Halloween

Halloween came and went very quickly this year. Yahoo! The faster the better. The boys and Jaycee carved pumpkins this year. I was impressed. Aaron was home to take the boys around the neighborhood. Preston was an Army guy and Chris put stuff on just to get candy. Didn't spend a dime on costumes this year. Yeah! Chris had a party he went to at a friends house. Jaycee had a couple of friends over and they put on blind folds and put make up on each other. Luckily, no eyes were lost with this activity. Ness was home until later and then went to a church dance. Seeing that my older kids were home, they passed out the candy. I don't care much for this holiday, so I locked myself in my room, sewed, and watched the Utes play football. I had a great night!

Ness Homecomming

Wow, I am so behind. Ness had Homecomming on October 24th. It was a busy day for her. She had a League swim meet at Curtis High School that didn't start until 3:00 in the afternoon. She had to swim the backstroke and that is 3rd to the last event. She didn't get home until 6:40. She, with the help of Jaycee and I, was able to get ready in 20 minutes! A record I think. Her date was Justyn Pollock. She went with three other couples. They had a progressive dinner at the boys' homes and then headed off to the dance. Afterwards, they went ice skating.

Girls Camp 2009

Girls Camp was July 13-17th this year. I went as the Ward Camp Director, Nessa as a YCL (Youth Camp Leader), and Jaycee as a 2nd year. We went to Zions Camp in Belfair, Washington. What an incredible place. The church owns it and is run by 4 missionary couples and the spirit is definitely there. We camped in Cabins (mine a bunk that made me feel like I was in a ship) and spent a great deal of time at the lake. Yes...I did get in the lake, first time in 10 years. The second we got to camp they were having swim tests. We, as leaders, were told that the girls were not allowed to get in the boats if a leader was not present. Leaders had to take the swim test. Well, we have 28 girls in the ward and odds were pretty good they would want to get in a boat. Wanting to be a cool camp director and all...I put a swim suit on and jumped in the lake. COLD! I had to tread water for 30 seconds, swim to one dock front stroke, swim to another dock back stroke, then any stroke on the way back. I thought I would die! My body didn't care that it could run 13 miles just a couple of weeks ago, this swim exercise is a whole new ball game. Nessa was a lifeguard there and I just kept praying that I didn't go under and she would have to save me. Embarrassing for us both. Luckily I made it only to find out someone made a mistake and the leaders didn't really need to be in the boats with the girls. Oh well, glad I did it. Luckily Ness and Jaycee were there to witness it or Aaron never would have believed it. Sorry, no pictures of this event.
Anyway, the theme for this year was SWAT (Sisters With a Task.) Our individual ward was given the Value Compassion with the color red. We decided to focus on the story of "The Good Samaritan." We have such great young women in our ward. What a pleasure to go and spend 4 days with them. Lots of compassion and service all around. Loved it! The Stake did an incredible job setting this all up. A great group of ladies who deserve a week at a spa for all their hard work.
Ness was a lifeguard all week. She was only required to work one hour a day, but ended up volunteering to work three a day to make sure they were covered. She gave up all of her free time at camp to do this. Awesome! They rewarded her at the end of camp by bringing her up in front of all 300 girls. It was cool. She was a YCL and also had to certify all the 2nd years. She was busy at camp. She was giving the opportunity to swim the mile and finished. Only a handful of girls did it. On the last full day of camp, she needed a break and hung out with me all morning. We went and did Archery, tomahawks, and knifes. Wouldn't you know it, right off the bat she threw two bulls eyes in Archery and one in tomahawks. I was able to throw one in knives. Who knew?!
Jaycee was nonstop, constantly going from one activity to another. Certifying to swimming to crafts to fishing, to ropes course and then all over again. She did the polar bear dip both mornings in a row. My jumping in the lake days were over, so I was the photographer.
Overall, the week was a blast. So fun to spend with my daughters and be able to witness their experience and to feel the spirit. I love camping for that reason, leave all the technologies behind and feel the peace and quiet. The spirit always shows up then, love it. I took over 250 pictures, but for this blog will only put my girls. All other photos are on the girls' facebook. Enjoy!

