Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

December 27, 2015December 30, 2015

Love is….

Patient.

2015 was a year of new experiences. Tatum and I embarked on a new relationship, and it all started with me taking a step of faith. I decided to ddddddddate. With no expectations or literally no confidence in a successful outcome, Tatum’s mom got the chance to dress like a grown up and go out once in a while. The door cracked open at the beginning of the year 2015 as I went out on a date. Never did I imagine it would lead to a relationship and potentially more for me and for the Tot!

Did I say patient? This is the word that would describe this year with Doug. He has been kindly waiting in the sidelines as I have caught up to what was to be the experience of falling in love. What has this meant for Tatum? She has slowly grown to realize that he is a permanent fixture in our lives. AND she has truly learned about relationships and how they take time to fertilize; at least for her mommy.

Kind.

Did I mention that Love is kind? This would describe to a T our relating to each other. We are always kind, and he takes the cake for being the most. Everything I could have hoped for.

Douglas Hay made my Christmas so special because he is filled with love that has grown because of his patience.

Our first Christmas together.

Spoiling me with warmth by the fire and warm toasty fingers.

Documenting our wine journey and our times together

Tiffany is that you?

Smells just like candy. Tatum will love it too!

We love you Doug Hay!

December 25, 2015December 27, 2015

Christmas 2015 Part 1

Santa was a busy bee Christmas Eve preparing Tot’s toys under the tree. She came down to an explosion of fun!

Amy and Ann (the twins I had as dolls) were nestled in their bunk beds (they are still babies after forty something years, go figure)

Then she discovered her new desk and rocking chair (thanks to Doug’s carpenter skills and IKEA’s easy to follow directions) (ha).

The cash register has very real looking money and credit card swiper. Nice practice for her to know the cost of things!! Heehee

Then off to see the fam at Kelly’s house. “Hi Alfie!!”

While we waited for presents to get delivered to the various chairs (stockings and our one gift from our chosen person), Tot and I were being silly singing Halleluia.

Morgy and Nyla posed for a pic. Morgan’s voice made me quake in awe. *Thanks for singing girl!* WOWZA

Barbara, James mom, was having a tough morning with her hernia, so we all prayed in a circle. Powerful. James had to leave to take her to Urgent Care, but she returned with a smile. Thank you, God.

Tot opened her stocking gifts

Morgan and Tot played bounce. Well, Tot played bounce on Morgy!

We all showed off her big gifts! Connie got a segway ride with Morgy and Nyla.

Fancy shaver for Deno Kas got a photo case Kell got a Mercedes shirt..sexy girl Morgy got some cool antique books and journalNyla got some makeup madness!

Kelly spoiled me with ANOTHER MK purse. SHEESH!!!

Uncle Doug is adorable in his ski goggles. He amazes me that he can still ski like a 20-year old.

Mom got some Nordstrom love!

Deno and Tot. He was captured by her conversation.

And Morgan shouldn’t asked for pet llama. One is good. Two is well..more than one.

Family. This girl, Kasey..well, she amazes me, and I just adore her. I’m honored to be her cousin and to know her. Merry Christmas 2015.

December 24, 2015December 27, 2015

Christmas Eve Love

And it was. Doug took Tatum and me to Christmas Eve service and really saved the day. How was she going to sit through a whole service? Credit cards. Yes, folks. She discovered my wallet and handed Doug individual cards throughout the sermon and then would retrieve each one and place them in an offering envelope. She has the right idea, but I don’t think City of Grace takes Target, Kohl’s or Library cards. Hmmmm.

Then, when we returned home, while I made dinner, again, he saved the day. He played Tatum airplane for about 30 minutes. Ironically, my mom’s back is out this week and not Doug’s. My mom just loves Doug so much that she had sympathy pains.

Then I got a very materialistic gift. A Michael Kors purse from mom. Gosh, I’m super happy to be a grown up now with a big girl purse. Thanks Mom and Thank you Doug!!

