Category: Totally Tatum

This 6th grade year has had its challenges. Witnessing Tatum’s ever-growing attention issues has been difficult. I often blame myself as I don’t break down tasks for her as well as I could.

I also know that if I was in my old tip-top shape, I could be more patient and helpful to her. Sometimes, I just need to assign her her work and then go lay down. This is not a win win at all.

Also, somehow, I expect her to be able to do many simple things for which I think should be no-brainers. For her? They are very challenging.

One such area is MATH. Saxon was ….stress….was a great program for learning skills and building upon them as a spiral curriculum. I found that this was one big FAIL as Tatum was responding less and less to the material. In fact, she’d FREEZE when given any number of problems to accomplish. I needed to find one more conducive to someone with ADHD symptoms.

I’m trying this CTC Math program. It’s colorful, has short lessons, and is paced at a level we can do.

She is way ahead of much of this, but I need her to get her confidence back!
The games are helping.

And then it became a reality.

GCU invited me to speak to a group of teachers in Columbia, SC. Since Covid, they haven’t offered me this kind of trip. How could I pass it up?
Honestly, I was not well enough to go. I know I have my good days, and I prayed they would land on the days of travel and speaking.

Now, getting ready for this trip is more work than when I am home. It’s like prepping for a sub, a nurse, a cook, and a dietician. But, my honey would be fine. And Tatum would hopefully follow suit and be responsible.

I left my “cheat sheets” for each of them PLUS I filled the freezer with meatballs, lemon bread/chocolate bread, and plenty of veggies and snacks.

OK 6am. Wednesday. I wake up ready for my flight. (Yah, sure..HA!) Hat day fo sho!

No problem getting there, thanks to my honey’s keen driving.

Plane! Thank you, I just want to sleeeeeeep.

My goal is just to function and make it to Columbia without any kerfuffles.

My honey gave me this card.

God gave me an opportunity to help this young girl. I love when HE does this! She didn’t speak English, and she had to find her connecting flight. I TRIED to speak Spanish and got her to her flight. (Thanks God)

ARRIVED! Got my schwanky rental; CHEVY MALIBU WOO! As we walked on by the Jags, Land Rov’s, Teslas… I figured I was just grateful to have wheels. Arriving to my hotel, I figured I better go get some food. Takeout is not an option for me, so thank GOD they had a Whole Foods. I stocked up on chicken breasts (cooked), broccoli/carrots, and coconut yogurt. This would hold me for the few days. (thanks to my in-room frig and the lobby microwave) …I was set.

The next day, I woke up and OOOOOOOH BOY. Not at all ok. I didn’t sleep a wink, and getting out of bed was not going to happen. I had to speak in only 7 hours, so I figured I could just sleep the whole day. (At that point I didn’t care if I sabotaged my sleep that night), I just wanted to function!

So that is what I did. (Sad face)

At 3, I showered and got all “perty” (so to speak), and PRAYED FOR HIS SPIRIT TO TAKE OVER!

This helped me feel better from my TOT:

Sent my honeys videos of me on my way.

I also realized I had been to this place before!
Thank you God!

I had the whole Boardroom to myself.

We waited for the crowd to arrive, and I got my slides up!

Two hours later, I DID IT! No, GOD DID IT! They loved it, and I was so grateful.

Now, it was time to head back and just get ready for my flight in the AM.

HOME HERE I COME!
The next day, the WHOLE day, I flew flew flew. TURBULENCE and all.

Watched TWO documentaries: Crescendo and Comeback Kids. LOVE THESE!
My honey boos picked me up and this!

Coop ended his hunger strike.

And all was well. I AM SO GRATEFUL I GOT TO GO. Somehow, I made it. Thank you God for taking care of my family. Now, I continue to pray for more GOOD days. (functioning) HA!

And now she wears it.

I walk by the cage every morning and talk to Rio. He is a joy!
“Kiss!”

” HI!”

” I love you!”

Now, he is starting to talk to Ollie when he is near. In fact, he rushes up and KISSES him with an “I love you!”

I KNOW!!!! cuteness overload !

SO Tatum asked me to draw the little boy.

He joined Ribi on the wall.

The drawing got my mind off “ME” for a while. I tell ya…I’m just taking it one day at a time. Sometimes, I just don’t know how I’ll make it. But GOD. And BUT, Tatum’s school. He gives me strength to teach her daily.

