Category: Totally Tatum

It happened on a boring Tuesday. The kind where it’s too hot to go outside, and nothing good is on TV. So, naturally, Max did what he always does—he snuck into Ellie’s room.

Again.

I know, I know. She’s thirteen, I’m ten. “Boundaries,” she always says, like she’s some kind of grown-up. But it’s not my fault her room is the only one with working A/C and the best stash of candy on Earth. And okay, maybe I was sort of curious what she was hiding in that drawer she always slams shut when I come in.

So I waited until I heard the front door slam—she’d gone to the store with Mom. Boom. Perfect timing.

I crept in like a ninja (well, a ninja wearing SpongeBob socks) and headed straight for The Drawer. I opened it sloooowly, expecting the usual: lip gloss, old notes, maybe that dumb journal she writes in when she’s being dramatic.

But instead, there was a box. A metal one, weirdly heavy, glowing just a little blue around the edges like someone had stuck a flashlight inside.

I opened it.

Inside was a rock. Not like a boring rock from the backyard—but one that hummed in my hands. It was warm and buzzing, like it was alive. And under it was a piece of paper. Folded up a hundred times. When I opened it, my heart stopped.

It said:

“Do NOT tell Mom. This is from the meteor. The rock gave me dreams that came true. I’m not crazy. Max can NEVER find this.”

—Ellie.

What. The. Heck.

I stared at the rock. Then the letter. Then back at the rock. This wasn’t just “older sister being dramatic.” This was weird and maybe kind of magic. My brain was spinning. Did she really touch a meteor? Are her dreams really coming true? Is she like… psychic now or something?

For the first time ever, I didn’t want to mess with her stuff. I put everything back—exactly how I found it—and backed out of the room like it was on fire.

But all night, I couldn’t sleep. What if it was dangerous? What if Ellie was in trouble? What if she already knew I had found it—because she dreamed I would?

The next morning, I sat at the kitchen table poking at my cereal when Ellie walked in. She looked straight at me and said, “You went in my room yesterday.”

My spoon dropped. “What?! No I didn’t!”

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes you did. I had a dream about it. You touched the box.”

I swallowed hard. “Is it… real?”

She sighed and sat across from me. “Yeah. And it’s doing something to me. I don’t know what yet.”

“Are you gonna tell Mom?”

“I can’t. Not yet. She’ll freak.”

Silence.

Then I said, “I won’t tell. But I wanna help.”

She blinked, surprised. Then, slowly, she nodded. “Okay. But no more snooping.”

I smirked. “Deal. But only if I get some candy from your stash.”

Ellie rolled her eyes, but she smiled too.

I think we both knew… nothing was ever going to be normal again.

Today we celebrated Rio’s 2nd birthday! He’s our vibrant little parakeet who’s filled our home with joy and chirps. His brother Ollie was right there to enjoy the festivities….These two bring so much life into our days!

Tatum and I made the most of the celebration. We kicked things off with a trip to Kohl’s (because every party queen deserves a wardrobe refresh)

and then came home for a classic game of Life.

Tatum’s toes were ready for some comfy downtime after LOTS OF walking.

The sweetest part of the day? Tatum crafted a homemade bird cake just for Rio, using applesauce, banana, shredded carrot, and bird seed. It was tiny, adorable, and topped with festive candles….just right for our birthday boy.

So much love, so many smiles. These are the simple days I treasure the most.

Ah…. summers: especially the kind filled with laughter, creativity, and a little chocolate. Today, Tatum and Toby made the most of their time together, from behind-the-scenes filming in the backyard to goofy dance moves and sweet treats in the kitchen.

Inside, the kitchen turned into a makeshift set and snack zone. Pretzels dipped in melted chocolate…Coconut milk, flour jars, and a mess surrounded them as they created something simple and delicious…

Watching them, you can’t help but feel a little more joy in the everyday.

This week, I’m choosing to rest. (no, it’s not a test. It’s the truth) No gym. No steps to hit. Just stillness, red light warmth, deep sleep, and plenty of nourishment—carbs, calories, care. It’s not easy for me. Stillness feels like weakness sometimes, like I’m falling behind. But truthfully, this might be the bravest part of the healing journey.

