Author: Blog-admin

I’m so proud of Tatum for just trying. Her music teacher told the kids about an opportunity to sing a solo of the Star Spangled Banner. She immediately signed up and told me she was going to tryout.
So, Monday morning, we got to school early to meet Mrs. Cline.

Poised and ready, she warmed up with the la la la’s.

Then she stood tall and sang it out with all of her might!

Later, Mrs. Cline asked her to practice her la la’s from D flat to G flat.

All I have ever told Tatum is that she should try for opportunities because that is just one step forward. The point is not in winning or losing; it’s in the moving forward and learning from our mistakes. That is the value of failing! So no matter the outcome, we enjoy the process.

We celebrate hard work! HOW?
Coffee talk.

Happy Labor Day!

It’s a famous verse you hear at weddings and events that celebrate LOVE. But, is it really applied? Sure, we say, “I love you” often, and we also say, “I love xyz” all the time, but do we mean the kind of love that is described in 1 Cor. 13? Agape love? Unconditional love?

“ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. “

Today, at our Hay Happens meeting, we wrote out the verse, and then we focused on areas that maybe each of us could work on.

For example, “Stephanie is kind, patient…” and then I circled “Patient,” with the intent that I need to focus on this more! I also probably could be less irritable at times!

Little Rio helped out with inspiration for the Tot.

This week, when we eat dinner, we’ll have out our little reminder.

Let’s APPLY the verse! AMEN!

I LOVE watching Tatum PLAY! At almost 11, she still uses her imagination on FULL TILT with her love of teaching and drawing.

She spent a couple of hours doing a read aloud to Coopy and Rio the other day; it was a joy to watch her be so animated and creative. Little Coopy kept looking at me.

Seriously, Mom? Do I have to listen to this?

Coopy, it’s good for you to F.O.C.U.S (since he is all about the squirrel moments. Literally).

Rio watched attentively. He knows his mommy is in charge!

Take it away, TOT!

She’s going to be an amazing teacher some day, or whatever she chooses to do, she’ll be truly a leader.

Later, she FOCUSED on drawing her new little feathered friend. WOW!

I immediately had it made into a portrait for her wall. You WOW me, kiddo!

She has been begging me to work in the Special Ministries at SBC. After the training, we were scheduled for this Sunday. You have to be at least 14 to serve, but if she is with me, it’s all ok!

So, today, we worked with Carolyn’s (the head of SpMinistries at SBC) daughter, Megan. She was to work with Arabella, a sweet little Special 4 year old). Tatum just shadowed and helped Megan.

Here we are arriving early!

Then she got to serve in the 4-year old room. Little Arabella is playing hopscotch.

Tatum learned so much as this sweet little girl was so curious about EVERYTHING! Tatum had to learn how to help her keep her hands to herself and take turns.

Also, to help other little kids understand that Arabella is different but SO special in GOD’S EYES!

the Bible verse this morning was “coincidentally (NOT!)” the same verse from her school this week.

I’m HONORED to be Tot’s mommy. She inspires me daily. XXOO.

This is probably going to be my motto for this year. WHY? Because now I have context for what is a little moment. I used to “poopoo” little moments and brush them off as insignificant. The mundane. The waking up and saying GOOD MORNING to the birdies outside. The walking of the dog and seeing a bevy of quail. The kissing my daughter and her Amarillo in the morning and seeing them cuddle. The hubby making a delicious cup of coffee for me first thing. The ability to make new recipes in my kitchen to please my family daily. I could go on. They were ALL taken for granted in the past. Ho Hum..boring. Mundane daily tasks.

Now, I’m realizing that the daily grind is actually where you find the winks of God and the miracles of HIS creation. You see rainbows, flowers, mountains, birdies, people of all colors and sizes….and on and on. You have family, friends, relationships that are building…. you have new podcasts and learning each day from mistakes and from what may have been needed to understand. It’s all a NEW experience which cannot be overlooked. Also, you have the unplanned, inconvenient happenings that occur daily which may be exactly what we need and how He gets our attention.

So is what I gave Tatum on August 22nd; the phone call day.

Our days might not be filled with rollercoasters, trips to Antarctica or even the beach, fancy restaurants and getting all dressed up.

BUT, they are filled with family.

Even if they are feathered …..

And fluffy!

Amen. Gratitude.

It is the big AUGUST 22nd today. Yep, the phone call day E…E…E…ahem. E.L.E.V.E.N years ago today! HUH!? So, I had to surprise her with HER OWN BLOG WEBSITE!
Yes, I bought the domain: www.justagirlwholovesparakeets.com

Then, I went to my GoDaddy account and built her a blog. Now, she can blog daily about her little birdie, Amarillo!

Her first two blogs were her FIRST TWO days with little birdie.

You see, I want to encourage her writing. She is such a prolific, articulate writer, and to encourage it is all I can do. I have done this with her reading since she was born, and she is completely obsessed with books and reading. I figure I can nurture and encourage her.

SO, stay tuned! So proud of your efforts, Tot! SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS DAY!