Alright. I know. It's been just about a year since this blog has been updated.
Why the neglect of this family record?
Why the failure to update our comings, goings, celebrations and milestones?
Because in 2009, 24 hours in a day was simply inadequate. If I had been able to
invent some way to function without sleep, perhaps I could have downloaded a picture or two, journaled about Evie learning to walk, Michael's graduation, Griff's baptism. So I approach 2010 penetantly, with hat in hand, asking for a chance to try again. To keep some sort of record of this hurricane, this whirlwind, this tornadic event that is otherwise known as, "MY LIFE."

Goodbye 2008!

For the Hatch family it was a year of ups, downs, storm, sun...you get the picture. We sent one daughter off to college and welcomed another into the world. We survived one tornado- (although much of our property did not). Michael totaled his Jeep, but John has added 2 more rusty, old...I mean CLASSIC Jeep Wagoneers to his current collection of 3. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary - and realized we won't be alone until our 38th!

Every day is another story of challenge, survival! and through it all, JOY. Yes, life is crazy. Yes - there is rarely a quiet moment; no - the laundry is never completely done; of course - there is too much to do and not enough time to do it all. And yet the constancy that remains is the underlying feeling of joy that through all the messes that life creates is the foundation of peace through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This peace allows us to face each day and say "Bring it On!" Because when all is said and done, all that matters is our Faith and our Family - and how blessed we are to have both.

Griff's First Grade Christmas Program

Makes me wonder what his future holds!

Holiday 2008

A Poem of Fabulosity

Oh, the FABULOSITY of my life!

See this happy, smiling face of a high-school sophomore

Who only two hours before called his mother from the school,

Informing her that he had to have an edible representation of a cell

- due by third period.

See the kitchen which is now covered with cake, frosting and chocolate pudding,

Which represents the nucleus - of course.

See the happy, happy mother.

The FABULOSITY of my life!

Okay - a little girl is a lot more fun to dress up on Halloween then boys who just want to wear black robes, carry huge, medieval-looking weapons, and of course, paint plenty of blood dripping down their faces. Evie was a sweet, little Woodland Sprite, with no black, blood or instrument of death to be seen.Connor got to spend a little time with Evie before we went to the 4th grade class party

where he gave a 20-minute presentation to the class with his Tarantula. Really.

(The whole family gets to participate when mom is the room parent!)

Evie channeling her inner and outer girl.

She loved being surrounded by flowers and tulle.

Thank heavens for little girls!

Responsible Women

My favorite picture - The Responsible Woman - by James Christenson

It has been interesting watching the media try to figure out what to do with the Republican VP pick, Sarah Palin. She is the mother of five, with conservative values, is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for that which she believes and does not wear monochramatic pantsuits. I see her and she reminds me of most of the women that I know. Women who want what is best for this and future generations, who value life and freedom, who stand firm to those beliefs which wise women know benefit nations. Women who do not pretend to be perfect, for smart women know that perfection is a very lonely place to be. Women who could solve the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, end world hunger and restore world peace in one good scrapbooking session. (okay- everyone knows that I don't scrapbook - but you get my meaning!)

Women who love their families and their husbands and simply do the very best they can each day regardless of their circumstances. Women who love their Father in Heaven and understand that who they are matters. Women who handle their trials with grace and dignity and make their own worlds a lovelier place.

Women like you.

Let's hear it for the Responsible Women!!!!!

( We deserve some chocolate).