Living an Intentional Life
My heart. She looks me right in the eyes, and says, “Mommy? I love you.”
To feel loved from a child; this is a new feeling of awe and satisfaction. It’s like you spend so much time investing into your child, and then all of sudden, one day, you FEEL loved. It’s unlike any other feeling. I know that Jesus loves us with all that HE is, and the love from a child is the manifestation of this love. It’s all from her heart and from her soul.
I melt daily being with my girl. It’s ALL worth it.
The comfort zone of home is disrupted when the routine is changed. It is only in that time when one realizes how much is dependent on each second being taken with some sort of activity. This is not to say that all is planned at home with the Tot, but each minute is spoken for when Tatum is ruling the roost. Her presence is hard to ignore or and is hard to deny!
Today was different. I have traveled before just for the day, but I have not left for an overnight trip since she was a baby. I created “shifts” so she was not buckled to one person for two straight days. Thank goodness Doug could step up and take her shopping and back to his house to build a nativity scene. Supposedly there were some secrets taking place, but I did not feel left out in the least. Nope..not in the least. Not in the teeny tinniest bit. None. hmph
Then, Gabby would come in to ring in the evening. Cupcakes sure help take her mind of mommy. Especially one with an elephant and giraffe? I’m feeling outdone!
Now, there’s the my side here in New Orleans. I walked into my room, plopped down my bag, opened the shades, and sat down. What now? Ok, well, I’ll check out the pool. Mmmm…ok, no, it’s not heated, so perhaps the workout room. Not yet. I needed to just take in the quietness. I did sit down to work for a minute and have a bite. I had something in my bag since after looking at the room service menu, uuuhhhh, I did not think creole soup for $20 would be that good!? Or would it? If it was to be that good, I better venture out of the Hilton. Anyway, it was weird not having ANY interruptions except the sound of traffic from the window and vacuums cleaning the rooms next door.
I decided to call the Tot, tell her I loved her, and then find what the heck is around this place. It’s near the airport, so McDonalds is as good as it gets. Perhaps there will be a cajun Big Mac? Probably not.
It’s still early in the evening, and I miss the Tot, Doug, and my “comfort zone,” but honestly, for one night, getting out of the routine is a bit refreshing however “uncomfortable” it may be.
Gotta go through my presentation AGAIN! Coming home soon Tatie Tots! XOXOXO
Today, we received a lovely gift from my friend Jocelyn. T
At the end of the book, it has a pullout poster to picture what a million stars in the sky looks like. 
When we were finished with the book, I reminded her that God made this sky for her to enjoy and dream about when she wonders if there is anyone out there!? YES!
As I pondered this book and what a million could be, I realized God’s power. I think has parents, we all have moments of fear when we wonder what our child’s future could be? Then, I am reminded of this principle of God’s love is so much bigger than we could imagine.
But, I’m also reminded of the law of sowing and reaping. This law is true in the natural world, but it’s also true in the spiritual world. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38) This basically is telling us that we must continue to GIVE OUT what we would want in return and in abundance. Love? Give it out in abundance. Grace? Give it out in abundance. Forgiveness? Give it out in abundance.
For Tatum, we begin every single day with a devotion and a prayer. Then we have many moments in our day when we discuss the application of the WORD. Middday, we read books and talk and sometimes pray. Before bed, we pray for other and play Bible songs. It’s one big cycle every day, and it is now a habit we have sown together. However, it falls in deaf ears if all we do is talk about it and don’t live it. This MILLION star poster is a visual reminder of the LOVE God has for us, and now WE SHOW IT BACK to HIM and to others. It’s just that simple.
She must have seen I was a bit stressed with much to do during her “nap time.”
At 2:00, she used to nap, but now she pronounces that she will not sleep but will play. Fine, I say, just so you leave me to work in my room, and you can play in your room (for the goal till 4:00). It seems to work most of the time, but usually, she comes to visit me for a moment concerned about my well being.
Today, she brought me a snack, and then asks for the usual ‘last hug and kiss.’
“Mom, you’ll love my shake. You just need to drink it with a straw.” Good thing those legos have delicious flavors.
Kind child. Now, go back to your room, as I say with a smile.
Fine tuning the somersault.
Straddling legs to a less than comfortable position
AND…it can be COLD!..
It was 50 degrees in the studio, so they just snuggled up to get warm.
Tatum sure does. It was Doug’s birthday, and although we were planning on going to celebrate, Tatum had to get in on the fun. She had a few things to tell him like….
When are we going to play T-ball??
Well, Tot, you’ll have to get in line. I’m spending time with him tonight!
And so we did celebrate this guy’s special day.
There is a theater in downtown Phoenix called the Great Puppet Theater. Tatum and I decided for Black Friday to head there since it was a far cry from any mall, shopping center, or store!
Before heading out, we reviewed the story of the Little Red Hen (since this was the show today) so we’d be all prepared. They had a display of Frog and Toad! We had just bought all of these books!
Tatum sat motionless for the whole show! Supposedly the story is over 500 years old! There was only one lady managing all of the puppets, and she made it so funny! Especially the dog (who was too busy chasing his tail to help Little Hen). 
Afterwards, we got to meet the puppets close up.
Tatum got to hug the dog, and this was the highlight of the day!
