Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

When I woke up on Mother’s Day, my sweet honey gave me a big squeeze and told me how much he loved me; great start to the day. Then, Coopy wanted a love rub to show his love.

Tatum told me to she had something in her room to begin my day. First, I couldn’t just walk in! She first had to fix her phonogram. Mrs. Finnman would be proud.

Tada!

and a little drawing of Coopy telling me….

You two make being a mom the best!

This is only the beginning. We decided to go on a bike ride since it was overcast and cooler. We wanted to visit our swan friend and get a bagel. On the way, we saw the most magnificent bird. Luckily we had the Nikon. I thought it was a woodpecker; I looked him up and he was a Yellow-fronted woodpecker. Look how beautiful.

Lookin right at me!

Remarkable.

After we got home, I visited my mom for a couple of hours. WHAT A BLESSING! With the quarantine, I haven’t spent any time with her. Tatum made her a card with only her fingerprints. First the front (from Snapfish)

What a great time. Ok, so when I got home, I received so many little treats. First, from Tot, a card.

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Then from Coopy!

You wrote all this for me?

Aaaah…you’re the best!

Well, this was only the beginning. My honey spent the day doing physical labor to beautify our condo. Like….hanging blinds in our bedroom and cleaning it out. So kind.

Then, I had requested some time to play a game and grill out. I picked Pictionary because who doesn’t love to draw and read minds? Tot and Doug were a team, and Doug did not disappoint with his masterpieces.

Yes, just see this grand design of a weightlifter. The next Picasso.

They had so many gifts for me! I felt like a queen.

My favorite candle (from Hobby Lobby of course). Vanilla Orchid.

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More?

Because I love lists. Oh, and what will I write with? Kindness cards to boot. How fun! Coopy, are you enjoying this?

Finally some pretty things. You never get too old for pretty things! Tot and I are planning our mani/pedi time tomorrow. (after Math of course).

Now, what could possibly be the piece de resistance to our evening? Grilled Octopus from my honey.

Tatum prayed for the octopus and asked God to forgive us for eating one of His octo-creatures.

It was delicious. And….I felt blessed, honored, and loved. Thank you family for the best Mother’s Day ever.

Every night, we play with Cooper. Now, it’s not just a little ball toss. It’s a full on contact sport with Cooper against us three. He is ready for action, and when he captures the ball, he’s immediately diving for cover. COOOOPER???

Nope, not coming out.

Finally, we’ll intercept the ball, throw it, and he’ll wait for just the right moment. At times, he’ll jump onto the couch.

Daddy is so grateful to get the ball. And Cooper stops for a love rub…..

AND…….. AND……

a……

Big smooch from Daddy. Heaven.

And when the night is nearing completion, he snuggles with the mommy. It’s a rough life.

Tatum gave Doug and I are wonderful concert on Friday night. She wrote all of her own lyrics, played guitar and piano, and sang her little heart out.

I love her passion.

Most of her lyrics deal with the spiritual battle in our minds. No kidding. She is always singing about God’s love for us, His forgiveness and grace for all of us. It’s remarkable to hear the wisdom come out of her seven year old brain.

I want to nurture this, Lord. Help me find the right people and resources for her.

Tatum’s primary doctor, Dr. Bloomenthal, has referred us to an endocrinologist to check Tatum’s height. We are just taking precautions if needed.

We headed there on Friday armed with our masks. However, we looked more like bandits.

As we walked in the office, they gave us some official masks, and there was much rejoicing. (at least on the office’s part). We, however, struggled to breathe. I’m not sure if we can get used to this.

We had a nice visit with Dr. Sandstrom; we will be getting blood tests and bone tests next week, and then we’ll have a follow up appt.

I adore my small and mighty girl. She blows me away with her LARGE personality. You make me smile, Tot. More to come.

When we take Cooper out for his morning walk, he tends to get wet paws. Today was no exception. So, guess what he got to do?
Get in the tub!
Oh the joy of it all. He couldn’t wait!!

Sweet boy, you know you loved it!

I love you, Coopy.

And now, you are ready to PPPPPLAY!!

Tatum came out of the bathroom this morning with Princess Leia hair. She reminded me the “4th” will be with her today. Yes, it’s Star Wars day and the force Holy Spirit shall be in us. That is the way I like to think about it! (this should be DAILY!)

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Later during morning work, since it was Monday, she had to write in her journal. They are to write about their weekend in 5 sentences.

I love that the devotion this morning went right along with our day.

We need the “FORCE” to be with us always because it is truly a battle to fight the arrows that come at us whether it be in our mind or a circumstance. We will not be knocked down; we have the Holy Spirit always with us. THE FORCE is with us always if we allow HIM. SO, let’s remember the 4th to be a reminder about that power!

We’ve been working on our new McCormick home now for about a year. We will be hopefully moving in in a couple of months, Lord willing. Well, it’s at a crucial point of the construction that we can actually write or paint on the cement or wood since the painting and flooring (some of it at least) is occurring shortly.

We have been collecting just the right Bible verses to put on our walls or floors to signify our house being grounded in HIS TRUTH and HIS LOVE.

Joshua (in Joshua 4) used memory stones to remember GOD’s sovereignty and LOVE for us. We want our home to be filled with FAITH, WORSHIP, SERVICE and GRACE. Doug surprised us with these stencils right over our foyer. “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.” Josh 24:15. We first had to SIGN our names. Each of us.

Doug helped Tot sign.

We all signed. Wow. So powerful! We want our home to be a house of serving each other, and OTHERS in our neighborhood and world.

Then, we agreed on this verse for right over our doorway. Proverbs 24:3-4: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;  through knowledge its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (the richness of relationship with GOD and each other)

Closer…. I LOVE THIS!

Now, to Tatum’s bedroom. She chose her mission statement that is on her wall to put on her floor. Matthew 5:16: She’ll be standing on this truth to let her light shine (before others, so that they may see her good works and give glory to her Father who is in heaven). I see this in Tatum. She is my little evangelist.

Now, we are moving to her bathroom. This verse will go behind her mirror so when she looks in the mirror, she’ll know that she is FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made.

Yes, Tatum: IT IS TRUE.

Doug and I agreed to have our bedroom filled with the reminder that it will be of JOY. Deut 12:18. We will be filled with JOY in the sight of the Lord and be JOYFUL in all we do.

What an incredible honor to get to do this for our home. I cannot wait to move in with my dear family.

I love you all so much. Thank you, God, for this blessing.