Month: December 2023

It’s been a long and windy road. Many detours, crashes, fires, and explosions. Yes, this has been my life since about 6 months before I got married.

It probably started years ago when I never went a day without a stomach ache, bloating, cramping, or stool issues. It all came to a head the day after Doug proposed to me on May 20th, 2018. I look back at it now as a gift to me; funny how immense struggle and challenge can teach us so much about what needs to change.

I won’t go into detail in this blog about the hundreds of supplements, multiple doctors and healthcare providers, hundreds of tests, and thousands of dollars spent. But I will say I have had one simple prayer.

PLEASE> HEAL ME. PLEASE send me some answers, clarity, healing…something, LORD! I can’t live this way. I have had many challenges in my life like everyone, but when you lose your physical health, there is not much you can do. Your. heart may still be beating: life, but you are not living life. You are functioning; subsisting; operating below zero. It’s NO WAY TO LIVE. But in the process, you realize all the things you have taken for granted.

Now, let’s fast forward to December 2023.

Miracle number one: I got a diagnosis of colitis from a long awaited colonoscopy. I had never had biopsy from. my colonoscopies, so I don’t know how long I have had this inflammation. Suffice it to say, it explained a lot. BUT, there was more in terms of diagnosis that my next Miracle IDENTIFIED>

Miracle number two: This lead me on a path to find some distinct help. Not another naturopath; not another supplement regimen; not a new way of eating; no, it would be something completely different. I came upon a program through a past podcast I had listened to, and the Holy Spirit had told me to listen again. I made an appt for a discover call, but in the midst of that, I found someone else. He fascinated me! His program: The mind-gut-immunity protocol. Hmmmmm, another promise? I booked a discovery call with him, but he required $50. He wanted SERIOUS folks. Dr. Chanu Dasari. He was a real intestinal surgeon, Hmm….again, was this happening?

I also was assigned a trauma specialist.. MIND-GUT…it’s all connected.

Miracle number three: The call was amazing. He even said that he expects full healing within 6 weeks, and money back if not. Never has he had to give a refund. He’s based out of Las Vegas, and his passion stems from his own suffering of colitis and the failure of western medicine. Doug and I had prayed for someone who was not only qualified ( an MD), but someone who had compassion due to suffering themselves.

Miracle number four: Dr. D and I communicate daily. Our first meeting, he identified my THREE areas of issues. Isolated. Focused. and now. ATTACKABLE
Gut dysbiosis, chronic hypo caloric restriction, sleep disorder.

BOOM. Just like that. All the years I have damaged my body have now caught up to me, and NOW I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE WITH GOD and DR. D’s HELP.

Yes, he calls ME even when we were trying to solve one of my health issues. He figured it out! He also told me to STOP apologizing for using his time. He told me he gave up 1/2 his practice because he LOVES to help people with these issues and SOLVE them. He’s dedicated to making this happen. Wow. I’m not just another patient with a stamped program. AND he doesn’t own a supplement company to sell me anything.

Miracle number five: God has used all these people too: 1. Doug. My sweet husband. He’s stuck by thick and thin, AND he’s been completely part of every inch of the journey. He does EVERYTHING for me. 2. Tatum; She gives me about 100 hugs a day, and tells me multiple times how much she loves me. WOW. Total compassion and love. 3. My mom: She may not know everything about my journey, but she loves me. 4. The Banner Health PA, Jeanie. She had the same ear issues I had, and knew exactly what to do for me. Not a coincidence that all of these people are in my life at the EXACT time I have needed them. So many others, but I see GOD’S hand in all of it. Man, answered prayers.

GOD WINK right after. A minute juicy heart-shaped strawberry.
I’ve got you, and I Love YOU, Steph

I’m not out of the woods yet, but for the first time in years, I have HOPE of COMPLETE recovery. 2024 will be the NEW and IMPROVED Stephanie. Fighter; Perseverer; LOVER and? I AM HEALING.

AND, do you know what else? Every challenge is setting us up to HELP SOMEONE ELSE> these lessons we learn from adversity are not wasted; God uses every single thing, yet when we are in it, it’s hard to see this.

The difference now is that I’m probably TRULY ready for healing. My mind and gut are available and willing. I’ve also been given a provider who GETS me and is 100% committed WITH me.
Stay tuned!

