life is sweet

I read a quote once that went something like this, "When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate, when life is bitter, say thank you and grow." Wouldn't it be a splendid thing if this form of thinking flowed naturally for us all. How difficult it is some days to go through our personal storms and take whatever it is we are facing as an opportunity to grow.

I must say that our family is presently in a season where we are being showered by all things good. With a new marriage, new house, new dogs, and a new job underway, it feels as though something exciting and beautiful is around every corner. I am enjoying every detail of making our new house a  home, with such immensity, and my beautiful home is growing, one furry creature, by one. I do not say this to boast, but rather, with sincere gratitude for what our Creator has sent my way. Things are not always "together" in my family and dare I say, they are often times messy. We all face intervals in life where we feel like one more thing will sink our ship. But, it's how we respond to these emotional invasions of life, that defines who and what we are. Do we show gratitude for the bad and take it, simply, as an opportunity to grow? I cannot say that I always do.

A couple months ago, Sam ( my husband) and I faced a very trying time in our relationship. It seemed that anything that could go wrong, did go wrong.  What I have learned about life, is that it is like an ocean, moving in and out like a rhythm. We have our periods of learning and growing, and we also have our periods of resting and soaking in all of the goodness.  The learning is often laborious and tiresome, and yet we always come out of it feeling bigger, better, and stronger than ever. We feel as though we gain knowledge and understanding of whatever we conquered--like a soldier. Inevitably following these seasons of growth, we experience seasons of rest and sweetness. Here we again feel like we can conquer all. The magic occurs ONLY when these beautiful opposites  dance with one another; one gracefully taking stage and then allowing the other to steal the show. It's a partnership of circumstance that makes the world go round.

I have dedicated my energy and thoughts to adapting this mindset. I want this grateful thought process to come as naturally to me as the breath I breathe and the beat of my heart.

To a joyful day, whatever may come our way, cheers.
momma hatch

motherhood

Ever since  can remember, I have always wanted to be a wife and a mother. In my mind, there is nothing more satisfying. As a little girl, I don't ever recall dreaming of a wedding and what flowers I would chose, what color dresses my bridesmaids would wear, and what songs would be playing at my picturesque event. Rather, I remember hanging onto the idea of  matrimonial bliss that would transpire post wedding with my husband and beautify children. Now, I have reached a point in life where I have been blessed to marry the perfect man for me; a loving, helpful, hardworking, selfless, and generous man. We have a beautiful daughter, Grace, who keeps us on our toes every second of the day and three pets who fill our home with an extra touch of love and laughter. In the midst of this childhood "picturesque" life, it hasn't been until recently that I have been able to appreciate the true beauty in motherhood.

Working full time has been a great struggle for me since having my daughter. I have searched high and low to find the "perfect" career, only to bow down to my hearts true desire--to be a stay home mother. I have been unsatisfied by all things because I have always thought that a "true" mother is a woman who lets go of a career in order to stay home and take care of her husband and children. She tends to the needs of her family and home from the time she wakes, until she goes to sleep at night. However, this is not something that can be attained in my family at the moment and at times, I have harbored bitterness in my heart.

Recently, I have been searching my heart on a quest to discover the attributes of a true mother. Am I enough for my family? Is my house clean enough? In the midst of my stressful, anxiety ridden work day, how will I ever accomplish everything that my husband, child, and house need from me?
I'm going to break it down very simply...just like mothers come in different shapes and sizes, mothers also make different choices for their families. Is it wrong for some moms to work, leaving a child in the care of a grandparent, babysitter, or day care? Is it better to stay home with your child, nurturing them and tending to your home? These are questions that fill my mind every single day. I have learned to be at peace with where I am. I have a wonderful job that allows my family to live comfortably and it comes with hours that give me freedom to pick my child up from school several days a week and spend my evenings with my family. Grace is either the care of my husband or myself and I do  feel blessed and at peace with my family's situation. However,  I still pray everyday that God will grant me the desire of my heart, to have another child and to be a stay home mother.

I don't have all the answers and I, unfortunately, cannot offer much advice. I ask that you will comment below with any encouragement or beneficial advice.

To all of you beautiful mommy's,
Cheers!

Momma Hatch