Beach Day, Anyone?

Perhaps it's just the pure exhaustion taking over, but today was a day I'd like to take my eraser out and completely wipe away. Besides the fact that I was late ( well, later than my 'normal' late) for work, the thorn in my side wouldn't let up today and my classroom was permeated with the aroma of stale feces as someone had filled their pants with a surprise for all to enjoy. That combined with the Tuesday Mom's Taxi service I provide and a crying toddler thrown in the mix for good measure has lead me to the conclusion that Lil Man has the right idea--take a beach day and let the sand, sun, and surf wash this day away! Now all I need is a boat...

All That Matters...

It's a somber day, although I can't definitively say why. Life is full of too much, not enough, not quite and just barely's and I have come to the realization that perfection is right under my nose. Everything that means anything to me is right in front of my face and that's all I need...thank you, Jesus!

Joys of Motherhood: Embarrassing My Offspring!

Now that I'm officially one of those "moms", it becomes pretty difficult to scheme of different and unusual ways of embarrassing my children on a regular basis. Walking around the house in my granny robe when they have friends over usually does the trick, but with all the kids I have it pays to keep it fresh and exciting as much as possible. My latest victory of childhood torture was the other night at my school's holiday sing along. My 12-year-old son was my date for the evening and I thought I'd show a little motherly love with some hugs and kisses and a little baby talk I'm front if some students. Needless to say, my son tried to escape...but not without getting some Mama love. Ahhhh...the joys of motherhood!

Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock, Tick...

As my 38th birthday is creeping up on me with great speed, I can't help but put my life into perspective....that I am on that downward slope and my life is, theoretically, at its halfway point. As I look back at who I have become, I've concluded that I am who I am...and it feels pretty damn good being me. I've made a million mistakes in my life and if I could do some things differently I would do so with reckless abandon as, despite the consequences, the end result would be more favorable than the current in many situations. I think the most valuable lesson that I have learned is this:  I can control no one except myself.  I can not make anyone do anything, change their behavior, or make them feel a certain way unless it is what they want and trying to do so is a complete waste of time, energy, and emotional trauma. I've learned to focus on changing myself and turning the focus and power back into my own hands as many days, this is all any of us have. With that being said, I think I'll raise a glass to lack of control...cheers!

Put Them Back Together

Driving home from picking Eve up from school, she was staring at my hands on the steering wheel. I wasn't sure what to think when she said, "You need to fix your nail." Puzzled, I asked her what she meant. "You need to put them back together. You need to go to the nail shop and make them look pretty." My 4 year old diva...she's going to make sure Mama gets a full set this weekend!

6 + 1 = Hatten Six Pack and a Double Deuce

It's been quite a while since my last post, and the irony is that we took that puppy back to the pound, made baby number five, and now we are The Hatten Six Pack and a Double Deuce with the addition of our final ( yes, I mean it this time) baby, Little Jon, aka Lil Man. I still have a heart for animals so we had to get another dog, Keesha, from the Humane Society so my animal instincts are still alive and kicking. I'm the program co-coordinator for Special Olympics Coastal Georgia and LOVE working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. More to come...and I promise not to birth another child in between posts.

Puppy Love

Well, reality has set in and I think it's safe to say that we aren't going to have any more children. Baby fever has left, but I had to find something to fill the gap, so meet the newest member of our family--Jack-Jack. Here's a picture of Eve taking him for a ride--isn't he the cutest!!!

The Fever...

This summer, our youngest child, Eve, will turn three years old. Pictured here, she was by far the most joyful and pleasant baby we have had the pleasure of parenting. Don't get me wrong--our three other children were fabulous babies as well, but as an infant, Eve was the easiest and most flexible child to take places, regardless if the travels interrupted her nap time. She was a precious, precious, precious baby. Now that she has grown and is in the depths of toddlerhood, I can honestly say that she has transformed into an energetic ball of fire that frequently needs to be hosed down in order to maintain order. Nevertheless, she still holds the Baby of the Year award in our book.

