Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Every other Wednesday, I have the privilege to join some lady friends of mine  (we call ourself REACH!) as we discuss a book. It’s always written by a Christian author and contains fodder for discussion.

Well, this Wednesday, I had the ladies over at my house for salad bar.

Tatum joined us for a bit, but then she was asked to stay in her bedroom and play. She honored this request and built the best contraption!

Before this, I had given her some mazes to complete and after each completion, she’d come down and get a smiley face and high five from me. I was so proud of her!

Moreover, we had the best time laughing it up and sharing our hearts. I am so blessed by these ladies.  (Eva, Kellye, Sharon, Shannon, Tina, and Cana)

 

Tatum was still up after they left reading as usual. Awesome night.

her playing the piano. What music to my ears!

Today, before church, she sat down and started seeing the notes as she played. She did not look at her hands, but with poise, sang the notes.

CDE EDC…ABCBC…and so on.

I clapped and so did baby!

So proud of you, Tot!!!

See him ready to bite it!?

Well, although it is plastic, it packs a loud squeak and is sure fun to chase and chew!

Now go GGGEEEEEETTTT IT!!!

It was a beautiful Saturday here in Phoenix. Only about 80 degrees. A perfect day to serve the CITY!

Our church does this often, and so this time we decided to join the Neighborhood Ministries team to help plant a garden for them.  NM has been here for about 30 years. Their mission is: “to be the presence of Jesus Christ, sharing his life-transforming hope, love, and power among distressed families of urban Phoenix to ignite their passion for God and His Kingdom.”

AMEN.

So, Tot and I arrived at SBC early to join our team. Bonus: Krispy Kreme Donuts.

Soon, all arrived to go to various locations in the city to serve and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jenni and Matt Torres were in charge of our group. There were to be 21 of us going to NM, but only 7 showed up: Another couple, Tot and me, and the Torres family (they had 2 kids). WOW!? Where was everyone? Well, we got there and were ready to plant.

There were 18 spaces for 18 kids to have their own special garden. We planted lettuce, strawberries and a squash for each.

Tatum helped spread the compost! (and then she was just ready to play). No worries! She knew she was helping. Maybe next time, she’ll do a bit more.

Swinging was definitely more fun!

How nice does that look.??!

Later, we put in the tomatoes, herbs, corn and melons.

What a lovely day! We worked for 3 hours straight, and it was the perfect amount of us. I know the kids will enjoy the garden and be blessed. Just another way to SERVE our city.

When we go to Geron, he always pretty’s us up! It was Tatum’s first time to get her hair washed and styled too!

Well, when we got home, we were a bit tired and grouchy. I was actually. She knew I needed a big hug. So she drew us together and gave me that needed hug and then some.

It worked because the rest of the night I was beaming with joy. Tot, you’re the best. And your hair is sure pretty too!

It was time. It was time to graduate to mature materials and fancier paper.

My Sketchbook is so special to me because it has all of my drawings from years ago, so I can look back and remember the recoveries from my biggest mistakes! Good lessons there.

Well, I wanted Tatum to have quality paper and better pencils. The colored pencils and printer paper were just not cutting it, and the results were less than satisfying.

Last night I surprised her with new materials including Prismacolor pencils. The best!

I wrote a little note in the front cover:

 

She couldn’t stop drawing.

And into the morning. She begged to bring her book and pencils down to breakfast. She even didn’t realize she had apple slices in front of her! For Tatum, that is big. teehee.

To more adventures, sweet girl. I love watching you grow.

Why do we draw everyday? Why did I make sure she had an art cart?
It’s for moments like these.

Last night, we read about a little mouse named Tillie.

It’s about a curious little mouse who wondered why there was a wall next to their home. No other mouse really cared, but Tillie was determined to find out what was on the other side. For his determination, he was rewarded with new friends, experiences, and expanding his world.

Well, it also inspired Tatum to draw what she saw.

She stayed up late focused on getting it right. (She went through six pieces of printer paper). She was determined.

This inspired Tatum to draw other colorful pieces as well.

With her own style, I love watching it be watered every day.

Thank you Tillie for showing us tenacity and not giving up!