Category: Totally Tatum

When I was ten, my mom surprised me with a new yellow parakeet. I named him Woodrow (Woody). He was my best little friend for about five years in my adolescence.

Fast forward &%^$AHEM years to Tot being 10. She’s been BEGGING for a bird. Well, after a few months of studying, learning, shopping and waiting, we bit the bullet; took the plunge; swallowed the pill etc and BOUGHT ONE! We found a great little store called Birds and then Some. They only have a few hand-fed parakeets at a time and they go FAST. So this Saturday, we had to jump on board! This little guy stole our hearts. He instantly bonded with Tatum and me.

Upon purchasing the cage, a few toys, some millet, and seeds, he was OURS! Little Woodrow.

Homeward bound!

When we got home…Oh yes, Coopy! Meet your new brother.

He’s very curious! Wagging his tail profusely, Coopy was truly excited! (He forgets he’s much bigger than Woody, so we have to teach him “GENTLE!”

Now, we are teaching him to ride around on our shoulder. Eventually, to fly to us, as well as talking!

Remarkably, he already trusts Tatum and me. Not skittish in any way! We are so blessed with our new feathered-Christmas present.

We love you!

He sure is happy here> He even joins our Hay Happens meetings perched on Daddy’s light.

We always start with our devotion and now THREE advent calendars. One is edible, so of course that is the favorite. (even when the stomach flu is present)

And the sick day…

Since she was home this morning, Tatum decided to make a cottage under the piano so she could get her work completed with more focus and fun.

Mommy, will you help me with my math? My back responds NO, but my heart screams YES!

Math is always more fun when completed beneath a musical instrument.

Later, she felt better to go to Bookman’s, and we earned $51 in credits! We bought a few A/R books, and she purchased these two little guys.

This flu held on for a few days, and even Coopy felt it. He just wanted to snuggle as I read to Tot tonight.

Tatum read her two new kids a bedtime story. Well, Charlottte’s Web to be exact.

Hopefully she’ll good as new tomorrow!

It was a dark and stormy weekend…..

This is the usual BEAUTIFUL sky in the morning: (SO COLORFUL and MAJESTIC)

Well, it was NOT dark/stormy in the Hay house, but more like glorious! Unfortunately, I was a bit under the weather (no pun intended), but Tot and Daddy worked hard on decorations.

Tatum first worked on her bedroom

She’s still working on it.

Now her tree, Piney, ..she was obsessed with the nearby nativity scene. (she is still decorating)

The hot cocoa and candy canes made her dance around as Daddy erected this BIG BOY!

The next morning, we had to miss church since I was still feeling dark and stormy. (SAD), but after we watched church…oh this is Coopy on his new bed as we worshipped… We are wearing him out!

Ok, So Tatum gets creative with the boxes. She opened up a little shop and had us buy merch.. (jewelry first)

Daddy bought some surprises for the wifey..

Then she took a break as we worked on our goals for the week. I rewarded her efforts from school with these new specs. We like!

Now she’s ready to sell some more goods. Wow, what will I buy!? She has a plethora of choices. Hope she takes credit cards.

Later, after Hay Happens, she sang some beautiful songs about Jesus coming as a baby and giving us hope for all of us with the forgiveness He brings.

The joy of the season. Her singing… Daddy’s many lights and decor, and the little Coopy playing. Blessed.

This year, Tatum would have a solo to “WEE THREE KINGS.” (Yes..W.E.E)

They handed out these awesome star shirts since this was the theme.

I had a little motivation for her!

Program:

She looked so confident up there!

Noah was a wise man of course. She commented how cute he is.

When she got home, she couldn’t stop singing. She even sang to her nativity scene.

So proud of you and your bravery!

I love this time of year because we get to decorate and celebrate.

Tatum of course loves the chocolate part of Advent.

And the first day? A chocolate stocking!

We won’t forget the Coopy…

I’ll take that!!

And our classic standard advent one….the angel is first! Announcing HIM!!!

We also started Advent Blocks… The first day is the Adam and Eve story and our fall and NEED for rescue.

May the season be a restful, joyful celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Back in the summer, I listened to a podcast on Focus on the Family about this organization. American Heritage Girls.

I was immediately intrigued! First week of school, I contacted our Headmaster, Sheryl Temple and ran the idea by her.

First, here is a bit about them: “American Heritage Girls (AHG) was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters in 1995. The AHG Program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. AHG girls across the nation and the globe participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences, all with an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement. Today there are Troops in every state and in 15 countries around the world.

She was very excited to say the least and agreed to pay for the fees if I could get a group of parents to start with me. I set up a meeting with a few parents, and they all were so interested. It went gangbusters from there. We assembled the BOARD (five ladies) set up many meetings to get this rolled out, and BOOM! Our first meeting was December 6th.

We decided to start small with just 6-10 year olds (thru 4th grade), and then we’d go from there.

We had 30 girls!~

Kate Munroe is my Troop lead (She is also Noah’s mother) (Hearts aflutter)

My dear girl handed out the treats to the girls…servant!

January we’ll start earning badges and rolling this all out!

SO grateful to PVCP and all the moms!

He’s deserving of so much more.

We had small group the night of his bday, so I decided to surprise him with notes in his bag. He would open up one per hour. Here is my little stash:

And now…the seven!

and so….I did.

I also made him some of his favorites…lasagna! Well, it’s zucchini and hearts of palm sans the pasta part.

And so…Tot and I did our usual puppet show. This year…. Scaredy and Elephant introducing the NEW more youthful….doggie and cowy!

….Telling Daddy some funny jokes and making him answer what is his fountain of youth secret?

Yes, it’s his wife! HA!

Then the presents. Some cologne, pictures, and shoes. They sent the wrong size, but they fit Tot!

I love you so much honey.

Your are our hero.