Due to the age of our four children, our family is at a stage in our lives where we have much more adaptability and can go places that the whole family can enjoy. We have, again, reached that point in our lives in which Jon and I can leave the children with a babysitter and I can actually enjoy myself instead of texting the caregiver every five minutes in order to be assured that the children are safe. We are at a perfect time in our lives that we can give our children the time they need and truly enjoy one another. With that being said, I can't help but to feel overcome with the fever. Ladies, you know what I am talking about...baby fever.

With four children ranging in ages from 10 to 2, most women would say that I have completely lost my mind, but I can't help but feel this way. I have been blessed with four healthy, exceptional, caring children yet I still feel this gaping hole in my life for one more child. I am 35 years old which, nowadays, is not "old" for having a baby, but combined with the fact that I have four other children to care for, it is an issue that requires attention. Perhaps it is the desire to birth a child for Jon to carry on his name or it's the simple fact that I cherish the experience of feeling life living inside me, being able to feel the tiny kicks of the life that God has blessed me with, and the pinnacle of holding that gift for the very first time knowing that I have just experienced a miracle. Whatever the reason, I can't get this thought out of my head, no matter how hard I try...

Bless Me Father, For I Have Sinned...

It has been over a year since my last blog post and since that time I have gotten a year older, a little bit grayer, quite a bit chunkier (although I do have to say that I wear the fluff quite well), a helluva lot more beautiful, and oodles sassier. In all seriousness, it has been a LONG time. While I am sure no one will read this since my loyal four followers have probably thought I got lost in blogland, some things that have gone on in the past year are as follows: I finished my Master's degree, taught a wonderful class of middle school MOID students, made connections with people I love, and have grown to accept differences in others in a way that I never thought I could. I am at a point in my life where I am completely grateful for my family and cherish each and every day I am given to experience life. With that being said, I leave you with this point to ponder-- who put the bomp in the bomp-a bomp-a bomp? Now that's deep...

Man's Best Friend

I mentioned in an earlier post that we have a new member to the family--Pedro. I have always been an animal lover and as my mother can attest I have been known for bringing home strays that we just had to keep. I have always been amazed at the ability animals have to calm and relax their human caretakers. Sometimes after a stressful day, I hop in the bed and my cat, Amber, will climb up beside me and rub her head on my hand so that she can be stroked. What she doesn't realize is that her presence and lack of words calms me as well.

Pedro is no exception to this rule. He is a fun-loving, young chocolate lab that has become not just a family pet--he's become another son to Jon. When I say that he goes everywhere with Jon, I am not exaggerating...he goes EVERYWHERE. He goes to the golf course to work with Jon everyday and rides in the floorboard of the golf cart as Jon does his work. On occasions where Jon has to leave him in his office in order to handle situations, Pedro jumps on Jon's desk and hops on the window ledge to watch for Jon to get back. It's a pairing like I've never seen before! If Jon runs to the corner store, Pedro jumps in the back of the truck and rides with Jon and patiently waits for him to return.

While many people may think we're just silly, I am quite thankful that God created these creatures for us to enjoy. They bring about a contentment and happiness that adds to the beauty of this precious life we are so fortunate to live. Thank you, God, for our furry friends!

We've "Moved"

It's been a while since I've posted a blog so I thought I'd give an update on what's been going on in our lives over the past few months. We have NOT sold our house, but we have moved to a house on St. Simons which is much closer to Jon's work. He only has a five minute drive to work each day which is really nice for him. I still have about a 40 minute drive, but the drive is much more bearable since I do not have to drive 30 miles down I-95 at speeds of 80+ MPH with a screaming toddler in the backseat...talk about needing a stiff drink after those rides home! Anyway, we're renting a house that is a bit on the small side and it could use some work, but it is in a wonderfully peaceful location. It's like living at the beach and in the country all wrapped in one. We really like the area and we are looking forward to our house selling so we can *hopefully* buy a house here on the island. If not, I think we'll just rent and save, and save, and save, and save some more until we can afford to buy here--we like it THAT much!

The kids are doing well in school and are enjoying this warm snap we are having. It's been about 80 degrees each day so we've officially pulled out the shorts and flip flops. Eve had surgery a few weeks ago to have her adenoids taken out but she's still having some trouble but now it is with her ears. Anyway, we're looking forward to getting well.

