Hay Happens and Hay's Happen

We are grateful for Monty! He is our contractor and also friend. Doug and he have become buddies, and he has really made the remodel so smooth.

Tatum made him a card to send him her gratitude. He takes a lot of pressure of daddy.

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Day 10 allowed us to love on someone else.

We thought and thought, and realized AUSTIN! He could use some cookies. We baked some of my famous chocolate chip cookies and will give them to him tomorrow. Tatum made him a little card to accompany them.

While she was at it, she made a surprise card for me. Just wow.

I love your smile too, bumby.

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We are enjoying this 12 days! More to come tomorrow.

This morning, I woke up and noticed….

The little girl was missing her legs and..

The Christmas tree lost it’s top.

Hmmmmm.

Well, I figured we had a little visitor during the night but who??

I took out Cooper for a walk, and then, guess who called me?

Mommy! Mommy! Come now, it’s an emergency. (Tatum doesn’t have any problem feeling guilty and telling me the truth).

What is it love bug?

Mommy, I have to tell you something. (Now, she didn’t know I knew that there were parts missing. )

Mommy, I ate the legs of the little girl and the top of the tree; The good news is that I didn’t eat her head or the dog.

First thing I thought was, How did she just stop at those two little bites? She continued to beat herself up.

We had a long talk, but I told her how grateful I was that she told me. Also, that cavities love to grow in the middle of the night.

Case solved.

No, this is not a typo; we finally are getting together with my Uncle Doug to celebrate his birthday and also my hubby Doug’s bday which was in November.

I wanted to give Tatum some new shiny ears for the celebration.

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We took a few pics before we went to Mama’s house. She is my beautiful girl. So grateful and honored to be her Mommy.

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We headed to Mama’s to take a few pics in front of her tree. Mama, Tatum and I always have a pretty one.

Oops! Where is Coti!?

That’s better.

My beautiful mom.

Then my hubby and girl. LOOKIN’ SO GOOD!

I need to have one with each one of my love’s. Tot and I had a couple poses.

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My HHH. I love him so much!

Later, we went to Christo’s. We’ve been going there for 30 years. With Mimi for years before she passed.

Tonight, it was our new family.

Uncle Doug shared so many wonderful stories, and at times, he had tears. He spoke of God working in his life various times. Tatum comforted him, and it was so sweet!

Thank you, Mama, for taking us all out. It was a treat.

When we got home, Cooper was so pleased. My honey took a pic of me reading a post to the Coopy-head. Only 5 more days of this cone of shame for our sweet little guy.

What a blessed day!

Yes, making bags this year for the homeless. We’ll put in a Bible verse too:

Romans 15:13: ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power ofthe Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

We all need this reminder. God Loves ALL of us.

Year one she was just 4.

Then we did AGAIN to perfect our frosting glue stuff. I shall master this since the making frosting seems to frustrate the process.

Then, year 3, we tried again.

It is now Year 4. We were at Trader Joe’s and there it was.

Build me! Build me! OK, Round 4.

First, Let’s review our annual event. Which one is the best?

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The bane of my existence is the frosting pack. It requires a mixer to whip the egg whites to “peaks,” then add the sugar pack and THEN (YES< the fourth year in a row I missed this step…ahem…AND THEN, Stephanie, add the lemon juice). I know. I know! I did add the lemon juice but first, to the egg whites. And, I added A LOT. Well, let us see if it made the frosting sticky.

But first, take out the innards.

Look, Mommy, the little people are in tact! Last year, a few were in pieces.

I was ready this year with the pleadings questions: Can I eat some of the gumdrops? The chocolates? The sprinkles? The frosting? The whole house?

Yes, you may, my love! Let’s decorate first, and whatever is left, is yours. Ha! She’s thinking, maybe if one of these little guys breaks, we’ll have to throw it away (in my mouth!)

Put down the nome! In the name of Christmas, put him down ever so gently.

Time to make the frosting. And, it seemed perfect.

Distraction: Would you like to frost the top, honey?

First, let’s build the A-Frame with the sticky frosting.

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Let it dry and then….she will frost the top.

Notice anything about the frosting? It’s a bit runny. Oh, blimey! Can I just get a break with this goo?
We proceeded in decorating despite the flub-up. And then, see!!!?

We made it work. What do you think?

I think it’s pretty cool. This may be the best year yet.

Oh, and did I mention she got to have four little chocolates? We needed the gummies for the sides; she took it well.

Find out and see what happened next!

Every year, we head to the train park for the lights!
This was our first year: 2014

Well, this year, Daddy went early to stand in line, and we arrived excited to see the lights!

Tatum pretended it was cold (since it usually is) and played a “Christmas Story” joke. Mommy, my tongue is stuck!

Ha! We got on the first train, thanks to Daddy.

So bright and cheery.

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After we took more pics in front of the big train.

We tried to climb this light tower. She is just getting too heavy. EEEEEE!

Then, Daddy wanted to show us his new camera trick. What do you notice in these pics?

Is that two Tatums and two mommies?

Let’s add Grandmama.

It would be AWESOME if I could duplicate myself, but I really don’t think Doug would want two of me. Two Tatums???? hmmmmmm.

It was so fun! See you next year, Train Park. Thank you for lighting our night.

So far, the 12 days has been a success. We’ve really enjoyed looking forward to what the day has in store as to ways to serve.

Today would be Tatum’s last day of school before break, and it promised to be awesome!
First, what is the task today?

That would be very special and we’ll get right to it after school.

But first, she had a little party at school; she and Charlotte looked so cute.

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We’d miss all of her friends, but a break is good to appreciate what we take for granted.

Tatum and I headed to get her haircut. “Just a trim, mommy. I want my hair to grow!”

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She is going to be more careful with her hair now that she is growing it! Plus, Brandy warned her about ripping it when she takes out her various hair accessories.

Later that night, Daddy and Tot had a little date and I had my book group’s party. What a great day!

Oh, and DAY 7? We delivered some flowers to Mama. She just loved them!

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