Mommy TamTam

on birthdays...

2013-11-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. I've had A LOT of them.

The year that I turned 40, I wanted to pretend that it didn't happen....like Nov 14th was just another day. This year, celebrating my "29th" birthday, seems so surreal.

This morning as I woke up early, I realized that I don't get excited for them any longer like I did when I was young. After all, my adorable "little" has a birthday in just 3 days....and that is my focus.

Making his birthday magical

Making his birthday wish come true

Planning his party

Celebrating him

Who could not love this missing tooth smile!

He is after all, my birthday wish.

So happy early birthday little buddy! I can't wait to celebrate with you for reals in just a few days!

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Discovering the Star in You

2013-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

He's 5. He's not a soccer star, but he thinks he thinks he is. And that is what is important.

We have done soccer for a few years. Always fun and pretty laid back. Most of the time, he is in his own world during game time. Pretending to be some superhero, or flying a plane. Practices were always good, learning the drills, following the coach's direction. This season started out the same way...until he made his first goal during the game.

GOAL!

That flipped the switch for him. Now, he IS soccer. Scoring BIG every game...wanting to win, wanting to score. Last game, six goals, week before five.

Seeing this transformation in him has really made me see how powerful a "win" is in your life. It boosts the ego, changes a mindset, ignites faith. A little success goes so far. As his momma, I realize how important it is for me to help him get that success. I can't win for him, but I can celebrate his win. And when he realizes that he did it:

motivation
hope
faith
fun
laughter
excitement

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

All I have to do is help see the unseen.

That star that was in him the whole time...once unseen is now seen.

And that's a BIG WIN!

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Gaining Wisdom...

2013-10-02T09:57:00.001-07:00

This week, I've been given a little wisdom. Specifically, two thoughts that have kept me from doing....well just about any dream I've had.

1. Linking Negative Events. What kept Lewis and Clark motivated and ultimately successful on their mission? They never linked negative events. Looking back, I've linked negative things together each day. Giving them power in my life that they never should have had or even been able to obtain on their own. It was me, not the event, that held me back.

2. Favor. Yes, I have favor almost daily. Again, how I see it determines how it impacts me. Most of the time, I pass right over it; not recognizing favor for what it is. Lucky, coincidence, or just ignorance is many times how things are seen, if they are seen at all. But its favor and every time I'm thankful for it, appreciate it, it spurs me on to more.

Little things, big things. Introductions. Relationships. Ideas. Parking spaces. Hugs. Insight to hearts. Smiles. Friends. Career. School. Memory verses for the Little that remind me of this favor.

O Give Thanks To the Lord, for He is Good. - Psalm 188:1

Favor.

Who knows, someday that book that I want to read just may be written.

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

The Wiggly Tooth

2013-09-27T20:26:00.001-07:00

Today is the day

We’ve been waiting so long

That wiggly tooth

Is finally gone

A special box

Was given at school

Tiny and blue

For a tooth so cool

Under the pillow

Now quickly to sleep

Expecting the tooth fairy

Don’t make a peep

Quietly she enters

And makes the trade

A tooth for cash

The exchange is made

So tomorrow as he wakes

He’ll see the surprise

The box holding the tooth

Instead holds his prize.

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Making a Difference

2013-09-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

This morning, my son and I met at the flag pole before school. We prayed for his school, our country, our leaders and our friends. He prayed for his teachers and firemen and military who protect us. He prayed his friends have a good snack day and fun at recess. He prayed what was in his heart. And that melted my heart.

Too many times to count, I find myself "busy" with things that seem important at the time. Busy with work, busy with dinner, busy with laundry...the list goes on and on. I want to make a difference, however, in all of my craziness, many times I miss what "should" keep me busy with. So today, as we prayed before school at his school's flagpole, and I saw a glimpse of what was in his young heart, God reminded me that in my lack, He fills in the voids.

He fills in my voids with my husband, our church, our leaders, our teachers and our families. My friend recently shared a quote, "If the relationship we have with one another is only in formal settings, then we simply have a crowd and not a community." We all need relationships because we need "someone" to fill in our cracks.

My son is growing and learning every day. I'm so thankful for my church, for his school and for our family who fill in my cracks. His teacher at school starts out the day with the Kindergarten Creed.