I've been plugging away at school (6 classes down, straight A's) and am on my 7th Master's class. I can't WAIT to finish so I can enjoy my weekends again. Jon is getting busy with the golf course since spring is in the air and everyone is looking forward to spring break. Oh, and I now have some competition for Jon's affection--a new dog he affectionately named "Pedro." He's a great dog and goes with Jon everywhere--even to work! Anyway, he's the latest member to the Hatten Six Pack.

One More Thing...

I wonder if at the end of a life does anyone say, "I should have taken more time to scrub those toilets better." Hum...I wouldn't think so. Today, my prayer is to be an more efficient time manager, to keep in perspective what is important in this life, to remember that I can't do it *all* and to remember that if it all doesn't get "done" it's okay...right?

Update!

It's been a while since I've written a blog so I thought I'd update my fellow bloggers with what has been going on in our lives. I am officially teaching again in a first grade classroom and will start my first day back in January as classes resume. I am ecstatic to be back in the classroom and have been working diligently to get my room the way I want it. Noah, Gracie, and Jaden have been helping me clean, organize, and get things set up in the class and they will transfer from St. Marys to Waynesville in January as well so that we are all at the same school. Eve started daycare close to the school and she loves going and spending time with her little peeps. She's perpetually surrounded by "big" kids so this is a nice change for her to "talk" with other toddlers and play.

Jon just had surgery to repair some bothersome problems he has been having and Eve is still struggling with her chronic sinus infection. She has been to the allergist twice and goes to the ENT to see if she needs sinus surgery to get her back to normal. My oldest and youngest "Hattenites" have seen better days, physically speaking.

Our Christmas was wonderful as all of the kids were in our home on Christmas morning to see all that Santa had brought. Jon's parents, Sally and Richard, were with us and they enjoyed watching the kids open their presents and play with all of their goodies. Santa brought me a new Suburban (well, that was a present to myself to haul the critters around) and Jon surprised me with exactly what I wanted--a Kitchen Aid mixer so that I can make my homemade pizza crust without kneading by hand. Yea!

I am halfway through my Master's program and have a 4.0 GPA thus far. I will graduate in October of 2009 and can't wait to get that pay increase (to help pay for that Suburban, no doubt!) As always, we have been really busy and have had another wonderful year together. All of us have grown, learned, and have gained a new found appreciation for each other. We are looking forward to a fabulous 2009 and can't wait to see what God has in store for us.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Happy Birthday, Jaden!

Jaden's 6th birthday was yesterday and we celebrated by roller skating, eating Jaden's favorite meal (chicken tenders), and having a party. Here are a few pics of the family enjoying the day!

Have You Ever...

Have you ever went somewhere and you knew that was the place where you were meant to be? I've had this experience occur a few times, mostly on a spiritual basis in regards to finding a church home. More recently, this happened to me when I went to a job interview a couple of weeks ago. I have been searching for a teaching job for a few months now and since the school year is in full swing, teaching jobs are scarce. I have been substituting in two schools locally and although I've been thankful for the work, things just haven't "clicked." You know what I'm talking about, that special feeling that makes you know that you were destined to be at that particular location at that particular time for some specific purpose. Well, I just haven't felt that. I was getting discouraged and I applied for several jobs in my county and surrounding counties but had not heard back from anyone. A couple of weeks ago, I got a call for an interview for a position I applied for in Brantley County, which is about 45 minutes away from my home. I went to the interview with the attitude that I was going to just go to the interview for the sake of going, but when I got there I KNEW without a shadow of a doubt that God was leading me to this school. I have NEVER, EVER interviewed with a panel of educators in which I felt so comfortable and that my views, style, and outlook on education meshed so well with the principal. She is a dynamic educator and I felt that she sees in me the value, desire, and passion that I have for teaching. When I left that interview, I was hoping that the interview team felt the same about me. About an hour after I got home, the principal called me and wanted me to come in the next morning for a second interview. After arranging daycare for all four of the kids (they were out of school that day), I accepted the interview and was asked many of the same questions. Feeling quite disheartened, I went home and mulled over the whole situation. An hour later, the principal called me to tell me that she was submitting my name to the board of education as her applicant for the position! Pending the results of the board meeting, I'll know on December 8th if I "officially" have the job! Pray that it all works out!

