Category: Totally Tatum

And how can I not be a bit emotional? That is a bit of an understatement. I was a mess of tears, but thank goodness for hugs and friends.

Tatum was up a bit before me, all dressed and ready. She came into the bedroom as I was getting Cooper out and ready for his walk. She wanted to go with me on this new day.

I bought a few kiwis to brighten her muffin. The seeds looked too much like crawly things, so it was the first time she didn’t finish her breakfast. I mean this NEVER happens. But, I did try to make it special and that mattered to her the most.

We got out of the house in record time but first, look how adorable she looks.

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The cuteness gives me cavities, srsly.

We got to school in time for lineup. Charlotte wore her jumper today. OH, the love!

The whole school (only 1st-12th) headed to the gym for a welcome ceremony for all including parents. They started as every day they start: the pledge to the American flag, pledge to the Christian flag, and pledge to the Bible. Then 2 seniors sang “Bless the Lord O’ My Soul.” and we all sang. Prayers and love to the students. It was remarkable and made me grateful for the covering on this school, on the teachers, and on the students. Blessing BEYOND BELIEF. The hugs from parents calmed my heart too.

I headed off to coffee with some of the moms from her class. We did have a nice time, but I was still a bit sad. Am I ridiculous? Probably.

She had the “BEST DAY EVER” and reported that she loves Mrs. Finnman and seeing all her friends.

That night, we had a very deep conversation about friendship and how sometimes friends let us down but we still remain kind and forgiving. We also discussed why does God allow evil. Yes, she wanted to know. (I did say, let’s have a conversation about ANYTHING on your mind). I mentioned something I had heard: With shadows, you need to have sun. With sun, you don’t need shadows. In other words, with the presence of evil, there IS GOOD. We can know that God allows this but only for a time. He CAN’T force love upon us, but He can promise us eternal life and a life of HIS strength and love to keep us afloat. It’s our choice. He loved us all so much that He did send His son!

We also talked about her adoption. I told her August 22nd is coming and that we WILL celebrate. The best day ever for me! (The day I received the phone call about her). She asked me why the girl who carried her couldn’t keep her. I told her that she never wanted to be a mom, but she knew I had prayed and that TATUM was chosen for me. SHE WAS WANTED; not an accident.

It was an emotional day. I see that she is growing up, but I see that we are growing in our relationship. The most important thing for Tatum is that she loves the LORD more than she loves the world. The next is our relationship being strong and open.

I can’t wait to see how God uses you this year, my sweet girl.

Doug and I wanted to celebrate Tatum on Sunday night. I made her a nice dinner of her choice; she wanted a big salad with chicken, sausage, cheese and chips and salsa. Daddy gave her a sweet card.

We then took Cooper outside for a walk (new adventure!), and we let go the balloons into the sky: Launching into first grade!

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I love the symbolism of balloons flying hight because they represent Tatum’s future. It’s going to soar and be an adventure. I can’t wait to be in the front seat of her life.

Now, we are ready for a new day tomorrow. We only go for an hour to her classroom to meet and greet and drop off supplies.

She’s all ready with her backpack filled with her supplies here. Tuesday is the official start.

Here’s her classroom. Tatum’s name is on the whale! The gentle giant which Tatum is for sure. A giant heart with such gentleness.

When we got there, there was a scavenger hunt for each student. Great idea, Mrs. Finman.

Part of it was to help with a puzzle and greet Mrs. Finman

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All done!

She was to make a bag when we got home of all kinds of things that represent her. She wanted me to take a couple of pics when we got home to include in her bag. Cooper and her Bible definitely are included. She LOVES Jesus, Mommy, Daddy, Coopy, and her activities.

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Here are some of Mommy and Tot, Daddy and Tot, swimming, golf, hiking, and family time. These are all the things that make Tatum the TOT!

I can’t wait for your first day tomorrow sweet girl!!!! I love you!!!

