Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Hmmmm. I think I like President Tatum Hay’s ideas.

And from my ballot to God. May He bless this election.

It’s always amazing to see how your child is growing up and developing. To watch Tatum mature and handle her own problems is quite rewarding. The Holy Spirit is strong in this girl. (and I’m not the only one who sees it).

I picked up Tatum for school on Monday, and Mrs. Phillips stopped me to chat. She wanted to share that Tatum had a tough afternoon. Apparently, Tatum went to the bathroom with a buddy, and played hide and go seek (hid in the stall). Mrs. Phillips was very disappointed in her choices (including her choice of a buddy to accompany her to the bathroom). (they always have to have a buddy to accompany them and she chose a friend who is not the best influence on her).

Tatum could not stop crying telling me the story. She said she had so much guilt. We had to go directly to swimming class, so she had to hold it in. While at swimming class, I emailed Mrs. Phillips:

Hi, 
Well I got the whole story in between cries. She admitted playing at the not so optimal time  and also choosing not the right partner to accompany her. 

She kept saying how guilty she feels. We prayed in the car so she could clear with God. She asked me to take away her iPad time tonight. That is a sign she feels awful. 

We will discuss this as a family. Again I thank you for your leading and coaching in her life.  I pray you have a nice evening.

Now, within ten minutes, she responded.

“Steph, It hurt me more than it hurt her! Please tell her that I am proud of her for admitting the truth. I want you to know that when I confronted her she admitted it right away. One thing I love about Tatum is she is trustworthy. I can always count on her to be honest with me. I am also glad to see that she came up with her own consequence. That lets me know that she is taking responsibility for her actions. Thank you for letting me know, I really appreciate it. I will be praying for her tonight. I know that this was a hard lesson for her and I am sure that she won’t repeat it. Please tell her that I care for her and only want the best for her. Thank you for all of your support. Blessings, Mrs. Phillips

When we got home, Tatum did her homework, then she went right to her desk while I made dinner. She usually draws pictures, but she was busy writing. At dinner, she couldn’t wait to read it to us.

Doug and I were amazed by this because it was so heartfelt. She usually doesn’t write this many words! (and we had nothing to do with this…it was all her).
She included a bag with a little red bull stuffy in it.

She cares about relationship. She cares about being a light in the classroom. As a mommy, this is what you pray for…that your child gets what you’ve been teaching her!

I love her heart and her desire to follow Jesus. To be a light as her verse Matthew 5:16 says…Let your light shine! I love you, Tatum. I’m proud of you and your heart. May you continue to make good choices and let your light shine.

Our sponsored child from Food for the Hungry, Sandrine, has written us back!

We are so excited since we have known her now for a few months. We pray for her family every Monday evening at dinner. This Monday, I showed Tatum the letter she wrote us back.

She just turned 14, and we hope to visit her one day.

We love you Sandrine from Rwanda.

I love driving Tatum to school. Sometimes we talk and sometimes we just listen to Focus on the Family. However, when we arrive at school, she holds my hand as we walk up to the gate. They take her temperature (because of the Chinese virus), gel her hands, and she enters. Before she goes in, we spend a few minutes hugging. It’s a wonderful long, drawn out goodbye which I relish, knowing that this won’t last forever.

I say the same thing daily. Make it a great day, Tot! We always have started the morning with prayers, devotion and a good breakfast, so when she is sent off to school, she is armed and ready to face the day.

When I drive off, she waits by the fence waving. I’m so grateful for our relationship, and again, I know this long send off won’t be forever, so I will bask in it as long as it comes.

I love you to pieces, sweet girl.

Our little guy. We just love him. He cuddles with Daddy…

With Tot…

And when I’m on the phone, he pines for a cuddle from the Mommy.

Patience Coopy…

And what better way to commemorate this concept than with a T-shirt!

A few weeks ago, we had a HAY HAPPENS meeting and discussed that we wanted to be a family who CONTRIBUTES, ENCOURAGES, and INFLUENCES. As a teacher, I believe in keeping things visual and out front. This way, we are reminded constantly of what we want to learn. (and be!)

The T-shirt idea was born. In addition to our HAY HAPPENS T, now we have this one.

I took the fam to the park and presented them with the garb.

You like Tot?

Now, you two, let’s play some soccer as a TEAM.

I love you two so much. May we be the TEAM God smiles about and upon. (and may our soccer skills not be representative of our character traits). GO HAYS!