Category: Totally Tatum

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!

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!

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.

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!

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He had her running all over!

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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!

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

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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. 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.

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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.

Yes, it is truly noted in the Hay household that we note each other. We “note”ice each other. We note to share our love for each other and to share appreciation.

It is my honey, almost every morning, who does this the best.

Each day I get a note on the mirror, and it usually is quite clever!

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He starts it, and then I leave a quip in return.

We have quite the collection!

Now, daily, I do put a note in Tatum’s lunch. And guess what? Out of the blue, she’ll respond back with a note for me, but I often receive a little post it on the counter or in the car. LOVE IT!

Noteworthy, I must say.

So, let it be known, that you should never take for granted your family. Make sure you tell them daily how much you love and appreciate them. A note is just another noteworthy way to communicate. (Heart)

She’s all ready. She’s been practicing for weeks now! Daily, we make a video and we watch it to find the best ways to present. I love her dedication.

She even put on some patriotic bows in her hair to match her speech.

We arrived early and met some friends.

They split up the meet into morning and afternoon. The morning was 1st-4th, and from that, only about 8 girls were represented from PVCP. Only 4 were first graders.

She competed in the POETRY section; there were about 20 other first graders in her group.

She got up in front of the 3 judges, and gave her name and started her speech. She missed one word and it threw her off. She KEPT GOING with a smile, and then she sat down. (with a bit of a frown).

I know she was disappointed, but her attitude rocked> She knows next year she’ll try again, yet she’ll know what to expect.

She still got a red ribbon and a big smile. I’m so proud of her courage and efforts

Later that night I gave her this card:

I love you Tatum Hay. You keep being YOU and don’t ever give up.