Category: Totally Tatum

I wish I could just hire a trainer for Tatum to build strength and resilience inside.

You see, yes, she is getting stronger in some ways. At the gym, she’s lifting weights now with Emma, her trainer.

Go TOT!

This is great for her building her toughness and feeling confident in her own skin. It’s also good for her muscle-wise as she grows into a young woman.

BUT…what will grow her resilience of character and strength when things might get hard?
Well, one word.

FAILURE

Ok, maybe two
DISAPPOINTMENT.

EEEEEKK…as a Mom, I HATE to see this for her. I want to whisk her up and solve all of her problems, soothing the pain.

But, what will this accomplish? It will make ME feel better as if I’m “fixing” a problem, and OH, it will make her FEEL better in that moment. But, is that right?
I can soothe her with empathy and kindness as she goes through a storm. Kind of like God does for us. He gives us an UMBRELLA, but the rain still falls.

Today, she cried for hours. Why? Because ALL OF THAT HARD WORK she put in for her book that she is writing has been erased. Yep. GONE. ZIP. ZILCH. KAPUT! She didn’t save her work. Lesson learned.

I couldn’t fix it, nor should I fix it. But OH IS IT HARD!! I have been through that countless times with articles, papers, research… you name it. But, I tried to assure her:
The next time you write it out, it will be even better! I promise. It didn’t help in the short run, but I promise she’ll see it in the long run.

In the meantime, she’s on a bike ride right now brainstorming.

I love you, Tot. Don’t give up. Keep building your resilience. I’m here to cushion the landing.

And sang on Sunday

Before church, she tried on her red display…you like!?

Coopy does too!

And…she’s off!

A small group of young ladies this week.

Tatum lit the candle and spoke from John 14:27 about PEACE

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

All the lovely choir with Ms. Rene.

She’s got bags of dog treats, Rio, and her bike!

Hopefully she’ll make some money for Nicholas!

Rio hopes so too!

The Hay house…Doug always makes it look so beautiful. And this year he did not disappoint.

BOOM!
And it is so. God makes our lives LIGHT and hopefully our home can reflect this character.

Our small group got together (girls only) on Sunday. I’m so grateful I got to go.

It’s not often you meet girls you want to be with as LIFERS.

So thankful for our small group.

xxoo

I wish I could have made it more special. But I figured I’d tell the world how grateful I am.

Then Tatum made him a video using AI..she loves doing this!

I got him a gift certificate to my face lady. She is going to make him look so good! I love Victoria.

Also a TRUE ornament!

Tatum spoiled him with a LOWE’s gift card.

And of course some delish gingerbread cake! (sugar free and keto of course.)

We love you Douglas Hay.

I prayed for favor for this day; that I would feel “functional” today! Now, I woke up with sadness and completely discouraged. However, I was to ask the Holy Spirit for power…power to have my family together no matter what. I would not allow myself to be the reason for us not to be together.

Doug worked on the turkey; so grateful that he would smoke it this year! YUM!

Look at that monstrous (expensive!) bird. This year: Turkeyflation! Turkeys have gone up 300% in price since 2019. SHEESH!
But my honey would treat us to a lovely gobbler.

Preparing the smoker, he timed it just right.

Meanwhile, Ribi played on Tatum’s desk, I worked on the sides (in between laying down), and Tatum helped me decorate the table.

Beautiful!

Before Mom and Austin came Tatum and I had some fun with AI on our computers.

We also took a few pics with my favorite two people in the whole world.

Mom came early and gave Tatum a lovely birthday present. Thank you mom!!!

And then….GOBBLE! The bird is finished!

Coopy…oh Coopy. You like?

While Honey made the gravy, Austin came. It was so good to see him!
We finally got it all ready. VOILA!
Roasted carrots, mashed cauli, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, and pie.

Prayers and Gratitude…so much gratitude. I made it.

Tot?

Rio?

He tweeted to us through dinner. (and Coopy whined…boohoo Coopy)

Time to enjoy our dinner and be thankful. Austin was the most joyful I have seen in a long time. He was just grateful for us and his union. Very simple and very thankful. I loved seeing this.

Oh, and so grateful for the Coopster!

We enjoyed pie and each other. After walking mom out, Coopy felt a bit sad.

What a lovely day. I’m so grateful we could host and I could do it!
Thank you honey for all you do for us too. Tatum, Austin, Mama…what gratitude. Simple.