Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

It’s time, my sweet girl!! We are going to celebrate you one day after your birthday due to it being Thanksgiving on your birthday. Doug is coming to take us all out! We get to get all fancied up. Mom always loves getting dressed up with Tot.

Let’s do presents.

Doug surprised both of us….

with an AWESOME card to color and  matching shirts since we are his Supergirls!

You like?

I like.

Mama surprised Tot with a new nightie and one to match Bella.

Then, I got her a fun game. (we love to play games)

And for a whole year,  she has asked for….

I think I need to learn too.

Now she can sing with it.

So excited to perform now.

Bracelet maker which will go to use tomorrow for gifts for friends.

More legos.. (can you ever have too many?)

Ok. we have plenty to keep us busy.

Now off to dinner after we smile. My honey and my other honey.

Cheers!

We return to Flemings because the steak is so good! And we discovered they have a children’s menu. Can I get an AMEN to that!?

Mama loves her blue cheese salad.

And the steak rocks.

Tatum was so much more mature this year. She was patient, waiting for her food and she enjoyed every minute.

What do you think she started doing the second we got home??
You guessed it:

What a delightful time with my family. Mama and Doug, thank you for treating us to such a fun time. We are blessed.

 

 

It was SIX years ago that my life changed forever. Thanksgiving Day it was when Tatum Knight was born, and now this year, her birthday lands on Thanksgiving. It was an extra special day. Since we will spend today being grateful with family, we will celebrate tomorrow her birthday with presents. However, a few had to be given today!

I wanted to give her a warm jacket this year, since it is pretty darn cold in the mornings here. She now is quite cozy!

Later that morning, she got some more Legos, and do you know what!? She built this helicopter all by herself (with just a few helps from me). Wow!

She did not give up or get frustrated.

Tenacity and persistence paid off.

Later, it was time to head to my honey’s house. He had been working ALL day on the turkey and sides. What a blessing to his chef talents. I wanted us to get all fancied up!

Mom and Tot match as she likes it!

Mom looked so pretty, and after being so sick with shingles, we are so grateful she is feeling better). I love you Mom!!! (Tot took this!!)

We got to Doug’s and got some nice pics in front of his newly painted home. It won’t be his for long!!! Our new home closes in one week!

Well, the food was just amazing. Look at this spread! The turkey that Doug made was perfect, the ham smoked by Craig was delightful…all of it!!

After eating, (and yummy PIE…)

it was time to have some FUN in the name of Tatum. All of us became 12 again…especially Craig (Doug’s younger brother)

Did someone say SILLY STRING!?

Our inner childs all came out, and we turned Doug’s backyard into a silly string paradise or war zone…however you want to look at it.

David’s (Doug’s older bro) kids (Grace and Kelsie) played in the fun too, and this gave Tatum such JOY!!!

What fun. Seriously, so much gratefulness for today at Doug’s and for my sweet girl. We all had such a great time talking, playing, and celebrating family. Tomorrow, we’ll celebrate Tatum!

I love you Doug, Tot, and Mama! Family is everything when founded upon Jesus ‘ love.

I had to miss the Friday before Thanksgiving. Her class was doing their service project by delivering food boxes to a food bank, singing to Sr. Citizens, and then having their feast. I was to be in North Carolina so she had to go alone with her class and the other parents. My little Pilgrim did a great job singing!

And helping.

As she did this, I snapped a shot of my parking space and boarded my flight.

Now, I was on my way.

Doug picked her up and made her a special Salmon dinner. They had the best time hanging out which warms my heart. I always buy her a little goodie for her overnight bag, and this time it was a bunny onesie.

The next day, I taught the teachers at the coolest K-8 school’s library. The kids have bikes at some of their desks so they can read and exercise simultaneously.

Tot was in great hands with Doug fixing his home up readying it for sale.

She did not help paint, but she did help change some lights. Doesn’t his house look so pretty?

I was ready to come home and see my two honeys and my mom and Coti.

Tatum made me some cards.

and seeing her sweet face and artful talent made it all worth it.

Thank you Honey for taking care of Tot, and thank you PVCP for making my Tatum’s Thanksgiving special.

Mom’s dear friends and Bible study leaders are Marv and Pat. They are wonderful!

For Marv’s birthday, Tatum made a Koala and they hung it on their frig. Then she also made Marv a Veteran’s Day appreciation sign, and guess where it went.

On the frig….

Now, they have 6 grandchildren, but Tatum’s love occupies their frig’s face. I like that.

 

Mommy, why are you here?
Great question!!!
Well, I come bearing……..CUPCAKES! Tatum will be turning six on Thanksgiving, and she has the whole week off, so I needed to come in the week prior to celebrate with her class.

I brought in mini-cupcakes with a Star Wars ring for each kiddo.

She got her birthday hat, a song, and a big big kiss from me!!

 

For your service to our country.

I read Tatum a book last night about our Constitution. It’s called WE THE PEOPLE. The artwork gives you a feel of what it means to be an American. Liberty, Justice and Freedom. But, freedom to do what is right in light of living in unity.

We appreciate you, soldier. You are appreciated and honored.

Thanks to my honey and buying these rockets to launch.

I had her outfit all set out to surprise her before the big birthday party.

I think she liked it!

I got one for me to match…boots and all!

We arrived a bit early, and this year, Tot helped me out. Usually, I have her come later, but she is now a BIG helper.

Doug then came with more food and the rockets!!! Kids were lining up to pump and launch!  Honey was helping them all out so patiently and instructively.

Teagan, Charlotte, William, Julia, Scarlet, and Lincoln.

We were all in AWE!
Tatum and Charlotte goofing around…

 

.and then Julia and Scarlet. I think Ethan was just watching the silliness.

Then it was time to ride the train. … all 30 of us! Excitement abounds.

Teagan and Lincoln couldn’t wait those last two minutes. William was inspired that Teagan could tell there were only two minutes by reading the clock! What do you know! Kindergarten does teach things.

The girls sat together.

…and I realized it was the first time I have not had her on my lap during the ride. What a change. It’s quite a happy/sad feeling.

The tunnel brought back memories of Tot saying, “Tunno tunno!”

ROCKET CAKE CUTTING TIME!!! After a prayer of gratitude for all the friends and joy.

Psst..I love you Tot.

We had so much fun. It started to get dark, so we headed home to open gifts and have some dinner.

Carley got her this water baby. Yes, you fill her with water. Srsly?

A fun fishing game…

One of the gifts….ok!? Tatum…where did you go?

She played into the night with her legos.

I collapsed but she played on and on. I am so grateful for such friends and fun. Her real birthday is in two weeks, so I’ll take five a little bit longer. I love you Tot.