Live, laugh, love.... LIFT!

So... it's pretty hard on a woman's self esteem when her husband looks younger and better than she does!   Unfortunately or fortunately for me, (whichever way you choose to look at it,) I am one of those women!   More than once, a person who has met us for the first time, has assumed that I am his MOTHER!   Talk about an ego crusher!!

 This is one young looking 60 year old!

When we were living in Guadalajara a few years ago, we were out looking at new cars.   As we stood looking at a beautiful new car, a salesman walked out to talk to us.   Frank introduced himself to the salesman (sort of ignoring me,) and they walked around the car lot looking at different cars.   After a while, the salesman turned to Frank and asked him,  "Well, Mr. Hatch, which one does your MOTHER like?"   That was the straw that broke the camel's back!  I had heard enough of the "mother" business and I rudely said to the salesman,  "Forget about a new car!  I am going to take my money and get a face lift!"   Then I turned around and stormed off.

Then quite a while later, we were in the bedroom one morning, getting ready to go to the temple.  The TV was on, and that commercial with Debbie Boon singing "You light up my life!" came on.  For those who don't know, it is a commercial about a "Lifestyle Lift" which I assume is a face lift.   Frank turned to me and asked,  "Would you like to do that?"

At first I was a little offended by his offer.... even though I have wished I could do something to make myself look young.   I didn't know if he would want to spend money on something like that.   A lot of people have strong opinions about cosmetic surgery, and not knowing what it might cost, I had never REALLY talked to him about the possibility.

A few months later, we were on a flight from Salt Lake City back to El Paso, Texas, when Frank showed me the cover of one of the magazines tucked in the pouch in front of him.

He pointed out to me that one of the BEST plastic surgeons in the USA is in Tucson, Arizona.   Yep, that's her on the cover!    I read the article and "took" the magazine with me when I deplaned!

When I got home, I called Dr. Maxwell's office to make an appointment for a consultation.   I got an appointment for about three months later!   This lady is one busy girl, and in high demand, I imagine! She also has beautiful facilities and the surgical center right there!!

August finally rolled around and Frank and I headed to Tucson for my visit with Dr. Maxwell.   When Frank met the doctor, he was impressed!   This beautiful lady is close to my age and she looks great!   I had checked her website and seen that she had had a face lift a while back... had looked at her progress pictures.   But, I had never seen the end result!   When I saw her, I thought to myself,  "I'm in!!!"   We had a wonderful visit with Dr. Maxwell.   She is a very warm and friendly person.  Frank surprised both me and her, when he asked,  "Can you make her look like you?"   Then Dr. Maxwell said,  "That all depends on what you will let me do to her."   Long story short... we went for everything she recommended!

Face Lift-lower-face
Laser resurfacing with face lift... full face
Blepharoplasty-upper and lower eyelids
and fat injections.

After deciding to "go for it!" I was whisked away for some "before" pictures!

 

Dr. Maxwell talked to me a lot about what would be done during the surgery and what to expect.   She told me...  "You won't want to do anything but cry for the first five days!"  I smugly thought,  "How bad can it be?"   LOL!   The surgery date was set for October 1st, 2013.

After filling out lots of paperwork,  signing my name to all kinds of possible things that could go wrong, and having blood work done and an EKG to make sure I was healthy enough for surgery and arranging with my daughter in law, Laura, to be my nurse during my two week recovery in Tucson  I was good to go!   How hardy it was for me to have a son that lives right there in Tucson!

Surgery date came and I was "cool as a cucumber!"   Seriously, I had not even a twinge of anxiety!  I checked in and sat there laughing and joking with Dr. Maxwell as she drew all over my face!

An IV was inserted into my arm and the next thing I knew I woke up looking like this!

 

It was a L O N G night in the recovery room!   My poor nurse didn't get any sleep because I kept setting off the beeper every few minutes!   She kept telling me to take some deep breaths and then the beeper would shut off, only to go off a again a few minutes later.   A special type of burn tape was placed over my newly laser resurfaced (burned)  face to help the healing process and prevent scaring.

This girl was a trooper and made sure I had all the drugs I needed to be reasonably confortable!

 

Dr. Maxwell had suggested that I rent this cooling mask to help with the pain management.  Boy, oh boy, was I thankful for this mask.   You know how when you burn yourself, the best relief is to put the burned area into cold water.   Well, that's what this mask did.  It circulated cool water through it to help cool down the burn on my face!   Well worth every penny we paid to rent it!

I got to go home, to Brandon's house and my AMAZING nurse, Laura, the next morning.   It was a rough week for me but Laura did everything in her power to help me be comfortable and manage my pain.  Frank also surprised me with his tenderness towards me!   He really stepped up to the plate and helped take good care of me!

The following are some pictures of my progress as the weeks went by....

 

 One of the most painful things for me was that the outer edges of my eyes were sewn shut.   Dr. Maxwell said that was to retrain the eyelid muscles.   These lovely pouches had to be drained a couple of times a day.   Poor Laura!!

