Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

This is what she says to me every day. She looks at me with her deep blue oceanic eyes and says these words.

I tell her that God chose me to be her mommy and I am the most blessed for it.

She hears me thank God everyday for this honor and she also hears me ask for help to be the best mommy (for her).

This morning, she drew with such color which just signified how much this girl has in her!

My sweet girl, may we only grow closer as the years pass. I love you with my whole heart.

On Sunday, we made our craft for our verse of the week:
“But the fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Failthfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control against such things there is no law.” Gal. 5:22-23

Evidence that I see juicy fruit?

While I was sleeping on Saturday night, my little bunny was up making me presents and love notes. She stuck them under my door and tip-toed into my room and placed them on my chair. Kindness, Gentleness, Love.

Just yesterday, she wanted to start a chart: RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. We started to fill it out, and each time we do one of them, we will place a sticker on the box.

More Kindness and Goodness.

She is also reading TO ME every night! I bought her these Pete the Cat Phonics books

She reads 4 or 5 of them each night to me after I read to her. She has such PATIENCE.

Also, this gives us both LOTS OF JOY!

I love watching my little sweetie grow into a lovely “fruity” young lady. She inspires me.

I love you Tatie Tots.

 

 

Is it here already? It was to be a day off for Tatum as it was conference day. So, we planned on having a bit of fun afterward. Stay tuned with what we did!

Coach Matt and Ms. V had a stellar report for Tatum.

I like this last part. She loves the Bible.

No surprise academically. I was interested in her socially. She loves everyone and everyone loves her. She does not get into the “girly” drama AT ALL. In fact, she usually just plays with the boys or runs, plays ball, or legos. She’s very balanced, and she is strong! A leader. Man, I am beaming at hearing this. They said she is also very kind. That was my big hope as well.

While we met, she made me a little sign. You like?

I like!

Colorful and beautiful.

So, we headed to the Aquarium after this!! How has she grown? Let’s take a look:

Not quite to the Emperor yet, but there is no rush, right!? Since there was only one penguin swimming today,  (yes, only one..sad face)… we decided to head to other cool fish. Oh, and we had to say HI to Lucy.

He likes me.

Anyway, look at this creature of crazy? What is it!?

It’s a …..a……a…

a……….

Batfish?
He sees that I’m staring at him and he stares back.

Ok, he’s freaking me out, so we head to the best part.

The turtles!!! I just love how the aquarium rescue them and nurses them back to health. We met the two new ones: Boise and Charlie.

We got home later and decided to draw a turtle to celebrate.

It was a great day. Spending time with my bumby allllll day. Well, can I just say:
HOORAY and HAPPY DAY!

I love you sweet girl. I’m so proud of you.

 

 

The fun never ceases. Her room is my favorite room. Why? Because she makes it fun, it’s bright, and it’s got all of her kids in it. Plus, lots of brain power exists in the air.

When I came in to see what she was doing…… THIS was going on:

She is going to teach her kids how to count to 200!

Speaking of kids, they keep growing:

Ducky and slothy joined. Bears decided to come out from hibernation. Baby showed them around. Wait, where’s baby? (This is the question of the hour DAILY!)

Later in the evening, she read them her new book: FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. (Mama bought this for her after she picks it up every week at church).

So baby finally showed up for Night school:

Ducky and slothy could stayed awake too.

Well, as always we have a great time in her room.

Doug is helping by saving the notes I give her every week with her dinner.

Tot’s room. It’s a joy to see it grow with her; her heart, her brain, her love.

All ready for church! We headed to the early service because Easter is when EVERYONE goes to church. So the parking lot was to be a “team building exercise” of kindness. (according to Neil…teehee).   

It did not erase the joy I had for going, however. To spend the morning with my sweeties and my mom was to be so special. AND….to be in 100% realization of the payment made for us by Jesus. It was fulfilled TODAY as he conquered death and made us all forgiven and given eternal life.

I had Tatum stay for the whole service with us, so she got to hear the message from Jamie. WHAT does the resurrection REALLY mean for us? It’s a very personal decision, and one day, Tatum will make that choice to receive and believe. (I pray for this for her)

We made our way home and took a few pictures. BIG SMILES!!!

I wanted to get started on brunch, (rosemary from the garden)

so we gave Tatum her bike early so she could play on it while I cooked.

It’s her perfect size!

After our yummy food, we headed to the living room for fun little gifts.

Coti even got one!

She sure had fun with all her little gifts. Thank you Mama and Doug for all the treats and clothes. (She is sure blessed!)

Then it was time to go through the resurrection eggs.  Coti was sure ready!!

Each day, Tatum and I have opened one with our story of Benjamin’s Box.

Each egg has an item in it from the time of praying in the garden to his betrayal and death. Then the white one (the last egg) is empty to signify the empty tomb. He is RISEN!!!

We then read the story of the THREE TREES. I always weep during it. The Tale of Three Trees is probably my favorite children’s picture book EVER! The powerful message that God has a special plan for our lives is woven through the story of three trees that have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. After years pass the woodcutters come to their mountain. Each tree has its special plan in holding a KING. It’s all about God’s love.

So amazing.

I’m so grateful for this day, my family, and all it means.

Doug and I had a great night making plans for Tot’s next day. He’s a cutie pie!

 

Yes, it was to be very special. We couldn’t wait to celebrate Jesus!!!
We also had a few tricks up our sleeve for Tatum.

I didn’t want to wait to give her a new bike on her birthday because that is forever away. So, it was a bit of a selfish reason: I WANT TO RIDE WITH HER!
Doug suggested a balance bike; you add the pedals later.

Tomorrow, she shall try it out!

Mom’s birthday fell on Good Friday this year, so Tatum would be home from school that day.  She wanted to wear a new shirt, so we picked out her new doggie one.

We then wanted to surprise Mama with a coconut muffin, but we needed confetti, so we cut up one of her Paw Patrol coloring book pages. Boom!

After breakfast we all headed to the gym, and had a great workout with Mama. She did five exercises! So proud of her.

It was time for lunch, so we started at the prayer garden at Scottsdale Bible. It takes us through the path Jesus went through before his crucifixion.

We wrote down prayers also and put them on the wires. So powerful and important to do with Tatum. I always am so moved in this journey as I see the true suffering He took on for us. The cross he bore on His back is present in this garden so we could feel its weight. I wish I would have had this time to do this journey on my own because I always weep, but it was good to do it with Tatum and Mama. We love you Jesus.

Time for Mama’s present.

She wrote it all herself.

 

Inside the card: She added the crosses  herself.. and of course the xoxox’s. (cute!!)

 

 

She then gave Mama the picture she drew.

She made a rainbow with a family. Mama is above the rainbow and the bottom is a field of charms.

 

We had so much fun eating and being silly,

Later, Tatum had her skating lesson and we were all so proud of her.

It was then time to celebrate with Mama alone. She and I had planned to go to dinner. Pictures of course!

Then we went outside since it was still light out:

My mom is so beautiful. I cannot believe how she ages so well!.

Coti and Tot joined. My family. L.O.V.E!!!

Mom, this day with you was so special. This year we grew more than ever because we were dedicated to RELATIONSHIP. We also focused on our own relationships with Jesus, so that in itself made us better people. Grateful. Honored. Blessed.

I love you Mama. You’re beautiful inside and out.