Farewell 2010

As I am getting ready to head out for the night with Dave and the kids, I have to insert one last post to my 2o10 cocktail of stories and pictures.

Thank you, 2010. Thank you. This year has been not been without trial, yet we end on a high.

Our children are happy, healthy and growing physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally in a positive way. Thank you, 2010, for watching over our children.

Although Dave and I have been happily married for over 11 years, we are truly in the best place we have ever known as a couple. Thank you, 2010, for the time we have been given to unify ourselves as one.

We have been blessed professionally. We have improved skills and talents within our careers. Thank you, 2010, for this humble blessing.

I end this year 25 lbs lighter than I started it. And I'm not finished......
Thank you, 2010, for helping me find my inner self and inner strength again which holds the power to achieve.

One year ago, I decided to choose a word for the new year instead of making a bunch of resolutions. The word I have had in the back of my head pretty much every day has been "Embrace."

EMBRACE

This word has been good to me. Oh so good! I have embraced moments with my family, children, friends and loved ones. I have held my baby at night, knowing that the clock ticks me further and further away from ever having an infant in my home again, and I've cherished the feel, smell and moment. I have embraced my toddler becoming a little boy. A boy who loves Star Wars, soccer and finding that he wants to be the best at the things he tries. I have embraced my time with my 6 year old, who wants to know EVERYTHING. We have read together and he still wants to hold my hand when we go into a store. I've embraced this knowing that it will come to an end far too quickly. I've embraced my girl becoming a "tween" and all of the excitement that comes with her own discovery of being older. I have embraced every dance performance and look forward to more. Last, I have embraced my husband this past year. My house hasn't been quite as clean and organized every day, and I have had lots of late nights working on things which didn't get finished during the day, BUT I made time to spend with Dave, and thus, we have grown tighter and enjoy our relationship on every new level possible.

Thanks, 2010, for the memories!
You will go down in history as one of my favorite years!

Hatch Family Christmas Party

On Sunday, December 26th, we drove to Justin and Jana's house for a family party. All of the siblings minus Brandon and his family were able to be there. Mom and Dad are still on their mission in New Jersey so mom can quit worrying that her family is falling apart since she's been gone! :)

Favorite moments included all of the new babies, doing white elephant, eating Raclette, and watching the dvd Ginger and Josh created with Hatch Family Christmases from 1984-1993. We had the greatest time and I just love my family so much!

Taylor with little cousin Zoe!

Zoe with her mom!

Here is a picture of me and my cute nephew Pierce. I needed to have a feel for this child since I've only seen him once. I love him so much already!

Alyssa couldn't quit kissing her live "baby" Preston.
He is the best-natured baby in the world!

See!

Dan and Justin sported their new matching Ralph Lauren sweaters, compliments of mom and dad.

Gingie and Jenny

SISTERS!
Love my sisters!

Preston, Dan and Jenny

Alyssa grabbed the cheese before the Raclette dinner.

Jody and her man-- What a hunk!

Electrifying Zoe (and her daddy)

Patrick and his cousin, Madison

Austin

Here is my brother, Justin, tickling Jaxson for forgetting his name.
(When Justin called here a few weeks ago, Jaxson said, "Is this Uncle Jeff? No? Oh Hi Uncle Brandon! It's not Uncle Brandon? Hi Uncle Jeff! What? Hey mom, what is Madison and Jessica's dad's name?")

Taylor and Jessica, enjoying some quality time sewing

I love Madison's face here! Look how entranced she is with her father!

Cousin McKay and Austin

McKay was such a good sport to play with all of his young cousins.
We love you, McKay!

Kaden and McKay

Aunt Melanie was a hit with Austin and Kaden, as usual.....

Uncle Brant saying hello to Alyssa!

Jeff and Nicole

Nicole was so sweet to let Zoe chew on her beautiful new necklace!

Uncle Jeff and Preston

Beautiful Jenny and her cute son, Patrick!

And here's Pierce!

Aunt Melanie and Zoe

Jana and Ginger thought that Raclette would be a fun dinner for all. It was a hit.
Delicious!

Lovin' the cheese and potatoes with pickles. YUMMY!

Here is Jeff, proving just how strong he is and why he doesn't need to arm wrestle!

And up she goes!

WHOSE THE MAN? WHOSE THE MAN?

I don't know what is going on here, but Justin looks relaxed and at peace.....

Preston, Melanie and Brantly

Another great find for Nicole!

Thanks for the fun memories. I'm so happy to be a part of your lives.
Love to you all-
JODY

Merry Christmas 2010!

Christmas morning came way too fast. Luckily the kids slept in until 7:45am and that gave us all a little more sleep for the big day!

Dave took a few pictures of the living room where Santa left his gifts! Look at Carson and Cindy's gifts on the brown chairs!

Oh boy! It looks like Jody is about to get surprised with skiis for her and Dave. Ohhh, how I've missed you two, long, waxy sticks!
Let the fun begin!
(Can you see the trail of "reindeer droppings" from the bedrooms to the living room? Always a fun tradition that the kids love!)

Looks like Austin and Taylor are getting sleds and a few more presents from Santa!

Alyssa was still out, so we took a picture in the hall before running out!

But WAIT! Alyssa woke up just as we were about to run out to the living room! Here we all are!

Austin loved his Star Wars action figures and magnetic blocks. He was happy about the sled too. While he opened his gifts, Alyssa saw the "reindeer droppings" and began eating the morning away!

More candy. Keep feeding me, mama!

Lissy Lou got a baby doll and some accessories like a baby doll stroller and crib. She also got a few movies.

Jaxson LOVED his new desk! He was arranging the pens, pencils, markers, paper etc while we opened presents. Little pleasures!

Carson was all about his Harry Potter legos. It was all he wanted for Christmas.

We seem to have videoed Taylor's gifts from Santa instead of taking pictures! Uhhh! Anyway, she loved her kareoke machine and dvds and the flowers, bows and jewelry in her stocking!

The boys had wanted motor scooters for Christmas but Dave and I felt they aren't responsible enough to handle those yet, so we gave them just regular scooters. And the verdict?

Jaxson rushed into Dave's arms and told him how happy he was about the scooter. It made our day.

Austin leaped over for a hug too. He was so excited about his new scooter.

Taylor and Alyssa opened presents together. Taylor is the greatest big sister!

Alyssa got a new dress from her missionary grandparents.
Thanks Grandma Rae Rae and Grandpa Hatch!

Christmas can be exhausting for the faint of heart......
(Is this a crack up or what?)

The kids loved their clothes!

Taylor also got some clothes from us. She loved her new scarf best of all!

We enjoyed the day together and the memories that were created.

Merry Christmas To All And To All A Goodnight!