Living an Intentional Life
Tatum takes an AR test every morning. Usually, the books average 30 pages. She is supposed to read them three times before taking a test; this means THREE times in one day.
Today, her book size doubled.
And there was much rejoicing upon completion.
She is averaging 100% every single day, and she also receives a nickel each day. She’s going to be a millionaire before the year is up!
Coopy and I LOVE to listen to her read.
Right Cooper?
We love you, TOT! XO
Oh, the process of making mistakes…. Tatum is learning. She is learning that HOW we say something is more important than WHAT we say; she is learning that our hearts are sensitive and need to be cared for. She is learning that sometimes the way we react can be too impulsive, and we need to stop and think before we say something.
All of these are great lessons, but they are not fun to learn. Daddy’s feelings get hurt and Mommy’s feelings get hurt. We also won’t allow ANY unkind words in our home, nor will we allow dishonor or disobedience. She doesn’t really struggle with not obeying, but the tone of her voice or a facial expression can be dishonorable. SO….Doug and I are having many opportunities to teach and redirect.
How is she handling it? IMMEDIATELY, after a said faux pas, she is filled with remorse. Sometimes, she cannot express her sorrow enough, so she makes cards.
We both get them, and they do make all of the difference. What then follows are prayers of confession and help from the Holy Spirit to change and learn.
Daddy’s card has an infinite circle representing a journey of love and forgiveness. This is how she explained it. She also is standing next to Daddy as I stand next to Coopy.
I love her heart and willingness to change. We are taking it one day at a time. Meanwhile, she is finding ways to love on Daddy.
Like her in his glasses?
She really is ONE in a Minion. Yes, she wanted to have a do-over of the Minion Halloween four years ago.
Remember this?
Oh, Little cutie.
She barely remembers this, but she does remember the joy of wearing this funny glasses.
Well, it was to be again. She wanted to be a Minion all over again! We decided to go with Mama and Coti in her neighborhood. This way we could visit some of our old friends too.
First, a few pics with my old doggie and my mom.
Daddy come to join us, and we all headed out.
We only went to about 10 houses, but we did enjoy seeing old friends. Tatum had a great time, and proved you really can have TWO in a minion!
Yes, we are ridiculous. We celebrate everything; actually, I think we like a reason to eat ice cream with hot fudge.
So what better reason than Coopy!
First, he has been struggling to eat lately. Every meal, we have to coax him to eat even one kibble. This morning, we used whipped cream. Did it work?
He’s smiling!
Now it’s time to celebrate.
Happy Birthday to you, Cooper.
CAN I EAT NOW PLEASE???
YES!
Delicioso. Did you read your card, Puppy?
Now it’s time for some veggies. We got him a squeaky mushroom because that is what you get for your dog who has donuts and ice cream squeak toys.
We played and played with him. He loves to hide under the table and wait for us to throw the toy. It’s all a game to the little guy.
We see you Coopy boy. You just tired yourself out, didn’t you?
He still tried to hide when it was time for bed, but…
he finally emerged and went right into his little house. We had the best day as a family and with you, Cooper Hay. We adore you; you have made our life more jovial! Happy Birthday sweet Coopy. XO
I decided to have Tatum invite one of her friends from school and make a fun haunted house craft.
First, Maddy is the other new girl in the first grade, and she is very shy. Tatum has gone out of her way to befriend her; I’m so proud of her because the other girls and boys have not done this to Maddy. Only Tatum.
Tatum waited and waited for her to come.
She finally came and we had fun making the houses.
While Maddy was over, her mom, Melody, told me that every day Maddy gets in the car and tells her mom that Tatum played with her that day. (She is the only one). Tatum’s heart is much more compassionate because she has had her own struggles with some of the girls. Tatum could relate to Maddy, and therefore Tatum has extended herself.
God gives us challenges often so we can then comfort others. WE BECOME MORE COMPASSIONATE through our own struggles.
I’m so proud of your heart, Tot.
I was walking in the hall of Tatum’s school, and there it was. Hanging there, next to all the other kid’s work. Tatum’s story of a scarecrow. Apparently, the kids were to write a story about a scarecrow and anything they wanted. Then they were to color the picture.
First, I couldn’t believe my eyes! Tatum’s handwriting was near perfect. Now, if you know about our summer, I was working on helping her writing skills, but little did I know the payoff!
Next, the story is so adorable; yes, it may be a bit out of order in the beginning, but the idea is so fun. I love that the crow wanted to just be friends with the scary scarecrow (TOM!) and that made him happy.
I love your hard work and that you are doing your best. That is all I ever have asked. Your brain is also so creative and playful. I love you so much, Tatum.
I love my job. Being a mom that is. I get to have a front row seat in my little cutie growing older. She enjoyed a daddy daughter date night the other night at the park. The swing is still a hit with her. I remember when it was called the “weeee!!”
She had a blast with Daddy, my honey, my love. Oh the joy of watching those two become closer.
Then the next day, she becomes a big girl again in her uniform.
The WORK it takes to help her grow into a mature young lady is so worth it. It’s tiring sometimes. But, I choose to make a big deal over the little errors so the little errors don’t explode into huge errors. This means countless hours of discussion and redirection. Our relationship grows through each of these hiccups, and the payoff is her heart becoming softer and bigger.
I love you Tatum. I love you so immensely.