Living an Intentional Life
With the virus “panic”demic, Tot and I had a hard time finding a place that was open for breakfast. I was to surprise her today with a breakfast from Scramble, but they were delivery only, so we tried Wildflower. Closed till 10am. Then, Panera. Success!
I ordered Tot an avocado, egg white bagel sandwich, and she was in heaven.
Where did it go?
She read to me some Superbook Bible characters as we laughed and chatted.
We had so much fun. I love spending time with the TOT.
One thing I have discovered about Tatum. She has STRONG EMOTIONS and she often does not know how to control them. If she experiences anger, she acts out sometimes inappropriately. If she experiences frustration, she may act out in a way that could have been more controlled. If she has a disappointment, well, she may run into her room and want to hide. If she has messed up, TOT FEELS IT> her guilt and shame cause her to want to fix it IMMEDIATELY. It’s one of her best qualities, but what we are trying to teach her is that the feeling isn’t bad; it’s what you do with it. Let’s work on that.
She has come a long way in 6 months, but she still has a bit of a way to go with self-control. Some adults have never learned this, so we want her to experience the negative with US and not in the outside world. It’s a blessing.
Usually, if it’s quiet in her bedroom, she is creating something. A card; a poster (like a reminder); a book.
For Daddy, she created some cards just to let him know she loves him so.
She depicts her heart in pictures.
She recently made me a book to tell me how much she loves doing things together.
Daddy and I literally have a stack of cards and notes with I’m sorry and I love you. On the iPad the other day, she made this and sent it to my messages. (she did the same for Daddy).
Tot, I love your heart. David was a man after God’s own heart. “A broken and contrite heart you do not despise.” Ps 51:17. You have this same response. May you continue to feel strongly and react rightly. I love you.
When Tatum wakes up, she goes into her bathroom and suits up. Yes, not only are her teeth sparkly clean, but she puts on the armor of God.
She made a poster to remind her.
The Whole Armor of God: From Ephesians 6:10-18
10″ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Suit up, girl! You’ll need it for the day. (We all do)
Your turn, Coopy.
Oh, Tot. She is truly my daughter. Tatum created some piles of books for Zoe to take home this time. She knows Zoe is going into Kindergarten, and she is probably going to learn to read this year. Tatum wanted to inspire her! She made little gift bags and piles so Zoe could choose.
Then, when Zoe arrived, Tatum had her sit down so she could read to her. (I had to spy in the background).
Now, Zoe was not at all interested in having Tatum read. She wanted to play!
Tatum said, “Zoe, maybe you could read to me?”
Zoe, said, “I don’t know how to read! And I don’t like reading.” Tatum then piped up. “Oh, Zoe, don’t say that! If you say you don’t like reading then you won’t do it; you’ll like it once you learn.”
Who does she sound like!?
Then, Tatum pulled out her Spalding Phonics cards and starting practicing short “a.”
She wanted Zoe to write her name then.
I hope she wasn’t too much of a slavedriver!
I see the teacher in Tatum. She encouraged Zoe in her quest to write and read.
I’m so proud of her, and she sure is fun to watch.
I surprised Tatum today with Top Golf. It had been a while since we had been there.
She had some fun whacking away. Honestly, we both just hit balls and made it fun. Definitely not ready for any type of league.
Then, of course, Luci’s after for a ginormous cookie.
I love our Tuesdays.
At our condo complex, Tatum has made friends with a 5-year old cutie named Zoe. Her family is just lovely, and we have enjoyed getting to know them. Zoe was invited to come over on Thursday, and Tatum prepped all morning.
First, she prayed that she could speak to Zoe about Jesus. (my heart melted)
Then she put out a bunch of Bible verses for Zoe to see. (she had the tea party all ready too with seltzer water).
Then, she made Zoe a little purse with some notecards inside.
Then she made a paper for prayer requests:
She got the fun tent all ready.
When Zoe came over, she sat her down and first asked her if she had anything she could pray for. Zoe mentioned safety, so Tot wrote it down and promised to pray for this. (She put it on the frig.)
It was so fun to see Tatum live her faith and be a light. I love my girl’s heart.
I couldn’t ask for a better DADDY for the Tot. They are so stinking cute together.
Doug has been waiting for the day that he could officially adopt Tatum as his very own. Tatum already adopted him as her dad the day we got married. (I also did). But, we needed to make it official. The paperwork takes a while, so we finally got to the official date of July 9th. Now, the COVID 19 limited us to just doing a virtual hearing, but we didn’t want to wait until the courts were open. This was just way too exciting.
At 2:15 sharp, we tuned into the court. (Kathy Pidgeon (our lawyer ) and Judge Brame were visually present besides us.
In exactly 7 minutes, she was declared Tatum Isabella Hay officially. WOW!!
Daddy then gave Tot a celebratory card.
This card says it all. Ready for the celebration?
We had hot fudge sundaes together because that is what you eat when you want to celebrate, right!? Then we went swimming of course. The evening would be even better. Cooper watched us get ready. Where are you going?
My girl…she looked like a Daddy’s girl. Beaming. And look at that handsome man!
Ok, we go to pick up Mama. Then she asked. Where are we going?
Fleming’s, my love. Where else do you go when you want to celebrate? Filets, shrimp, wine, and sourdough. Laughs, joy, happiness awaits.
Mama looks ravishing.
More pics of all of us.
Adoration!
We wore masks when we got there, but we got to remove them when we sat down.
Ok, the celebration will now continue! Daddy is about to surprise the Tot with all kinds of joy. He worked SO HARD on this. That is one of many things I love about him. He puts his heart into a gift.
Kaboom! The card exploded all over the table!
It only just begun, sweet girl.
Now, for the real fun:
A box of happy about to be revealed. Bit by bit.
He made a card for each special day. She can redeem them at anytime (except the 16-year old one, HA!). My question…does the Mommy get to come? heehee
Mr. “I can’t draw” outdid himself with his secret talent. He can draw and his mind is full of creativity. I love it! Tatum was blown away, and all of us celebrated with glee.
Thank you Doug for a lovely evening of dinner, laughter, and new memories.
Tatum Isabella Hay, we ADORE you!