Taties was invited to her SBC youth small group movie/PJ/junk-food-o-rama night at her leaders house, and Doug and I had a night at home. He had just put up the train for around our tree. Glory it is SO cute and Coopy-worthy. He loves being under the tree, but now he has entertainment.
I also spent the day crock-potting a corn, sweet potato, chicken chowder. It turned out pretty good after pureeing it and adding this and that.
I added a little greek yogurt, cilantro and bacon (because c’mon!) and voila!
He showed me his work station. It is now “HHW-ized” so he is always reminded how much I love him.
So cute!! We also ate to “Tesla” light. Very romantic, eh?
It was a fun night. I am so grateful for my family.
Tatum has had some ROUGH days and PLUS she is going through some heavy emotions (welcome to puberty). So, I told her, these are Mommy’s rules for staying cheerful DESPITE life curveballs (which are going to happen ALL THE TIME. BUT, Hay’s Happen, right!? They make good choices.
1. I start my day with God.
I thank Him for another day.
I pray for others first and then for myself
I ask Him to guide my attitude and my words
2. I stay busy with things…accomplish
Cooking
Cleaning
Crossing off tiny tasks
3. I shift focus off myself and think of someone else
A text to encourage someone
Doing a small chore for someone
Preparing something thoughtful for Doug or Tatum (like cook!..or postit/email)
Praying for a friend who needs it
4. I do something creative
Draw (not as much L)
Write
Plan/make something fun…It’s USUALLY SMALL!
5. I move my body
A short walk (around the house!..for me it’s little)
A stretch (gym if I can)
A quick tidy-up that gets me moving
6. I speak truth to myself…not feelings (or pray!)
There’s a whole story in these pictures… little snapshots of us through the years.We have lived through a lot of good and bad times, but (especially the hard ones), our love keeps deepening.
Portrait, Lifestyle, and Wedding Photographer
This year, Doug turned 65, and we celebrated! Tatum made the sweetest homemade card.
I made your apple birthday treat with whipped cream because you always deserve something homemade.
And you opened all your gifts..hacksaw and all (since you love to fix all of our problems and you DO!) Some polisher for your car, a calendar, a new fancy water bottle, a NEW WATCH!!
Oh, and COOPY watching:
But the real celebration for me wasn’t the gifts or the cake. It was YOU.
It was looking at you that day: I love this man so much. I love the life we’ve built. And I am so grateful for him.
You have been:
• My steadFAST ground through every unpredictable twist of my health journey My protector, and the one who looks at me with love even on the days I don’t look or feel like myself (OFTEN!) The most tender, patient father to Tatum Our breadwinner and our rock (Truly a KINGDOM MAN) The fixer of sinks, broken doors etc, and the one who turns the outside of our home into something spectacular lights, trees, flowers, fountain and all Still the HHH I fell in love with The encourager who reminds me I’m stronger than I think The loving, loyal, hardworking man I prayed for before I ever met you You are truly getter younger and stronger.
We have weathered a lot. Storms that tried to knock us down. Doctors, symptoms, fear, grief, exhaustion.
Through all of it, you’ve held my hand; literally and figuratively in every season.
Maybe that’s why that little crocheted penguin feels so perfect:
“Just like penguins, we are soulmates forever.”
Because that’s what we are. That’s what we’ve chosen to be: again and again, year after year.
And I just want you to know this:
I see you. I appreciate you. I admire you. And I love you so much.
Thank you for loving me so much Thank you for loving Tatum so unconditionally. Thank you for showing up every day; for this family, for our home, for our future, for me.
You’re 65, and honestly… you’re still the HHH I fell in love with. Happy, happy birthday, my love. Here’s to more years, more memories, and more of this crazy life with you.