2 weeks

3 weeks

I might explain here, that the bruise on my cheek is not from the surgery!   I got up during the night a couple of days after the surgery and was trying to find my way to the bathroom in a drugged state in the dark and ran into a wall!   I just slumped down to the floor and cried it hurt so bad!

1 month

 1 month...WITH MAKE-UP!

THANK YOU, Rachelle, for helping me with my makeup!!   My first public appearance after surgery.

Before and after pictures at my one month out doctor visit.

                    October 1st,  2013                                                   February 13th, 2014

     I had my last check up with Dr. Maxwell on January 9th.   She was so cute!   She said to me.... "You know how when someone builds a house they go through the house just before closing and put little  pieces of blue tape wherever something needs to be touched up?"
     I said,  "Yeah?"
     Then she said, "Well, there are a couple of little things I would like to "touch up" about your face lift, if you will let me."
    Then I asked,  "How much will it cost?" 
    She said,  "Nothing.   I like my work to be the best I can do!"  
   And so I am scheduled in April to have a couple of little things "touched up."    I won't tell you what they are but.... stay tuned for follow up pictures!

I just want to say that my experience with Dr. Maxwell and those who work with her has been nothing but positive!   The staff is so kind, friendly and helpfull!!   I loved every single person who had anything to do with my surgical experience.   The facilities are top notch and beautiful!   One time Frank and I forgot to take into account the time difference between Mexico and Arizona and we arrived at my appointment a whole hour early.   No problem.   They took me in within 10 minutes after my arrival an hour early!   When has that ever happened to you?   NEVER!    And so, if you are considering any kind of plastic surgery let me recommend  Maxwell Aesthetics to you and Dr. Gwen Maxwell!   Call me for their phone number!
LOVE YOU, Dr. Maxwell!   Thank you for a wonderful experience!

JSA Alumni Talent Show

We had a ball practicing and presenting this number for the
JSA Alunmi Talent Show 2012!   In the video are:  Jared Jones,
Tyson Jones, Danny Jones, Rusty Jones, Eric Robinson, Greg
Memmott, Lamoni Vizcaino, Kevin Jurado, Nolan Call,
Clayton Nielsen, Frank Hatch and Chris Jones at the piano.

Regional Coordinating Council Welfare Specialist

After serving for almost 2 years as the Regional Institute Director, Frank was released in December.   He was then called to serve on the High Council.   This calling only lasted about 3 weeks.   I was sitting at home one night when the phone rang and it was our Area 70,  Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, calling from Mexico City.  He wanted to talk to Frank.   Frank was off at a basketball practice (coaching) so I asked Elder Valenzuela to call back.  When Elder Valenzuela talked with Frank he called him to serve as the "Welfare Specialist" on the Regional (State of Chihuahua) Coordinating Council.   Of course, Frank accepted but thought this was odd since he had barely been set apart for his High Council calling.   When we talked to Pres. Jones on Sunday, he explained that Elder Valenzuela said he had felt inspired to call him. (President Jones)    Elder Valenzuela said that he had been trying unsuccessfully to find someone to serve in this position.   He said he had the names of several people but they had either not been approved by the Area Presidency or else they had not accepted the calling.   He then asked President Jones if he could recommend someone for this calling.   President Jones said he knew who Elder Valenzuela wanted and then recommended Frank.  President Jones said he knew they were trying to fill this calling and had not wanted to recommend Frank because he wanted him for the High Council.... but reluctantly told Elder Valenzuela that Frank was the person the Lord wanted.   Frank was set apart last night.  Elder Valenzuela wanted Frank to travel to Mexico City for training but we have a cruise planned that same week so that will have to be rescheduled.   We will learn more about this calling as it unfolds but as far as we can have been told, it will involve quite a bit of traveling as he will be working with the Welfare Specialist throughout the State of Chihuahua with issues concerning welfare, which include Employment, the Perpetual Education Fund, Education, Home Storage, Physical, Mental and Spiritual Health.   I know right now Frank feels a little overwhelmed but I'm sure he will do a great job!   He always puts his heart and soul into his church callings!   I'm proud of him.

Just as a side note for journal keeping, I was called and set apart as the "Stake Indexing Director" in August.   When I was set apart President Jones blessed me "with a passion for this work!"  I have to say, I think this has been my "all time favorite calling" so far!  I absolutely LOVE it!

In the picture... from left to right: President Kelly Jones, Frank and our Bishop, Russell Robinson.

2011.... ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS' EVER !!!

OK... so don't ask Cam & Hanna their opinion,

but for me, 2011 was one of the best Christmas' on record!   

We had kids, grandkids, snow, Christmas music, yummy food,

lots of sugary treats, Santa, the Nativity,

and two very meaningful service projects!

For Christmas, Big Bear and Lita

 requested 5X7 pictures of each of their grandkids

 and 8X10 family pictures.

We also got this cool digital frame

(lower left hand corner)

from Mike & Angie, Brandon & Laura,

that continualy scrolls through Lita's

favorite pictures!

