Spelling Bee…It buzzed, bombed, and blossomed (OLLIE!)

She prepared for the Spelling Bee from Eastside Explorers competition for months.

Practice practice practice. We put the words on Quizlet, and she went to town. DAILY.

Arrived! AND READY!

Well, it went so well until a wrong letter was uttered. I won’t even tell you the details. Only to say that she cried for hours after.

When we got in the car, I let her be sad (and kind of lash out). After she pulled herself together (and I told her stories of my failings all of my childhood…and that I never gave up despite losing), she admitted she was glad she did it and will try again. Hey, that is what makes the best batters! The more strikeouts, the more homers! It’s a numbers game.

Ok, so I asked her if she wanted to go to the bird store and get cheered up. We had talked about getting a cockatiel sometime actually.

It was love at first site.

OLLIE. He looked like an OLIVER!

Hi Buddy!

We will bring you home in 3 weeks when you are weaned.

She is learning that hard work pays off. Ollie will be a reminder of perseverance.

You can see her perseverance at the gym when she pushes that sled.

Stay tuned! I’m so proud of you, Bumby. SO PROUD.

Second Story from Tatum: Single Mom

Single mom 

Julia is a young lady in her late twenties, navigating the vibrant yet often challenging landscape of motherhood. 

With her son Lloyd, a spirited five-year-old, every day is an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional chaos that comes with parenting. 

Julia has a natural knack for storytelling, often turning mundane moments into whimsical tales that captivate her son’s imagination. 

Whether it’s inventing elaborate narratives about heroic dinosaurs or exploring the wonders of nature during their weekend hikes, she strives to foster creativity and curiosity in Lloyd.

Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and her aspirations, Julia often finds herself juggling work commitments and the demands of raising a little one. 

She works part-time as a graphic designer, a job that allows her the flexibility to spend quality time with Lloyd while pursuing her passion for art. 

Despite the challenges of time management, Julia embraces each moment spent with her son, cherishing the small milestones that come with his growth. 

Whether it’s watching him take his first steps or listening to him recount his day at preschool, she understands that these fleeting years are precious.

As a single mother, Julia has built a close-knit support system of friends and family who rally around her, offering guidance and encouragement. 

They often share parenting tips, trade off babysitting duties, and come together for playdates that turn into great bonding experiences. 

Despite the occasional feelings of doubt or overwhelm, Julia is determined to provide Lloyd with a nurturing environment where he can thrive. 

With her infectious optimism and unwavering love, she knows that, together, they can conquer any obstacles that come their way.

Two NEW STORIES (part 1)!! Fresh from Tatum’s Hand

Here is the first one she wrote in about 30 minutes. WOW.

EMMA AND NOAH

Emma and Noah had a tumultuous relationship, their sibling rivalry growing more intense by the day. 

With every petty argument and squabble, the atmosphere in their home became increasingly strained. 

Their parents, once a picture of harmony, were now caught in the crossfire, and the stress reached a breaking point when their mother discovered she was pregnant. 

The news had sent shockwaves through their family, leading to their father’s decision to leave, unable to cope with the chaos stirred up by Emma and Noah’s constant fighting.

Emma stormed into her messy room, a true reflection of her chaotic mind. Clothes were strewn haphazardly across the floor, and stacks of books teetered precariously on every available surface. Posters of her favorite bands plastered the walls, but the space was cluttered with art supplies and empty snack wrappers, creating a sense of disorder that mirrored her feelings of frustration and confusion. In the corner stood an unmade bed, blankets twisted, and pillows piled haphazardly, symbolizing the turmoil she felt inside. The dim light filtering through the half-closed blinds cast shadows on the chaotic scene, making it more suffocating.

Meanwhile, Noah retreated to his room, which offered a stark contrast to Emma’s disarray. His space was meticulously organized, with every toy and book in its designated place. A small desk sat by the window, adorned with model airplanes he had carefully built, showcasing his passion for precision and structure. The walls were painted a calming blue, adorned with maps of the world and posters of scientific marvels that captivated his imagination. Yet beneath the surface of this organized facade lay a sense of unrest, as he wrestled with feelings of insecurity and frustration over the impending changes in their family.

Down the hall, the baby’s room stood ready, an untouched sanctuary of innocence and hope. Soft pastel colors enveloped the walls, and a crib, lovingly assembled, waited patiently in the corner. Delicate mobile animals hung from above, swaying gently with the slightest breeze, while neatly folded baby clothes filled a small dresser. The room radiated a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the tension that had engulfed the rest of the house.

The mom’s room, just across the hall from the baby’s sanctuary, was a cozy retreat.

It featured soft, muted hues of lavender and cream, creating a soothing atmosphere. The bed, adorned with plush pillows and a warm quilt, resembled a cloud ready to envelop one in comfort. A small bedside table held a stack of books and a half-finished cup of herbal tea, while a framed photo of a family vacation captured a moment of laughter frozen in time.

