Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

So often, we look for ways to find mountain top experiences. Case in point: Let’s plan a trip to XYZ, or let’s go to this fancy schmancy restaurant, or let’s have a party over at our house. Gosh, it’s the way our minds work, well, I should say our adrenalin needs a boost…a rush!
But, I would argue, based on my experience with Tatum over these 10 years, that it’s in the daily bits of this and that the builds joy; that builds quality; that builds a RELATIONSHIP.

Daily, especially in the summer, I try to find some activities for Tatum and I to do. Fortunately/unfortunately, they don’t always come through because of our health being compromised or some type of hiccup like a call from mom for an emergency need. (this happens almost daily)

What I am finding is that relationship is really spelled: T.I.M.E. (not F.U.N). Now, I’m not saying you don’t want to find fun in the day. Heck, our goal is to find the fun in the not fun, right? BUT, I am saying that the guilt I feel for not making everything a “10” activity cannot be warranted.

This summer has been an amazing adventure albeit not a “10” in excitement. I think, as Dennis Prager says, you should aim for 5-7’s. Gosh, if we tried for 10’s each day, we’d live a life of letdowns. So, we start with some school, and we make it so fun! Our NEW BOOK is starting (each summer we write a book since 2019). On our 5th one this year!

See us planning it out? ( Piggy and Puppy continued, but now with NEW CHARACTERS!!!)

Tatum is learning about nutrition as now she is making smoothies! We make sure she gets in: Protein, veggies, fats, and fruits (and whipped cream of course) Example: Almond milk, spinach, frozen banana, frozen avocado, flax seeds, blueberries, strawberries, and protein powder) DELISH!)

The days might not have beaches, mountains, or bouncy houses, but they do have daily bits of together. Together reading; together watching; together talking; together driving; together errands; together. It’s in the daily bits, and I couldn’t want anything more. (except to feel like a 10 erghhhh. In time…I have faith).

She LOVES to read to Woody every day:
Today: Robin Hood to Woody AND Coopy

I think Coopy is waiting for Daddy. Robin Hood is not his fav apparently.

We are using a new company: INTOREALPAGES.com. Maarten (they are in Europe somewhere) has made these books possible.. I emailed him this:

He responded:

Going back and reading these has inspired me to keep going, documenting, and writing as much as possible! XXOO

I love it when we accomplish activities through our day which are meaningful but also enjoyable.

Case in point:
Wednesday, July 12th.

Tot and I had our school time, and she finished her summer assignment: A newspaper article on James and the Giant Peach

Tatum and I then went to SBC to meet with the Special Needs Pastor to get a feel for volunteering with our special needs friends. Tatum is INTO IT, and so we will begin in August to help in that room. SO exciting!
While there, she wanted to buy a few devotionals, so I got her this book from Bob Goff. Love Does was a bestseller a few years back about how to be the hands and feet of JESUS to others…actions over words.

When we got home, she ventured off to sell some bracelets, sold three, and made a new friend, 6-year old Cosette.

Could it get better? YES!
Every day around 1:30, Tatum and I have a quiet read together. She peruses my library for a new book, and she came upon Dallas Willard’s Divine Conspiracy. Sheesh. A very mature book! (I don’t think this will last long with this monstrous, theological treasure!) OK, Tot! She honestly just loves to read adult books.

The rest of the day was filled with resting, swimming and then a great Hay dinner with my HHH. Beautiful.

Family night! Yes, we thought we’d make a night of it at the good ol’ bowling alley, but first, Tatum wanted to get her stimulation overload over with.

Driving, cup throws, and Ninja fighting. Oh the joy!

Finally HHH showed up and we got our bowl on!

LET’S go make some HAY!!!

WE got “squirreled” by seeing there was a Photo Booth!
Hay silliness.

Ok…well, which one you like?
Back to finish our game.

Who won??? HHH!!!
Tot, you did great.

I love you HAY family!

Four years ago today, Daddy adopted Tot as her FOREVER Daddy!
We celebrated today.

Tatum loves to draw for him.

Daddy couldn’t wait to give her his present!
First, of all, the biggest gift to each other is the PRESENCE of him in her life. They are adorable together as they play, gelling their relationship.

Basketball! What a way to play!
It’s coming, Tot! Stay tuned.

It’s like an itch that I have to scratch…..and it lingers inside of me all day long….waiting…waiting…waiting to be fulfilled. WRITE, Steph, Write!?
Why do I do this? It helps me process my thoughts, allows me to remember the details, and memorializes a process of my thinking or doing. It’s a MUST, yet it gets pushed to the wayside so often because…well, life gets in the way.

And sadly, for almost 4 years, my life has been used up by dealing with my G.U.T…and I AM SO DONE!

But let’s take a look at the power of reflection: In education, they call it “building background knowledge..or activating it.” Why? We do this to prompt our memories to inspire our nows and plans. It gives us the ability to take the knowledges or wisdom we acquired and USE IT to aid in what we are experiencing now and the of course add to it!

The beauty of this summer, however, has been an opportunity to reflect. Tatum started it, you see, by pulling out the blog books from her babyhood and on. We started from DAY 1. Gosh, I forgot so very much, and it’s been hard to see my old self as I mourn the energy and silliness I had in me. HOWEVER, God has given me perspective on how the fruit on Tatum’s tree has blossomed (not in spite of but BECAUSE of being down for a while). Also, I see how I was BEFORE Doug and now WITH Doug. I’m so much better and stronger and even more grateful than ever.

Having these books, and keeping such detailed memories has allowed me to see the process of sanctification AND for Tatum to see each and every day how much she is truly loved. We will read, “I will never let a day go by where I don’t tell her she is a GIFT and a BLESSING.” Well, fast forward 10 years, and guess what? I have kept my promise. I continue to fight the GREAT fight of parenting with an INTENSE amount of love and dedication to discipling her.

Thank you, Father, for the GIFT of being able to love on Tatum, Doug, and now, myself as I heal and grow into my best self.

I LOVE YOU BEYOND MEASURE!