Somehow, the message wasn't clear to everyone....

so we are still waiting for a current family picture

of Preston and Alixe's family!

Then our collection will be complete!



I think Teague was THE MOST THRILLED with his Christmas present

this year!   Boy, does this BOY LOVE HIS VACCUM!

THE NATIVITY 2011.... Staring baby GATES and narrated by Kayla.

Angels Emily and Clarita visit Mary (Olivia) to tell her she will

soon have a new baby who will be the "Son on God, the Redeemer of the World!"

                                            Joseph, (Cam) and Mary (Olivia) travel to Bethlehem.

The Inn Keeper, (Tessa) tells them there is "no room."

Baby Jesus (Gates) is born to Joseph and Mary.

(Baby Gates is a special guest star produced by Derick and Brittany!)

A new star (Katie) appears in the heavens!

The angels just can't stay away!

The Shepherd/Wise Man (Hanna, far left,) finds baby Jesus lying in a manger!

(Sorry folks, we were a little short on actors this season!   he he!)


Granny & Bampa, Uncle Rick and Aunt Lynnette, Derick and Brittany,
David and Marisa and Matt and Cassie and kids had dinner with us Christmas Eve.
Uncle Rick and Aunt Lynnette brought the Chimes and they
were a big hit!!
Hummm....  I just had an idea for Christmas gifts for next year!!

Our Christmas Family.....

This is our Christmas Family!   Each year we enjoying sharing Christmas with a needy family!   This year was no exception, of course!    A family of 9 live in this little tiny, small house.   The father paints cars for a living and work has been very sporatic so they were really struggling.   His wife told us that recently he spent several weeks sanding down and repainting a car only to have the owner come and  steal it back, without paying, after all the work was done.   We were excited about doing Christmas for them because their bishop says they are very dedicated members of the church. This family has several teenage boys and we don't have any teenage boys in our family.  So Angie sent out an email to her ward members, asking if anyone had used clothing to donate to these kids.   The response for her ward members was overwhelming.  They donated brand new clothing,  underware, soccer balls, cleats, and even money to buy food with.  What wonderful people live in her ward!   The  family's Bishop suggested he would like to see the boys have new shoes for church.   With the help of some good members in Angie's ward we were able to give a new pair of shoes to each member of this family.  We are ao thankful to be soooo blessed that we are able to share with others at Christmas time.  It really is what Christmas is all about!!

Still some more to share!

I think Christmas 2011 was one of the best of my life!   (or maybe it just seems that way because of the traumatic Christmas we had last year with mom's surgery and her being released from the hospital just a few days before Christmas.  Plus we were in the middle of remodeling and I didn't do any decorating last year.)   Anyway... this year was GREAT!   Christmas just isn't Christmas without family and grand kids around!   We were blessed to have both Mike and Angie and Brandon and Laura and their kids here for Christmas!   As is tradition... we always enjoy sharing our blessings at Christmas time by taking Christmas to a needy family.   Well... this year it turned into even more!   Because of the amazing response from Angie's ward, and   Laura and Brandon also came with many items to donate.... that combined with the things I had prepared turned into way more than enough for one family.   So, we decided to just drive out into a neighborhood and open up the van and start giving things away!   My little granddaughters, Olivia, Tessa, Hanna, Kate, Claire and Emily helped me make a lot of Christmas cookies and we took those with us to give away as well.  As always, it was so much fun!   Once we parked the cars and started giving things away people just came running out of their houses!   At first the grand kids were timid about giving away the cookies but they soon good into the spirit and cheerfully practiced their Spanish, saying  "Feliz Navidad" as they handed out the cookies!   We hope our grand kids learn that the true joy of Christmas is in sharing our blessings with others and bringing a smile to someone else's face!

A soccer ball is a real treasure here in Mexico!  I imagine there will be lots of

street games in this neighbor hood!  We passed out at least 10 soccer balls and some cleats!

Brandon and Mike came across this man who was taking a bed

 to a family member as a Christmas gift.  They helped him carry in down

 the street and to his family member's house!

the tree fort

When we first started planning our 2011 Hatch Ambiente, Preston

called up and made a special request.   He explained that he had been

telling his boys how much fun he had when he was a child building a

tree house/fort and playing in it.   He told his boys that maybe we could

build a tree fort while we were in Mexico.   So... of course, that

went on our schedule of "things to do!"   With Darron's help,

Big Bear selected just the right apple tree in our back yard for the

building sight.   The very first morning after our "ambiente" began

the men and the boys were up early "ready to conquer" a tree fort!

It was great fun!  I think the daddies enjoyed it even more than their boys!

There was planning, measuring, sawing, hammering and lots of muscle work involved!

Lots of anxious kids waiting to get involved!

Big Bear and Lita just sat and observed!  "Look at 'em go!"

Time for a "jerky" break!

Uncle Preston made the best jerky to share at our ambiente!

 

TA-DA!    The finished project!!

Can't believe we never got a picture of all the kids up in the tree fort!

Lots of fun memories though!!!