Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

I say this because, well, you know…family…sometimes can be a bit tense. There can be many stubborn minds, and when they all come together. BOOM!
All of us this year just went with the flow. Yes. This was the best part.

First of all, I woke up feeling almost normal today; this was such a blessing since I wanted to spend my day focused on OTHERS and not myself and symptoms.

So we started out with a mini-walk around the neighborhood. And, oooooh, baby it was cold.

We got to see all the NOT decorated houses, and we realized that we had the Christmas spirit vs our neighbors. Sad face. But my honey does outdo himself! We want to be a role model in the neighborhood.

Ok, got home and got ready for Mama and Austin. Our beautiful tree is ready and popping out!

Tatum got to open a stocking gift; she has beautiful new nails!

They came off after the posing. Five minutes? K..hmm.

Anyhoo, back to the festivities. Austin came over to wrap his gifts, but first…some pics!

With the GIRL!

The men! and then…we can’t forget the pooch.

Mama is almost here! We will start the brekkie.

AND MY HHH

After brekkie, Tatum played Santa and handed out all the presents….while the boys sat and quietly anticipating the fun.

She wanted Rio to go first since she worked so hard on his gift.

He was pretty happy! Well, happily chewing it up at least. Cooper was wondering where his was?

Ok, onto Mama and some lovely gifts for her. We got her some plates in Pine, and she just loved them!

Tot wanted books primarily, so we got her gift cards. She also had many little knickknacks.

My favorite gift to her was this: Don’t you love this?

Tatum was chomping at the bit to give me this that she made. But first…my card. *melt*

I can’t wait to use it…oh and this! She bought this too!

I will be putting this to good use! Can’t wait!
Then, she gave Daddy this. PERFECT!!! He’ll be putting this to good use too!

Austin won the prize for the most gifts, but IT WAS AMAZING to see how grateful he was! He jumped for joy over cat litter for crying out loud! He needed so much…bed sheets, kitty stuff, razors..He was just so happy!

My honey gave me the best card, and he gave me some hope for future fun. I’m HEALING, YES!

And this. YES> I will look and believe daily.

I wanted to give him a special gift, and so…besides some earbuds, I bought him a calendar and filled it out with some potential dates and a bucket list.

Yes, next year promises good things!

We ended the fun with some movies and just chilling. It was perfect!

The next day, Tatum bought some goodies with the money Mama gave her. So grateful.

I couldn’t be more grateful for my whole family. We may be small, but we are mighty!

JESUS, THANK YOU FOR BEING BORN AND BEING OUR SAVIOR!

Last year, we were in our 6th annual Gingerbread Hose making form Trader Joe’s.

This year, we are at it again. Why? Because I love to torture myself with this gluey mess of frosting concoction. Yes.

It’s a bit different this year; a few new little cutie creatures.

Remember the first time, Taties?
2016.

You’d think/hope/pray it would get better every year?

Let’s see.

Let’s knock out that frosting. Ugh.

Looks good? MMMMMMMM> no.

Held the A frame just fine.

Than the decorating. Aye. We just fingered it without the piping thingy.

And?? They changed all the people to animals this year, and a wise old owl is nestled in the middle now.

I love it!!
Let’s have Christmas Eve now.

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.

MONUMENTALLY! Like the size of this tree.

My handsome hubby and adorable chickie.

I love my family! More tomorrow!

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

The day arrived.

Back in June, Tatum sold bracelets to raise money to buy teddy bears for the children and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The day came! They were taking donations the week of December 8th-17th. SO, off we went!

They were so grateful!
And so was the big mama teddy!

Her hard work and heart paid off. Giving is always better than receiving.

Our small group…they are a blessing times 10! Doug and I have been blessed with four couples who truly have enriched our lives.

Alex and Von:

Julie and Matt

Giselle and Doug

Hilary and Brian

And then there’s my honey. Isn’t he the sweetest?

And…..WHOLE FAMILY!!!!!! OH SOOOO GRATEFUL! BEYOND.

Taties!! MY sweetie pie, I ADORE YOU.

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.