KINDERGARTEN CREED

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Today, I will grow as Jesus grew, becoming strong in my spirit, in my mind and in my body. God is working in me to act according to His good purpose. I am made in His image. I am a child of God because Jesus is my Lord. God's love has been placed in my heart. Everywhere I go, I plant seeds of love. People are blessed because of my life. I am bold, strong, able and very courageous. I will do great works. I fear not for God is with me. I am thankful to God I live in America and I will always speak well of it.

While this is not all (there are 2 more sections to learn), they memorize this and recite it daily - and it is in his heart. He is living this out and teaching me along the way.

Yesterday his devotional at school was about sharing God's love. He wanted to do it that day! He is bold in his faith. There was music that neighbor kids are playing; the type of music with bad words and things we don't listen to. He comes up with the idea of playing his music instead, outside, so they can hear God's love. Driving home last night, he has his window down, praise music up, worshipping God. He wants his friends to know God loves them.

His faith is simple, but that is how it should be. Childlike faith. I think we complicate it.

I think I complicate a lot of things lately. Just watching my husband, how he takes time to simply explain his daily things to Jarrett, I learn a lot. He is kind and gentle with our son. He brings a sense of confidence and peace in our home when I rush in with a flurry. He is a great example to me and I'm so blessed to have him as a husband and father to my son.

The Kindergarten Creed is now going to be my creed. I need it in my heart just as much as he does.

...God's love has been placed in my heart. Everywhere I go, I plant seeds of love. People are blessed because of my life...

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

Art Appreciation 101: My Life, My Inspiration

2013-09-20T22:44:00.005-07:00

There are two Georgia O’Keeffes. They’re closely related, but one is far more interesting than the other.

-Holland Cotter, New York Times, 2009

Sometimes I feel the same way about myself - that part of me is far more interesting than the other. I have always been interested in lots of things, educated in some, good in others, terrible in lots; but in all of it, having fun. Tonight, the artist in me got to come out.

Together with my sister-in-law and friend, the three of us headed out on a new adventure of painting on canvas. Rochelle, gifted in art; myself and Stacy, just beginners. Tonight was our 1st experience (and definitely not our last) with Brushes and a Bottle.

Starting out with smiles and a blank canvas, we quickly transformed into our "other" self as we painted a masterpiece in white. My comfort level that a masterpiece was a sure thing quickly altered as the process from white to color made my artsy-fartsy self a bit nervous.

Greens - that was comfortable, even fun. Red...possibility is there....orange and yellow...I'm scared!

Black and blues...how is this all going to work. Yes, I got out of my chair and stepped back to "appreciate" my art. The water jar become my best friend many times during the evening.

Somehow, it all came together. And the smiles never left our faces all night. I loved the giggles from the older ladies behind us. They reminded me that no matter my age, art is timeless and fun with my friends helps keeps me young. Our instructor, Rachel, was amazing. We really got to experience the fun in the art - not worrying about whose was better, closer to the real "Poppy, 1927". It wasn't reproduction, it was inspiration.

Many times, with the day-in, day-out, I forget that I need inspiration. It helps me keep fun in my life. Not worrying about bills, budgets, reconciling, making sure the lights are turned out, laundry, cooking, etc. I need inspiration for me.

How many times have I caught myself this week alone, sounding tired and irritated, at nothing really. Irritated to get shoes on, irritated to get ready for school, irritated to get ready for bed, rushed to go here, rushed to go there. There is no joy in my voice, no appreciation for life, no inspiration for any "little" to want to be like me. Maybe now, when I get ready in the morning, or actually take the time for a bubble bath, I will look up and remember to "appreciate" my art, my life, my loves.

The first thing I did when I got home was hang it. It deserved to be hung - not for the quality of art I created, but for the quality of inspiration that was and is so desperately needed in my day-to-day.

"But O’Keeffe’s stake in it was not commercial or social or formal. Abstraction was simply the only kind of art, she said, that let her express her deepest feelings."

Maybe that is why art, writing, blogging, photography, cooking, the things I'm both good and terrible at all the same time, are my ways to express my deepest feelings. Most you read here; a few are just for me.

Until the next class.....

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Keeping it in perspective....

2013-09-20T09:24:00.003-07:00

Being a momma is one of the most difficult and most rewarding tasks I've ever had. I remember before he was born.... oh how perfect of a parent I would be.....of course to my perfect child...who never disobeyed....who would never talk back....who would eat all vegetables....

