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!