Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

The Abridged 12 days of Christmas 2020-Style (Covid friendly)

We made it a little different this year. Since we moved into our home, and we had some restrictions, we figured to abridge our 12 days and make the best of it. The key is to focus on the giving aspect of Christmas and the GRATITUDE for Jesus! Emmanuel: Christ with us.

Day 1: Make goodies for all of our neighbors (McCormick!!)

Day 2: Make a card for someone who is feeling sick or blue (or had surgery!) (Marvin!)

“This is so sweet…thank you, Tatum. 
Marv loved it. He sends hugs and thank you. He’s feeling a little stronger today. All your prayers are helping. 
Love you, Pat. 
Tell Mama, hi. “

Day  3: Deliver a treat to someone who lives alone (Bob-cookies)

(To happen on Saturday!)

Day 4: Purchase a computer through the Digital Divide for SBC (A child receives a computer during the home-schooling Covid situation)

Day  5: Donate MANY boxes to St. Vincents (through the move, we have much!)

(To come as we unload, unpack and unwind!)

Day 6: Create a gratitude box for our family to use through 2021: When you think of something you’re grateful for about that family member, write it down and put it in the box or any memories we want to save.

TO COME! I cannot wait for this.

We love to give back. Thank you Father for all you have given us.

Sometimes he just waits for one of us to come home. Daddy says when I leave, he stares at the door.

Daddy even puts him on his place next to his desk. He still stares at the door.

Sometimes he wonders what to do. Or he’ll hide under the tree next to his new horsey friend.

And then he’ll wait some more and wonder: Where is she?

Oh, I’ll just wait underneath the tree.

Feels good here.

Sometimes, he just wishes….Drop some. Drop some!

And then he just gets so sleepy.

Thank goodness if he hears a noise, he awakens.

But really, he just looks cute. Our little waiting, wondering, wishful little guy. We love you.

Right down the street from us is the cutest little lake with ducks. DUCKS galore!
Run Tot run!

I love having this here to come and ponder. Yes, our pondering lake. Stay tuned!

Tatum and I, the baking babes, made a plethora of cookies. Shortbread and chocolate to begin! We made seven bags to take to our surrounding neighbors.

Here is what we wrote:

Off we go!

First, we visited Justin and Devon. Justin’s daughter is Bella (11) who is at her mom’s house 1/2 time. Then, we headed across to the cul-de-sac. Two houses didn’t answer, so we left the cookies. But we did meet Julie, Chris and Ian (7). Lovely family!
Next, Vijay (his wife just had a baby (8 months) so we only met him). Finally we met Tim. His wife is in Brazil and they have no kids but 5 dogs.

We look forward to getting to know everyone and being lights in the neighborhood!

My honey bought the most glorious tree with about 2000 fairy lights. It’s delightful and truly is a light in our room. Our Jesus tree.

Tatum put on the ornament from our trip to Sedona. Her shrink dink bear she made was the first on the tree.

My HHH and I had to put on our wedding day reminder. I love you so my honey.

I surprised Tot with her horse drawing. It was turned into an ornament!

Later on we watched It’s a Wonderful Life to celebrate and be grateful.

I love you family!!! Forever. God, thank YOU who brought them to me.

I know. I know. I need to try a new house, but I love the idea of making the same one every year for comparison. AND, maybe we can perfect our technique? At least the frosting/glue. It’s the bane of the building process honestly. SO, we try again!
But, the difference this year? WE ARE IN OUR NEW HOUSE!!! Lotsa space. Lotsa joy.

Let us review.

And are you ready folks???

Hot cocoa to start us off. Are we excited, Tot???

Let’s get that hard part finished. Egg whites beaten to peak. Add the sugar and this year, let’s try vinegar.

It was a bit better this year. Very sticky. So let’s try the A frame

Frosty time!
Let’s try a cross this year.

We let it dry and start to decorate. The little people are in tact this year! And we’ll put the dog on the ground this year. Why was he flying at the peak of the house in the past? Hmmm… Reindeer dog?

Oh, this is looking cute! Any leftover drops of morsels?? Always. ALWAYS!

And voila!

Year 5, it adorns our new home with this old tradition. I love making this with you sweet girl!

As a family, we have been going to Christo’s for about 40-50 years! My mom wanted to take Doug there for his birthday. So, why not enjoy Christmas there too!? We got all gussied up and did our annual pics in front of the tree too.

First, who started it all. My lovely mom. Coti, it’s been you and me in 2009 till Tot was born.

Then, guess who joined us?

Yes, this beauty.

Then my HHH become part of our family. Made our family!

And now we are one.

Mama, thank you for a lovely dinner. Our joy is complete when Austin joins our clan, and not to forget little Coopy.

Jesus, you create our foundation. Complete.