...and then came delivery...and everything changed.

Sometimes it seems so difficult to penetrate all the way to the heart....How do you get it in there? Where do the attitudes come from? Why is this so easy some days and so challenging the next?

One thing I've really come to realize this week in my "mommy-ness" is that the best thing I can do, is give him Jesus.

- I can't preach it, although my speech should reflect His Word
- I can't force it, although I must enforce discipline just as God corrects those He loves
- I can't expect him to live it, if I don't live it first
- I can't just sing it on Sunday, worship must be everyday for us - for me, and for him

While I can have plans for him to grow and develop and expect great things, ultimately, his Heavenly Father knows the thoughts and plans HE has for him.....and that is really all that matters.

What doesn't matter?
- how he wants to do his hair
- how he wants to dress (mis-matched)
- what he wants to dress up as for harvest party
- that he may not eat his vegetables everyday

What does matter?
That I love him...in all of it, with everything, to the moon and back again. And as much as I love him and show him that...he needs to know that Jesus loves him even more.

keeping it in perspective....

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

linking up today with Casey Leigh

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

2013-09-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sitting at our campfire one morning at one of my favorite spots in the world, I turn around and this is what I see. While I'm excited to write more and share more, I'm not even going to pretend that my words can capture what Robert Frost did years ago.....so enjoy!

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim

Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

My Happy Place

2013-08-30T09:37:00.004-07:00

Do you have that place? that Happy Place?

For me, its the mountains, in my trailer, no cell phone coverage, with my family. And in just a few short hours, I will be there. I just love, long holiday weekends....just for this reason!

Last night, packing up the trailer, even though I was tired and wanted to be done, knowing that soon I would be at my favorite place....

Happy, Happy, Happy.

The trailer is small, but I like that. Of course, I have a few choice items that are my style.

Paul Frank Magnets on the oven hood

Lodge quilt on our bed, making me believe our tiny trailer is a cabin by the lake

And of course, one of my favorites: a little something I picked up on a trip to beautiful Leavenworth....

Wood sign hanging on the "living room" wall.

Now, time to jump in the car, turn up the tunes, and head for the hills.......

Happy Camping!

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Its a Big, Big World.....

2013-08-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Today starts the beginning of something new for us....kindergarten.

Dropping him off at school was a bit surreal. The flashes of phone pics from the "mom-arazzi", finding his desk, taking his 1st day picture, seeing who he is sitting by, seeing friends he knows, making new ones....seeing the tears in some of the mom's eyes as they say goodbye, then stand in the corner to watch and make sure. Its too much for this momma.

Of course, he handles it like its nothing. But to me, all I can think of is that this is 'real' school. There are report cards and home work, will his feelings get hurt or will he hurt someone else's feelings. Its a big, BIG world out there. Did I do enough to get him ready? Five years went by so quick, there is still more to teach him.

Then I'm reminded of this.....

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak but He is Strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus love me

Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so.

He is strong - and he doesn't belong to me, he belongs to HIM. And while its hard to imagine anyone loving my son more than I do, He loves him more than I ever could..

So this year, Jarrett...

Learn Lots

Love More

Explore

Grow

Smile

Sing

Enjoy yourself

This is your year!

--------------------------

"All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten"

by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need 

To know about how to live 

And what to do and how to be 

I learned in kindergarten. 

Wisdom was not at the top 

Of the graduate school mountain, 

But there in the sand pile at Sunday school.  

These are the things I learned:  

Share everything.

Play fair. 

Don't hit people.

 Put things back where you found them. 

Clean up your own mess. 

Don't take things that aren't yours. 

Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. 

Wash your hands before you eat. 

Flush. 

Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. 

Live a balanced life

 Learn some and think some 

And draw and paint and sing and dance 

And play and work everyday some. 

Take a nap every afternoon. 

When you go out into the world, 

Watch out for traffic, 

Hold hands and stick together. 

Be aware of wonder.

The Endless Summer...

2013-08-26T23:03:00.001-07:00

I'm a girl that loves fall. The chill in the air, high school football, boots, change of leaves, pumpkin spice latte. However, this year, the thought of summer ending and the start of fall is a little bittersweet. After all, this summer has been amazingly fun. Camps, VBS, activities, swim lessons, new best friends, camping, vacations....just fun! So looking out the window and seeing the leaves changing and the rain falling brought on feelings of wanting summer to never end. But I love fall - why is this so hard when it's normally so welcoming? Then I realized... this particular season change is big in our family.

