Category: Totally Tatum

In the morning we had oatmeal and got ready for our day.  Before we left, we made a “good morning” video for Steph – Hi Mommy!!! Then I dropped off Tatum at school for the morning so I could go to an appointment.  Wait, I need to make a lunch first (which included Steph’s world famous salmon which I made the day before).

After school, Tatum played with games that she retrieved from under the TV (she completely knows where I keep all of the toys and games by now).

Then she rode the antique tricycle.  Mind you this thing was never designed to be functional or even rideable but somehow she managed!

Next, a couple of errands.  We went to the pet store to buy crickets for Austin’s Leopard Geckos.  This was NOT a favorite activity but she was brave to hold the bag at the tippy top for a few seconds – EEEK!

Then we picked up garden supplies for our next project which was going to be a surprise for Mommy.  Once Steph told me she thought it would be nice if Tatum could try gardening.  So, we picked up SWEET Cherry Tomato plants (Steph’s favorite variety), a pot, and garden soil and we were ready!

After the dirt and the hard labor, it was bath time. We need cups, Tupperware, and of course some Pirates to play with Tot in the bath while I made dinner.

After dinner, we made good night videos for Mommy and Momma and called it a day – a very good day it was!

Steph had a business trip planned to North Carolina which meant that I had a great chance to hang out with Tatum for a long while, this this case for 2 ½ days!  I picked up Tatum Monday after work because Steph had to leave the next morning at 4AM. I’m pretty sure 4AM is not Steph’s optimal cognitive time of the day but somehow she made it to the airport!

Tatum and I arrived at my house!  She decided it would be fun to wear my hat – umm, ok!

That’s better, I can see you!

Well, the first order of business is to set-up her air mattress and bed. Then, surprise! Mommy packed a new set of PJ’s.  Very cool!

Whooo Loves You More Than Me?

Well, that’s gonna be a tossup between your Mom and me!

Later, when I went to bed, Tot had been out for a couple of hours.  I snapped this pic of her sleeping with “Austin the Bear”.  Cute!

 

Sundays are always a joy. We get to meet Doug for church, and all four of us enjoy the service. Tatum sings with us, and then she heads to her class.

I think I’m the most blessed girl in the world. I have an amazing mom, a beautiful, sweet phenomenal daughter, the perfect boyfriend (for me), and the best church for all of us.

Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us.

Tatum and I discovered a great new site:

www.artforkidshub.com

A young man and his kids guide us through a drawing. We now have built up quite a stash!

Tatum tends to like to draw food (with faces of course!)

It’s amazing how much better each of us are getting every day. The guy uses Sharpies, so we do too. Confidence in your lines!

 

Yup that’s right, we just celebrated the latest gift exchange for Christmas …in March!  We finally aligned Austin’s work schedule (he usually works weekend evenings) to when Steph was over for a date night at my house.  First, before the gift exchange, Steph brought over some of her world-famous chocolate chip cookies for me Austin.  I believe it was said something like:  “Doug, these are not for you, no not one of them, these are for Austin”.  (well, alright I thought…  I’m sure she’ll throw in an extra goodbye kiss for me then!!?).  Without any more delay, Steph gave Austin his Christmas/Birthday gifts!

Those are some fancy Vans Schoolhouse shoes!

 

…and a very nice Vans zip hoodie!

These both were a BIG hit with Austin – he was pretty excited (certainly way more excited than the Vans gift card that I gave him for Christmas).  You did real good Steph!

Next, Austin gave Steph a multi-pack of Body Butter!  From Steph’s expression I think he hit a home run with his gift!

The next morning at the church café, Tatum received her gift.

It’s a Peppa Pig Bath Time Activity Set with Water Paints – WOW!

The next day:  WAIT, WHAT IS THIS?  “Houston, we have a problem?”

(Steph, did that paint ever come off??)

 

Well, regardless of the timing, this was special for all of us.  Austin was proud wearing his cool shoes and hip hoodie with his friends which he did the very next day! As for my extra goodbye kiss, well my honey quickly jumped into her car because it was very cold outside.  BUT EVEN BETTER, I got a super sweet text message when my girl got home safe and warm!!

Christmas in March.

Great memories!

Have you ever had a day like this?

Well, Tatum and I do at times, and when we do, we make the best of it. Sometimes she’ll skate around the house and cheer us all up.

 

All I know is when the day is a bit challenging, we stop. We count our blessings,  and we make lemonade.

Tatum always brings some toy down at breakfast to play with while I doctor up our oatmeal concoction.

Today, it was…….

All kinds of friends! They are growing each day. Last night, the chef joined the club. He’s kind of in the background there so he can run off and bake some cookies. The top hat guy is waiting on the side there to do his dance. Apparently they are all on a ship.

Tatum got cold, as she usually is in the kitchen, so she wrapped up in my jacket.

Little did she know I’d be surprising her later on at school.

Last year, I visited her Pre-K class with reading Nannette’s Baguettes.

Well, since we love that book, I thought we’d try a second round in her Kinder class. Ms. V and Coach Matt knew I was coming, and this time, I would bring a sourdough baguette. Who doesn’t love a piping hot loaf!?

When I walked in, she was so excited! I read the story…..

They laughed out loud!

And then…..slices of baguettes and apples! What a fun snack.

And a fun time visiting her class. Thank you Ms. V and Coach Matt for letting me join today!