Living an Intentional Life
Tatum always brings some toy down at breakfast to play with while I doctor up our oatmeal concoction.
Today, it was…….
All kinds of friends! They are growing each day. Last night, the chef joined the club. He’s kind of in the background there so he can run off and bake some cookies. The top hat guy is waiting on the side there to do his dance. Apparently they are all on a ship.
Tatum got cold, as she usually is in the kitchen, so she wrapped up in my jacket.
Little did she know I’d be surprising her later on at school.
Last year, I visited her Pre-K class with reading Nannette’s Baguettes.
Well, since we love that book, I thought we’d try a second round in her Kinder class. Ms. V and Coach Matt knew I was coming, and this time, I would bring a sourdough baguette. Who doesn’t love a piping hot loaf!?
When I walked in, she was so excited! I read the story…..
They laughed out loud!
And then…..slices of baguettes and apples! What a fun snack.
And a fun time visiting her class. Thank you Ms. V and Coach Matt for letting me join today!
Tatum was invited to a SLEEPOVER. Yes, you heard me. She’s 5, and one of her buddies in her class invited her and the other girls in the class to spend the night for a birthday party. I think my first sleepover was in 6th grade!
I have so many thoughts about why this is not a good idea at her young age. The first and foremost reason is that she is forming her personality, habits and character traits each and every day. EVERY input is truly valuable. Is she mentally prepared to spend it with 7 other little girls and a single mom? My instinct says no.
I did not tell her about the invitation. I figured she’d find out on her own after the fact. So, the weekend she was invited, I made sure we had a great time.
Of course there is time with Coti!
And time to read together.
So, when she went to school on Monday, I waited for her to share her FOMO. (Fear of missing out).
She didn’t mention it until Wednesday. She told me all the girls went. I asked her if she was sad that she didn’t go. Confidently, she said, “No, mommy; not at all.”
I left it alone. She sure is filled with joy and strength. I love her spirit. Absolutely LOVE it.
We have to start getting ready for Spring! This means making some cute little bunnies and duckies. Or, it’s basically using all the toilet paper rolls I save. What do we do with all of them?
Speaking of counting, Tatum is having fun finding patterns in counting to 50.
She’s working on her numbers every day, and all it takes is practice. Sometimes it’s a matter of SLOOOOWWWWIIINNGG down to refine the number writing, but at the same time being able to whip out counting to 50 with no problem! Fine balance.
And then speaking of a fine balance, her piano skills continue to grow.
Today, she and Cana played an Old MacDonald duet.
It’s so fun to watch Tatum grow in her skills; And with all of this, her character becomes more kind and strong in heart.
I love you lovebug!
This morning, when I woke up Tot, she gave me a special gift.
She had made it special for me while I was at my girl’s Bible Study last night.
I love her style; the color blocking. Oh, and did you catch the word, PRAY!? She picked this sheet out at school to color and WOW, did she ever color it. More importantly she made it for me. AND, a good word of advice, so I shared it with my gal pals.
Later in the morning after we walked Snuggle Bug, we fed the birdies. It was time to use the new feeder that she made me (with Doug’s help!).
We love to watch the birdies in the morning. They enjoy their food while we enjoy ours. It’s very happy.
On the way to school, the happy continued. She told me she was excited and had goosebumps. (Tomorrow is our fun/art day).
Just like you, Mommy, when you get excited and get goosebumps. Or when you’re cold. We are twins!
I told her, “Two peas in a pod.” That is us!
Huh?
She then said,
Our pod is the car! Heehee
Correct, Tot, two pods in the car.
Well, we arrived at school and this means she must say goodbye to Baby. She gives him a big kiss and hug.
I asked her if I could have him stay with me today. (He usually goes in her backpack). I told her that he gets scared in the dark, so she told me he could ride in the seat next to me.
My day is now complete.
I love you, you little pea!
Tatum has been doing a bunch of colorful work lately. I think it reflects her personality.
If you ever are around this fireball for even a minute, you’ll understand what I mean. She exudes brilliance in personality and character.
Her wall has been showing this metaphorically. (she made these on her own).
One can see that her colors exude joy, excitement, and pure vibrance. I cannot keep up with her!
She even decorated my wall with some pieces she created.
Today, we drew a kite because we are getting ready for spring.
The effect to all of this art we do together and what she does solely is that it makes our bond even stronger. It’s a way for us to relate and a way to express.
I do believe it has become a creative outlet for both of us.
What I continue to desire is for our relationship to grow. She listens to me because she knows I care and she does not ever want to disappoint me and especially her Father. To be her mommy is the joy of my life, but I would also say has been the catalyst for me becoming a better person.
Our colorful bond will continue to grow as we both are on this journey of life.
I LOVE YOU, Bumby. xo
The other night when Tatum was in her room NOT being tired, she decided to search in her puzzle box under her bed.
She chose the Minion puzzle since it had FIFTY pieces. Why not?
I can do it, Mommy!
And she only called me in to help her three times. (I won’t tell you). I will leave you puzzled.
But you know what? She finished by herself and the pride in her eyes…..well, it was all worth it.
Now, do you think I got to bed on time myself? Probably not, but the time to spend with my Tot, no matter what the time or opportunity, is ALWAYS worth it.
