Month: August 2025

She’s been working and Bluebell and Ollie help. Rio is too ADHD to stay on the perch (HA!)
Finally, she presented it to me.

I had her write a 5 paragraph essay with three of her missions.

My 2025 Mission Statement

Have you ever wondered about what would happen if you dropped dead right now, and there was no way that anyone could save you, what would happen? Would your mom run into the hospital with your lifeless body dangling in her arms? Would she scream at the doctors and nurses when they tell her you’re gone forever? What would your dad do? Would he drink? Would he sit by you, a glass in his hand? What about your siblings? Would your sister make videos? Would your brother game? What about grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews? How would your friends react? How would everyone remember you? When I die, I want to be remembered as three main things. Therefore, my mission in life is to be, kind, loyal, and an inspiration. 

My first mission is to be kind. Kindness is so important because it makes the world a better place. For example, if someone was lost but no one was kind the person would never find their way home. The world depends on kindness. A smile, a wave, and even a simple compliment like, “hey I love your shirt,” can make someone’s day. I want people to say, “you know she was really kind,” when I walk away.

My second mission is to be loyal. Trust is one of the most important things to have in life. If you loose someone’s trust then you might as well have said that you don’t want to be their friend anymore. Loyal friends are the friends who have your back in easy and hard times, will never hurt you on purpose, and will defend you and stick up for you. I want to be remembered as loyal. 

My third and last mission is to be an inspiration. I want people to see who Jesus is through me. I also want people to understand Gods love and trust in people who are having a rough day. My channel can hopefully put a few smiles on everybody’s faces. For example, many people have never read the Bible. I want them to see Jesus through my actions. 

When I die, I hope I am remembered as three important things, kindness, loyalty, and and inspiration.

This week has been a whirlwind: full of changes, firsts, and little joys that kept us grounded through it all.

Tatum officially started 7th grade! She’s already off to a strong start with her schoolwork, and she’s learning to braid her hair (I’m helping her now) another fun milestone in this season of growth. I can’t believe how quickly she’s growing up, but I love seeing her confidence blossom.

Cooper has discovered TV. And not just discovered it….he’s obsessed. Anytime there’s a dog on screen, he parks himself in front of the TV and doesn’t move. It’s both hilarious and adorable to watch him so captivated.

For me, it’s been a week of new too. I’ve started wearing a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) as Dr. Ruiz comes over every Saturday to walk me through this process. I’m being treated for diabetes even though I don’t have the full diagnosis. My body is struggling to produce enough insulin, and that explains so many of the symptoms I’ve been experiencing. Some days feel stormy (just like the Arizona skies this week), but at least now we’re finding answers and hope.

Of course, life is sweeter with our little zoo: Rio and Bluebell chirping in the background, Cooper keeping us entertained, and Ollie always nearby.

And then there’s the comfort of home, family meals together, like the baked pasta fresh from the oven, warm and cheesy and reminding us that joy is found in the everyday.

Through it all, I’m so grateful: for Dr. Ruiz’s wisdom and care each week, for Doug’s steady love and support, and for Tatum’s bright spirit that lights up our home.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” – Psalm 28:7

Stormy skies or not, we are blessed. We have each other, we have our pets, and most importantly, we have God’s faithfulness leading us through every season.

Today was the official first day of school, and we began with the sweetest reminder: “Today is the day the Lord has made.” That little sign on the table set the tone for our morning, reminding us to rejoice and be glad in it.

I made her a special breakfast—bacon, egg bites, and yogurt with raspberries and chocolate chips.

She was up early ( she does her Bible Study), ready to go, and even made her bed beautifully before starting the day.

What a gift to see her so prepared and eager!

We kicked off with devotion and dove into our subjects—math, history, grammar, and stems. One of the highlights was starting The Outsiders! It’s going to be such a fun book to read together this year. Math felt like such a victory—she is doing it with ease now, which is a huge encouragement for both of us.

Even Rio decided to join us at the school table for a while, bringing joy and giggles to the morning.

Later, during lunch, we added something extra special to the day: LED lights in her bedroom! They can change into all sorts of colors, creating such a cozy and fun atmosphere. She was thrilled, and I know this will be one of her favorite parts of her space this year.

What a wonderful start to a new school year. My heart is full, and I cannot wait to see all the ways God will grow, teach, and bless us in the days ahead.

Ollie joined us! (Dad found this ginormous 7).

I made her a cupcake and got her a snuggly blankie since she’s often cold.

It’s going to be a GREAT year, TATIES! I LOVE YOU!

We added BLUEBELL!

Some days are meant for slowing down. Today was one of those down days with the birdies fluttering around, Coopy curled up close,

and Tatum stretched out with her UNO deck nearby. Sometimes a reset is just what we need before the big school season begins.

The birdies even had their own playground right on the bed—Rio and Bluebell exploring, chirping, and filling the room with joy.

Bluebell’s newness still feels like a treat, and watching them play together is the sweetest reminder of simple gifts.

You see, some days, I really struggle…to where I’m pretty much stuck in bed. Tatum doesn’t show her sadness or her grief, but I happened to see her work in her devotion book. It made me weep a bit.

Thank you Taties.

Dad surprised Tatum with MOJI the panda, another little delight as we get ready for the school year ahead.

It’s these small, ordinary moments—feet up, pets close, laughter and rest—that make the reset days so needed and so special.

School (LIGHT) has started, but our official first day isn’t until next Monday. It’s been a RUFF start in more ways than one, so I decided to surprise Tatum with a special “Birdie” shirt to brighten the mood. Front and center are her beloved feathered crew—Ollie, Bluebell, and Rio—with “Bird Mama” proudly on the back.

This year, 7th grade promises to be joyful and full of growth. We’ll kick things off with The Outsiders for literature, dive into grammar practice, and continue memorizing stems (we’ve got 400 to go after mastering 100 last year!). History is on deck, too, along with three online classes: Writing with Mark, Allegories (C.S. Lewis, Pilgrim’s Progress, and more), and—brace yourself—Physics! (EEKS!)

I’m super pumped for this school year, and I’m praying every day for the strength and health to keep showing up. Here’s to new beginnings, lots of learning, and maybe a few birdie breaks along the way.