My baby starts kindergarten.

Ok, he's not a baby anymore, but kindergarten? Real school? This season seemed such a long time out. How did it get here so fast?

And if you know me and how I can SOMETIMES wallow in reminiscing.....

But I learned something new.

You see, everyone has 2 lives: the one you are living and the unlived life inside of you. (Thank you Brian Houston for sharing this tonight at Vision Days).

Ill always have summer, but I won't let it keep me from the season God has for me now. Nothing will keep this unlived life inside of me from seeing its fulfillment.

So, kindergarten.... Let's do this!

With love,

Mommy tam-tam

Such Joy....

2013-08-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

As a mom, there is nothing that makes me happier than to see pure JOY in my son. This summer, I have been blessed enough to see it almost every day.

It makes the time go by fast, when you are having fun. To me, time passing is bittersweet; I just don't want the moments to end.

Where does the time go? It is already August and summer is almost over.

This summer has been one of the best, funnest summers we've ever had. Jarrett has developed a true friendship with 2 little boys. He's had friends before, but these ones are "knit" in his heart. And with that, I've seen him grow up just a bit more. It reminds me of the story in 1 Samuel 20 - David and Jonathan, friends that truly loved each other.

When you have a friend:

it makes sharing easier
it makes you braver to face new challenges
it makes learning fun
it turns rainy days into fort building adventures
it gets you excited when they have good days
and, it helps you remember to pray for them when they are having hard days.

And, in all of that, you grow. And my baby, toddler, preschooler and now Kindergardener is "big boy" now. Seeing that transform in just a few short months, this Summer '13, to me is Such Joy!

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

"fancy-shmancy".....A Valentines Day Recap

2013-02-16T12:38:00.002-08:00

I celebrated Valentine's Day with both of my valentines.....

And we had a "fancy-shmancy" dinner.

Sometimes it feels hard to get romance in when there are little feet around. But this time, I thought I would include him.

We set the table together as a "apprise" (surprise) for daddy.
We brought out our best table cloth, put on the beautiful tulips Jeff gave me, sprinkled candy hearts around and lit the candles.

We made daddy's favorite dinner and a separate favorite for Jarrett.

During dinner, Jeff and I told our love story to Jarrett - which he thought was fun. And it was fun, letting him get to know how we met, how we fell in love and how daddy proposed. It was special to us and it as we shared our story, it became special to him.

I think that is important...with all the divorce and separation in the world today...I think its vital to let our kids know that we are committed to each other and actually still "like" each other. Seeing us as friends as well as family is important. We are a team and we love it.

After dinner, Jeff and I just had a little time to ourselves to talk and catch up. Jarrett ran off and played, but like every 5 year old, always wanted to "interrupt". It was good to remind him that mommy and daddy need our own time too...and he let us talk. :)

After dinner....dessert. Chocolate cake. With "love notes" written in chocolate on the plates.

So, although we didn't go out to a romantic dinner, valentines was special for everyone.

We hope you enjoyed your special day with your loved ones also.

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

A little love.....

2013-02-14T10:13:00.002-08:00

Life seems to get busier by the minute...when does it slow down???

Babies grow and become toddlers, then preschoolers, then they are reading, telling jokes and having dance parties.

Things I LOVE that I don't want to forget..... because he's 5 now...but that will only be for a moment!

I LOVE that you call the little swirl in the bathtub as the water drains "tomatoes"
I LOVE that you call my cooking when make broccoli or stuffing "askusting"
I LOVE that you can read
I LOVE that you have a larger than life imagination
I LOVE that you tell me you love giving me hugs (I will remind you this when you are 15 and no longer 5)
I LOVE that you when you wrestle Daddy, you want to know that I'm rooting for you
I LOVE that your favorite drink is water and "frawberry milk"
I LOVE having dance parties with you...and realize that your dance moves are better than mine
I LOVE the tiny freckle on your ear
I LOVE how excited you get with little surprises
I LOVE that you are my son, my miracle from God, and nothing, including how time moves so quickly will ever change that.

Happy Valentines Day Jarrett!
I LOVE YOU!

with love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

untold stories....and Peace

2012-12-19T22:50:00.001-08:00

For days now, I have been wanting to write. There are so many stories of our life that I want to share, want to get in before the year is through.

