Category: Totally Tatum

The idea came from another, but I had to jump on it!
How can I help Tatum learn about the power of prayer unless I get her involved? We made a Prayer Pail, and proceeded to put all of the people in our lives on popsicle sticks. This way, we could pick people out each day and pray specifically a blessing over them. 

This morning, we chose Bob, Elizabeth, Nicholas and Coti! They received such love from her as she enjoyed participating in the picking!

 

I decided to buy her some Minnie panties. Why? Perhaps it would motivate her to forgo the diapers!?

Well, at least for now she is flashing her cuteness for all to see.

 

 

Of Tatum sitting on my lap as I read to her.

It’s a stormy day in Scottsdale; pouring rain and cold air. We just love it. More importantly, it’s been a bit torrential in the world of Tatum and mommy. Her will sometimes gets the best of her, and she sees who is going to win. “I love you too much to argue,” is what I say, and she realizes it is not worth the effort.

However, lunch today was stormy. The black cloud entered the kitchen and sat over our heads as we ate our lunch. She wanted help eating, but I refused for a short time while I ate my lunch. Yes, I usually help her, but she eats by herself with ease ALL OF THE TIME. She just wanted to try me. So out of frustration she tossed her bowl on the floor. I calmly cleaned it up as she cried asking for more lunch. After many somber refusals (I felt bad for her), she decided to sit on my lap and cry on me. I cuddled her and tried to comfort her with the discussion about the lesson learned here. She understood, still wanted lunch, but got the fact that she erred and needed to live with the consequence. It was HARD for me, but I knew I had to teach her that she just can’t act out like that; there are more fruitful ways to show disappointment and that is what we are working on. Deep breaths, saying, “OK, I understand, mommy,” and so on.

After we got upstairs she wanted to sit on my lap and we cuddled on the rocking chair, listened to the rain, and read books for one hour.

One full hour. 🙂

I am just hanging around!  What is this? Is she doing a pose? 

So much fun today at Scottsdale Gymnastics. For one hour, they get to run around with other 5 and unders. We met Jennie/Robert and Janette/Levi there for some romping. They hardly saw each other as they all had their own agendas.

Tatum has no fear; she just usurps the moment and lives it to the fullest. I love her philosophy of life. Truly engaged in what she is doing.

 

Is greater than what happens to you.” (Joel L’Bell 2014).

What is happening in me is monumental.

Today when I picked up Tatum from the childcare at Bible Study, Julia said, “I can tell you spend a lot of time with Tatum; she is so smart and kind.” She could not have told me something more significant. It made all the days of consternation worth it. All the days I am not working make sense.

What is happening in me is tremendous. My heart is softening and I am truly becoming more conformed to Jesus. I am learning to work WITH Tatum through these “two’s” and not AGAINST her.

What is happening in her is monumental. She is becoming a beautiful person, filled with a loving heart and a compassionate spirit. She is in awe of her surroundings and the people who encompass it.

There are moments where there are lapses and her eye is off that “bubble of kindness…” Tatum can be difficult, but you know what? This is “training up a child in how she should be.” It’s part of the journey.

What is happening in HER is tremendous. She is becoming a precious child of God. Last night she even prayed with me out loud, praying for Jesus to come into her heart. Probably not realizing it, but it’s the repetition and the modeling of love that will transform her heart.

 

Arriving at Elizabeth’s house today, Nicholas came running out in his “Hooper”man outfit to greet Tatum. First order of business? A dance. Tot had her shades on to perhaps woo him with a bit of mystery.

After dancing, they played with the mega water bottle filling it with pebbles. Well, at least until Nicholas turned it upside down. The sweeping up process was more fun anyway.

Playdates should be about Tatum, but being with Elizabeth and Nicholas got to be about me too this time. I adore both of them 🙂

She wants to see everything! Her curiosity continues to need quenching as I create some concoctions on the counter. Then, “Tata taste??” as she smacks her lips. So, I have to give her teeny tiny of whatever I am making. I’m creating a taste tester.

Being the MOMMY, I let her taste and enjoy the savory flavors of new foods, and indulge in learning to create!

Being the MOMMY, while I’m making the food and her patience is waning, wanting MORE, I have to teach her to not only say please, but to wait and enjoy the meal with all of us.

Being the MOMMY, I can see she’s ready to go. However, she does not think she is ready. Tatum has to CHOOSE to go in her way, so, I encourage her to find her shoes. Being the MOMMY, sometimes I have to hurry her along when she is not willing to be hurried. The diaper has to get changed and the stuff needs to get in the car.

Being the MOMMY, I let her be her silly self with choosing silly clothes when home.

Being the MOMMY, I have to “encourage” Tatum has to put on regular clothes to go out in public.

Being the MOMMY, I am teaching her fun ways to learn counting! CHOO CHOO style. 

 

 

Being the MOMMY, I have to help her to not walk away before we get to 10. Attention span is of a flea.

Finally, Being TATUM’s MOMMY requires lots of love, patience and well, more patience. I am not always getting it right. In fact, I need to walk away sometimes. However, it’s the day to day little things that keep our relationship strong. I adore Being the MOMMY.