Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

My Tot.

Being her mom is the best honor ever. This is not something I achieve. This is something that happens by loving; a love that can only come from a heart created by Jesus. That’s what makes me want to be a better mom and the thing that makes me love her beyond my own ability.

This love makes me want to constantly  snuggle and cuddle AND goof around!

 

Her class had a little celebration for the mommies.

And you know what? I had no idea I was such a good tickler! 

I love you Tot beyond measure.

How many ways can you make oatmeal fun?

We are trying to find out.

Now, don’t you just want to dig in?
A bit of maple, vanilla stevia, cottage cheese, cashew milk; topped with a few multi grained cheerios, banana pieces and sugar free chocolate chips. Simple and delicioso and smiley!

Do you know your value? Do you share how much you value each other?

We always share how much we mean to each other. Mama, we love you!

Tot, you are worth more than you’ll ever even understand.

When I look at your bright eyes and shining smile….

 

I bask in gratitude. 

When I sit in Tot’s room, I happen to face the wall with the fox on it. It has been an unsatisfactory experience because I did not like the way I put the verse on it.  It was too dark and not balanced with his tail.

So I fixed it and made it lighter and more balanced on the picture. (I think at least!)

 

Now I can relax. (at least until the next inspiration!)

Today I had flashbacks of all the years I taught Middle School in West Side of Phoenix.

I was invited by on of my students, Barbie Firkus from GCU, to come to her class. She teaches the refugees at Palo Verde Middle School where many of them attend. She has about 28 students in two different classes representing about 20 countries ranging from Syria to the Congo. Every Friday, she has Firkus (her last name) Friday, so today I was invited to come in and read to her students.  I decided to bring Tatum.

When we arrived, they led us to the classroom with  fancy visitor badges. Walking through the school reminded so much of my teaching days. I miss those kids! They were all so well-behaved, and I know that in this environment, that can be a challenge, so I give such kudos to the school and all of their hard work.

We were welcomed with a sea of beautiful foreign 13-year old faces and a nice sign.

I chose to read them 

It’s a lovely story of unconditional friendship and the danger of gossip. 

After, Barbie (Miss Firkus) had them make some friendship bracelets. We discussed to book too as we shared the importance of kindness. She definitely models this.

Tatum made a few!

We thank you, Barbie. You are a dynamic, amazing teacher, and I’m so honored to know you. You can tell they love you to pieces. You are making a difference in their lives, and they’ll never forget you. I know I won’t. We felt so welcome!

 

From my sweetie for Christmas, I received tickets to the new Aquarium in Scottsdale, Odysea.  And what a sight to see!!! We decided to go on a Tuesday and miss the crowds; we were smart.

Doug met us there!

 

Our first stop when we got in was the bathroom. There is no mirror in there. Why? Because it’s a huge window into the aquarium. Many sharks joined us as we washed our hands. Cute little guys, aren’t they?

 

Up we went to the first part.

Turtles. I find them adorable in all of their slowness.

Only to then find the alligators. They were sleeping and we could not get them to blink; yes we tried.

And guess who else was sleeping? Wait, a sloth was sleeping!? We knocked reeeeeally hard too! Nada.

So, off to see the birds. Yes, at an aquarium, they have toucans. Two, actually. Ricky and Lucy.

I had a moment with (I would think, Ricky?)

Aaahh!!!

Tatum and I had to discuss what book we saw Toucans. Puffin Pete, Tot!

Onward, soldiers. Let’s find those penguins. But first, the piranhas. Do you think they would enjoy the Tot for a snack? EEK!

Tot had a moment now with this huge catfish. I think she was measuring.

The otters were a warm-up to the penguins. They were all cuddled up at the window trying to see Tot.

Seriously? A spatula fish? That is quite the rostrum.

How would you like to have a nose shaped as a kitchen tool?

Are we at the penguins yet?

Nope. We have anemones to pet. I had to start.

Penguins now?

He’s talking to us. Such a friendly fellow.

Tatum then wanted to measure. But where did she go?

No, you are taller than them, Tot!

They  had a fancy fountain which you could manipulate. That was so fun. And wet.

Remember Light Bright? How about a life size one!?

Off to see the octopus! Doug called him Mr. Tangley. He was definitely leggy!

Next we just enjoyed seeing the various colors; honestly, God is so creative.

We enjoyed the 3 D about the humpback whale and the living carousel. I was in awe of the beauty of the sea lions too. Just like little missles underwater. Such grace.

The focus started to wane once Tatum whispered, “Mommy, can I have baby?”

All things STOPPED> WHAT!!???? Baby! Thank Jesus that Doug had pictures so we could look through and see the last place he was with us. The beginning!! SO we retraced our steps back to the entrance and guess what!? Someone turned the little buddy in!!! Praise the LORD. I think we’ve lost baby at every attraction we’ve attended. You think I’d ask her to keep him in the car. Sheesh.

Well, we ended up just leaving then and sweet Doug bought a membership so we could back again VERY SOON. (and not rush!) Hooray. I will bask in it since the ocean and sea life are my happy place.

So much fun. Thank you for treating us, Honey. XO

When Tatum gets a cough, she gets a COUGH!!! It takes over her day, night, and activities. It also takes over my sleep.

Well, today was no different. Incessant coughing.

She could not possibly go to dance today, soooooooo what to do!!???
A craft of course!

I had purchased some cupcake holders, pipe cleaners and construction paper. OH, and who could forget glitter glue? A real hit with the Tot.

First, decorate the cupcake holders with dot paints.

Then make rain with the glitter glue!

Now, add the pipe cleaners for the handles.

Tatum made a storm!

Tatum didn’t cough once while making her storm.

Maybe the flowers will come now! We can only pray.