The beautiful birth of my nephew, Jonah.

The fun box car parade for Jarrett's 5th birthday.

Fall at Bill's Berry Farm, getting pumpkins, making hand pressed apple cider, and taking a ride on the farm animal train.

My brother's wedding on the beach

Taking Jarrett to Disneyland - a dream come true

Sewing handmade stockings

Having fun with Lucy, our Elf on the Shelf

And yet, every time I sit at the computer, or stop to think about what I am going to say, the tears from my heart crest to the surface. And I walk away. I can't write. I'm giving a moment of blogger silence not out of respect, (although I sincerely do), but out of I can't put into words anything worthy of all that has happened. All I can think of is the countless stories that the children and families of Sandy Hook will never get the opportunity to tell.

There is no way to put into words the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook. While I didn't personally know any of the children, teachers or their families, I do feel like I know each and every one. I see the little five year olds in the eyes of my own five year old. And my heart aches for them. And their moms. And their dads, siblings, grandparents, friends. The ones that were lost as well as the ones that were spared - who will for the rest of their precious life be affected by this act of evil, save the grace of God.

On Friday, I was at work, listening to the news as I was working. Tears in my eyes, working away - my job had to go on as if nothing was happening. But something was. And it was terrible. I can't pretend otherwise.

All I could do is get home to my son as soon as I could and hold him tighter. Pray harder. Love better.

In the history of humanity, there have been so many tragedies. Lives cut short. Pain that we inflicted upon ourselves. Why? Why do we do this?

Driving on the way home from my Connect Group (bible study) tonight, I heard God speak to me plain as day.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

While this little verse in Psalms 46 is SMALL in words, it's LARGE in power.

My stress and worry about sending my son to school, my heartache for the families who lost loved ones, while I still don't understand the "why", I know that I can focus on "Who".

"Be still...." - quit fretting, worrying, questioning, doubting, etc. Be quiet - so I can hear HIM.

"....know that I am God" - be confident that regardless of what happens here on earth, God is still on the throne and nothing will every change that. Politics won't change that, people won't change that, tragedy won't change that, even Satan can't change that.

I have been stressing, worrying, saddened, heartbroken at times. But God was letting me know to stop and be still from all of that, He is still in control. And with that comes peace.

I needed that.

After all, this Christmas season, which I love more than any time of year is about His perfect peace, manifested in God's Son, sent to each one of us as a gift.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulders. And His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

with love,
Mommy Tam-Tam

Our little Christmas Miracle

2012-12-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

There is a new phenomenon that happens at our home every morning. It started after we decorated for Christmas.

To see it, you have to be there at the exact right moment. It only lasts for a few minutes and if you miss it, you have to try again the next morning in order to see it.

Its our Christmas miracle. I'm going to share it with you.

See our lights - they are beautiful and dance all around our kitchen.

The early morning sun hits our table ornaments and the result is miraculous.

This morning, I happened to catch it just in time.

And just as I was enjoying these few moments of beauty, I was thinking about how if it wasn't for Christmas, we would never have seen this.

Just like Jesus.

If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have Christmas
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have freedom
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have life
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have real joy
If it wasn't for Jesus, we would never have healing
If it wasn't for Jesus..........

....the list can go on forever.

But instead, we do have Jesus.
And my list does now continue forever.

He truely is the very essence of Christmas.
Beyond all of the fun Christmas things we do to celebrate...the stockings, our Elf on the Shelf, Santa, gifts, etc.

He is everything.
His mercies are new every morning.
My Joy comes in the morning.
He is my Bright Morning Star.

And this Christmas miracle reminded me of just that. Every morning my Christmas Miracle is in my home and my heart.

My prayer is that you know Him too.

"I, Jesus... I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star" -Rev 22:16

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were sore afraid.

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not. For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David :a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.'

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.'

Merry Christmas.

with Love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

On Giving

2012-11-22T07:12:00.001-08:00

Today is one of my most favorite holidays. I love the hustle and bustle, being surrounded by family, and the magic of Christmas just around the corner.

Normally, I host a Thanksgiving dinner to my large family, but this year we get to be the guests. It's been 11 years since I've been in Fallbrook for a holiday and I feel truly blessed to be here. All of the cousins are together now and they are running around with joy and excitement.

There is SO much to be thankful for.