We just started ANIMAL FARM. I’m going through the freedoms of WE THE PEOPLE and the ways we take it for granted. Especially our freedom of speech and religion. I’m so grateful we live here in AMERICA and that TRUMP is back, Amen.

Ok, what will I draw next? Stay tuned.

(Tatum’s Story of the day!!)

Mara woke early, the soft murmur of the city’s usual sounds blending with the chirping of birds outside her window. As the first light of dawn slipped through the curtains, she stretched and took a deep breath, ready to face another day. To the untrained eye, she was just a regular person. But to the world’s animals, Mara was someone special—someone they could talk to.

Her gift wasn’t something she’d ever asked for. It came suddenly, when she was fifteen, and over the years, it had become both a blessing and a burden. Mara could hear the thoughts of animals, not in words, but in a deep, intuitive sense—an unspoken language of feelings, intentions, and vivid images. With practice, she had learned to interpret it, and now, it was a part of her, as natural as breathing.

She pulled on her jacket and stepped outside. The first to greet her was a small squirrel perched on the balcony railing, its bright eyes glinting in the morning light.

Good morning, Mara! the squirrel’s voice echoed in her mind, high-pitched and filled with curiosity. The sun is so warm today. I think I’ll go play in the park later. Have you seen any good acorns lately?

Mara smiled, nodding as she walked past. No acorns yet, but I’ll keep an eye out for you. Have fun in the park!

The squirrel scampered off, its thoughts trailing behind like a faint, excited buzz. Mara loved these little exchanges. They reminded her that the world wasn’t just made up of people and their busy lives. There were stories unfolding everywhere, in every corner of the world.

As she continued her walk through the neighborhood, she could feel the presence of others. A cat resting lazily on a porch looked up as she passed, stretching with a languid grace.

Ah, Mara. Always in a hurry, I see. The cat’s voice was smooth, filled with a gentle mockery. You humans, always rushing. Slow down. Feel the sun on your fur. You have much to learn from us.

Mara chuckled, her pace slowing for a moment. Maybe you’re right, Willow. But I’ve got work to do today. We’ll talk soon.

Hmm, yes, of course. But you’re missing the point. Willow yawned dramatically, turning away. When you’re older, you’ll see. It’s all about the nap.

As Mara walked through the park, the world seemed more alive than ever. A group of pigeons fluttered down in front of her, and she could sense their collective awareness—simple but content.

We’ve been here longer than you, human, one of them thought, puffing out its chest in what could only be described as a very pigeon-like sense of pride. We know this place. You’re always just passing through. But we stay. We are the silent witnesses to everything.

Mara stopped for a moment, taking a seat on a nearby bench. It was true, the pigeons had seen so much—decades, perhaps centuries—of human life in the park. Their patience was infinite, their perspective humbling. They weren’t interested in making grand statements; they simply observed.

As she sat there, a rustling noise came from the bushes behind her. A small rabbit, its fur a mixture of gray and white, hopped into view. She didn’t need to hear its thoughts to understand its anxious energy. It was nervous, darting glances left and right.

Please… I’m just trying to find some peace. Is it safe here?

Mara turned to the rabbit, her tone gentle. It’s safe here. No one will hurt you.

The rabbit blinked, then relaxed slightly. Thank you… the world is so loud sometimes. So many predators… so many dangers. It’s hard to trust.

Mara’s heart softened. She could feel the rabbit’s fear, its vulnerability. She knew that feeling all too well, the constant awareness of threats that lurked just out of sight. It was something animals understood deeply, in a way humans often didn’t.

After a few moments, the rabbit hopped away, its cautious steps eventually disappearing into the underbrush. Mara stood up and continued her walk, but the rabbit’s words stayed with her, echoing in her mind.

At work, Mara’s interactions with animals continued, though more subtly. She was a veterinarian’s assistant, and throughout the day, she cared for the various animals brought in for treatment. There was the old terrier, who couldn’t see well but had an uncanny knack for finding the most comfortable spot in the room. She could feel his warmth, his joy at simply being around people. His thoughts were gentle, like the quiet murmur of a stream.

Is this a good spot? I like this spot. The sun comes through the window here. It’s nice.

Then there was the anxious cat, Mr. Whiskers, who hated being at the clinic. His fear filled the room like a storm cloud, the air thick with his unease. What are they going to do to me? I don’t trust them. I don’t trust anyone. Why are they so big?

