Happy New Year...

Happy New Year...
Christmas is over. I spend so much time before the holiday getting things ready for family and friends that I just go and go, that once the holiday is over...I have the holiday blues. Don't worry, I am ok. I am just thoughful of the happenings in my life for the past year, and what I want to accomplish in my life for the next year. For years I have made goals for myself when I ring in the new year...and rarely follow through with those goals. I am determined this year to follow through with those goals that I set for myself this year. So...wish me luck!
Yesturday I had the chance to spend the day with my friend who has a mini-craft store (Not really a store) and play all day. We have started a craft group in our ward, and each month we do a new craft. We got everything ready for the craft night at the end of january. I really do need to figure out how to make my camera cord work with the camera so that I can use my camera and document all the great things we are doing. I also made a set of Thank you cards for my mom, and helped her daughter work on a scrapbook that she is making for one of her friends that will be moving. This friend of mine is SOOOO creative...we make a great team.
We are beginning to clean out our office because we will be becoming Foster Parents...we bought bunk beds in case at anytime we have two children...they each need to have their own bed. I have SOOOO much to clean out...it has become our room that collects all sorts of junk.
I am helping my my host a large New Year's Eve party at her house this year. It should be a nice time. My husband and I are such early to birds that I can't think of the last time that I stayed up until after midnight. LOL
Happy New Year to you!

Another semester bites the dust...

Another semester is done! My last class was last night at 5:30...I turned my final essay paper in...and I was out of there by 5:35. When I have been stressed, my body can tell when the end is coming. I have felt great all semester without many issues...a few too many headaches. But today I have not felt well...I have to take about 3 days to recompose to actually having time to do what I want to do. Not sure that sentence makes any sense...but I do not care. I am spending some of my day tomorrow cleaning my house, wrapping some gifts, and then heading to the ward Christmas party in the evening. Oh...I am also going to do some crafting. I am heading to bed...I am sure that I will sleep very sound...just knowing that I don't have to spend the day tomorrow studying! Have a wonderful weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Time sure flies by. It is already the end of the semester...and I realized that I have so much to do. My little business is also keeping me quite busy. Damon and I joke with each other that someone forgot to call the maid to come take care of the very basic things in the house...only wish it was that easy. It seems like things creep up on me without really even realizing where time has gone. I get everything done...but sometimes just in the nick of time. We hope that everyone is healthy and happy. I will write again once next week is done.

Black Friday...

Hello! Damon and I ventured out early this morning. Last week I had seen the personalized cutter/die cut machine on an infomerical early one morning before I headed out to work. I was automatically hooked. The only thing was...the price. It was $250 PLUS shipping...last night after we got home from Thanksgiving...sure was yummy and wonderful to be with my family, we started looking at some of the ads on the internet. We came across the Wal-Mart add, and behold...the Cricut was going to be on sale TODAY...for a MUCH lower price. SO...we promptly went to bed (9:00 pm) and laid there and laid there. I was like a little girl...I was so excited to maybe have the chance to get this cool new gadget. So...3:15 AM...I woke up and got Damon around, and we were headed to a Wal=Mart who was going to have these Cricut machines. dWe thought we were going to have to wait around until 5:00 AM to purchase...but they let us check out about 4:45...we then headed to Macy's...we had to pick up a Christmas gift...SHHH...I can't tell what we got. Then headed to Bath & Body Works to get some wall flowers...then home so that Damon could sleep a couple of hours before had to head to work. I have already used the machine...It is going to be SOOOO much fun to use! I am going to get a space cleared out for the Christmas tree...that is our project for tonight if my family is not doing anything together. We had a lovely snow yesturday...nothing like snow to put you in the Holiday spirit. We are also thinking of doing the 12 days of Christmas for two single older ladies in our ward. I hope that you all are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend!

Happy Holidays...already?

Happy Holidays...already?