On the crazy long road trip from Washington to California, I asked Jarrett what he was thankful for. His answer, "giving".

I tried to tell him thanks "giving" is the name of the holiday, but what are YOU thankful for.

"Giving".

(Silence on my part as I saw his wheels turning)

"You know, we gave food to the people who didn't have any. And we gave our money to the orphans so they can have a house. It's GIVING"

Yes it is giving.

And I'm thankful he understands giving.

As a mom, you are always trying to teach life lessons. Sharing. Caring for others. Manners.

Now, without even realizing it, he learned giving. And he's thankful for it. That he can give. That is a lesson most adults need to understand. I think the world would be a better place if more of us really learned giving.

I am truly blessed.

And thankful.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (Philippians 1:3, 4 NKJV)

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.

With love,

Mommy Tam-Tam

Birthdays......

2012-11-17T22:01:00.001-08:00

This week has been a little emotional for me. It was a week filled with birthdays.

I turned 40. (and that's enough said about that!)
My baby turned 5.

It seems like it was just yesterday when he was born and I was calling him my "baby burrito" as I swaddled him up and kissed his face.

But today, he is no longer baby or even toddler. He is five. And that is big.

This morning, instead of me going into his room and singing him "Happy Birthday" to wake him up, I hear him crawling out of bed then coming to my room, "Mom, I'm up!"

I have him cuddle up with me and I sing to him. "Thanks, Mom" I hear. In an all too grown up voice.

Sigh - where is my little boy?

We rush in to measure him on his growth chart - bigger by a few inches since last time.

Those few inches are a now just memories of a boy growing from preschooler to 5.

5.

Today was his party. But first, it was card and presents from mommy and daddy - in our jammies. Tradition.

I just love this smile as he got a peek of the present and is too excited to open it.

This afternoon was his party. A cardboard car parade and drive-in theater.

I know this was for the kids, but we had so much fun. The parents designed the cars and they really did an impressive job.

We loved Jarrett's car.

Pink Cars came. Silver Cars came. Cars with backseats came. Professionally Engineered Cars came. It was amazing!

Then it was time for the parade.

13 little cardboard cars marched through our neighborhood. Parents cheered! Smiles were abundant. Paparazzi moms filled the street. It was priceless.

Of course, with any car show, trophies should be won.

Next was lights out, cars were parked and a viewing of "The Gruffalo" ensued. (If you haven't ever seen this movie, you should. You won't be disappointed.) Popcorn and candy were everywhere. But what's a movie without a theater snack bar.

Cupcakes, birthday songs, and many more things filled our day.

Happy Birthday 5 Year Old.
I'm so proud of the young man you are becoming.
Your humor makes me laugh
Your smiles melt my heart
Your hugs send me to the moon...and back.
I love you, son.
May all your wishes and dreams come true!

Love,
Mommy
(Mommy Tam-Tam)

A Good Neighbor

2012-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

In our devotional tonight, we read about the Good Samaritan. Here is the passage we read in Luke 10 (out of the Message).

²⁹Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”^30-32Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.^33-35“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’³⁶“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”³⁷“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

After we talked about how we could be good neighbors to people on our block, in our school, and around the world. The "around the world" part was such a good discussion. We pulled down our globe, spun it over and over to see where our finger would land and who we could pray for. We prayed for China, South America, Virginia (I think he got this a little confused with "Teacher Virginia") and Madagascar (after the chuckles subsided he was finally able to pray for Madagascar).

But then we talked about how we can really help people that we never met and be a good neighbor to them. Immediately, Jarrett brought up the orphans.

You see, our church is raising funds to build an orphanage in Indonesia. We have been raising money for quite some time. In the foyer of our church, we have a thermometer chart showing how much is raised. Jarrett is very interested in that chart and knowing that we are getting close to having enough money to build the orphanage. While we doesn't have a real grasp on the value of money, he does see the progress we've made and that we are close. In fact, just a few weeks ago he told me that we only have a few more "inches" then we can buy their house.

So I asked him how he can be a good neighbor to those orphans all the way around the world. His response, "saving money to give them so they can buy a house". He may not be able to be there to play with them and share toys like he can with his neighbors on our block, but he understands that he is their neighbor when he treats them kindly, just as Jesus said to do.

I love that no matter how young or old we are, God makes His Word clear to us.

Now....

