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Trader Joe’s. We have a real relationship with them; I mean, we only go there at least twice a week; for sure on Saturday am to say Hello to all our friends. Ok, and to buy our usuals, but the people we know for so long there makes it even better.
Last year, we bought their annual Gingerbread House kit, and it never got made! We started doing this in 2016, and we have been continuing this tradition for six years now. But, last year…what did we do? Well, let’s go back to 2016.

Oh, the Tot…she wanted to eat some of it and was a bit sad that it was not for our consumption but for the beauty of the little cookie village! All I know is I didn’t do the “frosting” right. There is an art to whipping the egg whites, adding the lemon juice and then slowly adding the sugar; this gets it that sticky gluey consistency.

And on to 2017…I. know I know! She’s wearing the SAME shirt! This time, we got the doggie cookie up high. (he didn’t make it in 2016. Mystery….hmmm….)

2018. It’s getting a bit better. Well, you be the judge.

All characters present (thank you Tot)….but that darn frosting/gluey stuff. ERGGGH. Can I get it right!?

In 2019, we are MAYEWEEEEEED (as they say in Princess Bride) to the HHH, and so hopefully we have this down by now.

The frosting was a bit sparse. … Just not quite right. But we have the doggie and family.

2020. (in our home!) Oh, the little cutie pie.; This year…our little pilferer: I found out LATER, our house got sparser as the days progressed. Why, you ask?? A little elf came and partook of the characters in the middle of the night. I wondered what had happened to the little doggie and family!?

So, as noted before, we had bought the kit in 2021, but didn’t do it as I had a grand plan this year! Our very own gingerbread contest!

Festive, frolicky, and fun! But, alas, I still had a fight with the frosting. Let’s now see what has become of 2022.

The kit sat in our kitchen cabinet for ONE year! Would it still be usable? Stale? Moldy? What!?
The grand unveiling…..AAHHHH! All characters, candy…IN TACT. No, no sampling (yet).

Maybe the year was good for it OR..maybe it was because I had another set of hands for the mixer this year. She could whip the egg withes while I poured in the confectioner’s sugar.

This year, we had our little companions helping: Coopy patiently waiting for a crumb or sugar granule to adorn the floor; Woody climbing the ladder and swinging joyfully.

The frosting is turning out? Maybe? Oh, my…it’s perfect this year! Woody, are you the secret? It’s all of us! We are all making this work.

And ….as she puts the final touches on (asking for just ONE gummy?)

And tada!!

I think it looks the best this year!

Teamwork is dreamwork!
Tatum added the candy cane. I love you, Tot! We have so much fun doing this. May we continue the tradition.

OH, I couldn’t wait!!! You see, I had the same stocking my whole life. My grandma Mimi, made us all stockings which were just adorable and handmade. Doug had his own stockings he used with Austin. It was TIME for our own HAY tradition.

Ready…….

SURPRISE! Austin, yes you are a part of it all, my dear son and Tot’s brother.

You like?

Ok, now, we need ornaments as tradition. …SURPRISE

Tatum’s 2022, Coopy, and NOW WOODROW!

Oh, we are ready now!…well almost.

She had to decorate Woody’s house.

Oh, and…..she had to finish at PVCP for the Christmas season. They sing “Come on ring those bells” for us.

Are you excited little COOPY!?

I know I am!

Domino’s used to be fascinating to Cooper,

but. more importantly, now Woody is the new fascination for ALL of us!

He has to come with us now wherever we go, so of course he needed a little carrier.

First stop…Mama! She loves birdies as she has had over 3 of them in her life.

(My Woodrow was the first)

The little bird has now won Daddy’s heart. (or shoulder!)

And, the little guy is part of our family in every way…even singing with us. Well, eventually singing we hope!

Before Doug and I got married, we knew we not only wanted to be in a couple’s small group Bible Study, but also we wanted to host one. It has been over three years of praying, but finally…..we have arrived.

In January of 2022, we thought we were ready. God had another plan. Upon a few couples coming and going, we finally have our small group, and OH, do we adore each couple. We are all in similar life stage, AND we each share some major similarities. It is a true blessing.

We decided to have a Christmas gathering. Tot sat in the living room as we gathered and joined us here and there..(along with Woody). We waited for our guests to arrive. Here’s my handsome honey. (and our beautifully decorated home).

Alex and Von.

Doug and Giselle.

Julie and Matt.

And Tot… with a little cute feathered friend on her ….head?

We enjoyed our White Elephant gift exchange…and we are all still friends! HEEHEE

My honey made cappuccinos for everyone and ..well, let’s just say he has a second career if needed. YUM!

And Giselle bonded with Coopy.

Tot made sure Woodrow had fun …especially on the train!

We are so grateful for our friends….and for our new little birdie!

I think Cooper is still trying to figure it all out. …..?!

GRATEFUL.

One morning, I had to run into Einstein’s to grab my coffee. Yes, “had to.” HEEHEE. (Some of us need to stay regular..wink wink)

When I returned to Brady and my warm seat (thank you seat warmers), this adorned my driver’s seat…

Then, she wrote me a little cinquain.

So, guess what I did (at a stop of course)….

The love. Smile.

Tatum had a new student in her class today. He was “all-feathers” with his math though.

Cooper? He wasn’t focused.

Now eyes on me!

I tutored him today as I worked.

7:45 call time. First, let’s open the chocolate (that’s usually first! )

Up on the risers, she’s ready to rock’n’roll!

Joy to the World

Almost Home

We are so proud of your poise and smile!

Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength!

Thank you, SBC. Thank you JESUS! WE love you.