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. I believe.

I say this because, well, you know…family…sometimes can be a bit tense. There can be many stubborn minds, and when they all come together. BOOM!
All of us this year just went with the flow. Yes. This was the best part.

First of all, I woke up feeling almost normal today; this was such a blessing since I wanted to spend my day focused on OTHERS and not myself and symptoms.

So we started out with a mini-walk around the neighborhood. And, oooooh, baby it was cold.

We got to see all the NOT decorated houses, and we realized that we had the Christmas spirit vs our neighbors. Sad face. But my honey does outdo himself! We want to be a role model in the neighborhood.

Ok, got home and got ready for Mama and Austin. Our beautiful tree is ready and popping out!

Tatum got to open a stocking gift; she has beautiful new nails!

They came off after the posing. Five minutes? K..hmm.

Anyhoo, back to the festivities. Austin came over to wrap his gifts, but first…some pics!

With the GIRL!

The men! and then…we can’t forget the pooch.

Mama is almost here! We will start the brekkie.

AND MY HHH

After brekkie, Tatum played Santa and handed out all the presents….while the boys sat and quietly anticipating the fun.

She wanted Rio to go first since she worked so hard on his gift.

He was pretty happy! Well, happily chewing it up at least. Cooper was wondering where his was?

Ok, onto Mama and some lovely gifts for her. We got her some plates in Pine, and she just loved them!

Tot wanted books primarily, so we got her gift cards. She also had many little knickknacks.

My favorite gift to her was this: Don’t you love this?

Tatum was chomping at the bit to give me this that she made. But first…my card. *melt*

I can’t wait to use it…oh and this! She bought this too!

I will be putting this to good use! Can’t wait!
Then, she gave Daddy this. PERFECT!!! He’ll be putting this to good use too!

Austin won the prize for the most gifts, but IT WAS AMAZING to see how grateful he was! He jumped for joy over cat litter for crying out loud! He needed so much…bed sheets, kitty stuff, razors..He was just so happy!

My honey gave me the best card, and he gave me some hope for future fun. I’m HEALING, YES!

And this. YES> I will look and believe daily.

I wanted to give him a special gift, and so…besides some earbuds, I bought him a calendar and filled it out with some potential dates and a bucket list.

Yes, next year promises good things!

We ended the fun with some movies and just chilling. It was perfect!

The next day, Tatum bought some goodies with the money Mama gave her. So grateful.

I couldn’t be more grateful for my whole family. We may be small, but we are mighty!

JESUS, THANK YOU FOR BEING BORN AND BEING OUR SAVIOR!

Last year, we were in our 6th annual Gingerbread Hose making form Trader Joe’s.

This year, we are at it again. Why? Because I love to torture myself with this gluey mess of frosting concoction. Yes.

It’s a bit different this year; a few new little cutie creatures.

Remember the first time, Taties?
2016.

You’d think/hope/pray it would get better every year?

Let’s see.

Let’s knock out that frosting. Ugh.

Looks good? MMMMMMMM> no.

Held the A frame just fine.

Than the decorating. Aye. We just fingered it without the piping thingy.

And?? They changed all the people to animals this year, and a wise old owl is nestled in the middle now.

I love it!!
Let’s have Christmas Eve now.

The BABY BOY was born; The hope of all creation. The removal of all inequality. The ultimate forgiveness of sin.

We would have Mama over for dinner and games

Getting ready, Doug would make the ham on the smoker! SO EXCITED!
BEFORE and AFTER! Look at that glaze.

Got the table all pretty.

And Mama arrived!

We started to play SNOOPY COME HOME> Oye. We all just tried to make the game go faster.

It was a nice dinner; ham, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, salad, and green beans.

Talked about memories at dinner, and we just let Mama talk and enjoy herself.

Later, more pics and fun!

And Coopy got MORE love, while Rio watched Lego Christmas.

Tatum got to enjoy some stocking gifts later. …SHE LOVES CANDY CANES, and Daddy gave her this adorable gingerbread house we bought in Pine; lovely memories.

Tatum and I ended the evening reading The Night Before Christmas, duet-style.

Tomorrow? We all need a miracle for health and good sleep tonight!