"Go and do the same.”

with love,
Tammy

Fruit Fly - Bye Bye

2012-10-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else had issues with fruit flies over the last month? It seems like the cycle is never ending.

Our house has been inundated with them for weeks. I've never been able to get rid of them completely. Even when we totally rid our house of fruit - those little @$&*%'s still stuck around.

There is something very disgusting about flies of any type. To me, it makes my house seem dirty - no matter how much I clean, they are still around and contaminating my counters and anything left on them. You can't walk in the kitchen without swooshing away at some invisible creature that just dive-bombed your head. Annoying? Absolutely! In fact, these tiny creatures are so powerful in their annoyance, that there is website after website on ways to get rid of them. There is even a website dedicated to them and named after them. Really?!? Does something so small deserve a .com?

This last weekend, we had a birthday party at our house. And, as has been the case the last few weeks, the unwanted, uninvited pests were there. I was really embarrassed that I was having to swoosh plates of food from our guests to try and rid them of the little devils. My sister-in-law, Lindsey, quickly told me of a sure-fire way to rid them for good.

The good news?

IT WORKED!

Here it is:

Bye Bye Fruit Fly Solution

Pour apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish with several squirts of dish soap.

Leave this on the counter overnight and be rid of them for good.

I was so excited to try this experiment, I started right then - party going on and all. Within minutes, my little dish was swarming with flies (uck!). By morning, ALL GONE! Somewhere between 30 to 50 little guys were "drowned" in my Bye Bye Fruit Fly Solution. Its been 5 days and not a sign of a single fruit fly.

Thank you Lindsey!

For all of you out there battling the same thing; try it, you won't be disappointed.

with love,

Tammy

Revealed

2012-08-21T17:08:00.002-07:00

Remember this?

From this post earlier this summer?

Were you wondering what was inside?

It has taken me WAY longer to share this than I had anticipated, but wait no further....

Letter from Grandma Stone

Parent's Magazine 1949

If you know my Grandma Stone, you know she was famous for those black sharpie markers on everything...and I do mean EVERYTHING.

Her tupperware were all marked "Doris Stone" in black sharpie.

Things were removed from their original packaging and placed in other packaging with the appropriate label in black sharpie.

Nothing stayed in its original packaging. Why it had to be moved, I'll never know. But I do know that at times, it was a painful lesson to learn for some of us. Like the time my dad took a big drink out of the apple juice jug without first looking for the black sharpie label of "fish oil".

Yes, black sharpie = my Grandma Stone.

Looking through this envelope was no fish oil experience however. It was great. A letter she had written me, who knows how long ago; and how I got it is still a mystery. But the letter went on to tell of her birthing story with my dad. The doctor's name, what she was doing that day, all the little details. Such fun. And then, this amazing magazine from 1949. I subscribe to this magazine today, so it was so cool to think that she read the same magazine I did. This issue was a gift from the nurse, it was inscribed on the back flap.

Reading this was fun. Not much has changed in 63 years.

There are still adds for baby food (although I don't think you could find this "flavor" today)

Stroller Envy? Yep, even in 1949.

Cloth diapers were chic back then (or were they the only option?)

A little friendly competition between parents? You bet!

And, lastly, one of my absolute favs.....amazing article!

They definitely got this one right! Makes me sad for the "fatherless generation" we seem to be living in now.

Thanks Grandma Stone for this amazing surprise. What an amazing treat to stumble across when we were cleaning the garage. Yes, "the garage". Fitting. If you are a Stone, you'll understand.

with love,
Tammy

Best Buddies

2012-08-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

This summer has been filled with so much (which I'm sure will make it here to the blog once things calm down a bit).

But one of the things that fills my heart up is seeing my son with his friends. He loves seeing them and having fun. And I love that his friends are all good boys with great families that love God.

Like at our last summer BBQ for our church. His friends were there and that made his day.

Just look at these boys. Each of their expressions tells their personality. Owen, Tanner, Jarrett & Wyatt. Yes, look at those faces and guard your daughters :) Actually, PREPARE your daughters - these boys will one day be amazing men of God and the girls God has for them will be extremely blessed cause these Momma's are raising their boys right!

I'm sure that there will be many more pics like these of these 4 friends as they grow up! I can't wait to see where they go and what they do as they grow up.