December 22, 2015December 30, 2015

Gift for Taina

Tatum wanted to bring something to Taina after attending gymnastics camp. I dropped her off for three (EEK!) hours a few days before Christmas so I could get more done in three hours than if I had her around (which would equate to about a week). The boys loved her, and I don’t know if I that’s a good thing. They did all protect her with their big 10-year old muscles, so I cannot argue with that!

Back to the gift! She picked The Big Red Barn board book from her library, wrapped it in Kleenex, and voila!

Taina was so excited that she made her run laps!! (she’s the Tot in pink leggings and a black hoodie)

At one point, she fell and thank goodness Taina’s daughter was there to comfort her. We are grateful for cuddly friends.

December 21, 2015

The Day…The WHOLE DAY!

It was from 5:30am until 7pm with no break. Now, that is the usual drill with the Tot, but today, Sunday, it was her and me all day long with nobody else and also: NO NAP/QUIET TIME. Dumb? You be the judge.

We began the day getting ready for church with the daily shenanigans of do you want to wear this or that; do you want to brush your teeth now or even five minutes; can I have my phone back now etc..Breakfast with the funny paper and more shenanigans in the kitchen with Coti and can I have a taste of this and that, another taste of this and that, more of this and that, and can I have your this and that? etc..

After church, I decided to take her to the Christmas puppet show including the party with Santa. It was to be a surprise. Kids were e..v..e…r..y…w..h…e..r..e! We decided to go into the craft room and make a reindeer puppet. Tatum stuck close to me and even sat on my lap for the whole show. I was so proud of her ability to sit still for one hour and not move. The others? Not so much. The five vignettes for Christmas were excellent and even depicted the Christ child! Hooray, it was no all about Santa.

After the show, Santa showed up, and she wanted to leave. She was to have nothing to do with this red jolly man, and I think she could tell he was a fake. So..we went in and found a Coti puppet! She just can’t get enough of him.

Hot cocoa and cookie time, and guess who was first in line for this? I showed her the secret to a delicious cookie and cocoa combo. The big DUNK. Oh what have I done?On the way home, I realized that I was exhausted. She had sucked it all out of me and we had like four hours left before bed. I had to make a way to have a moment of just peace, but to no avail, I was snatched by her adorableness and singing at the top of her lungs. A bit annoyed and frazzled, I finally got to sit in her room and just watch without having to fetch something for her or turn on the light or help her go potty etc…
Looking back a day later, I’m realizing how blessed I am to just have the time with her. I will never take it for granted.

December 15, 2015

Proud Gymnast Mommy

Sometimes I wonder if she is learning anything. And then…I see!

It was the day to showcase what they had learned since September. Alton, Avery, Tatum (the other one!), Gavin, Ashna, and Tot all showed their stuff today. The other girls sported a leotard, but my Tot was a tad chilly, so instead was bundled up nice and warm. It may have inhibited her movement but she still did so well.

Their warm up is usually 15 minutes, but today, we got a taste of the 5 minute version. Tot followed along very well, but she did keep looking at me! (are you watching, Mommy?)

They then each had the floor to themselves for a solo. Tatum jumped and bounced and balanced and twirled..and just wowed me over. At the end, she got a purple medal and Taina was proud!

The whole class did so well and was so darn CUUUUUUTE!

Thank you Taina and parents! We love SGT!

December 14, 2015December 27, 2015

Do you see what I see at Christmas?

I see my two cuddle bugs.
I see my favorite mom to my future son in law if things go according to plan.

I see a shopped-out Tot lugging the gifts she is to keep secret from her mommy thanks to Doug.

I see Tatum, not sitting on Santa’s lap, but telling him all about the penguins in his story book. She’d rather talk than have lap time. Fine with me; he’s a bit spooky looking to me too. But he sure was jolly!I see a happy (Hi mom!) family (sans Coti who’d be chasing Olaf, Rudolph, or Woodstock!) ready to embark on the light show at the train park. (Note: Hot chocolate does the cold fingers good!)

I see a scared Tot who wanted nothing to do with this life sized bunny otherwise known as Bugs. Who names their bunny Bugs, and why is he so big? (note to self: must show Looney Tunes)And finally, I see a tired Tot at the end of a fun day.