Mara stayed calm, reassuring him with her presence. It’s okay, Mr. Whiskers. You’re safe here. Just a little check-up, and you’ll be back home soon.

By the end of the day, Mara’s mind was full of the voices she had heard—each one a thread in the vast, interconnected tapestry of life. She’d spoken with dogs, birds, rabbits, and even a squirrel who had come to say goodbye before heading off on its migration. Each conversation had been different, but they all left her with the same quiet sense of awe.

As she walked home, her thoughts were a mix of the animal world and her own. She felt the weight of her gift, the privilege of hearing what so many others could not. But it was also a reminder of something that humans often forgot: that the world was not just made up of human voices and human concerns. There were lives unfolding in every corner, filled with meaning and depth, and sometimes, the animals had the wisest things to say.

Mara stopped for a moment to gaze up at the sky, the last light of the day painting the clouds in soft oranges and pinks. She closed her eyes and smiled, her heart full. The world was noisy, yes—but in the quiet spaces, the ones where humans weren’t listening, there was a whole universe of stories waiting to be heard.

Little boy. Kindergarten. Teacher is missing.

WOW!
This is what she popped out in a few minutes.

Where’s Miss Emily?

Four-year-old Leo couldn’t stop bouncing in his seat as his mom drove him to school. This was the day he’d been waiting for—his very first day of kindergarten! The sun was shining bright, and the sky was so blue. It felt like everything was perfect.

When they finally arrived at the school, Leo leaped out of the car. He had his new backpack on, with a shiny red dinosaur sticker stuck to the front. “Bye, Mom!” he called, running toward the school doors, his little legs moving as fast as they could.

Inside, he was greeted by colorful walls full of pictures and letters. There were kids running around, talking to their new friends. But something felt off.

Leo skipped over to his classroom, where the sign on the door read, Miss Emily’s Kindergarten. He smiled to himself—he had already learned Miss Emily’s name from the big board in the hallway. Today was going to be great!

But when he walked in, his smile disappeared. The classroom was all ready for the day—crayons, markers, and scissors neatly arranged on the tables, a big rug in the middle of the room—but there was no Miss Emily. No teacher anywhere.

“Where’s Miss Emily?” Leo asked the nearest kid, a girl with a pink bow in her hair.

“I don’t know,” she said, looking confused. “Maybe she’s just late?”

A few other kids started asking the same thing, and soon the whole classroom was full of whispers. Leo walked up to the window. The playground outside was empty, except for a few birds flying by. He looked back into the room. Everyone seemed nervous.

Leo knew teachers were always there, ready to help. But where could she have gone? Maybe she was just taking a little nap? He liked to take naps, so maybe Miss Emily liked naps too. But he wasn’t so sure. Something didn’t feel right.

Just then, the principal, Mr. Anderson, came into the room with a big smile. “Good morning, kids!” he said. “I know you’re all excited for your first day of kindergarten, but we have a little problem. Miss Emily is missing.”

The room went quiet. All the kids stared at Mr. Anderson, unsure of what that meant.

“Don’t worry,” he continued, trying to sound cheerful. “We’re going to have a substitute teacher come in. It’ll be a little different today, but we’ll still have lots of fun. We’ll find Miss Emily soon!”

Leo felt a little better, but still, he couldn’t stop thinking about Miss Emily. Where could she be? What if something happened to her? He really liked her, and he wanted her to be there.

Mr. Anderson patted Leo on the head. “You’ll be just fine, buddy. Let’s all play for now, okay?”

Leo nodded, but as he joined the other kids on the rug, he kept looking toward the door, hoping Miss Emily would walk in any second. Maybe she was just playing a game too, and she’d pop up with a big smile on her face.

The day went on, and Leo had fun playing with the blocks, coloring pictures, and making new friends. But through it all, he couldn’t stop thinking about where Miss Emily could be. He decided that tomorrow, he would ask his mom to help him find out.

For now, he’d just have to make the best of his first day of kindergarten… even without Miss Emily.

A quick write:

Her word choice! Fluency!

Ella Rivers is a 16-year-old artist who sketches detailed worlds in her notebook.

Ella’s bedroom is a cozy, artistic haven that reflects her creative spirit. The walls are painted a soft lavender, adorned with her sketches and paintings pinned up haphazardly, covering every inch. A large bay window with a cushioned seat overlooks the misty sea, perfect for daydreaming and sketching.

