Author: Blog-admin

First stop: MOM!
Tatum made her a sweet pic, and we brought her a flag.

Of course, she brought Woody to cheer up mom.

Later that day, Daddy joined us in the pool, and then we did our 4th of July Seder tradition.

First, we discussed the importance of the day and why we celebrate. Freedom from the tyranny of King George, the Pilgrims came here as early as 1620. Then over a century later, others joined and started this country on an IDEA!

We celebrated the fact that the tea was tossed in the Boston Harbor (rebellion against unfair taxes) with some lemonade.

We sign the Declaration of Independence, and then we sing God Bless America.

AMEN.

Land that I love with the family whom I love.

As we all know, since Tatum was a wee one, we have read out loud for at least 30 minutes per night. Not much has changed now that she is almost ahem…$%&$ ELEVEN! Egads.

Well, we decided to pull out the blog books from the beginning to read nightly…like novels!

Wow. I have so much more “writing” in each book which I so appreciate. We are having a blast remembering. We just published the 21st book. (swallowing hard)

Reviewing these memories together, she can see that from (before even) DAY 1, she has been A.D.O.R.E.D. I had made a promise that every single day she’d be reminded how truly loved she is. I have never let that go! Daily, she is reminded she is a GIFT. A BLESSING.

When you turn 18, Tot, you’ll receive the whole 36 book set. It’s going too fast!

I will say that one thing that we have seen is that she has had digestive issues since day one. Just like her mommy. (again, swallowing hard.) I never wished this upon her, and now we share this malady. Oh, dear Jesus, that you would heal us both of this.

I love you dear Tatum; I’m so grateful that I decided to leave full time teaching so I could walk alongside you in this life.

I’ll always have your back, dearest one.

We are good together, kiddo!

It all started with her NEW planner!

Yes, where do you think she gets this!?

Hmmmmmm

Well, now she is motivated to make money for the Children’s Hospital and buying teddy bears. She decided to make bracelets. She’s been going around the neighborhood and taking orders.

And she’s already made $30! She makes them to order.

Stay tuned!

Does Woody know this term? He loves to talk, so to be right there…is KEY!

Wednesday evening, Tatum’s grandma, my mom, was in a terrible car accident. Her car was totaled and she broke 4 ribs and her left pinky.

This crane was a reminder of God’s creation, and that HE’S GOT THIS!

She has been at Scottsdale and Osborn hospital for a few days, and now will be moved to a rehab facility. In the meantime, Tatum has been so helpful serving her.

We go every day to visit her armed with the Bible, waters, errand requests, and love. (Woody joins us).

We will continue to pray for fast healing!

Tatum has moved on from VBS. In fact, she really never enjoyed VBS or Discovery Kids.

She’d say it’s too goofy and immature. AND she’d say there’s no push for a “relationship with God.” It’s more about dancing and singing about a “superhero, Jesus.” Sure, this is fine, but like Tot says, it’s hard to develop a deep intimate relationship when it’s all a big entertainment show.

She chose to be in DRAMA, and they did the play: Androcles and the Lion.

Tatum was a narrator and had a couple of lines! It was such a great week, and she met some great friends.

Such a great week! I love all the young creators.

This day can be bittersweet for many reasons. One being that experiencing the “Father’s” Love may not have happened to one early in life. For me, it was foreign to have a man love me for me, and moreover to KNOW that I am loved all the time. No question!

Experiencing the FATHER’S love was made real for me as I got older when I understood who God is. I knew He existed, but to experience His immense, deep love for me? Huh…nope. Not sure what that meant. Now I do, but it has taken years.

Fast forward to now. God has completely redeemed my childhood by giving me a second chance through Tatum. She gets to experience an earthly father who absolutely adores her and would sacrifice anything for her. Much like the FATHER’s Love. Sacrifice is one way he shows love to Tatum, but also in spending time with her. Just time. No agenda. Just being. And when she is with him, she has no doubt that he will protect her, guide her, and fight a lion for her!

This is redemption for my life. I get to be a mom watching my girl be loved. Ah, yes.

And I get to see it through cool new glasses! HEE!

New eyes. New life.

Or these!…….God gives us many ways to see the blessings. We just need to

LOOOOOOOOK! I love you, Doug Hay.

We also enjoyed celebrating with MAMA. She made him feel like SUPERMAN, which he really is. XXOO