I rolled over by myself

In the pool that is.

 

We have been practicing this for so long, and today, she did it THREE times. Chris was so proud of her, but moreover, I was!

She dove in, rolled over, then back over by herself.

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I have a feeling the lesson was the answer today. She was not in with the usual other student since we were making up in an earlier class. The other student’s name was Ivey, and she was just ADORABLE. But, at one point, she had a meltdown, and her mom had to retrieve her. The rest of the lesson was Tot’s. This is when she shined. She had me cheerleading on the side. IMG_0698

More Tot wall art

I actually don’t call this art. It was more like I needed a “filler” for this space. However, I like what it says.

“May you bloom and blossom in God’s Love.”

Sure, it’s not in the Bible, but it definitely has a lot of meaning for what I want for Tot. It’s right over her bed so it can be a constant reminder for her.

IMG_0683 IMG_0684Now the babies have balance in her room.

 

Trains and Tumbling with Taina

It was to be a fine day after a big storm. The prior evening, the monsoon attacked our house, knocked down a tree, freaked out doggie, and kept the Tot up late!

Doug joined us on our venture to the train park and then to her FIRST gymnastics class. Since the train museum did not open until 10, we had a few minutes to play. My back thanked Doug immensely  as he took over the playground duties of climbing, pushing, carrying and holding.
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He also had to share his shades since it was quite a sunny day!
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We enjoyed showing off the museum to Doug as he tried to find a train expert to fix his LGB train. Hopefully he did!

Off to the Caterpillar class at Scottsdale Gymnastics. It was a trial class with Taina! When we showed up, there was no other kid there! Was she going to get a private lesson? Tatum was going to have a blast. I gave her the “talk” about listening and being kind, and off she went!IMG_0664 IMG_0665 IMG_0666 IMG_0667 IMG_0668

She kept peaking to see if we were watching her, and we were! She came back to me a couple times for a sip of water, to take her bow, and to get a quick kiss from a teeny tumble fall. Taina said she was the most kind and attentive kid she’d ever worked with at this age. We signed up immediately for next week!

The nap was not a problem today!IMG_0672

 

Thank you Doug for taking pictures, being goofy with Tot, and hanging out with us!

Driving me Happy!

It’s just her size. Every time we go to the gym, you’ll find Tot riding in the black car with her babies of course. There is only one, so I have to remind her to share.
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Before we leave, she reminds me that she must park the car. It has to be just right. I’m so impressed with her driving skills, but more importantly her sharing skills. 



We love you, Tacy

IMG_0660One of my dearest friends in the whole big wide world is Tacy Ashby. She was the inspiration who introduced me to the DELTA program at ASU to obtain my doctorate. At the time, she was the Superintendent of Cave Creek schools, and I had the honor of meeting with her. She helped me with my admission, sat on my committee, and has been so helpful in my educational career. Now she is a VP at GCU, and gives me so much wisdom.

Today, we had the honor to have dinner with her, and Tatum gave her an earful about how she can now go potty! Also, that she can back float for ten seconds. Tacy enjoyed every word (she has four grandchildren under the age of six so she is used to this!)

It was a pure blessing being with her tonight, and I do hope to do for others what she has done for me.

 

 

Another resurrected dress

My mom told me I put it on backwards!
How could I have known since I wore this dress when I was 2. That was a wee bit long ago.
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She looks much better than I ever did…the little Tot.

Giving Tatum drums is a good idea

Giving Tatum drums is a good idea

Giving Tatum drums is a good idea

Giving Tatum drums is a good idea.

I am repeating this to myself over and over. Perhaps if I say it, I’ll start believing it.

IMG_0653 IMG_0650 IMG_0649 IMG_0646Yes, it’s a great idea. She sang “A tisket a tasket; a green and yellow basket; a little boy picked it up and put it in his pocket!” Ella would be proud.