Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

The day after Christmas. It would be a day of color and friends! First, Tot and I made the markers from her Christmas present.

Measure, mix, snap and pop! Color! This is the coolest thing.

Did it work!?

It sure did!

Colorful and fun.

Well, after this, her new friend Ian came over. They were so cute playing Headbanz.

Peanut butter sandwiches for lunch.

It was a great day!

Today would be a special day. I’m having a laparoscopic hysterectomy which means small incisions in my tummy and sides to remove my uterus, cervyx, and Fallopian tubes. I wanted to do it during the holidays so I could recover with Tot and Daddy around.

Prepping for the surgery was no bueno with the enema and magnesium drink. It cleaned me out for sure as I was up all night running…no sprinting to the you know what.

BUT, I was ready in the AM to go! Tatum got up before us and turned on all of the Christmas trees

to make it cheery. She also read me some books.

AND Daddy made the coffee. COOPY?

He was under me just waiting to be pet.

Off we went to arrive at 7:30am. Tatum had to wait in the car since they only let one of us in. SAD. But she kept my pic (This one)

And gave me a tearful hug. Oh just love that girl.

When I got in, they scolded me (many times over) for the coffee. I promised it had no cream and I only had a sip! They were all so friendly however. All the nurses made me feel so comfortable. 10am my surgery began and by 11:30, I was finished. They let me go home instead of staying overnight! HALLELUIA!

When I got home, I was SOOOO filled with gas and inflamed. I couldn’t release the gas, so I was VERY miserable that first night. But, guess what? I slept wonderfully and released the gas in the morning. I am now writing this the next day and feeling just a teeny sore. That is all! I even went to the store in the morning with TOT!

I took all my supplements this morning PLUS these:

And guess what!? It helped so much. I am immensely grateful for Tatum and Daddy. They made me feel so special, loved and adored. I even had a movement today!
So many friends also reached out and sent love. WOW. I’m so grateful. Holy Spirit, thank you for filing me with your power and love.

It was my first day home since my surgery, and I was so grateful for a restful day. I wasn’t planning on making dinner (THANK YOU HONEY!) Take out tonight! SO that took a load off.

We enjoyed the day just reading, wrapping, and resting. Christmas Eve service would be online for us tonight since I was in no shape to be out. It was a good night to be home too due to the torrential rain!
Tatum was ready to worship!

Daddy stood and sang while I was resting on a pillow.

And Tatum danced to the Christmas celebratory songs.

Mom came just in time for Jamie’s message about Jesus! Oh that we would be reminded of the CREATOR OF ALL humbly becoming human to identify with us, reconcile us to himself, and to forgive us! WOW! All in a little baby.

Then, Silent Night. Tot gathered candles for us.

Oh HOLY NIGHT! What reverence.

The Night Before Christmas to end our night.

Will we hear him on the roof?

Then, Tatum made signs for Santa.

We will lay it all out for him with some cookies.

Coopy is out, and we must get the gifts all ready!

I bought two. Yes, two Boxcar Children books for us to read together over break. Chocolate is included as we read, BTW. Incentives, yes?

Coopy wanted some too. Will you play with me?

OH, Coopy.

Sunday. The Sunday before Christmas! We couldn’t wait to enjoy our neighbors and cultivate some new friendships. Also, to be a light in the neighborhood. I had been praying for opportunities to meet our neighbors and to be a light/serve/love on them. So, a cookie exchange was the perfect opportunity since it was pretty much no frills. Just come, bring some cookies to share and fellowship.

Tatum woke up with a sore throat, so we didn’t go to church, but we did enjoy it at home. (Coopy enjoyed us being there too. Well, more about the bone right now).

Later that day, Doug, Tot and I got the house all ready! Just look at how festive and wonderful it looks! So warm.

2pm:

We took a few pics before the guests:

Then….DING DONG! They all started to come. Cookies too. I couldn’t wait to share in the joy.

I made cream cheese cookies (no sugar or wheat!…of course).

Here are some others:

We enjoyed getting to know Julie and her son Ian (who is 8!), Anni and her kiddos (Alli and Hussein (7 and 3), Lu and Tim, Suzanne and Brad, and Monty and Suzanne came too! Oh the joy!

The kids! So grateful that Tot has some friends in the neighborhood. All young boys too.

She is so happy to play with them, and I’m so grateful that they are lovely families. We all agreed that we’d do a pot luck once a month and rotate homes. We can be a witness to the other families and hopefully be a light for Jesus. My prayers are being answered. Thank you!

(I made this card in October of 2019. God is so good!)

EVERY morning, I get to take out the little cuddle bug. God gives me this GIFT.

And as we drive to school, the colors change into even more wonder!

His PRESENCE is in HIS PRESENTS!

Well, after I take him out, he loves to get comfortable in his new spot. Now that the Christmas tree is up, he loves his new place.

Until the night time. His new place is next to Daddy or me all cuddled.

Coopy is ready; Tatum is ready; and I’m just jolly!

So is hubby!

Now, before dinner, we decided to decorate a bit. Tatum got her own tree this year thanks to my honey.

She is having a blast with it.

Meanwhile, I’m preparing dinner for our IDEA night. I landed on teriyaki chicken burgers wrapped in butter lettuce and carrot/parsnip fries.

We ate in the living room this evening to make it more festive.

Every month, we so enjoy sharing our ideas. Tot went first, but first, how is the din din?

thumbs up from both my loves!

Tatum shared her ideas. SO animated with excitement.

A cursive test for us? Definitely will make a cherry pie or bread! Also, yes on the pool party, but let’s do a lawn game party first.

HHH turn.

Looks like another week of pleasantness. A God journal! Love that. And of course all of his outdoor ideas!

Me? Mine was a bit scant, but I do want to make the HAY notebook.

Until January! Happy “idea”ating!