Our McCormick home UPDATE! (Interior)

We purchased our McCormick home many months back (November 2018), and we have been remodeling it since April of 2019. It has come so far in just a few months! Here is a pic of the living room BEFORE the demolition. (I have already written about these in previous posts, but this is a reminder!)

And the old kitchen…

Things started to take shape! Thankful for Monty!

Well, just take a peak at the kitchen now. Doug has done such an AMAZING job with this. Look at those cool lights and the island. The wet bar is such a fun addition and makes him excited to make a cappuccino.

We also took out the wall and put in doors.

Stay tuned for more as it comes along. Just so exciting!

Thanksgiving with the Hay’s 2019

It was going to be a “Great”fully filled day. We headed to Craig’s house for a lovely dinner. Austin, Tatum and Doug went to visit Darlene, his mom, first. I later showed up with mom.

It was so special because Tatum and Austin rarely spend time together. Also, Darlene hasn’t seen Austin in a while either. It was a win all over.

Later, at Craig’s, mom and I showed. We had to celebrate with pics!

Doesn’t she look lovely? I’m truly grateful for my mom. Tot and I now!

Then Grandmama!

Daddy joined the fun….

A little silly pic or two.

Mama, come on over here.

Austin and Tot. Brother and Sister!

We had a lovely dinner with family, and later, Tatum received some lovely gifts from Craig and Terri and Scott and Teresa. (for her birthday)

Tatum gave Scott some attention and appreciated him!

I left a little early to take my mom home, so I gave everyone and especially Austin a big hug. I miss seeing him. We pray for him ALL THE TIME.

Tatum stayed up late and made forts. She fell asleep very quickly after!

Coopy was delighted to have us all home.

What a blessing the whole day was. I love every day to be filled with GRATITUDE!

She’s BAAAAACK! Shining bright as usual

She’s alive and back to her old Tatum self! Halleluia!
Today did not disappoint. We missed two days of her vacation since she had the stomach bug pretty bad. Saltines, squeezies, bubble water, and chicken soup get old reeeeeeally fast.

So, we headed to Trader Joe’s as usual, and she just wanted to help! People seem to be irresponsible with returning the carts, so she helped. Insisted, in fact.

I can do it, Mommy!

She gathered more than two at a time and…..

Pushed she did…with all of her might!

Her persistence is infectious. They just love her at Trader Joe’s. She’ll have a job there no problem in a few years.

Later, at Einstein’s she showed off the pin Daddy gave her yesterday.

We came home and worked on her clay grocery store present from her birthday. I love to buy her crafty gifts so we can do them together.

We made waffles and cereal. Perfect for breakfast. We’ll make more tomorrow.

It was so good to have her back.

Later, Cooper helped us!

Voila! Delicious food with my girl.

I love spending the day with her, even through the ups and downs. She keeps me on my toes, and we definitely work things out along the way. This is what I love about our relationship.

She has such a bright future as a leader in some way; I have no idea, but I do know God has big plans to use her life for HIs Glory. Matthew 5:16 is her life verse.

I was inspired today about the next drawing I will make. It is truly about what I see about Tatum and this verse: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
Stay tuned!
I love you, Tot.

You tire us out, sweet girl!

My Honey looking well at Honeywell

I had an appt. today with a gastroenterologist to schedule a colonoscopy, so I brought Tatum. But first, we had to go visit my honey since we were right near his work.

Now, Tatum has had the stomach bug for two days, and she was not enthused about going anywhere, but alas, visiting Daddy would be a treat.

It is a bit like Fort Knox to get in, so we just hung in the lobby. Here we go into the building:

And then we waited for Daddy to come down, so we sat and waited. She was a good sport as she felt like someone punched her in the tummy.

Sadly, CNN was playing in the lobby which gave me a stomach bug. Now we both felt sick. Ha!
Here he comes and doesn’t he look so handsome?

He gave her a 100 year pin which made her so happy! Well, as happy as you can be with her woooooziness.

Oh, Tot. We pray you feel better tomorrow! We love you, Daddy!