I was out and about running errands today...and you would of thought Christmas was just a view days away. I went into Hobby Lobby to pick up some ribbon and I could not even make my way through the Christmas Seasonal isle ways. I love the joy and energy of the holiday season. So many people have gotten away from doing for others in the way of service...helping the needy. I hear what some people spend on 'things' for gifts and it makes my mouth drop open. As I get older, I basically have everything I need in life...and what I don't have, I can go out and get for myself. My husband and I were going to buy each other our passports for Christmas. My in-laws live in Canada...we need to be prepared to go at anytime if the need arises. My mom is actually buying our passports for our Christmas gift. A few years ago, we went to go see WICKED with almost front row center tickets. I would much rather do something all together with my family then get things that are just 'things' to set around the house. One of my grandmas gives to us each year a piece of china or something from my relatives that have passed on. Things are the "THINGS" that I LOVE to get. What I am trying to get at is that too many people are getting away from the Spirit of Christmas. I encourage you to get back to the basics, find someone who might be in need that you could help out.

New Hatch Family News...

Hello Family & Friends...

Damon is still working at Rent-a-Center but has been transfered to a new store. This store is closer to home...we are excited about this with the price of gas. I think this change will cut down on some of Damon's stress...he starts at this new store on Tuesday!

I have a new calling in my church. I am now the Relief Society secretary. This is the organization that consists of the women of our church. I am excited about this...I have a chance to work with some amazing women. I hope that I will be able to be of as much help to them as I can...

I started school (college) this week. I am looking forward to really digging into my classes and getting the most that I can from them this semester.

We are having a picnic at my mom's tomorrow (Sunday). My grandma jo is making MY favorite potato salad...We hope that all is well with you all. Not sure if anyone reads these...but I will keep writing about our lives.

hugs,
K

School Days...

Ok...these are not the kids that I work with...but I am a succor for old black and white pictures. The school district that I live in started school this week. As I was sitting at the hospital waiting for my grandma to be released my cell phone rang and I was asked to sub for the first 5 days of school for a program assistant who works with a special needs child. I have done all my subbing and teaching in elementary schools and this job was in a middle school. I was nervous..first of all I do not know my way around this school...I know where my mom's office is (she is an administrator at this school) and the office. Tomorrow will be the 3rd day and we are doing ok. I don't want to start any systems with this little girl in case the PA wants to do something else with her...we are making it through the days. I have felt like I was in middle school all over again...the kids have NO idea where they are to go...they can't get their lockers open...they are struggling to making it to class on time with only a passing period of 5 mins. So, instead of going back to their lockers, they are carrying stacks of books to class...poor things. I am sure by the end of nect week they will have it all down...I have learned many things this week. I have always had a sour taste in my mouth dealing with middle school kids...but I am really enjoying interacting with these kids. Another cool thing is that the 6th graders are the first class of kindergartners that I taught...so it is fun to pick out the kids that I had in my class a long time ago. When I first moved to this area I also worked in the schools, and the first class that I worked in those kids are now 10th graders...it sure makes you feel old. Thanks for letting you share my days in middle school with you.

Haircut Time!!

I gave my first haircut to my husband...I was so nervous...but it looks much better than it did before. He told me he was going to have to go get his dog tags he looked so bad! :) Damon was not thrilled with getting his picture taken!

Summer time fun...

Today we took our summer camp kids to a water park...enjoy the pictures...

My kids this summer...

Here are some pictures of the kids that I am spending my days with this summer.

Birthday Beach Day...

This is my mom...guess I should learn how to turn the picture around!

This is the cottage that we go to when we need a little escape.
This is Damon and Papa John cathing some much needed sleep...

The Best Blast...

New Farmer's Market...

built one piece at a time...

This is a new farmer's market in a nearby town. I was more amazed at the construction of the building. This market is all indoors with a few stands on the outside. Inside you could find fruits & veggies and also all different kinds of little gift things. It was really fun to spend some time here this morning.

We have several things planned this weekend. It is my birthday tomorrow, July 1st...so we will be spending time with family. Also some relaxing activities...hope you all are good. I will be posting pictures of our other weekend activities!

Where has the time gone...?

WOW! I had not realized how long it had been since I posted a blog on here. The school year has ended and summer has begun. This summer I am working in a summer camp that is out of a day care center. It is a pay check...but I am not entirely happy there. I will survive the rest of the summer...but it is difficult to go each day. Many of the children in this camp are African American...and they act totally different then the kids that I have worked with for so long. I don't speak the language...they children seem to know so much more about wordly things than myself. It is always a learning experience.

