Month: November 2024

I prayed for favor for this day; that I would feel “functional” today! Now, I woke up with sadness and completely discouraged. However, I was to ask the Holy Spirit for power…power to have my family together no matter what. I would not allow myself to be the reason for us not to be together.

Doug worked on the turkey; so grateful that he would smoke it this year! YUM!

Look at that monstrous (expensive!) bird. This year: Turkeyflation! Turkeys have gone up 300% in price since 2019. SHEESH!
But my honey would treat us to a lovely gobbler.

Preparing the smoker, he timed it just right.

Meanwhile, Ribi played on Tatum’s desk, I worked on the sides (in between laying down), and Tatum helped me decorate the table.

Beautiful!

Before Mom and Austin came Tatum and I had some fun with AI on our computers.

We also took a few pics with my favorite two people in the whole world.

Mom came early and gave Tatum a lovely birthday present. Thank you mom!!!

And then….GOBBLE! The bird is finished!

Coopy…oh Coopy. You like?

While Honey made the gravy, Austin came. It was so good to see him!
We finally got it all ready. VOILA!
Roasted carrots, mashed cauli, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, and pie.

Prayers and Gratitude…so much gratitude. I made it.

Tot?

Rio?

He tweeted to us through dinner. (and Coopy whined…boohoo Coopy)

Time to enjoy our dinner and be thankful. Austin was the most joyful I have seen in a long time. He was just grateful for us and his union. Very simple and very thankful. I loved seeing this.

Oh, and so grateful for the Coopster!

We enjoyed pie and each other. After walking mom out, Coopy felt a bit sad.

What a lovely day. I’m so grateful we could host and I could do it!
Thank you honey for all you do for us too. Tatum, Austin, Mama…what gratitude. Simple.

Rio needed to be groomed, so we headed over to Birds N then Some to visit our favorite groomer, Anne.

Rio and Ollie met each other for the first time.

Rio wanted to chat..

Ollie did not want to leave Tot’s shoulder.

He will definitely be a mama’s boy.

Toby Mac sang “These are the Elements…” Tot and I changed the words.

She had asked me to draw some elephants for her new babies.
I found an adorable picture I had to reproduce. Man, it took me F.O.R.E.V.E.R!!! But, I persevered.

Her wall is filled with my heart tokens to her.

I love you, Tot!

12 disciples

12 tribes of Israel

12 months in a year

12 years with the TOT!!!

Happppppeeeee Birthday TATIES!
Or Hippo Birdie Two Ewes!

And this cool shirt! You always have HIM beside you!

I want to ALWAYS remind her that she is truly my GIFT from above. A total blessing. Not a day goes by where I don’t tell her this.

She walks out to…

And a special brekkie!
(coconut flour banana waffle, maple syrup (SF), bacon, and some cinnamon 24-hour yogurt.

(oh and coffee with cream!…sssshhhhh)

I couldn’t wait!! I had to give her the new…..

Yes! Apple Watch! She’s been asking for one for years. Now I have a selfish reason for this…I want her to track her sleep and her steps too.

She already does more on it than I do in the eight (?) years I’ve had one!

While we enjoyed this, Daddy was hard-working on her next surprise. I had to keep her from going into the garage.

Later…. after her cake..oh did I mention I made her a CAKE!! It is an angel food cake (sugar free and coconut cream frosting) We can all eat it!!!

She had to count the candles!!

Delicious if I do say so myself.

Ok, out for the surprise!!!

It is perfect for her!! A Guardian Bike.

Thank you Daddy!!

Later, Daddy and Tot went out for a nice ride.

We got her some gifts from Coopy and Ribi…some ornaments

And then, the piece d’resistance.

We now need to get one for new OLLIE!
I love you Taties. Please stop getting older. (heehee!) …partly serious.

You see, I have days…oh and they are days!!! I’m totally in a DAZE you could say.

Just the other day I was completely bed-ridden as I could barely function. Sadly, these days occur often. But, that is not the point of my discussion here. I was having quite a difficult day, and since I homeschool Tatum, I’m not much good at being her teacher.

This particular day, she was my caretaker. Here is me …grateful.

Because Tatum brought me tea, my Bible, and my glasses…oh and little Boo.

Thank you. Between hubby and Tot, I feel so loved.

She prepared for the Spelling Bee from Eastside Explorers competition for months.

Practice practice practice. We put the words on Quizlet, and she went to town. DAILY.

Arrived! AND READY!

Well, it went so well until a wrong letter was uttered. I won’t even tell you the details. Only to say that she cried for hours after.

When we got in the car, I let her be sad (and kind of lash out). After she pulled herself together (and I told her stories of my failings all of my childhood…and that I never gave up despite losing), she admitted she was glad she did it and will try again. Hey, that is what makes the best batters! The more strikeouts, the more homers! It’s a numbers game.

Ok, so I asked her if she wanted to go to the bird store and get cheered up. We had talked about getting a cockatiel sometime actually.

It was love at first site.

OLLIE. He looked like an OLIVER!

Hi Buddy!

We will bring you home in 3 weeks when you are weaned.

She is learning that hard work pays off. Ollie will be a reminder of perseverance.

You can see her perseverance at the gym when she pushes that sled.

Stay tuned! I’m so proud of you, Bumby. SO PROUD.

Single mom 

Julia is a young lady in her late twenties, navigating the vibrant yet often challenging landscape of motherhood. 

With her son Lloyd, a spirited five-year-old, every day is an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional chaos that comes with parenting. 

Julia has a natural knack for storytelling, often turning mundane moments into whimsical tales that captivate her son’s imagination. 

Whether it’s inventing elaborate narratives about heroic dinosaurs or exploring the wonders of nature during their weekend hikes, she strives to foster creativity and curiosity in Lloyd.

Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and her aspirations, Julia often finds herself juggling work commitments and the demands of raising a little one. 

She works part-time as a graphic designer, a job that allows her the flexibility to spend quality time with Lloyd while pursuing her passion for art. 

Despite the challenges of time management, Julia embraces each moment spent with her son, cherishing the small milestones that come with his growth. 

Whether it’s watching him take his first steps or listening to him recount his day at preschool, she understands that these fleeting years are precious.

As a single mother, Julia has built a close-knit support system of friends and family who rally around her, offering guidance and encouragement. 

They often share parenting tips, trade off babysitting duties, and come together for playdates that turn into great bonding experiences. 

Despite the occasional feelings of doubt or overwhelm, Julia is determined to provide Lloyd with a nurturing environment where he can thrive. 

With her infectious optimism and unwavering love, she knows that, together, they can conquer any obstacles that come their way.