Ever since she was teensy weensy, Tatum has had an extraordinary imagination. I liken it to a few things. First, I never allowed her to say, “I’m bo_ed; I don’t know what to do.” I would always say, “Figure something out and make it work!” She ALWAYS made the most fun out of the simplest of items. For example, she’d take colored cubes and make them into characters. This would last hours! Second, we have read 30 minutes a day ever since she was a baby. This definitely has helped her brain. Also, she is an only, and so she has had to entertain herself when I cannot.
Often, I find her in her room, talking to her “kids.” She is just giving them advice on life.
Bella is getting an earful here as she teaches her about Jesus.
Sometimes, she just reads to them.
And now she can truly read, so it is quite empowering.
Lately, she has been praying, “God, help me with my imagination and make it stronger.” I love her desire to expand it! Her creativity continues to inspire me.
Oh, little Tot, you are amazing. (she is wearing her “braided” hair).
We were going to have a fun-filled day with Liam’s birthday party, some crafts, and a movie in the evening.
Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan. Tatum had a few hiccups this morning with a bit of disrespect and some self-control problems. They were enough for me to say that we would not be going to the party. This consequence hurt so bad because we were BOTH looking forward to this party. But, the payoff is worth the pain. Since it stung so badly, I know this will make an impact.
In the car later, she agreed that this was the right thing to do as much as it hurt. She probably told me 100 times today that she loved me, and she also gave Daddy a million hugs. She knew we wouldn’t change our minds, and she accepted the consequence. She even made thank you cards today for her teachers. We told her that one day she’ll be glad we care enough to discipline her.
Then, when Daddy went out to his truck, he found a hammer inside and a busted dashboard. Someone tried to steal it overnight. So, the cops had to come and take a report and DNA evidence. Thank goodness the criminal left the hammer for this!
Tatum was instantly SO GRATEFUL she has a daddy to protect her from bad guys. Having Daddy around is one thing but to have him so loving and adoring is quite another. He wouldn’t let ANYTHING happen to us.
Tatum knew this would cost money; she disappeared into her room for a while and came back with this money: $27.
She said, Daddy this is for your truck. Doug put it in an envelope and put it in the cabinet. He said, I will keep this in here and we’ll just see what we’ll do. He has every intention to return it, but he wanted her to know how deeply appreciative he is and how much her kindness was taken seriously.
She later lost a tooth while playing, and didn’t let that stop her sense of humor.
Yes, she not only made me laugh, she is getting to get a visit from the tooth fairy tonight. I love how God makes some bright spots is a hard day.
Later, in the night, we all sat down for a celebration of reading the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe which Tot and I read. I had saved this book until she was 8, but I figured she was mature enough at 6. Was I right!
The day was turned around, and Tatum was sure awakened. Making the discipline stick was one of the hardest thing I had to do as a parent. I wanted to give her the world today, but I had to withhold the blessings until she is ready. She will be victorious in her battle with sometimes listening to the wrong voice. I know this because she has HIM. She has the Holy Spirit, and she has us fighting with her.
Hay’s, I’m so grateful to be part of this family. God is so good to us.
