Ready to go greet at church. Tot and I greet at the 8am service so we have to get there at 7:30am. What a great way to start her birthday. Now, realize that when we are there, many older people look forward to seeing Tot. For example, a few weeks ago, this one gentleman had heard it was her birthday on the 22nd. Well, we were standing there at church, and Tatum said, I wish I had something that said “it’s my birthday.” Then, guess what??? This sweet man (with his family) handed her a birthday card.
It had a button on it for her to wear, first of all. (whoa!) Second, look what it says inside.
How incredibly kind. They made her feel so special, and all of her kindness of smiles and happiness through her greeting paid off. It showed her the value of serving. You never know what will come back to you!
After church, I made her some French toast. Delightfully delicious. Then we had to clean the house for our dinner tonight!
We also built some Lego Friends sets. How cute is this?
Doug would take her out after lunch for some ice cream and a Daddy daughter date. She would get to spend 8 Daddy dollars too!
While she was gone, I set it all up. She had a blast with Daddy, and when returned, look what she bought?
I got her table all set up.
And then Mama arrived! And look what she brought? The cutest shirt ever!
The presents shower began. Literally a showering of gifts. But first, a Waldo card. Kind of a fun scavenger hunt. The 8th one on the list is for her to go find her name in the house.
She found it. Her name TATUM HAY has 8 letters and now she got a raise to 8 dollars (being 8!)
Then, gifts galore
Some more LEGOS (Love to Daddy here with the space shuttle), some clothes (and jammies shown), and her gift of the year! She has wanted this for a few months.
It’s….First a kiss.
A FitBit for kids! She wants to track her steps and have a sleep tracker.
Hmm..where did she get this idea!? Guilty!
Coopy can’t wait to join her in the count.
My mom enjoyed giving her some pretty clothes. She has the BEST taste!!
And a COOOOOL card!
My dear brother and Dolly got Tot some puppets to enjoy inspired by Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie.
How completely adorable and fun for imagination.
We enjoyed salmon, salad and fingerlings (she had asked for this), and after dinner, I had another little surprise. A blessing for her.
I first prayed for her:
And then she sat on my lap to read the 40 blessings. Each one has a Bible verse associated (many which we know from our memorization). We first sang the initial blessing from the song taken from Numbers 6:24-26:
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’
We sure love you, my sweet girl. Each one is for you.
Mama and Daddy adore you as well.
Let’s sing one more thing: Happy Birthday Sweet 8 year old-Tot.
May you know how incredibly loved you are by God, Mommy, Daddy, and Mama.