Buddies. Yes, just like David and Jonathan, hearts get "knit together"and that's an amazing gift!

with love,
Tammy

Summer Projects and a Surprise

2012-06-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

One of our summer projects has been to tackle the garage. Now that I think about it, this has the our summer project every year since we've been married (10 years) and every house we've lived in (3). But this is the FIRST year I feel like we are actually going to accomplish it. Thanks to a little handyman organization.

This is not our garage. I forgot to take a picture of it before we started - probably because of the shear embarrassment of it. While it wasn't this "bad" this summer, at times, this is exactly what it looked like. So you get the idea of why I "hated" working on this project every year.

But this year, this move, we've decided to put in some organization into the garage (insert "Hallelujah Chorus" here). And thanks to my brother who recommended a great handy man to help us, we are finally there - almost!

Welcome to our new garage! These photo's are OUR GARAGE.

Custom built storage shelves for all the "garage-y stuff"

Overhead storage shelves above the garage doors to maximize dead space - LOVE!

Sports equipment storage area for the clubs, bike gear, balls, bats, etc. Plus overhead shelves for ice chests/chairs and stuff.

Tools on the wall - not original but original to us and very functional

Best of all, this is all that is left on the floor. Small yard sale pile, bikes that will be on a wall mounted bike rack soon (on order) and my scooter which now has a place to park.

What a great feeling to have both cars in the garage and plenty of room to walk around and actually find what you are looking for.

I love this handy man - if you are interested and live in the Tri-Cities area, send me a message and I'll pass on his info. He was so pleasant to work with and reasonably priced. Another amazing aspect of this guy was that he set up an idea board on Pinterest for us. Yes, can you believe a handyman uses PINTEREST? LOVE!

And....

The Icing on the Cake!

A special package I found in one of our boxes that is priceless. Here's a sneak peak - if you know my family, you will know immediately "who" this is from.

Be sure to check back for the next post on what was inside. It is truly amazing!

with love,
Tammy

beginnings......

2012-06-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

Around here, there have been lots of projects and activities....but everything stops when THIS happens....

Yes, one of my best friends had her first baby....and the anticipation for this birth was almost too much for me. To say I'm happy for them is an understatement.

Just like me, she knows what its like to have to wait for God's promise of a baby. And when this little "beginning" happens, there aren't words to express the love that overtakes you.

Even Jarrett was in awe with this baby. He was so gentle "petting" his face. He was amazed at how soft he was. (Isn't that amazing? I still think my little 4yr old's skin is baby soft and yet it doesn't compare to a new baby). On the ride home from our visit, he tells me, "Mommy, I just love that baby!". Yes, we are all in love. I mean, who couldn't love a little boy as special is this.

So as always, with the birth of a new little one, the knitter in me kicks in. So I've been up all night working on yet another project. And it's finally done - and I can't wait to try it on his sweet little head.

I think he'll like it - don't you agree?

Happy Birth Day, Baby Trenton! We can't wait to see how you grow in this first year of beginnings!

with love,

Tammy

SHOWERS!

2012-05-25T08:57:00.002-07:00

It's Friday. And I have made a discovery!

Showers!

Showers are different from baths.

I don't have to be right there, watching to make sure everything is safe.

That means 20 minutes of time to get done the things I need to (like watering all the flowers on the back deck). And time to do the things I want to (like get caught up on all my blog reading from the week).

Yes, I know 20 minutes is a long shower. But I consider it a cheap "babysitter" of sorts. Not mindless, laziness in front of the TV, but cleaning and using his imagination with the bath toys.

Yes, showers are a good thing! And I get to sit here, drink my cup of fresh squeezed OJ and write this little discovery down.

You can thank me later :)

with love,
Tammy

Mommy TamTam

on birthdays...

Discovering the Star in You

Gaining Wisdom...

The Wiggly Tooth

Making a Difference

Art Appreciation 101: My Life, My Inspiration

Keeping it in perspective....

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

The Road Not Taken

My Happy Place

Its a Big, Big World.....

The Endless Summer...

Such Joy....

"fancy-shmancy".....A Valentines Day Recap

A little love.....

Happy Valentines Day Jarrett! I LOVE YOU!

untold stories....and Peace

Our little Christmas Miracle

On Giving

Birthdays......

A Good Neighbor

Fruit Fly - Bye Bye

Revealed

Best Buddies

Summer Projects and a Surprise

beginnings......

SHOWERS!

Showers!

Happy Valentines Day Jarrett!
I LOVE YOU!