I had to snap their pics because not only is my little cutie pie all ready for church, but my honeybun looks so spiffy. You two are my sweetest dears ever. I love you both so much. And, most importantly, I love the relationship that is growing.

Daddy is so intentional in showing LOVE for Tatum. He is always buying her cards and making her feel absolutely ADORED.

Thank you, Daddy for being so amazing. Tot, you are growing so much, and we love you!!!

Not sure he thinks so. Jumping out of the bathtub is all he can think about, but when it’s all over, he LOVES being swaddled like a little baby. I kinda like it too, little cuddlebug.

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Now the next joy is the drying and brushing. May it be over now??? Oh, little Coopy, you’re almost there. He gets extra treats during the whole process. And LOTS of TLC. Why doesn’t it feels as much fun as when I go to the salon to get all coiffed? Hmmmm..

You look mahvelous little Coopy.

We love you to pieces!!!! Now go play.

It’s very exciting. Now, Cooper has all of his shots, and he is ready to relieve himself in the wide wide world of grassy areas. Ms. Karen (our dog trainer) came over on Saturday to help us out.

We are all very excited as we listen to her wisdom.

Ok, here we go! Pee pad, we are moving on.
How’s he doing Lovebug?

All these new smells and sights. It’s beyond his comprehension.

Go Coopy!!

Little does he know that a bath is in his future.

Every weekday of the summer, Tatum worked diligently on Brain Quest. I told her the last day, we’d have a party. She finished on the Friday before first grade, and we all rejoiced.

She wrote a summary of Little Red Riding Hood with the correct punctuation and capital letters. The gingerbread man awarded her a

Brainiac award.

So, now we must celebrate.

I wrote out a few thoughts about PARTY DAY.

First, I wanted to celebrate her big, beautiful heart with a new pair of heart glasses. She had accidentally broken the pair she bought with her own money, so I wanted to reward her patience and great attitude about it.

Then, I wanted to celebrate her growth in writing with a new pencil. Not just any pencil…

(Yes, I was MOOOOOVED by her growth)!
Next, I wanted her to know she is my sunshine and to always remember that.

She can keep smiling now with this bear lip gloss.

I love you, Tatum!

Here’s a little yogurt before we go get a…wait for it…

a new haircut and get her all ready for a new BEGINNING!
Thanks to Brandy for this one.

She sure looks cute and mature.

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Her uniform (and all its looks) is now the complete package. Her heart, smile, attitude, and kind words are the foundation from God. The clothing will go perfect now on top of it all.

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Dearest Lovebug, I’m so proud of you. You are going to make new friends and grow in your faith and your academics. Your heart continues to grow with the fruits of the spirit. Keep being YOU and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape you.

Go First Grade!

When I walked in from my trip from Madison, I was overtaken by streamers and noise makers, my sweet family, and of course little Coopy.

First, let me back up. While I was gone, Tot, Daddy, and Cooper made the best of their time together. Daddy did so much with her to make the time special. He completely outdid himself.

He made nice meals,

and Tatum created her own works of art.

Cooper played of course! Well, he didn’t always play. He did a lot of waiting.

and waiting…. Where’s the mommy?

Meanwhile, the family was plotting a surprise. Tatum even dreamed of what it would be like; this reunion of family. She was at peace and ready for the next day.

And so it was. I flew all day, and when I walked in,

the place was decorated. Balloons, cards, streamers, flowers. They even decorated the table with all of the post-it notes I hid around the house for them to find while I was gone.

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More surprises. Daddy took Tatum to Hobby Lobby to find presents.

Tatum really can blow it! In a good way that is.

I felt so completely adored and appreciated. Tatum made me some pictures; she put up a cross for me; and Daddy and Tot gave me love cards.

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I don’t like to be away, but this made me want to leave more often. (not really)

The beautiful thing about Doug is that he makes sure I feel completely adored. He’s teaching Tatum the idea of edification and the importance of putting others above ourselves. Also, GRATITUDE> It’s what our family is all about.

I love you, Hays. So good to be home.