SunRiver, Oregon

I did it, I actually did it! I ran a half marathon and finished. I didn't think I could with my health. Mind over matter. I was doing so well with training these last few months. No injuries what so ever, just tired from time to time. Then, wouldn't you know it, two weeks before the race I broke my left pinky toe. Then, a week before the race I tripped over a suitcase and bruised ribs. Good grief! Plus, I went camping that weekend to save money and had about 3 hours of sleep on both nights before the race. Not real smart. Plus it was hot and there was a change in altitude. Lets not forget the ugly head of MS that is forever present with me. Putting all that aside, I did it, I actually DID IT and FINISHED! It wasn't pretty though. I hit a wall at mile 9, a major wall. My body just broke down. I had to walk/run the last four miles. I didn't even care at the time that I was walking, I just wanted it over with. I had run 11 miles two weeks earlier and did just fine, but this race was a whole different story. I crossed the finish line and was so sick! Yikes! I threw up in the car on the way home from the campground and was weak for about 4 hours, but then I was fine. A Pepsi and Pretzels will do that to you. I swear by it. Even though it wasn't pretty, I am so grateful for the experience. Now that it is over, I want to do it again. Not today or tomorrow, but in the near distant future. Now that I know what to expect, I will prepare better. A big thanks goes to Sally and my Dad. Dad wrote up our training schedule and coached me throughout it all. Thanks Dad! Sally was my running partner who I trained with. Couldn't have done it without her. A big thanks for all her motivation. I'm so glad she left me at mile 9 and finished out the race the way she wanted to. She did Awesome!

We also went with the Horne and Atwood family. We all needed to save on money and went camping for this trip. We stayed at Lapine State Park. We toured the Lava River Cave and played in the Deschutes River. Lots of fun. My kids had such a great time hanging with friends. Taryn and Rachel also ran the marathon and did great. In fact, Sally was the only one who wasn't injured. We were quite a group! What a great weekend. Thanks to my hubby and kids who supported me in this.

OOPS!

This is what happens when you mix a sunny Saturday afternoon, a weed wacker, and pea gravel.

Hoedown!

This is what happens when you mix a cool Aunt (who is pregnant), two teenage girls, and the viewing of the Hannah Montana movie.....

Prestons Baptisim

Preston got baptized! Yeah! He is such an AWESOME kid and I am so grateful for his decision. We had the opportunity for family to come visit and witness the event. Thanks to the Jones', Hatches, and Larsons for taking time out of their busy lives to come to Maple Valley and support Preston. What a fun filled 11 days.

Pinewood Derby Days!

Holy Crap! We won a race!

The past few years of pinewood derby's have been sad ones for the Hatch family. Mostly for Christopher.

Although we have built some good looking cars, I just could not help Chris put together a winning car. In the picture above, Christopher's car is the good looking black truck in 3rd place. That was the best finish we ever had in any heat in three years of derby's.

We have been so consistently bad that we took special efforts with Preston to prep him for loosing. We sat him down the night before and tried to explain that the Derby is mostly about having fun and not about winning.

Well after several years of utter failure we have finally entered a winner! Who would have thought a happy go lucky sponge from the sea would take top honors at this year's races. Preston did most of the work himself on the car. He had the idea and I helped him find the right pic of Spongebob.

We could not believe the car was winning. I even had dads come up and ask what our secret was. The problem is, I don't know what the secret was. That worries me since I am sure Preston now expects to have a fast car next year.

Sizing up the competition!

Spongebob by a Nose!

The winners circle!

Way to go Preston...and dad :)

Spring Break with the Kelly Family

Easter Retake

Easter Sunday 2009
Easter Sunday 2005

It's amazing how they change in four years!

Preston

As most of you know, Preston has a severe allergy to peanuts. So severe that if he happens to eat some and not get meds, he could die within 10 minutes. This is nothing new, we have known since he was a baby and have lived accordingly. Most of the time Preston is good about it, but once in awhile he feels down. Especially if he is at a party and everyone else is eating treats and he can't because they either contain peanuts or were processed in a plant that contains peanuts.

I had to run to the school this morning to drop off some things. I ran into Preston's teacher Mrs. Z. who we absolutely LOVE! She adores Preston as well. She stopped me and told me about a conversation she had with Preston last week. I have been laughing ever since. Last week, a child in his class brought cookies. He told Preston they didn't have any peanuts. Mrs. Z., being very cautious, told him he couldn't have one because she didn't know where they were bought or processed. Preston left her side. About 10 minutes later, Preston approached her and said, "Mrs. Z., I can have these cookies." She replied, "Well, how do you know that?" He answered, "Because I ate one and I LIVED!" She said his eyes were just big with excitement and had a grin from ear to ear. It was like he truly contemplated his life and put it on line for this cookie. Oh he makes me smile.

Just thought I would share.

