Sundays are for family: Part 1:

And I love it! This particular Sunday, we would attend the early service so we could go visit my honey’s mom.
The morning the usual antics occurred including dancing, singing, goofing around, and of course, Cooper-cuteness.

Tot and I decided to sing and dance to some Veggie Tales silly songs for no particular reason. Cooper just stared at us as usual. What is he thinking? I’m pretty sure he thinks we have lost are marbles. (it’s a common thought around the Hay house).

I had to clean up a bit outside, so Tatum comforted Coopy while I did this.

She’ll be in soon, puppy. It’s OK.

He waits by the door to wait for Daddy to come home too, so we often must comfort our needy little puppy.

After church, we went to Darlene’s new home out in Anthem. It’s a beautiful place, and they are taking such good care of her.

Tatum and I painted a birdhouse for her while Doug chatted with his mom.

What fun. It was a good start to a Sunday, but there is much more to come! Stay tuned!

It’s all about the strategies

It is very apparent that we need a new strategy for getting the bedtime routine more efficient.
This strategy must come from Tatum so she’ll assume responsibility, and if she chooses not to make it happen then it’s coming from her, not us.

More effective this way!
(Natural consequence of a choice)

We decided that teeth brushed and such must happen by 8:00. (she will be told once that it is 7:55). I will encouragingly coach her (for a week or two) to make sure she is brushing effectively. I won’t do it, but I’ll help her be successful with it.

If this is all completed by 8:00, then she can have lights on (after prayers) until 8:30 (or later if it’s the weekend).

She wanted to make reminders this weekend to post in the bathroom.

It has been working so far, and she has buy-in which means she’s obeying because she wants to not because she has to.

Sleep with angels my sweet girl. I’m so proud of your efforts and your heart.

Stop being so cute, COOPY-head

Sometimes, he gets sooooo sleepy.

And sometimes, he likes to plop on Tatum’s pillows to hide.

But, most of the time, he just likes to look cute.

and then he’ll give us that look long enough that he’ll guilt us into giving him his way.

It’s pitiful.

Sleep with angels, Cooper. We love you so much.

Daddy and Tatum

He’s pretty special around here. Tatum wanted him to know how much.

She worked diligently before he got home.

And guess what? He had a card for her tonight too. How cool is that?
She has been holding it close all the next day and even named it “Hedgie.”

It’s a mutual love thing going on.

Hearts and smiles!

From Octopus to Lobster!

I want to do a dance to the B-52’s song, Rock Lobster at this very moment. Back in High School %^&$% years ago, I did a pom dance to this song at a football game. Ha!
Anyway, today, I was watching Ed watch Tatum’s belly bottoms, and BOOM! He walked away. Hmmmm…

Then, he looked at me and said, “She’s gettin’ a ribbon.”

WHAT!? She conquered that last skill and now, she is moving on to Lobster.

So proud of you, little fish.

Let’s go get your towel.

GO TOT!!!