Tomorrow is Father's Day...and I know that Damon is struggling with the fact that he will not be able to talk to his girls. I wish that I could change that for him. He is such a good daddy and worries that his girls will not remember him when they are able to make the choice to contact him on their own and not having to deal with their mom. I love him so much...and look forward to the day that we can adopt a special apirit into our home. Damon will be the best daddy! :) We are heading to the lake cottage tomorrow for the day after church. It will be nice to just relax...the beach is always comforting for me. We hope that you all are healthy. I don't even know that anyone reads this...but, I will do better in trying to post and keep you all updated in our lives!

The Girls...

Just wanted to share a picture of the girls in my family. This picture was taken on the day that my mom and her high school sweetheart were married. This was a wonderful weekend...we had tons of fun! Love you girls!

Sunday Afternoon Thoughts...

There are many things on my mind this Sunday afternoon. On Friday morning I received an email from my dear friend Katie who moved with her sweet family from Indiana to Mississippi 2 years ago. At one time she had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer...she got through this trial. The email that I received told me that her cancer is back. I finally got to speak with her yesterday and she is so upbeat about life. They do not know where the cancer is right now, but she will be goin in for a CAT SCAN this coming Friday. The doctor has told her that it is a small amount and that things will be fine. As her friend, I am concerned for her...she has two little girls. One is turning 4 this summer and the other girl will be turning 1. Katie is married to a lovely man who loves her and his family so very much. Please keep this sweet family in your thoughts and prayers. As a ward Relief Sociey (even though she does not live here anymore) we are going to be making a quilt for her...to be wraped in love whenever she needs it. Many sisters today signed up for making a square even if they did not know her...my heart is amazed on how women gather together to do good for another sister in the gospel. I will be sure to post a picture of it when it is done!
My dear Aunt Sara has been gone for 20 years today. I was 12 years old when she died of cancer. My heart has been full all day. My husband and I spent time with my grandma today...we then spent time at the cemetary. I know that her spirit is not there, but I was crying while we stood there for a few quiet moments. I remember the last thing that she said to me. It was: "Kirsten, make me proud someday." I am far from perfect, but I hope the choices that I have made and will make in life makes her smile down on me and my little family. I feel very blessed to have had her in our lives before cancer took over her body.
Life is precious...and I often say that we need to take time and emjoy the simple pleasures in life. Take time to mend any wrongs with family members or friends before the time is to late. Tell them that you love them...
The flowers that are in this post are freshly cut from my grandmother's garden this afternoon. I love fresh flowers, and more than likely you will find at least one case full in my home at all times...enjoy the rest of your day...whatever you may be doing! Remember...SIMPLE PLEASURES!

More pictures...

This is the flower girl and Damon's nephew
Siblings...
View of Lake Tahoe from the 18th floor of Harrah's
Uncle and Nephew...

Nevada Adventure...

We left South Bend, Indiana at 1:50 AM on Friday morning to head to Chicago to catch a flight to Reno, Nevada for Damon's 1/2 sisters (biological) wedding. We had slept for about 2 hours and then the alarm went off. To make a long story short, I got us lost getting to the Chicago Ohare Airport. We got there...but just the long way. We stopped twice to ask for directions...and they assured us that we would get to the airport from the road we were on. I almost called my sister at 2:30 AM to have her get us on the right road...but I let her sleep. We did end up at the airport. Thank goodness for self check-in...it sure does save time...ONLY if there are more than 2 people working to get tags on luggage. We waited 20 mintues for the lady to even realixe we were there. She was more concerned about the people who had passports who were heading home to various countries. It was frustrating. I always get a bit frantic and anxious while traveling. I have this smooth trip built in my head...and when there is a qulich...it bothers me...just get me on the plane. Our flights were uneventfull...we slept almost the whole time...we had a very short connection in Phoenix.
Once we got to Reno, his family had been waiting for us...we got our rental car and went to breakfast. We are not used to driving where there are mountains. We felt like we were driving around in circles. We were so turned around...good thing we were following his mom. We went to a town Genoa (SPELLING) that was the first town where the Mormons setteled when they came to Nevada...it was all closed up...here is a picture of a sign that was there. We were thinking that the weather was going to be nice...but it was COLD!! After this we went back to his sisters new townhome that she is going to share with her new husband, and cute little boy from a previous marriage. It was nice to have lots of down time, and not be in charge of anything :)

My husband's sister was married the next day (Saturday) at the town that we visited the previous day. There is a family who owns a home there, and they open their home and yard for weddings. Here are a few pictures that we took on Friday!