God In Me

Yes, this little sweet girl made this crown. She wrote, “God in Me” to remind herself that HE is ALIVE in her ALWAYS. I love her heart and her desire to do right by HIM.

Post Birthday fun and the BIG surprise

Last night was Tot’s birthday; she knew there was more to come today! But first, the build-up and the enjoyment from last night.

We went to the gym in the morning, and guess what she brought with her?

After a QUICK workout, and I mean quick because we wanted to make a donation box ( and we wanted to build a robot!)

She decided on the Pigtail design.

Only 700 steps.

Oh, ok only 10.

After step 8, we were wondering if it was time for lunch. Ha! It took forever! But, we were having so much fun.

Now, time for the batteries, and VOILA!
Pigtail Peggy is ready for action.

Cooper had no clue what to do with Pigtail Peg. He barked and barked.

He kept barking until he could give her a birthday card.

Ok, Tatum, are you ready???

Cooper was so excited to give you this, and I think to have some tastes of your next surprise. It’s always fun to have leftovers and a bonus sundae. Daddy was almost ready to give you your clues. Your first clue is here. He reads and then it’s your turn. A treasure hunt!

He had her running all over!

Right to his truck. She pushed the trunk button and sloooooowwwwwly, it opened. She is awestruck.

TADA!!!

It’s a beautiful teal blue Specialized bike just like Mommy’s and Daddy’s.

It’s a 20″ and she really needs a 16″, but she will be 42″ any day now! She looks so cute on it too, and that is what matters. (ha). The brake is on the handlebar too!
Daddy took her out for a ride,

and she had the most delicious time.

What a heavenly-seven day. We can’t wait to go on our family bike rides now!

How in heavens is she SEVEN??

She woke up to a new long-sleeved school shirt, fun glasses, bootie shoes, and a sweet note from Daddy.

It was to be a heavenly seven day.

But first, let me backtrack. Remember this, lovebug? Probably not. But I do. We locked eyes and I’ve grown closer and closer to you EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Tatum enters the world on Thanksgiving 2012

Tatum. My goodness, I cannot imagine loving your more today, but I do. The LOVE METER is on tilt because it keeps growing and there’s no measure for it!

So back to the day; I surprised her at school at snack recess. Here she comes!

All set up for cupcakes, balloon, friends, and singing! She was so surprised.

Little did she know that the rest of the day was to be even more heavenly!

When she came home I had the table all set for our steak dinner. Mom was coming over and Daddy was grilling.

Well, change of plans. Mama had a bit of struggle walking today, so we just brought salads, hot fudge sundaes, and presents to her house. No problem!
Tatum made a quick party hat and put on her new “One In a Minion shirt.” Now why would she get this cute shirt? HMMMMMM???? Coti sure knows!

Daddy came from work and she hopped right on his lap. Heavenly.

We had some dinner, but first, some jokes Tatum could share! Oh, and also, she drew this design at school, and I had it put on a water bottle.

Then, of course, Mama always gives her some pretty clothes. Man, she has such good taste. The girl wearing them doesn’t disappoint with HOW cute she is.

Then, what better way to practice math facts than with a mini flashcard machine? This will go perfect with her new Speak ‘N Spell which she hasn’t put down. I had one of these when I was her age, and I became addicted to spelling.

All of her gifts were designed for us to play together or for her to learn something. This gear Wacky Robot toy would be a blast to do with her.

And the clay grocery store. Ha! Little does she know I buy these for me also! (teehee)

It became time for our hot fudge sundaes. OH, Jolly, I’m going to burn the place down with all these candles.

Happy Birthday Bumby!

We had so much fun at mom’s. We will do more tomorrow with the OTHER present. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, she played Speak’N Spell all the way home (she spelled all the Level 1 words no problem)

When we got home, she played and played and literally konked out reading about her clay store.

Coopy watched over her as she fell asleep.

Daddy and I love you soooooo much.

Tomorrow, we will continue your birthday with play and another present (what could it be??)

XXOOXXOO

Heavenly seven. You are my angel, sweet girl.