Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

Can you believe we have used the same devotional book for 4 years! It has seen its days; that is for sure!

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Every morning, no matter what, we start the day out with our devotion and prayer for the day. It sometimes lasts 3 minutes, but it is always done. She is so used to it that if I ever miss it, it is brought to my attention IMMEDIATELY!

I bought a new one for us finally to start this year. I also got a perpetual calendar to start.

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Then we realized that the calendar requires another memory verse for the week. OK! Tatum recommended that EVERY time we walk by the calendar, we say the verse. And may it be!

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Later on, we worked on our goals for the year:

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It’s up right there in front of our faces; can’t miss it. I know the loving others “above” ourselves can be a challenge at times, so we’ll keep an eye on our behavior and our selflessness.

I’m reading a book right now about the importance of the words we use; it mentioned to use word pictures when talking to your kids so they can picture what you mean. Instead of saying, you are gentle, say, “You are as gentle as a dove.” Then put that picture up in their room.

I decided to give her a gift today. It was a reminder to her that if she ever has a bad day to remember:

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Tatum, I have on your wall to “Let you Light SHINE” because you are a light in this world ; you also are a gift and a blessing to me. I have wrapped you up in a box so you can unwrap it anytime and know what you truly are: A GIFT to me and so many. May your light shine and spread joy to the world. You’ll make a difference!

Happy New Year!

We decided to make wands again this year so we could turn people into various types of toads. HA! Actually, we had more of festive motive. This time, I figured Tot could be more involved in the process.

She drew the circles:

I cut and she helped me fold:

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Then snip snap flip flap boom!

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Stars! Contact paper would go under these babies, and I would trim them. Then they are ready to decorate.

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Then insert a coat hanger with some popsicle sticks and you have yourself a magic, festive, toad turning into (if your festive mate is not being festive) wand!

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It was a quiet day because of the rain, so Tot decided to make Coti some food

(wince)

and of course, Snoopy needed a raincoat.

It was time. Time to embark on our adventure now, but Snoopy and Coti would have to stay home. We got all bundled up so we were waterproofed and warm.

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I’m ready mom. Let’s vaminos!

I dawdled behind with my 100lbs of warmth.

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And off she went. It’s like the end of a year. She’s growing up and going off a lot more. I am learning to embrace the growth and relish every single solitary moment. That will be my goal next year: to be present and relishing at all times. May your light shine, my dear Tatum. You are a light in this world and God created you for an amazing purpose.

Goodbye 2018. We are ready for new adventures, dreams and excitement.

Both days required artistic ability.

For Day 9:

We needed to make Thank You cards, and oh is that fun! She had four people to work on. Mama, you’re going to love your doggie!

Day 10 required some thought.

We both decided cookies were in order instead of flowers. Austin was a perfect choice, so she drew him a picture of a character, Alex(?), from Minecraft. Not sure what that is, but we know he likes that game.

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All I know is that thinking of others more intentionally these 12 days is the way it should be always.

May we continue this through 2019.

A WIN-WIN!
Doug offered to take Tatum out on a date so Mama and I could celebrate our Christmas. She wanted to get all dressed up for her date with Doug!

When he arrived, she whisked him to the tree for a pic.

They sure look cute together. Isn’t he the cutest?
Then Mama and I posed and got excited for our night out.

Mama looked beautiful as usual. We had so much fun spending time together.

Tatum and Doug went to hit some golf balls and then dinner.

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I think her hole in one symbolized our nights out!

Thank you, honey, for making it possible. XO

Back in the summer, Tatum and I decided to embark on a reading journey. Focus on the Family’s magazine, Clubhouse Jr., was doing a challenge to read over 1000 pages in the summer. SO we did it!

January’s issue just arrived.

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Guess who was in it?

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HOORAY FOR TOT!!

We did this last year, and decided to do it again this year. So we got to work on making cookies for our civil servants and making them a sign

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And off we went!

Now you never know what to expect when you go, but this time the Police Chief, the Head of Police and another Police Officer were all there SOOOOO very excited and grateful! They gave her a pin, a hat and some candy.

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They wanted a picture with her so they could put it in their newsletter and put it on Facebook!!! Wow! (this is what they put on their page!)

She got to turn on the siren as we left.

We felt so special and appreciated. Tatum is definitely learning it is so much better to give than receive.

Thank you, Police, for protecting us!!

My cousins, Kelly and Kasey, are remarkable people. Kelly settled down young by marrying James and having three kids. (Nyla, Morgan, and Levi). She homeschooled and dedicated herself to her family. What a beautiful family she has produced!!! Kasey, spent her time working and growing in scholarly pursuits, hobbies, and volunteer work. Not to mention, her career has taken off. Also, she married Deno. They both (K and K) are successful in their own way. I adore both of them!

I had the chance to spend the morning with Kasey on Thursday. We just connect so well because we have similar personality types being Type A and very driven. However, we both have softened so much in our older ages. It’s so fun to see us both grow in our walks with Christ and in our introspection of ourselves.

Kasey, you are a gem, and I am so grateful for you.

Tatum loves you so much and enjoyed the time she got to spend with you too.