Her bed, covered with a patchwork quilt, sits against one wall, piled high with colorful throw pillows. A wooden desk cluttered with art supplies—pencils, paints, brushes, and stacks of sketchbooks—rests under a wall-mounted bookshelf overflowing with fantasy novels and art books. Fairy lights drape around the room, casting a warm, magical glow in the evenings. The floor is scattered with art materials and crumpled papers, a testament to her constant flow of ideas.

In one corner, an easel holds her latest work-in-progress, and a vintage record player on a small table plays soft music while she works. The room is a perfect blend of chaos and comfort, a sanctuary where Ella’s imagination comes to life.

Another one using her VOCAB WORDS

The Bickering Bunch 

The Monteros family set off for a weekend getaway, the car loaded with bags, snacks, and an air thick with tension. Riley, sitting in the back seat, was already irritated, her mood sharp. She threw a glance at Emily, who was staring out the window, pensive as ever, lost in thought. Without warning, Riley slapped her on the arm, hard enough to make Emily flinch.

“Hey!” Emily yelped, rubbing the spot where Riley had hit her. “What was that for?”

Riley glared at her. “You were staring at me. Stop looking at me like that.”

“What?” Emily’s voice was quiet, confused. “I wasn’t looking at you.”

“Oh, please,” Riley snapped, crossing her arms. “I know when you’re thinking your little thoughts about how I’m being annoying. Just stop.”

Emily sat back, her patience quickly evaporating. “You’re the one who’s being annoying right now!”

Mark, who had been silent in the front seat, let out a deep sigh, clearly uninterested in the drama unfolding in the back. “Can you guys’ just chill for once? It’s a long drive; I don’t need this.”

Riley rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, she huffed loudly, clearly put off by Emily’s reaction.

Their mother, who had been trying to keep the peace, glanced at them nervously through the rearview mirror. “Can we just try to have one day where no one hits anyone?” she said, her voice quiet but weary.

“Yeah, good luck with that,” Mark muttered under his breath, leaning back in his seat, clearly resigned to the chaos.

Riley, her usual oblique attitude taking over, turned to look out the window. “I don’t even care,” she said under her breath, though her words were sharp and angry.

Their mother, usually magnanimous in her attempts to keep things calm, clenched her jaw. “I’m serious. No more fighting, please.”

The squabbling died down a little, but the tension lingered. Ava, their younger sibling, started to argue with Jake about who would get the front seat on the way back. Jake teased her about her “territorial” behavior, and the arguing quickly escalated again. Emily was caught in the crossfire, trying to keep everything from exploding.

“I don’t get why you always think you’re the boss, Em!” Jake said, leaning forward with a teasing grin.

Emily shot him a frustrated glare. “I’m not the boss! But can we please just have one trip where we’re not fighting?”

Ava, still upset about her seat, scowled. “Yeah, why are you always so serious, Em? Can’t you just have fun for once?”

Riley, who had grown quiet again, added, “Maybe you should just chill out and stop thinking so much.”

Their mother, now visibly frustrated, took a deep breath. “Alright, no more fighting. I’m serious,” she said, her tone peremptory as she tried to regain control of the situation.

The tension remained, but something unexpected broke the silence. In the backseat, a small voice spoke up. “Can you stop fighting?”

The kids all turned, surprised, to see little Lily—just 2 years old—sitting in her car seat with big, innocent eyes. Their baby sister had been quiet up until now, but her sudden interjection caught them all off guard.

“I don’t like it when you yell,” she added, her small voice filled with the pure honesty only a toddler could offer.

For a brief moment, all the kids stopped. The argument paused, and even their mother, who had been trying to mediate, was momentarily taken aback by Lily’s unexpected wisdom. Riley, her usual defiant attitude momentarily gone, exchanged a quick, silent glance with Emily.

“Yeah… maybe we should all just stop,” Emily said softly, her voice filled with a pensive realization.

Riley didn’t say anything, but she looked down, the fight leaving her for the first time that day. Jake, too, fell silent, a small smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at Lily, who was still looking at them with her wide, trusting eyes.

Their mother, though exhausted, couldn’t help but smile at the peace that had settled, however fleeting it might be. “Alright, let’s just enjoy the ride,” she said with a magnanimous sigh.

For the rest of the drive, the usual bickering quieted down. The kids, now a little more aware of how their fighting had been affecting their youngest sibling, found themselves a little less willing to argue. Even Riley seemed to settle into a rare calmness, and Lily’s soft voice was the unexpected bridge that brought them all back together.