Category: Totally Tatum

The night before: THE EVE! We had to give her BLIZZARD (the cute BIG snowman) to warn her of exciting things to com.

I got that last pic before bed: Goodbye 12! (sad face/happy anticipation)

NOW: Today my girl stepped into teenagehood, and oh my goodness… what a day.
From the moment she woke up, Tatum was glowing : and somehow still my same sweet, beautiful girl.

Before the party, Oreo, the cutest little black-and-white puppy stuffy! She was so happy but said NO PICS! Oreo was by her side the rest of the day.

Then some PINK SUGAR so she’d smell sweet.

Before the party, of course I needed PICS!!

Oreo and DAD!

proud parents…we couldn’t decide on the best…so alas.

Party at Mavrix! Let the Fun Begin

‘

At 10:30 AM we headed to Mavrix (a bowling alley/arcade) for her birthday party.
Her crew for the day: Jos, Hayden, Liam, and Vivian… her people. (Hayden wasn’t there yet)

They bowled, laughed, cheered each other on, and of course:

Tatum won the bowling game!

After bowling came hours of arcade fun, tokens, tickets, glowing lights, and a whole lot of running around together just being kids. Then the CAKE arrived! She had no problem blowing out all 13 candles with one mighty blow.

Everyone sang, she beamed, the candles all lit up her face…
It was one of those moments I’ll remember forever .. the joy of watching her step right into this new stage of life surrounded by friends who absolutely adore her.

The bowling alley gave her the coolest pin which they all signed. HOW COOL!

When we got home, she opened her presents from us:

• New hair + body things
• More Littlest Pet Shop treasures (the nostalgia!) (We gave her an advent calendar which lasted ….TODAY only HA!
• A vanilla sugar scrub
• Pens, cute accessories, and a Barnes & Noble gift card
• Soft cozy pajamas
• And of course, more time cuddling Oreo

And then? She did exactly what a newly minted 13-year-old should do:
She sat on the couch, comfy clothes on, and played with her LPS toys like it was the happiest place on earth.

Chik Fil A for dinner since..well, she can!

This birthday was everything I hoped for her:

Simple.
Sweet.
Surrounded by friends.
Filled with laughter, bowling, arcade chaos, sugar, surprises, and so many little joys.

Tatum HAY what a treasure you are.
Thirteen looks beautiful on you.

Every year I think my heart can’t possibly hold more love for this girl, and every year it stretches a little further. I see the little girl who used to SING AT THE TOP HER lungs with the plastic mic and line up stuffies on her bed… and I see this radiant almost-teen standing in bowling shoes with a sweet grin, cheering on her friends and still clutching a stuffed dog.

I’m so proud of who she is becoming; kind, funny, creative, loyal, tender-hearted, a little wild, and wonderfully herself.

If this is what 13 looks like, I can’t wait to see 14, 15, and all the years ahead.

Tatum, if you ever read this someday:
We love you more and more every day. You are one of God’s sweetest gifts to us, and it is the greatest joy of my life to be your mom.

From the moment she was born

to this very day,

my heart grows deeper and deeper more crazy about this girl. Watching who she’s becoming so creative, bright, sharp, and genuinely funny might be the greatest privilege of my life.

I ADORE her as a person not just love her as my kid. My biggest prayer for her is to love Jesus with all of her heart soul mind and strength. I LOVE YOU, Tot.

Apparently, “The phrase “six seven” comes from the song Doot Doot (6 7) by Skrilla (released early 2025) in which the lyrics repeatedly include “6-7”” (from a reputable source)

Then TikTok, Instagram and other social media, especially in edits of basketball players (one being LaMelo Ball, who is 6′7″ tall). (another source!)

But it’s basically a nonsensical expression, with no fixed meaning,

So, for Tatum….

All I know is that:

It’s not a secret code

It’s not a “meh” response

It’s just an in between of this or that and really just nothing

Trends! They really just exist to keep adults clueless and in the dark so our kids can make fun of us since we are “out of the loop.” For me? I’ll think it’s something like this!

 

Tatum has tried it all over the years : gymnastics, karate, swimming (which she rocks at), ballet, piano (still part of her routine at home), and even guitar. Each one taught her something different: confidence, rhythm, balance, focus. But soccer? Soccer has lit her up in a new way.

There’s something about this game that’s captured her heart. Maybe it’s the teamwork, the energy, the thrill of the chase, or that electric moment when the ball hits the back of the net. Today, she scored a goal!!!! And her team won their first game of the season!

She’s out there determined, focused, and full of life, I can’t help but think how every activity she’s ever tried has led to this moment. Every lesson, every tumble, every song practiced .

She’s at that beautiful age where creativity and courage meet; where she’s learning what she loves, and who she’s becoming. And right now? She’s loving this game.

Tatum is enjoying toys again! She’s completely into LPS’s (Littlest Pet Shop) and wow, (they’re pricey) but we’re slowly building her collection piece by piece. She’s also rediscovered my old childhood treasures: the vintage Fisher Price house and the wooden dollhouse that had been tucked away in storage. Watching her bring new life to them makes my heart so full.

She’s “toying” again: creating, imagining, storytelling. Just when I thought that part of childhood might be fading as she approaches 13, her creativity is blooming in brand-new ways. She even makes her own furniture for her little worlds!

And her bed… it’s a testament to all the things she loves. Stuffies galore: big, small, squishy, fuzzy and especially capybaras. They’re her current obsession, and honestly, they’re adorable.

Her birthday is just one week away, and I’m soaking in every bit of the magic that’s left in her “twelve.” As I write this, she’s out playing a soccer game (Doug just texted that she scored a goal! I can’t help but smile)…(stay tuned for this blog!)

Her creativity, her mind, her energy, her humor, they’re all such gifts. She is delightful. She is bright. She is pure joy to watch grow. (ONE WEEK FROM TODAY she’ll be 13!!)

I RECEIVED THIS TODAY:

On behalf of the entire College of Education, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment to our students, our mission, and our community. Your years of dedicated service have shaped the lives of countless learners and helped build the strong foundation on which the College of Education proudly stands today. 

You truly embody the spirit of servant leadership, and we are so grateful to walk alongside you in this meaningful work. As we reflect on your impact, I’m reminded of Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” 

This year marks your 15th year of service—a remarkable milestone that speaks to your steadfast dedication and influence as a COE faculty member. The Faculty Services department shared your many years of tenure with us, and we want to recognize the depth of your contribution. Your leadership and example have strengthened our COE mission of learning, leading, and serving, leaving a lasting imprint on your students, colleagues, and the field of education. 

Thank you for being a pillar of excellence and inspiration within our college community. Below is a badge you can display proudly in your email signature. We celebrate you today and every day! 

Grateful.

And Coopy? Needed attention as usual. Look at this face.

Tatum made Ollie a little seed cake.

He loves his MOMMY so much.