Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

All ready for church! We headed to the early service because Easter is when EVERYONE goes to church. So the parking lot was to be a “team building exercise” of kindness. (according to Neil…teehee).   

It did not erase the joy I had for going, however. To spend the morning with my sweeties and my mom was to be so special. AND….to be in 100% realization of the payment made for us by Jesus. It was fulfilled TODAY as he conquered death and made us all forgiven and given eternal life.

I had Tatum stay for the whole service with us, so she got to hear the message from Jamie. WHAT does the resurrection REALLY mean for us? It’s a very personal decision, and one day, Tatum will make that choice to receive and believe. (I pray for this for her)

We made our way home and took a few pictures. BIG SMILES!!!

I wanted to get started on brunch, (rosemary from the garden)

so we gave Tatum her bike early so she could play on it while I cooked.

It’s her perfect size!

After our yummy food, we headed to the living room for fun little gifts.

Coti even got one!

She sure had fun with all her little gifts. Thank you Mama and Doug for all the treats and clothes. (She is sure blessed!)

Then it was time to go through the resurrection eggs.  Coti was sure ready!!

Each day, Tatum and I have opened one with our story of Benjamin’s Box.

Each egg has an item in it from the time of praying in the garden to his betrayal and death. Then the white one (the last egg) is empty to signify the empty tomb. He is RISEN!!!

We then read the story of the THREE TREES. I always weep during it. The Tale of Three Trees is probably my favorite children’s picture book EVER! The powerful message that God has a special plan for our lives is woven through the story of three trees that have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. After years pass the woodcutters come to their mountain. Each tree has its special plan in holding a KING. It’s all about God’s love.

So amazing.

I’m so grateful for this day, my family, and all it means.

Doug and I had a great night making plans for Tot’s next day. He’s a cutie pie!

 

Yes, it was to be very special. We couldn’t wait to celebrate Jesus!!!
We also had a few tricks up our sleeve for Tatum.

I didn’t want to wait to give her a new bike on her birthday because that is forever away. So, it was a bit of a selfish reason: I WANT TO RIDE WITH HER!
Doug suggested a balance bike; you add the pedals later.

Tomorrow, she shall try it out!

Mom’s birthday fell on Good Friday this year, so Tatum would be home from school that day.  She wanted to wear a new shirt, so we picked out her new doggie one.

We then wanted to surprise Mama with a coconut muffin, but we needed confetti, so we cut up one of her Paw Patrol coloring book pages. Boom!

After breakfast we all headed to the gym, and had a great workout with Mama. She did five exercises! So proud of her.

It was time for lunch, so we started at the prayer garden at Scottsdale Bible. It takes us through the path Jesus went through before his crucifixion.

We wrote down prayers also and put them on the wires. So powerful and important to do with Tatum. I always am so moved in this journey as I see the true suffering He took on for us. The cross he bore on His back is present in this garden so we could feel its weight. I wish I would have had this time to do this journey on my own because I always weep, but it was good to do it with Tatum and Mama. We love you Jesus.

Time for Mama’s present.

She wrote it all herself.

 

Inside the card: She added the crosses  herself.. and of course the xoxox’s. (cute!!)

 

 

She then gave Mama the picture she drew.

She made a rainbow with a family. Mama is above the rainbow and the bottom is a field of charms.

 

We had so much fun eating and being silly,

Later, Tatum had her skating lesson and we were all so proud of her.

It was then time to celebrate with Mama alone. She and I had planned to go to dinner. Pictures of course!

Then we went outside since it was still light out:

My mom is so beautiful. I cannot believe how she ages so well!.

Coti and Tot joined. My family. L.O.V.E!!!

Mom, this day with you was so special. This year we grew more than ever because we were dedicated to RELATIONSHIP. We also focused on our own relationships with Jesus, so that in itself made us better people. Grateful. Honored. Blessed.

I love you Mama. You’re beautiful inside and out.

 

When we arrived at school, we had to give Ms. V and Coach Matt their easter basket.

Ms V. BEAMED with joy since this was all recycled materials and 100% homemade. (The toilet paper rolls were the bunnies and chicken and the box was a decorated Crayola marker box). Having some Mimi Blossoms (my famous cookies) inside did not hurt!

This year, the class only had 144 eggs to hide. Each kid brought 12 eggs and there are 12 of them!

Last year, Ms. Chris and Ms Angie’s class had over 300!

Coach Matt and Ms. V did not allow any chaotic running or any of those shenanigans. They all found 12 (and if they didn’t she made sure each kid had 12 to take home)

Tatum was ready to rip them open and find the JELLY BEANS!!!

Such fun with all the kids. Thank you Ms. V and Coach Matt!
We had fun making your easter basket for you!

Every other Wednesday, I have the privilege to join some lady friends of mine  (we call ourself REACH!) as we discuss a book. It’s always written by a Christian author and contains fodder for discussion.

Well, this Wednesday, I had the ladies over at my house for salad bar.

Tatum joined us for a bit, but then she was asked to stay in her bedroom and play. She honored this request and built the best contraption!

Before this, I had given her some mazes to complete and after each completion, she’d come down and get a smiley face and high five from me. I was so proud of her!

Moreover, we had the best time laughing it up and sharing our hearts. I am so blessed by these ladies.  (Eva, Kellye, Sharon, Shannon, Tina, and Cana)

 

Tatum was still up after they left reading as usual. Awesome night.

her playing the piano. What music to my ears!

Today, before church, she sat down and started seeing the notes as she played. She did not look at her hands, but with poise, sang the notes.

CDE EDC…ABCBC…and so on.

I clapped and so did baby!

So proud of you, Tot!!!