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.
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
Yes, we had a PAJAMA party! Truly a joy of pot luck (I made a ham and sourdough), and some fun conversation around our dining room table.
Each shared what they wanted for the new year, and each was so heartfelt. We are all going through much transition. Tatum joined us for the dinner, and after a few of the girls shared some heartfelt needs, Tatum went over to hug. COMPASSION> This has developed I believe because she has watched me suffer (fruit!). OH, and she shared this: For 2024, I want my mommy to get better. MELT> She didn’t think of herself. I started crying in gratitude and a bit of guilt…I don’t want this for her! BUT….Stay tuned for the hope I have.
The next day, I sent this to the girls.
Good morning ladies! (WARNING: THIS IS LONG! ) The evening was such a blessing and I wanted to reach out to EACH of you and share some gratitude. You all shared your heart with some mighty challenges and changes for 2024 and know that I wrote each down and will be praying!!! First, Giselle…I loved your outfit!! The potatoes were a dream and ALL loved them. Your mom is in HIS hands and I will continue to pray for her to be a HEALTHY woman!! . Julie, thank you for the granola, card and just your beautiful presence. LOVE the salad! (I loved the dressing…hehehe) OH, the joy of seeing your boys move on, but it’s hard!! I know how much you love them. And your friends who struggle with health; I know you’ll be a sound/strong support for them!. HIlary, so GRATEFUL to have the beautiful you! Thank you for bringing the broccoli too! And your sweatshirt :0) You are entering a new phase, and it will be exciting! I will be praying for smooth transitions and new adventures for you. And lovely Alex…beautiful lady :0) LOVE your heart. Matteus is going to SHINE, and you’ve done an AMAZING job as mom. Rest in that. New adventures for him and YOU!! I know the wine was a hit (and the cakes.. OK, THANK YOU all ladies. I adore each of you. We WILL WILL WILL have coffee soon..maybe next Saturday? XXOO BLESS YOUR DAY!!!
We will be praying specifically.
SO GRATEFUL!!
Oh, and Coopy? He went berserk in his house until……..
He got to be on his happy place under the…
The joys of friends, kids, and our pets. I love you all so much.
She blesses our socks off! Tatum gave Doug and I a concert on Friday night since we missed the King and Country concert. See an earlier blog as to why. She also would sing and read Romans 15:13 at SBC on Sunday! BLESSED!
She started out with a recording of her welcoming us and telling us to enjoy our hot cocoa as we get seated.
HEE!
Then she came out singing Jingle Bells!
Then a bit of ‘wrapping at Christmas!
The fun just kept coming with a dance.
She then sang with the Chapel at SBC!
Oh…and the best part? She read from Romans 15:13. Not a coincidence!! This is my favorite verse about hope and joy. WOW!
OH THE JOY! Yes, Joy is the longing BUILT on hope. SO, do I still have HOPE? Yes, because He lives inside of me and fills me. Therefore, I must know that He won’t let me down; even if it’s not in MY time.
My honey gave her a card. He IS SO TO US.
We enjoyed decorating the tree…of course HOT COCOA as Tatum would want.
I have put my family through a roller coaster ride, and truly that is half my battle. Tatum asks for prayer from her class and teachers almost weekly. Doug remains steadfast in his love and loyalty to me; patiently hoping that I will be “back” or better!
I know that I can’t control so much of this, and this is honestly the battle. I wish I could make it all go away, and I ask God daily….WHY? HOW? WHAT DO I DO?
Well, slowly, in HIS time, He is answering. We have had to sacrifice dating, vacations, “fun” outings because of me. Tatum and Doug seem unaffected, but it takes a toll. HOWEVER, what I do see cannot be created without true struggle. It’s CHARACTER. It’s TRUE LOVE and COMPASSION. Our Tot volunteers in Special Ministries and now with the 1-2year olds.
Also, just yesterday, I found this in her photos.
She WANTS to be with me…all the time.
ANd then there’s my honey. He doesn’t deserve this! Just today, he gave this to me.
Man. I’m so blessed.
December 7th, I got a diagnosis of:
I won’t be a VICTIM ANY LONGER. NO, I am the CEO of my health, and from now on, I’m going to be taking control WITH HIM. God is giving me answers while humbling my family and ME especially.