Girls Camp Cookie Dough Fundraiser

The Young Women in the ward are making and selling cookie dough as a fundraiser. They are selling it by the tub. Each tub costs $12 and will make 3 dozen medium sized cookies. There are three different cookies:

1. Chocolate Chocolate Chip
2. Ginger Molasses
3. Snickerdoodles

We had a great response on Sunday. Thanks to all who have signed up so far.

All cookie dough will be delivered between March 18th and the 21st. We will have more cookie samples on Sunday in the main foyer after church if you are interested.

If you didn't see the sign up sheet on Sunday and want some cookie dough, give me a call!

Thanks!

Christopher turns 11!

Can I tell you what a cool kid Christoper is? He's awesome! He has such a sweet spirit about him. He is always willing to help and at times he just wants to hang with you. He has been sooooo busy lately. There were last minute changes made to sport calendars so his basketball and lacrosse seasons are over lapping. He gets home from school and heads off to lacrosse for 2 hours and then straight to basketball for a couple of hours. Then whatever time is left over, he squeezes in his homework. Christopher gives 100% in all he does. He runs his guts out at lacrosse and immediately starts as the point guard on the basketball court. It does frustrate him a bit when all team members don't give it their all. He doesn't understand it. Christopher has also completed his Webelos Merit Badge along with his Arrow of Light. He will be receiving those in a couple of weeks. He also just finished his Science Fair Project. He is a do it yourself kid and did the whole thing on his own, poster board and all. He got an "A" too!

This was his first lacrosse game of the season. Actually it was just a scrimmage. They won
2 to 0. He even had a shot on goal. Not to shabby for the first game.

1 down and 4 to go!

Wahoo!! Jaycee made her first goal of the season. Jaycee plays year round soccer for a competitive team named the Marauders and we travel all over Washington and into Oregon. She has to tryout for this team and they only select a handful of players. Last season she tried out and made the "B" team and did really well. They called her Jamba Juice because we promised her a juice if she made a goal. She collected about a half dozen Jamba Juices that season. This season she tried out and advanced to the "A" team. She has worked so hard and definitely deserved this. She has had to earn her place with this team. Most of the team is returning players with a returning coach. She has really thrived in this environment and has been challenged and risen to the occasion. She is one who so far has come off the bench and given her team a much needed lift. Today she earned the right to start. Oh, she played incredible. Her New Years resolution is to make five goals this season. She knew this would not be an easy task. The league she is playing in is tough! Her goal was SWEET. She had a powerful kick that went right above the goalie and just inches below the goal post. We were all freaking out, coaches included. It was so exciting Aaron didn't catch a picture of it. It is one though that we won't soon forget. She was thrilled to get her first Jamba of the season. Go Jaycee!

Passing Something Along

I saw this on a friend's blog -- and love to give and receive comments (and surprises)... SO --
Here's how it works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!
The catch is that you must participate as well-before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going. Then come back, let me know you're going to play, and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

Happy 16th Birthday Jenessa Rose...LOVE YOU!

Ginger's First Day

Today we welcomed Ginger into our home and our family. We were warned that she gets very carsick and would more than likely throw up on our venture home. Well, she cried for about 10 minutes and then fell asleep. No problems there. She is such a delight. She chased Christopher around the house for quite a while today. When she stops suddenly, her tail end goes off to the right. It is hilarious. We laughed all day. On our first day, we were ACCIDENT FREE! Wahoo! I know that won't last, but she did awesome. She seems to really like being under the kitchen table. We have a crate that we want her to sleep in. We kept trying to ease her into it all day to no avail. During dinner, we put her in there and she whined the whole time. It was hard to listen to her and not pay her any attention. We all ate very quickly. Afterwards, we couldn't get her back in the crate, she kept going under the table to sleep. Finally, Aaron put the crate under the table and she walked right in and crashed. Easy solution, she'll just live under the table. The night is still very young, so I'll post and let you know how that goes. We love her tons already!

Sledding with the Hornes!

For New Year's Eve this year we decided to take the family and head up to the hills for a sledding adventure. We went with a great family in our ward named the Hornes. There is a state park called Hyak about 45 minutes away. The park rangers groom a sledding hill that is perfect; not too long but just long enough, not too steep but just steep enough. You pay 10 bucks to park so the price is right! Here are some pics and videos. Enjoy...

When we were done we had some hot chocolate, tail gate style. On the way home I gave the family a bit of a scare. :-) I wanted (no, I needed) to test how slick the road was. So of course, I gunned it around a turn exiting the parking lot. Well we all found out that the road was very slippery! We did a 180 and surprised the Hornes when they came around the corner and found us facing them. Good times! Needless to say we went slower the rest of the way on the snow packed roads!