Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Leaving for Louisiana means many things. First, I get the opportunity to speak to a group of soon-to-be teachers in Shreveport. It’s an honor to get to fly to a different place and encourage others.

This always lights my fire.

However, with traveling comes perspective. It also comes with noticing many things.

Thing 1: The south truly is hospitable. Everyone from the TSA agents to the hotel attendants are beyond kind. They make you feel special.

Thing 2: What happened to conversation and playing? Cell phones and tablets have replaced eyeballs looking at each other to converse and kids playing with toys. Moms now tote only an iPad and headphones to allow the child to tune out and be completely distracted. No imagining. No creative play. No coloring. Just stare at a screen. In fact, that is pretty much all I see on the plane and at the airport: A bunch of screen-crazed zombies.

Thing 3: I have a very kind, giving boyfriend. He did more than I could have imagined to make sure Tatum was taken care of. He picked her up and took her to his house for a game of LIFE.

She got to take not only a bath but in a royal tub filled with cups and salad bowls. He makes her special meals and gives her lots of love in my absence.

She gets a special cozy bed at the foot of his bed.

She looks pretty darn content.

Thing 3: Did I mention I have a sacrificing boyfriend? He took the day off to make sure Tatum got to school on time and then picked her up for lunch and fun at the park.

I think she’s enjoying herself, yes? I’m very blessed and grateful.

Thing 4: Going away can be good for perspective. When I came home, I couldn’t wait to give my Tot a bigger hug and bigger kiss than usual. Doug deserved a huge hug, but I failed to show my appreciation as much as I should have.

The next day for Tatum and me  it meant the next day, we’d make it a fun day; I’d treat her to a special breakfast at Scramble ….

and a fun craft….

I’m glad that when my Tatum cannot figure out what to do, she chooses to pull out some books, lines up her dolls, and reads.

Noticing is good. I am one not to have my nose in my phone. I tend to notice. Lord, help me to notice more often, and not take anything for granted. This life is but a whisper.

Today, I took it personally. Sure, we train our children up in how they should go, and they should follow every bit of it perfectly, right? Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to work? (I know better).

If someone told me this, I’d say, well, sure, but nobody is perfect, and definitely children with undeveloped brains cannot do the right thing every single time.

Especially my sweet Tatum!

My sweet Tatum is human and definitely makes the wrong choice sometimes.

This morning when I picked her up fro m her Sunday school class, Holly, her teacher, told me she did not obey today, and it was the worst of the worst today. She did not sit during the lesson, she did not color when asked, and she just did not want to follow directions.

My heart sank. Really!?

The car ride home was pure silence. Tatum kept saying, Mommy, I feel so sad. All I could say to her was, We will talk when we get home. I want to look at you.  

We went right upstairs and sat in her room. I talked to her about why we obey.  Why do we even go to church? Why do we do the right thing? All of her answers revolved around because God loves us and we love Him.

I don’t want her to obey or do the right thing for me or because I tell her to. No. I want her to understand the bigger picture. It pleases God. It makes him happy. It shows we love Him when we follow His direction; when we obey our leaders; when we are kind; when we respect others. She gets this, but she doesn’t always make the right choice.

Well, bingo. We don’t as adults either, but the key is how do we handle it after.
How do we repent and TURN from it and change? We do what Tatum and I did.

We prayed. We asked for forgiveness. We asked for help in changing. We asked for our ways to be like His ways. We also will…NO, she will seek out Holly, and will ask for her forgiveness.

She lost some privileges for the week. Some big ones. But, I think it made an impression on her. I cannot take it personally. I can only do my best as her Mommy. I love that little girl with all of my heart.

This child…It’s amazing how she is growing. It’s hard to believe that she is almost five. She is becoming a little-big girl with a vivid personality. Lively, bubbly, and STRONG. Being her mom is the biggest joy, and I only see it growing.

She decided she wanted to have a dog-themed birthday party. Hoping to invite dogs, we made some fun dog crafts.

Not sure how the dogs would do with cake and treats all over the table. Maybe Max and Otis can come (see above). OK, Mommy. 

Back to what I was saying. Our interactions continue to grow because if ever there is tension or any negative reactions, we “talk it out” as she likes to say. She even is using this strategy with her friends at school. Like I said, the joy of being her mom and watching her blossom has to be the most precious part of my life. I’m honored.

He had an abscess in his little neck.

I told her he would need surgery

We don’t want it to become serious after all!

So, I got my tools: a needle, gloves, and tan thread.

Baby, are you OK?

Good as new!

We love you, Baby.

It appears and sounds as if my daughter has swallowed a large BULLFROG. Her voice is about two octaves higher too. My little Tot has big time allergies.

So, our Tuesday this week was a bit more low key.

We headed to the library and she played to her heart’s content. It is so fun to watch her interact with the blocks and make them into a city.

I picked up a book to read. A few good pearls in this one!

Isn’t that so true!
We headed home for a craft du jour. We decided to make a book with foam pieces. You just can’t beat the fun on this one.

I made some characters, and she worked on the food page. We needed some protagonists and of course a super hero!

Then the antagonist obviously is this scarrrrrrrrreeeeee monster!

We then started our story.

She kept changing the order of events so the bad guy would be taken down by super hero Jackson. She also wanted to add a “Once Upon A Time” piece with a house and tree. You know…..”It was a quiet day and then….!!!!!!!”

Now we are ready for the final  story ending with another clown that looks more creepy than friendly. There must be a sequel now!?

Although it was low key, we had a blast. Voice or no voice, this froggy gal is my choice for a fun day.

I love you and your brain, Tot. XO

Tatum woke up today with a frog in her throat. She sounded like she swallowed foghorn when she coughed. However, she powered through and we got ready for church.

She has been letting me curl her hair lately. With a real curling iron! This is big folks. B.I.G.

The best part is that she loves it.

Have I mentioned that she is going to be FIVE in a month? Have I mentioned that I’m Faaaaaaareeeeeaking out about it? How did this happen?
So, as time gets closer, I’m savoring every minute with her. And the Coti boy too!

I am not sure how he feels about this hug from Tot. Smoosh. Hmmmmmm.

Well, we tried again and he posed.

Is it over yet?
Yes, puppy. It’s just Tot and I now.

I love you with every teeny bit of my heart, Tot. Coti too. My kids. XO