I think about the baby quails outside our window—tiny, quick, vulnerable. They wander but never too far. Their father stands guard, ever-present, ever-watchful. That’s how I feel this week… like one of those tiny ones, tucked beneath the quiet of the day, watched over.

My Jesus is that Father Quail. Steady. Protective. So gentle in His presence. He sees the weariness in my legs, the ache in my bones, the effort behind each breath. And still, He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

There is beauty in this quiet season. And though it’s hard—emotionally, physically—I know it’s necessary. Every deep breath, every nap, every meal that feels like too much… it’s all part of rebuilding. Of growing strong in the hidden places.

That red light penetrates deeply on my weary muscles and bones. Much needed.

So today, I will rest. Not because I’ve given up, but because I am growing. Just like those baby quails—fragile but fierce, protected, and loved.

This past week, Tatum dove into something so perfectly her—CREATE Camp at SBC.

It’s a special weeklong event at our church that gives kids the chance to use their unique gifts and talents in a meaningful, fun way. Tatum signed up for the live video team, and let me tell you… the cameras were practically bigger than she was!

But that didn’t phase her one bit. She jumped right in, learned how to work the equipment, and even helped film the service today. Watching her behind that powerful machine, totally in her element, was just the best. It felt like a glimpse into something she’s meant to do—creative, technical, expressive, and full of joy.

Of course, she also made time to be her goofy, fun-loving self. The day before, she and her dad hit the big wet slide and got out every last wiggle. That girl knows how to work hard and play hard. Her spirit is such a gift.

She is NON Stop (hey look at that cute guy in the background! My HHH)

I’m so proud to be her mom and watch her grow into who God made her to be. What a joy it is to walk beside her in this life.

There’s a kind of love in our home that barks, chirps, and cheeps—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our pets aren’t just animals; they are family, full of personality and joy.

Cooper (or “Coopy,” as we lovingly call him) is our loyal little ball of fluff. Every day, without fail, he parks himself by the door, waiting for Doug to walk in. And if he’s feeling a little impatient? He’ll stare at a toy—or at us—with the kind of silent desperation that only says one thing: Please throw the ball. Please. He’s got us all wrapped around his paw, and he knows it.

And now, our home has been blessed with a new kind of song—CHEEPS! Sweet little Ollie, our new cockatiel, has settled in beautifully. His chirps echo through the halls as he patiently waits for his favorite girl, Tatum, to get home. He’s soft, curious, and oh-so-lovey. Tatum even asked me to draw him, and of course, I said yes. His little spirit just had to be captured.

We have so many precious photos and memories of our beloved Rio too. He’ll always have a special place in our hearts. His legacy of love lives on in the way we welcome and care for each new creature that enters our lives.

Our home is fuller, louder, and better because of our pets. They teach us loyalty, patience, joy—and unconditional love.

To Cooper, Ollie, and Rio—thank you for making our lives richer. We love you more than words (or cheeps, or barks!) could ever say.

Today didn’t go exactly how I had planned. I had hoped to go all out for Doug—our steady, faithful, selfless rock. But unfortunately, my body had other plans. I was feeling under the weather and couldn’t do even a fraction of what I’d envisioned to show him how much he’s loved and appreciated.

But God has a sweet way of reminding us that love doesn’t always need to be loud.

Tatum, with her kind and generous heart, stepped up in the most beautiful way. She worked so hard on a special video just for her dad. Every clip, every word—pure love. She even used her own money to buy him gifts he had mentioned in passing—ones he’d been hoping for. Watching her honor him with such intentionality filled my heart more than any elaborate plan could have.

I did manage to make some yummy food, but in my mind, it was just a small gesture compared to all that he means to us. Doug is the one who quietly holds us together. He’s the calm in our storms, the strength when we feel weak, the laugh when we need one most. He leads with humility, loves with consistency, and gives with a heart that never asks for anything in return.

Tatum and I are so incredibly grateful for him. Even on the quiet, imperfect days like today—especially on those days—we are reminded just how blessed we are to call him ours.

Happy Father’s Day to our rock. We love you endlessly.