Every year, we are asked to come to the services the day before Christmas Eve! (Christmas Adam). This way, allllll the people who never attend church except for Easter and Christmas can come and have space. Literally all of Scottsdale shows up on Christmas Eve.

So…….my lovely HHH showed up and got seats for us early, and who did we see? Our favorite young Pastor, Ryan and his son Remi.

We sang all the songs, and the sermon was delightful about Jesus’ birth meaning SO MUCH, tearing down the division between Jew and gentile; rich and poor; black and white. We are so loved.

AND, we love to love because of how He loved us first.

MONUMENTALLY! Like the size of this tree.

My handsome hubby and adorable chickie.

I love my family! More tomorrow!

This was a pivotal and momentous trip for the Hay family. You see, we have had to cancel almost every vacation we have planned in the last year since I have been barely functioning. It’s been a long road of illness and little hope. However, we did plan this trip, and come heck or high water, we were going to go!
Our dear friends, Susan and Jason own the most lovely home in Strawberry near Payson. We had been there earlier in the year, and it was a great opportunity to return.

This past week, on top of the health issues, I was battling some type of flu, so when I woke up on Wednesday, I just prayed for relief that day for travel. God gave me the stamina to pack and enjoy the lovely car ride.

With Rio and all our fixings we headed out about 1pm. While driving, I realized I forgot shoes. Yep..shoes. I wore my flippies in the car, and these would not last in the mountains, so we had to stop at Walmart! But first, on the way, we listened to many Adventures in Odyssey. We love that show as it teaches Biblical values wrapped up some some comedy and drama.

Fun reason to stop, eh? OK…we got there, and YAY! THE BEAUTY!

Daddy helped unpack us all and get all situated. I brought half my kitchen since we would be doing all the cooking.

And Tatum and I got all cuddled up on the couch. Nope, no snow, but it was chilly out.

We raided the closet and found….DUH DUH DUH…….

DOGOPOLY! How perfect!

We had two days, so this would probably last that long anyway.

We thought ahead, and I dry rubbed some pork loins, and Daddy grilled them out. OHHHHHH BOY, they were delicious!

With some blue sweet potatoes, salad and broccoli…YUMMMMMM! Oh, and the game of course.

We got to bed early so we could enjoy the next day. Daddy slept down with Tot in her room to give me some needed sleep. I WISH I COULD SAY IT HELPED!

BUT….the next day. FIRST..get that sunshine on your pupils! Sets the day off to a perfect start.

Ooooh, baby, it’s cold outside! We needed Wonder Woman powers to fight the breeze. Man!

A barking dog threatened to attack us on the way down the street, and Tatum got a bit scared. SO, Daddy and I finished the walk with a beautiful view.

OK, off to find some coffee at the little windmill place! ON the way, we saw so many elk. They have ZERO fear. In fact, they look at you as if you are in their space.

The idea of coffee in the cold sounded so good! We enjoyed the drive also as we saw all of the patriotism with TRUMP 2024 signs and flags flying high. OK, here we are! We let Tatum get an Oat Milk Cappuccino because, well, why not!?

We just love the quaintness of it all!

Now, off to some shopping in Pine! There are like 3 stores, and most everything is closed, but we did find our usual taffy at the antique store, and then our fav store! It’s run by Christians, and they give free Bibles. We found so many little finds in there. Daddy had us wait outside while he “finished up.”

SO..we did, and I stole a kiss from my favorite reindeer. He lights up the night! (like my Jesus)

While Tatum and I waited, the lady inside was so impressed with Tot, that she threw in a little gift for her. (Hanging around Santa!)

Later, we got back, and Tot read on the “itchy” chair. Cuter than it feels. A Norman Rockwell for sure!

More DOGOPOLY to finish the trip out. With leftovers, it ended a fine fun frolic much-needed vaca for the HAY’s. Tatum wished her $7545 would spend at Barnes and Noble! HEEHEE

On our way home, Friday morning, I basked in gratitude for my family, my new healing plan, and the new year coming.

AMEN. Thank you to Susan and Jason for allowing this to happen for us. XXOO

The day arrived.

Back in June, Tatum sold bracelets to raise money to buy teddy bears for the children and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The day came! They were taking donations the week of December 8th-17th. SO, off we went!

They were so grateful!
And so was the big mama teddy!

Her hard work and heart paid off. Giving is always better than receiving.