Ok...I have not learned how to put pictures where I want them in the posts....UGH! So, here are some more pictures...one day I will figure out how to put them in a certain order. YIKES! Enjoy!

What a crazy few days! I guess that is what the end of the semester is all about...I had a biology lab presentation, and those who were to go yesturday chickened out...so I went first. Once I was done, it was nice to hear other classmates say, "Wow, she sure set the bar high!" Now I can sit back and enjoy the other presentations next week! This will be a busy weekend...we are having an Easter/birthday get together for mom. HOpe all is well with you all...

Snow?

Just wanted to share with you what we woke up to today...I think mother nature is a bit confused!

New Shelves...

We purchased a new bed last week...it is very nice. We put our old bed into our spare bedroom...I have been trying to organize our home office...and not doing it very well. Papa John cut us some barn wood from the Garlet's family barn. Here is a picture of them empty. I will post a picture of both rooms once they put together.

I have been sick with a cold for a week. Last Wednesday for our biology lab went down to the river in the rain...in the wind. So...I got sick. I have not been sick since Christmas with the flu...I was doing really well. Damon had his last wisdom tooth pulled this morning...he said that he was really nervous and just about got sick in the office...poor thing. He had to go right to work when he was done. I am sure he will be in pain once he gets home tonight. It is so cold here right now...I went from wearing short pants yesturday to wearing long pants and a fleece...YIKES! What is up with this CRAZY weather. Tomorrow Damon and I will have the entire day to ourselves...hopefully he will not have to work. Damon's biological mom ran into the girls at the mall...wish it was us running into them. We pray for them each day...

Great Food...

Our wedding anniverary was this week. We have been married for two years. My mom and papa John (what we call my mom's awesome husband) took Damon and I to the Tippecanoe Place for dinner. Damon had heard that one of their specials was all you could eat prime rib. It was really good. I tried to post a picture of the place here, but here is the web address: www.tippe.com

This will tell you the history of the house and other bits of information. http://www.monon.monon.org/sobend/tippecanoe.html there is another link that you could find information.

We are getting a new bed at the end of the week...it has been fun buying new linens. I wish that Ih ad lots of money to buy sheets with a high thread count. They are like sleeping on silk. I like to spend the night at my mom's house because she has WONDERFUL linens.

We have had wonderful weather today. It was a perfect day in my mind. I love seeing all of the flowers starting to pop out of the ground...I need to get out to my grandm's house to see all of her lovely daffodils and tulips while they are still nice. YOu know that Spring is here because both of my grandmas will be returning home soon. I love having them here...I can learn so much from them.

Just waiting for Damon to get home...he works so many hours. He is my hero...good thing I married someone with such a good work ethic! Enjoy!

*Remember to take time each day to enjoy the simple pleasures*

Washington State Visit

I had written this long explanation of the pics that I was going to put in this post...but I lost it. I am learning all these new things. Here are some pics from our visit to the Portland Zoo and meeting his brother Glade Hatch on the side of the road. I am slowly meeting more memebers of Damon's family. ENJOY! I also got to meet Damon's Granny on the Hatch side of the family. We forgot to take our camera...so we don't have any pictures with her...next time.

This is who we are...

Good Afternoon,

I would like to take some time to introduce our small family. We are Damon and Kirsten Hatch. We have been married for two years, and sealed for one. We were sealed in the Navuoo Temple.

Damon~

34 years old, he has just gotten a promotion at work. He is now an Assistant Manager at Rent-A Center. He is so good at what he does. His goal is to move up and someday have a store of his own. He is from Vancuuver, Washington. Damon has 3 adorable girls from a previous marriage. We do not get to see them, or talk to them...this is a sore spot in our lives.

Kirsten~

32 years old. I have gone back to school to finish up my degree in Elementary Education. This has been a VERY long process. On the days that I don't go to school, I work as a substitue teacher in the school corporation that I worked in before I went back to school. I am trying very hard to be a better homemaker and a better wife to my husband.

We live in Indiana...there are times when we would love to live somewhere else...but then we would have to deal with the questions from my family as to why...it is a long story. Not one that I want to get into here.

Brand New

Hello! I am not really sure how this is to work? I am trying...