Happy Halloween!

A Letter to Me

The older I get the more and more I find myself listening to country music. It could be that handsome country man I live with, but whatever the influence is, I like it. Brad Paisley has a song out entitled, “Letter to Me” which I have heard a hundred times before, but today when I was driving I began thinking what I advice would I give myself if I could go back in time to when I was seventeen. Although I know this is cliché to say, I would not change anything in my life because I would not be where I am today. With that being said, if I could write a letter offering advice to myself, this is what I would say:


Dear Heather,

This is your senior year in high school and although you think that you know what you want in this life, you don’t. Take your time and enjoy your youth. You are so responsible…live a little on the wild side! Return a library book a day late or better yet, skip school on senior skip day like the rest of the class. Go away to college, meet new people, build strong friendships, become confident in yourself, and realize what a jewel you are going to be for that lucky man one day. Give yourself time to find out who you are before you try to decide what you want. You are a strong woman and have so much to offer—never forget that!

You are going to deal with a lot of heartache in your life, but God will get you through it all. There will be times when you will be fortunate enough to see the big picture, but many more times you will ask yourself, “Why?” Try not to focus on the “why,” but rather the “what now?” You will be a voice for the voiceless and there are times when you are going to feel like you have lost your mind. Don’t worry—your faculties will remain intact and through it all you will grow, love, weep, break, and rebuild.

Love your family with reckless abandon and don’t be ashamed to cry in front of your mother—she bore you and she knows you are human. Let your daddy call you “Gookie Baby” because when you get older there are going to be many, many, many times that you wish you could hear his voice calling out those words. Build a relationship with your brother even if he pushes you away. Remember to say, “I’m sorry” and realize that you, too, aren’t the easiest person to live with.

Cherish those shopping trips with your granny and mom and don’t make fun of them when they say, “Ah, look at the pretty trees,” when driving down Beulah Lane in the autumn. You are going to wish you could hear the rustling of the leaves, smell the aroma of the freshly cooked apple butter, and taste your dad’s pinto beans and cornbread every fall for the rest of your life.

Finally, let God work in your life and always listen for His voice. There are going to be many times when your own voice will drown out His, but it is always there. Learn when to be quiet, when to listen, and when you need to just “be.” If you do this, everything else will be okay.

I love you, even though you missed being in the National Honor Society because you got a D+ in geometry.


Sincerely,


Yourself at 33

Head and Shoulders?

The other night I was tucking the kids in bed and after saying prayers with Noah I kissed him on the forehead like I always do. His hair smelled particularly nice and I said, "Noah, your hair smells really good. What shampoo did you use?" His response was, "I used Mr. Jon's Head and Shoulders shampoo. I like to wash my hair with it, but I never put it on my shoulders." I couldn't help but chuckle...

Always Low Prices...

Lately, I have been talking to my children about saving money and being responsible when spending money. Each week the children get an allowance for doing "extra" jobs above and beyond their usual chores. When they get this money, they usually like to spend it when we go to Wal*Mart. On our trip to Wal*Mart this week, Gracie said that she had $5.00 not counting her usual allowance. She had not spent $2.00 from the previous week and had $3.00 from the tooth fairy. I knew my talks were doing some good because Gracie told Jaden that she was going to save her money so that she could buy something big that she really wanted instead of wasting the money on a couple of small items that, in reality, she really didn't want. After hearing that, I thought that what I had said had really begun to set in and I felt quite proud of my parenting accomplishments...that is, until she said, "I want to do just like Wal*Mart--'Save money. Live better.' " Oh well, all least she gets it!

Teacher's Workshop?

On the way home from school the other day, I overheard the kids talking in the backseat about their day. The teachers at their school had attended an in- service meeting in order to become trained on some recently purchased equipment. As a result of the training, all of the teachers had a substitute for a couple of hours that day while they were attending. Noah and Gracie were particularly curious about these teacher meetings and where these teachers attend "workshops" as Noah referred to them. Gracie piped up and said, "I know where they go, Noah. They're in that little room in the media center where all the toys are...that's where the 'teacher's workshop' is!"