As Emma began to tidy up her room, she gathered stray clothes and toys, her movements a mix of determination and youthful energy. 

The sunlight filtered through her window, casting a warm glow that illuminated her brightly colored room, filled with posters, plush animals, and a desk cluttered with art supplies.

In the living room, Noah sank into the plush couch, game controller in hand. The space was vibrant and welcoming, a blend of warm wood tones and contemporary decor. A large, flat-screen TV dominated one wall, its screen flickering with adventure games that sparked Noah’s focus. 

Vibrant splashes of color adorned the throw pillows, and a soft area rug sprawled beneath the coffee table, littered with snacks and a few scattered action figures. 

The scent of popcorn lingered in the air from a previous snack, mingling with the faint aroma of fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen. A small collection of family photos adorned the shelves, capturing playful moments of another time. 

Noah’s laughter intermittently burst forth as he navigated challenges on-screen, his joy resonating through the space.

Feeling a pang of hunger, the mom pulled out her phone, ready to order food. She scrolled through the delivery app, her mind racing with possibilities of what to get—perhaps a comforting pizza or some fresh sushi—trying to balance her cravings with the need for something nutritious. 

With a quick tap, she placed her order, a little break from the chaos of the day, hoping it would arrive before she’d have to intervene in the playful chaos of her children.

Tatum’s Memoir about her first book experience

Tatum had to write a Memoir for her first memory of being read to. This was her story. WOW. Her writing sends shivers…goosebumps all over me! She has such a gift.

5-year-old me 

As I lay in bed the gentle rhythm of my breath began to sync with the soft sounds around me, each exhale an invitation to drift to sleep. 

My eyelids grew heavy, and the world outside my cocoon of blankets faded into a blur.

I could feel the warmth from my mom, who sat beside me, her presence a comforting anchor in the hazy twilight.

My mom clutching a well-worn book read aloud her voice soft and smooth. Every so often she would glance back at me her eyes calm. 

The pages turned with a soft rustle, a soothing sound that blended seamlessly like a hushed lullaby. 

Her voice wrapped around me like a gentle embrace each word flying of the page then tugging at my heart. 

I listened to the book, Are You My Mother, her voice a melodic backdrop to the quiet of the night. 

With each passing moment, the tension in my small muscles melted away, lulled by the cadence of her reading and the soft glow of my lamp, casting a warm halo in the somewhat dark room.

Just as I started to drift away, I felt a surge of gratitude for this moment.

I slowly surrendered to the urge to sleep.

With one glance at the pages, I closed my eyes comforted by the thought that I was not alone then I slipped into sleep.    

Just call her Muscles.

The gym I have been working out at for years does not allow minors. You have to be 14 before you can work out and that is WITH an adult.

I called and found a gym that would allow a 12 year old to work out! Mountainside Fitness here we come!
We joined, and I got her 10 training sessions with a personal trainer (they had a Black Friday deal)

So, I ended up taking her through a few compound lifts. Oh, the mommy is proud.

Squats!

ALLLL The way down. Great form!!
Now, deadlifts straight leg

YES!!
Now, let’s do some reverse lunges.

Look easy, but not so much!

WOOHOO!
Now, chest press. Dumbells..they feel light but not so easy when you have proper form.

GREAT WORK!
Now, let’s work the back and shoulders. Lat pull down and some rows.

She’s huffing now!
She wanted to do some kettle bell squats and then work the rower.

Stretched and AAAAHHH
So great, Taties! Love that we can do this together.

Goodbye Brady! Hello Kirby? (still iffy on that part)

No, we don’t have the money for a new car, but I don’t have the money to keep Brady since I see it’s going to be a money drain. You see, it keeps losing value each day I keep it. Plus, I see that the resale will not be much, and it’s only going to decrease.

I have missed my CRV, and they just came out with the new HYBRID TOURING CRV’s. WOWWWW! And for the money, you just can’t beat what you get. I worked it out with our budget, and it made sense to invest in one.

  1. Hondas don’t depreciate as much as other cars
  2. We’ll save a bunch on gas
  3. The demand for the white Touring (top of the line) is extremely high (they can’t keep them on the lot)
  4. CRV’s are tried and true and they last forever.

It was a done deal. Right Honda would give me a HIGH PRICE for my Bronco, therefore I couldn’t pass it up.

Goodbye Brady!

Tatum couldn’t wait either because she has little room in this supposed large vehicle. HMPH

We headed to Right Honda after my honey came with me earlier in the week to see this lovely specimen.

WE DID IT!
Tot, what do you think?

We named him Kirby. Not sure yet if it fits.

BUT I LOVE HIM!! He only has:

I’m so very grateful

I LOVE THE INSIDE! Grey and black leather.

Ok, thank you Jesus for my present.