Apparently, Tatum has a busy week! She says she has to go to school 10 days this week! I had no idea she had such a crazy schedule.
Hmmmmmmm, where did she get it?
The Kissing Hand
When Tatum and I depart from one another, we kiss each others’ hands. This comes from the cutest little book called The Kissing Hand.
It’s about a little raccoon who doesn’t want to go to school, so his mommy has him open up his little paw, and she kisses it. He then feel warm love tingles going up his arm into his heart. Then, every time he touches his face with his kissed hand, he experiences her love. They trade kisses on each others’ hands.
It’s now a tradition with us.
you think Coti wants in on the kissing action?
I get to be her MOMMY!
My Tot.
Being her mom is the best honor ever. This is not something I achieve. This is something that happens by loving; a love that can only come from a heart created by Jesus. That’s what makes me want to be a better mom and the thing that makes me love her beyond my own ability.
This love makes me want to constantly snuggle and cuddle AND goof around!
Her class had a little celebration for the mommies.
And you know what? I had no idea I was such a good tickler!
I love you Tot beyond measure.
Oatmeal
Valuing each other
Do you know your value? Do you share how much you value each other?
We always share how much we mean to each other. Mama, we love you!
Tot, you are worth more than you’ll ever even understand.
When I look at your bright eyes and shining smile….
I bask in gratitude. 
Unsatisfied Fox
When I sit in Tot’s room, I happen to face the wall with the fox on it. It has been an unsatisfactory experience because I did not like the way I put the verse on it. It was too dark and not balanced with his tail.
So I fixed it and made it lighter and more balanced on the picture. (I think at least!)
Now I can relax. (at least until the next inspiration!)
Visiting Palo Verde Middle School
Today I had flashbacks of all the years I taught Middle School in West Side of Phoenix.
I was invited by on of my students, Barbie Firkus from GCU, to come to her class. She teaches the refugees at Palo Verde Middle School where many of them attend. She has about 28 students in two different classes representing about 20 countries ranging from Syria to the Congo. Every Friday, she has Firkus (her last name) Friday, so today I was invited to come in and read to her students. I decided to bring Tatum.
When we arrived, they led us to the classroom with fancy visitor badges. Walking through the school reminded so much of my teaching days. I miss those kids! They were all so well-behaved, and I know that in this environment, that can be a challenge, so I give such kudos to the school and all of their hard work.
We were welcomed with a sea of beautiful foreign 13-year old faces and a nice sign.
It’s a lovely story of unconditional friendship and the danger of gossip.
After, Barbie (Miss Firkus) had them make some friendship bracelets. We discussed to book too as we shared the importance of kindness. She definitely models this.
We thank you, Barbie. You are a dynamic, amazing teacher, and I’m so honored to know you. You can tell they love you to pieces. You are making a difference in their lives, and they’ll never forget you. I know I won’t. We felt so welcome!
