N Spell all the way home (she spelled all the Level 1 words no problem)

When we got home, she played and played and literally konked out reading about her clay store.

Coopy watched over her as she fell asleep.

Daddy and I love you soooooo much.

Tomorrow, we will continue your birthday with play and another present (what could it be??)

XXOOXXOO

Heavenly seven. You are my angel, sweet girl.

Yes, it is truly noted in the Hay household that we note each other. We “note”ice each other. We note to share our love for each other and to share appreciation.

It is my honey, almost every morning, who does this the best.

Each day I get a note on the mirror, and it usually is quite clever!

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He starts it, and then I leave a quip in return.

We have quite the collection!

Now, daily, I do put a note in Tatum’s lunch. And guess what? Out of the blue, she’ll respond back with a note for me, but I often receive a little post it on the counter or in the car. LOVE IT!

Noteworthy, I must say.

So, let it be known, that you should never take for granted your family. Make sure you tell them daily how much you love and appreciate them. A note is just another noteworthy way to communicate. (Heart)

She’s all ready. She’s been practicing for weeks now! Daily, we make a video and we watch it to find the best ways to present. I love her dedication.

She even put on some patriotic bows in her hair to match her speech.

We arrived early and met some friends.

They split up the meet into morning and afternoon. The morning was 1st-4th, and from that, only about 8 girls were represented from PVCP. Only 4 were first graders.

She competed in the POETRY section; there were about 20 other first graders in her group.

She got up in front of the 3 judges, and gave her name and started her speech. She missed one word and it threw her off. She KEPT GOING with a smile, and then she sat down. (with a bit of a frown).

I know she was disappointed, but her attitude rocked> She knows next year she’ll try again, yet she’ll know what to expect.

She still got a red ribbon and a big smile. I’m so proud of her courage and efforts

Later that night I gave her this card:

I love you Tatum Hay. You keep being YOU and don’t ever give up.

When all I can do is be grateful.

It started out as a rough morning with Tatum. We are trying out different strategies to get out of the house on time. I don’t like being a naggy ninny. I also don’t like rushing. So, how do we get our child out the door without either?

It’s a work in progress. This morning, Tatum and I did our gratitude journals separately and we barely spoke. As it broke my heart, I knew that we would talk it out in the car.

I was silent for a while, and then she hugged me from behind at a stoplight. She continued to tell me how much she loves me. It was such a wonderful discussion that it provided me with so much hope about her maturation. I see her growing and blossoming with a repentant heart and a desire to do what is right. I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for a desire and hunger to fall in love with Jesus and follow Him and His ways.

What I love most about our family, the Hays, is that we talk things out. Things might go wrong in the moment, but they don’t stay that way. We storm through it, and then we discuss, pray and repent making it all better and RIGHT. Relationships require work! Walls will not be allowed to build in our family.

I love you, Tatum. I love you little Hay. I love you, Doug for being our daddy.

I take Cooper out for one last relief at night. Tonight, it was not so relieving. Nope.

As I walked toward the grassy area outside our back patio, there they were.

Javelinas just making themselves at home. I whisked Coopy in my arms and ran inside.

We opened up the back door (there is a large wall separating us), and one stared right at us.

GULP. Cooper would have been their dessert.

Moral of the story: Javelinas are not known for their kindness; Keep your puppy close and your eyes constantly open. EEK!

I got to spend some time with Mama this week. We went to the Phoenix Art Museum’s car show.

The car greeting us was a 1911 Franklin!

Yes, this jalopy could go up to 80 mph.

Mercedes, Maseratis, Ferraris, Bugatis… So much history about cars and their evolution.

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Later, we went home to see Coti, and I brought Tatum to join.

Yes, Coti still gets so much love.

Mama, we are praying for you to get some good sleep and for your test results to be informative. We know it’s going to get better. We love you so much.

You were built for speed too!